Wonderful Crazy Night by Elton John

This album grows on you, sparkles, fuzz and all. It is easy to listen, but with some delightful depth to some songs as well. Contemplative, energetic, fun and with lots of soul, Elton John still has it. I know, he has been around forever, right, and one would think that he would have gone bust in the energy - but this album proves otherwise. He still has it. He really does.

My favourite songs on this album are: Wonderful Crazy Night (Track 1), In the Name of You (Track 2), Claw Hammer (Track 3), I've Got 2 Wings (Track 5), A Good Heart (Track 6) and Looking Up (Track 7). Oh and Guilty Pleasure (Track 8) is my own guilty pleasure song. It is a song that will make anyone automatically start dancing. It is just such a bright, bright happy song. My absolute favourite song is still Blue Wonderful (Track 4), I really have a soft spot for this beautiful song.

This is Looking Up (Track 7). The energy is really remarkable, isn't it? He really is still rocking that music! Interestingly, a lot of the people in the band are pretty, well, senior. This really shows that one is never too old to make music - and energetic music, at that! This kind of enjoyment is really inspiring.

Death of a Bachelor by Panic! At The Disco

This is such an interesting album! Honestly, this album has such a strong personality presence and confidence. The album reflects what feels like what must have been an amazing creative process. There are a number of delightfully surprises in the album itself, which I think only makes the mix of songs very exciting. At the center of it all, there is passion and real talent in this album.

My favourite tracks are Victorious (Track 1 - what an awesome start of the album!), Don't threaten me with a good time (Track 2), Crazy=Genius (Track 6 - Oh my God, a big band number!), LA Devotee (Track 7), The good, the bad and the dirty (Track 9) and House of memories (Track 10).

Very special shout out goes to that amazing ballad Impossible year (Track 11). That voice when that song came out blew me away! You would expect that an alternative pop singer would have just that range of voice, right? But here comes vocal range like no other that completely shows off the power of this band. Whoa!

Despite the turmoil that this band is rumoured to be going through, I really like how this album has come out. I really hope that the band sorts itself out, because like I have mentioned, there is real talent here (this album shows it!) and I really look forward to what else they have to share with the music world.

Blue Wonderful by Elton John

I absolutely adore this new single from Sir Elton John. It is light, bright and absolutely radiating with hope. And maybe it is just the frame of mind that I find myself in lately, but I am partial towards these kind of dreamy numbers these days. This song resonates with me so well, that I am constantly humming this tune.

If this is just a taste to come for Elton's upcoming Wonderful Crazy Night album, I'd say that this legend still has it, and I am full of anticipation of this fabulous work!

A Head Full Of Dreams by Coldplay

This album screams joy. The blissful kind of joy. The kind of blissful joy that tells the world that the band is determined to have fun regardless of what anyone thinks. Actually, to hell with what anyone thinks, they are going to have fun and they ARE having fun. So much with trying to please anyone. So much for trying to appeal to the kind of music that someone else would like. They are going to have fun and play their shit whether you like it or not. And they are going to rub the fun that they have with it in everyone's faces.

This is the impression that I get from the album. My reaction. Well, hell yeah. You go, man! Because the happiness that the band exudes is actually really contagious. I have to admit that I don't really listen to engineered music much, if any at all. But here is Coldplay rubbing all the fun and celebration that they have from this kind of music into me and I feel... I feel... I can't help it. I want to join in! Yes, there are those one or two more low key songs, but even those are sung in a celebratory mode. I kid you not, the moment that first track comes on, there is even a distinct Madonna Hung Up-ish vibe to the beginning of that song. I wonder if anyone else feels this way about this song.

My favourite songs from this album are the title track, Head Full Of Dreams (Track 1), Birds (Track 2), Everglow (Track 4), Fun (Featuring Tove Lo) (Track 6), Amazing Day (Track 9) and Up&Up (Track 11). Up&Up is also my special mention for this album. Though the beat of the song is just all too familiar and clearly cliche, Up&Up is particularly energizing.

I leave you with Everglow (Track 4) from their album. This is one of their more ballad-y songs from this album, but there is a clear charge in the portrayal of the song. They take it and they own it.

Hello by Adele

Okay, hands up, who else totally broke into a zillion goosebumps the moment that chorus kicks in?! And it is not just the sheer power of that voice that we had not heard for some time already, but how deliciously creepy are those lyrics, right?!

And then how that powerhouse chorus dims down to the second verse with just that piano! Talk about taking a completely cliche song theme to a completely different level, yo! This song is an in-your-face reminder of exactly why we are so in love with Adele.

The Last Ship by Sting

I love how personal this album is. If you have not seen Sting's ted talk about the back story of this album, I highly recommend it. It is really inspiring to know that even someone as awesome as Sting can experience and overcome writer's block and produce something so amazing. The sincerity and honestly in this album is undeniable. Going back to his strong English roots is pure genius.

My favourite songs in this album are: The Last Ship (track 1), Dead Man's Boots (track 2), August Winds (track 4), So To Speak (featuring Becky Unthank) (track 11), and, The Last Ship (Reprise) (track 12). I also absolutely adore The Night The Pugilist Learned How To Dance (track 7). In the deluxe CD, Shipyard (featuring Jimmy Nail, Brian Johnson and Jo Lawry) (track 1) and Hadaway (track 3) stay with me the longest. All in all, the entire album is highly enjoyable and I spent many pleasant long drives accompanied by Sting through this album.

It really goes to show the kind of genius that one can create when one puts their heart into things. There is nothing fake or pretentious in this album. Part of me feels that it is not even about the audience when it comes to this album. It is the compilation of stories from an old man who simply wants to tell whoever who would listen, stories about his childhood. Whoever who would listen. This album does not scream for attention. It simply sits and speaks, and we, the audience to it instead of it coming to us. And that is something truly magical.

The Book Of Souls - By Iron Maiden

To those of you still shocked by the CD cover and immediately think that these guys are Satan-worshippers out to break the morals of our society - get over it. Heavy metal is not for everyone. But if you'd like to give it a chance, turn off the cover and listen to the music. Like all music, travel with the band into their songs and their lyrics. Journey with them to what inspires them, not just as a band, but as individuals.

That being said, there is an evident raw-ness to The Book of Souls. Each song is so emotionally charged, I almost feel like I was intruding into someone else's private space - that space where they bare their hearts and souls. I particularly enjoyed those long immersive solos in their music where words disappear and the rest of the story is told through the music. That is exactly how emotional the music is. There are stories behind the songs. And these stories are told by both the lyrics and the music.

Other songs I really enjoyed: If Eternity Should Fail (Track 1), The Book Of Souls (track 6), Tear Of A Clown (Track 9), and, The Man Of Sorrows (Track 10).

And that epic Empire Of The Clouds (Track 11)! In those long spans of wordless music, I was literally standing in the tragic airship itself watching the masterpiece behold upon the whole wide world. It was amazing! That piano! I put on my headphones to this song and there is nothing else.

This is an interview Bruce Dickinson gave on Loudwire. Very insightful, especially the story of how he created Empire of the Clouds. Whoa!

Wilder Mind by Mumford & Sons

The general sentiment of this album is that, compared to M&S’s previous albums, Wilder Mind is easier on the ears… but not quite as exciting. On the up side, it is easier to contemplate the lyrics of each song. On the down side however, the songs don’t come across as deep. I have always thought that the drama in the music – their off beat pitch changes, their erratic tempo arrangements, their sudden and abrupt mood sequences, their intensely acoustic mellowness – all these drama, was what made M&S a particularly interesting band. Yes, yes, there are smidges of it still all over this album, but so much less dramatic. Less rocky. More poppy.

The effect is interesting. Like I said, not quite as exciting but much easier on the ears. If new fans are what they are after, then it is my bet that this album would be their first essential introduction to M&S before digging back to their more intense albums. For those who have been following them for the last few years, I’d say that this is a notch below Babel (2012) which one really cannot help but to compare.

My favourite songs on this album is Tompkins Square Park (Track 1), Believe (Track 2), Wilder Mind (Track 4), Monster (Track 6) and Broad-Shouldered Beasts (Track 8). Oh, how I really enjoy Broad-Shouldered Beasts. Beautifully penned lyrics has always been a major strength of this band, and from this point of view, this album does not disappoint.

It’s just the drama in the music. Still wow. But I know that these guys have so much more in them.

Smoke + Mirrors by Imagine Dragons

I have a confession. I have never been a fan of any of ID’s albums before. Maybe random songs here and there. But their previous albums have not really been something I’d even invest the time to post and write about.

Shots, however, feels like they have taken the learnings of their previous albums and given us a report card of it. And not a bad one either. Shots feels like ID has finally found an identity that they are comfortable with and it suits them very well. A bit rough around the edges, but it is the kind that gives them a little character in reminding us where they came from. Some songs are still a bit too self-indulging, though. But a lot of the songs in this album clearly shows that they are capable of honesty. I’d take this album as ID’s step in the right direction, but hey, life’s a journey like that.

I found that most of the songs in this album written with much more care and respect. And I appreciate that. More thought has gone into the lyrics and how the music carries this. And the harmonies.

Personal favourite songs on this album: Shots (Track 1), Smoke and Mirrors (Track 3), I Bet My Life (Track 5), and Dream (Track 9). Special mention to Polaroid (Track 6). There is just something pretty smart about this song.

Songs of Innocence by U2

I really like the idea of an album that is written to be performed acoustically. Though not exactly reflected in the album, it is interesting to imagine acoustic renditions of the songs performed in, as Bono envisions it, intimate pub-ish settings. I just wish that it would be included in the album. Okay fine, some songs are in variations of the albums. But still. Maybe a stripped down version of the album then. Something.

I see U2 return to its honest roots in this album. I have nothing against its more enraged albums, but as one of those who would browse the world wide web for chords to strum to songs in my living room, I connect a lot with this album. I can filter out the distortions and come to the soul of the song: its lyrics.

My favourite songs in this album are: Every Breaking Wave (Track 2), Song for Someone (Track 3) and Sleep Like A Baby Tonight (Track 9). I think the tribute to Joey Ramone is a beautiful touch (Track 1).

Of course, the simple style does not divorce U2 from reflecting their social concerns in their songs.

Bulletproof Picasso by Train

I love how most songs in this album is written just simply, flowing so smoothly throughout the songs. Not as quirky as some of the band’s previous songs. Not really in the light of humour either. Then again, not quite as grown up either. This album, as a collection, feels to e in the flavour of a transition. Of growing up. Not quite there. But enjoying, and I really mean enjoying, every step of the way.

The songs are light-hearted, honest, sometimes insecure but finding that security, sometimes confused but finding that faith. With all the joys and tribulations of the inevitable journey towards maturity.

Personal favourite song in this album: Bulletproof Picasso (Track 2), Give It All (Track 4), Just A Memory (Track 7) and I Will Remember (Track 9). And you know what, if you’ve listened to Cadillac Cadillac (Track 1) often enough, it might actually rub off on you too.

On perhaps a related note, I have seen the official music videos for some of the songs and really wished I did not. I am sorry, but I had envisioned far more spectacular stories in just listening to the songs, only to be pretty disappointed by their official video portrayal.

What About Now by Bon Jovi

Yes, Jon, now this one is much more your style than your past, like, two albums. At least. I’m sorry, but Lost Highway (2008) just whooshed right pass me. The Circle (2009) had one or two strong songs in it, but the rest were just so trying. So trying to fit in into this generation. Trying to hard. But why are you trying to fit in when you were such a magnificent trailblazer to begin with?

And that is why How About Now is refreshing. Not prefect. Not quite living up the glory days of Crossroads (1994) or These Days (1995). But oh, such a nice, nice effort. It is absolutely delicious to hear all those guitar solos back. And more soulful lyrics. The deeper kind. The kind that, well, you’ve gotta be a tad weathered to be able to understand and appreciate. The metaphoric kind. Weaved between rock and roll.

Favourite songs on this album: Because we can (Track 1), What about now (Track 3), Pictures of you (Track 4), Amen (Track 5), What’s left of me (Track 7), Thick as thieves (Track 9), beautiful world (Track 10) and Every road leads home to you (Track 16). As you can see, I found this album very listenable overall. But oh, I practically broke my repeat buttons on Pictures of you (Track 4). Love it.

If this is an upward slope Bon Jovi is taking, I say keep it up!

Moon Landing by James Blunt

To me, is is so awesome to find that JB has found a balance between his deliciously depressing songs and more hopeful and uplifting tones. It is my opinion that he has found a good balance of both worlds in this album.

Favourite songs: When I find love again (Track 2), Face the sun (Track 3), Bonfire heart (Track 5), Heart to heart (Track 6), Miss America (Track 7), Sun on Sunday (Track 9). See? Mix of his signature sad songs and happy stuff. I highly recommend looking up JB’s piano versions of Face the sun, Miss America and Sun on Sunday. As for the other songs, I enjoyed the track versions and acoustic renditions equally.

Well okay, there is actually something that bugs me. That CD cover. Creepy. A floating head by any other name is still a floating head.