Ryan Adams - 1989

As a supporter and fan of Taylor Swift I feel the need to blog about one of her albums. Her most recent album, 1989, was released almost a full year ago this October. Recently the artist Ryan Adams released his project of a track-by-track cover of the album of 1989. With an emotional connection to the original album, Adams decided to remake it with the sound of the parents of younger Swift fans could appreciate. With sounds between Bruce Springsteen's Darkness On the Edge of Town and The Smiths' Meat is Murder  the sounds on the album fit perfectly for the decade Taylor is representing.

Although some songs don't live up to the original, the remake of a few make it seem like you're listening to the song for the first time all over again. The upbeat dance songs of the albums are turned into tentative/sad songs. "Out of the Woods" is turned into a rock ballad with the raw emotion showing through the cover. The most shocking cover to me is "Shake it Off". Being a song in which Taylor Swift pokes fun at herself and tells everyone to shake off the small things in life while dancing, Ryan Adams took a different approach and found the emotional resonance in a different way by turning the song into a ballad showing despair. This cover album has not mocked Taylor Swift but has shown the skeptics to her music that there is more depth and meaning to her songs beyond a first listen.

My all time favorite cover is "Wish You Would" maybe because it was the song on the original album that took me a while to really like it because it was way to "annoying pop" for me. The cover slows it down and you can really see the meaning behind the lyrics in it.

I would really consider giving this album (along with the original if you haven't already) a listen, not all the covers are amazing but there are a few gems.

The Maine - American Candy

The Maine is an alternative rock band that formed in 2007 from Tempe, Arizona. In March the band released their fifth studio album called "American Candy," which their fans highly anticipated. Since the release, the album has had a great success along with positive feedback from both old and new fans. On the day of the release, they held a live stream called "24 Hours of American Candy" where the band live streamed their day as they put out the new album. The tour for this album took place earlier this spring; however, The Maine is so thankful for their devoted fans they decided to add shows around the U.S. that would be completely free of charge. 

American Candy's track-list is: 

1) Miles Away

2) Same Suit, Different Tie

3) My Hair

4) English Girls

5) 24 Floors

6) Diet Soda Society

7) Am I Pretty?

8) (Un)Lost

9) American Candy

10) Another Night on Mars

Between the beats and lyrics it is easy to see how many people love this album. Although all the songs are great, the most popular songs are "Miles Away" and "English Girls." Miles Away has more of a relaxed-laid back up beat tune but it still makes you want to dance. English Girls has a very upbeat positive feel to it, which is a little different then their older/darker songs. The ballad of the album is 24 Floors, and the message/lyrics behind this song is deep. I would definitely recommend this album to  whoever needs just an uplift in their day. My top three songs off the album are Miles Away, Another Night on Mars, and Same Suit, Different Tie. The Maine is able to capture hearts along with keeping the beat going so you stay interested and want more. If you are looking for music that will make you want to dance along with and belt out lyrics that make you feel, definitely check out this album!!! 

Happy Listening :) 

The Royal Concept - Smile EP

The Royal Concept is an up and coming band from Stockholm, Sweden.  Originally called "The Concept" they released their first single in 2010. After getting support from Swedish radios, in 2012 they renamed themselves to "The Royal Concept" and released a self-titled album. The band toured around North America with American Authors and Misterwives in 2013, which allowed their music to cross the ocean. Their hit-single "On My Way" grew praise after being heard on the tv show Glee, along with MTV's Catfish and FIFA 2014. Their growing success allowed the band to recently release a new EP called Smile. The EP has the following track-list:

1) Smile
2) Fashion: 
3) Higher Than Love
4) Hurricane
5) Just Wanna Be Loved By U

I have been listening to this album a lot ever since it was released. The beat on each song is something new and completely different then those top songs that are way overplayed. Blending funk, indie and pop together helps make this album very addicting and leaving you wishing it never ends. Catchy hooks fill each song along with a rock 80s dance-influenced beat. My top three songs off this EP are definitely Smile, Just Wanna Be Loved By U and Fashion. The Royal Concept and this EP needs be added to your music library right now! 

Happy Listening :)