ALBUM REVIEW (EMPIRES)

First of all, great news because my last post [ALBUM REVIEW (PENTATONIX)] received over 29 page views over the past four days so that is kinda insane for me. I have never received this much views before, it's overwhelming. So a HUGE thanks to all those blog-readers out there who are constantly supporting my blog. You guys are awesome. God bless your souls. I pray and hope this number of views will only get better and better. I am so hyped! That is why I am doing another album review.

I just have to make a blog post about this because I have been obsessed with this album for months now and I still can't stop listening to it. I am soooo obsessed with this album.

The album is named "Empires". It is the fourth studio album from Australian contemporary worship music band HILLSONG UNITED. Now, I know I haven't mentioned Hillsong United before but I also know that you will definitely love this band. But I am not here to talk about the artist, I am to talk about the album. We'll talk about this band some other time.

EMPIRES album cover

Empires was released on May 26, 2015 under Hillsong Music, Sparrow Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. Michael Guy Chislett served as the album's producer, with vocalist Joel Houston serving as creative director and co-producer. "Touch the Sky" was the album's lead single which was released on March 2015. They even promoted it on the Today Show.

The whole album has 12 tracks and it plays for 71 minutes and 31 seconds. The album was #12 on the Worship Leader's Top 20 Albums of 2015, # 1 in Australian Albums and #5 in the US Billboard 200. That is insane!

What I loved about this album is that it's very different. It's not that traditional Christian rock you hear all the time. This one is kinda subtle in a way and very relaxing. The sounds are very chill and comforting. And it gives you the feeling to dance to the rhythm but at the same time to relax and just chill. The beats are so modern and I love the lyrics and the arrangement. Also, the vibe is great.

This album is SUPER AMAZING! INDESCRIBABLE! I can't stop listening to the whole album. I downloaded the whole album back in June and it's been five months and I am still obsessed with it. There is literally no album like this one. So great job to Hillsong United. They slayed again. May God bless them.

Favorite Tracks:

My fave songs in the album were "Touch the Sky", "Say the Word" and " Even When It Hurts". I love these songs for the fact that I cried when I heard these songs. It really touched my heart. The lyrics were very meaningful and it can sooth any anger and sadness inside of you. It's very relatable, too. Especially when you're the type of person that is constantly searching for himself/herself. These tracks will definitely empower you.

That is all I have to say for this album. If you already listened to it, I hope we are on the same page and if you haven't listen to it, make sure to download the album and listen to it. Also, let me know what YOU think about the album by leaving a comment on this post. 

You can also access Hillsong United through the links below:

Website - hillsongunited.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/hillsongunited

Instagram - http://instagram.com/hillsongunited

You can purchase the album on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/empires/id976349771

And PLEASE VOTE FOR HILLSONG UNITED AT THE AMAs by going to amavote.com or by tweeting "I am voting for @hillsongunited for Favorite Artist Contemporary Inspirational #AMAs" multiple times. 

Thank you guys and don't forget to read, comment and share. Love you all.

ALBUM REVIEW (PENTATONIX)

I am starting a new post trend (if that makes any sense) in my blog. Basically, I am going to comment on the tracks of new released albums. Am I making sense? I think I am. I hope I do. Anyway, I'll start with the album which was currently released and that is the new PTX album, PENTATONIX.

PENTATONIX album cover

I have mentioned Pentatonix before in this blog so I think it's not everybody's first time hearing about them. (Of course you heard about them before. I mean, they're like really famous). 

PENTATONIX (I have to write in all caps to differentiate it from the artist) is the fourth studio album by American a cappella group Pentatonix. The album was released on October 16, 2015. So about two weeks ago. This album is the group's seventh release.

Everyone (and by that, I mean every person who JUST or NEVER knew about PTX) is freaking out on the fact that it was the fourth studio album. "What about PTX Vol. 1, 2 and 3?!" No. They are not studio albums. They are considered as EPs (Extended Plays) and not studio albums. There's a difference.

Well, moving on, the album cover was released on Twitter and Instagram by a series featuring the five band members released over a five-day span, with one band member added to the picture each day.

Before the album release, the group already released five singles (that are included in the Deluxe Version of the album) and five music videos. These singles were "Cheerleader"(Omi Cover), "Can't Sleep Love" (Original song), "Can't Sleep Love" (feat. Tink), Where Are Ü Now (Jack Ü/Justin Bieber Cover), and "Sing" (Original Song).

As much as I really want to discuss the music videos with you (because those videos were freaking amazing!!!), we have to concentrate on the whole album.

The album (not Deluxe) is filled with original songs written by the band members (Scott, Kirstin, Mitch, Kevin and Avi). The only one in the album which is not an original is Shai's "If I Ever Fall In Love" and PTX sang this song with Jason Derulo. The three covers (Cheerleader, Where Are Ü Now and Lean On) and "Can't Sleep Love" (feat. Tink) are included in the deluxe edition of the album.

My Comments:

Well. What can I say? THE WHOLE ALBUM IS FREAKING AMAZIIIIING!!! Three days after the release (because I didn't have a chance to connect to the internet for the past three days because of a storm), me and my best friend listened to the entire album in school and we can't stop listening to it. It is addicting. I was practically weeping while listening to it. I listened to the album for like 15 times in a span of 36 hours. 

The arrangements were awesome. The lyrics were amazing. Very meaningful. The arrangement were on point. The arrangement made it super addicting. I can't even describe it properly. I have no words. It is just plainly AMAZING! Hands down to Pentatonix.

Favorite Song/s?

I freaking have four favorite songs from the Deluxe Version. It's "Water", "Can't Sleep Love" (feat. Tink), "Misbehavin'" and "Where Are Ü Now". I never get sick of these songs. They are my new jam!

First reaction?

I was really excited for the album because it is their first original album so I was excited to hear more original songs from them and new arrangements.

Anyway, that is all I have to say about the album. By the way, did you know that this album made it to #1 in the US BILLBOARD200! I mean, that's insane. That is how great the album is so better listen to it and/or purchase it.

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/pentatonix-deluxe-version/id1035387084?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4#

Spotify - https://play.spotify.com/album/6qf9tE8pNRW0kX1Cucrixr

Don't forget to follow Pentatonix on Twitter and Instagram. Also, like them on Facebook and subscribe to their Youtube channel.

P.S. Here's MY version of PENTATONIX Album cover. Photoshop skills on point. hahaha. (#AltPTXAlbumCovers)

RED ORANGE YELLOW

Hey everyone. I know it's been a while since I last posted in my blog. I was so concentrated on doing good in school that I didn't have time to write something interesting here. Finally, thank God for a chill day today, I don't have any homework so I get to write. AGAIN. AFTER THREE FREAKIN' MONTHS.

Anyway, I have been seeing a lot of Facebook posts, Instagram pics and Twitter tweets about how excited people are about the  Halloween Season and/or Autumn. I AM FREAKIN' EXCITED, TOO! I mean, who doesn't love the Autumn season? Losers, probably. Let's list some things here that makes Autumn pretty special and super awesome:

• The autumn displays the most beautiful and vibrant colors. Red, orange and yellow are some good color combinations. Even though I dislike orange (no offense to orange-lovers out there, I still like you guys), I still am drawn to the season.

• You can go jumping on piles of autumn leaves like jumping on soft warm cushions. Honestly, I would love to do that all the time. Especially with the guy I love. (But I'm single and independent so I guess, I'll be jumping on those piles alone. Awh. Haha)

• You finally get to wear that knitted sweater you've been wanting to wear all year. Personally, I am a big fan of sweaters. I want to own as many sweaters as I can because I mean, why not? Sweaters are awesome. (Also, scarfs. Scarfs are cool)

• Autumn season means Halloween season! Old horror movies, pumpkin heads, scary pranks, candle lights, spider webs and creepy costumes. (Plus, black cats. Black cats are my fave)

• Halloween means another season of Trick-or-Treat! I WANT CANDY! I WANT CANDY! Candy is life.

• Horror movies. Who could forget those memorable vintage horror movies? I know I enjoyed them. (Not really, I am such a scaredy-cat). 

• Costumes and Parties. Of course, there will always be Halloween/Autumn parties happening so you better start being creative because you really need those costumes ready.

Thank you, Regina George. Thank you. (NOT)

Practically, I don't really experience Autumn from where I live. Such a disappointment for us living in the tropical countries. Oh well. Someday. 

Let me put "Autumn experience" in my bucket list and hope that someday, I'll be experiencing all of the things I listed above. 

That's all the time I have for now. I hope you guys enjoy your Autumn while I'm stuck here studying for the upcoming exams. Sad life. Hahaha. 

HAPPY AUTUMN! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

CATASTROPHE

It's exactly been a week since the release of the most awesome music video I have ever seen in my entire 15-year-old life. 

On the Billboard Music Awards 2015 Ceremony, Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" Music Video was released worldwide. The original track wasn't used for the music video but Taylor Swift created an amazing version of the song with Kendrick Lamar and that was the one used in the video. 

The music video starred all of Taylor's closest friends. And let me tell you, they were amazing. It's a casting dream come true. Here are the list of Bad Blood characters:

• Taylor Swift as Catastrophe
• Lily Aldridge as Frostbyte
• Zendaya as Cut Throat
• Hayley Williams as The Crimson Curse
• Gigi Hadid as Slay-Z
• Ellie Goulding as Destructa X
• Hailee Steinfeld as The Trinity
• Lena Dunham as Lucky Fiori
• Kendrick Lamar as Welvin Da Great
• Karlie Kloss as Knockout
• Serayah as Dilemma
• Jessica Alba as Domino
• Martha Hunt as Homeslice
• Ellen Pompeo as Luna
• Mariska Hargitay as Justice
• Cara Delevingne as Mother Chucker
• Cindy Crawford as Headmistress
• Selena Gomes as Arsyn

Well. That's a lot of friends. But seriously, this looks like a perfect casting for a perfect action movie. 

The video starts with Catastrophe fighting some evil dudes with Arsyn. Taylor and Selena's fighting skills were incredible. Then suddenly Arsyn betrays Catastrophe by kicking her out of the window almost killing her. Catastrophe then plots her revenge against Arsyn with all of her friends at her side.

The video was totally awesome. I watched it like 10 times straight. The video was perfection. And Kendrick Lamar's version of the song? Amazing. I absolutely downloaded it. Kendrick and Taylor is definitely a music match made in heaven.

Favorite Character?

Cut Throat. I love knives (seriously). And I love knife throwing. A knife is definitely my second weapon of choice.

What would be your "Bad Blood" name? 

The Raven. I don't actually know why I chose that name but it sounds right. I love ravens. I love black. Ravens are kinda mysterious. And I like that.

Weapon of choice?

A bow and arrow or a knife. 

And just recently, I heard Taylor Swift broke the Vevo record with this video! Wow! That is insane! The Directioners have been trying to break this record for a lot of times but the Swifties broke it. 

CONGATULATIONS TO THE THIRD LARGEST FANDOM IN THE WORLD-SWIFTIES-AND TO TAYLOR SWIFT!

To Watch "Bad Blood": www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcIy9NiNbmo

The "Bad Blood" Squad

BELLAS

I just watched probably the best movie in 2015 so far and that is PITCH PERFECT 2! It was so amazing. I mean, aca-mazing. I don't know why some reviews were horrible. It was freakin' glorious. I can't tell you how amazing it was because I would be a spoiler unless, of course, you already watched it. 

Pitch Perfect 2  is a sequel to the 2012 film Pitch Perfect. The film centers on the fictional Barden University and The Barden Bellas, an all female acapella singing group. The film feautres an ensemble cast that includes Anna Kendrick (Beca Mitchell), Rebel Wilson (Fat Amy), Brittany Snow (Chloe Beale), Ester Dean (Cynthia-Rose Adams), Alexis Knapp (Stacie Conrad) and Hana Mae Lee (Lilly Onakurama). Hailee Steinfeld (Emily Junk-Hardon) was also in the film that played the role of the new member of the Bellas.

For me, Pitch Perfect 2 is better than the first movie. It's funnier and more sob-worthy. Like half of the movie, I was laughing so hard that I couldn't breathe and the other half, I was weeping. It's not sad but it's sooooo touching. And the music was spectacular. What could be better than acapella? Nothing. It was literally giving me chills and goosebumps the whole time. I want to watch it again. It was absolutely Pitch PERFECT! (But for those kids ages 12 and below, you shouldn't watch it because some scenes in the movie will ruin your innocent heads)

Favorite Scene? 

The campfire scene and their performance at the competition. That was amazing. I cried at those parts so if you haven't seen it, get your tissues ready.

Favorite Song?

Duh. Their original song. Flashlight was amazing. Plus, Hailee Steinfeld singing it is amazing. Download worthy.

Favorite Character in the film?

It's between Emily, Beca and Fat Amy. Emily is just so pretty and she has an amazing voice. Beca is so cool and talented. And Fat Amy is just hilarious.

Do you want to join an acapella group someday?

Uh. Yeah, I would definitely want to join an acapella group or any singing group. That would be totally awesome.

So if you haven't seen Pitch Perfect 2 yet, you should buy your tickets now and watch it. I'm sure you won't regret it.

P.S. PTX and The Filharmonic were also amazing at their appearance in the film.

P.P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KIRSTIN MALDONADO! Love yah.