Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
Want a job as a music journalist? Here's your chance. We're looking for a new lead reviewer for Hot! Magazine but we're not interviewing for the job. Instead, write a review of your favourite album ever. We want to know why you love it and why you think everyone should listen to it. Convince us and you've got the job!
I'm certainly not alone with my choice of favourite album. In fact, Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA has sold 30 million copies worldwide since its release in 1984. Nearly 30 years later, in 2013, Springsteen performed the complete album in concert to the delight of some of his many die-hard fans.
A fast-paced, foot-tapping rock album, Born in the USA's lyrics nevertheless carry emotional weight. Behind the catchy rock melodies that drive these powerhouse classics are stories of the dark side of the American dream. Many tracks deal with the struggles of hard-working ordinary people and the bitterness and anger they feel as life doesn't bring them riches or glory. The song Glory Days, for example, is about people in a small town looking back at when they were young and had the world at their feet while Downbound Train tells the story of a young man whose life is ruined when he loses his job. It's not hard to imagine that the artist is channelling real people he knew and the life he might have had if he hadn't become a star. The album will leave you in no doubt of the unique and extraordinary talent of the Boss.
Unlike many other best-selling album artists, Springsteen is still releasing chart-topping, stadium-filling new music and remains at the top of his game in his late 60s. It doesn't surprise me at all. This is a man who tells us our most fundamental stories about ourselves and, when you listen to Born in the USA, those stories are as relevant today as they ever were.
Tips
- The first paragraph should be a general introduction to what you're reviewing. Include the title, artist, and an interesting fact about its success or how it was made.
- The main body of the review needs detailed observations. Use specific vocabulary (e.g. lyrics, fast-paced, catchy melodies) to comment on particular songs and parts of the music.
- It is also important to give context. Link the music to the artist's life, or what inspired them, and the political or social context of the album.
- Try to make the review interesting and relevant to the reader. You can relate the artist's work to real-life experience (yours or that of people in general).
- Use compound adjectives (e.g. fast-paced, foot-tapping, best-selling) to make your writing highly descriptive.
- Finish off with a summary of why this album/concert, etc. is important.
I am dropping these lines because I´d like to write a review of my favourite album ever. You will know why I am so fond of this album and why I think you should listen to it.
My favourite album ever is titled The Number of the Beast by British Heavy Metal band Iron Maiden. This outstanding album was produced by genius Sound Engineer and Producer, Martin Birch, and was released on March 22nd.,1982. It has to be pointed out that this was the first album where singer Bruce Dickinson, a.k.a., The Air Raid Siren, sang; but unfortunately it was also the last album where drummer, Clive Burr, performed. I am fond of this album mainly because of its heavy and catchy songs, especially one song titled Hallowed Be Thy Name, which is about the life reflection in the final hours of a man who was sentenced to die hanging in the gallows pole, and it still blows my mind whenever I play it. I especially recall a sentence in this song which says: “…the sands of time for me are running low…” namely, I am running outta time. Not only do I love this album due to the melodies recorded on it, but also because of the incredible art work done by illustrator Derek Riggs.
It is my opinion that, if you like Heavy Metal music, you should listen to this gem. You won´t be dissapointed. What´s more, this album is a cornerstone of 80´s Heavy Metal music. So, it is a must-have in your rocking collection of records.
All in all, this album is somehow a fundamental part of my life because it reminds me of good memories from my childhood and if you like Heavy Metal music, It is a must-have in your rocking collection. So, I recommend you to listen to this amazing recording. Once again, you won´t be dissapointed!!
Hi everybody, I would like to share some of the reviews or ideas about music of my students, and thank you for the opportunity.
Sam: a very famous album of Adriano Celentano was “Il ragazzo della via Gluck” composed in 1965. My favourite song has the same title of this album:" Il ragazzo della via Gluck".
It is a biographical song: Via Cristoforo Gluck in the Greco district of Milano. In this area, there were many buildings, and nature disappeared. Via Cristoforo Gluck is the street where the singer was born and lived as a boy with his family, at number 14.
Anthony: Nisidas(for me) is the best song of all the time who have 56 milion listening on Youtube and on Spotify.
Paul: Viva la vida by Coldplay is a song that is against the world power.
Richard: There are 14 songs in the album of Glocky, and my favourite one is "Problem solver". Davide Antonio Granelli is the full name of Glocky. He is an Italian singer, he was born in 2004 in Piacenza, Italy, and he got influenced in the trap word by Sfera Ebbasta Tedua and Dark Polo Gank.
T: The Ink Spots are one of the largest doo-wop vocal jazz bands of African American origin.
Since the pandemic, I have been listening to the British band The Alan Parsons Project; whose songs were ahead of their time. One of the most valuable topics is their high-quality songwriting goes far beyond the perception of music. My favorite album from this band is "I Robot" whose themes go further into the conflict between humankind and robots, but with an interesting topic.
The album is based on the deep-themed science fiction novel "I, Robot" written by Isaac Asimov. It started in 1977, when Eric Woolfson had a conversation with Asimov about an adaptation of each of the short stories into a musical album, Asimov was enthusiastic about how innovative was Woolfson's idea.
Though ultimately, the album was more focused on the rise of robots and the decline of humanity. Otherwise, the most interesting topic is the deep-breaking philosophical theme of a machine trying to be like a human.
With mind-breaking lyrics, such as "I wouldn't want to be like you" or heart-catching instrumental themes such as "Nucleus" can transport you into a high-spirited universe when you can explore into high-developed technology.
Altough it wasn't the best-selling album of the year, some of their songs became top-topic in our minds.
'A kind of magic' is not the best album by Queen, but it has an emotional weigh in my life because was the first record I bought. The album was a chart-topping in 1986 so it was on the radio every hour. It's a strange record because many tracks belong to the movie 'Highlander' directed by Rusell Mulcachy and have sounds effects of the movie soundtrack.
The record came after the band achieve the biggest success of their career in the Live Aid concert in Wembley. It has catchy rock melodies like 'Friends will be Friends' or the title one, sensacional soft ballads like 'One year of love' or 'Who wants to live forever?' and power rock anthems like 'One Vision' and 'Princes of the Universe'.
This was the last record that Queen presented in live shows because five years later, Freddie Mercury will pass away but who wants to live forever...
Last time,I’m listening to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by British rock band “Queen”. The song was written by the Freddie Mercury, and it was released on 1975 as their 4th album ‘’A night at the Opera.” This song sold 9 million copies worldwide. At the moment when this album was released,it was the most costly ever produced album.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” give us difficult structure with operatic elements,ballads and progressive rock. Lyrics of the song are quite easy to memory, vocal parts of Freddie Mercury are powerful, after listening they stay in the head.Furthermore“you’re my best friend” bring a softer harmony with catchy melody,together with warm light lyrics. In addition“the prophets song” this song has complex concepts, dark lyrics, and affluent harmony.
The title of album refers to the comedy film brothers Marx, its demonstrate us how band make theatre approach to create music. Album became reflection of the aspiration Queen, of new experience and expansion into new genre.
Existence of the album “a night at the Opera’ connect different generations and people. Whether you’re old fan or new fan, this album is timeless,since this album has different music, from hard and mysterious to warm and light. The band disbanded following the tragic death of Freddie Mercury, no matter that band was disbanded, Queen always live in our hearts.
If anyone ever asked me what’s the most original album I’ve listened to lately I’d absolutely answer the Manic Street Preachers ‘Holy Bible’:
But how I found out this tiny jewel that, I’m almost sure, the most of you have never heard of.
As I turned forty I had began trying to make up for all the time I didn’t spend doing things that, in my opinion, are worth devoting oneself time; amongst them there’s listening to music for sure and so I discovered this publication on the internet called ‘1001 albums you must hear before you die’.
Scrolling down the chart I stumbled upon this this ouwardly highfalutin title; subsequently I had found out that it is referred to the Bible absolute thruth.
As a matter of fact it was a paradox as the most of the album songs aim to tear to shreds what lies behind on way-truth and power.
What I like the most of the album that by the time it was released it was no chart-topping but at a later time it has become a must-listen representing the the abrupt breach with something the band wanted/didn’t want to be; in addition it depicts my idea of niche music.
Furthermore I was hit by the extreme effort of the Richey Edwards (the actual author of the album) whose genius and insanity allowed the band to reach such terrifying depths in terms of creativity.
Unfortunately I have never had the chance to see them performing in a live gig; I only could smell them
during my last trip to Dublin as they were the opening act of the Guns n’ Roses to which I didn’t attend; Nevertheless I’m really looking forward to listening the new MSP album that is due to be released in January 2025 and ‘The Holy Bible’ still stands as the MSP most blazingly, intense, harrongwly dark and profoundly compelling work.
Bruno Mars debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010, this is a combination of nostalgic doo-wop, smooth R&B, and catchy pop. The success of the album was due to hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade,”. Known for his retro influences, Mars brings a fresh spin on classic sounds, making the album both modern and nostalgic.The standout track, "Grenade," blends raw emotion with powerful vocals, while "Just the Way You Are" offers a heartfelt anthem of self-love. The carefree “Lazy Song” adds humor and lightness, and “Count On Me” highlights Mars' soulful sincerity. Tracks like “Talking to the Moon” mix vulnerability with atmospheric production, showcasing his versatility. The album’s production is smooth, allowing Mars voice to shine, while the mix of genres keeps things exciting. This album arrived during a time of genre fusion in pop music, it’s an album that explores love in all its forms, joyful, heartbreaking, and everything in between. Doo-Wops & Hooligans remains a defining debut, solidifying Bruno Mars as one of pop’s most versatile and beloved artists. Its a mix of emotional depth, catchy melodies, and timeless style ensures its place in pop history.
I recently like listening the song "blowin in the wind", written by Bob Dylan in his album "Finjan Club". This album was published in 1962, when there is a war in vietnam. People died and the houses all became the ruins. So, in that background, Bob Dylan wrote this lyrics and play with soft and relax melody, that's the song. In 1994, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, it was ranked number 14 on Rolling Stone of All Time. The reason why it can become so popular, not only because its gentle melody, but it touch the deep heart of every people who hope stopping the war and look forward for a beautiful world. “How many times must the cannon balls fly” “Before they’re forever banned” War is a disaster, many people would lose their families and suffer hungry and cold. Those two sentence show a direct dream for the peace. After two parallelisms, Bob Dylan song out the sentences above with a smooth tone, no much emotion, but you can still feel he is shouting out in his heart.
I recently listened to "Age and Fire" by The Killers, and I must say, it’s a captivating journey through sound and emotion. The album beautifully blends nostalgic rock with modern influences, capturing the essence of both their earlier work and new experiences. Each track offers an intriguing narrative, showcasing Brandon Flowers' emotive vocals and the band’s signature instrumentation. I found myself drawn into the lyrical depth, reflecting on themes of love, loss, and resilience. Overall, "Age and Fire" solidifies The Killers' place in the rock genre while pushing creative boundaries. It’s definitely a must-listen!
Our teen years are a period that marks us all, for better or worse. The feelings experienced during that phase reverberate like echoes, returning only as memories. In 2019, mxmtoon released her debut album, The Masquerade, which quickly caught the attention of social media. The album, composed by Maia (mxmtoon), combines her characteristic ukulele tunes with both poignant lyrics and vibrant melodies that explore the difficulties of youth and self-discovery. An Album soulful enough to bring a glimpse of those juvenile feelings. Especially if you're into lo-fi, indie, and/or pop music.
Many songs in The Masquerade are open to multiple interpretations. All of them coincide in addressing sorrowful themes she encountered at that age. Unspoken words, for example, explore the distress of having unexpressed feelings for her grandma, who recently passed away. While also having a more "romantic" interpretation, talking about unexpressed feelings for a close friend. These themes in combination with catchy melodies. Provide an emotional musical experience for all melancholic people out there.
The hybrid combination of lo-fi and pop-indie melodies. Fused with harmonious choruses. And soul stirring lyrics. Makes possible musical jewels like Prom Dress, Unspoken Words, and High and Dry.