will be Beyonce's "I Am... Sasha Fierce" and Kenny Chesney's "Lucky Old Sun" as soon as you run to iTunes or Wal-Mart and pick them up. I'm a hard-copy girl myself, so I would really like to encourage the purchase of both records in-store.
I know what you're thinking, Beyonce and Kenny seem to be on two completely opposite sides of the musical spectrum, and neither are sides I was necessarily "crazy" about. I love a lot of country music. I love Chris Brown or Ne-Yo type pop. These two artists weren't really my favorites in even their own categories of the music industry's catalog. In the past, I've listened to both when I'm in the mood and the radio is on that mood's channel. However, I do enjoy musical "research" (as a creator of music, it's important to be influenced by all, and studying up is a daily goal). That very research is the reason I write today. After hearing each artist's first singles, I immediately wanted the records. So, I am here to tell you that these records are leaps and bounds above your average "Pop" and "Country" albums, and that you need to hear them! Both artists have so heavily influenced me in the past few weeks that I can hardly keep control of my mind. I'm singing "Diva" in the shower with "Way Down Here" in my subconscious.
I promise you won't be disappointed. Musically, lyrically, intellectually... both albums are just brilliant.
You know what? I've changed my mind. I'm going to have to make a rule. If you purchase the Kenny record, it must be done in-store so you can take the hard copy home. It's case is made from 100% recycled paperboard, so you can not only feel good about your purchase, but more importantly, you can read the beautifully poetic journal-like entries below each song's title on the inside booklet. I was in tears at times and bursting at the seams at others when reading the thoughts and the inspirations behind each song. He also participates in three duets on the record with Dave Matthews, Mac MacAnally (incredible) and Willie Nelson. It is an insightful, intimate view of the artist whom I ashamedly admit was not much more to me than the "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" guy. I stand corrected. He is an artist at it's best.
Miss Fierce is also bright and shining and has gained a new respect in my eyes. Any one that can make up a word like "bootylicious" and turn it into a universally-used term has got to have some talent for the manipulation of words and their meanings, right? ...Right! Her new record is a two-part product of probably a couple of years in the making and definitely proves the bootylicious-full talent. It is so fresh, I want to dive in it like a new, clean load of laundry just out of the dryer. Pop music is much harder to orchestrate than one would think. I promise. :) So, naturally she is now on a very high pedestal to me. What seems like 808s and drum machines to many is absolute genius to me, because I understand the thought processes and the constant pressure on pop music to be that very word: "fresh". My goodness. The woman (who produced the record, P.S.) has done it. It's sick. Go get it.
Get them both! You have my word. :) You won't regret it!
-C.
1 people are buzzing.:
i totally agree with you on the Beyonce cd. I picked it up and was pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed it. The First disc is my favorite, but that Single Ladies song is so darn catchy.
i've yet to pick up Kenny's album but I adore Down the Road with Mac MacAnally, so I may just have to pick this one up too once i'm off bed rest from surgery.
Keep recommending music! I have broad tastes in music like you do, so it's always great to see what music others are intersted in.
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