by Kerry Gold
Rating: 3/5
Download: Sunny Day, Beautiful
Who would have thought multi-platinum raunchy urban artist Akon would be such a mushball, but here he is waxing romantic on the majority of these 13 tracks, featuring guests artists like T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Wyclef.
And he does it with considerable believability and ease, despite the sly-dog persona. Sunny Day duet with Wyclef is easy, laid back and all sunny rhythm, subtle rhymes, and built around Akon's enhanced vocal and a waxy beat and plasticized synths. There's an upbeat boldness to this record, with its clean sound and heat-seeking missiles aimed straight at making Akon the killer lady's man he professes to be. Sure, there's the streetwise sound of I'm So Paid, but mostly this guy is on the hook for love — and even if it is all an act, he delivers it with such deliberate urgency, it's all forgivable, and thoroughly enjoyable, too.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Hook: Year in Review, 2008 Edition
Four seasons, 52 weeks and 60 episodes later I am back with my thoughts and comments about how the last year of my life went. I am assuming if you are reading this that you have taken a real interest in The Hook and I would like first and foremost like to thank you for all your support. It is truly amazing to know that people appreciate what I do; even those that I may never get a chance meet face to face. Without you I would not get to do what I love to do, so thank you very much.
2008 was great, but flew by faster than a dragonfly. Before I knew it, it was time for another “Year In Review”. I felt like the level of artists for this year had stepped up. I interviewed some A-list artists such as Pink, Sheryl Crow, Nickelback, Leona Lewis, Spice Girls and my favorite the almighty Al Green himself. I also was able to step outside the world of Pop Music and learn about South Asia’s Bollywood industry and even the Canadian Country Music scene.
Although, with the increase in the number of interviews compared to 2007, I was definitely much busier this year. I recall doing something like 5 interviews in 6 days one week; not to mention events such as the Juno’s or the Celebrity Gala where I had more interviews by the hour than Robert Downy Jr. has had DUI charges. Yes, there were definitely times where I hated the sound of my own voice, but that just comes with the territory.
Though I would never trade my show for anything less than a prepaid summer home off the coast of the Maldives, I have realized that I am in need of help for 2009 if I want to step it up a notch. No one man is an island and the answer is an assistant a.k.a. my own personal slave.
It was initially a recommendation by a friend, although the more I pondered I started to envision just how grand that would be. Really, imagine it for just a moment. I would never again have to put on my own Lav, press my own espresso, pick up my own clothes or even brush my own teeth again. I am thinking along the lines of P. Diddy’s Fonzworth Bentley, who was a bravura exemplar of support. I would agree that the umbrella carrying was a bit overboard but I am not certain if that is simply my ego or my scruples talking. Either way I can guarantee you that as my assistant you will not be required to help me shield my skin from the sun; however, I will not decline the offer if it arises…hahah!
No, really, on a serious note, given all my new projects in 2009 (The Hook, OTB and Morning Electric) it is just the next step in evolution so I have decided to launch my own search. I am not sure what to call it yet, but it will definitely be open to the public and the only requirement is your own umbrella. Just kidding!
There are no requirements, except an earnest curiosity for journalism. So, let the games begin…See you in 2009
2008 was great, but flew by faster than a dragonfly. Before I knew it, it was time for another “Year In Review”. I felt like the level of artists for this year had stepped up. I interviewed some A-list artists such as Pink, Sheryl Crow, Nickelback, Leona Lewis, Spice Girls and my favorite the almighty Al Green himself. I also was able to step outside the world of Pop Music and learn about South Asia’s Bollywood industry and even the Canadian Country Music scene.
Although, with the increase in the number of interviews compared to 2007, I was definitely much busier this year. I recall doing something like 5 interviews in 6 days one week; not to mention events such as the Juno’s or the Celebrity Gala where I had more interviews by the hour than Robert Downy Jr. has had DUI charges. Yes, there were definitely times where I hated the sound of my own voice, but that just comes with the territory.
Though I would never trade my show for anything less than a prepaid summer home off the coast of the Maldives, I have realized that I am in need of help for 2009 if I want to step it up a notch. No one man is an island and the answer is an assistant a.k.a. my own personal slave.
It was initially a recommendation by a friend, although the more I pondered I started to envision just how grand that would be. Really, imagine it for just a moment. I would never again have to put on my own Lav, press my own espresso, pick up my own clothes or even brush my own teeth again. I am thinking along the lines of P. Diddy’s Fonzworth Bentley, who was a bravura exemplar of support. I would agree that the umbrella carrying was a bit overboard but I am not certain if that is simply my ego or my scruples talking. Either way I can guarantee you that as my assistant you will not be required to help me shield my skin from the sun; however, I will not decline the offer if it arises…hahah!
No, really, on a serious note, given all my new projects in 2009 (The Hook, OTB and Morning Electric) it is just the next step in evolution so I have decided to launch my own search. I am not sure what to call it yet, but it will definitely be open to the public and the only requirement is your own umbrella. Just kidding!
There are no requirements, except an earnest curiosity for journalism. So, let the games begin…See you in 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak :review
Download: Say You Will, Heartless
As the title suggests, Kanye West's heart is clearly broken these days, and for the most part, it suits him well. A couple of these tracks are stunning testimonies to loss and betrayal. Out of the box, he sets the tone with an edgy, stark sonic atmosphere that is less about hip hop than moody pop. West is hurt, angry and intent on clarity on 808s & Heartbreak. "How could you be so heartless?" he asks, on the track of the same name. He distances himself only through the use of a vocoder, or electronic voice effects, which give the album a robotic, synthesized quality that suits the organic piano, strings and percussion. But West's grief is real and pointed. The mission is to focus on the lyrics, because West has a message to send, and it's for his ex-fiancée and in a couple of instances, his deceased, beloved mother ("My face turned to stone when I heard the news," he sings on Bad News). Nothing here is overt enough to wallop you over the head with hooks and rhymes. It might take a few listens for the nuanced material to sink in, and give it a chance and it will. Say You Will is a haunting ballad filled with electro beeps and stark percussion. Robocop is a mini symphony of lush strings and soundtrack drama, on which West finally releases his humorous side, comparing his ex to "that girl from Misery." But it's a dark album, so there is little relief from his sorrow, and musically, the simple riffs and somber electronics reflect that. The release isn't going to the holiday pick-up you might expect — it's a study in darkness, with moments of dirge-like but honest beauty.
As the title suggests, Kanye West's heart is clearly broken these days, and for the most part, it suits him well. A couple of these tracks are stunning testimonies to loss and betrayal. Out of the box, he sets the tone with an edgy, stark sonic atmosphere that is less about hip hop than moody pop. West is hurt, angry and intent on clarity on 808s & Heartbreak. "How could you be so heartless?" he asks, on the track of the same name. He distances himself only through the use of a vocoder, or electronic voice effects, which give the album a robotic, synthesized quality that suits the organic piano, strings and percussion. But West's grief is real and pointed. The mission is to focus on the lyrics, because West has a message to send, and it's for his ex-fiancée and in a couple of instances, his deceased, beloved mother ("My face turned to stone when I heard the news," he sings on Bad News). Nothing here is overt enough to wallop you over the head with hooks and rhymes. It might take a few listens for the nuanced material to sink in, and give it a chance and it will. Say You Will is a haunting ballad filled with electro beeps and stark percussion. Robocop is a mini symphony of lush strings and soundtrack drama, on which West finally releases his humorous side, comparing his ex to "that girl from Misery." But it's a dark album, so there is little relief from his sorrow, and musically, the simple riffs and somber electronics reflect that. The release isn't going to the holiday pick-up you might expect — it's a study in darkness, with moments of dirge-like but honest beauty.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Brandy – Human :review
Download: Long Distance, Camouflage
The former teenage phenomenon that was Brandy is finding a hard time finding her footing as an adult performer these days, what with artists like Rihanna, Beyonce and Alicia Keys so admirably holding onto the chart numbers. The once platinum-selling Brandy (Never Say Never, The Boy Is Mine, a TV show called Moesha), is less marketable now that she's become tabloid fodder due to a messy divorce and car accident — never mind the fact that it's been about four years since she released an album. There's little here to get fans juiced up about a comeback, save for a well-orchestrated and big-sounding ballad called Long Distance, on which her mature, slightly husky voice has clearly become a more powerful and emotive instrument. A close second is Camouflage, an easy listening little tune built upon a soft beat, clangy keyboard and the standard-issue synth. Elsewhere, the sound is a tad too predictable, a little rote, as if Brandy hasn't been getting out much these days and hasn't kept up with the latest club sounds that have made her genre-sisters such in-demand superstars. She's reunited with producer Darkchild, but the squiggly, old-sounding synth is overwrought and almost noisy when it starts to swallow up Brandy's vocals on the mostly tepid buffet of tunes offered here.
The former teenage phenomenon that was Brandy is finding a hard time finding her footing as an adult performer these days, what with artists like Rihanna, Beyonce and Alicia Keys so admirably holding onto the chart numbers. The once platinum-selling Brandy (Never Say Never, The Boy Is Mine, a TV show called Moesha), is less marketable now that she's become tabloid fodder due to a messy divorce and car accident — never mind the fact that it's been about four years since she released an album. There's little here to get fans juiced up about a comeback, save for a well-orchestrated and big-sounding ballad called Long Distance, on which her mature, slightly husky voice has clearly become a more powerful and emotive instrument. A close second is Camouflage, an easy listening little tune built upon a soft beat, clangy keyboard and the standard-issue synth. Elsewhere, the sound is a tad too predictable, a little rote, as if Brandy hasn't been getting out much these days and hasn't kept up with the latest club sounds that have made her genre-sisters such in-demand superstars. She's reunited with producer Darkchild, but the squiggly, old-sounding synth is overwrought and almost noisy when it starts to swallow up Brandy's vocals on the mostly tepid buffet of tunes offered here.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The top singers forever
1) Tose Proeski
“. . most beautiful voice, most beautiful eyes, most beautiful look, most beautiful angel = TOSE PROESKI. . . THAT’S REASON WHY IS HE THE GREATEST”
natasa
“TOSE, Every day I’m asking god why he took you away from our lives, we still needed you here! Life is just not fair, we all are so proud of you, Thank you MACEDONIA for our son, our Angel, our Idol...
I want you to know that we all love you and we all miss you. I miss you more and more every day, all we can do for you is to pray..
You are timeless, you are the best singer!”
Senseo
“You’re simply THE BEST!
Better than all the rest!”
Omerta
2) Tamer Hosny
“no-one compares with Tamer, he is simply the best!! he is #1 best singer in the world! no doubts! king-of-generation! we love you Tamer!”
topguy
“Best singer alive today. The KING! easily better than michael jackson!! obviously, michael jackson has got no nose... lol! Tamer Hosny will beat anyone! anyone, trust me.”
anony
“There is no doubt that Tamer Hosny is the best singer in the world. He is simply the BEST OF ALL!!
KING OF GENERATION!”
anony
3) Michael Jackson
“Started in the Jackson 5 being a superstar then and then going on to sing songs such as thriller and billie jean, you cant go against him!!! The King of Pop”
“He’s the best! Every song has a great story! He’s so talented,!”
netr0ckz58
“just watch some mucic videos and you will understand his genius.”
werty709
4) Sarah Brightman
“Sarah is the best singer in the world. Micheal Jackson doesn’t even compare to her. Above Sarah, s natural beauty she has the most beautiful voice in recording history besides englebert humperdinck”
jnad54
“There’s no denying it. Sarah is amazing!”
tarot_contralto
“Simply the angel of music...”
grobanluvr
5) Josh Groban
“He has the greatest voice.”
“Josh sings from his heart and soul. His music makes me feel good, both the classical and the pop and he is a nice guy!”
LuciLu
“He has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard.”
oneforjosh
6) Steve Perry
“STEVE SHOULD BE NUMBER 1. THERE’S ALOT OF COPYCATS OUT THERE, BUT THERE’S NO WAY THEY CAN TOP HIS VOICE”
gateway775
“steve perry has a voice that no one can copy, they try but fail in my opinion.”
gateway775
“He’s The Greatest Singer Of All Time!”
JourneyRcks
7) Amr Diab
“amr diab is the best”
gogomano
“AmR DiaB is the one that changed the arebian song for all artists ... simply he is the best of all arab...”
3LyElTorKy
“no 1”
ayman
8) Arnel Pineda
“He is AMAZING!”
lanchan8
“I feel Arnel has the best voice and the most expression and heart. He not only sings the songs he has them in his heart and soul too”
mandytrue
“His voice is awesome!!!!!”
sibyl1210
9) Layne Staley
“I can’t believe that Michael Jackson is ahead of Layne!!??
If you want heart and soul, just listen to Layne sing!!”
loverlayne
“He was able to convey his deep personal pain thru his beautiful and soulful voice, which still today touches so many.”
loverlayne
“how could choose any other, the emotion, pitch, vibrato, and POWER
r. i. p.”
sniktawekim
10) Freddie Mercury
“Wow this guy had a set a pipes on him. he didnt even need the mike he could just get so into the song and go with it you could feel his emotions
jd”
“Amazing vocals!! Definitely had that IT.”
“Freddie Mercury is by far the greatest singer ever.His voice fills me with power and energy.R.I.P Freddie, we all love you.”
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