Best Thing We Ever Had! (Beyoncé's "4" Review)

4

The Set-Up:

The Queen B is back and more mature than ever! Getting ready to turn 30, it’s easy to hear how far she’s come since her Destiny’s Child days (even her “Single Ladies” days too!) Beyoncé continues to push her own boundaries, coming back harder and stronger after every album, and 4 is certainly no exception to that! It’s a slower-paced, more vulnerable gamble this time around, but have faith in Honey B!

The Play-by-Play:

She’s opened her previous albums with “Crazy in Love”, “Déjà Vu”, and “If I Were a Boy” (all very unique and bass pumping). But Beyoncé changes things up, opening this album with a beautiful ballad “1+1” (obviously dedicated to her husband Jay-Z), filled with so much love and pure honesty. She really lets her emotions work to her advantage. Following the opening number is “I Care”, a powerful, attitude-filled anthem reminiscent of “Halo”. Again, it’s another emotional cut and certainly can be felt from a mile away just from her voice alone. Continuing this slow-paced trend is “I Miss You”, with the music and mood coming off as something that might come from Drake or even Alicia Keys’ Element of Freedom album. Regardless, she wastes no time going from that deep whisper in the beginning and picking up to her booming powerful range. Next up is her second single “Best Thing I Never Had”, something that sounds like a very mature version of “Irreplaceable”. It’s good to hear superstar singer/songwriter/producer Babyface taking charge with the production (I’m always a fan of what he comes up with). Beyoncé shines again showing another emotional side, moving on from the pain and heartbreak she’s endured before apparently. You’d think that with a name like “Party”, it would be one of the more upbeat songs the album has to offer. But it doesn’t even matter here! Beyoncé (with the help of Kanye West and André 3000) takes it back to old school 90’s Hip/Hop and R&B. The obvious sample is from Boyz II Men, but it brings back this same kind of vibe that came with Blackstreet, Brandy, Monica, and even early productions from Babyface. “Rather Die Young” takes the music back a little bit further to 70’s R&B and Soul, sounding very inspired by the songwriting of Stevie Wonder and the voice of Gladys Knight. “Start Over” brings back the fire with a mid-tempo power ballad, crying for a second chance with a love going wrong. Then comes my favorite track off the album “Love on Top”, an overall modern take of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day”. The opening “ba ba ba da” hook sounds inspired by Earth, Wind, & Fire’s “Brazilian Rhyme (Interlude)” from their All ‘n All album. It’s such an uplifting, sunshine-filled track that just puts a smile on everyone’s face and a little skip in their step! “Countdown” brings back the Beyoncé a lot of fans are used to hearing, bringing back the thumping bass-line and power step beat like in “Get Me Bodied” and “Crazy in Love”. So stop complaining all you haters out there! Old-school, thug Beyoncé is still inside of her! “End of Time” is a marching band anthem, declaring even more love and dedication to her significant other. After that power-house block of tracks, things take a little breather in the Diane Warren/Ryan Tedder ballad “I Was Here”. Just when we thought we’d heard all kinds of emotions and moods from Beyoncé on this album, she comes right out the gate with the dynamite first single “Run the World (Girls)” (the underappreciated dynamite single I might add!) You already know my thoughts about this song. Just listen to her stick it to the man and shove her strong femininity in your face! And for all the Target addicts who got their Deluxe Edition, first up is another Earth, Wind, & Fire inspiration in the sweet “Lay Up Under Me”. Following right behind is the 80’s throwback “Schoolin’ Life” that’ll make you bust a move on the dance floor in your Adidas gear and all. Closing out the entire album officially is the bump-and-grind ballad “Dance For You”, a good mix between Ciara’s “Promise” and Beyoncé’s own “Speechless”.

The Point:

In this year dominated by Adele’s brilliant 21 album, Beyoncé follows the trend of doing her own thing and not falling prey to yet another Euro-Dance/Pop song on the radio. She’s vulnerable at her best, powerful with both loud and quiet dynamics, and proves that she holds it all on her own! Beyoncé is still a force to be reckoned with, proving that she has not even come close to losing her musical touch and powerhouse performance skills. TO ALL Y’ALL 4 HATERS CLAIMIN’ THAT IT’S BORING AND A WASTE: (yes that was me trying to sound ghetto) shut the hell up please! This album is still groundbreaking for her (and especially for anything else out there right now to listen to). If you still claim you're a true Beyoncé fan after calling this album a dud, then you need to get yo’ damn priorities straight please!

The Essentials:

I still can’t help but smile when I hear “Love on Top”!

But you can’t deny the Sasha Fierceness in the lead single “Run the World (Girls)”!

A Star Is Born (Beyoncé's Movies From Worst to Best)

Everyone in Hollywood wants to do it all: singing, dancing, acting. Beyoncé is no exception, already dominating the world of music with her writing, her voice, and her incredible stage presence. But of course, she wants to act and do even more. It’s a great attempt, although it’s hard to call it acting when she sings most of the time in every film she’s in. While she’s had more failed attempts than real successes, we still need to acknowledge and respect every endeavor of hers!

7.) The Pink Panther

(February 2006) D-

There’s not a lot I can say about this…you can’t compare this to the original film series. Beyoncé was forgettable and didn’t have a lot of sparkle. But of course she did shine when she sang and performed (surprise surprise).

6.) Carmen: A Hip Hopera

(May 2001) C-

Her film debut on MTV, and it certainly was memorable. From the contemporary take on the famous opera Carmen, to the cheesy rapping (which was hard not to turn away from), and of course Mekhi Phifer! Not to mention the amazing cast including Mos Def, Da Brat, Wyclef Jean, Jermaine Dupri, Lil’ Bow Wow, and Joy Bryant, it certainly makes up for the cheesiness thoroughout. Oh yeah, and Beyoncé was pretty impressive rapping-wise!

5.) The Fighting Temptations

(September 2003) C+

Beyoncé sunk into more of an acting role with this one, but of course there was the singing once again (this time, more impressive because of the Gospel influences throughout). Her character had more backbone and Beyoncé seemed more natural in this film. But oh Cuba Gooding Jr., what happened to you?

4.) Austin Powers in Goldmember

(July 2002) B-

While it’s certainly not the best Austin Powers film in the series, it still was fun and hilarious, and Beyoncé even started to show some signs of her Sasha Fierceness! YOU GO GIRL!

3.) Obsessed

(April 2009) B

I know! What a shock that the corniest, cheesiest, awful copycat of Fatal Attraction and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle is #3 on my list! Beyoncé was just a little too much throughout the movie, overacting with her ghetto ways most of the time, but you know what makes it such a great movie and puts it towards the top of my list? Just watch the last 15 minutes with Beyoncé and Ali Larter and their UH-MAZING girlfight!

2.) Cadillac Records

(December 2008) B+

Beyoncé shined incredibly playing the legendary Etta James. In this case, the singing is what made it a great acting performance! Great job Beyoncé, and what an amazing job at capturing the spirit and soul of such a classic like “At Last”!

1.) Dreamgirls

(December 2006) A

What kind of man would I be if I didn’t put this movie at #1? I would be shamed and scorned in public! But of course, no one can deny the power behind Beyoncé’s voice and strength when it comes to singing and showing the acting ability through it all! Everything about this movie just screams fabulous! From Eddie Murphy, to Jamie Foxx, to Lord have mercy JENNIFER HUDSON, everything just worked perfectly and beautifully!

Beyoncé Countdown (Part 2)

5.) “Halo”

(from the album I Am…Sasha Fierce)

It’s a subtle, beautiful song from start to finish. Regardless of the same exact beat that Ryan Tedder seems to pass around (check out Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone”, Jordin Sparks’ “Battlefield”, or Natasha Bedingfield’s “Strip Me”) Beyoncé holds her own with this perfectly sweet song about love!

4.) “Irreplaceable”

(from the album B’Day)

Only Beyoncé can come up with words and phrases like “Bootylicious” or “Bug-a-Boo” and make it stick in our heads for years and years. Here she did it again with “to the left, to the left”, and every woman (or man too) that has been done wrong can easily rub it in their significant other’s face that someone else is waiting for them! GO GIRL!

3.) “Run The World (Girls)”

(from the album 4)

People love it, die-hard fans seem to hate it, but let me just prove my point here: do we really want to hear the same exact song over and over again? Do we want to be stuck with the same song that everyone else is doing right now? (see Ke$ha) Beyoncé takes her artistry to another level, offering up her most infectious first singles to date. This song is filled with lots of energy and an urge to try and prove something. Needless to say, Beyoncé has proved herself time and time again, and a song (and especially a video) like this, she just goes to show that she’s here to stay forever and ever!

2.) “Crazy in Love” (featuring Jay-Z)

(from the album Dangerously In Love)

We mustn’t forget about her debut as a solo artist, ditching her backup singers (still love ya Kelly & Michelle!) and stepping out on her own. From the first second of that pulsating horn sample and the true pop sensation she is, Beyoncé held her own and showed us all what was hiding behind two other girls next to her.

1.) “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”

(from the album I Am…Sasha Fierce)

Is it any surprise that this is my choice for #1? Much like “Bootylicious”, “Bug-a-Boo”, and “Irreplaceable”, Beyoncé gets one more thing stuck in our heads! And as much as we all say how annoying this song is, you know that when you hear it, you still listen to the whole thing, singing right along with B!

Not only is the song infectious, but the video and choreography are legendary now (thanks to people like Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, and every single YouTube user).

Beyoncé Countdown (Part 1)

Beyoncé is fierce, crazy, beautiful, and spectacular. It’s been a so-so acting road she’s been down so far, but no one can deny the power and talent she has when it comes to her music and performing! I can’t to see her live in concert again, but until then enjoy the first 5 singles from my list of Top 10 Beyoncé singles!

10.) “Déjà Vu”

(from the album B’Day)

I’m glad that I snuck this into the countdown, even though in other people’s minds there are plenty of other great choices. It’s one of her forgotten gems, filled with a new kind of energy and another powerhouse first single. What I love is the Earth, Wind, & Fire influence in the song, and who can deny the chemistry between Beyoncé and Jay-Z of course?!! And I don’t care that people tried getting her to make a new video for this song, I love it just the way it is!!!

9.) “Telephone” (featuring Lady GaGa)

(from the album The Fame Mons†er)

Yes, GAGA! It didn’t work  so well for their first collaboration when GaGa became Geyoncé in “Video Phone”, coming into Beyoncé’s world. What did amazing though and was visually stunning all over was Beyoncé going into GaGa’s world, and that’s why this is one of my favorite collaborations from any artist! From the song itself, to the genius 10 minute video, everything about this was golden!

8.) “My, Myself, And I”

(from the album Dangerously In Love

She can bring the fierceness to a powerhouse club hit, but what makes her ridiculous is her ability to still bring the fierceness with a slow song (or even a mid-tempo number). It’s a bittersweet tale from a heartbroken woman, filled with sadness and strength to move on. And who doesn’t love backwards plot?

7.) “Upgrade U” (featuring Jay-Z)

(from the album B’Day)

The second of three husband/wife collaborations, and this one is all kinds of rough! It’s Sasha Fierce at her best, representing for all the ladies that women are here to rule (and can make their own money too!) She looks stunning and beautiful as usual, and she does a great impression of Jay-Z!

6.) “If I Were A Boy”

(from the album I Am…Sasha Fierce)

Coming out with two first singles from her last album gave her fans a chance to really see two different sides of her. With this song, it was great to dive in deeper and see more fierceness in a mid-tempo song. Again she represents for all the ladies, bringing to light an obvious double standard when it comes to men and women. And while the music video right here is amazing:

It’s the live mash-up with Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know”  from her tour that really brings the fire!

Yeah Oh Shit! (Bridesmaids Review)

Words cannot even begin to describe just how much I love this movie! Well maybe since I’ve already seen it three times, that should be reason enough for you to know just how much I love this movie! In honor of the six wonderful members of the bride’s side of the bridal party, here are the six reasons why I freakin’ LOOOOOVE Bridesmaids!

6.) Jon Hamm is a dick!

I’m used to admiring him from the comfort of my own home, seeing the dapper Jon Hamm as Don Draper in one of my favorite shows Mad Men. He’s fierce, tough, and determined when he wants to be, but he’s always so smooth, suave, and sophisticated. What I loved the most about him was getting to see him play such a rude asshole! Even through all of that, I still found myself in love with him!

“This is so awkward. I really want you to leave, but I don't know how to say it without sounding like a dick!”

5.) Annie’s sibling roommates

Matt Lucas and Rebel Wilson who play Gil and Brynn…THANK YOU! I love British and Australian humor so much! They are both hilarious, especially since I’m such a huge fan of Matt Lucas from his Little Britain days! They’re both so odd and hilarious at the same time, I can’t help but smile anytime they utter something ridiculous. But it’s Rebel Wilson who really shines the most, whether it’s the frozen peas she pours on her back to soothe her free tattoo, or her stupid remarks about her roommate!

 

“At first, I did not know it was your diary. I thought it was a very sad handwritten book.”

But right now, please enjoy the best of Matt Lucas from Fat Fighters!

4.) The gross-out humor

For once, can we all just get past the remarks about how shocking it is that these women are funny? Of course they’re funny!!! Move past the male version of The Hangover remarks and appreciate the fact that women are just natural when it comes to comedy (and in more ways than one, they’re often funnier than the men!) Want some proof that women can be funny and gross just like the boys? All you have to do is sit through the dress-fitting scene…enough said!

“You know, I don’t care which dress we get. I just need to get off this white carpet!”

3.) The chemistry

They come from different walks of life: Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph from their kick-ass performances on SNL, Rose Byrne from her amazing role on Damages, Wendi McLendon-Covey from the hilarious Reno-911, Melissa McCarthy from her amazing, show-stealing roles in shows like Samantha Who and Mike & Molly, and Elie Kempler from her sweet but doe-eyed role on The Office.

They all come together with this amazing chemistry, their dynamite deliveries, and their ability to churn out laugh after laugh! From the dress-fitting, to the plane ride to Vegas, and everything in between, the back-and-forth between them all is what drives the movie!

“You’re more beautiful than Cinderella! You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine!”

2.) (KWL) Kristen Wiig Live

It’s about time that Kristen Wiig takes some time in the spotlight (aside from SNL, which she already owns all her own). Her delivery is without doubt incredible, her comedic timing is always on point, and her hilarious characters have me begging for more. But finally in this film, we get all of that wrapped around in a well-rounded character! Her honesty, her instincts, everything about Annie that Wiig brings to the performance is what makes her shine the most. Whether it’s a simple stare without talking, falling for an adorable cop, or getting drugged up on a plane, Kristen Wiig has stolen my heart!

“It’s called Civil Rights. It’s the 90’s.”

1.) Melissa McCarthy (Megan)

You didn’t think I forgot about my favorite part with Melissa McCarthy, did you?!!!

I was never a big Gilmore Girls fan, but I first got a taste for McCarthy in Samantha Who. She’s a sweet, adorable best friend in almost everything she plays, and it was great to see this manly, tough side to her with her take-no-prisoners attitude in life as Megan. Melissa McCarthy has a serious pair of balls, and boy does she prove it! From her conversation about a dolphin looking right into her God-damn soul, to stealing 9 puppies from the bridal shower, Melissa McCarthy had me cracking up constantly. She may have a starring role now on the show Mike and Molly, but I’m waiting for the time when she gets the Kristen Wiig treatment and gets to star in her own movie!

“I want to apologize. I’m not even confident on which end that came out of.”

From what I've seen so far on my summer movie list, here's the ranking from best to worst:

1.) Super 8 (A+)

2.) Bridesmaids (A+)

3.) Mr. Popper's Penguins (B+)

4.) The Hangover 2 (C)

8 Reasons to See and Love SUPER 8

The first official blockbuster film I’ve seen this summer (aside from Bridesmaids), and I’m head over heels again. Seeing this movie just fuels my love for good story-telling, great effects, and just an overall great film! Here are the 8 reasons why I loved Super 8, and hopefully they’re 8 reasons for you to see for yourself.

8.) Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass”

Sure, this song has nothing to with the movie, but I can’t help but sing this song in my head whenever someone says SUPER 8. It’s a great song, and there is just no stopping Nicki Minaj!

7.) The Music Soundtrack

From “My Sharona” to “Heart of Glass”, even throwing in some “Le Freak”, nothing captured the movie’s setting and time better than the music in my opinion!

6.) The Un-official Steven Spielberg Biography

It was divine intervention that I saw this movie today! I finally registered for my Fall classes at ASU and happened to snag the last open spot in a very exciting Spielberg/Lucas film class. What’s more inspiring than remembering how Steven Spielberg got his start with Universal Studios and filmmaking?!! It took a lot of persistence and perseverance. It was great to see such a wonderful tribute to the upbringing of Steven Spielberg and his passion as a kid for creating his own super 8 films and getting started with filmmaking in general. Nothing against J.J. Abrams (who speaking of which, does a FANTASTIC job writing and directing!) but it was all about the ode to Spielberg!

5.) Through it all, there’s a lot of heart

The lessons about compassion and human interaction were amazing! I’m not going to give anything away, but let’s just say I had a few tears (yes, of course I did)!

4.) Forgiveness…is more than saying sorry

Again, I’m afraid to give anything away. But just know that there’s a beautiful message about forgiveness. It was very sincere and beautiful (another moment for tears with me)!

3.) The Film Within a Film

Don’t leave the theater so soon! Stick around during the credits for the genius super 8 film the kids make during the film itself! It’s sad to say that it looks better than Ryan Reynolds in Green Lantern! It’s a great way to OFFICIALLY end the movie.

2.) The kids are amazing!

My all-time favorite movie is The Goonies (coincidence that it’s also produced by Steven Spielberg?). I also enjoy movies like Stand by Me, Now and Then, or even Diary of a Wimpy Kid where the kids are the real stars of the film. Aside from the other Fanning, Elle (who is superb by the way) it’s great to see such talented, unknown kid actors (or shall I say, young teens). They really are the driving force and the heart of what the film is about. Their delivery, their characters, their personalities, their excellent comedic timing, and their spirit of innocence is what really inspires the message in the end of the film!

1.) Looking for just a great, fun, entertaining summer blockbuster?

Then you’re going to the right place seeing Super 8! It reminds me of classic films like The Goonies, E.T., or even Indiana Jones! From start to finish, and when all is said and done, it’s more than just a great summer blockbuster. It has humor, heart, amazing special effects, and everything else you can think of!

From what I’ve seen so far on my summer movie list, here’s the ranking from best to worst:

1.) Super 8

2.) Bridesmaids

3.) The Hangover: Part 2 (wish it could already be down at like #15)

The Edge of Brilliance (Lady GaGa's "Born This Way" Review)

Born This Way
(May 23, 2011)

The Set-Up:

Lady GaGa has definitely gone above and beyond her mark on pop music today. From the crazy costumes, the stunning performances, and the creative music, GaGa has given us all a fever for more! After her stellar debut (The Fame) and the follow up EP (The Fame Monster), it was time for GaGa to bring back her creative juices and give us a knockout album. And Mother Monster didn’t let us down!

The Play-by-Play:

The album begins with “Marry the Night”, a strong song kicking off this inspirational album filled with one show stopping tribute to the city that gave birth to her. Following right after that is the first single “Born This Way”, the awe-inspiring anthem celebrating individuality and the way God made us. Yes, it has its moments dating back to a very similar “Express Yourself” by Madonna, but no one can deny the power behind the meaning and her fierceness. “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen!” “Government Hooker” is up next, starting with her operatic vocals to open the song. It’s very bold and very electronic at its best. The second single “Judas” follows, and it’s one of the more memorable moments on the album. With the religious tone, the electronic music, and the similarity of “Bad Romance”, it’s a jaw-dropping, intense moment. “Americano” comes right out of the gate, sounding like something from an Italian movie. But once the intro is out of the way, the haunting house music and the vowel-inspired hook steal my heart with its thump and all. What’s amazing is that it’s partly inspired by the SB1070 bill in AZ. Nice to hear she cares about us in such a creative way! “Hair” continues the inspirational anthem trend, explaining what it was like to grow up as GaGa. Supposedly it was inspired by how pissed she’d make her parents with her outfits and hairstyles growing up. For “Scheiße”, who would have thought that a German hook would sound so sexy and hot?! It’s another GaGa out-of-this-world experience, and she doesn’t fail to give us another different side. From here on out, the rest of the album seems to mesh into one super song, offering up a couple rare exceptions and offerings. “Bloody Mary” is the first of these rare exceptions, coming up with a dark slower song reminiscent of “LoveGame” from her first album. On the deluxe edition of the album, next comes “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion” blurs into another ode to her great city of New York City. It doesn’t bring a lot to the diversity of the album, but it is Justin Timberlake’s favorite from the album if that makes a difference. “Bad Kids” is a good mix of pop and heavy metal, which of course is something only GaGa can serve amazingly well. “Fashion of His Love” is a cute pop throwback to the 1980’s music scene, and the only highlight from the deluxe edition bonus tracks. “Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)” is one of the many songs that sounds like it came straight from a montage in Top Gun or something, but it’s catchy and memorable nonetheless. “Heavy Metal Lover” is another musical infusion that combines so many different things in just one song. From the heavy metal, to the pop, to the electronic music thumping, it’s all a great mixture. Up next is “Electric Chapel”, one of the more forgettable tracks GaGa has to offer. This is followed by the last bonus track from the deluxe edition “The Queen” which is amazing in its way of going from pop electronic to a slower-type song. Then we get to the last two tracks. First is her country meets electronic “Yoü And I”, a show stopper in and of itself, definitely offering up a different version from the version I saw her perform live at The Monster Ball Tour. The album closes with the third single “The Edge of Glory”, a true 80’s throwback complete with its very own memorable saxophone solo.

The Point:

GaGa is on the verge of becoming another one of those amazing artists who tops herself and reinvents herself with every release she has. She strays from the similar RedOne sound she first came out with and upgrades to a dark, electronic tone complete with its religious lyrics, anthems, and 80’s throwbacks. GaGa has done it again and long live Mother Monster!

The One Song:

Who can deny the power in the first single anthem “Born This Way”,

not to mention the infectious second single “Judas”.

But by far the most memorable songs are the most out there: Starting first with “Americano”, but not the version you'll hear on the album. This a clip from her Mexico show...

Now we get to “Scheiße”.

And lets close with her Top Gun montage, killer saxophone “The Edge of Glory”.