Ariana Grande's album is "My Everything" (IMED 1359.001 Post #5)

Ariana Grande, singer-turned-Nickelodeon superstar-turned-bonafide pop star, released her highly anticipated sophomore album, "My Everything" (which went on to debut at number one on the Billboard 200). Grande's musical success hasn't come as a shock - at least to me - because of her because of her already large following, not to mention her beautiful 4-octave vocal range. This is the second album of Ariana's to go number one (an accomplishment most singers with more years in the business can't say they've achieved). Once again, I've decided to review my favorite tracks on the album.

1. 'Be My Baby' (feat. Cashmere Cat) - This sassy, feminine anthem is Ariana's proclamation to any guy that's interested in her. This is her way of saying that a guy has to touch her heart, mind, and soul before even getting a chance to touch her body. If you meet her needs/requirements, you can 'be her baby.'

2. 'Break Your Heart Right Back' (feat. Childish Gambino) - This bold, fearless record is a personal recollection from Ariana's romantic past - it talks about a guy who is unfaithful to his girlfriend with another man, something I've been through myself (and even written songs about)! The song features witty rapper Childish Gambino, who plays the role of Ariana's guy friend breaking the unfortunate news to her. He takes advantage of the clever Diana Ross "I'm Coming Out" sample by putting his own twist on his verse.

3. 'Just A Little Bit of Your Heart' - This song talks about not being someone's only, but loving them so much that you'd be willing to settle for 'just a little bit of their heart.' Written by Harry Styles (of One Direction), this is one of the few ballads on the album. It's beautifully, heart-wrenching to say the least.

4. 'Only 1' - This MJ-esque, old school style record is an exclamation of disbelief. It talks about how unbelievable it is that you could be with someone so perfect. Therefore, you're in disbelief that you're their 'only one.'

I Have 'Souled Out' (IMED 1359.001 Post #4)

Jhene Aiko, the somber songbird from Los Angeles, has me hooked on the heartbreak harmonies that make up her debut album, 'Souled Out.' With each body of work, this woman continues to amaze me. What I love most about her (aside from her smooth, cool voice) is that most of her material is written from an open-ended, ambiguous perspective. I'm assuming she does this so that the listener can come up with their own interpretation - this makes for great music because everyone is able to relate. I've been following Jhene's career for quite some time, and I thought it only right to review my favorite tracks from her debut.

1. 'W.A.Y.S' - an acronym for "why aren't you smiling," one of her late brother's last tweets. At the time of said tweet, Aiko's brother was going through treatment for cancer, which eventually caused his death. The song is an anthem of positivity and encouragement. It gets better.

2. 'Wading' - a homophone for "waiting." Jhene has expressed that she loves water, so her play on words her is appropriate (and pretty darn clever). This song explores being dragged (and left) into the deep end, and left "wading" for a person to love you enough to come back to save you from drowning.

3. 'Brave' - This song talks about feeling unworthy of love. When you finally let someone in, you're amazed about how "brave" they are to have fallen for you, after you've presumed you are undeserving.

4. 'Promises' - In the first half of the song, Jhene pleads her daughter to 'promise' her that she will always be okay. The second half of the song, Jhene, sends a 'promise' to her late brother, Miyagi, that she will always be alright and do her best.

5. 'Pretty Bird' - This song (from what I gather) is about refusing to dim your light, even if it means letting other's shine. Don't be ashamed to sing, fly, or express yourself because it makes others uncomfortable.

The Acapella Files (IMED 1359.001 Post #3)

I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but I'm an artist myself (which probably explains why my blog is dedicated to my love for music). Anyway, this week, I've decided to write about my original music. Next year, I plan to release an entire acapella EP of my own, entitled "The Acapella Files," and I thought it would be nice to go into depth about each song, explaining their content. This entire EP is inspired by true events, and I wanted to tell that story through each song.

1. 'Heights' - This song - which is also the single - is about simply being afraid to fall. After you've been hurt, it can be difficult to trust, or even open yourself up to another person. By nature, I can be a very guarded person and that affects me most when I'm getting to know a new person, so this song is definitely written from my own personal experience. 

2. 'Wish U Would' - This song is about how trust issues can deteriorate a relationship. Most of the time, our insecurities tend to push a good person away. Once trust is diminished, it can be hard not to expect every other relationship to turn out the same. The entire song says I "wish you would" go out and cheat on me, I "wish you would" lie to me, daring the new guy to be exactly like the last one. 

3. 'Red Flags' - This song is pretty self explanatory - it talks about seeing the signs all along, but being too afraid to shed light on them. Everything turns out exactly how you expected because all the 'red flags' warned you from the start. 

4. 'Dark Shades' - The fourth (and final) song tells the story of a smooth operator who uses his flirtatious nature, charm, and wit to cover up something much deeper. This song is what inspired the entire acapella project. 

XOXO, 

Meghan 

Open Mic FRIGHT! (IMED 1359.001 Post #2)

    I sat there, frozen. I knew I'd heard the MC call my name, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to stand up and walk to the mic stand. "Is Meghan in the audience?" the MC said for the second time. I silently reassured myself that everything would be alright, stood up, and hoped no one could detect my false confidence as I walked up to the mic stand in anxiety and fear. I stood behind the mic for a couple of seconds before I finally said "Hi. I'm Meghan as they said before, and I'm going to do a little bit of Beyonce's 'Best Thing I Never Had,' but I'm gonna need you guy's help singing it, okay?" 

     The audience's loud, enthusiastic cheers startled me a bit because I didn't expect them to be so interactive. I was prepared for blank stares with occasional blinks. Their inviting smiles and attention calmed me as I said: "Repeat after me. Say: 'What goes around comes back around. HEY, my baby!' Your turn." They did their part with excitement, and in that moment I KNEW that my silent reassurance held truth. I couldn't help smiling as I performed what is widely considered a "break-up song" because the feelings of release and comfort I got just standing on that stage were AMAZING. 

     As my vocal chords released the last note of the song, the crowd cheered, and I walked away from the mic, TWO questions were resonating in my mind: "HOW DOES BEYONCE DO THAT?!" and "WHEN CAN I DO THAT AGAIN?" Suddenly, all the nerves I once harbored seemed frivolous. I silently chuckled at how silly it was to have all this built up anxiety.  In addition to that, I felt like I should have been looking for my heart because I definitely LEFT it on the stage.