Brave (Song Review)

Sara Bareilles is back, and primed for her 3rd album, Blessed Unrest. This time, she's interested in just how "Brave" you can be.

"Brave" kicks off with a snappy, kicking beat, before her signature vocals cut in warmly with "You can be amazing", backed by bouncing piano keys. It's a ready-for-summer inspirational anthem, with a bit of an old school twist. Think fun.'s "We Are Young"; it has that retro flavored pop that makes it very versatile. While we were a bit shocked at a more pop approach, Sara is at her best when she sings those jazzy numbers like "Many the Miles", or her tongue-in-cheek "King of Anything". But she proves that as a songwriter, you don't have to be a one-trick pony.

Stacked next to her previous debut singles (the key pounding "Love Song", or the witty, catchy lyrics of "King of Anything") the song seems a little too robotic, the programmed sounding drums and the melody rely on hook versus a strong chorus. However, Sara has continued strong lyrics, delivering one smart line after another. Our personal fave? "You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug". Too late.

We're glad to see Bareilles back in the music game, we're looking forward to see what she comes up with next.

Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5

JUNO Awards: How it All Went Down

For those who don't know, many of our favorite singers, songwriters, and bands are from... Canada! Well, last night, Canada had their "Grammys" in the form of the Juno Awards. Here's who were nominated/won.

*winners in bold letters

FAN CHOICE AWARD:

Carly Rae Jepsen

Celine Dion

Hedley

Drake

Justin Bieber

Leonard Cohen

Marianas Trench

Metric

Michael Buble

Nickelback

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

"Viking Death March" by Billy Talent

"Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Kiss You Inside Out" by Hedley

"Stompa" by Serena Ryder

"The Way it Is" by The Sheep Dogs

INTERNATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Overexposed by Maroon 5

Babel by Mumford and Sons

Up All Night by One Direction

Merry Christmas, Baby by Rod Stewart

Red by Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Kiss by Carly Rae Jepsen

Sans Attende by Celine Dion

Storms by Hedley

Believe by Justin Bieber

Ever After by Marianas Trench

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Carly Rae Jepsen

Deadmau5

Johnny Reid

Justin Bieber

Leonard Cohen

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Billy Talent

Marianas Trench

Metric

Rush

The Sheep Dogs

Carly Rae also took home the Juno for Pop Album of the Year, as well as performing her smash hit, "Call Me Maybe" and our current favorite, "Tonight I'm Getting Over You".

Fall Down (Song Review)

Thankfully, Will.i.am has not added a hashtag to the front of the song title. But will "Fall Down" be the hit that brings Miley Cyrus back to the top?

Our guess is, no. Probably not. It's not that it's a bad song, it's just not a great song. Will.i.am's rapping is getting a little tired, the constant strange comparisons ("... You can be my soda pop, Coca Cola, sip it up..."?), while Miley sounds a little flat and bored. It's catchy, but forgettable. It's no "Scream & Shout" or "#thatPower", in terms of pop/dance appeal.

The style trades in the banging club beats for more a more hip hop feel. Acoustic guitars will pique your interest, and the orchestral bridge is a nice touch. But after such club heavy previous singles, this comes over as a let down, album filler with Miley's name on it just to sell the record.

Our Rating: 2 out of 5

Get Lucky (Song Review)

Time to get your funk on. Daft Punk is back with this summery pop groove that will get you movin' til the sun goes down... and up again!

After, what, 8 years? since an official Daft Punk record (not including the TRON soundtrack), the robots are making moves for a comeback with their single, "Get Lucky". We have to say, it lives up to the hype, trading in icy synths and cold dance style for a sunnier, funky sound. Plus, it helps to have long time major producer Nile Rogers contributing to the record. As he helped put disco, funk, and soul in the scene, he knows a thing or two about making great, dancable music.

Pharrell Williams lends his vocals to the track. He has contributed to and produced songs for many artists, including Britney Spears, Swedish House Mafia, Shakira, Gorillaz, and countless others, as well as having been the vocalist of the group N.E.R.D. But he, Daft Punk, and Nile are a deadly combo, and they prove so, slaying it in this classy electro-groove.

The production is top-notch, the robots skillfully incorporate disco-era funk with modern flair. Plus, the intermittent robot voice constantly reminds you that it's a Daft Punk record, as well as giving love to the long time fans. We can't help but wish that more of the album was leaked!

So swing your hips, clap your hands; Daft Punk is back, and they're going to be a force to be reckoned with... everywhere!

Our Rating 4 out of 5

Daft Punk's album, Random Access Memories, comes out May 21.

Psy acts like the opposite of a "Gentleman" in new video

Well, Psy returns with a new video!

The man with the most viewed video on youtube has comeback with a music video for "Gentleman", his new single. Like "Gangnam", it has a dance (But with more hip action!), features random places, and is re-watchable. However, it shows the prankster that Psy is, pulling out chairs, pressing all of the elevator buttons... We'll let you watch.

So, will it become the new dance craze? We can't call that yet, but Psy has given it the best shot he probably could.

Bridgit Mendler heads for a night out to avoid a "Hurricane" in new video

"Hurricane" is the latest single off of Bridgit's album "Hello My Name is..." and it's just as catchy as "Ready or Not" with reggae/pop twinges and a gospel bridge, it's only fitting that it's the new single. We did a review here.

The video is well shot, with alternating scenes of Bridgit singing, as well as her escaping the confines of her apartment with a friend by taking a night out to an art museum and a club. She looks better than ever, and we can't help but think that big things will happen in her future.

Justin Bieber takes you "All Around the World" in his new music video

The Biebs has given us some pretty memorable videos, who could forget the hyped up "Boyfriend", or the pranked "Beauty and a Beat"? Well, unfortunately, this video is in the forgettable section of his videos, as he films the regular "this is my tour video". We've seen the Black Eyed Peas do it, as well as Voice judge Usher in "More". Maybe they didn't have time, or the budget for the video, but we are always left underwhelmed.

Basically, it shows the biebs performing "All Around the World" live on a couple different stages, while giving you flashes of screaming fans, different parts of the world, and... more screaming fans. Ludacris makes an appearance as well, rapping live, before the performance ends, and Justin whispers "believe" to the cam, and the video ends. It's nice to see the tour, but aren't we going to see that in BELIEVE 3D?

Gentleman (Song Review)

Psy. The creator of the dance craze that ruled the latter half of 2012 (with "Gangnam Style") is back with his new single "Gentleman".

So we at Radio Review Blog don't know exactly what to expect from this song. After all, "Gangnam Style" was a viral hit, aided by the dance that pushed it on our radio and to the top of Billboard (number 2). So any song that Psy released would be a huge risk, as it will either bomb or become a hit. There is really no in between, as one way or another, people will pick it up, or just be tired of the hype behind the Korean rapper.

But all the questions aside, we have to review. And it's not too bad. Nor is amazing. With nothing to really compare it too, we can only listen and try not to think of "Gangnam". It's catchy, EDM influenced. The chorus is similar to what we've heard in "Gangnam"; a repetitive and simple "I'm the mother-father Gentleman" (nice censorship). Is it going to be a hit? We hope so for the rapper's sake, but it is really all up in the air for now.

"Gentleman" will be released digitally April 13

Our Rating: 3 out of 5

Here's To Never Growing (Song Review)

We've been fans of Avril since her "Sk8r Boi" days, so it's been fun to see how she has changed herself, from bad-girl rocker of Let Go and Under My Skin to the more in-your-face pop of Best Damn Thing. She's never been the good girl (Taylor Swift), the sexed up pop singer (Rihanna) or artsy (Lady GaGa). Rather, she's been in and out, always there, but never trying to be what she's not.

And that's what this song is about; "Here's to Never Growing Up". Catchy, and upbeat, the chorus is a slowed down tribute to being young, or living young, backed with big beats and handclaps, similar to 3OH!3's "Youngblood" or the new We The King's song.

It's not as attention grabbing as "Girlfriend" or "What the Hell", nor as emotional as "Complicated" or "I'm With You". Rather, it stays somewhere in the middle, not brilliant songwriting nor pop genius. So we aren't expecting it to be playing on the radio a lot, just our iPods. It's the song that is catchy enough to hold your attention, but not one that will keep you singing afterwards.

Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Just Keep Breathing (Song Review)

We the Kings have broken into the top ten on iTunes, with their new single "Just Keep Breathing". Here's our take.

We were a little surprised to see two new songs released yesterday (We the Kings and Selena Gomez), and even more surprised to see the band top the Disney pop star in digital sales. So we investigated, and there may be a good reason. The song's has a great message, and a catchy chorus. However, we aren't all to impressed with the style, it sounds like Imagine Dragons, with the chorus a slowed down version of the "Woah ohs" in fun.'s "Some Nights". It's clear that after failing to get enough sales with their last album., they're keen to switch things up and compete with the popular bands.

But we're left feeling like we did when we heard Maroon 5's "Daylight". A good concept, but mediocre effort.

Our Rating: 3 Out of 5

Come & Get It (Song Review)

The song starts off very (to quote Gomez's own description) tribal. There's a middle eastern vibe that introduces the new Gomez to the world. Then it breaks into big synths and the chorus, which is "if you're ready come and get it... na na na na". Sonically, we compare it to "Your Touch" by Blake Lewis, or Ellie Goulding's "Figure 8", a slow build up to an explosive chorus (without dubstep, thankfully). We give props to Selena, it's a mature sounding song that doesn't trade dance and pop elements for maturity. And it's still catchy as heck.

Of course, it's not a dance/club driven song, like "Hit the Lights" or "Naturally". Instead, it showcases Gomez's vocals, like "A Year Without Rain" and "Love You Like a Love Song". Her vocals are spot on, with a bit of auto-tweaking here and there, but not overly noticable. Plus we gotta love the sassy lyrics; her teasing. We can't wait for the new album!


Our Rating: 4 out of 5

New Music Buzz... Avril, Beyonce, and more!

Beyonce gives a six second teaser of #beyherenow, where something is supposed to happen on April 4th. HERE

Avril Lavigne announced the release date for her new single, "Here's to Never Growing Up", which is set for April 9th.

Martin Solvieg teases his Tomarrowland Festival performance with a costume HERE.

Get your club on, with Carly Rae Jepsen's "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" remixes HERE.

Demi announced the track listing for her DEMI album... and one track features Cher Lloyd! HERE

RRB's Top Ten: Overrated Artists

There's no denying that these ten artists are immensely talented... but we're just a little tired of the critics, the public, and our friends gushing over them like the Niagara Falls. So, we might as well get it off our chest!


10. Taylor Swift
Aw, Taylor. We don't blame you for writing such great songs. We blame everyone else who are fooled by your stunning looks and catchy hooks. "Red" was pretty good, but a 'country' artist, intentionally using dubstep, synths and drum machines to sell records?


9. Adele
We loved you back when you were 19. "Chasing Pavements" was our jam! But then Glee came along, and the rest is history. Everyone loved you. And we got tired of it.


8. Fun.
Ahhhh, Fun. You took the fun out of our lives after we had heard "We Are Young" and "Some Nights" playing... every five minutes on the radio. And TV. And online. Another artist who was helped by Glee. Hooray.


7. Mumford & Sons
We get that your music is "meaningful" and whatnot... but you guys gotta switch it up. The banjos and acoustic guitars start to grind in our ears. Especially after Phillip Phillips' "Home".


6. Rihanna
You became the victim of Chris Brown's abuse, back in... 2007? We don't really remember, but now females will continue to rally around you like you're some sort of survivor of a war. And it gets tiring. Plus, when was the last time you actually wrote a song?


5. Paramore
The rock band everyone likes. But seriously, their biggest hit was a country song.


4. Drake
Thank you "Drizzy". You managed to get a bunch of 12 year-olds to say the N word, as well as the most overused word of 2012. No, we're not going to say it.


3. The Lumineers
Constantly shouting "Ho" and "Hey" should not get you a top 5 hit.


2. Ed Sheeran
Ladies love you because you make "abstract" acoustic ballads. And that's all you do. Acoustic ballads. Plus, you made one of the worst One Direction songs in history.


1. Frank Ocean
Would not have gotten a single shred of notice if it weren't for his letter about his sexuality.

Of course, this is all for fun, we couldn't help but pick apart some of our favorite artists! Which artists do you think are overrated?

Pom Poms (Song Review)

"Put your pom poms down for me"

The JoBros are back and pumped up after a four year hiatus with a new song called "Pom Poms". How does it stack up to their other songs, and does it live to the hype? And, most importantly, will it be a success? After they failed to make a hit with their previous album (Lines, Vines, and Trying Times), we certainly hope so.

"Pom Poms" is certainly a catchy parade of marching band beats, brass, and a rallying chorus. Like Gwen Stephanie's "Hollaback Girl" or Madonna's "Give Me All Your Luvin'", the song recalls High School/ College bands and cheerleaders. However, we have to say that "Pom Poms" beats them; the production? Top notch. Plus you got the girls versus guys in the bridge, which just adds to the party vibe the Bros got going. Add full marching band, and a gospel choir? Nothing but a sign of a good time. Put this one on repeat and turn the volume up, this song is at its best when its at maximum volume.

Lyrics are fun and clever, with Joe saying that he wants a girl like a kid wants a milkshake. And that there's a lot more to love if you put your pom poms down. While it's not too far off of what we've heard before, you find yourself not really listening to the lyrics, but the beat and band. It's enough to get you out of the bleachers and storm the field.

The style out does their previous pop/punk work, favoring big moments and elements over simpler guitar riffs. Does it live to the hype? Absolutely. And only time will tell whether this song will be a hit. But if it's like the last note that Joe sings at the end, we can expect the song to go higher and higher... up the charts.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Fine China (Song Review)

Is it just us, or is every artist trying to sound retro?

Take for example this new tune from Chris Brown. His latest single, "Fine China" takes on discoesque strings, a classy beat, and 90's R&B sounds mixed with a laid back style that sounds like it was from a jazzier time... or from Justin Timberlake's "20/20 Experience".

While the comparisons are there, we have to give Brown's "Fine China" an edge over Timberlake's "Suit & Tie". It's more memorable, and uses the vintage sounds to its full advantage, where as "Suit..." sounds the same all the way through, and is about a minute too long. The only question we have for Breezy, is what his new album, X, is going to sound like? Is it going to be polished, slick retro-flavored R&B, or is he going to continue the futuristic sounds like in his last album, with songs like "Don't Wake me Up"?

Whatever he chooses, we give props to him on his latest song. Lyrically, it's about love, and how his girl is like "Fine China"... he will treat her delicately. We certainly hope so. It sounds like a change for the better from the "Forever" hit maker.

Our Rating 4 out of 5

Hey Now (Song Review)

When it comes to memorable, summer dance tracks, you don't get any better than Martin Solvieg. In his latest single, he teams up with the Cataracts (Like a G6) and an indie rapper named 'Kyle' who sounds suspiciously like Drake.

It's clear that Solvieg has learnt a thing or two about making good collaborations and catchy music. While "Hello" was his only mainstream hit, we still were jamming along to "Ready 2 Go", "Big in Japan", and "Can't Stop" (which was used in a Fanta commercial), plus he got to work with pop queen Madonna on the catchy "Give Me all your Luvin'" as well as others on her 2012 album, MDNA. So coming back to the charts with a new song, he cleverly adds the Cataracts to his growing list of collaboratees. While their signature banging club beats aren't in this song, they help make this song into a summer radio staple. And Kyle lays down a few slick lines about partying.

Lyrically, it's not too different than the other party themed music that is currently so popular. Think of it as the day version of his classy, "The Night Out". While it's not as strong as "Hello" or "Ready 2 Go" in catchy-ness, it still is a bright song among so many about night parties. It's the song you want to play as you're headed for a summer "vay-cay". And Martin capitalizes on that theme well. Just look at the album art. It reminds us of Owl City's previous summer smash, "Good Time". So hop in the car, roll down the windows, and turn up the radio! This song will be your summer soundtrack.

Our rating: 4 out of 5