Sing & Mean It Music Blog

S.H.E - 爱来过

2010-09-12T17:52:00.006+08:00

To my dearest piggy,
I LOVE YOU <3 <3 <3

Cat Power - Lived In Bars

2010-05-25T00:18:00.006+08:00

What have I been missing my whole life! What a revelation this is turning out to be! This woman is simply a great talent, the sweetest apple on the tree. For those of you who are clueless about her, Cat Power is the stage name of American indie singer/songwriter Chan Marshall (born Charlyn Marie Marshall on January 21, 1972). She is known for her minimalist style, sparse guitar and piano playing, and breathy vocals. She has been active in the music industry since 1992, and although she has been through many tough times and personal struggles/battles, primarily with alcohol and drugs, her musical style never changed or faced a decline and it never ceases to amaze everytime. 'Lived In Bars' is one of her really good songs from the album 'The Greatest', but listening to this one song is definitely not enough. You really have to check out her albums (mainly but not limited to 'You Are Free', 'The Greatest', 'Jukebox') in full to really appreciate her music. I hope more people like her get to get more exposure in the music industry, it would be a loss to not get to know such beautiful music! Oh btw, did you notice how pretty she is, all 37 years of her! Yeah you got that correct, 37 years old and still looking like 20 :))

Lyrics: 9/10
Melody: 10/10
Variation: 5/10 (The reason for this was mainly because of her minimalistic music, a lot of her songs are recorded in a monotone kind of style, but don't let that take any credit away! It's still good haha)
Emotion: 10/10

Total: 85%

Final Score: 85%

Shontelle: Impossible

2010-01-25T23:55:00.000+08:00

Album: Licky (Set for release on 6 April 2010)
Genre: Pop

'Impossible' is the lead US single of Barbados singer-songwriter Shontelle. Shontelle brought us her hit single 'T-shirt' and collaborated with Akon on another track entitled 'Stuck With Each Other'. On this number, she sounds like a breath of fresh air; her vocals are strong and the melody is great. Let's hope the rest of her album produces songs of this quality or better.

'Tell them all I know now
Shout it from the roof tops
Write it on the skyline '

Lyrics: 8.5/10
Melody: 8.5/10
Originality: 9/10
Emotion: 8.5/10

Total Score = 86%

Leona Lewis: I Got You

2010-01-21T22:52:00.000+08:00

Album: Echo

Genre: Pop

'I Got You' is a song from previous X-Factor champion Leona Lewis. 'I Got You' is a breath of fresh air as the songstress is usually belting powerful sopranos, and while she still is, she sounds more R&B-ish on this number.

Lyrics: 7.5/10

Melody: 8/10

Originality: 8/10

Emotion: 8.5/10

Total score = 80%

Demi Lovato: Here We Go Again

2010-01-13T20:13:00.001+08:00

Album: Here We Go Again (2009)
Genre: Pop-rock

Today we cover another Disney sensation, Demi Lovato. 'Here We Go Again' is the lead single and title of Lovato's second studio album. This rocking number packs a serious punch(often sending me into a head-rocking motion); It's basically about breaking up and going back into a relationship over & over again. This track definitely silences some critics on how 'disney-ish' their stars sound.

Lyrics: 8/10
Melody: 8.5/10
Originality: 8/10
Emotion: 8.5/10

Final Score = 82.5 + 2.5 = 85%

Selena Gomez & The Scene: Naturally

2010-01-08T10:52:00.000+08:00

Album: Kiss & Tell (2009)
Genre: Electropop, dance-pop

Disney actress/singer/star Selena Gomez's venture into the music scene with her band in 2009 drew both critics and supporters alike with her teeny-pop style of music. 'Naturally', the second single from the band's debut album, Kiss & Tell, is a fast-moving number which looks set to appeal only to the teenage flock.

Lyrics: 7/10
Melody: 7/10
Originality: 7/10
Emotion: 6.5/10

Total score = 69 + 2 = 71%

La Roux: Bulletproof

2010-01-07T11:45:00.001+08:00

Album: La Roux (2009)

Genre: Electropop

'Bulletproof' is the third single from English electropop group, La Roux. Lead singer Elly Jackson's eccentric vocals impress in this number which you either hate or love to a large degree. The electronic sounds in the background are catchy and it won't be long before you find yourself singing along :)

"This time baby, I'll be ... Bulletproof."

Lyrics: 7.5/10

Melody: 8.5/10

Originality: 8/10

Emotion: 7.5/10

Total score = 79 + 3 = 82 %

Paramore: Ignorance

2010-01-04T16:46:00.001+08:00

Album: Brand New Eyes

Genre: Alternative Rock

'Ignorance' is the lead single of Paramore's third album, Brand New Eyes. The album is a transformation of the band; the lyrics are solid and they sound as good or even better than before. 'Ignorance', written by lead singer Hayley Williams, speaks about the troubles of maturing within the band, leading up to their transformation. An upbeat tune which grows easily on you.

Lyrics: 8.5/10

Melody: 8.5/10
Originality: 8/10

Emotion: 8.5/10

Total Score: 84 + 2 = 86%

DJ Earworm:Blame It On The Pop

2009-12-29T20:52:00.003+08:00

DJ Earworm is back, with a remix of the top 25 Billboard songs of 2009! Sit back and enjoy, especially for pop lovers :)

Taylor Swift - Last Christmas

2009-12-25T09:38:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everybody! Ryan & I will continue our love for music, and we're excited for 2010. Happy Holidays and bring out those festive tunes !

Vitamin C - Graduation (Friends Forever)

2009-12-21T17:12:00.007+08:00

For all 4.18 Jude-ers of 2009! :)

Kristinia DeBarge: Sabotage

2009-12-18T12:02:00.001+08:00

Artist: Kristinia DeBarge
Song: Sabotage (From the album 'Exposed') -2009
Genre: Pop, R&B

Sabotage is the second single from Kristinia DeBarge, who brought you 'Goodbye'(Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Goodbye!). DeBarge, only 19 years of age, certainly possesses the power and soul in her voice to bring out the energy in her songs. The future looks bright for the songstress, who's working on her next album already.

"Each time I try to play the good girl
I let myself get in the way
I try so hard to fight the bad girl
But she's here to stay"

Lyris: 7.5/10
Melody: 8/10
Variation: 7/10
Emotion: 7.5/10

Total score = 75+ 3 (music video bonus) = 78%

~Desz

Lily Allen - Who'd have known

2009-12-17T10:34:00.001+08:00

Album: It's Not Me, It's You (2009)

Genre: Electro-pop

Who'd have known is the fifth single from British singer-songwriter Lily Allen's album, 'It's Not Me, It's You'. Lily was the one who brought you ear candies like 'The Fear', 'Not Fair' and 'F*** You'. The music video portrays her as someone obsessed with Sir Elton, going to the extent of kidnapping him! It's quite a sweet-sing along song, with Lily's voice soothing to the ears.

'Are you mine, are you mine ?

Cause I stay here all the time

Watching Tele, drinking wine'

Lyrics: 8/10

Melody: 8/10

Variation: 7.5/10

Emotion: 8/10

Total score = 79 + 3 = 82%

3OH!3 Ft. Katy Perry : Starstrukk

2009-12-15T13:23:00.000+08:00

3OH!3 ft. Katy Perry: Starstrukk

Album: Want

Genre: Electro Rock

Starstrukk was originally released by 3OH!3 ( The group which brought you the platinum single 'Dont trust me') in June this year, but it wasn't getting enough airplay. The addition of Katy Perry not only upped the popularity, but the remix actually sounded better with Katy adding a bit of variation. This is one of those 'rock out' songs which you enjoy every time it's on but the lyrics don't get you thinking.

Lyrics: 6/10

Melody: 8.5/10

Variation: 7.5/10

Emotion: 7/10

Total = 72.5+ 2.5 (MV Bonus) =75%

Final Score: 75%

Pixie Lott - Cry Me Out

2009-12-15T13:02:00.001+08:00

Song: Cry Me Out (From the album 'Turn It Up')
Artist: Pixie Lott
Genre: Pop, Soul

This is the first time on this blog that we've encountered newly surfaced British singer-songwriter, Pixie Lott. The spunky lass is only 18 years young and contradictory to her nickname 'pixie', she boasts some solid and big-performing vocals which we already have heard in her hit single 'Mama Do'. 'Cry Me Out' is her third single, and Pixie's first venture into the genre of Soul. We're all glad she made that decision, because what she delivers is a fresh breath from the pop-dominated scene.

Lyrics: 8/10
Melody: 8.5/10
Variation: 8/10
Emotion: 9/10

Total Score: 84 + 3 = 87%

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feelin'

2009-12-15T10:46:00.003+08:00

Group: Black Eyed Peas

Song: I Gotta Feelin (The E.N.D) [2009]

Genre: R&B, Pop

I gotta feeling that 'I gotta feelin' will be the one to beat for the coveted 'song-of-the-year' title. Countless weeks at number one on the billboard charts and quite a few weeks on local radio charts, this up-beat party song grows on you overtime. Haven't heard it before? What have you been doing? Chart-topper alert.

Lyrics: 8/10

Melody: 9/10

Originality: 8.5/10

Emotion: 7.5/10

Total Score = 81+3.5(mv bonus) = 84.5%

~Desz

Miley Cyrus: The Climb

2009-12-15T10:00:00.002+08:00

Artist: Miley Cyrus
Song: The Climb (Hannah Montana: The Movie) [2009]
Genre: Power Pop, Country Pop

Most of us know Ms Hannah Montana as.....Hannah Montana. Fun, spunky and pop-ish. This song was really a fresh breath of air from Miley and it definitely surprised quite a few as she was able to nail the song from beginning to end. It's a power ballad which describes life as a difficult but rewarding journey. I'll admit I went to see the movie after hearing this song and others on the soundtrack.
"The Climb" is set to be one of the contenders for the top spots on local radio.

Lyrics: 9.5/10

Melody: 8/10

Variation: 8/10

Emotion: 9/10

Total = 86 + 3(music video bonus) = 89%

~Desz

My Chemical Romance: Welcome To The Black Parade

2009-12-15T09:57:00.001+08:00

Song: Welcome To The Black Parade (WTTBP)

Band: My Chemical Romance (MCR)

Album: The Black Parade

Genre: Emo, Pop Punk

The first single of the much anticipated album by MCR took the music scene by storm as it became the band's signature track. Mention MCR and this song will probably find its way into the conversation, or vice-versa. Ranging from a piano ballad-ish intro to an increasing rock tempo, this song packs a powerful punch. "We'll carry on! We'll carry on!" Sure they did. This song remains a favourite among many today.

Lyrics: 8.5/10

Melody: 9/10

Variation: 9/10

Emotion: 9/10

Total = 89 + 4(Music Video Bonus) = 93%

~Desz

Michael Bolton Feat. Lady Gaga - Murder My Heart

2009-12-12T03:00:00.000+08:00

A bit of a head-scratcher this one, don't you think? New vs old. Modern hip vs timeless classic. Combine an eccentric pop phenomenon with a male version of Whitney Houston/Celine Dion and what do you get? Yeah, this. One of the songs from Mr. Bolton's studio album 'One World One Love', the lyrics are same old same old, stuff that makes you wanna puke when you hear them. Typical. BUT, the music is actually not bad, there's a familiar love song kind of melody in it, with some techno stuff in the background, kinda feels surreal. You gotta give it a listen yourself, I don't really know how to describe in proper words... Apparently, Mr. Bolton didn't know who Lady Gaga was when she approached him to do a collaboration, so kudos to you Michael for making the right decision to work with Lady Gaga! A love classic with a modern twist, definitely worth a listen!

Lyrics: 6/10
Melody: 8.5/10
Variation: 7/10
Emotion: 8/10

Total: 74%

Final Score: 74%

~Ryan~

Guitar Specials #1: Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child o' Mine

2009-12-09T22:52:00.000+08:00

Oh. If you haven't heard or at least heard of this song, you are in for one helluva ride, cuz this is probably one of the greatest rock songs in history! Face it, the facts don't lie: a combined total of at least 50 million views on youtube as of Dec 09; placed in Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time', '40 Greatest Songs that Changed the World', Blender's '500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born', RIAA 'Songs of the Century', VH1's '100 Best Songs of the 80s' and I could probably go on and on and on...
And there's that electric guitar solo by Slash. The introduction's famous riff is a must listen for all. This is the something extra special in the extra special song. To die for. I don't need to list down more accolades, words can't describe and you probably already can guess by now. Listening to this song should be placed under your list of "Ten Things to do before I die" :)

Lyrics: 8/10
Melody: 10/10
Variation: 10/10
Emotion: 9/10

Total: 92.5% + 2% (MV Bonus)

Final Score: 94.5%

~Ryan~

Owl City - Fireflies

2009-12-09T18:53:00.000+08:00

Song: Fireflies

Band: Owl City

Album: Ocean Eyes (2009)

Genre: Synth-pop, electro-pop

Yes, you knew it would come. How could we do reviews without noticing the impact some songs have made? Fireflies, the lead single off Ocean Eyes, could potentially be (or already is) one of the most recognizable and requested song of the year. From the distinct intro to the smooth verses and chorus, the dreamy mood surfaces and prevails throughout this track. The lyrics are strong and can be interpreted in many ways, though the music video provides some clues. "Fireflies" is set to be a contender for the song of the year on local radio charts x)

Lyrics: 9/10

Melody: 9.5/10

Variation: 8.5/10

Emotion: 8/10

Total Score= 87.5% + 4 (Music video bonus)

91.5%

~Desz~

Beyonce: Sweet Dreams

2009-11-20T18:20:00.009+08:00

Song: Sweet Dreams (2009)

Artiste: Beyonce

Album: I Am ... Sasha Fierce

Genre: R&B, electro-pop

'Sweet Dreams' is the sixth single (Everybody seems to love her music eh?) off I Am ... Sasha Fierce. The sound produced is haunting and Beyonce's vocals definitely go well with it. One of her few ventures into electro-pop and Beyonce has already produced a worthy hit ! Expect to see more of this R&B diva in the upcoming future.

"You can be a sweet dream or beautiful nightmare
Either way I don't wanna wake up from you"

Lyrics: 8/10

Melody: 8/10

Variation: 7.5/10

Emotion: 8/10

Total: 78%+ 3(MV)=81%

81%

~Desz~

Chris Brown: Changed Man

2009-11-17T09:54:00.014+08:00

Song: Changed Man

Artiste: Chris Brown

Unreleased

Genre: R&B, Hip-Hop

Changed Man is an unreleased track by Chris Brown, who was once dubbed a

RnB prince before taking a tumble (You do read the news right?)

Needless to say, this track speaks of a man's desire to heal a relationship by

changing for the better, despite criticism from everybody.

"Everybody hates Chris" was the line which struck me, because it was simply a

direct look at the way things are happening.

Lyrics: 8/10

Melody: 7.5/10

Variation: 7/10

Message: 8/10

Final Score: 76%

~Desz

Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway

2009-11-15T14:06:00.013+08:00

The third single from Black Eyed Peas' 5th studio album The E.N.D., Meet Me Halfway is another great single from the legendary group and proof that the BEP's creative juices are still flowing like there's no tomorrow. While 'Boom Boom Pow' sounds very digital and futuristic, and 'I Gotta Feeling' has a happy, party style to it, 'Meet Me Halfway' comes across as an artsy type. Although the song only peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, it's still my personal favourite (which is why this song is here), with 'I Gotta Feeling' following closely behind and 'Boom Boom Pow' on third. Oh did I forget to mention how sexy and sensual Fergie's voice is in this song? Enjoy!

Lyrics: 7/10
Melody: 9/10
Variation: 9/10
Emotion: 8/10

Total: 82.5% + 4% (MV Bonus)

Final Score: 86.5%

~Ryan~

Little Boots - Remedy

2009-11-15T00:25:00.012+08:00

Song: Remedy
Artiste: Little Boots
Album: Hands
Genre: Electro-pop

'Remedy' is the second single of Little Boot's debut album, Hands. This song was composed by Red One and Little Boots (English singer-songwriter) over a period of two days. What you get is a slick dance number which gets you moving - easily. In the song, she claims 'Dancin' is my remedy' and 'Music is the cure'. Pretty neat huh?

Lyrics: 8/10
Melody: 8.5/10
Variation: 7/10 (How different can dance numbers go?)
Message: 7.5/10

Total Score: 77.5% + 3.5% (MV Bonus)

Final Score: 81%

Jonas Brothers: Paranoid

2009-11-14T14:49:00.009+08:00

Song: Paranoid
Band: Jonas Brothers
Album: Lines, Vines and Trying Times
Genre: Teen Pop

Paranoid is the first single off JoBros's fourth album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Though I'm no where near becoming a Jonas fan, this track takes a slightly different sound and it does get you singing along.

"Every time I turn around
Something don't feel right"

I thought that most of us could relate to those lines. More often than not, it's our over-sensitive behaviour which gets in our way of doing things.

Lyrics: 7.5/10

Melody: 7/10

Variation: 6.5/10

Message: 7/10

Total: 70 % + 3% (MV Bonus)

Overall Score: 73%

Jesse McCartney - Body Language

2009-11-11T23:37:00.014+08:00

Song: Body Language
Artiste: Jesse McCartney Ft T-Pain
Album: Departure

Body Language is the second single off Jesse's 4th studio album (Departure: Recharged). This R&B pop-ish track never fails to get me grooving - in the seat or in the car. T-pain adds R&B feel to this song and you cannot help but take notice of some unusual lyrics like 'Konichiwa' and 'Parlez Vou Francais'. This song goes about the way a body does all the talking - beauty is a universal language. Give this track a listen, because it's probably one of the few great ones on this album.

Lyrics: 7/10
Melody: 8/10
Variation: 6.5/10
Message: 7/10

Total: 71% + 4% (Music Video Bonus)

Final Score: 75%

Kesha - TiK ToK

2009-11-11T10:00:00.009+08:00

Never heard of Kesha? Well, think back to 'Right Round', by Flo-Rida featuring guess who? TiK ToK is Kehsa's debut single, and it totally rocked my socks! Hmm, doesn't she remind you of Shakira, voice and looks alike? Come on, you gotta admit there's at least a little resemblance... This electropop song totally shouts her sexy voice like, in your face! This irresistible tune is so gonna get you up and dancing on your feet :D Not surprisingly, this song is about part-aying. Get ready to expect more of Kesha in her upcoming debut album to be released in 2010. Meanwhile, its Boomz-up for TiK ToK!

Lyrics: 3/5

Melody: 4/5

Variation: 4/5

Message: 4/5

Total: 75% + 4% (MV Bonus)

Final Score: 79%

Ryan,
Your friendly neighborhood music man :)

Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet

2009-11-08T23:18:00.010+08:00

He's Back! Haven't Met You yet is the first single from the album Crazy Love. Typical Buble sounds from this track. Always soothing to the ear and its listenable anytime of the day :) Its jazzy tune is sure to lure your dream state happily away to wonderland. This song's cheesy lyrics about finding the right girl may not be that original, but I fell in love just listening to the melody... I mean anyone would, right? Hello? Its Michael Buble, not to mention that even my mom is a fan of his songs. A chart topper based on my predictions, this one is going out to all the singles out there, don't give up!

Lyrics: 3/5
Melody: 5/5
Variation: 4/5
Message: 2/5

Total: 70% + 5% (MV Bonus)

Final Score: 75%

Desz even made a lyric-video =D

Ryan,
Your friendly neighborhood music man :)