Best Albums of 2015

As the end of the year approaches, it's now time to reflect on some of the albums that topped this year's charts. This year had so many new releases, from Madonna's "Rebel Heart," to Adele's mega-hit "25." Here's some of my favorites through out the year, all of which I think are worth the listen.

Source: Demi Lovato's "Confident" rocked the charts this year.

1. "Confident" by Demi Lovato
2. "Honeymoon" by Lana Del Rey
3. "Rebel Heart" by Madonna
4. "25" by Adele
5. "III" by JoJo
6. "Beauty Behind the Madness" by the Weeknd 
7. "Grand Romantic" by Nate Ruess
8. "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" by Drake

While these were some of my favorite releases this year, I would also like to point out some releases last year still managed to be a favorite of mine. "1989" by Taylor Swift was always on repeat, as was "Strange Desire" by Bleachers, just to name a few.
However, next year looks to be an equally promising year for new releases. I'm particularly excited about JoJo's new album, as well as Elton John's. But, for now, I'll have plenty from this year to hold me over until they come out.

Music Monday: All Time Favorite Artists

You all can guess from last week that I listen to a lot of music. Last week, I told you all about my favorite albums of all time. Today I'm going to tell you about my favorite artists. And, I can promise that this list will be a lot shorter than the previous one. Like my favorite albums, be sure to expect a lot of diversity, and classic rock.

1. Madonna
2. Ozzy Osbourne
3. Elton John 
4. Lana Del Rey 
5. Aerosmith 
6.  Demi Lovato 
7. Tegan and Sara
8. The Pretty Reckless
9. Def Leppard 

Music Monday: 37 Albums Everyone Should Listen To

For the past two years, I've showcased new artists that I was obsessed with and thought they were good. I also wrote about upcoming releases, new albums, and shared playlists with you guys. Now, I've compiled a list of some albums that I personally have fallen in love with over the years. Some are old, some are new. Here's a list of my favorites. I love albums because they are a personal period of an artist's life. I also love them because there's nothing better than putting on a new CD. (I'm still old fashioned) And no, they are not in particular order. I recommend these all to you if you're looking for some fresh new tunes.

1. Like a Virgin by Madonna
2. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
3. No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne
4. 1989 by Taylor Swift
5. The One by Elton John
6. Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara
7.  Strange Desire by Bleachers
8. Honeymoon by Lana Del Rey
9. Red by Taylor Swift
10. Paper Trail by T.I. 
11. Madonna by Madonna
12. Ozzmosis by Ozzy Osbourne
13. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
14. JOJO by JoJo
15. True Blue by Madonna
16. Down to Earth by Ozzy Osbourne
17. Made in England by Elton John
18. Black Rain by Ozzy Osbourne  
19. The High Road by JoJo
20. Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna
21. Top Gun (Soundtrack) by Various
22. Scream by Ozzy Osbourne
23. Stripped by Christina Aguilera 
24. The Stranger by Billy Joel
25. Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weekend 
26. Big Ones by Aerosmith
27. Tringle by JoJo
28. X by Ed Sheeran
29. Paradise (EP) by Lana Del Rey 
30. Going to Hell by The Pretty Reckless
31. Dirty Dancing (Soundtrack) by Various 
32. Ultimate Sin by Ozzy Osbourne
33.  Sehnsucht by Rammstein
34. Love Songs by Elton John 
35. American Life by Madonna
36. Light Me Up by The Pretty Reckless 
37. No Rest for the Wicked by Ozzy Osbourne

Music Monday: Honeymoon Album Review

 
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It's no secret on this blog I've mentioned my love for Lana Del Rey. In August, I talked about her recent single "High By the Beach" which was the first single off of her new album "Honeymoon." Promotional singles "Honeymoon," "Music to Watch Boys To" and "Terrence Loves You" then followed in the following weeks. "Honeymoon" then arrived on Sept. 18, 2015.
It starts with violins, and the melancholy melody of "Honeymoon", which is a dark ballad that in my opinion is one of the best songs off of the album. For those who liked "Young and Beautiful," will instantly fall in love with the dark melody. Then, it goes into "Music to Watch Boys To," and "Terrence Loves You." The ultra catchy "High by the Beach" is reminiscent of summer, and puts listeners in a "summer state of mind" despite the fact that summer days are behind. Del Rey also covers "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" as the final track for the album.
As a Lana Del Rey fan, I'm in love with the album. Del Rey is extremely talented in her vocal range, and her music is beautiful. I will admit that I haven't listened to the album as much as I would have liked to, but I can already tell that this is going to be one of my favorite releases for 2015. Del Rey is definitely unique compared to other artists on the scene, and this release shows that element off quite nicely. "Honeymoon" is definitely a must-listen. 
Must Listen: Honeymoon, God Knows I've Tried, High by the Beach and Music to Watch Boys To. However, I just recommend you listen to the entire album.

Music Monday: The Weeknd's New Album

 
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One of the album's that has been on repeat for me for the past few days was the Weeknd's second album "Beauty Behind the Madness." I never really heard of The Weekend until I heard that Lana Del Rey, my favorite singer ever was going to be featured on the album. I remembered seeing "Earned It" on the Fifty Shades soundtrack, but since I didn't know much about the artist I didn't end up getting the song. Needless to say, I downloaded the song when the album dropped August 28th. And it was a repeat, because it's amazing. Lana did an amazing job with it, but I really liked the beat of it as well. I knew right then and there that this was an artist that I needed to have the entire album of.
And so, Friday night I snagged a digital copy of it. I feel in love with it, as soon as the first notes of "Real Life" came out of my Macbook speakers. It's a bit different then some of the other Indie/Metal/Rock artists that are present in my iTunes, but I'm still obsessed with his vocals, lyrical content and the overall album. Some of my favorite artists, such as Del Rey and Ed Sheeran, appear on the album and those songs did not disappoint. Even though those artists are different then The Weeknd, I thought the combination sounded perfect.
Overall, I think this album is one of my favorite albums that came out this year, tying with Madonna's "Rebel Heart." As we enter the last few months in fall, I'm expecting that this will compete with a few other albums, such as Lana Del Rey's "Honeymoon" (expected release this Friday), and Demi Lovato's confident (which is expected to be released in October.) And, we can not forget JoJo's tringle. However, I think "Beauty Behind The Madness" is definitely going to be one of my favorites of the year.
Must Listen: Real Life, Prisoner, the Hills, Tell Your Friends Can't Feel My Face, Angel, Earned It (Fifty Shades), Losers and Dark Times.

Music Monday: Lana and JoJo

Last week, I heard not one but two of my favorite singers will be coming out with new music. Cue the excitement and hold the phone. This calls for a Music Monday post without a doubt.
The first is Lana Del Rey. The singer will be releasing her newest single "High On the Beach" today, and I'm so excited. Her new album will be coming out soon (allegedly September,) and after hearing "Honeymoon" on her Youtube, I've been so excited for the single to available on iTunes today. Lana is one of my favorite singers, so I'm sure the album will not disappoint.

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The second is singer JoJo, whose famous for hits like "Leave (Get out)" and "Too Little Too Late." After nine years, she's finally ready to release some new music. In 2011 and 2012, she released the songs "Disaster" and "Sexy to Me" which are also some of my favorites, but now her third album is expected to be released soon as she unveiled her new logo. As a JoJo fan since I was 11, I was so excited to see this, and am so excited for the third album. I love how talented the singer is, and I really can't wait.

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Music Monday: May Music Obsessions

The title of this post has such alliteration! Anyways, for those of you who know me, I love a good playlist. During my time as the Opinions Editor for the Southern News, I had to make a playlist every week and I was in heaven. Lately, I've been adding music to my iTunes library like crazy! From Lil Wayne, to Lindsay Lohan my iTunes and iPod have been gratefully accepting my new music choices to jam to. So, I decided to share a playlist with you...enjoy! (Some of these songs are a bit older, so #throwback!)

1. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey 
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction 
3. Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding (from 50 Shades of Grey)
4. One by Ed Sheeran
5. Perry Mason by Ozzy Osbourne
6. Closer by Tegan and Sara 
7. Hold on We're Going Home by Drake 
8. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey 
9. Don't by Ed Sheeran 
10. Dangerous by Roxette
11. Style by Taylor Swift 
12. Heaven Knows by the Pretty Reckless 
13. American by Lana Del Rey 
14. Miracle Man by Ozzy Osbourne
15. West Coast by Lana Del Rey 

2014 Albums of the Year

2014 was a great year of music in my opinion. Between Taylor Swift to The Pretty Reckless, it was swarming with new releases. Here's my favorites from this year.

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Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
Of course, the queen gets the top spot. Ultraviolence came out in June, yet it's still on repeat. Lana is amazing with her dark music that sounds so smooth that you're constantly wanting more. My faves are 'Cruel World', 'Ultraviolence', and "West Coast', yet the entire album is amazing in itself. I love Lana, and this album.
Going to Hell by The Pretty Reckless 
The Pretty Reckless is one of my favorite modern bands. "Going to Hell" didn't disappoint. I'm a huge fan of rock, and Taylor Momsen is a brilliant singer. "Heaven Knows" has quickly become my anthem through out the year, and the music video is simply brilliant. "Follow Me Down", "Going to Hell", "Heaven Knows", "Absolution", "Sweet Things", and "Why'd You Bring A Shotgun to the Party" are some of my favorites. If you like it, also check out their debut "Light Me Up". It's amazing.

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1989 by Taylor Swift 
Taylor Swift is amazing. 1989 was simply epic. Since it has an eighties tone to it, I fell in love with it. Her creativeness showed in "Out of the Woods", and the music video "Blank Space" was really well done. All of the songs are classics but my faves are "Welcome to New York", "Blank Space", "Style", Out of the Woods", "Shake it Off", and "Bad Blood." If you haven't listened to at least one of these songs before, then you've simply been living under a rock. Go listen to them now.
Classics by She & Him
At the time of writing this, the album didn't come out. However, I am such a huge fan of this charming duo that I'm going to have so much faith that it's amazing. In the mean time, check out 'Stars Fall On Alabama" and 'Stay Awhile". Zooey's voice is amazing and I'm so excited about this release.

Music Monday-Summer Love Songs.

Ahh, summer love. It's that one time of year when the weather is as hot as your hormones. When you have enough free time to devote to spreading it with someone else. As Boys Like Girls said "your voice is the sound of my summer", and you just need a summer love playlist to play to your beloved on a hot summer night. Out of ideas? Well here's some of my faves, bought to you by Spotify!
What are some of your favorite summer love songs? I would like to hear them. Tell me in the comments section below!

Young and Beautiful, by Lana Del Rey
Drunk on You by Luke Bryan
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
Made in the USA by Demi Lovato
National Anthem by Lana Del Rey
You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
I Love You by Martina McBride
Kids in Love by Mayday Parade
When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
Thunder by Boys Like Girls

Music Monday-What Have I Been Listening To?

Lately, my taste in music has been pretty much all over the place. I've recently liked Beyonce, and I'm also currently listening to my old faves, Aerosmith . And of course, Lana's new album has been on repeat since it came out. So, I've devised a playlist with some of my current awesome music that you all should plug into your Spotify. (But I'm old fashioned according to Gabriel. I actually still download MP3 and purchase CDs.)

1. Rocky Mountain Way by Ozzy Osbourne
2. I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers 
3. Afraid by Neighborhood
4. Sad Girl by Lana Del Rey 
5. You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
6. Drunk in Love by Beyonce 
7. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
8. Sing by Ed Sheeran 
9. Rollercoaster by Bleachers
10. Fancy by Iggy Azelia
11. Fallinlove2nite by Prince featuring Zooey Deschanel
12. Lose Yourself by Eminem
13. Naughty Girl by Beyonce 
14. Never Know Why by Ozzy Osbournc
15. Independent Women by Destiny's Child
16. Independence Day by Martina Mcbride 
17. The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand 
18. Cruel World by Lana Del Rey 

What are you listening to? Let me know, I want to see what's on your playlist. 

Music Monday-Ultraviolence

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Ladies and gentlemen, the wait for all of you Lana fans is over. At long last, her new album 'Ultraviolence' has come out. And it didn't disappoint.
Lana has been one of my favorite singers ever since she lent her vocals to the song 'Young and Beautiful' from 'The Great Gatsby.' Ever since then, I've had her two albums (Born to Die and Paradise-EP) on repeat. When she announced her new album, I quickly became excited. When the single 'West Coast' came out, I literally downloaded the song that very minute I came home. #itsthatimportant After downloading that song, I couldn't wait for her album to come out June 17th.
So when it did, I had to get it that day. But, due to lack of rides I had to wait til the 18th to purchase it. Once I did, I was in love with it. The album was completely perfect. "Cruel World" is the perfect start to the album, and has quickly become one of my favorite songs ever. Songs like "Ultraviolence", "Sad Girl", and "F**ked My Way to the Top" are classic Lana Del Rey songs, when the music is a mixture of deep lyrics and beautiful music. Of course, who can forget "West Coast", which in my opinion has become the anthem to this summer.
It's safe to say that this album is one of my favorites. Lana, you didn't disappoint. For the first time ever, I can't write a list of my favorite songs, because the entire album is my favorite. So, go listen to this wonderful album today. Whether you buy it somewhere, or go to Spotify, I recommend you all to listen to it. I am sure that you'll fall in love with it like I have. 

Friday Five-Best Patriotic Songs Ever!

I'm once again linking up with some awesome bloggers for the Friday Five! This Friday, I am going to tell you all about my top five favorite songs about the USA. You know, in honor of it being the Fourth of July, and all. So, sit back, and enjoy some awesome fireworks with the sounds of our favorite music, past and present blasting at your parties.
Made In The USA-Demi Lovato: Whenever I listen to this song, it just reminds me of a summer love. Nothing in my opinion is more romantic then falling in love in the summer, and of course, if you do this should be your song. The music video also kind of reminds me of the whole summer thing. Anyways, what better song to celebrate the USA with than none other than Demi Lovato?
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Party In The USA-Miley Cyrus: The same thing as Demi. This song is one that has to be playing loud on your speakers at your fourth of July picnik.
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Born In The USA-Bruce Springsteen: One word-classic. I pretty much love Bruce, and this song is one of my favorites.
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American-Lana Del Rey: Another song for your summer love. Perfect for slow dancing, eh?
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Firework by Katy Perry: You can't go to a fireworks display without hearing this song at least once.
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What are your favorite songs about the good ol' USA? Happy birthday, America!

Music Monday-Summertime Playlist

Ah, yes it's summertime. Or close to it. In the summer, there's nothing better than listening to a super awesome song while you're driving, or just chilling on the beach. Every year, there's a song that we're obsessed with. Last year, it was blurred lines. This year, who knows? All I know is that every summer needs to have a soundtrack. Here's some of my favorite summertime hits.

1. Ride by Lana Del Rey
2. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
3. Kids In Love by Mayday Parade
4. West Coast by Lana Del Rey 
5. Drunk on You by Luke Bryan 
6. Made in the USA by Demi Lovato
7. Summer Nights by Rascal Flatts
8. The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls
9. Some Nights by fun. 
10. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey
11. Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard 
12. Thunder by Boys Like Girls
13. We Can't Stop by Miley Cryus 
14. Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey 
15. Problem (Featuring Iggy Azelia) by Ariana Grande

What are your 'soundtracks' to your summer? Comment below!

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Music Monday-2013

2013 was a wonderful and crazy year for the music world. It was the year of the twerking, of the Miley, and of the Blurred lines. However, I must honestly say that my iTunes library swelled this year. Here's a few of my favorites from the year.

• Mayday Parade's Monsters in the Closet. Okay so I just got the album a few days. Sue me, I'm a bad fan. But it's really good, and I am really enjoying it. My favorites include "Ghosts", "The Last Night for a Table of Two", "Hold Onto Me", and "Angel."
• "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey. This is in case you all were living under a rock, was the love theme from the Great Gatsby. I love this song because it's simple, yet elegant. It has this haunted aspect to it, which for some odd reason I enjoy. It just adds onto the notion of simply wanting someone to love you unconditionally, even when you're no longer beautiful. 
• Cannonball by Lea Michele; Okay so we all know that Lea has been through a hell of a year. This song is perfect for her. It's honestly great, and I can't wait for Louder to be released this upcoming March.
• Lady GaGa's Artpop. Lady GaGa is simply amazing. I've been a huge fan of her since The Fame. Just Dance was my jam my freshman year in high school. Her latest album is awesome. It's so empowering, plus they have a beat that is simply amazing. Some of my favorites include "Applause", "Aura", and "Venus". If you are a Lady GaGa fan than you should definately be listening to this. Like stop reading this blog, and go listen to it. It's that good. 
• Loved Me Back To Life by Celine Dion. Okay, I am a huge fan of Celine. I have pretty much all of her CDs. This is her first album in 6 years. Loved Me Back to Life is full of heartfilled, pop music. I love Celine, and this album surely doesn't disappoint. Give "Loved Me Back To Life", "Somebody Loves Somebody," "Water and A Flame", and "Unfinished Songs" a listen. They won't disappoint. 
• Brave by Sarah Barielles. This song honestly reminds me of summer days jamming with Gabriel. 
• Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. Okay, I like this song and I am not ashamed to admit it. Have a problem? Oh well. I really enjoy working out to it. Plus, it gets stuck in my head a lot. That can be annoying. 
• Demi by Demi Lovato. Team Demi for life. Her new album, which came out in May is simply amazing. Each and every song was awesome. Demi is such a talented artist, and 2013 was an awesome year for her. My favorites include "Heart Attack", "Fire Starter", "Neon Lights," and "Made In The Usa."
• Crash My Party by Luke Bryan. I love Luke Bryan. I jam to it while I am work. This album didn't disappoint. "That's My Kind of Night", and "Crash My Party"were my jams.
• Royals by Lorde. Okay, so this is pretty much been killed by the radio. But come on, it's so good!
• Nashville. I simply love the show, and all of the singles. I've gained so much respect for artists, based on this show. I am such a huge fan, and each and every one of the singles that were released this year were amazing Catch up, because the new season begins 1/15/2013. I can't wait. 

So those were my jams this year. What's on your playlist this year? Comment, email, or tweet me! 

Music Monday: Lana Del Ray.

For those of you who know me personally I'm a classic rock kind of girl. It's rare that I find music from today that I love. However, one of the few exceptions is Lana Del Ray. She is without a doubt my favorite modern artist. 

Lana, also known as Elizabeth Grant, has two albums out. Born to Die, and the EP Paradise. You may know her better from the Great Gatsby. She sang the song "Young and Beautiful" (music video featured below). Her music is unlike anything I've ever listened to. It sounds like something from another era. It's very classy and well polished.  Maybe that's why I love about it. 

My favorite songs by Lana include:

• Young and Beautiful (the Great Gatsby) 

•  Born to Die (Born to Die) 

•  Off to the Races (Born to Die) 

•  Summertime Sadness (Born to Die)
• Video Games (Born to Die) 
• National Anthem (Born to Die)
•  Burning Desire (Paradise) 

•  That's What Makes Us Girls (Born to Die)
• Ride (Paradise) 

•  American (Paradise)
•  Gods and Monsters (Paradise)
• Blue Jeans (Born to Die)

Lana Del Ray is currently working on her third studio album. The title is yet to be known. In the meantime,we have her hits, which in my opinion are classics.

Young and Beautiful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_1aF54DO60

Welcome to Music Monday where I showcase some of my favorite artists and write about them. This is a new feature that I'm trying out here. If you think I should listen to an artist to feature here, please comment below!