Alicia’s Keys

Well, i decided not be too ambitious and start with something small. Here it is:

Alicia Key’s “If i Ain’t got you”

What more can i say? With more than 30 million copies of her cd sold worldwide, 12 grammy awards sitting at home collecting dust(3 more and she could use them as bowling pins) and thats the result of only four albums! Wow. (its amazing what wiki can tell you).

Definitely one of the best R&B/Soul singers i’ve heard (others including Mariah Carey, Beyonce, whitney houston etc). A small looking girl with a huge booming voice. And the best thing of all, she actually composes her own music! Definitely a huge advantage compared to most mainstream soul singers.

Nice, simple intro to the song, making use of all the major and minor 7ths that she can find. Nothing fancy, allowing the notes to descend one by one.  The key to this song in my opinion is the 6/8 rhythm(its my fave rhythm) giving it a very groovy yet soulful feel. [in case you don't know what 6/8 is, it is basically music in 6 counts]

I have to admit, she did a  great job on the piano. Nothing dressy, but try playing in 6/8 and singing at the same time, it ain’t easy. Her vocals are of course undeniable amazing, especially all her smooth swinging R&B notes on words like “some, things, define”… just yummy.

But i would have found a few notes just a little restraining, like on the first line of the chorus “some people want it ALL”. I checked with other videos of her performing this song live and i didn’t find those restraining notes. Perhaps she didn’t do her warm up or something. But most importantly, i actually liked those notes, even though they were imperfect. (sounds like some singing technique actually)

Well in summary: A well composed song, a great singer, inspiring lyrics and an excellent performance.

No music-to, No dream-to

Introduction

HI!,

This is my first time blogging.  I believe there’s a word for that, “noob”. Yes and i have to admit i am a bit of a “noob”. Why? definitely not because its my first blog, but because i used to think that blogging was for people who have nothing better to do and have no choice but stare at the computer screen for hours till their eyes turn bloodshot.

Well, so anyway here is the deal. This Blog is about 1 thing. MUSIC!!!!!

I will be reviewing CDs, DVDs, Videos, Songs, Bands(local & international) and even Concerts (if i ever go to one) of all genres(except techno since i hate it) and of any language(but mostly English and Mandarin).  But of course you will be wondering: “who is this dude who goes around commenting on others music?”. WELL, all i can say is, all of the comments made by me are truly personal and subjective. Being a musician for years and having listened to enough music(I HOPE*), i hope i can give insights to people who also truly loves music.

All Music is reviewed at least 4 times before i comment on them. E.g. If i review a CD, i would have listened to it 3 times through at least. First time without looking at the lyrics, second time with the lyrics and third time in detail to the musical arrangement etc. the fourth would be a review of the artist previous/other albums. The principle guideline is true for other types of review.

Music will be commented based on; musical, lyrical, overall appeal. These will then be subdivided into smaller divisions.

BEWARE: Music is subjective, so if i offend anyone, please do forgive me??

Do drop me a comment if you would like me to do any reviews on any artist.

ALright, No music-to No Dream-to