Stronger Than Music: 2010

Avril Lavigne is Back!

One of the artists I have long been waiting to come back is Avril Lavigne. 3 years after the release of her last effort, "The Best Damn Thing", the pop-rock queen is back with a brand new album dubbed as "Goodbye Lullabye" out on March 8, 2011.

Her new single called "What The Hell" will premiere on New Year's Eve with a performance on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. The song, written by Lavigne, Max Martin, Shellback (who's also worked in the past with pop superstar Britney Spears) is an uptempo pop-rock track reminiscent of Avril's previous hits "The Best Damn Thing" and "Girlfriend". Lavigne describes it as "a broad message about personal freedom", calling it her "most pop track on the record" and the least personal song from the album.

Checkout the preview of "What The Hell" below!

STM Album Review: Loud - Rihanna

TRACKLIST:

1. S&M

2. What’s My Name (featuring Drake)

3. Cheers (Drink To That)

4. Fading

5. Only Girl (In The World)

6. California King Bed

7. Man Down

8. Raining Men (featuring Nicki Minaj)

9. Complicated

10. Skin

11. Love The Way You Lie [Part 2] (featuring Eminem)

A year after the release of her dark-themed album, “Rated R” and a series of public fiascos, R&B diva, Rihanna is back with another record which she calls “Loud”. With this effort, Ms. Fenti worked with some of today’s hottest record producers, including StarGate, The Runners, Polow da Don, Tricky Stewart and Alex da Kid which kinda explains the R&B-Hip Hop-Dancehall feel of the CD.

Critics claim that “Loud” brings back Rihanna to her dance roots, but STM says otherwise. There may be a few dance-inspired songs but most of the tracks in this effort are slow jams and R&B-driven love songs. Nonetheless, this effort is a big improvement, music-wise, from her lackluster album, “Rated R”. A number of tracks in “Loud” are single material and radio-friendly, most of them are at the first half of the CD. My only concern though is that there is a tendency to lose the “magic” of listening to this effort as mediocre tracks are all found in the second half of the album.

Personally, the best tracks in this effort are the slow jam “What’s My Name?” featuring rapper Drake; “Cheers (Drink To That)” which interpolates Avril Lavigne’s “I’m with You”; “Fading”; the tear-jerker ballad, “California King Bed”; and, the album’s explosive dance tracks, “Only Girl (In The World)” and “S&M” which are both reminiscent of Rihanna’s previous effort, “Disturbia”. And how could we forget “Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)” which is undoubtedly a lot better, lyric-wise, than its previous version. This new rendition features more vocals from Rihanna, not to mention the brand new lyrics and rap verse from Eminem.

Overall, STM finds this album “loud” but not quite. It is definitely a step-up from the mediocre sound of “Rated R” but not as awesome as “Good Girl Gone Bad”, which is arguably her best effort to date. I was actually expecting something that would best “Good Girl Gone Bad”, as the album title suggests that this effort would contain more of Rihanna’s signature dance-R&B-inspired jams but it just didn’t turn out that way. Nonetheless, Rihanna’s newest effort delivers but kinda lacks the solidity and club-friendly hits that “Good Girl Gone Bad” has.

REPEAT: S&M, What’s My Name?, Cheers (Drink To That), Fading, California King Bed, Only Girl (in The World), Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)

SKIP: Man Down, Raining Men, Skin

SINGLE-WORTHY TRACKS: Cheers (Drink To That), Fading, Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)

STM RATING:

Taylor Swift Sells Over 1 Million in Record Billboard 200 Debut

Billboard: Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" album spoke loud and clear last week, as it will debut at No. 1 on this week's Billboard 200 chart with a whopping 1,047,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It's the largest sales week for an album since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" bowed at No. 1 with 1,141,000 in March of 2005.

Since SoundScan began tracking music sales in 1991, there have only been 16 instances where an album sold at least a million copies in a week. The last time we had a million-plus frame was when Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" launched at No. 1 with 1,006,000 in June of 2008. The SoundScan-era record week is still held by NSYNC's "No Strings Attached," when it debuted at No. 1 with 2,416,000 in 2000.

And, "Speak" owns the biggest week for any album by a woman -- regardless of genre -- since 2000, when Britney Spears' "Oops! I Did It Again" danced into the No. 1 spot with 1,319,000. In total, just four albums by women have notched million-plus weeks. Aside from Swift and Spears, Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard" soundtrack moved 1,061,000 over the busy Christmas week of 1992, and Norah Jones' "Feels Like Home" debuted at No. 1 with 1,022,000 in 2004.

Happy Anniversary, Blackout!

Britney Spears' 2007 album turns 3 today and I think it's only fitting for STM to dedicate this special post to celebrate the anniversary of this kick ass album. Dubbed as "Blackout," the album's title refers to "blacking out negativity and embracing life fully". True enough coz this album turned out to be a pivotal point in Britney's personal life. She may not be at her best state at the time but Spears managed to come out with one of the best pop-dance-rnb driven albums ever! She was even the executive producer of this album, something she's never done before with her previous efforts.

The album sold 124,000 copies on its first day of release in the US, with sales of 290,000 units in its first week, making it debut at number 2 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. It went on to sell like hot cakes and to date, it has already sold 987,000 copies in the US alone, with total sales of 3.1 million copies worldwide. It also gave Britney a year full of awards including her three-peat win at the 2008 MTV VMAs for "Best Female Video", "Best Pop Video" and "Video of the Year" for the hit "Piece of Me".

With 4 singles "Gimme More", "Piece of Me", "Break The Ice" and "Radar", Blackout is a testament that Britney Spears is the true queen of the dance floor and the only pop artist this generation who could make the bitches go wild on stage.

STM World Premiere: Firework - Katy Perry

It's finally here! Katy Perry's new video for "Firework," the third single off her latest album "Teenage Dream" and follow-up to monster hits "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream" has finally been released! Checkout the video below! Enjoy!

STM Teaser: Firework - Katy Perry

Can hardly wait for Katy Perry's new video? Well, the teaser for Katy's music video for "Firework" is now out and you can check it below in full HD glory! Enjoy!

The STM Experience: Adam Lambert's "Glam Nation Tour" Live in Manila

I was lucky enough to have been able to watch one of this year's best-selling concerts! Courtesy of my friend's friend, who happens to be working with the concert's production team, we were able to get hold of VVIP tickets to Adam Lambert's "Glam Nation Tour" at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds last 10.10.10 (October 10, 2010). This is another "dream concert" for me so I was very excited to go.

We arrived at the venue at exactly 8pm. No problem though, coz concerts in the Philippines rarely start on time. (Haha!) The opening act Paraluman already up the stage at 8pm and performed for 30 minutes. When they finished their set, a playlist consisting of current pop music was played to include Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance", Ke$ha's "Take It Off" and Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream". The audience never got bored waiting for Adam Lambert's set which didn't start until 9:30pm. While preparing the stage for Lambert's set, his picture suddenly flashed on the LCD and the audience screamed!

The concert was divided into three parts which Adam describes: “In the beginning, it is mysterious, seductive and a little bit dark. And then the middle section is very vulnerable, strip down, acoustic arrangement, very honest. And the last one is very over the top and fun and lots of dancing.”

When Adam finally went up the stage at 9:30pm, the concert grounds with 20,000 people went wild! The concert started with a medley of "VooDoo", "For Your Entertainment", "Down the Rabbit Hole" and a rendition of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire". People started to get off their seats and dance. Very nice crowd, I should say. Very participative. After the number, Adam uttered these words: "Finally, a concert in Manila! Finally in the Philippines!" which received a loud response from the audience. Though I think the most memorable moment during this part of the concert was when Lambert kissed, yes, kissed (in the lips) his bandmate-boyfriend who happens to be the same person he kissed during his controversial performance at the American Music Awards. I believe it was during his performance of "Fever" which is by the way, a song written by Lady GaGa.

The second part of the concert includes some of Adam's slow tempo tempo songs like "Soaked", "Aftermath" "Broken Open", "Sleepwalker" and the fan favorite "Whataya Want From Me" in acoustic style! It was very heart-warming. Adam feeling each and every song he's singing. Definitely sang from his heart.

Come third part of the concert, the energy was already up the ceiling and when Lambert started singing "Strut" the audience had no choice but stand up and dance. The best part I should was the ending song when he started to perform the mega hit "If I Had You". Audience sang their hearts out and were literally jumping in excitement, me included. There was also an encore song, which is his signature AI song, "Mad World".

Overall, I would say that this is definitely the best way to celebrate 10.10.10 and I surely had a blast. It was a night of pure glam rock, dancing, having fun and letting it all out! Truly one memorable concert for me.

Thank you very much, Mr. Adam Lambert! Mahal ka namin!

SET LIST:

Voodoo
For Your Entertainment
Down The Rabbit Hole
Ring of Fire
Fever
Sleepwalker
Whataya Want From Me
Soaked
Broken Open
Aftermath
Sure Fire Winners
Strut
Music Again
If I Had You
Mad World

Checkout some pictures (courtesy of Ed Arevalo) and videos (courtesy of suz526) below:

OPENING MEDLEY

FEVER

STRUT

IF I HAD YOU

MAD WORLD

STM Album Review: The Other Side of Down - David Archuleta

TRACKLIST:

1. The Other Side Of Down
2. Something ‘Bout Love
3. Elevator
4. Stomping The Roses
5. Who I Am
6. Falling Stars
7. Parachutes And Airplanes
8. Look Around
9. Good Place
10. Complain
11. Things Are Gonna Get Better
12. My Kind Of Perfect

Two years after the release of his self-titled debut album, David Archuleta is now ready to give us “The Other Side of Down.” Having written 10 out of the 12 cuts from this CD, Archuleta describes “TOSOD” as a “more personal” and “meaningful” album. If I am to describe this album, I think I’d use the same words as Archuleta’s. This is another side of David we have yet to hear, know and discover, very different from the pop-R&B sound of his debut album.

If “David Archuleta” is an awesome pop-R&B album, then “TOSOD” is a perfect album. Literally “perfect” lyrics-wise and melody-wise. Add to that Archie’s “perfect” vocals and you have one of the best pop albums this decade.

Archuleta and his team of writers were actually able to duplicate the feeling of excitement we got from Archie’s debut album and not only that, I think the excitement was multiplied 12x this time around. I literally have no tracks to skip on this effort and I just love the fact that each cut has a different feel to it. There’s a little dance-pop element on “Something ‘Bout Love” and “Look Around”; a little pop-rock flavor on “Good Place”; there are David’s heartfelt love songs like “Complain,” “Things Are Gonna Get Better” and “My Kind of Perfect” and not to forget the awesome pop cuts like “Parachutes and Airplanes,” “Who I Am” and the new single, “Elevator”.

My favorite cuts from this album would definitely include the pop-rock anthem “Stomping the Roses”. You just gotta love the addicting melody of the song. I also find it amusing that Archuleta is finally singing an “I-Hate-You” song. Very Kelly Clarkson!

Another “TOSOD” cut I love is the tear-jerker “Falling Stars”. Produced by the people behind David’s mega hit “Crush”, “Falling Stars” starts as a piano-driven ballad and eventually turns into a pop-R&B track with killer bits. Not to mention the genius lyrics about lost love and breaking-up.

Last but definitely not the least, who wouldn’t love the album’s title track, “The Other Side of Down”? If you wanna get inspired, I suggest you listen to this song with killer lyrics about trying to stay positive about anything and everything in life.

Overall, I would say that TOSOD is a very solid pop album. This disc is something that pop music lovers would definitely enjoy listening to, over and over again. There’s no way for this boy but up. He has truly managed to grow a lot on this effort. And I think, aside from the beautiful melodies on “TOSOD”, an added bonus is the fact that David Archuleta was able to translate all his feelings into great pop songs which aren’t only great to listen to, but great to relate to as well.

REPEAT: Stomping The Roses, Falling Stars, The Other Side of Down, Parachutes and Airplanes, Who I Am

SINGLE-WORTHY TRACKS: Stomping The Roses, Falling Stars, The Other Side of Down

STM RATING:

"The Other Side of Down" Blog Contest

Calling all Archietects!

To celebrate the release of David Archuleta's new album, "The Other Side of Down", STM is giving away one (1) copy of the CD to one (1) lucky blog reader of STM!

Here's what you need to do:

1) Follow STM's official twitter account @stmusicblog.

2) Tweet the following message: "@stmusicblog I deserve to win a copy of David Archuleta's new album, "The Other Side of Down". You only have to tweet the message once.

3) When you're done tweeting, let your friends comment this message directly under this particular blog post: "STM, my friend (your Twitter account here) deserves to win a copy of David Archuleta's new album, "The Other Side of Down"."

Example: STM, my friend @stmusicblog deserves to win a copy of David Archuleta's new album, "The Other Side of Down".

4) The person with most recommendations from friends wins!

Winner will be announced on October 22, 11:59pm (Manila Time) and will be contacted through Twitter.

NOTE: Contest is open WORLDWIDE but you have to be a follower of the blog's official twitter account (@stmusicblog) to be eligible to win.

GLEE's "Britney/Brittany Episode" Round-up

All my Gleekers in the crowd! Are you all excited for next week's episode? Of course we all know that GLEE Season 2 premiered last week with the "Audition" episode. All eyes are on next week's episode when GLEE gives tribute to the one and only pop icon of this generation, the unstoppable Britney Spears! Dubbed as "Britney/Brittany," the episode will focus on GLEE's "Brittany" played by Heather Morris. And expect the pop princess, Britney Spears herself to make a special appearance on the episode as well.

I think Gleeks and Britney Spears fans are on for a treat! The teaser for GLEE's "Britney/Brittany" episode is now out and you can check it out below.

And if that isn't enough, here's the song previews for you guys!

GLEE's "Britney/Brittany" episode will air on Fox at 8/7c, September 28. Fans from the Philippines, you can catch it on ETC at 4pm and 8pm (Replay), September 29!

The STM Experience: INTENSITY - Rain and U-KISS Live in Manila

So, I was lucky enough to win 4 Gold tickets (at 3,095 pesos each) to Rain and U-Kiss' concert last night at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds. Thanks to Smart and PinoyExchange! I went to the concert with two of my best pals, Hybrid Cha and Tina. Too bad, our friend Issa was not able to join us for the concert, so we had one spare ticket. If only the tickets were given to me earlier, I would've raffled one for you, my blog readers.

We arrived at the venue at about 7:30pm. Still not a lot of people there, compared to the David Archuleta-David Cook concert I attended there back in 2009 which was already jam-packed hours before the actual concert.

Christian Bautista was the first to perform on stage. He sang 3 songs: One Way's "Wrong Number," "Beautiful Girl" and "The Way You Look At Me."

Next up were the boys of U-KISS who sang 4 songs, including their hit, "Bingeul, Bingeul."

At around 9:30 the main act started his set. Korean Superstar Rain emerged in the middle of the stage on his white suit, black body fit shirt, black skinny jeans and killer shades, to the delight of the audience.

Rain sang a total of 9 songs. You can see the actual setlist below:

It’s Raining
Touch Ya
How to Avoid the Sun
I Do
Love Song
Love Story
Rainism
Hip Song
Instead of Saying Goodbye

Personally, the part of the show I enjoyed the most was when Rain sang "How to Avoid the Sun." It was very visually appealing. That sunset backdrop left me in awe. Very picturesque, I should say.

Overall, I would say I enjoyed watching Rain perform live. As a hardcore fan of music, he's definitely one of the artists I would want to see perform live. And it's surreal to finally see it happen. Though it was a little too short for a concert (yup, no encore), Rain still gave his fans one of their best nights ever. It was a night full of high-energy dance numbers and bad ass visual effects, not to mention the constant flashing of Rain's to-die-for abs which always made the crowd scream.

Checkout the rest of the pictures below:

(credit goes to azraelcoladilla.com and wandergirl.com)

STM Event: INTENSITY - RAIN and U-KISS Live in Manila!

Manila, get ready for a night of non-stop "Rain" as SMART and TV5 present the hippest event of the year! Dubbed as "INTENSITY", this only-night-only concert will feature Korea's hottest acts Rain and U-Kiss with Special Guest Christian Bautista on September 11, 2010, 8pm at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.

Tickets are now available at P4,500 (VIP), P3,000 (Gold), P1,500 (Silver) and P500 (General Admission). [*prices do not include 3% service charge]

For inquires, you may check TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999. you may also visit any SM Tickets outlet at any SM mall or call 470-2222.

INTENSITY featuring RAIN and U-KISS with Special Guest Christian Bautista is Presented by Smart and TV5; Co-Presented by Free Road Entertainment and SM Mall of Asia; Official Media Partners: Business Mirror, Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star; Official Radio Partners: U92, RX93.1, Mellow 94.7, UR 105.9, Y101 Cebu, Home Radio 97.9, 95.5 Hit Radio Davao, 92.3 Wild FM Davao, GV FM 99.1

INTENSITY featuring RAIN and U-KISS with Special Guest Christian Bautista is a production of All Youth Channels, Inc.

Don't have money but still want to see Rain live in concert? Fret no more! Checkout
Azrael's Merryland and win VIP tickets for yourself!

STM Album Review: Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

TRACK LIST:

Teenage Dream

Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

California Gurls

Firework

Peacock

Circle The Drain

The One That Got Away

E.T.

Who Am I Living For?

Pearl

Hummingbird Heartbeat

Not Like The Movies

Two years after the release of "One of the Boys," Katy Perry is back with a new album which is full of fun pop-dance-rock music. Released on August 24, 2010 in the US, Katy's new album is called "Teenage Dream" which is also the title of her current single off the album.

If you love the album's first single, "California Gurls," then I am sure you're going to love this album. Perry was able to pass the "second album drought" with this effort and managed to come up with one of the most enjoyable pop albums ever though I must admit this isn't the most cohesive album but who cares?

"This album rocks!" That was my reaction after listening to it for the first time. Katy definitely delivered with "Teenage Dream". Not too surprised though coz its Executive Producer is none other than ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year, the one and only Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, who also produced Ke$ha's number one album "Animal".

If you're curious about how "fun" this album sounds like, I'd say it's 12x the energy of "California Gurls". You're going to love almost every song in this album if you're a big fan of great pop music, that I guarantee.

REPEAT:

Teenage Dream, Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.), California Gurls, Firework, The One That Got Away, E.T., Pearl, Hummingbird Heartbeat

SKIP:

Circle The Drain

STM's FAVE TRACKS:

Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.), Fireworks

STM RATING:

Britney Spears' "Glee" Episode Update

Here's the two latest tweets from Britney Spears herself on the set of her 'Glee' episode:

All my GLEEKERS in the crowd, Grab a partner take it down -Brit

Had so much fun on set today. My new BFF’s…. -Britney

So, they recreated Britney Spears' music video for "Me Against The Music" but this time, Britney plays the role of Madonna and Glee star Heather Morris (who plays Brittany in the show) portrays the role of Britney Spears.

Can't wait for this episode which airs September 28 (September 29 in the Philippines).

BIGBANG 4EVER!

4 years ago today, who would've thought that these five boys would conquer the hearts of J-Pop and K-Pop fans? I'm talking about the charming boys of BIGBANG - GD, T.O.P., Daesung, Taeyang and my personal favorite, Seungri.

HAPPY 4TH ANNIVERSARY, BIGBANG! I promise to be a fan until 4ever.

~ BIGBANG 4EVER! ~

STM Event: Adam Lambert - The Glam Nation Tour Live in Manila!

It's OFFICIAL, Adam Lambert fans! Our favorite American Idol is going to Manila for a one-night-only concert on October 10, 2010 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds! Yes, you read it right! Adam is bringing The Glam Nation Tour in Manila! So get your dancing shoes and leather outfits ready and let's rock the night away on 10.10.10! Mark your calendars, Glamberts! Tickets go on sale soon! STM will give you an update once they're available.