Britney Spears needs no introduction! She’s a pop princess that just keeps on giving hit after hit.
‘Till the World Ends’ is an upbeat, dance-pop track with an electro beat, containing elements of trance too. The song features an epic, chant-like chorus and lyrics in which Britney sings about dancing until the end of the world.
It’s hard to believe but ‘Till The World Ends’ is already a decade old – originally being released in 2011, and taken from the album Femme Fatale. The song was in fact written by a few hit-makers including Kesha and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald and there’s even a version of the track which features Kesha herself and Nicki Minaj (video below).
The music video for the track is pretty spectacular too – it features Britney performing in an underground setting whilst the world above the surface comes to a total collapse but all the while she keeps on “dancing till the world ends,” eventually poking her head above the surface to see the sunlight. It’s well worth a watch (also below).
What are your thoughts of this pop princess’ decade-old hit? Do you still love it as much today? Or do you have a #ThrowbackThursday track to recommend us? Please leave your thoughts or song suggestions in a comment or via social media.
Brighton Pride is fast approaching, so to celebrate, we have updated our Brighton Pride Weekenderplaylist, dedicated to one of the city’s biggest annual events, promoting equality and diversity with the aim to eliminate discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and more (LGBT+) community.
This playlist has been lovingly crafted to include a variety of tracks, by the artists performing at Brighton Pride 2019, as well as some other great anthems!
If you already own the songs and want the custom artwork, please feel free to copy/download it below:
We hope you enjoy this playlist as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it!
It’s hard to believe that Avril Lavigne dropped her first single, ‘Complicated’, back in 2002 but since then, the songstress has had 5 studio albums, 23 singles, 27 music videos (including ‘Girlfriend’, which became the “first music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube”) and has even appeared on several television shows and films. Now, six years since her last, self-titled album, 2019 sees the singer-songwriter putting out her sixth studio album, Head Above Water; a personal account of the trials and tribulations she been through over the past few years. Here’s what we have to say about it…
Head Above Water is probably Avril Lavigne‘s most mature album to date, seeing a real evolution in her songwriting. Throughout the record, she paints a candid, honest and deeply introspective portrait of a truly tumultuous period in her life.
It all begins with the album’s title track, ‘Head Above Water’, which is in fact the song that kick-started the writing of the whole album. She stated, “One night, I thought I was dying, and I had accepted that I was going to die. My mom laid with me in bed and held me. I felt like I was drowning. Under my breath, I prayed, ‘God, please help to keep my head above the water.’ In that moment, the song writing of this album began. It was like I tapped into something. It was a very spiritual experience. Lyrics flooded through me from that point on.” In this truly stunning track alone, Avril Lavigne documents her fight with Lyme Disease (as a result of which, she set up The Avril Lavigne Foundation, to raise awareness of the condition – visit http://www.TheAvrilLavigneFoundation.org for more information), showing her strength of character to fight and overcome it.
As if that song wasn’t different enough, ‘Birdie’ demonstrates a diverse instrumental with intricate production where stripped-back moments show off her voice beautifully and a distorted vocal break adds another dimension to the track in which compares herself to a caged bird.
Equally, ‘I Fell In Love With The Devil’ and ‘Tell Me It’s Over’ are both tinted with Lana Del Rey-esque vibes. The first blends both high and low-pitched vocal harmonies to create an ominous tone to the track, perfectly mirroring the theme of a toxic relationship, whilst the latter’s sultry vocals and brass elements in the verses lead into a massive, soulful chorus, making it possibly the most unique song Avril has ever released.
There is a bit of a lull in the uptempo vibes towards the middle-end of the record (but still great tracks!) ‘Souvenir’ is a cute little love song that although a touch juvenile, is actually very endearing, whilst ‘Crush’ is a sparkly-sounding, soulful number.
It might not be her most obviously banging release, but it certainly packs a punch on the emotive side, with such wonderfully poetic lyricism.
‘Bigger Wow’ isn’t the most memorable song though it’s incredibly catchy and unequivocally pop, however I can’t help but feel it’s virtually a carbon copy of Hailee Steinfeld‘s single, ‘Starving’ with Zedd.
That said, although on the whole Head Above Water is quite the far cry from any of her previous releases, there are definite nods to her former sounds. ‘Dumb Blonde’ (featuring none other than Nicki Minaj – which was clearly a last-minute addition to the track, as the review version of the album did not feature her at all) takes a massive leaf out of her 2007 smash hit, ‘Girlfriend’. Additionally, ‘It Was In Me’ has a massive throwback vibes to her 2002 hit, ‘I’m With You’, but nevertheless, it’s amazing and the build up at the end is truly goosebump-inducing!
The album draws to a close with ‘Warrior’, thematically bringing us back full circle to where we began. The lyrics possibly aren’t the most imaginative on the record but they certainly show the strength she has found within herself, to get through some of the toughest years of her life and with that comes an audible gratitude and renewed lease of life.
Whatever you think of Avril Lavigne‘s previous incarnations, you can’t hear this album and deny that it’s a passionate and very personal offering from the star and although there isn’t a completely cohesive style throughout, it’s refreshing to hear her trying something new. The break has done her voice good too – there’s a renewed power and technique behind it and she’s using it in ways she hasn’t much before.
Of course, there are bound to be people that will slate her for moving away from her old sound and those who will criticise her for trying something new, but personally I love and commend this record for being evolutionary and so clearly therapeutic. It might not be her most obviously banging release, but it certainly packs a punch on the emotive side, with such wonderfully poetic lyricism. Now it’s time to return to the top Avril Lavigne – welcome back!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our review! What do you think of Avril’s sixth studio album, Head Above Water? Are you as much of a fan as us? What would you rate it out of 5? Please leave your thoughts in a comment or via our social media.
Enjoyed this? Check out some of our other reviews here:
The idea for this post came about whilst I was contemplating creating the annual Christmas playlist I’ve done since I started Muzik Speaks back in 2015, but I quickly realised that I was purely doing it because of the time of year and with the thoughts that as a music blog, I should probably pump out something Christmassy.
Inside though, I’m just not feeling like celebrating Christmas this year and truth be told, I’ve been through a very dark patch for a few months now.I began this blog as a lover of music (ever since I can remember) but also with the old saying in mind that “music speaks louder than words” and I truly believe that in many ways, it does…hence the blog name!
However, since September this year, I was propelled into an incredibly difficult place and since then my head has gone through a very dark, deeply depressive and isolated state and it’s only now, that I’m starting to see some distant, very small rays of light at the end of the long, outstretched tunnel ahead, but with those rays, they have brought just a scrap of positivity into my life.
During the period I mentioned, one of the first things to take a hit was my passion for music – something which has always been an obsession of mine, and looking back, that was a key indicator that I was suffering from depression, although I couldn’t recognise it at the time. I’ll be honest and say that at my lowest point, for a couple of weeks or so, I contemplated suicide almost every day, for what I was being put through and how I was being treated and self-harm was something that alleviated just a tiny bit of the desire/waves of compulsion I felt, to end my life. I wish I hadn’t I let myself get to that stage now, and would never advocate someone do that, but I share this as a plea for people to seek support from whoever and wherever they can, to help give them some much needed strength during their darkest times.
As cliché as it sounds, the song ‘1-800-273-8255’ by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid came into my life by happy accident and instantly made an impact on me – it truly kept me going for a couple of weeks straight.
And then slowly but surely over the last few weeks, my passion for music has been really reignited – by mainly angry/empowering rock songs at first; Thirty Seconds To Mars‘ ‘This Is War’ was on repeat for a few days and then more recently, Linkin Park‘s ‘Faint’. The tone to those two songs really helped me to channel the anger I was feeling about the place I was in and charged me up with a little renewed strength.
However once I’d started to get over the anger, I began to truly take time to reflect where I was at with my mental state and objectively begin to deal with my dark thoughts and the things that were eating me up inside. It was at that point that a whole host of songs began to play their part in reshaping me and helping me to truly confront with what I was going through.
That is why I decided to create a playlist that is very personal to me and filled it with the songs that had a hand in keeping me alive, helped me to regain a fraction of my normal self and begin to deal with things, each in their own unique way.
I guess in some way, I’m hoping that this playlist will reach even just one person who is going through a similar rough patch and that it helps them to fight back against their depression and regain their confidence and love of life, or that someone who has already come out the other side can relate to this and appreciate the songs for their unique qualities, thought-provoking lyrics and/or empowering styles.
I should add that I have been very lucky to have my partner, family, some good friends and even my dog (not that she’ll ever know it) to support me through this bleak time and they too have played a vital role in helping me get through this.
Additionally, I sought some counselling – at first it was over the phone but I quickly found that I was craving some human interaction and so went to meet a counsellor and that too has been invaluable to helping me, so I recognise that whilst it’s not entirely the music that has helped me, it was during the times, when I was alone, that this music kept me company, provided me with time to think and played a vital role in aiding me to recover some of my former mental well-being.
I just think that at this time of year, people can feel so alone and having been through what I have, I understand that not everything is joyous for everyone at Christmas time and so I am hoping this playlist will provide something different for people who are feeling down, depressed or suicidal and that it might provide some sort of pick-me-up that you might need or that my story or the music strike a chord with someone and give them something to stop and think about.
My message to anyone who is struggling is just know that things can get better if you hang in there. Believe in yourself and most importantly, take each day as it comes. Fill your time with things you enjoy doing, however small or simple – embrace them. Talk to whoever you feel comfortable talking to, whether it be friends, family or someone anonymous via a helpline – don’t bottle things up. Find joy in music you love, films you enjoy or any other things you like to do and try to take your mind off what you’re worrying about and try to envisage what a happier future would look like.
Finally, I really would like to take the time to ask you to donate to a good cause – if you are going through something similar to me, you have already been through it and managed to come out the other side or even just that you have enjoyed this playlist or felt something for my story, then please visit our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/muzik-speaks or www.papyrus-uk.org/donate (please quote Muzik Speaks somewhere in your donation) and make a donation – £5 is enough to pay for one phone call, text or e-mail with a young person – you truly can help ‘Save a Life’.
*UPDATE* – 8th July 2018
Life continues to get better, but I still find I have to take it day by day. My journey through fighting what I’ve been put through continues, but music is certainly helping to empower me. Sure, I still find I have ups and downs and there are certainly days where dark thoughts pass through my mind and there are definitely times where I’m consumed by rage but I suppose that’s all part of the healing process.
I also have to reflect on the good things in life; my loving partner, my beautiful dog and companion, my wonderful family, my ever-supportive friends, music, this blog…there’s lots to be positive about! That’s so important when you’re finding life tough – no matter how hard it is and how hopeless you might feel, take just a minute to try and find something positive, no matter how small it may be and reflect on that. Try to push the dark thoughts out of your mind (or at least to the back of it) and know that life can get better, you just have to hang in there.
And talking. I still maintain that finding someone, anyone, you can trust and talk to, is paramount to fighting your inner demons. The old saying, “A problem shared, is a problem halved,” is very true and should not be underestimated.
I feel this journey may continue for many months to come, until I feel fully back to my normal self, and so undoubtedly this playlist will continue to grow but in the months since I first posted this, I have found 10 new tracks that have continued to help me.From the beautiful William Ryan Key‘s ‘Vultures’ to the angry anthem that is ‘F.W.T.B.’ by Yonaka; Panic! At The Disco‘s ‘(Fuck A) Silver Lining’ is a satirical and uplifting track whilst A R I Z O N A‘s ‘Freaking Out’ helps with those times you just want to let loose and go a bit mental; music is really helping to heal some of the pain.
So, to all of those on this playlist, thank you for making your music. You don’t know how much you’ve helped, and continue to help!
Playlist
Greyson Chance – Seasons
Logic – 1-800-273-8255 featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid
You+Me – Open Door
Kesha – Praying
Years & Years – Eyes Shut
Demi Lovato – Skyscraper
Justin Bieber – I’ll Show You
Kyan Palmer – Burn Mona Lisa
The Fray – How To Save A Life
Angels & Airwaves – A Little’s Enough
SafetySuit – These Times
Jessie J – Who You Are
Nicki Minaj – Fly featuring Rihanna
Thirty Seconds To Mars – This Is War
Linkin Park – Faint
Yellowcard – Fighting
Story Of The Year – Can Anybody Hear Me
Jimmy Eat World – Electable (Give It Up)
Angels & Airwaves – Lifeline
Good Charlotte – We Believe
SafetySuit – Looking Up
Remedy Drive – Daylight
Bars & Melody – Scream
MUNA – I Know A Place
Kesha – Learn To Let Go
Superfruit – Future Friends (Brian Robert Jones Choir Remix)
You+Me – Unbeliever
You Me At Six – Carpe Diem
Simple Plan – I Don’t Wanna Be Sad
OneRepublic – I Lived
Update – July 2018
31. William Ryan Key – Vultures
32. A R I Z O N A – Freaking Out
33. Shawn Mendes – In My Blood
34. The 1975 – Give Yourself A Try
35. YONAKA – F.W.T.B.
36. Good Charlotte – Actual Pain
37. Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry
38. Jess Glynne – I’ll Be There
39. Panic! At The Disco – (Fuck A) Silver Lining
40. SafetySuit – Victory
If you have a story you are willing to share or you want to discuss anything in this post, then please leave a comment; I would just ask that you remain sensitive with what you write on this post please. I also urge you that if you yourself are feeling suicidal or you are concerned about someone, to please call PAPYRUSon 0800 068 4141, text 07786 209697 or e-mail pat@papyrus-uk.org – whilst I am always happy to talk, I’m not a trained professional but people at PAPYRUS are, and will do their best to help.
This is the first new music from DNCE since their debut album in 2016 and it features guest vocals from serial collaborator, Nicki Minaj.
The song has sun-kissed guitar riffs and bass licks throughout; it’s a summery track oozing with gang vocals and beautiful harmonies. The lyrics are saucy and the artwork is 60s in style; reinforcing that it’s a track all about free love. Surely this is the signs of a new album on the horizon?!
No official video has been released yet but undoubtedly one will emerge soon and I’m sure it’ll be fun-filled if the band’s previous releases are anything to go by.
*UPDATE* The official video has now been released and it’s just as tongue-in-cheek, fun-filled and raunchy as I expected. I’m pleased to see NickiMinaj featured in the video too – not just stylised in the background, like sometimes happens to featured artists and rappers.
What are your thoughts of the band’s new direction? Got any #FeelGoodFriday tunes for us to check out? Please leave your thoughts or song suggestions in a comment or hit us up via our social media.
Nicki Minaj is back with new music and not just one, but three brand new singles, ‘No Frauds’, ‘Changed It’ and ‘Regret In Your Tears’.
Each track is great in its own respect, but ‘Regret In Your Tears’ seems the perfect way to kick off this week, for #MellowMonday.
Her vocals are whispery and quiet in places, yet the beat still seems to be quite Caribbean at heart – it’s a sultry song and shows a new edge to her sound. I’m a big fan of this song and these new tracks surely signify a new album on the horizon?!
No official video has been released yet but naturally we’ll keep you updated if one arises.
Keep up the great work Ms. Minaj – we salute your return!
Fergie‘s back with a brand new track, ‘Life Goes On’ and it’s awesome!
Her vocals are strong and I like the bouncy melody to the verses – it’s definitely a Top 40 tune and I can see this charting high! The song was pushed ahead of her planned single, ‘You Already Know’, featuring Nicki Minaj and rumours are that the title was significant due to Donald Trumpbeing elected as the US President, this week.
The song is said to be taken from her upcoming album and judging from her recent songs, it looks set to be mammoth!
No official video has been released as yet, but we’ll keep you updated on this, as always.
What are your thoughts of Fergie’s new sound? Are you as excited as we are about her new album? Please let us know your thoughts or leave your own #FeelGoodFriday song choices in a comment below or via our social medias, using the hashtag.
Ariana Grande – ‘Side To Side’ featuring Nicki Minaj
Ariana Grande is no stranger to working with the legendary Nicki Minaj, but the pair have teamed up again to release this infectious, reggae-inspired track, ‘Side To Side’.
The song has a different feel to some of Ariana’s previous tracks, but it’s catchy and fun. The video is a little basic in some senses, with the singer and Nicki Minaj surrounded by male models in a sauna, but the song itself is great!
Mura Masa has a wicked sound to his songs and ‘Love$ick’ is no exception. This track is actually a re-release of one of his songs released last year, however this time, A$AP Rocky has hopped on the track and added a new depth to it.
The steel-drum sounds make it interesting and add a sort of Caribbean flavour to the song, with its roots firmly planted in trap; it’s a brilliant track, so please share the love for this.
Muzik Speaks is 1 year old this week and to celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you a themed playlist, for each day this week. The playlist will contain all of the songs we’ve featured on our blog during the past year, all themed around the corresponding day.
Today, it’s #Two4Tunesday and our playlist includes:
More than anything, we hope that you enjoyed the songs we brought you throughout August 2015’s posts and we thank you for your continued views and support! – Our apologies if any of the tracks are missing from the Spotify playlist – some of them may not have been released yet or some may have been removed from Spotify by the artist/band.
Note: You can view the whole YouTube playlist by using the dropdown menu at the top corner of the video, or skip a song using the ‘next’ button.
NEXT MONTH:
Next month, we’ve definitely got another Skype interview and of course we’ll be bringing you many more epic tunes!
OUR CONTINUED AIM
We’d like to ask you, to go ahead and ‘like’ our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks) and ‘follow’ us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks). Then if you could please post a status or send a tweet to your followers and friends to ask them to check us out, we’d be really grateful! We want to grow this community and we honestly can’t do it without your support!
Lastly, please, please respond to our posts on Facebook or leave comments on each of our blog posts with your own tracks for each of the daily themes – we want you to share what you’re listening to because we love music as much as you, and we really enjoy finding out about new tunes. Thanks so much!
Muzik Speaks 