"If I could change the world..."

Eric Clapton "Change The World" ReImagining Grammy series

So, the Grammy organization is doing this new "ReImagine" web series on YouTube. It's where artists reinvent or cover versions of other songs, with hopes that it will connect the Grammy past with the present. Well, Chris Young is the first country artist to try it out and completely blew his rendition of Eric Clapton's "Change The World" out of the water. 

I've never really been a huge fan of the song, but the way Chris changes up the progression of the song just a bit, really made me hear it for the beautiful love song that it was intended to be. His voice reaches new heights as he goes into his falsetto in the chorus. It kind of makes you want to melt into a pile of mush, ladies! If you haven't watched this video, you should get on that, uh, RIGHT NOW!

If I remember correctly, he also has some sort of technical training with classical music, too, and that shows with some of the well thought out notes and chords. It will never stop driving me crazy over the fact that he never gets nominated! He has one of the best voices out there (definitely my favorite male vocalist) and is consistent with hits. Maybe A.M will finally get him the recognition he truly deserves! 

Like this video, watch the heck out of it and share it with your friends :)

That's all lovelies,

Shelby 

Taking life one day at a time...

Life has been keeping me extremely busy lately. There's school, trips, keeping up with my favorite shows, friends and working as a staff writer for Pop Wrapped and the schoool newspaper. There have been many moments of doubt, lack of confidence in myself and I've been extremely frustrated with still getting into a groove. Plus, let's not forget claiming a minor and figuring out which department is the right one to talk to, depending on the situation. I've been driving myself crazy, but I'm trying to give up having that control, because God already has everything planned out. I just need to do what I need to right now and let the rest of the story write itself, rather than trying to get so far ahead that I just get paralyzed with fear.

The Beach//

A couple weekends ago, my parents and I went to the beach with my aunt, uncle, cousin and some family friends. It was an absolute blast! I've been feeling so overwhelmed and my mind has been so focused on the media, writing and so many ideas swirling around in my mind. Needless to say, it was good to unplug for a little bit. I forgot all about everything else, at least for awhile.

We sat around the campfire at my aunt and uncle's campsite, we had lunch with our family friends, we visited a pumpkin patch at the Avila Barn and picked up some treats, and just visited with one another, which was my favorite part. I did not want to come home at all, especially because the weather was so perfect. As soon as we came home, I was REALLY sick all night and a little under the weather the next morning. I think stress and exhaustion caught up with me, but you just keep going.

High School Homecoming Game//

Friday Night Lights...

Last Friday night, I went to my old high school's homecoming. That always brings such a broad range of emotions for me; happy that I'm seeing what's outside of those four walls, sad that I'm suddenly an adult and things are changing, and just recalling who I was from 14-18 years old. I felt incredibly sentimental watching all of the younger kids, most that I had no idea who they were, as they wonder who they want to be; meeting up with friends and trying to make the most of the next four years. I met up with my best friend, Marissa, and we ended up hanging out with a couple other friends. 

We also had a really nice chat with our former Bible teacher, which I found really insightful. We talked about how strange it feels to be back, but it still feels like no time has passed. And we talked about how different your life usually turns out to be than when you're in high school daydreaming for the future. I told everyone how I thought I'd be in Nashville, singing at The Grand Ole Opry by now, but that definitely hasn't happened yet. My former teacher asked us what we were all up to, and then it came to me. But, he started to guess before I told him, "You're gonna be a singer.." I was like, "No, I'm a journalism major..The second best thing. That way, I still get to talk to all the stars and don't have to deal with the crazies." He agreed and thought that fit, then he joked about how I'm always posting about who I've met, "Oh, here's me and Dolly Parton," and he posed cheesily like pretending to be me. I laughed and told him I wish I had met Dolly, but he usually asks me who I've seen or met since the last time we talked! HA! 

It was just really good knowing that I'm not alone, and being 21/22 years old is totally fine to not be exactly where you're supposed to be just yet. We're all going to get there in time. I definitely appreciate high school so much more now, and I'm hoping that knowing what I know now...I can take the time to appreciate college while it's happening, instead of waiting until after I graduate to look back at how good I had it. All in all, I had a really good time and I'm so glad I continue to go every year...I think it always reminds me of where I come from! :)

  
Tehachapi//

Last Saturday, my parents and I went with my aunt up to Tehachapi (a small town about 45 minutes from where we live) for the apple festival event that was going on. Last year, my parents and I had just missed the apple season, so we thought we'd try it this year...And we just barely made it in time to get apples this time around.

We walked along the main street, which was charming and quaint, and the air was cooler. It's a magical little town, especially during the colder months, so I always enjoy exploring the shops and being curious about the people around. Then, after checking out the booths on the main street and some of the exciting things they had set up, we tried to find an apple shed that was actually open and eventually found a cute little one on the outskirts of town. We found the right apples to make an apple pie and took some pictures of the gorgeous trees turning from green to those rich orange(y) colors that I love so much!
We stopped at McDonald's for McFlurry's, then made the journey home!
My dad and I went to the movies later on that night to see Gravity, because I was writing a review of it for my school's newspaper! It's a really great movie...A bit intense and my heart was pounding a good portion of the time, but I think everything about it was just brilliant.

Other random things that have happened the past couple weeks:

The Cory tribute on Glee, where we all bawled our eyes out... :*(

Got my "Pioneer" necklace (designed by The Band Perry) in the mail!!!

Hanging out at school...

THE DODGERS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!! AHHHH!

Sandra Bullock is just one of THE coolest people! I LOVE HER!

Upcoming

• Midterms (TOMORROW...AHHH!)
• Working as a staff writer on The Runner (my school's newspaper)
• Working as a staff writer on Pop Wrapped
• Plenty of homework...
• Meet with counselor/sign up for winter classes
• Claim minor...Oh, and I have to make sure I do this BEFORE I sign up for classes
• Friend's engagement party
• Vince Gill concert
• Disneyland with one of my best friends to celebrate her 21st birthday that was earlier in the month.

That's all coming up this month, so like I said...I'm keeping busy...All while trying to keep in that creative zone; working on editing videos, keeping up with the blog, and whatever story ideas come up. Not going to lie, it's a little tough, and sometimes I just feel like I have no idea what I'm doing or whether I'm on the right track, but I don't have anywhere that I HAVE to be just yet, so things are good, life is good. I'm enjoying the ride.

That's all for now,
Shelby

"I've apparently become the victim of growing up, which apparently happens to all of us at one point or another. It's been going on for quite some time now, without me knowing it. I've found that growing up can mean a lot of things. For me, it doesn't mean I should become somebody completely new and stop loving the things I used to love. It means I've just added more things to my list."

 *Taylor Swift*

21...Young and free!

Life Is Crazy...And I'm Loving Every Second

So, my dad took vacation last week, which is always great! He works so many hours, so I don't always get to spend as much time with him as I'd like, except for on the weekends. It threw things off a little, seeing as I'm back in school, but it was great getting to hang out and watch TV together and to eat earlier, which is something we rarely get to do.

Anyway, last weekend, we went to LA to see Keith Urban at The Hollywood Bowl and the last two home games of the regular Dodger season! L.A is tied with Nashville for me as far as favorite cities go, because I'm still such a city girl! Any chance we get to spend a little more time there is always incredible, and this time around, we got to spend two nights there.

Friday:
We left earlier in the morning, because we had planned on watching the taping of E! News, which they usually film in the courtyard every Friday! I was so excited to see Jason Kennedy and possibly Giuliana Rancic, because they are two people in the journalism department that I really admire. We waited outside for awhile, after using the restrooms and double checking at the front desk inside. It's a really nice building! After waiting awhile, some people that were sitting next to us said they decided to cancel the courtyard Friday taping at the last minute, so that was a disappointment. We still waited around, hoping something would happen, but it never did. We did see one of the correspondents and Ali Fedotowsky (The Bachelorette) walking around, though.

We picked up our tickets and parking pass for the concert that night, then drove near NBC Studios, since we knew Sandra Bullock was supposed to be on that night. We didn't see her or anything going on for that matter, so we had lunch at Claim Jumper by Warner Brothers Studio. After we finished eating, we went to our hotel room to freshen up and to get ready for the show. 

We made it to The Hollywood Bowl, headed straight to our seats and had nothing but time to kill. It's such a strange set up for the seating! We had never been to the venue for a show, we've only driven past it a thousand times, so it was weird seeing it all for the first time. We got a snack and something to drink, and pretty soon the show started!

Dustin Lynch was the first opening act; he was pretty good, but he should not sing Justin Timberlake...Sorry, haha! Little Big Town was up next, and even though I've seen them several times before, they blew me away. They have such a way with production and visual effects, but they have the power in their harmonies and music that really draw you in. Finally, the stage was set for the main event, and Keith randomly walked out and got the show started. I love that he doesn't make a big deal about production, he's just all in it for the music, which is really a beautiful thing. He sang/played for about two hours straight, he came out into the audience a couple times to get more personal with everyone, and even read all the signs in the audience. I think it's really cool that he takes the time to do that for the fans; recognizing all the time and energy they've put into those things.
It was the perfect evening for an outdoor concert and I was lost in the music for that time; forgetting about school and whatever worries were on my mind, as Keith told his stories through song and instruments. He always puts on a fantastic show, but most of all, I love his genuine nature and love for the music. That's what it should be about.

Let's just say getting out of the parking lot was not a fun time...Moving right along. We had a midnight snack/dinner at Bob's Big Boy! I had the most healthy option of Chilli Cheese Fries and a salad! LOL! Then, we drove around for a bit and headed back to the hotel since we were all wiped out.

Saturday:

We got up and ready pretty early because we had a pretty full day to get to! We drove into Pasadena, because I wanted to see Adam and Kristina's house from Parenthood. Only it was incredibly awkward to find out that someone actually lived there, so I took my picture in front rather quickly. We had an earlier lunch at The Grove's Cheesecake Factory after that! I had a new pasta dish that was really tasty! We didn't really look around much, drove in the Beverly Hills area, then went to the Getty Museum, since it's something we've talked about doing forever. It was such a gorgeous day and there was so much to see! We wandered around a lot outside, and looked at a couple of the exhibits in the buildings. We didn't get to spend a lot of time, but it was worth it just for the view!

We headed back down on the tram, then made our way over to Dodger Staidum! It was a fun game, but unfortunately, they didn't win! When we got out, we had another (almost midnight) snack at Bob's Big Boy! This time I just had regular fries and a chocolate shake..Yum! After, we went back to the room, all totally wiped out from a long (but awesome) day!

Sunday:

Again, we got an earlier start and packed up our stuff, then had breakfast at one of our favorite places, Paty's, which I'm sure you've heard me talk about before. I had a waffle, which was pretty tasty, then we drove around the area for a bit and waited around for the store, It's A Wrap to open. It has a ton of costumes that have been used on TV shows and movies over the years. We saw things from Desperate Housewives, 90210, Disney shows, and even a sweater from Reba! It was really exciting and pretty affordable, too, if I wasn't completely broke. We finally made our way over to Dodger Stadium for the very last game, but it was really hard to leave that store. I could have spent a couple hours over there. The game was a blast, since it was fan appreciation day, and they were giving out prizes. I was bummed we didn't win Justin Timberlake tickets (or anything for that matter), but it was still a great time. The last few years, I've become so emotional over the last game. It's almost like graduation day, saying goodbye to all of the friends you've made along the way! Even though they lost again, they have come such a long way, and I'm glad that my family got to be part of that journey! It was also cool getting to see Arsenio Hall give away some prizes!

After the game ended, we had dinner at Ernie Jr's, then headed home! It was such a great weekend, it was hard to start preparing for the school week again, but it's gotta get done. So thankful for these moments and getting to spend so much time with my parents :)

That's all for now,
Shelby

Third Week of School...DONE!

I have officially finished my third week of school, and so far things are still going pretty well. I've been meeting a lot of great people and I've been trying to make as many connections as possible and best of all the homework still hasn't been too bad. But, I'm not going to lie...I definitely feel very overwhelmed, only not so much with school. It's more about what comes after and having a career! Will what I did here do enough to get me a good job or an open door that leads to a wonderful opportunity?

Right now, I feel like I'm comparing myself to everyone else out there, competing for the same job that I am or will be. I'm comparing writing styles..This person did that so much better than me, she has more description, he has more statistics, etc. I've had a lot of doubts and have been mentally questioning whether I have what it takes to really interview people and do all the things that I've envisioned for my life all these years of being on the red carpets and working for an entertainment site. Maybe it's because I'm still getting used to the campus and all of my classes, but I feel like I'm becoming more quiet and reserved, and right now is the time that I need to be speaking up and making a name for myself. Right now is all I have, and I'm finding out that there is NO room for being shy as an adult. I do so much better with one on one, but I'm going to have to get used to groups. I suddenly feel like I'm starting to over think and analyze everything, instead of just being who I am. It's like I feel confined.

Maybe I'm being too hard on myself, and it's okay to be nervous in front of crowds and it's okay to feel a little terrified. It's going to take some time to adjust...Nothing happens over night. Let's face it, Ryan Seacrest was "Ryan Seacrest" when American Idol started. So, maybe there's hope yet.
 
Journalism is a lot tougher than I ever realized. I always heard about people saying that you had to have tough skin, but didn't really think that much about it. When one of your biggest fears is rejection, the entertainment business is definitely not the place to go. But, it's THE only thing I have ever been drawn to. I've never seen myself working at a regular job. I've always known that this was a calling from God, but now that it's here, it's going to be so much more challenging than I ever imagined. The biggest thing I have to start doing is to stop comparing myself to other people and just do what I know. I can't be concerned with how other people are getting to the top, I just have to focus on what I'm doing and figure out what it is that makes me shine. And right now, I'm really wondering what that is.

In a world so big, how in the world am I going to stand out? *sigh* Sorry, if this was a rambling post...My thoughts are a little all over the place currently.

That's all for now,
Shelby

Chris Young "A.M." Review

Chris Young has always had such a distinct sound from his heartfelt ballads to his deep, country twang that makes you feel like you're listening to Prime Country. So, it started to worry me (only a little) that he was branching out a bit more with his latest CD, A.M, released this past Tuesday.

His first single, Aw Naw is definitely more rough than his past hits, including, "The Man I Want To Be," "Voices", "Tomorrow", and even, "Neon." When he said the album was going to reflect more of the live show, I figured we would lose most of the ballads that I love so much. I say this time and time again, but to me, country music is so deep rooted in its ballads, that those are the ones I connect with the most, whether or not I've felt that way in a relationship.

Having said all of that, after streaming the album on amazon a week before the CD officially came out, I immediately fell in love with it. And each time I have listened to the album since then, I get a little something more out of it. Chris told Country Weekly that, "Nothing good happens after midnight," and I think this album really reflects that. It doesn't have much to do with how parties can get a bit out of a hand, but mainly those heavy subjects we all deal with at one point or another--forgiveness, sleepless nights, making a big decision based on how you feel at that moment, etc.

*****

Hold You To It  Reminds me of "Lost" from the last CD, Neon. It's one of those adorable romantic songs that you're into and love singing along to when you first start dating that special someone. You can't help but sway back and forth to the easy beats and the inflections in Chris' voice. Perfect as we transition from summer into fall weather, too, to make you feel like it's warm all year round.

Baby, do you feel that bass line pumpin'
Tell me, can you hear that kick drum thumpin' on the 2 and 4
Let's get on that floor
Love to hear the slide of the guitar ringin'
Melody's sayin' everything I'm thinking
And I'm startin' to think you think it too
I Love the way you're movin'
Feel the backbeat groovin' 
I'm gonna hold you to it

//

Lonely Eyes is the perfect classic country track! It's the promise of a guy to that girl he's crushing on, letting her know that he's in it for the long haul and could possibly be what she has been looking for. Chris also really stretches his vocals and hits high notes that he hasn't before. Boy has some pipes and should show those off more!

Lonely eyes,

Well, it sure looks like

You just might,

Be looking for something, 

For something, whoa!

Look at me, and I think you'll see

Those lonely eyes,

Don't have to be alone tonight

//

Goodbye Again, we get to hear his vocal range on this powerful ballad in a "Tomorrow" (like) way. It's a beautiful song of how the guy is going to fight for this relationship, because you don't just throw in the towel when things get a little rocky or something makes you want to change your mind. You work it out together and you stick out the storms. I love the way he runs some of the phrasing together for emphasis, as he starts to realize she wants out. As the 2nd verse starts up, he's naming off all of the reasons why they should stay together, and by the end of the song, the change in his voice is almost pleading and begging for her to stay. I'm crossing my fingers that this would be the next single. It would definitely switch things up a bit from some of the other songs he's had out recently.

Knock on my door,

You're on my porch,

It's about 11:30,

That only means 

One of two things

Either you're a little bit lonely

Or somethin' ain't right

And judgin' by

The tear in your eye,

You're about to say something crazy,

Like goodbye...

Stop right there

Don't say a word,

Just let me hold you

Girl, we can fix

Whatever it is 

So, whatever you do

Don't let us die

The love of a lifetime 

Is worth at least a million tries

Baby, what we've got 

Is too good for goodbye

//

A.M. Another bit of a roughed up party song, but doesn't have to be taken that way. I like to think of it as just a great weekend song, looking forward to cutting loose a little more than during the week and not having a care. It resembles the flavor of Aw Naw, with a catchy melody and is easy to sing along and rock out to.

Cause in the A.M, 
They go from gettin' buzzed into wasted 
Might not remember what they're sayin' 
Radio turned up and playin' loud a honky tonk station 
Spendin' what ya spent the week makin' 
Ask a little hottie what her name is 
The whole world's a-sleepin 
We're wide awake in the A.M. 

//

Nothin' But The Cooler Left To tell you the truth, I didn't want to like this one, based on the title of the song, because I'm not too big on drinking songs. But, as I listened to this one, it was hard not to get into it. I could picture myself out on a boat, just hanging out with friends and family, without a care in the world. It reminds me of something Clay Walker might've released back in the day with a bit of a Caribbean flare in there.

Oh yeah, 

Everybody grab a cold beer,

Pop it open, raise it up in the air,

Bump cans with your neighbor, yeah,

Here's to good ole boys and country girls everywhere,

Livin' loud, rocking out to the sound of our favorite songs,

y'all sing along, 

This night ain't over yet,

We're gonna stay right here, 

Til' there's nothin' but the cooler left

//

Who I Am With You You would never know that Chris is single, judging by all of the incredible love songs he puts out that makes it sounds like he's in a pretty committed relationship, and this is one is no different. It starts off like a sweet ballad, but starts rocking towards the chorus, singing of how he finally got it right and has everything now that he has the right one to share it with. His vocals really soar on this one and take him to new heights. I think it's the kind of love we all desire someday...I kind of want to play it at my wedding in the future!

Who I am with you,

Is who I really want to be,

You're so good for me,

And when I'm holding you,

It feels like I've got the world in my hands, 

Yeah, a better man,

Is who I am with you

//

Text Me Texas There's a different kind of vibe in the intro, with just the simple sound of a guitar, with a couple beats in the background. The guy is asking for an explanation as to why she won't answer any of his text messages, just wanting to hear what's on from her end, because his heart is all over the place. Has that romantic, pining melody to it, and Chris' voice really makes you feel the longing/loneliness he's going through.

Text me, Texas,

Before you turn off your phone,

I'm a wreck and I'm restless

Got a feelin' that you're not alone,

It's breakin' my heart, and I'm starting to get the message,

C'mon and text me,Texas

//

We're Gonna Find It Tonight I can see this is as a great show opener as Chris runs out on stage! It's wild and fun, and sort of seems to set the tone for what the rest of the night will be like. Definitely one that would be fun to rock out to live! One of those songs that just lets you forget about the work week and allows you to have fun with your friends.

Whatever gets you moving
Gets you grooving
Gets you fired up
We're gonna get it
If you really want it bad enough
Yeah, we're gonna chase it
Get all crazy
Gonna lose our minds
Whatever's gonna get you feeling right
Girl, we're gonna find it tonight

//

Forgiveness Starts off with a pretty country twang, sounds a lot like someone is sitting on the front porch with a banjo. At least that's what I picture anyway. It's almost as if it's like a battle cry. Obviously, the title of the song is pretty self-explanatory. It's so relatable to so many people, whether it's in a romantic relationship or with a relative or a friend...You try to look for it in so many places, in order to heal, but in the end, it just has to come from the person that we hurt or weren't there for when we should have been. You can hear in his voice, what a complex situation

It ain't hidin' in no bottle on the shelf,

Or lying in the bed of someone else,

I can't feel it on some Sunday morning pew,

And one sleepless night, it dawned on me,

The piece I need so desperately,

Is buried in the one place I can't get to,

Girl, it's gotta come from you

Lighters In The Air To me, it makes a great summer theme song, like "Boys of Summer," or even "Summer of '69," as he relives all of the incredible moments that just made time stand still. As I drove by the fair with my parents the other night, listening to this song, I couldn't help but feel the same way. I looked back on this past summer with a great peace, knowing those memories will live on forever, even if just in my heart. But, at least they happened, and I'll always be able to look back and smile. That's what this song is all about. Raising your glass and making a toast to the moments that make life worthwhile.

Guitars on the Gulf breeze

Smoke rings 'round the neon

Moonlight in your blue eyes

'Neath that Georgia hat you had on

Just one night to hold you

No, that ain't what I call fair

But, the memories burn in my mind, 

Like those lighters in the air

//

If ever there was a CD to swoon over, this would be it. Chris continues to grow as an artist, which his fans already knew about him and have loved from the beginning. But, I think this is one that the industry will start to see as well. He already gets a ton of airplay, so maybe now, he'll start getting the recognition that he deserves from the awards, even though that's not what it's about for him.
As any Chris Young fan knows, his biggest idol was the late Keith Whitley, and I think Keith would be pretty proud of this album if he were still here. You can definitely hear and see where he pulled a lot of his songwriting inspiration from over the years.

(this is just a little bonus)

So, if you haven't picked up this album yet...Go do yourself a favor and get it! It's amazing!

Fave Tracks:

• Hold You To It
• Lonely Eyes
• Goodbye
• Text Me Texas

That's all for now,

Shelby :)

First week...DONE!

I have officially survived my first week of school at my new university! To tell you the truth, it's a little overwhelming right now. The classes haven't been too hard just yet, but I feel like I'm making them harder than they have to be. That way, it's not a complete shock if things do get a little more intense down the road.
There are clubs I need to choose from, I'm working on the paper, I need to get a job and am applying at a couple places, and in all honesty, I'm just really looking at everyone, like, "How in the world are you doing this and not completely drowning in life?" HA! I guess, sometimes, you just have to do what you've gotta do and get it done and not think about all the work and steps it's going to take to get there.

Currently, I'm taking:

• Newspaper production
• Intro to communications
• Intro to Mass Media
• Interpersonal communications
• Technical report writing (online)

I really love the campus, though, it's so different from everywhere else I've been that has basically had two main buildings and a few other scattered classrooms. Luckily, all of my classes are all in the same general area, which makes it nice. And I haven't gotten lost once. I've caught up with some old friends and familiar faces from high school, as well as being open and trying to talk (and introduce myself formally) to as many people as I can in my classes. It's all about connections now! Now, it's a matter of finding a balance between keeping busy and not taking on too much. In a way, it feels like I've been here forever. 

Monday: 

Tuesday:

I pulled a Rory Gilmore-eating lunch by myself and listening to the new Chris Young CD...Yes, I do look like a weirdo here. Oh well! 

Wednesday:

So far, I'm really enjoying my classes! I mean, after all, they're all about things I do and talk about on a normal basis, just a little more formal now. However, after talking about and dealing with media talk all day, I might be taking a break from Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites a little more, so I don't get too burnt out on it. It's a matter of not letting the media consume my life, but of finding ways to impact the media when I actually get into it professionally. My goal is to also not to freak myself out too much for things that are so far into the future that I don't even know what's going to happen, because it's just not worth it. It's all about taking it day by day, getting to know people, actually taking the time to read and learn the things that I'm being taught, get involved with whatever I can, and to truly make the most of this experience. The steps I'm taking now will absolutely show the outcome of what kind of job I get and how I can provide for my future and my family. It's time to get down to business and to stop coasting, like it's a far off dream that will happen someday. Because someday is now...And it's happening. 

"I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive

I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise

To fly, 

To fly..."

*Nicki Minaj and Rihanna*

That's all for now,

Shelby :)