My Ravenous Playlist

Cry by Rihanna (with verdict!)

2009-06-28T21:45:00.005+08:00

Song: Cry

By: Rihanna

Album: Good Girl Gone Bad (2007)

Background info: 'Cry' is a bonus track on Rihanna's third studio album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad'.

Review: One good thing about this song is that the starting isn't too long. The song only goes 6 seconds before Rihanna starts singing, unlike other songs with unbearably long starts. Rihanna flaunts her signature voice again with 'Cry', as seen in her chart-toppers. Some people may feel that her voice is too draggy or whiny, but I feel that Rihanna carries her voice well in this song. What I don't like is the lyrics, which I find shallow and uncaptivating. I love the bridge because it has a nice 'gypsy' feel to it, though I don't really dig the chorus--the sound of it is rather flat to me. However, I enjoyed the keyboard notes in the backgound very much.

Rating: 2.6/5 stars

Verdict (NEW!) : Overall, a song gentle on the ears, but definitely not Rihanna's best offering.

Best time to play?: In the dark of the night.

Re-playability: 3/5 stars

If you liked this, you may like... : Unfaithful by Rihanna--the same keyboard emphasis is present here.

You're Not Sorry by Taylor Swift

2009-06-28T20:42:00.002+08:00

Song: You're Not Sorry

By: Taylor Swift

Album: Fearless (2008)

Background info: The 9th song from her 2nd studio album, Fearless. Like Taylor's other songs, it has a hidden message, which in this case is 'She Can Have You'.

Review: The strings in the beginning make a good-- and unique --start to the song. The distinctive keyboard in the background is also a noteworthy touch and Taylor's voice is sincere and passionate, not straying from the difficult pitch of the song. However, it sometimes sounds rather kiddish, as though Taylor hasn't found her 'real' voice yet. The lyrics are just alright, neither outstanding nor garish. Halfway through the song, an electric guitar appears. This, I find, is a commendable effort on Taylor's part to blend different music styles (she herself is a country girl).

Rating: 2.8/5 Stars

Best time to play?: When guys are idiots. (:

Re-playability: 2.7/5

If you liked this, you may like... : Take a Bow by Rihanna -- I love the unique sounds present in both songs.

If I were a Boy by Beyonce

2009-06-28T19:20:00.004+08:00

Song: If I were a Boy

By: Beyonce

Album: I am... Sasha Fierce (2008)

Background info: The first track on Beyonce's third solo studio album, I am... Sasha Fierce. It is on the first disc, as the album has two disc in both the standard editions and the deluxe editions.

Review: I felt that the entry to the song was rather naked, but I guess that's was the whole point to the song. After all, the song was released under the section of 'I am...', so it shows the real girl side to Beyonce. I love how the song is unique, as it portrays how a girl feels in a relationship in the view point of a guy. I just love the role-reversing feel of the song. Beyonce's vocals are powerful, although this is not the best song for her to sing. As usual, she hits the high points faultlessly. Overall, this is a good song to listen to if you want some soul music.

Rating: 3.8/5 stars

Best time to play?: When you need something back-to-basics.

Re-playability: 3.9/5 stars

If you liked this, you may like... : Big Girls don't Cry by Fergie -- The emphasis on strong vocals is also present.

相信无限 by JJ 林俊杰

2009-06-24T20:00:00.002+08:00

Song: 相信无限

By: 林俊杰

Album: 第二天堂 (2004)

Background info: The 11th song on JJ's 2nd album, this song has upbeat pop inspirations.

Review: I love how this songs starts off. It begins with a rather pop-rock sound, making you feel it might just be an English song. The verse is rather understated, but it complements the chorus well as the chorus is more hyped-up. I love the optimistic lyrics which run throughout the song, which gives it a nice lift. JJ's voice is not spectacular here, as his voice, in my opinion, is more suited for silky ballads. Nonetheless, JJ still uses the song to his advantage, hitting some high points here and there to show the prowess of his vocal chords. I especially like how the song ends with the first two lines of the chorus.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Best time to play?: When you are feeling down, or alternatively, when you are feeling adventurous.

Re-playability: 3/5 stars

If you liked this, you may like... : '就是我' by JJ 林俊杰 -- It has the same pop-rock feeling as '相信无限'.

We Belong Together by Mariah Carey

2009-06-24T18:23:00.000+08:00

Song: We belong together

By: Mariah Carey

Album: The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)

Background info: Inspired by 1980s R&B and soul. Its arrangement is built on simple piano chords and an understated backbeat, with a simple musical arrangement.

Review: 'We Belong together' has a rather nice start, with a simple musical arrangement and understated backbeat. Mariah Carey's voice is smooth and sure, which gives the starting its X-factor. The lyrics are alright, but when the bridge starts Carey's voice starts to get a little raspy, which is something that occasionally plagues the otherwise pleasant song. The chorus is nice enough, but I prefer the verse more as her voice turns rather whiny in the chorus. I like that in the second verse she made references to other songs, like Bobby Womack's 'If You Think You're Lonely Now'. I also appreciate the high calibre of Carey's voice, judging from the way she could hit the high notes in the song without sounding strained. Another thing I like about this song is that it has simple, yet pleasant sounding, background singing.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Best time to play?: For those heartbroken moments.

Re-playability: 3/5 stars

If you liked this, you may like... : 'Say Goodbye' by Chris Brown -- It has the same understated backbeat present in 'We Belong Together'.