Say You Love Me

After being nominated for a Mercury prize with Devotion, Jessie Ware's fans became so excited when news came out about a sophomore album. After two years, the wait was finally over with the release of Ware’s title track, “Tough Love,” in June. With its peak in the Top 40, the single gave clue to what would come with this collection of broken hearts and deep feelings.

The difference between her sophomore album and her debut is her improved maturity, vocal delivery, and poise, making this album one of the best out right now. Her songs, like her debut, convey feelings of sadness and broken hearts. Produced by Dave Okumu, BenZel, and James Ford, the album is the perfect mixture of Electronica and Pop.

[Source:  YouTube]

Co-writing every track, Jessie Ware found herself occasionally collaborating with some of the most well-known songwriters of today’s time. Fellow Brit Ed Sheeran assisted in writing ballad “Say You Love Me,” the second single from her album, released in September. The song presents her power-alto voice in the way it should be presented.

Regardless of how her songs were composed, what really matters is how Ware sounds. Her powerful and romantic voice makes each song worth listening to 10 times over. With the electronic sound not as profound as in her debut, her vocal delivery is more apparent, resulting in an album that should be put on repeat.

Can We Dance

The Vamps were formed in 2012, but can I just say that I really want them to release their debut album in the US right away in 2014.

The British (of course they are Brits!) pop rock band has four members: Bradley Simpson (lead vocals), Connor Ball (bass guitar and vocals), Tristan Evans (drums and vocals), and James McVey (vocals and guitar).  The group signed with Mercury Records.  Ever since they have supported Little Mix, The Wanted, and Lawson.

This past April and May, The Vamps supported McFly on their tour and in July put their first song "Wildheart" on YouTube.  Their debut album is set to be released next year.

But they are an amazing band so let's keep our fingers crossed that they tour in the US very soon!

Wildheart [Source:  YouTube]

Midnight Memories

I bought One Direction's new album, Midnight Memories, yesterday and I have to say, it is different, yet very good.

Actually, I kind of want to change what I said.  It is different, but I have seen that every new release of theirs sounds different than the one before.  The only thing, is that this one sounds extremely different.

Here's the track list:

1. Best Song Ever
2. Story Of My Life
3. Diana
4. Midnight Memories
5. You & I
6. Don't Forget Where You Belong
7. Strong
8. Happily
9. Right Now
10. Little Black Dress
11. Through The Dark
12. Something Great
13. Little White Lies
14. Better Than Words
15. Why Don't We Go There*
16. Does He Know?*
17. Alive*
18. Half A Heart*

*Deluxe version

If you listen to Up All Night and then listen to this album, you will be amazed as to how the boys have matured; lyrically and musically.  Even the jump from Up All Night to Take Me Home was a pretty great one.

Louis's solos make me want to cry.  Zayn's high notes make me want to scream.  This whole album makes me want to go crazy.  Play this album on the highest volume your device allows!!!!

"Midnight Memories" is very rock 'n roll (actually a majority of the album sounds very rock 'n roll), "Little White Lies" has a BASS DROP, and "You & I" sounds a little like "Change My Mind" from Take Me Home.  This whole album has me very impressed.  Amazing job my little British and Irish lads!

You can of course purchase the album wherever CDs are sold.  

Chocolate

So there has been a lot of talk about The 1975's new album The 1975 so of course I had to listen to it.

For those of you wondering, The 1975 is an English indie/alternative rock band that was formed in 2002.  This is their first studio album and is available in the UK as well as the US and was just released on September 3rd.  The debut album has sixteen tracks, all of which are pretty decent in sound.  There is one "explicit" song on the record, in case you are a parent who likes information like that.  The songs really range in length.  There are two songs at 1:19, a couple at around 3, and a small number at 4 or a little over.

I know that this song is really big with a couple of really famous singers.  I have been seeing it on Twitter a lot lately.  All of that attention is what made me curious so after having a listen to the whole album, my favorite song would have to be either "Settle Down" or "Girls."  It's quite funny because their British accents are very apparent in most of their songs...I love British accents.

Whether or not you're a fan of alternative rock music, I highly suggest taking a listen to this band's album.  I'm almost positive Matthew, Ross, Adam, and George will appreciate it!

[Credit:  YouTube]

Watch Me Fall

[Photo:  twitter.com]

I was lucky enough to receive a follow on Twitter from this adorable Brit, Greg Fidler.  I don't know much about him except for the fact he is based in London and has released an EP and single on iTunes.  Yes, even the US iTunes has this amazing singer.

His EP is entitled Watch Me Fall and has "Guess I Know (Acoustic Session)," "Watch Me Fall," "Faded," and "Watch Me Fall (Acoustic Session)" as tracks.  His most recent single is "Without You" and was released not too long ago.

I have gotten a chance to listen to all of his songs and they are incredible and his voice makes them even better!  The songs are very well produced and written and honestly, I haven't heard many people sing the way he can - his voice is phenomenal.  And he's attractive, so that's definitely a plus ;)!

He's a very talented lad and I really hope he makes it far.  That's partially why I am writing about him.  Artists like him make me love music even more than I already do.  People like him are the reason I do what I do everyday - write a blog!  Greg is definitely a singer I would love to meet and/or collaborate with.  So, Greg, if you see this, I thank you.  I thank you for your passion for music and for your awesome lyrics.  I guess that's what my blog comes down to now...awesomeness.

Andy, Ryan, Joel, and Adam

Andy Brown (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Ryan Fletcher (bass guitar and backing vocals), Joel Peat (lead guitar and backing vocals), and Adam Pitts (drums) are the four men making up the British pop band Lawson.  They are currently based in London and released their debut album, Chapman Square, in October 2012.  

I first found out about this band the same way I find out about a lot of music - Instagram.  Their sound is similar to that of The Wanted, in case you were wondering but are too lazy to look them up yourself which in understandable.  I am like that, too.

They have had five singles released over the past year and a half in the UK and IRL:

1. When She Was Mine (2012)
2. Taking Over Me (2012)
3. Standing In The Dark
4. Learn To Love Again (2012)
5. Brokenhearted (feat. B.o.B) (2013)

The only song available as of right now in the US on iTunes is "Learn To Love Again", all of their songs are available on the UK/IRL iTunes, but I am unsure about other countries.

Take Me Home

Directioners are said to be psychotic fans who sit on tumblr all day and all night writing fan-fiction and reblogging pictures of the five Brits. It's all accurate. I am, and I will probably lose some viewers for this, a hardcore Directioner. I spend my time constantly tweeting to Harry, Louis, Zayn, Liam, and Niall while waiting for them to acknowledge my existence. Starting weeks ago, I made sure my mom knew exactly which album to get me and I chose the standard album because I love the cover. The band's sophomore album has the same sound as their first release, Up All Night, although the lyrics sound a little more mature. In other words, some parts of some of the songs are naughty and to be honest, I'm not really complaining. The album contains singles "Live While We're Young" and "Little Things" and their next single "Kiss You". The standard CD contains 13 tracks, the deluxe 17, and the Target exclusive 18. You probably think I am saying this album is great because I love One Direction, but I wouldn't tell you it's amazing if I didn't think so. Loving them doesn't mean the album has to be good, but this release really is.

Stand Behind the Music

I am in love with British singer/songwriter Cher Lloyd.  She was on season 7 of the X Factor and placed fourth on the show.  She soon after was signed by Simon Cowell because of her talent.  I got her album the first week it came out, the beginning of this month, and I love every song.  Most of her songs involve her rapping, but the raps are not at all offensive in any way.  My current favorite song is "Behind the Music", hence the picture above.  I highly recommend buying her album!!