Fabulous February Music (#TT151)

Hello beautiful people! Hope y’all are doing great. I just came back from my short trip back home for Chinese New Year. I swear that I ate WAY more than I should. I didn’t actually gain weight yet I notice a difference with my now round-er face. It’s really round!! Lol. When I look myself in pictures, I’d be like “omg is that me? Yes, it’s really me, what the heck..”

I’ve been hell busy this month because of work and other bits and bobs in life and I was super tired before CNY as I came back home pretty late almost every day I felt like dying lol. Glad that this month is coming to an end!

Anyways, enough about me. Let’s listen to some songs, shall we?

I watched Taylor’s “Style” video within the first 15mins after its release and I wasn’t even waiting for it! I guess I really watch too much YouTube videos.

It’s sad to hear that Fun. is “taking a break”, but not to worry because Nate Ruess is going solo and you can always listen to that fantastic unique voice.

I don’t really care about the rumoured romance between Zedd and Selena, but I was pretty looking forward to the collab song. However, I have to say that this is not the best piece from Zedd, it’s quite repetitive and predictable. Wait, let me correct that: It’s VERY repetitive and predictable. Come on Zedd, you can do better than this!

On the other hand, fellow DJ superstar, Calvin Harris, proves that he’s still well in the game through this catchy yet not overly-autotuned piece featuring the HAIM ladies!

Imagine. Dragons. Do I need to explain further?

An okay song that fits into karaoke playlist. Her voice is still great though. But I really think the video is quite cheesy.

On another note, did you watch the Oscars? If you didn’t, I’m sorry that I’m gonna spoil it for you because I’m so SO PROUD of Eddie Redmayne!!!

I became a fan after watching him in Les Miserables and I was thrilled when I found out that he got such an important role in Theory of Everything. This dude can act. Even when he speaks off screen during interviews, I can tell he has a classical play/broadway background – very expressive. Not to mention that he’s a Brit (always a plus!) and very very cute xD. Watch out Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne is coming through!

The other highlights of the show were performances by Maroon 5 – Adam Levine singing “Lost Stars” from Begin Again and Sound of Music tribute by Lady Gaga. Boy, who knew Gaga could sing like that! Even Julie Andrews was proud.

That’s all for now peeps! Til next time!

xo, Jo

Taylor Swift’s “1989”– My Top 5 Songs

Hello lovelies!

As you may have or have not already known that our girl Tay-tay just dropped her latest album last week and I thought I would write a short review since I had pre-ordered it and started listening to it non-stop ever since it was available.

The genre of this album is obviously pop, but thank goodness it’s a good kind of pop where lyrics still matter. Many of the songs kind of sound hipster-ish and indie-influenced, which are very much reflected from the polaroid album theme.

The original album consists of 13 songs, while deluxe album has 3 bonus songs plus 3 bonus audio tracks of Taylor sharing her experience during the song writing process.

If you have listened to ‘Shake It Off’, let me tell you, the other songs sound nothing like it. I don’t mean it in a negative way, but they’re not the catchy type that you can’t get it out of your head for a couple of weeks then get sick of it after a month.

Since YouTube still pretty much restricts the original songs to be posted, I can’t post them here. However, I’ll post some of the lyrics instead.

5. How You Get The Girl

My first impression of this song is it could be a great soundtrack of a movie or TV show. The chorus is catchy enough without being too overwhelming. The lyrics is basically some advice from Taylor to guys out there on how to get the girl y’all! Guys, pay attention. I also like how she has a little twist in it.

And then you say,

I want you for worse or for better,
I would wait forever and ever,
Broke your heart, I'll put it back together.
I would wait forever and ever.
And that's how it works
It's how you get the girl, girl...

Tell her how you must have lost your mind.
And you left her all alone, and never told her why (why).
And that's how it works.
That's how you lost the girl.

4. Out of The Woods

I’ve reviewed this song in my previous post here. Unfortunately, the video is no longer working because Taylor and her label basically removed all of her “1989” songs from YouTube and Spotify. She even removed ALL of her songs from past albums off Spotify (sad face).

3. Style

I’m not a big fan of the verses, but I love the chorus. I also really like of how this song is produced, the music sounds very modern and just plain cool. On a random note, am I the only one who pictures Harry Styles here? Sorry I had to lol.

You got that James Dean day dream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style.

2. I Wish You Would

Ok, I think I just found a new trend here. Again I love LOVE the chorus but not so much on the verses. This song has a very cool set of guitar chords and I think the verses could have been done better with a more interesting tune. Every time I listen to this song, there’s a tiny little feeling inside of me saying “man I wish the verses were more interesting”. But perhaps it was purposely done to get the feel of the story behind the song. As for the lyrics, girllll I know exactly how this feels!

I wish you would come back
Wish I never hung up the phone like I did
I wish you knew that I'll never forget you as long as I live, I
Wish you were right here, right now, it's all good, I wish you would

I wish we could go back
And remember what we were fighting for
I wish you knew that I miss you too much to be mad anymore
Wish you were right here, right now, it's all good, I wish you would

1. Blank Space

OMG, OMG, first of all let me just say this. I am BEYOND excited when I found out this was a single because this song is my absolute favorite from the beginning. If you listen to the bonus audio from the deluxe album, you can hear how this song was first made acoustically and I wish there was a full track of the acoustic version because I love it. Anyways, this song was on repeat for one full week and I didn’t get bored of it at all. And now the music video is here!!! It’s a pure gem. Just watch.

 

Till next time!

xo, Jo

We were built to fall apart (#TT148)

Hello lovelies! 

Have you listened to Taylor Swift's "Out of The Woods"? It has some pretty interesting lyrics which many claim as somewhat confusing. But somehow to me personally, I can relate to the song. It's about that state in a relationship that you're not sure where it's going to. It can be scary, it can be exhausting, but it can be exciting as well. 

"Out of The Woods" is not a single. Instead, Taylor released her latest single "Welcome to New York" today. Stay tuned for next week's post!

On a different note, I find that my music playlist nowadays is a little different than usual - LOTS of catchy DJ songs. I think I just want to listen to something that makes me wanna dance and forget about the world a.k.a work, people's attitudes, judgments, struggles to fit in, and "friends". Being in my own zone and not thinking about what other people think is just awesome. SHAKE IT OFF BABY!

Below is just a taste of my current diverse playlist. So shall we dance together? :)

Have a great week ahead!

xo, Jo

Switch of Pop (#TT147)

Taylor’s new single “Shake It Off” really REALLY surprised me (not in a bad way though). I was like, “Tay..lor?”, I guess it’s time to say goodbye to fairytale country music.

But actually a shift in music genre can be expected, since her previous album “Red” is more towards pop than country. I think pop suits her, plus we get to see her “fun” side a little more through pop music and of course, her cute awkwardness =) I’m excited to hear the rest of the songs off her new album “1989”.

Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, shake it off

On the other hand, the ever sweet Hilary Duff released another single titled “All About You” which has a little country touch. Some refuse to call it pop country, but use a term “pop folk” instead. Well, to me personally there are no defined lines amongst music genres today, everything mashes up together and most of them sound great. I remember the first “mashed up” genre that I listened to was by Forever The Sickest Kids, and apparently it was called powerpop rock/punk. I LOVED IT.

I really really like this song and I can’t wait to see the official music video. It’s definitely more catchy compared to “Chasing The Sun” I shall expect different varieties of music from Hilary’s new album!

On a random note, I feel like chopping my hair off again to shoulder length, just like Hilary’s =) need to gather courage to do it though because it really takes time for my hair to grow.

Meanwhile, enjoy the new music video by Maroon 5 for their latest hit “Maps”!

Thoughts on Swift’s and Duff’s new music?

xo, Jo

Party Month (#TT132)

Hello lovelies! 

It's December!! Can you believe it? Christmas is coming real soon and it's time to party! Some of you may have or have not known that I'm not so much of an electro music fan. It's catchy and gets me in the mood but it's not something that I can listen to for the whole day (may get sick of it :x). 

But! I've been into indie pop lately and I guess this would be the kind of music that I can dance to all night long! It kind of reminds me of one episode in Lizzie Mcguire where the whole school becomes a fan of Frank Sinatra and the school dance just gets really awesome with the 70's/80's style (ref: picture above).

Here are the two bands that I've been listening to lately, plus Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Cool? Awesome? You're welcome.

Below are the types of dresses that I'd like to invest in for parties this Christmas and New Year. Not vintage, but it's feminine with an edge! Inspired by my favorite looks from the recent AMA. Cutouts FTW!

Taylor Swift in Julien Macdonald

Kendall Jenner wearing Keepsake top and skirt

Have a blessed week!

xo, Jo

The art of letting go (#TT131)

Hey lovelies!

I'm currently on a business trip and got a little spare time to blog :) The mood this week is just mellow and relaxed. Hope you enjoy my music picks!

Introduced by my friend. Like it!

I love the harmony of their voices. Beautiful.

Also check out Taylor's new song for a movie titled "One Chance".

Letting go, letting go ain't easy
Oh, it's just exceedingly hurtful
'Cause somebody you used to know
It's flinging your world around
And they watch, as you're falling down, down, down

xo, Jo

Aly & AJ new music, Ellie Goulding and more! (#TT117)

Hey lovelies!

I know it's slightly late, but it's better late than never right? Hope you enjoy my music picks this week!

I was never really a fan of Aly & AJ's back in 2007, I guess I only remember one song of theirs: "Potential Breakup Song". Anyone remembers that?

I was fairly surprised of their transformation. They kinda look like the Olsen twins back in 2003ish :D and I like their new style of music! It has that indie vibe to it and I also like their boho-vintage style in the music video. 

Beautiful!

I'm proud to say that I've attended Taylor Swift's concert before :3 she rocks the stage like a pro! Well, she is one :)

Rating: NC16!

I guess I have a new favorite band! :)

Which song(s) do you like?

xo, Jo

Putting a smile on your face :) (#TT114)

Hello lovelies!

There are 3 songs that I wanna share with you this week.

The first one is a song that you've probably already heard, it's "Everything Has Changed" by T Swift and Mr. Lovely Ed Sheeran. The video is totes adorbs! The media has been gossiping about the "hidden meaning" of the video, which might link to Taylor and Ed's possible romance -.-

Although the prediction is possible to be true, but hey come on, can we just enjoy the music video? People are over analyzing sometimes..

The next one! JoJo! 

She came up with a new mixtape, "Agápē", around late last year and this is an official music video from one of the singles! I really like her new hairstyle, I think it suits her well (or probably just because I like short wavy bobs which is why I chopped my hair off and got it permed) :)

It's a shame that this was not an album, I mean, the tracks on this mixtape SO deserve to be sold as an album. Same goes with her previous mixtape, "Can't Take That Away From Me". 

Click HERE for FREE download of Agápē!

Next: 2AM Club!

I've always loved every single of 2AM Club's song, but I'm not so sure of this one.. It sounds more like an uncreative pop song these days. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just a little disappointing :/ I'm still looking forward to hearing their other songs in the future though!

Till' the next post!

xo, Jo

Tay and Shorts (#TT106)

I’ve been waiting for this music video to be released but late to catch the day when it was up on YouTube. So here it is! 22 by Taylor Swift!

I have to say that this is one of my favorites off her album “Red”. When I just got the album last year, I couldn’t stop listening to it!!

So I started seeing a pattern on Taylor’s style that her iconic ‘dress-and-boots’ style has been replaced with ‘shorts-and-oxfords’ more of a laid-back style. And we all know that the major transformation is with the hair. I love her with both curly and straight hair. She incorporates red lipstick almost all the time now as well.

Let’s see a short portfolio of Tay and her love with shorts!

It started off with ‘We are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ music video.

She really keeps it consistent with what she wears in the music video and on shows. It’s kind of a different case with ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’, since she looks like a hippy rebellious teen in the video and transforms into a dark broken hearted queen in her performances. Not to mention that she makes the song more dubstep-ish haha.

I’m pretty excited to see what kind of style she will adopt for ‘22’ live performances. I personally think that there’s a high chance that she will put her ‘shorts-and-oxfords’ ensemble again, since she shows it like her statement in her album covers from the beginning (one of them is the first pic in this post).  What do you think?

 

*BONUS:

I’m gonna use this song for a special day this month ;)

Not really diggin’ this song, but still post it anyway since it’s will.i.am and Spears ;)

Catchy, but taking lyrics from previous famous songs quite bugs me.

Beyonce’s “Bow Down”: http://iam.beyonce.com/post/45616969837

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Have a great week!

xo, Jo

1 week till Christmas! (TT#96)

Hi lovelies,

Before jumping to the Christmas music list, I'd like to give a deep condolence to people who have lost their loved ones at the Newtown massacre last Friday. There was (and still is) a pain in my heart after hearing such a terrible news and my prayers go out to everyone that has been affected.  

I couldn't help but to think of this song by Mayday Parade. It's such an emotional song. Although the incident and the message of this song is not exactly the same, it's still about losing someone that we love.. because life can really do terrible things.

BUT,

it doesn't mean that it's not worth-living. I believe that God puts you in things that we may blame Him for, but that's because He knows that you're strong enough to get through them. 

I guess what's more heart-breaking is the fact that it's almost Christmas, the season of joy and happiness; and it will take a greater effort to keep it that way this year for all of us. I can't help but to think how hard it would be for parents to not have their kids on Christmas day. Yes, Christmas is not gonna be the same as how it is used to be anymore, but it never fades away. The joy of Christmas, stays here inside us, fills each and every heart with love.

Thus, please have yourself a wonderful Christmas day. It IS hard, but time, love, forgiveness and prayers will get you through. Everyone deserves a happiness during Christmas time, in fact, everyone ALWAYS does.

This song is always beautiful no matter who sings it. But there's just something magical in Judy Garland's voice that makes it even more meaningful. Together with this particular scene, it's just perfect.

Alright, now off to the more cheerful songs! You will be amazed by these unique renditions and modern Christmas songs!

Lastly, this song speaks the message that I'm about to convey: I'm gonna be home for the holidays, baby! Can't wait! 

Oh, oh! Hang on there.. that wasn't the last video of this post. 

This is!

I know this is obviously not a Christmas song, but the fact that Swift Tizzle debuted her latest (100th) music video on her 23rd birthday is pretty much worth to be shared :) be prepared to be wowed by her different style!

Are you done with all of the Christmas preparations?

I'm certainly not.. So little time and I think I'm getting sick :/ hope I'll be healthy again by this week!

Have a wonderful week!

xo, Jo

Give me some Pop! (#TT92)

Second single from TSwizzle, YAY! I simply love the video. I’m not sure where she shot this but I think it’s somewhere in Europe? Her outfits are the best, just look at that lilac dress! OMG, beautiful! Music wise, I think it’s very her style. I’ve actually listened to several song previews of her new album, RED, and well, I think she has done a good job in experimenting with new styles, but to me it just can’t beat her original style, which appears in this song. I’m getting myself a copy of RED this week! :D

CRJ’s latest single, “This Kiss”! I’ve first heard this song from 90210 and I think it’s a cute song. Very CRJ!

Just like how I discovered CRJ’s “This Kiss”, 90210 also introduced me to Sammy Adams! It’s just one of those songs that you can always dance to with your friends. I wish I had found it sooner!

Kelly Clarkson is unstoppable!!! Another powerful song that relates to many individuals =)

Alright, last week I posted a song by Alex Goot and this week let me introduce you to his good friends who are known as a band “Against The Current”. Alex and the band have been making a number of covers that are preeeety awesome. I really like the lead singer, Chrissy’s voice. It’s so powerful and it reminds me of Paramore and Versa Emerge. But still, they’re all different. Plus, she’s really pretty! I actually have 2 persons in my mind that I think resemble her face. First, the beautiful fashion blogger, Lovely Pepa and the cute Princesstard from the daily family vlogs, SHAYTARDS. Check them out and you’ll see what I see! Haha I suddenly got all excited to have found the resemblance of these 3 girls :p

Let me know which song(s) that you like this week!

Take care! <3

xo, Jo

It's October?! (#90)

Hello lovelies!

Yes, I know it's been forever since my last post, which is WHY my playlist this time is longer than usual. I can't believe that I only have one post for September! 0.0 Sigh..

Anyways, enjoy! :)

Taylor Swift wrote a song for a boy who lost a battle with cancer. This song definitely shakes up your emotions at least a tiny bit!

New country boy that I feel has a great potential to be in the "Rising Artist" list. He has a character, plays many music instruments and possesses that cute little face. Not to mention that he has a catchy name. What else could you ask for, right? This song is just super sweet and I simply love the monochrome style of the music video. 

How I missed All Time Low!! Finally they're back with a new album "Don't Panic" which hit the stores yesterday! I really like the lyrics of this song. Totally can relate to some parts of it since I just started working!

Yes yes YESSS!!! I'm always excited when 2AM Club releases a new song :D I have to honestly say that this is not so much of my type of music but this band never failed to impress me :)

Seems like lots of artists are back with a new album this year. Ke$ha is definitely one of them! I think she shows more vocals in this song, which is good. I wanted to say that this song is so catchy but DUH, "catchy" is Ke$ha's middle name. 

ThePianoGuys' rendition for David Guetta's Titanium. A club song made into classical - how brilliant! I look up so much to these guys. They always combine today's songs with classical songs and every single cover turn out amazing. They are TRUE musicians, like really.

Finally the most anticipated song for a highly anticipated movie, "Skyfall" by Adele for the new James Bond movie. I really like how the instruments sound in this song - very "James Bond-ish" :P

Hope you enjoyed this playlist! Which one is your favorite?

xo, Jo

Hello September! (#TT 89)

Hey guys,

As usual, following is a short list of songs that I’ve been listening to.

Enjoy! :)

Finally the official video! Only one word to describe it: CUTE!

Owl City + CRJ ? Unexpected combination that turns out to be awesome!

These boys have grown up, enough said! :)

Like ‘em? Hate ‘em? Meh?

xo, Jo

End of Summer (#TT88)

I miss my friends :(

New additions to my playlist:

Well, this one ain’t new, but the music video is!! Belinda looks absolutely GORGEOUS! And it’s her birthday today! YAY! :D

Cody as in Disney’s Cody? Dang sonnn he looks different!!

Biebz’s new single. I gotta say that I like the lyrics for this one :p

Ok, so Taylor had a chat with her fans on Aug 13 and at the same time released her new single for her new album “Red”. I couldn’t join the chat but I watched the recording and have been playing this song over and OVER again!! LOVE it!! It sounds different from her usual style but it’s still awesome! Ahhhhhhh *fan girl mode*

Hope you had a great summer!
xo, Jo

Swift did it again! (#TT82)

Congrats to Taylor Swift in winning the Woman Of The Year Award at the Billboard Music Awards 2012! She looks gorgeous as usual. I love her with straight hair! Not to mention that her red eye makeup totally completes off the stunning red evening gown by Elie Saab!

Recently, her two songs were also officially released on Youtube. Well, actually the second one is B.o.B’s song, but without her voice this song wouldn’t be as good! I also just found out that “Eyes Open” is also in the Hunger Games soundtrack after “Safe and Sound”.  These two songs are definitely different from what she normally does and yet she still rocks ‘em. Although “Both of Us” has a guitar touch that makes it a lil bit more country-ish? :D

And sometimes I wonder
All we care so much about the way we look
And the way we talk, and the way we act
And the clothes we bought, how much that cost?
Does it even really matter?
Cause if life is an uphill battle,
We all try to climb on the same old ladder
In the same boat with the same old paddle

Dig the songs, peeps? :)

Have a lovely week!

xo, Jo