Music and Playlists

I am currently hung up on Secondhand Serenade's latest album titled A Twist in My Story. This time around he recorded the songs not only with an acoustic guitar but with a band - complete with drums, bass and keyboards. But he did not stray away from his usual style. The words still convey pain and emotions that hit straight to the core and the lyrics are thoughtful and a perfect play of words without turning into grilled cheese. It's the perfect mush with a little bit of healthy emo. No whining, just sincerity on falling in love and losing someone. This is highly recommended.

If I'm not listening to Secondhand Serenade, I am reconnecting with the 80's by listening to REO Speedwagon's The Hits album and Bon Jovi's Greatest Hits, released last 1998 and 2001 respectively. Better late than never. REO Speedwagon writes perfect power ballads mostly about unrequited love minus the screeching and these songs have well written lyrics and belting at the appropriate times. Jon Bon Jovi's charm and appeal help Bon Jovi achieved millions of record sales way back in the days but it's just part of his talents, and man, he can belt out! Bon Jovi is one of those bands in the Philippines with a mass appeal. Just try riding a bus to the North or South of the city, chances are you'll hear most of their hit songs during the 3 - 4 hour drive. Bon Jovi is a little more hardcore compared to REO Speedwagon but they write mostly about love and leaving. Anyways both of these bands contribution to the music world are favorite karaoke hits of mine - drunk or sober.

After all the drama and controversies from the past year including a divorce, custody battles, drug rehab and addiction, meltdowns and various encounters with the paparazzi, Britney Spears is releasing a new album this December. Britney is making a perfect start of her comeback by looking hot during the VMAs and winning not one but three after 16 unsuccessful nominations and after that horrendous and pudgy opening performance last year. Proof that the girl is oozing with appeal and her fans are behind her through thick and thin. "Blackout" just released about a year ago was met with positive reviews by most critics. It's the only album of her not to debut at number one but the content is way above average compared to her previous efforts. I didn't think she promoted it well because of her dramas but it did good enough. I am looking forward to hearing her new album and how she has evolved as a singer and songwriter after the storm. Will she debut at number 1?

David Cook is also releasing his debut album by next month, as Entertainment Weekly reports it is still untitled. I am excited to hear his original compositions and at the same time I am feeling the pressure for Cook. As the first rocker winner of American Idol, all eyes are into him if he can surpass record sales of previous winners, get critical acclaim and from rock fans and critics and equal his creativity and credibility as an artist in comparison to his stint as a contestant. Will he exceed Daughtry's success by beating him in both record sales and respect from the rock community?

Download list: Boyce Avenue, The Academy is.., Joshua Radin