Hear Me

Chasing Shadows by The Strange Familiar

Indie rock band The Strange Familiar’s new album, Chasing Shadows, illustrates pure individuality. With the band’s diverse musical styles and strong-voiced lead vocalist, Kira Leyden, it’s hard to believe that their music doesn’t gain the popularity it deserves.

 

 

 

Back to Me by Fantasia

Fantasia Burrino, a unique R&B artist commonly known from American Idol, bares a deeply emotional side of herself on her album Back to Me. On this album, Fantasia tells a story illustrating different emotions experienced during a relationship. Each of the songs has different beats and tempos, ranging from slow and peaceful to cheery and upbeat.

 

 

 

Millions of Pieces by Michala Todd

Michala Todd’s first E.P., Millions of Pieces, starts with an 80s pop infused bang! The first track, “Make It Work,” sets the undeniably enjoyable pop rock tone for the rest of the album. Each of the six tunes on the E.P. compliment each other very well and are perfect for singing along. Millions of Pieces demonstrates the work of a musically gifted young songstress; Michala’s tunes are great and the messages in her music only make it better.

 

 

Half You Half Me by Girls in Trouble

Half You Half Me is certainly one of the oddest albums I’ve ever listened to. The Girls in Trouble sophomore album laces ten tracks with biblical allusions. The artists weave history into familiar ballads; stories of heartbreak pay tribute to saints as well as modern day women. Alicia Jo Rabbins, the mastermind behind Girls In Trouble, submerged herself in the history of the forgotten women of the Torah for years before memorializing her findings in songs.

 

 

The Five Ghosts by Stars

I first caught the words "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" on my Facebook newsfeed.  I was intrigued and searched it that instant. That’s how I found out about Stars, an indie Canadian band that produces music unlike any I have heard before.

 

 

 

Stark by Cherri Bomb

When I first picked up Cherri Bomb’s EP, Stark, I was a little skeptical. With their name being closely linked to a hit song by a famous rock band of the 1970s, The Runaways, I was in serious doubt that they could live up to the name. However, when I sat down and listened to their tracks, I instantly fell in love.

 

 

 

Make Some Noise by von Grey

Von Grey, an all-girl country group, features the voices of sisters Kathryn (16), Annika (15), Fiona (13), and Petra (11), along with their 12 instruments! These four sisters sing of strength, assertiveness, and youth. Make Some Noise is upbeat and it’s the type of album you can blast in your car on the way to a party. Each song has a different tempo.

 

 

 

Rabbits on the Run by Vanessa Carlton

The album: Rabbits on the Run. The artist: Vanessa Carlton. As my musical taste leans towards artists like Adele and Florence + The Machine, I did not immediately click with Carlton. But after a few songs, I started to enjoy how the strong instruments and her distinctive voice perfectly complement each other. The songs are especially highlighted by their lyrics, which match her voice in their uniqueness.

 

 

When the Sun Goes Down by Selena Gomez and the Scene

"Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it?" Certainly not the fans of Selena Gomez! On her third album, When the Sun Goes Down, this Disney star gone pop princess sings about love, inner beauty, and following your dreams. The 12-track album is strung together by up-tempo, up-beat songs with positive messages. It also boasts a highly renowned crop of co-songwriters including Pixie Lott, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry.

 

 

Like a Machine by Claire London

Like A Machine is fantastic album. Claire London has an extremely powerful vibe. While listening I could tell that Claire really felt the things that she was singing about. She brought her personal experiences to her songs, and wanted to tell the world about them. Each song has a totally different meaning.

 

 

 

The Real Me by Naomi Less

If you love meaningful lyrics and thought provoking soundtracks, Naomi Less's album The Real Me is perfect for you. Naomi Less is a budding musician striving to make a difference through music. In this optimistic 12-track-album, Naomi explores a wide range of topics such as responsibilities, friendship, and the importance of being grateful. Through her guitar and serene vocals, Naomi's beguiling tunes leave listeners feeling positive and peaceful. The Real Me is an enjoyable album and I definitely recommend it to teen girls.

 

 

21 by Adele

Music comes and goes at an incredible rate within the fast-paced music industry. Not many songs ultimately withstand the test of time. It takes a special artist to record a CD that becomes a modern classic. Amidst the busy comings and goings of lightweight auto-tuned dance tracks comes a rare and meaningful CD from a relatively new artist out of the UK: Adele's 21

 

 

 

Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday is an outstanding album and even though I am not a big fan of rap, I fell in love with it. " I think that Nicki Minaj does a fantastic job of varying the songs on the album--from the different beats to the range of meanings behind her lyrics."  Every song is so different that I anticipate that everyone will like at least a few of Pink Friday's tracks.

 

 

 

Unbroken by Demi Lovato

Unbroken- it's a fitting title for Demi Lovato's third studio album. After a whirlwind of personal issues this past year (she checked into rehab on November 1, 2010 to deal with emotional and physical concerns), Demi is fighting back with her strongest album to date. Unbroken is the all-new 14-track pop album from Demi Lovato. But are the syncopated pop beats enough to keep listeners engaged?

 

 

I Remember Me by Jennifer Hudson

Two is a lucky number for Jennifer Hudson. I Remember Me is her second album. It is a mixture of soft instrumentals and powerful vocals. The 12-track CD has a traditional R&B/soul vibe with an occasional jazzy feel. Jennifer Hudson is a superstar who has moved well beyond her American Idol beginnings.

 

 

 

My Dream by Chani

Chani has an important message, and uses her powerful voice in order to entertain as well as educate her fans. Her song "Chani's Story," after which her new reality TV show is named, details her fast-paced career, but it's the rest of Chani's album that exhibits her true talent at work.

 

 

 

The Luring by Pixikill

It is hard to find a band with both killer vocals and intense instrumentals, but that is exactly what Pixikill has. The Luring is Pixikill's debut E.P. that features five up-tempo tunes.

 

 

 

 

The Bridge by Melanie Fiona

Melanie Fiona, an R&B artist who sings both fast and exciting songs as well as slow, meaningful ones, strikes me as an extremely different figure from many mainstream artists.

 

 

 

 

Lungs by Florence + the Machine

Florence + The Machine, a recent British indie-pop import, has made a stunning debut in the music industry, racking up prestigious awards from the critics, and widespread approval from fans. I, however, can't decide whether or not I am one of those fans. Although Lungs, the group's first album, is indeed whimsical with masterfully crafted lyrics, the themes are, for the most part, gory and gothic.

 

 

Erin Smith Music

Erin Smith grew up on a beach in California spending the warm summers and weekends surfing and enjoying the sun. Though she spent hours on the beach and taking dance lessons when she was younger, that didn't stop Erin from discovering her love of playing the guitar and songwriting.

 

 

 

4 by Beyoncé

Beyoncé is the music industry's Pop Queen. Her string of successes clearly demonstrates her musical talent. She sets the bar higher for herself with each new album and is always pushing her limits.

 

 

 

In Avanti by Alexx Calise

To be truthful, I have never been a fan of rock and roll music, and I certainly didn't know what to expect when I first listened to Alexx Calise's music on iTunes writes Teen Voices contributor Katherine Gross, 15, in her review of Alexx Calise's new album.

 

 

 

Made of Bricks by Kate Nash

Teen Voices contributor Laini Cassis, 19, reviews Kate Nash's album "Made of Bricks." Her music is upbeat and catchy. Her music has been described as indie, alternative, and piano rock, but no matter what genre, Kate Nash's music is original.

 

 

 

First Love by Karina

Karina Pasian, a newcomer to the music industry, hits it off with her debut album, First Love. With a mix of hip hop and much flavor, she puts down tracks that will keep her listeners dancing. " When first listening, you will hear vocals similar to hip hop sensation Beyonce, and even the chart topper, Rihanna.

 

 

 

Unfold by Marie Digby

Marie Digby recently released Unfold on Hollywood Records." Digby got her big break when she won the Pantene Pro-Voice Competition in 2004, and she gained even more attention posting her songs and covers on YouTube.

 

 

 

Meiko by Meiko

Meiko's debut self-titled album shows little creativity, but a rather interesting new voice. Although her lyrics are mostly clichés, Meiko's voice shines through.

 

 

 

 

Lenka by Lenka

A great smooth rhythmic CD, Lenka draws listeners to Lenka's country, yet pop, style. The mood, beat, and speed correspond nicely to the tone of the lyrics. Full of songs that make you want to sleep, the CD focuses on the voice of the artist instead of the instrumentals.

 

 

 

Dreaming of Revenge by Kaki King

Kaki King may only be 29, but she's been in the music industry for almost ten years. Not only has she contributed to the soundtracks of the films August Rush and Into the Wild, but she was the first woman to be named a "Guitar God" by Rolling Stone Magazine, in 2006. Oh, and did I mention that she's a dedicated songwriter, too? I listened to Dreaming of Revenge, King's latest album, with high hopes.

 

 

19 by Adele

It's hard to believe that this is 19-year-old Adele's debut album. Her voice is slightly raspy, yet for some reason it makes you feel calm. It's difficult to describe her songs because they seem to be a mixture of soul, indie, jazz and R&B.