Joy Williams Album Review "VENUS"

I was given a copy of Joy Williams new album "Venus" in return for my honest review. I absolutely love The Civil Wars, and couldn't wait to hear William's solo album. The Civil Wars split late 2014, and this is Williams first solo album, and she went big. This album doesn't disappoint, I can't get enough. Williams has such an amazing, haunting voice. I can't even describe how cool her sound is, you have to listen to appreciate it. I've read that this is her "breaking through" album. Not so much her breaking up (concerning the civil wars,) but really her coming into her own. "Venus" starts out strong from the first song, and every single song after is still just as good as the first one. If you've heard of The Civil Wars or Joy Williams, or not, please listen to this album. This shows my music style perfectly, give it a shot!

I participated in the Joy WIlliams Venus album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

Go to I-tunes to check it out HERE
Prefer Amazon? Go HERE

Idina Menzel Ablum Review

 

 

 

 

 

I can't even tell you how excited I was to review Idina Menzel's new album Holiday Wishes. I am a huge fan of Idina's, ... and Christmas music, so this was a win win for me.

Not only is Idina a tony award-winning singer/actor, but this album was produced by Grammy award-winner Walter Afanasieff! Afanasieff has helped a few other singers, maybe you've heard of them, Barbra Sreisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey ... no big deal. !!

Her new album includes a few Christmas favorites like "All I want for Christmas is You" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Have you ever heard "River" by Joni Mitchell? Go, fast, it's perfect. She also does a duet with none other then Michael Buble' "Baby it's Cold Outside." I'm a huge fan of his, so that's one of my favorites on the album. Honestly, though, the whole album is so so good. Even if you don't know Idina's music, you'll love this album ... I know it, I just know it.

I need to grab the Target exclusive copy of this album too, I want to hear the 2 exclusive tracks including "Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!"

Fun fact. Did you know that Idina made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and Tony award for acting? How amazing is she. I can't wait to see/hear her in her role on Broadways If/Then. Really, I could go on and on all day. 

I'm sure everyone knows Idina as the voice of Elsa on the Disney movie/soundtrack Frozen. My house full of girls (and even the 2 outnumbered boys) LOVE the movie Frozen and especially the amazing hit "Let it Go."

Can we talk about WICKED for just a minute? ... I thought so. Elphaba. Wicked is one of my all time favorite Broadway plays. I've never been lucky enough to see it in person, but am in love with the soundtrack. I own the soundtrack and piano music, and they are definitely up there on my favorites list. My girls really like "defying gravity" and I'm glad they share my love of music. As you can see, I enjoy Idina's voice. That is why I was more then thrilled to hear her Christmas album. If I could get away with it, I would listen to Christmas music all year long. I think the world would be a better place if we had some of that holiday cheer ALL YEAR ROUND!

Seriously, do everyone a favor, and listen to this album. I know it will put you in the Christmas mood, and everyone around you will benefit from it!!

 * iTunes: http://bit.ly/IMHolidayWishes
  * Amazon:  http://bit.ly/IDINAHOLIDAY
 * Official Idina Menzel website: www.idinamenzel.com
 * Twitter - @idinamenzel
 * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IdinaMenzel
 * YouTube - http://bit.ly/IMHWVID

Watch her video ...
 

 

 I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.



Neil Diamond - Melody Road Album Review

 I participated in the Neil Diamond Melody Road album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

Neil Diamond ... he's an American Icon in my mind. I think everyone knows the songs "Sweet Caroline" and "America." I dare say, it's UNAMERICAN if you don't. Ha ha.

This album is true to Neil Diamond amazingness. Is that word? Well if it's not, Neil made it one. His newest album Melody Road, doesn't disappoint. 

Did you know Neil is one of the world's best selling artists with over 125 million albums sold. He's also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Seriously he's a rock star. 

Want to listen and purchase the album too?

 * iTunes: http://bit.ly/NDMelody

  * Amazon: http://bit.ly/MelodyRdND

Want more Neil Diamond?

* Official Neil Diamond Website –  www.neildiamond.com

 * Twitter – @NeilDiamond

 * Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/neildiamond

 * YouTube – http://bit.ly/NDMelody

And, for your viewing pleasure, one of my favorites from the new album.

Mary Lambert Album Review

 I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.   

I have to say I really like the album. I'm sure you've heard her voice, and just didn't know who she was. She's know for writing and singing the hook on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ anthem “Same Love." 

 The song I've heard most, (because it's on the radio) is "Secrets." I think what she says about her songs is perfect...

“It’s a statement for me as an artist, but also a statement for me as a human being,” she continues. “I spent a lot of my life feeling really small and worthless, and to put out an album where I’ve gotten to say exactly what I want is gratifying beyond words. It’s a moment for me not to be a doormat anymore and to feel powerful and hopefully inspire that in other people in a way that's fun and makes people feel something. I think that's the message of the whole thing.”

You can tell she puts a lot of feeling into her music, and it shows in her songs.

If you want to check out her ablum ...

I-tunes HERE

Amazon HERE

Here a few more ways to see what Mary Lambert is all about.

* Official Mary Lambert Website – www.marylambertsings.com  
* Twitter – @marylambertsing 
* YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqqqV50zaAc
* Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/marylambertsings    

"Bulletproof Picasso" by Train - Album Review

I was given a copy of Train's new album "Bulletproof Picasso" in exchange for my honest opinion from One2One Network. I seriously love Train. I've been a fan since their first album. Remember "Drops of Jupiter?" I've been a fan since. They're new song "Angel in Blue Jeans" has been on the radio for a few weeks now, and it's really good ... I'm sure you've heard it. It's good, right? It's one of my favorites from their new album. 

"Bulletproof Picasso" is their 7th studio album, and it doesn't disappoint. There is a reason their band has won 3 Grammys, 2 Billboard Music Awards and dozens of other awards, honors and nominations. 

Their album will be released Sept. 16th, and they have plans to tour the U.S too. 

They have such a unique sound, and I really enjoy their songs. A few other songs I like include: "Give it All" and "Cadillac Cadillac" Even if you haven't heard of their band, or haven't listened to them lately ... it's definitely worth your time to give it a listen. I'm sure you won't regret it. 

You can purchase Train's new album through I-tunes HERE

Perefer Amazon? You can purchase through Amazon HERE

They also performed live on QVC September 5th. I wonder if I can find a clip of that online somewhere? Worth looking into for sure!

Here are some other links you can check out!

 * Official Train Website – http://savemesanfrancisco.com
 * Twitter – http://twitter.com/train
 * YouTube – http://youtube.com/train
 * Facebook – http://facebook.com/train

David Gray - Mutineers Album Review

I was given a copy of David Gray's new album "Mutineers" in exchange for my honest review.

I was excited to listen to his new album, because I'm no familiar with him or his work. I'm glad I decided to give him a chance. I really enjoyed his entire album. I love his sound, and am looking forward to trying his previous albums.

The album debuted on June 17th, 2014. This was his much anticipated 10th studio album. He even started his U.S. tour in April. Too bad all 8 cities along the tour are already sold out!

While writing this review, I just realized he sings the song "Babylon" ... scratch that, I totally know who this guy is. I am a fan of his previous work, and that is probably why I enjoyed this one so much too.
To order his album from i-tunes visit THIS link
Prefer Amazon? Visit THIS link

Jazzy Pants

Reagan had her jazz recital and did so GREAT! I'm one proud mom.

Let me tell a quick story about Reagan's jazz experience.

She did ballet last year and had the best teacher. She had class right after morning Kindergarten, and that made for one tired girl but she still loved that class, her classmates and her teacher. She had a really great experience. This year, we decided to put her in jazz. The class time worked better for our schedule and it was something new to try .. to make sure she was taking the right class for her. Reagan is a spunky girl and I thought Jazz would be fun. She agreed that it would be fun to mix it up!

Switching classes has been really hard for Reagan. Her new teacher is a lot younger and more strict then her ballet teacher. By strict, I mean she's a yeller. The class isn't a "pre" class, like ballet. This is Jazz 1. It's a harder class, and more is expected of her. Her ballet teacher said she was good enough to go to Jazz 2, but I decided to stick with Jazz 1. Good decision.

She would cry and cry every week on the way to Jazz. She would tell me how hard it was and she missed ballet and "it's not your life!" It was hard to watch her struggle. Every single person I talked to about it told me to switch her back to ballet. I wouldn't budge. I kept reminding my sweet Reagan that SHE CAN DO HARD THINGS! I knew she would excel if she would have a good attitude. Once she knew I wasn't going to let her quit, she started working harder. She started enjoying the class. She started to excel. She knew every single step at her recital and performed like a pro. From the pictures, you would never know that this was quite the obstacle for her to overcome. To say the least, I'm one proud mom. Reagan is my sensitive girl, and I'm so proud that she was able to work through this. It might sound like it isn't a big deal, but to Reagan (and to me) it was huge.

I love miss jazzy pants!

The baby turns 2

I still call McKinley the baby. Even though she just turned 2, I think I'll always call her the baby. It breaks my heart that my last baby is already so old. She's a handful and seriously the most curious kid I've ever seen! She keeps me on my toes for sure .. ALL.DAY.LONG.

We celebrated her birthday in Idaho over Thanksgiving. Which means, she got pumpkin pie instead of cake. I made sure to load it up with tons of whip cream, she was pretty excited.

She had her 2 year check up and is doing great. She has come a very long way since last year. This time last year she was having all sorts of test done to see why she wasn't gaining weight. Now, that doesn't seem to be a problem. McKinley is a feisty girl, daddy's girl and one heck of a cute girl. We love her and are glad we have a little one to keep us entertained.

Happy Birthday sweet baby.

My flash is broken, don't mind the blurry picture.

Thanks to my family that made her day special. And to her cute grandparents for her birthday cards!