Tamar Braxton Displays the Chaotic Journey of Love - "Love & War" Album Review

It is a great time for R&B! Everybody dropping albums like hotpockets! I am so proud and honored to review the lovely Tamar Braxton's long awaited sophomore release Love & War.  Reality Tv is definitely opening doors of exposure for talented people who really have something to offer music. Settling into motherhood, her talk show The Real, and life as a solo star Tamar is letting us know she is here! WIth her vocals and charismatic star quality, you would think this would be her 5th album.  Let's get into it. 

                                                        Tamar Braxton — Love & War

1. “The One”

2. “Tip Toe”

3. “Stay and Fight”

4. “Love and War”

5. “All the Way Home”

6. “One on One Fun”

7. “She Did That (Interlude)”

8. “Hot Sugar”

9. “Pieces”

10. “Where It Hurts”

11. “Prettiest Girl”

12. “Sound of Love”

13. “White Candle”

14. “Thank You Lord”

1. The One 

A "Juicy" serenade about love, this summer track is so cute! It's a feel good, joyful record. I'm not sure if it should have opened up the album though.  -Golden Track 

2.  Tip Toe

This should have been the Intro to the album! This is a cute record that took me a few listens to come around too. It serves her personality. This record is about keeping the love you share with your boo a secret.... "I Don't want my business on the Wendy William's show".... Love that Part! Its a cute track......makes you want to hit the dance floor and prance. YAS! -Golden Track 

3. Stay & Fight

A song in which Tamar is stating how she wants to stay and fight with her lover. We all go through that with our lovers....the arguments get real....but if you really want that love to last...you have to STAY & FIGHT. It's growing on me, but I skip this track. Her vocals are beautiful though....she gives me Toni. 

4. Love & War

The lead single of this album......could have also been the intro to the project. We all know Tamar had all competition on hush mode when this song went number one on Itunes in 12 hours after it's release back in Fall of 2012.  - Golden Track 

5.  All The Way Home

This gives me Mairah Carey........I'm sure you can hear it in many of Tamar's vocals and range. This one is about fighting with a lover...but thinking about them as you drive away...pedal to the metal....you know you will return to your boo! That's how love and war is! -Golden Track 

6.  One on One Fun

Now this is where things spice up! The album gets less depressing and more raunchy/ratchet. A breath of fresh air....... Tamar coos about having some one on one fun with her boo. I like this side of her. I wish the beat was a little better and the track was longer. 

7. She Did That 

This song makes me want to hairflip all up in the club! :) Mike-WIll-Made-It influenced, She did that serves as a bad chick anthem to assert that Tamar did that! She proved everyone wrong so now turn up! I love it! But it's too short........I don't know why they decided to make the fun tracks short. -Golden Track

8. Hot Sugar

"Pop it, pop it, pop it..YEA BABAY", this sweet record serves baby Braxton well. Lyrics are fire but I do feel like the instrumental lacks something. I want a guitar or some horns or something in the beat of the song...make it more firery! The song also drags a little. A ladies anthem on how to please your boo...... it's sugary and sweet. -Golden Track 

9. Pieces

This should probably be the next single from the album. It's about being in a relationship and not receiving all the love you deserve from your partner! The piano and Tamar's vocals make her open and bare. -Golden Track 

10. Where It Hurts

I skip this one although her vocals are beautiful. The instrumental does not work for the vocals.......

11. Prettiest Girl 

I love this one! Super cute...a celebration of love and how a man can you feel like the prettiest girl in the  world. "I want to say thank you, for making me feel like the prettiest girl in the world, no matter what I got on." This serves as Tamar's version of Beyonce's "Love on Top".  

12. Sound of Love 

I skip this song s well......it is similar to "Where It Hurts". 

13. White Candle

I love the message of this song. It is about keeping your love going and not letting it die. I like the metaphor of not letting the candle melt away...something so white and pure s candle (dope idea)! Tamar's vocals are also very clean on this one. It works perfectly. - Golden Track 

14. Thank You Lord

I love how this song is dedicated to the Almighty! It's beautiful but I expected a little more soul for this one! Me and a friend discussed how we thought it would have a "Destiny's Child gospel feel". I thought Tamar would take us to the Baptist church where we would catch the Holy Ghost! I wanted that Black church energy but it was not delivered. Despite what it lacks, it is still  a smooth way to close out the album. :) 

Tamar Braxton's Love & War can seem a little lost and depressing at times...but in a odd way it balances itself out. A few features could have given it more spark. I am looking forward to her next project! I am excited that Tamar is finally here because she deserves it. She is very talented, serious, and dedicated to this music biz! SHE DID THAT! 

"K. Michelle Rebels Against The Odds" - "Rebellious Soul" Album Review

K. Michelle's recent debut album Rebellious Soul  has been on repeat! I am going to do a short and sweet album review! Sorry I've been gone for a while, just been busy with life!

Reality star, mother, and R&B songstress K. Michelle let's you have it on Rebellious Soul. I will admit, when I first heard the album I did not like it at all! I kept thinking of her in the Love & Hip Hop ATL sense, which inhibited my listening. Like they say, the third time was charm. We all know that despite her character on the show, she is very talented. I honestly feel like she is real and raw, the female R. Kelly (R. Kelly is her mentor). She serves it to you like it is and we haven't seen a female like her in a minute. Keyshia Cole is too busy being opinionated, and MJB is focusing on expanding her music with her upcoming Christmas album. So we have K. Michelle, and I feel like it's her time. SHe also sold 78,000 in her first week of sales and came in the top ten on Billboard and Itunes! (She proved everyone wrong......I know she is feels so good to shut all the haters down.) I feel like I'm winning with you K!

Rebellious Soul Tracklisting


1. “My Life” ft. Meek Mill

2. “Damn”

3. “I Don’t Like Me”

4. “Can’t Raise a Man”

5. “V.S.O.P.”

6. “Pay My Bills”

7. “Sometimes”

8. “It’s Too Late”

9. “Hate on Her”

10. “When I Get a Man”

11. “A Mother’s Prayer




1. My Life


A somber opening of the album, K asks us "What you know about the grind in the streets? WHat you know about them girls on the pole?" It serves as a reality to how people struggle, how K. Michelle struggled and had to sacrifice to get to where she is. Don't judge a book by it's cover.


(The Interlude, "The Right One" is truly something special. This song is on the deluxe version which you can find at Best Buy.)






2. Damn
An emotional tale of loving someone and wanting to be with them but your life and their's won't allow that to happen. Missing out on a love, K. Michelle has detailed that she wrote the record about Chad Ochocinco. I love this song! It's deep, the vocals and lyrics hit the heart. -Golden Track



3. I Don't Like Me
This song here, has made me cry! It is about a woman who gives her body to a men time and time again, hoping they would LOVE her. Self -esteem is checked at the front door in this track. K. Michelle is making sure young girls and woman have a song that details what many of them experiene with men and sex. - Golden Track






4. Can't Raise a Man
You cannot raise a boy into a man! Ladies and Gents, take notes. Classic R&B. Has a MJB feel.






5 . V. S. O. P.
The lead single, this celebration track details on a relationship that is rocky but will be celebrated with a bottle or too of Very SPecial Old Pale ....... Vocals are life, beat is life, production, is some good R&B. I wish more of the songs had this type of up-tempo feel. - Golden Track


6. Pay My Bills
Now, this is where the R. Kelly comes out! K opens the track with a powerful note that will make you call your boo on speed dial! LOL! It's a naughty record... -Golden Track Vocals and lyrics are CRAZY/MIndBlowing


7. Sometimes
This old soul sounding song takes us to church as Miss K sings about how men come and go. Sometimes they come, sometimes they don't. One of the most vulnerable tracks, this should possibly be a single or on a Tyler Perry movie soundtrack! WHen I listen, I picture a sad lady sitting on a porch in memphis drinking whisky....pondering on a love that has her torn. IT's really a moving record that proves that K. Michelle is here to stay. -Golden Track


8. Ride Out
I skip this song....it's ok. I wish the beat was better. Or had a feature such as Wale or something.


9. Hate on Her -
I skip this song as well. It is R&B, "She stole my man but I ain't mad" record.


10. When I Get a Man
Everything and more, that is what this track is. The intro and how it fades in....the honesty in the lyrics and chorus...melody...is complete soul! Makes me stand up out my seat. K. Michelle sings about how when she gets a man...he will love her good! This was a good move because their are too many sad love songs by our R&B ladies. It's soft, feminine, and rough at the same time. - Golden Track


11. A Mother's Prayer
A beautiful dedication to her son....this is simply amazing. A smooth and perfect way to complete the album of Rebellion. GO K! - Golden Track


There are interludes on this album such as "Rebuild This House and Coochie Symphony.....take a listen and formulate your own opinion! Overall this album is R&B Gold. People keep comparing K. Michelle to Keyshia Cole...they do have similarities but K. Michelle has her own image that stirs away from Keyshia Cole. Her music hits you. Keyshia's does as well......but they are different to me. I say this album is a good listen for Fall, if you just broke up with someone, if you are still getitng over a break up, or if you just love good ole' REAL music.


-KL

Ciara - The R&B/Pop Starlet Lives it Up - Album Review

What up sugah plums! I've been gone for a minute, now I'm back with the jumpoff...GOONS IN THE CLUB! LOL!

So I am here to do a review of my baby Ciara's new self titled album Ciara. I have been bumping this every single day for the last 2 weeks! My review may be slightly biased because I love Ciara. many criticize her for her vocals and so forth, but thats irrelevant to me. She is no Whitney or Mariah, but she is an excellent performer. Ciara has her own identity as an artist and has rejuvenated her brand. I love having a new Janet Jackson! I feel like she is embracing her career, keeping it positive and not dwelling on negativity. So let's go!

Ciara Album Review

1. I’m Out feat. Nicki Minaj
2. Sophomore
3. Body Party
4. Keep on Lookin
5. Read My Lips
6. Where You Go feat. Future
7. Super Turnt Up feat. Ciara
8. DUI
9. Livin’ It Up feat. Nicki Minaj
10. Overdose
11. Backseat Love

1. I'm Out-
A fiesty ladies anthem, Ciara is out! No time for the games her ex is playing, she chants "If you know that your badder than the new girl that he on, gone head and tell em now 'you gone miss me when I'm gone'. The production, lyrics, and feature of Nicki make this track worthy of "single" treatment. Nicki Minaj really shines, giving the track much more impact.  Ciara sounds charged and ready to go. Definitely a club banger.
It's fire! I love it! Golden Track! And the video...you all must see it.


2. Sophomore-
Ciara is teaching the fellas a little something about "sex Ed" in this one. The beat and production is outstanding. It has that ATL hood feel and is raw. She sounds hungry and confident. Have you ever had a lover who simply wanted more? Catch that. Ha! -Golden Track



3. Body Party -
A nice slow jam, I really love how she sampled  the 90's track, Ghost DJ.......
It's such a feel good record where it's not too much not too little.
It works well for Ciara, her vocals shine, and it reminds me of Janet. Make sure you dance to it with someone next time your at a turn up! ;) -Golden Track


4. Keep On lookin - 
FIYAH! A mean, cocky, ATL Georgia original, ciara tells her haters to simply "keep on lookin" as she stunts. KEEP ON HATING! People give her so much shade for being her, I'm glad she isn't taking it anymore. I love this record because we all know she is so humble and sweet; so it's a much appreciated shift for her to talk a little sh**. I like this side of Ciara. BTW, the opening of the song is EPIC.


5. Read My lips-
This song had to grow on me a bit because when you first listen, it's corny. But, after a few listens the catchiness and beat will make you fall in love. This song is simply about her telling her lover to read her lips, and savor their love. (I'll keep it PG lol but you see where I'm going!)

I also love her vocals on the chorus because she is pushing herself. Sounds like Janet! But is Ciara baby! Cute record! 


6. Where You Go-
When I first  heard this track it instantly reminded me if Janet Jackson's "someone to call my lover". I like how Ciara incorporated a pop sounding guitar, it's super cute. Her vocals are superb and she understands how to blend R&B and Pop. Her hubby, Future, makes the record heavy. Her vocals add the femininity and lightness to the record. A honest pledge of love, Where You Go will definitely have you thinking about your boo. :)

I want this to be a single!
-Golden Track


7. Super Turnt Up-
This track was definitely a risk. When I first heard it on power 106 a few months ago, I was slightly disappointed with Ciara because I wanted her to ditch this sound. It gives me "Ride", and that was not one of my favs by her at all. I thought this record would sound different. I don't love it but I don't hate it. Ciara also raps on this one, which I think is dope. 

This song is about how her lover has her not just turnt up, but Super Turnt Up! The bridge of the song is similar to "Promise".

Ok! I hate and love this song at the same time! It grew on me! I have mixed feelings about it. Super Turnt Up!

8. DUI-
Sensual, grown, dark, and exotic; DUI is about being under the influence of someone's love. You may have to pull over or else you'll crash and things will get out of hand. Penned by Elijah Blake, Ciara's airy vocals fit the track perfectly. I can't imagine anyone else singing it. It's one of my favorites, the sound is what really pulls me in, instrumental is nice. It has a dramatic feel to it, as Ciara purrs "I bet the law might arrest me, if they knew what I was thinkin." -Golden Track


9. Livin It Up-
This is a great pop record with a island feel.  Vocals are crisp and hearty, and it sends a positive message. Think about living your life, doing what you want to do, and enjoying the ride. I like the original version without Nicki Minaj although her verse is cute and inspiring. I heard this song last summer way before it made the cut for the album, so I skip this record because I played it out! But it's a great tune and catchy. I would like to see a music video, Ciara may just choose this as a single.



10. Overdose -
We see Ciara in a different light on this one. She steps completely into pop, which she has done a few times before, but not like this. I can see this playing in the clubs and having multiple dance remixes for "the kids". It's refreshing. Have you ever overdosed on someone before? You just can't get enough of them.


11. Backseat Love-
The title explains itself. Now, I love this record because its a throwback to Goodies in my eyes. The way it sounds.... Takes me back to 03. It's SWAGGED out and cute. I can see a video for it, the bass is magnificent and the verse's are dope. -Golden TrackThere are a few more songs but I don't own the hard copy from Target which includes exclusive bonus tracks! Sorry! 

Overall, Ciara allows us to be reintroduced to one of our main R&B/Pop girls on the scene. She finds the medium between radio friendly pop/R&B/Hip-Hop which makes this album amazing. All of the songs could be a single, which is good. Ciara is studying how to make her sound, "her sound" while still being open to other musical risks. I say cop this album, especially for the summer! :) 


Hugs, kisses, and wishes. AND IM NOT A STAN! LOL! #CSQUAD Stand up!