March 14, 2014
Spring is almost here.
I might be a little early, but I am incredibly excited for spring/Easter! There's something so exciting in the air as the weather changes from dreary, cloudy, chilly days into warmth, flowers blossom and all the little birdies chirp. I feel more inspired! I feel like I can tackle anything and feel so motivated to go after whatever it is that's on my heart at the time. Plus, the fun colors and daydreaming about a brunch with family and friends is always nice, too.
Sara Evans "Slow Me Down" Review
Since I've been working on the school newspaper, I've been doing a lot of reviews lately for concerts, albums and movies. I've also been doing recaps lately of Parenthood for PopWrapped. So, I feel like just about every form of art that I consume, I look at it a bit more critically than if I was just to watch or listen.
But, I digress…
Over the summer, I saw Sara Evans in concert (FOR FREE) at The Grove and was front row! Crazy, right? Anyway, it was such a fabulous concert from start to finish. She has a good voice, but her vocals really blew me away live. After hearing a couple of her new songs that night, I was very curious to hear the new album. Now that I've heard it…I'm obsessed! It's so good.
Overall, I would say Sara has explored more of the pop elements in her voice, but most of the tunes still stay true to her country sound. Time for a breakdown of each song.
Slow Me Down//
Though, it's obviously a bit more pop, it still has her traditional sound, as well as some of the country essence in there. I heard this one back in July and really loved it!
Though, it's obviously a bit more pop, it still has her traditional sound, as well as some of the country essence in there. I heard this one back in July and really loved it!
Not Over You (Cover and duet with Gavin DeGraw)//
This is one of my favorite Gavin DeGraw songs, and while I do appreciate that he "duets" with her, it sounds more like he's just doing backgrounds. The arrangement and key she does it in seems a bit off for both of them to make work.
This is one of my favorite Gavin DeGraw songs, and while I do appreciate that he "duets" with her, it sounds more like he's just doing backgrounds. The arrangement and key she does it in seems a bit off for both of them to make work.
Put My Heart Down//
I also heard her sing this one, and while it is a bit repetitive, it's SO catchy and you can't help but sing along. It's about knowing when a relationship, or more specifically someone, who is bad for you and just asking them to let go, so you can move on. But, it has a more positive message than "you broke my heart, I'm never going to be able to let this go." I also love that one of its writers was Liz Huett, who used to be one of Taylor Swift's back-up singers, and she is one of the sweetest people ever! This will probably be that one song you'll have stuck in your head for a week or so straight.
I also heard her sing this one, and while it is a bit repetitive, it's SO catchy and you can't help but sing along. It's about knowing when a relationship, or more specifically someone, who is bad for you and just asking them to let go, so you can move on. But, it has a more positive message than "you broke my heart, I'm never going to be able to let this go." I also love that one of its writers was Liz Huett, who used to be one of Taylor Swift's back-up singers, and she is one of the sweetest people ever! This will probably be that one song you'll have stuck in your head for a week or so straight.
Can't Stop Loving You (with The Fray's Isaac Slade)//
This song has such a beautiful melody about what else? Love…It perfectly captures everything that one feels when they're in love or so I've heard. The strumming of guitar and the blending of Sara and Isaac's voices harmonizing are extremely easy on the ears.
This song has such a beautiful melody about what else? Love…It perfectly captures everything that one feels when they're in love or so I've heard. The strumming of guitar and the blending of Sara and Isaac's voices harmonizing are extremely easy on the ears.
You Never Know//
The intro has some rock flavor to it and almost sounds like it could've been a Jennifer Nettles song. There's a very sultry, bluesy feel towards the chorus and as the song builds.
The intro has some rock flavor to it and almost sounds like it could've been a Jennifer Nettles song. There's a very sultry, bluesy feel towards the chorus and as the song builds.
If I Run//
There's a sort of thematic element to this song that I just can't seem to get enough of. When I listen to it, I can picture it in the climax of a sweet romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. I'm so rooting for this to become a single at some point. It starts off low and simple, then builds to something powerful and dramatic, where the narrator (or Sara herself) is laying her feelings all out on the line.
There's a sort of thematic element to this song that I just can't seem to get enough of. When I listen to it, I can picture it in the climax of a sweet romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. I'm so rooting for this to become a single at some point. It starts off low and simple, then builds to something powerful and dramatic, where the narrator (or Sara herself) is laying her feelings all out on the line.
Sweet Spot//
Pardon the pun, but again, this tune is sugary sweet, complete with "oooh's" and whistling in the background. It's the perfect theme for that couple who has finally found love and the right one that they want to spend the rest of their life with. I picture a couple sitting on the porch swing while the dog plays in the yard and the kids are screaming, but through it all, the couple makes it works and loves at the end of the day.
Pardon the pun, but again, this tune is sugary sweet, complete with "oooh's" and whistling in the background. It's the perfect theme for that couple who has finally found love and the right one that they want to spend the rest of their life with. I picture a couple sitting on the porch swing while the dog plays in the yard and the kids are screaming, but through it all, the couple makes it works and loves at the end of the day.
Good Love Is Hard To Find//
Well, ain't that the truth?! This is one of the most "country" songs on the album,with a slow melody, starting off with an electric guitar and a banjo joining a few seconds later. I'm a very visual person when I listen to music, and I envision this one on lake with twinkling lights set up, while a couple dances at their wedding, meanwhile there's a young couple having a special moment to themselves on the dock not too far away, thinking that could be them somewhere in the future. This is definitely the kind of song you want played at your wedding. Another one I'd be rooting for as a single. It has everything a good country song is all about.
Well, ain't that the truth?! This is one of the most "country" songs on the album,with a slow melody, starting off with an electric guitar and a banjo joining a few seconds later. I'm a very visual person when I listen to music, and I envision this one on lake with twinkling lights set up, while a couple dances at their wedding, meanwhile there's a young couple having a special moment to themselves on the dock not too far away, thinking that could be them somewhere in the future. This is definitely the kind of song you want played at your wedding. Another one I'd be rooting for as a single. It has everything a good country song is all about.
Better Off (feat. Vince Gill)//
In contrast to the last song, country music is all about heartbreak. This is a heartfelt ballad about a bad relationship that you're just simply better off without. Why pay attention to that guy any longer? It's just not worth the time. There's also more twang in her voice on this one, which I appreciate. I wish we could hear a little more of Vince Gill, but he always has such great background vocals, that true fans will still be able to spot him.
Gotta Have You//
This sounds like another traditional Sara Evans song. I would classify it as country/pop; another Jennifer Nettles sounding song. But don't let the slower melody at the beginning throw you off, as it builds with a mouthful of words that Sara rattles off with a steady beat and rhythm that will have you grooving. Catchy, fun, and colorful.
Revival//
Don't let the title fool you that it's going to resemble a hymn or end on a bit of more solemn note. If anything, it wraps everything about this album up with a shiny bow on top. It will make you want to put your robe and singing along with the "hallelujah's."Though it deals with faith and belief in God, everyone can relate to the universal theme of love and the miracles that life brings to each of us personally. There's even a bit of a banjo twanging away in the background which ties it all together.
Revival//
Don't let the title fool you that it's going to resemble a hymn or end on a bit of more solemn note. If anything, it wraps everything about this album up with a shiny bow on top. It will make you want to put your robe and singing along with the "hallelujah's."Though it deals with faith and belief in God, everyone can relate to the universal theme of love and the miracles that life brings to each of us personally. There's even a bit of a banjo twanging away in the background which ties it all together.
The first half of the album seems to pay homage to the feel good, "poppy" sounding songs that make you want to dance and grab your loved ones, while the other half gives you those songs that tell a deep story and tug at your heart in deeper ways. You'll laugh. You'll smile. You'll tap your foot and bob your head along. You might even want to grab tissues to reminisce on past love.
Vocally, Sara is at her best and this could be just the beginning of really great things to come for her career. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and go BUY her CD! You won't regret it.
*****/***** --I give this 5/5 stars! I do hope this album gets her more recognition, because she really has a fantastic voice and the country music genre needs all the true vocalists that it can get.
That's all for now,
Shelby :)
Vocally, Sara is at her best and this could be just the beginning of really great things to come for her career. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and go BUY her CD! You won't regret it.
*****/***** --I give this 5/5 stars! I do hope this album gets her more recognition, because she really has a fantastic voice and the country music genre needs all the true vocalists that it can get.
That's all for now,
Shelby :)
March 13, 2014
Thoughts for your thoughts...
Yesterday, I was talking with one of my friends from the newspaper about TV. More specifically, Parks and Rec. I asked him if he had been keeping up with it recently, and he said, "No, I honestly haven't had time." Half-jokingly, I added, "Oh really? It's probably bad, but I put TV above everything else," and laughed. That was it, and we went on to talking or doing other things.
I went on with my day, whatever. But, for some reason later on, it started to replay over in my mind and again as I've been sitting at my computer all day, still watching TV. I started thinking about that line a little more seriously. I really do tend to put TV above everything else, including God. Ouch! In the morning, I'll complain that I'm too tired or feel too sluggish to read my Bible and pray, yet I'll grab my iPad without thinking twice and start a new show on Netflix. Sure, television is great. Using your passion to create something that can affect so many? It's a fantastic art that really can change the world. But, God didn't give me talents and gifts to use them on shallow things, and honestly, I haven't been living to my fullest potential. It's fine to recap TV shows, music, concerts and the like, but I've been starting to feel that I want to write more with substance. I'm just not exactly sure of what at the moment.
Then, I complain that I don't have enough hours in a day to exercise, to get my homework done, to write for fun, or to read. Yet, I have plenty of time to chunk out a good 3 hours of my life to devote to my favorite shows on any given day. I say I don't see my friends enough (though most of that really is due to the fact that we all go to school and work at different times, so it's hard to work around schedules), yet at times when I have been invited, it just seems a bit more convenient to sit at home in comfy clothes and start a new TV show, daydreaming about what life could be like rather than just accepting it for what it is. Which is way more exciting and REAL.
I think it's time to start managing my time a little bit better, so that I can be a bit more productive during the day.
We'll see how that goes.
That's all for now,
Shelby
New obsession alert!
Last Saturday night, one of my best friend's sent me a text and said, "I have a new show for you." I was curious to hear what she had to say. I responded with, "Oh really?" Long story short, so I don't keep going back and forth, she said "Once Upon A Time." Hmm...I remember seeing the previews when it first premiered, because my mom and I thought it looked really good, but just never got around to watching it. I see everyone's tweets and posts on Facebook on Sunday night, while they're having heart attacks or picking their jaws up off of the floor because of it. It sounds really good. It has been on my list of things to watch, but something always jumped in front of it as far as priority.
I looked it up on Netflix and tried to click the information guide, but instead clicked "play." I was in the middle of homework and thought, "Oh, I'll just watch it later," but after a few minutes, I thought..."Well, I might as well just watch the pilot, since it's on now." Let's just say, it didn't take long for me to fall in love. I'm a sucker for anything of a fairytale, but I also love dramas and I'm coming around to action. This has it all.
So, here's the gyst: Emma Swan moves around a lot, and finds herself in Storybrooke, a small town in New England. She has had a troubled past and seems to find a lot of her answers here in this crazy town that is filled with (like many other small towns) eccentric characters. Only the twist is, they're all characters from fairytales, who don't remember a thing about their past life, because of the curse. And it's up to her to help them remember
This drama takes you on a ride through the parallels of real life and the classic fairytales we're all familiar with: Snow White/Prince Charming/the evil queen, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood and so on. It is fascinating. They deal with love, friendship, family, and good-vs-evil, so it's everything you could ever want. There are so many dynamics to the characters, and everyone seems to have scenes together at one point or another, which I love as well.
I've always had this obsession with Snow White, as she is my favorite princess and I love Ginnifer Goodwin. She's perfect for the role of Snow/Mary Margaret, with that innocence, lily complexion and hair as dark as ebony. She's sweet, but also sassy and feisty when she needs to be. I'd like to say that I relate to her the most.
And then, there's her story with Prince Charming. I LOVE love stories. Especially adorable love stories with adorable couples like them. Plus, they're engaged with a baby on the way in real-life. I can't. Now, I send pictures of them to my best friend so we can discuss how sickeningly sweet they are.
There's also the whole story line here, involving these three. They are all my favorites.
I'm almost done with the first season, and once I finish writing those papers, I can focus all of my attention on the show.
 |
| STOP BEING SO CUTE! |
WOO HOO!
That's all for now,
Shelby :)
{When you're dreaming with a broken heart, the waking up is the hardest part}
Song playing// "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" by John Mayer
I'm almost done with two of the three, so yay me! I'm also semi-watching White Collar in the background. Maybe Neal Caffrey is the secret to me getting stuff done. I will take that any day.
;)
That's all,
Shelby
March 12, 2014
The Last Long Wednesday
Today was my very last long day of classes, and surprisingly enough this quarter went by fairly quickly. I feel like I was just starting to prepare myself to return to school after Christmas break, and here we are at spring break already. Wow.
It's funny how towards the end of the quarter, it all doesn't seem quite as intimidating. Like, why can't I just have that mentality from the beginning? Something to think about for next time, I suppose.
Today was a rather different one, and much more enjoyable, I must say.
In feature writing, we had a guest speaker, who is the editor-in-chief of one of our local magazines. She talked to us about opportunities to do a bit of freelance writing, internships and told us how she got her start. It was fascinating! Then, after class I was able to talk to her a few minutes about possibly doing an internship during the summer or maybe even the fall, depending on how my schedule looks at that time.
Normally, I would stay on campus for lunch, but my mom picked me up instead. We didn't eat, but I had to pick up some food for our party at the newspaper, so we ran to Albertson's. I grabbed a couple bags of chips and then we decided to pick up some bagels for breakfast in the morning and went to Target for a little while. By the time we'd run all these errands, I was ready to call it a day! HA!
I went back to school a few minutes early, and our party started at 12:45. We all brought different foods, a la potluck style, so there were tacos, chicken, pizza, cupcakes, cookies and more. We ate a lot. There was a movie playing in the background, but I don't remember the name…It was from the 70s. I hung out with the editors most of the time, just talking and messing around. Then, we also did awards, just to showcase everyone and to honor the handwork that everyone has put in, as well as the fact that we're all essential to the team and have different roles that we play. I was "awarded" with "most optimistic!" I thought that was pretty exciting, though I can't say I'm always that way.
When class was finished, I stayed in the newspaper room to hang out with some of the editors. We also got a bit of a head start on re-organizing the room, which we hope to complete over spring break. And then we laughed more…
Finally, I had to go to my next class. I thought we were going to have to present, but we ended up just listening to a lecture from his PowerPoint. I wrote notes, read a little, drew a little…Good times. As soon as class was over, I was out of there. Usually, I have another class after, but due to the fact that we were watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe, there's no way I was staying. After watching it last quarter (with the same professor), I had no desire to see it again. It's one of those films you really only need to see once. Plus, I found the script online…So, there's that.
Now, I'm at home, listening to music, needing to work on a couple of papers and to start studying for finals. Also, I want to watch Once Upon A Time, because that's my new show! AH! IT'S SO GOOD!
That's all for now,
Shelby :)
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