(Season One) The Attack on Titan: Media Mondays (5)

Hey world, I (Sofia) am still in New York, Rochester this time, and am having a great time with my aunt. By the way, if you're in the area, stop by the French Quarter, the food is to die for. Anyway, this is another Media Mondays coming from Joyce. You a taste of her style earlier when she was introduced in The Sunday Post as well as her manga review last week. All credit goes to her for this I didn't edit anything. Without further ado, The Attack on Titan, Season One.

Aired on April 6, 2013

Season 1 ended September 28, 2013

 

Synopsis: Several hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by Titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seem to have no intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest Titans. Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a Titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something horrific as the city walls are destroyed by a Colossal Titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller Titans flood the city, the two kids watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren vows that he will murder every single Titan and take revenge for all of mankind.  (Taken from the Attack on Titan wikia page)

HELLO LADIES...this is Joyce *insert sexy smirk* 

 

I dunno about the whole ink jars thing, but I would give this anime a 9/10 jars. Why? Wee-e-e-ell, I really loved the character development and stuff, but one question lingered at the back of my head...WHY IS EREN SO ANGRY, IT'S LIKE HE'S ON AN ETERNAL MAN PERIOD (sometimes though, he can be pretty hilarious) Another reason why I love AoT were the questions the anime left me with. Why did the titans eat the humans out of pure pleasure? WHY was Annie on the Titans' side? What's in the basement? You get the picture, right? Right.

The feels just about killed me and the gore left me speechless. I mean, really, the first episode SLAYED, and the graphics were just...ACK, TOO AMAZING.  Kudos to the animators and artists, they did a beautiful job of designing and drawing all of the scenes.

 

The Titans were either creepy or cute. There is no in between. The fact that the Titan's lacked genitalia kind of made me wonder how they reproduced too. Do they go through mitosis or something? Or do Titan babies just fall from the sky? Your guess is about as good as mine.

However, one thing sort of bothered me, and that was the lack of answers the anime gave me. I know this goes against my earlier statement about how I enjoyed the questions and such, BUT WOULD IT KILL THEM TO GIVE ME ONE WIDDLE HINT?! I am literally praying that they'll explain some more in Season 2. (I didn't read all of the manga yet, so please bear with my complaining. Oh, and NO SPOILERS. THAT IS AN ORDER.)

 

The character development was awesome (I mean in the beginning Armin was a whiny lil bish, but now look at him. He's like a psycho genius who will kill you with his mind) And of course, Eren is the passionate Titan killer we all know and love. Sometimes, his exclamations of 'IM GONNA KILL ALL OF THE TITANS' kind of ticked me off, but he's hilarious. MIkasa is  well...Mikasa. Personally, I liked Sasha more than Mikasa, since she was a goof and a massive potato lover (like me), so yeah. Levi is well... LEVI.

And yeah, that's about it. Sorry if this was super long. All of these opinions are mine, you don't have to like them, and I respect that.

Peace out,

Joyce

 

Do you know of any book/anime/other forms of media characters that are SOOO annoying because they're on their man periods?

Are you ever frustrated when writers leave people (such as myself) hanging by a thread, and make us guess/wait/wonder what and why they made something the way it is?

(Vol. 1) Hellsing: Kohta Hirang: Media Mondays (4)

Hey, I (Sofia) am currently in New York, having heaps of fun doing god knows what, and this is a scheduled post written by Joyce, otherwise known as crazy #1 that you read the bio of last week during my Sunday Post. Her review style is a bit different from my own, but I thought it would be nice to have a fresh voice on the blog, and all credit goes to her. Without further ado, this is a review of volume one of the manga Hellsing by Kohta Hirang. 

 

Chapters: 92  

Volumes: 10 

Serialization:  Young King Ours

Status: Finished

Publication Date: 1997 --- Sep 30, 2008

Synopsis:  Hellsing, a secret organization of the British government, have long been battling supernatural threats to keep the people safe from creatures of the night. The current leader, Integra Wingates Hellsing controls her own personal army to eliminate the undead beings, but even her highly trained soldiers pale in comparison to her most trusted vampire exterminator, a man by the name of Alucard, who is actually a powerful vampire himself. Along with Integra's mysterious butler and Alucard's new vampire minion, Seras Victoria, The Hellsing Organization must face not only regular ghouls and vampires, but a rivaling secret organization from the Vatican, and Millennium, an enigmatic group of madmen spawned by a certain war over 50 years ago...

A bloody battle between monsters is about to begin, The dead are dancing, and all hell is singing...

SPOILERS AHEAD. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

I'M BACK. And you thought that you've seen the last of me *snickers* Well, I'm back to review a lovely manga by the name of Hellsing. Does that ring a bell? No? Yes? Whatever. I would give this manga a whopping 7 out of ten  ink jars. I gave it a 7, because, firstly, I COULD NOT HANDLE THE LEVEL OF GORE THE MANGA THREW AT ME.  It was unbelievable. The eye for detail was great, but did it have to be THAT detailed? 

I was gagging through the bloodshed (The scene where Alucard shish-ke-bobbed those soldiers really made me cringe. Another scene was also where Yumie sliced up some weapon dealer's eyeballs and...UGH). The plot was great, with the 'I want to take over the world' sort of thing, but seriously, the bloodshed was overkill. The manga was gory, visceral, and explicit. I would not recommend this manga to fans of girly shoujo mangas, because A) There is very little romance in this series, and to be honest, it's kind of refreshing to flip through a few pages without encountering any lip locking, and B) Most people who are used to cute, fluffy romances would experience a rather rude awakening to the darker (and gorier) sides to different types of manga. There wasn't much character development in my opinion, other than Seras overcoming her apparent distaste for drinking blood and her progressively becoming more violent as the series went on (I don't know if that's a good thing).  Alucard was bad ass as usual, with a hint of insanity...or a lot. I sorta get an anti-hero vibe from him, even though he's on the good guy's side. Maybe it's his violence or the fact that he'd rip apart anything in his path. You tell me. In some parts of the manga, I was a little confused, but maybe it was just me not paying attention to the details. The whole manga was centered on various religious beliefs, and it might appear offending to most people, so didn't say I didn't warn you. I loved the little side stories, though. They provided some insight on the Vatican, which was awesome.

 

Not a huge fan of the artwork, because in the first volume, I mistook Integra for a guy, and it didn't help that everyone was addressing her as Sir Integra either. I thought the manga's artwork was unique, but it wasn't exactly my cup of tea either.  

 

So there you have it. I was rushing a bit, so sorry if it isn't to your liking. All opinions are mine, blah blah blah.

Peace out,

Joyce

The Music of Nashville- Season 2 Volume 2: Media Mondays (3)

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the third ever Media Mondays. I am here to review something that I have been waiting to review for you since like forever....totes. You might know, from the first ever Media Mondays that I enjoy the ABC Drama Nashville a lot. You might also know that the show recently had its season finale for its second season and it was #EPIC! And we #Nashies are on for a 22 episode season 3 which we almost didn't get due to budget cuts. You also might know that Nashville has some of the best music in any genre, and if you think it is confined to purely country, yo are wrong because it has a lot of diversity in sound from good ole hill billy music, to ethereal love ballads, to rocking out "Go to Hell!" songs. 

One thing I would like to point out is that if you go to Target, they offer a deluxe edition of the album with 21 songs, including some never-before-released ones, and coming from the person that bought it, I will say that the extra money was completely worth it. But, if you are so inclined to go the cheaper route, those songs which are included on the regular iTunes version of the album are started.

I am going to do something different with this review, and categorize each song into a different genre and/or subgenre of coutnry music in order to prove my point that Nashville has music for almost every taste.

Track Listing

***1. He Aint Gonna Change ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) 

***2. I Ain't Leaving Without Your Love ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

***3. Believing ~ Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

4. Hurtin' On Me ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

***5. Lately ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor). Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott)

6. Wrong for the Right Reasons ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James)

7. Everything I'll Ever Need ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

***8. Joy Parade ~ Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

9. Come Find Me ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

***10. It's On Tonight ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Will Chase (Luke Wheeler)

11. Hennessee ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

***12. It All Slows Down ~ Aubrey Peeples (Layla Grant)

***13. Is That Who I Am ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

***14. This Time ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James)

***15. Black Roses ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

16. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes)

17. A Life That's Good ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

18. Carry You Home ~ Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton)

19. Then I Was Loved By You ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

20. Falling ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

21. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet  [Orchestral Version] ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes)

***1. He Aint Gonna Change ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes): 5/10: I think this song really wasn't needed on the album of the show itself, I suppose it was included because it's the only Rayna/Juliette song that was meant to try and have the same success that "Wrong Song" had, but I just don't like it too much. The lyrics are generally bland, and what one would cinsider sterotypical country music. The vocals aren't particularly stunning, there aren't many high notes, or particularly inrtiguing riffs. I truly think this was uneeded in the album, and especially as the first song.

***2. I Ain't Leaving Without Your Love ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley): 8/10: Most of my opinions on this song can be found on Nashville On the Record: Media Mondays (1) because there isn't a huge difference between the live version and studio. I will say that I like the trio (Avery/Gunnar/Zoey) better because of this song.  

***3. Believing ~ Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad): 9/10: I absolutely fell in love with this song when it first aired on the show last January, and almost forogt about it because it wasn't offered on iTunes or Spotify, I believe so vieweres would specifically have tobuy the album. Any song with Lennon and Maisy in it is Stellar (get it, because their last name is Stella), but adding Deacon into it made it even better, especially with the certain turn of events that commenced while the song played. Lennon and Charles's voices harmonized beautifully, and I positively adored Maisy in this song, even if her only parts were "ooooooh, ooooooh" and "you keep me believing". 

4. Hurtin' On Me ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington): 6.75/10: I never really liked the songs Chris sang on the show until the second half came along. I know "What If I Was Willing" was a big hit on both the show and real life, but I never saw what made it so popular. This song is very generic 'guy' country music, but I like it a lot anywway, and I had a fun time embarassing myself while dancing wildly as it played.

***5. Lately ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor). Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott): 4/10: I'm truly sorry, but I never liked this song. I didn't like it when I first heard it on the show performed for Kelly Clarkson. I didn't like it when it came on Spotify. I don't like it now. So much pressure is put on a 'Scarllett and Gunnar Song', and this just isn't one, at least in my personal opinion. The lyrics, seem too lovey dovey, and there aren't any very unique notes sang throughout the song. 

"Think of all the morning stars you would have missed....

if you hadn't weathered through the dead of night.

Every single heartbeat you didn't skip....

was the answer why."

6. Wrong for the Right Reasons ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James): 9/10: Don't ask me why, I'm still trying to figure it out myself, but there is this pattern with Connie Britton songs and myself. When I first hear them on the show, or even the second and third time after, I don't like them because I think she doesn't have much vocal range. But something, after a while makes me fall in the love the Connie Britton Specials. For one, the lyrics are usually very inspirational, and for another, she usually builds up from the beginning and ends spectacularly. 

"Even if you think you're at a standstill....

even when you've got not place to call home.

Everyone goes past you running uphill....

just be here.

You don't have to understand the if and when....

you just need to understand it's part of life.

Never certain where you're going.... but you'll always arrive"

7. Everything I'll Ever Need ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley): 7/10: This is frankly just a sweet love song between two people, obviously Juliette and Avery. The circumstances of the song were sweet as well because it was at a point in the show where Juliette was getting a lot of hate from people, so Avery took her busking to prove that people liked her actually for her voice instead of the glitter and teen pop stuff.  

"I will hope and I will love.

I will give 'til there's enough.

That's the life I'm dreaming of,

I won't give up." 

***8. Joy Parade ~ Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad): 9/10: So this song has been on repeat so much that my mom thought it had been around since like 2009, or some previous year that was obviously not this one -THAT is how much I had been listening to this song even before I purchased the CD. It's not the best Lennon & Maisy song, it was actually quite ordinary when I first heard it, but now I love it just because of its positive message and ability to make me happy.

"I will bend and I will sway

I will fight to stand up straight,

When troubled winds blow my way,

I won't break."

"I will stumble, I will crawl.

Bang my head against these walls.

In the end I won't have it all,

But I'll stand tall." 

9. Come Find Me ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor): 10/10: Holy sweet mother of something. This song is so good. I think we all remember the episode this was sung on, and how much all of us #Nashies wanted this to go on iTunes. It was literally only a one minute clip between Scarlett and Liam (by the way, I shipped them), but it was magical all the same. While watching the "On the Record" segment about this song, was the fact that this song was a really big step for Scarlett, branching off of her usual comfort zone.

***10. It's On Tonight ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Will Chase (Luke Wheeler): 7/10: Country Disco. That is what my mother called this song. I don't know if #Nashies should be offended.... or glad with this interpretation of "It's On Tonight." Basically, it is a rocking country trio between Luke, Will, and Deacon, that is along the lines of Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan's single -This is How We Roll. It is a fun, get up and dance song with classic male country lyrics.

11. Hennessee ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley): 5/10: This is the song I did not like from the trio very much because the words weren't very distinct and I couldn't hear the individual voices as much as I would have liked.

***12. It All Slows Down ~ Aubrey Peeples (Layla Grant): 6/10: I admit, I like the song, it's nice, it's catchy, but it is totally tween music. This is EXACTLY what Juliette was trying to break away from the entire season, and her counterpart does this song. The lyrics, are just about some love story (I'm assuming Layla and Will's), and are not at all unique. Aubrey has only had three songs on Season Two -Gonna Get Even, Tell Me, and It All Slows Down- all of those songs were classic tween songs, and that was the purpose, I believe, but during the acoustic version of "Tell Me" you can definitely 'tell' that she has a voice and a lot of potential for the show.

"I've always been broken underneath my smile, 

So you thought that I was happy for a while,

If I'm being honest I didn't stand a chance,

Is that who I am?"

***13. Is That Who I Am ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington) 10/10: This *might* be my favorite song on the entire album because it shows a very different side of Will. This is all about how he is gay, and that is who he is. Yet, he can't tell anybody for fear of ruining his image. Some of the lyrics just hit home, for me, and people that struggle with their identity and who they are -so basically, every teenager on this planet.

"Staring at my shadow for way too long,

If I never did nothing then nothing could go wrong,

I've always been singing, I never had a song, 

Is that who I am?"

***14. This Time ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James): 7/10: This was the first single we hear off of Rayna's album (the one the entirety of Highway 65 is depending on), and it is a rockin single. It's unlike a lot of her other songs, such as "Buried Under," "Wrong Song," "The End of the Day," "Stronger Than Me," "Ball and Chain," and "Wrong for the Right Reasons." It has this edge to it, and a catchiness some of her others haven't had. Personally, my feelings were mixed when I first listened to it, but I am happy to say I now love it.

"I can see your eyes,

staring into mine,but it's a battlefield and I'm on the other side.

You can throw your words,sharper than a knife,

and leave me cold, in another house on fire."

***15. Black Roses ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor): 10/10: All my feelings are found on my review of "Nashville On the Record," but basically, this is the best song on the entire album and the entire show. The emotion conveyed, the narrative, the backstory. All and every element of it is incredible and leaves goosebumps on my skin every single time. 

"And I'm done trying to be the one picking up the broken pieces

And I'm done trying to be the one who says I love you dear but I'm leaving

Now you only bring me black roses and they crumble into dust when they're held

Now you only bring me black roses but I'm not under your spell"

16. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) 8/10: This was a firecracker song that Juliette and Avery wrote together that was basically saying "Go to Hell" to all of country music. Besides that, there are great vocals, lyrics, and instruments.

17. A Life That's Good ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad): 9/10: I think a lot of us have also heard this one, I mean it is the best narrative/heartfelt song that on the show. It was originally sung by Maddie and Daphne, as a cover of Deacon's song, and when the four of them go to Fort Campbell, it's magical. I personally do not like Rayna singing on the record quite as much as the girls and Deacon, but she does give it more perspective.

18. Carry You Home ~ Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton): 9/10: Zoey. Zoey. Zoey. You have blown us away again. I am not that into churchy hymns, but "Wayfaring Stranger" was one of the most honest and pure songs we have had on the show, so I was very glad to have another inspirational ballad. 

"I was lost as lost could be,

I was running aimlessly....

down a road that only leads to nowhere fast

Couldn't no one slow me down....

lift me up on solid ground

Yeah our love was nothing more than broken glass,

Then I was loved by you."

19. Then I Was Loved By You ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington): 8/10: I really enjoy this song, but something about it makes me wish it was sung a little more acousticly. I know there is just a guitar and maybe some other instrument, and I love the lyrics, but I wish it was a little more pure like "Is that Who I Am"

"I've been a mover and a shaker.... 

a sinner and a taker....

 a big mistake maker all my life,

I was a sucker for the good times,

A crosser of the straight line,

A shadow in the sunshine and I was blind,

Then I was loved by you."

20. Falling ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor): 9/10: This is bad, but I actually don't remember when this song was sung on the show -I believe for the stock holder's showcase, but I could be totally wrong. I don't believe this song was written by Scarlett, but if it was, it is a perfect song for her and Gunnar, and especially her and Avery, because like she said in Your Good Girl is Gonna Go Bad [episode 20] Avery was her first love, and was there for her when her mother was being.... out of the ordinary.

"I thought things couldn't get much worse

But guess what they did

You hit my heart upside with a wrecking ball

Oh but that's what I get

But I'm not going nowhereI can live on my prayers

'Cause I'm done playin' nice

I'm done running for life

'Cause you think that you got me scared"

21. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet  [Orchestral Version] ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes): 10/10: I actually enjoy the orchestral version better than the original, because it seems even more sultry to myself, and the circumstances in They Don't Make Em' Like Daddy Anymore [episode 15] were quite unusual.

Stand Up and Dance Country Music

***2. I Ain't Leaving Without Your Love ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

11. Hennessee ~ Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott). Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

***14. This Time ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James)

Classic Country

4. Hurtin' On Me ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

***10. It's On Tonight ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Will Chase (Luke Wheeler)

Soulful Ethereal Ballads

***5. Lately ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor). Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott)

***15. Black Roses ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

20. Falling ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

Acoustic Narratives 

***3. Believing ~ Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

9. Come Find Me ~ Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Connor)

***13. Is That Who I Am ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

Love songs

7. Everything I'll Ever Need ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes). Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley)

18. Carry You Home ~ Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton)

19. Then I Was Loved By You ~ Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

My Personal Favorites:

6. Wrong for the Right Reasons ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James)

***8. Joy Parade ~ Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

21. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet  [Orchestral Version] ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes)

My Not-So-Favorites

***1. He Aint Gonna Change ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) 

***12. It All Slows Down ~ Aubrey Peeples (Layla Grant)

16. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet ~ Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes)

17. A Life That's Good ~ Connie Britton (Rayna James). Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne). Lennon & Maisy Stella (Maddie & Daphne Conrad)

Light Up the Night ~ Jess Moskaluke: Media Mondays (2)

Rating: 6/10

Artist: Jessica "Jess" Moskaluke 

Genre: Country/Pop Crossover

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Labe: MDM Recordings

Track Count: 10

Source: Spotify

Disclaimer: All images (except for the ink jar rating) belong to Jess Moskaluke.

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ YouTube ~ Store ~ iTunes ~ Website

Track Listing:

1. Good Lovin'

2. Cheap Wine and Cigarettes

3. Used

4. Light Up the Night

5. Strong As It's Ever Been feat. Bobby Wills

6. Show You Crazy

7. Night We Won't Forget

8. Never Better

9. No Show

10. When He's Drunk

The first point I would like to make is that I am in no way a "professional" music reviewer. Well, I'm not a "professional" book reviewer either, but while I have experience with books, I am just starting to branch out into music. The reason I am telling you this is because it took me a LONG time to develop a book review format, and I'm still tweaking it, so music review formats will be a little shaky until I get up on my feet. Because we all know that if I try to sound like a real music reviewer, I will just sound like a preschooler trying too hard.

Overall Thoughts: I have to admit, I am slightly disappointed with "Light Up the Night." I expected it to be a lot more like her EP "Catch Me If You Can," which was extremely diverse, covering pop, country, rock, ballads, dance songs, and empowering singles. Instead, my ears got a lot more country/pop crossover. I could have lived with that, but what really disappointed me were the types of songs. When I first listened to her album, I thought they sounded.... almost all the same. Of course, after multiple listens and analysis from yours truly, I determined that there were subtle differences and fluctuations in tone and style, but they were still too similar. An artist can do so much with a 10 song LP, they can have a few 'sad' songs that turn into (somewhat teary) love ballads such as "Hardest Day,"  go-get em songs that inspire people like "Catch Me If You Can," and ones you just want to get up and dance to like "Amen Hallelujah."

Yet.... I don't want you think I disliked the album, there were some really good gems in there, and songs a lot of people can enjoy. My problem was that it didn't live up to my personal expectations, but I hope this doesn't deter you from listening because for a first time listener, and lover of her covers, it's a great album.

Cover Art 6/10: It's simple and sweet. Jess Moskaluke is on the cover, with a reversed picture that had been released as part of a photo shoot (that was probably done to obtain the photo for the album's cover -it's just a guess), and a pretty background of lights, that have to do with the album's title (I could be totally wrong with this) "Light Up the Night."

Title 7/10: Usually the title of an album is the first single released from an album, or what the artist/managing team/whoever makes these executive decisions think will be the "it" song from the album -such as "Blown Away" from Carrie Underwood's newest album. Or, the title will have seemingly nothing to do with the album itself until fans go onto YouTube to see the interview segment where the artist explains its meaning -like "Based on a True Story" by Blake Shelton. Or the title is a single line from a song on the album -kind of like "Same Trailer Different Park" from Kacey Musgraves's most current album.

I however, don't think that "Light Up the Night" was the best choice for Jess Moskaluke's album. Her debut single off of "Light Up the Night" was "Good Lovin'" and by far the best track on the entire album. While not the most ideal, "Good Lovin'" definitely is a plausible option for her album. I also think that a line from one of the songs would have been nice as well because there are some really meaningful lyrics on the album. Nevertheless, "Light Up the Night" gives off a really fun and flirty kind of vibe, perfect for the upcoming summer months, and it might be her new single. 

Favorite Track: Strong As It's Ever Been ---

"A bunch of torn up letters in the trash with a dried up pen,

Empty bottle of wine and these four walls cavin in,

The moonlight shinin just as strong as it's ever been,

Just like this love.... is as pure as it ever was,

Stead as a father's hand, 

Warm as the Summer sun,

True as a Sunday in,

But you left me in an empty nest,

Gone like the midnight wind,

and this heartbreak i'm left with.... is as strong as it's ever been"

I personally, really enjoy this particular song because it is the only duet on the entire album (sang with Bobby Wills), and truly gives off the country vibe. It tells the story of a couple that has definitely had their ups and downs in their relationship, and is currently on one of their down moments. Yet, I have a feeling that if this was an actual story, that they would call each other any day, have one of those pick-her-up-and-spin-around moments found in movies because they truly love each other. I could be totally and completely off, but that is my perception. Overall, this is the definition of a classic country song, and the reason why I know that is because I was able to come up with that long backstory to accompany it.

Least Favorite Track: Light Up the Night

"Layin on a blanket of cool spring grass,

Listenin to the sound of the riverbank pass,

Chasin the stars while the river sings a love song,

Rubbin toes in our bare feet, while I'm feelin that rhythm of your heart beat....

got me thinkin I was shinin, who needs the sun at dawn?

And ooooh, oooh, baby we light up the night, light up the night. "

This is going to sound a little ridiculous from me, but this song was too mellow. I know I was complaining about the absence of ballads, and how I wanted more slow, sad songs, but I just dislike this particular one. It isn't the lyrics, they're actually quite creative, I just dislike the general sound from the various instruments. The song seems like almost anything you would hear on the radio, and I always used to think that Jess Moskaluke songs had some "it" quality about them that could make practically anything she released, a number one hit.

Honorable Mentions:  Never Better ---

"People call, people text,

Where've I been? What comes next?

Am I finally over you? 

Have I found somebody new?

Force a smile on my face, 

I don't know what to say,

When they ask if I'm okay,

I don't wanna lie,

I keep the hurt inside,

So I just tell them never better,

Cause anywhere I go, no matter what I do,

The truth is that I'm never better,

Than I was.... when I was.... with you,"

I enjoy this track a lot because it has a country feel to it with the lyrics, but a total rocker style that I can imagine Jess dancing to in her signature stilettos. It's basically about a bad break up, where a girl is still hanging onto her feeling for this guy, and is really struggling to get over him, so she just tells people that call and text (get it?) that she's never better. Like I said with Strong As It's Ever Been, this is my perception, and I could be sooo off.

Conclusion: Even though I was slightly disappointed with Moskaluke's sophomore release, I think that everyone will be able to find one of their new favorite songs.

Nashville: On the Record: Media Mondays (1)

The first point I would like to make, totally unrelated to the review itself, is that Media Mondays will usually be posted on Mondays, but during the entire month of May, I have blog tours on Mondays. Go figure! Normally, I will be posting these on Wednesday, and it looks like this may be true for June as well because I have more blog tours on Mondays.

The second point I would like to bring up, is that your very first Media Mondays is special because this is a review of both the television special as well as the CD which was recorded straight from the special.

The second and a half point I would like to bring up is that it has taken me five months to finally have an 'official' book review format, and I will be acting like a fish out of water with television and music until I find my bearings. 

Where do I even begin with Nashville: On the Record? 

There is a reason I have been a faithful #Nashie since Season 1; Episode 1. The first reason? It is a freaking incredible show with freaking incredible country music. Besides the nonstop drama, intrigue, and the occasional scandal, the icing on the cake is the truly phenomenal music. Now, if your'e thinking, "Country music? Why the heck would I want to listen to that?" I am here to tell you that Nashville's music, while 80% of the time, country, has at least one song for everybody. I could go on and on about how it's shot in Nashville, the cast is awesome, and the twists and turns are better than the Silver Bullet at Knotts Berry Farm, but I will now transition into my full freak out mode when I found out there would be an hour TV special for the show.

I already watch the show devotedly, add the songs to my Spotify playlist the second their uploaded, and watch that On the Record clips constantly. This special was a dream come true for a #Nashie like myself. One would expect that this kind of thing would stink because the actors obviously lip sync on the actual show and one would think that it is all autotune. I am here to tell you, and will even go "Yellin from the Rooftops" (if you catch my drift).... One would be wrong! The actors of Nashville can sing, and when I say that, I mean really SING. 

Another part of the live television special even better than it already is was the fact that we got the story behind the song, and the songwriters themselves sang with the artists on stage. I absolutely adored hearing how the song -that I have had on repeat so much, my mom is probably sick of it- came to be. I learned how the run through of "If I Didn't Know Better" with Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen was the first time the two ever met. I learned that Hayden Panettiere had never sang live before that night. And I also learned how songs can be perceived different, such as "Black Roses" which was written for a romantic relationship between two people, and then evolved to Scarlett and her mother.

*Quick plug, the entire 45 minute special is currently free on iTunes, so you should really get it because of how beautiful it is*

Rating: 9.5/10Artists: The Cast of the ABC Drama NashvilleGenre: Country
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Track Count: 10
Format: Digital Album
Source: Spotify

Track Listing

1. It's On Tonight: Charles Esten ~ Deacon Claybourne. Chris Carmack ~ Will Lexington. Will Chase ~ Luke Wheeler

2. If I Didn't Know Better: Clare Bowen ~ Scarlett O'Connor. Sam Palladio ~ Gunnar Scott

3. I Ain't Leavin Without Your Love: Chaley Rose ~ Zoey Dalton. Jonathan Jackson ~ Avery Barkley. Sam Palladio ~ Gunnar Scott. Striking Matches

4. Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again: Hayden Panettiere ~ Juliette Barnes. Kate York. Sarah Buxton

5. This Town: Charles Esten ~ Deacon Claybourne. Clare Bowen ~ Scarlett O'Connor. Andrew Rollins. Cory Mayo.  Jaida Dreyer 

6. Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet: Hayden Panettiere ~ Juliette Barnes. Caitlyn Smith. Trent Dabbs

7. Black Roses: Clare Bowen ~ Scarlett O'Connor. Lucy Shwartz

8. A Life That's Good: Ensemble Cast

9. Tell Me: Aubrey Peeples ~ Layla Grant. Andrew Rollins. Cory Mayo.  Jaida Dreyer. Jody Stevens 

10. Believing: Charles Esten ~ Deacon Claybourne. Kate York

I only had two issues with this album that have nothing to do with the singing itself. The first was that the last two songs, 'Tell Me" and "Believing" weren't on the 45 minute television special, at the end, the ominous voice at the end said more content was on the website, but I haven't headed over there yet. I just really wished that I had gotten to see two of by favorite songs live. Anyway, my second issue is that Connie Britton (Rayna James) and the Stella Sisters (Daphne & Maddie) weren't on the special because those two girls -ages 10 and 14- have truly astounding voices, and I have seen them sing live on YouTube and they were so good. My mom even thought they were in their 20s because of the maturity in their voices. There also could have been some really good songs featured like "This Time", "Wrong Song", and "The Best Songs Come From Broken Hearts" if Connie Britton had been there.

Besides all of that, I absolutely love this entire album. There were some songs that I had gotten used to recorded, but others were breathtaking. In fact, I didn't have a single problem or song I didn't like on the entire album. 

*I will be trying out this format for reviews of albums, but it will definitely change in the near future*

It's On Tonight 6/10: I personally never loved this song in the first place when I saw it on the show just because it sounded too much like the generic 'guy' country sound that has been taking over the airwaves and quality country music. It has also been one of the show's biggest hits because it's a good ole country song that brings people to their feet with generic 'guy' country lyrics about beer and girls, similar to Luke Bryan. Nevertheless, the unlikely trio -Charles, Chris, and Will- sang it almost impeccably and I wouldn't have known it was live if there wasn't the audience's wild applause. 

If I Didn't Know Better 8/10: One of the points brought up when the supervisor of the recording (I really need to learn terms) said he didn't even know if he could hear as high as Sam was supposed to sing. That was the one downside of the song because it is almost impossible to sing well live, and although Sam did the best he could, it was still borderline screechy. Clare's australian accent which gave the song its ethereal qualities also comes through a little in the song which worked really well on the recorded version, but not so much live.

I Ain't Leavin Without Your Love 8/10: This song has never been offered before as a single on iTunes, and therefore it hasn't been on Spotify either, this means I haven't had a real chance to dig my teeth into it and state an opinion. What I will say is that I never really liked the idea of the other trio as a band -Avery, Gunnar, and Zoey- for reasons having nothing to do with their voices, but their relationships in the show. I have to say that being exposed for the second time made me like this song a lot more.   

Nothing In This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again 8.5/10: Hayden did a really good job with this (really long, too much chorus) song, especially since it was her first time ever singing live. It also sounded remarkably like the recorded version.

This Town 9/10: Hands down, this is already one of my favorite songs on the show clearly because of Clare's phenomenal voice harmonized with Charles's. The lyrics are also so beautiful and meaningful for the particular scenes it spanned on the show, and the chemistry of those moments crossed over to the stage.

Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet 6.5/10: This is a hard song to sing. Any song that has such a rock influence, long, and powerful notes is hard to sing. Hayden did as good of a job as she could have, but at times she seemed a little out of breath and almost like she was getting over a cold at certain points. Her voices also fluctuated in parts that I didn't particularly enjoy, mainly because I think it was unlike the recorded version. My last point is that the balance between backup singers and her wasn't very well executed because it felt like they were there to help her sing rather than help the song sound better, and have their voices mesh with the singer. This is a problem I hear a lot with live versions of songs, but it just proves that singing live is real and raw.

Black Roses 10/10: How could anyone in their sane minds not love this song? I showed it to one of my friends (Let her hear it? What is the proper verb?) and she thought it was very depressing, but I still think it is one of the most gorgeous sounds my ears have ever heard. The narrative behind it is fantastic, and what Clare does at the end of the song that's not in the album is really sweet. She brings Lucy to the front of the stage, and gives her credit for everything.

A Life That's Good 10/10: This song feels like the definition of country music, especially with the entire cast joining together. The two songwriters, Charles, and Aubrey start us off, and by the end of it, the feeling of camaraderie is exuding off of people. It was a perfect finale for the show because of it's wholesome message about being appreciative for the things you have.

Tell Me 9/10: Aubrey is an amazing live singer. That's all that needs to be said.

Believing 9/10: Kate York, who sings with Charles Esten is actually the songwriter for this and it was so interesting to hear how they performed the song, because of the more mature vocals. Obviously, a 14 year old and a 30 something (sorry, Kate if that is totally off) year old are going to sound different, but I personally love both versions so much and am just thankful they included the song.

Conclusion: The cast of Nashville are phenomenal singers both live and in the recording studio, and the show has something for everyone, regardless of if you are a country fan or not. Each song has its very own narrative and story that the cast members execute and interpret beautifully.