Pop Music Playlist: March 2013

Yes, I'm on it, I'm on it!

I've been all fashion lately and I'm seriously lagging in the music department, I KNOW. so here's my playlist for the month of March.

Mini disclaimer: All songs here will be taken from genres ranging from pop/pop rock/pop country. As long as I smell a hint of pop, they're thrown into this playlist!

#1: Shake it Off by Secondhand Serenade
The fact that I bought this song the instant I could and how this is a successful change in music approach from Secondhand Serenade, I'd say that this song would DEFINITELY be on the list. It was practically a prerequisite as I was thinking of what to include on this list!



#2: This Isn't Love by The Royal
A relatively new band, and I've actually reviewed them twice (and own all their singles). Give this song a listen, it had me singing along to it on the first listen. Yes, it's THAT addictive.



#3: Boomerang by The Summer Set
I LOVE THIS SONG. I really have no idea what you expect me to say. For a band that's about to release their first album soon, I gotta say this song has got me beyond excited. It's a song I listen to almost everyday, it's a song I can't stop singing along to... I see the potential. No kidding.



#4: Heart Attack by Demi Lovato
This song has not only got my attention, it's gotten the attention of EVERYONE who's interested in Demi's music. Demi may not be the best judge, but she's definitely got one of the best vocals of the people in our generation. *wallowing in envy*



#5: Gorilla by Bruno Mars
Strangely enough, this is the only song that caught my attention from Bruno Mars' latest album, Unorthodox Jukebox. This song feels completely like a Bruno Mars song, and I love singing along to Bruno Mars' songs, so... No surprise why it's here.



#6: My Signature Move by P!nk
P!nk is one of my favorite singers EVER, and just so happens to be one of the few voices I can sing along to at my key. I've always adored how P!nk's lyrics are always so real and they really seem to show a piece of her in every song. She doesn't sugarcoat romance and doesn't show you the pretty sides of life. She gives reality. and that's probably why I love P!nk's music.



#7: Hummingbird Heartbeat by Katy Perry
Spring's here and really, there's no doubt one great song can lift your mood. Granted, this isn't new, but it's such a great song to listen to when you're out enjoying the good weather and falling in love with everything and anything simply because it's spring.



#8: Wings by Little Mix
The first group to win on The X Factor UK, and I'm telling you, these girls didn't win the competition based on their looks. Wings is one of my favorite Little Mix songs because the song really talks about spreading your wings and going for what you believe in. For a song? I'd say these four girls are living models of what you can accomplish when you spread those wings.



#9: Red by Taylor Swift
Strangely enough, it wasn't I Knew You Were Trouble or State of Grace that got to me when she first released Red (the album), but it was really this song. Sure, it talks about still loving someone, but how she uses colors to describe her feelings at the different stages... Not many of us would consider that.. Well, maybe with the exception of artists.



#10: Go To Hell by Go Radio
I confess. This is the first song I've listened from Go Radio and I happened to chance upon it when I saw The Summer Set share it when I opened youtube (to find the links for this blog). When I clicked it, I had the gnawing instinct that this song was going on my playlist, and I guess my instincts proved me right. The gruffness in the lead singer's voice and the song, it's so easy to sing along to Go To Hell. Hell, you don't even need me to tell you which 3 words are the easiest to sing along to.



Hoped you liked the playlist!
Happy Easter!

xoxo pamela

Music Review: The Royal (Part 2)

 The Royal is probably one of the first bands I've reviewed since I started this blog, and when they released their new single 'This Isn't Love', I found myself loving the band more than I already did.

This band is seriously rad! The pop rock beats are always a great melody to listen to when I decide to calm my ears after listening to long periods of hard rock. Not to mention how This Isn't Love had me singing to it after a couple of listens! You guys HAVE TO listen to this!



This Isn't Love boasts of pop rock beats that'll have you tapping your toes and singing to it, and eventually dancing in your room (like Taylor Swift in You Belong With Me). Once again, The Royal blew me away with the perfect blend of beats, melody, background and vocals. It's the perfect fuse of the elements... God, I love it. (and my iTunes page is open as I blog this... Definitely buying this song! - PS. Update: I've already bought ALL their songs on iTunes)

Seriously though, The Royal has never failed to impress mefrom their rendition of Die Young to Girl Like That, to Freaks and This Isn't Love. I have no idea why these guys aren't signed yet because I think they have so much potential in them!

If you need more proof, listen to this:



Amazing right?
I swear I'm falling love with this band as I listen to more of their music! (and I wish I stayed in the US so I can visit them!! ): )

Since I've started my half ratings, here's what I think of The Royal:

It's no question that The Royal is  crazy talented and obviously know what they're doing. And I promise you, this grade has nothing to do with the fangirl in me. I wasn't totally convinced when I first listened to them because they didn't have much music on their YouTube page, but they're pretty successful in getting me on their side. (and falling for them. YES, I know I've said this a lot.)

Still, I'd love to hear MORE from The Royal. Perhaps you could show us a different side of you by trading the pop beats for something a bit more mellow? Like the acoustic version of Die Young.

Don't worry too much about the feedback. You already have a fan in me. I'll always be on your side. HEHE.


Love The Royal as well? Here's what you can do:
Like The Royal on their Facebook Page  
Follow The Royal on Twitter
Subscribe to The Royal's YouTube Page
Buy The Royal's music on iTunes
It's as easy as A,B,C!

Want me to review your band, any other band, an album or any song?
Send me an email request at pamela.averylim@gmail.com , tweet me @MIN39_ or simply follow me on Twitter @MIN39_ and I'll do up a review for your band right here on my blog!
I may be starting out here on my blog, but I'd love to give any band/album/song/music the credit they deserve!

xoxo pamela 

Song Review: Shake It Off

My hands have been itching to write this post since I first heard this song...

With Secondhand Serenade being one of my all time favorite bands, my first instinct was to get my hands on this song ASAP, so I bought it off iTunes the instant I could... Only to be pleasantly surprised by Secondhand Serenade.

It seems like Secondhand Serenade has ditched their usual acoustic sounds (momentarily) and moved on to something more upbeat, more... pop.

It's not a bad thing. Shake It Off is a really refreshing song with upbeat yet relaxing beats that makes me start singing along to it the moment I started listening. I think Secondhand Serenade has really shown their growth in this song. Or perhaps their versatility in music.

Shake It Off was a really unexpected turn from Secondhand Serenade's usual songs, and it shows us a different side of the band. Plus it shows how versatile John Vesely's voice is (not that I didn't already believe in John's talents...)

That said, here's what I think of the song:

 I swear this rating is not my bias self speaking. (Not much anyway) I mean, I'd listen to Shake It Off on repeat even if I wasn't a HUGE fan of Secondhand Serenade.

Hey. They made me, picky music junkie, place Shake It Off on repeat, and made me sway and sing along to this song on a rainy day. I think that's a pretty feat. Don't you?

Besides, when you hear the reasons behind this change of pace in Vesely's music, I think you'd start to love this song more. I mean, that's what happened to me. Personally, I feel that music that reflects your current state of mind will always be the best music. So, it's great that Vesely's moving on to happier days. (That's what fans would want, right?)

Besides, what's not to love in this new single by a humble band?

There's no need to hope John... I LOVE it beyond words! (Half the time, attitude counts!)

This song is beyond amazing and on repeat infinitely... at least for now. (But I don't see myself getting bored of it anytime soon... In fact, I think I'm falling more in love with this song as I listen to it!)

PS. The last time such a phenomenon happened to me was when Maroon 5 released Payphone.

Anyway, enjoy the song, and remember to support it by downloading it on iTunes:

Shake It Off

xoxo pamela

Reference: Alternative Addiction

February: The Rock Music Playlist

I always rave about rock, and since the end of February's coming, I've put together a rock music playlist for all of you to check out!

PS. It's not in any specific order!

(forgive my crappy picture. I did it in a bit of a rush...)

#1: Space Queen by The Mid-Summer Classic
 Remember this band I reviewed in January (See post here)? They're back with a new song and I think it's great! Space Queen gives a different vibe from what I heard in Delanie, and to be honest, Space Queen is more my speed. (What can I say? I love the harsher beats.)

I feel that The Mid-Summer Classic have definitely grown from We Had It All that speaks of similar beats as in Space Queen. Space Queen sounds so much more refined and professional (wait for it)... I love it!

Space Queen is something I can't stop playing, so it definitely qualifies for my Rock Music Playlist this month.



#2: In The End by Black Veil Brides
Firstly, this is Black Veil Brides. Secondly, I believe I've said all I needed to say about how much I love this song in my review of their album (see here). I play this every morning, night, and times in between. I just can't stop playing this song! It's like Black Veil Brides has drugged me and now I'm addicted.

This song is the bomb.



#3: Enemies by Shinedown
Now I feel like I haven't done Shinedown any justice. Since my overpowering love for rock music didn't start too long ago, I only discovered Shinedown this year, and I love them.

This song is good for some anger venting, head banging, rocking out, working out time. (Or perhaps more times that I've failed to mention.)



#4: Sex, Drugs and Violence by Green Day
 Once again, we're talking about Green Day here, so the fact that it's on my playlist is moot. Nonetheless, Sex, Drugs and Violence is such a great song to rock out to (and listen to on any day) with its fast tempo.

Besides, this has to be my favorite song out of Tre (their 3rd album in 2012). Don't ask me why. I just do.



#5: Porcelain Doll by Cartographer
I've loved Cartographer since I first heard their music. The best things about this band? They're crazy sweet to fans (like me) and they actually went down the 'Hard Rock' route as opposed to pop rock. I'm not saying pop rock is bad, but I think it's a daring move.

Porcelain Doll is the latest song by Cartographer and I seriously think that adding it on my blog would do it far more justice than a simple tweet to the band. While Porcelain Doll is a little more mellow than some of their other songs, I really love how they brought the energy of the song up in the chorus. But then again, this is my opinion. You have to hear it for yourself.



Tip: The chorus needs a bit more base in my opinion. The song's good. I'd love it more if it had more base to it cos the vocals are a bit hard on the ears without enough base. Then again, just an opinion! Keep up the good work!

#6: Die Trying by Art of Dying 
 Another band I only came to know of this year, but I seriously think Art of Dying has a lot  of potential in the music industry. These hard rock/metal beats are seriously sick!

Die Trying is a song I could relate to the moment I heard it, and I'm pretty sure most of you will feel the same way too. Especially if you've ever had something you wanted so much that you gave it your all to achieve it.



#7: Riot by Bullet For My Valentine
I'm gonna admit. I was never into metal until recently, so Bullet For My Valentine is another band I've come to know of. In fact, Riot is THE song that decided my fandom. I love their attitude in Riot!

I mean, the lyrics may not be the most motivational, but the guitar solo is pretty amazing and this song is definitely a pretty great song to rock out to with the steady beats that make me wanna bang my head to the music.



#8: Supremacy by Muse
This has been a song on repeat since Muse first released The 2nd Law! Need I say more?

Muse is probably one of the most distinct bands I've ever listened to with their eerily haunting melodies that leave you wanting more. I can't believe I used to think Muse was weird! They're eccentric, unique and madly talented! I wish I went to their concert in Singapore years back!

I do recall thinking this being a better song that Adele for the Bond movie that released last year... Oh well.

Personally, I really like the starting of the song. It really grabs your attention, and then the bridge to the guitar solo... It's AMAZING. Mad love this one.



#9: Since You're Gone by The Pretty Reckless
They haven't been releasing much, but I like singing to The Pretty Reckless. Coincidentally, Taylor's low vocals match my key, so this is definitely a song that I've been playing and listening to.

For those who haven't heard, it's pretty good. Great rock beats, female vocalist. Yes, FEMALE. I have no idea how Rock music managed to survive with the few female vocalists, but when I hear of one and she impresses me, you can see how that goes... Either way, LISTEN. Girls FTW!



#10: Carry On by Avenged Sevenfold
Here's the thing. When it comes to rock, one of my all time favorite hard rock/metal bands that I've loved for AGES is Avenged Sevenfold. They are so freaking awesome and talented that I don't give a fuck how old their songs are. Each one is crazy awesome as it is.

I crazy love this song they released for Call of Duty! I play it every time of the day. Even when I just wake up or when I'm going to sleep. It's so fucking awesome I think I can spend a post on this, but I'll just spare the non-metal listeners a post.

THIS SONG IS A MUST LISTEN. I don't care what you have to say about this.



BONUS: My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up) by Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is back in 2013!
This song is something I found myself singing to the moment I heard it.

Light em up up up~ Light em up up up~ I'm on Fire~

Just listen. It's Fall Out Boy. They're hardly ever back. Though I wouldn't exactly put this song in the punk rock music genre. Hell, just listen!



Alright. I hope you really digged the songs I chose for my February Rock Music Playlist. I'm sorry I may have chosen one too many metal pieces, but March will probably be all about pop and pop rock, so hang in there!

Anyway, why not give it a go, expose yourself to new genres of music and for all you know, you may like it!

xoxo pamela

Here's a PROPOSAL.

For March's playlist, I'd like to enlist the help of everybody out there! Be it a band, singer, music lover or a reader, tweet in your/your favorite music to @PamelaAvery_ and I'll be sure to give every piece a listen!

In the meantime, do remember to give @PamelaAvery_ a follow and I promise I will review your band/music! Just remember to be patient with me cos school's already kicking my ass.

ALSO, I'd love to hear what you think of my blog and what else you'd want to read/expect from it! I'm receiving comments and criticism with open arms!

Music Review: You End Me

I just realized it's been ages since I last did a music review... Some really great bands have been following me recently, and I just haven't had the time to review anything! It sucks being busy with schoolwork AND falling sick.

You End Me is one of the newer bands I've come to know of, and I'm seriously digging their music.



Their single Dead End boasts of punk rock beats that keep you wanting for more. Dead End sounds like a really professional song that will definitely have you singing along to it once you've had a few listens.

Another one of their videos that caught my eye (or ear) is their take on Justin Bieber's 'As Long As You Love Me'.



I felt that they gave the song a rock beat that is distinctly different from how Justin did his. In fact, I found this rock version more refreshing! Good job guys!

That being said, here's what I think of the band:

I seriously love the lead singer's voice and their style, but in my opinion, You End Me needs more songs to allow me to give them a better review. I mean, if every of their songs are going to be as stellar as As Long As You Love Me or Dead End, then I'd say we're going to have a new pop/punk rock band we're all going to love, but in the meantime, I'm withholding judgement.

Nonetheless, I do love You End Me's music and will definitely keep checking this band out for any new music! So don't give up on what you love to do guys, I'll always be hanging around scouting new music to fall in love with!

Loved You End Me? Here's what you can do:
Follow them on Twitter
Like them on Facebook
Subscribe to them on YouTube


Want me to review your band, any other band, an album or any song?
Send me an email request at pamela.averylim@gmail.com , tweet me @PamelaAvery_ or simply follow me on Twitter @PamelaAvery_ and I'll do up a review for your band right here on my blog!
I may be starting out here on my blog, but I'd love to give any band/album/song/music the credit they deserve!

xoxo pamela

Music Review: Artist Vs Poet

For today's music review, you may recognize the lead vocals from the band from somewhere else...

Actually, Artist Vs Poet has been following me for awhile on Twitter and I feel that it's only right to spread some love on this band I've come to love (especially since I was in complete support of Joe Kirkland when he was on The Voice).

The first thing you'll notice if you Google Artist Vs Poet would definitely be the three delicious guys currently in the band (I'm speaking from a fangirl's point of view). BUT, what you don't see, is the fact that this band has the talent to match their looks. (Meaning: It's not all about looks with them.)

When I first decided to check the band out, I was psyched. I was completely blown away by Joe's performances on The Voice that I had a certain level of expectations for them. Good part? They didn't disappoint.



Wait For You struck me as the perfect song to listen to on a nice day. It's one of those songs I'll want to play in my car (if I owned one) as I let my hair down. It's upbeat, yet really relaxing - something you'd definitely enjoy listening to when you're trying to calm yourself from a tiring day at work or school.

While it is unlike Gives You Hell, I'd say I love this side of Artist Vs Poet just as much. It shows a different quality in Joe's voice...

Anyway, here's a cover they did:



Yes, it is originally sung by Maroon 5, which makes this very hard for me.
Firstly, Maroon 5 is one of my favorite bands, EVER, and I can be a bit judgmental or harsh since I'm mostly married to the original. Plus the fact that it is one of their more recent songs, which brings the whole comparison thingie to another level.

I love Joe's voice (as usual), but I felt that the verses were a bit harsh. The harsh verses actually made it a bit hard for me to listen to the song, but I really like how Artist Vs Poet did the chorus. What I feel could have been done better would be Artist Vs Poet taking a more personal stand on the song? Because at the moment, the melody feels so much like the original that I don't feel that I get a glimpse of Artist Vs Poet because it's too much like Maroon 5's version. But then again, that's my take on it.

Anyway, here's what I think of Artist Vs Poet:

 I really love their original songs, but I do think they could do better and try to develop their own styles when they decide to cover any other songs by other artists. Nonetheless, I see the potential in Artist Vs Poet and I'd still check out (and most probably love) whatever new music they produce in future!

I actually did this post now because this is what's happening a week from now!

 That's right! On February 27, Artist Vs Poet will be opening for Secondhand Serenade (another great band I love) at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California!
I have no idea whey they didn't do it when I was traveling the West Coast, but for those of you who live nearby, you have no excuse! Secondhand Serenade and Artist Vs Poet are two amazing bands you have to listen to and trust me, it will do you good to listen to them live!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now! (check the link below)

 I WANT TO SEE SECONDHAND SERENADE AND ARTIST VS POET!

I would be there, without a doubt, if I actually lived in the US, but I'm currently trapped on my lovely island, a slave to my books. :(
PS. It's a lot of hot guys in one location, so you should DEFINITELY be there!

Love Artist Vs Poet? Now here's what you're gonna do:
Follow them on Twitter
Like them on Facebook
Subscribe to them on YouTube
Check out their Website
Buy their music on iTunes

Want me to review your band, any other band, an album or any song?
Send me an email request at pamela.averylim@gmail.com , tweet me @PamelaAvery_ or simply follow me on Twitter @PamelaAvery_ and I'll do up a review for your band right here on my blog!
I may be starting out here on my blog, but I'd love to give any band/album/song/music the credit they deserve!

xoxo pamela