4 Songs I'm Embarrassed To Admit I Like! (IMED 1359.001 Post #13)

1. "Love is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar - this 80s rock/pop anthem is so amazing! When it comes on, I can't help but pump my fist and act like a misunderstood, grungy teenager filled with angst.

2. "He Said, She Said" by Ashley Tisdale - Disney alumni, Ashley Tisdale wasn't really taken seriously as a vocalist or an artist (unfortunately), but this song is great when you're getting ready for a night out, or just riding in the car. Trust me - I've tried both.

3. "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift - this song is super relatable and catchy, and I always catch myself belting out the lyrics whenever it comes on. People have their issues with Taylor Swift, but one thing that girl knows how to do is write one hell of a song. I'd also like to take this time to say congrats to her on releasing the only album to go platinum (sell one million copies) this year!

4. "Breaking Free" by the High School Musical Cast - Honestly, the 'High School Musical' franchise in itself is probably my biggest guilty pleasure of all. I own the soundtracks to the first two films (I refused to buy the third), and consider this a huge part of my adolescence. But this song in particular is such an amazing way to end the first soundtrack.

I feel like we all have our musical guilty pleasures and this week, I've decided to share mine. I'd love to hear yours as well (if you're brave enough to share)!

Chrisette Michele Connoisseur! (IMED 1359.001 Post #12)

When I think of Chrisette Michele, a few things come to mind - Grammy-award winning singer (my favorite singer), New York native (my favorite singer), self-proclaimed “rich hipster,” and reality star. Oh, and did I mention she’s my favorite singer? She got her start in 2007 with the release of her debut album, “I Am,” and even snagged the Best Urban/Alternative Performance Grammy for her single “Be OK” featuring will.i.am (which is not too shabby for your first project). Shortly following her debut, Chrisette released her sophomore album, “Epiphany,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Now, 7 years and 5 albums later, Chrisette is gearing up to release her sixth album, “The Lyricists’ Opus” (just a little over a year after her last project, “Better”). In honor of the release, this week I’ve decided to give one song recommendation per Chrisette album.

"Good Girl" - From the “I Am” album, this sassy anthem encourages women to love a man for the right reasons. Chrisette proudly proclaims that she’s a “good girl,” and doesn’t need a man to validate her. In my opinion, this song should have been a single (because it’s so darn catchy and clever), but this record was definitely the stand out track on this album. 

"Mr. Right" - From her number one sophomore album, “Epiphany,” this song talks about meeting your match in a man. It explores finding a man who is the perfect mix of nice and edgy. So much so, that he’s “got you weak...with one touch.” 

"I Don’t Know Why, But I Do" - A beautiful ballad about an indescribable love, this song is a simple declaration - yes, I love you. I don’t know why, but I do. The lyrical content of this song is what really drew me to it. At one point in the song, the jazz-influenced songbird sings “it’s hard for me to justified what love can’t be defined.”

"You Mean That Much To Me" - This beautifully executed song talks about going to the ends of the earth to prove how deep your love goes. What made this song the stand out track on her album, “Better” was the fact that she really showcases her vocal prowess, in addition to some great lyrical content. 

For more, visit Chrisette Michele’s new website richhipster.biz where you can not only get a glimpse into who she is as a person, but hear her new single, “Super Chris.” 

#ThrowbackThursday: Tamar Braxton's "Love and War" - don't call it a comeback! (IMED 1359.001 Post #11)

In honor of the fact that I’m writing yet another post on a Thursday, I’m going to do another #ThrowbackThursday review of one of my favorite albums of the past. This week, I’ve decided to review some of my favorite tracks from Tamar Braxton’s highly anticipated sophomore album “Love and War.” Tamar Braxton has made a pretty seamless transition from background singer to her superstar sister, Toni Braxton, to a career and success of her own. She makes it no secret that her being able to live out her dreams is attributed to the success of two hit reality shows (“Braxton Family Values,” “Tamar&Vince”). From there, she went on to release her sophomore album, which debuted at number two on the Hot 200. Her album’s greatness didn’t surprise me, however, because one thing Tamar can do is sing. 

“The One” - serving as the second single to the project, this song just evokes a great feeling. This record talks about how once you’ve found the one, nothing else matters. There’s no greater feeling than knowing the person you love not only feels the same way about you, but has your back. The song samples, which adds a bit of hip-hop flare. 

“All The Way Home” - serving as the third single to the project, this song explores feelings after an argument with your significant other. In this beautiful, heart-felt ballad, Tamar croons about having to leave to let off some steam. On her way back, she’s thinking about her man the whole way. This track stands out simply because Tamar’s vocal delivery is immaculate. 

“She Did That” - this record gives you a little break from the R&B ballads, and makes you tap your foot a bit. This swagger anthem is Tamar’s flashy record where she flaunts a bit. This song is definitely suitable for dancing. 

“Pieces” - another ballad, this song talks about wanting a person as a whole. You don’t want a little bit, you want them to commit whole-heartedly. This is another stand out track for me because Tamar showcases her vocal prowess. 

Like what you've heard? Check out Tamar's new single, "Let Me Know" now! 

Spotify and Pandora saved my life! (IMED 1359.001 Post #10)

This week, I had absolutely no time to sit and listen to a new album to review. I was helping my mother move all week, and (to put it simply) let it slip my mind. I did, however listen to a lot of Pandora and Spotify while packing to help pass the time - they saved my life this week! Pandora and Spotify are similar in many ways, but they're also very different. Pandora, for example, allows you to choose and artist, create a station for that particular artist, and it generates a playlist based on your musical interests.

Spotify, on the other hand allows you to choose a playlist based on your mood, and also gives you a list of all the albums, depending on which artist you choose. If you pay for Spotify monthly, you're even able to choose to play whatever song you want (if they have it available). Cool, huh? I hoped this helped a lot of you.

Here's a list of some other websites that allow you to stream music:

• iTunes Radio - exclusively for iPhone users. 
• Jango - website with ad-free listening. 
• Last.fm 
• Rhapsody
• Slacker 
• YouTube Disco

Have a great week!