My thoughts on Justin Bieber - Believe Acoustic

Another day, another Bieber-related trend. Thankfully today’s isn’t as bleak as “cut4bieber”, but #BelieveAcoustic. Yep, Bieber’s new album has just been released and, being the fan that I am, I wasted no time and have been listening to it all day.

As you might guess, Believe Acoustic is a follow-up to 2012’s Believe, the album that converted quite a few non-Beliebers and earnt Justin some serious street cred. This unplugged addition looks set to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps (it’s already sitting at number one on iTunes charts around the world) and increase Bieber’s credibility as an artist once again.The album (unsurprisingly) features acoustic covers of several tracks from Believe, including hits like ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Beauty and a Beat’ as well as a live recording of ‘Fall’ and two previously unreleased songs, ‘Yellow Raincoat’ and ‘I Would’. There’s also a bonus track called ‘Nothing Like Us’ available on iTunes. 

Acoustic covers are often a hit-and-miss game; the good news is that there are more hits than misses here. Tracks like ‘As Long as You Love Me’ and ‘Take You’ sit comfortably in this style, they sound authentic and showcase Bieber’s abilities well. As with Believe, ALAYLM is probably my favourite and I am thankful that Bieber tackled Big Sean’s rap like he did in his performance at the AMAs in 2012. It sounds brilliant, although a part of me is upset that he did not employ the same tactic for ‘Beauty and a Beat’…In all honesty, I know it wouldn’t have worked as well but I’d have loved to hear Justin spitting out lyrics that only Nicki Minaj can make work, like “buns out, weiner”, in an acoustic setting.

However, all the tracks from Believe are reworked excellently, with some impressive and welcome arrangements, including simple piano accompaniments (‘Be Alright’) and thumping, almost clubby, guitar riffs (‘All Around the World’). The great thing about this album is its mix of different styles, something that is often lacking in many acoustic LPs, which makes Believe Acoustic just as diverse and exciting as its predecessor.

As for the new tracks, they’re pretty good. They are not exactly standout songs but they fit well in the collection. I think I prefer ‘Yellow Raincoat’ over ‘I Would’ just because it feels different from the usual Bieber ballad: more moody, more atmospheric. The bonus track is also a decent addition if you can get it.

Believe Acoustic is definitely another step in the right direction for the Biebs and I think it’s safe to say that Justin Bieber is not just for teenage girls anymore.

Review: Les Misérables

Les Misérables is more than just a film, it is a motion picture event and something that theatre-obsessed individuals (like myself) have been waiting for since the first whispers of an adaptation and the announcement in 2010. The good news is that Les Mis doesn’t disappoint; in fact, it lives up to the extremely high precedent set by the stage production in a way that I could never have expected.

Tom Hooper’s stroke of genius in making his actors sing completely live adds so much to the film, it heightens not only the emotional connection in each song, but also the authenticity of the whole film. There is never a sudden “burst into song” but a gradual build up of emotion and music, and a transition from talking to singing that feels nothing but natural. The other strength in this film is its cast; by choosing an ensemble of actors not particularly recognised for their singing ability, it often comes as quite a shock to see an actor so surprisingly good at both.

Obviously, there are some exceptions such as Samantha Barks of I’d Do Anything fame, Amanda Seyfried (the girl from Mamma Mia) and of course the Tony Award winning Hugh Jackman. I expected Jackman to be an excellent Valjean but I must say I was taken aback by just how well the role suited him and his rendition of ‘Who Am I?’ was one of my favourite parts of the film. However, I am largely speaking of Eddie Redmayne when I say I was shocked; he is a revelation as Marius and expertly plays the lovestruck revolutionary. He is also one of the most natural singers in the cast and there are nuances in his performance that are hard to forget. Indeed, I find it difficult to listen to ‘A Heart Full of Love’ now without thinking of his version. His admirers in the film, played by Barks and Seyfriend also put in solid performances.

It is Russell Crowe that is arguably most out of his depth in this film and I admit, I didn’t have the highest of expectations when I heard he had been selected for the role of Inspector Javert. He does, however, formidably take on the role and, whilst not the strongest singer, he is intimidating and believable throughout.

At the helm, Tom Hooper also makes use of some stunning visuals and shots, particularly in the film’s opening scenes, and the opening shot itself is very powerful. One of his bravest decisions is filming Anne Hathaway’s ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ in one intimate close-up; it completely pays off and almost secures Hathaway her Oscar. Her portrayal of Fantine is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen and lingers throughout the entire film. It is raw powerful and utterly heartbreaking.

It’s not all misérables though, some excellent comic relief is provided by Sacha Baran Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter...I simply cannot praise the performances in this film enough, from Jackman to Tveit, everyone is wonderful. And it goes without saying that the music is stunning; the swelling songs and beautiful visuals are married together perfectly. The end result tugs on your heartstrings and will make you want to applaud by the time the credits roll (even if you aren’t one of those people).

Will 'Scream and Shout' finally get to number one?

The chart battle is in full swing, and yesterday's midweek update puts Miss Britney Spears on top (will.i.am too) with 'Scream and Shout'.

The track had been sitting comfortably behind James Arthur and hasn't fallen outside of the top three since being released. Having had to contend with X-Factor winners and charity singles, its no surprise it has only peaked at number two and not been able to crack the number one spot.

And now there's another obstacle for Brit to contend with. That pesky David Bowie comeback, which could be chart eligible come Sunday. At the moment the charts company do not have the necessary sales information for the unexpected single, as most of the song's purchases have been given away with pre-ordered albums on iTunes. Bowie's 'Where are We Now?' had been sitting pretty atop the iTunes chart until today when Brit sneaked back up to the top spot. So it's looking good.

Don't get me wrong I do love a bit of Bowie, I have just been championing S&S for number one since before its release. I would love for Britney to have her sixth UK number one, because she's had a pretty tough time since her last one in 2004:

and I think a lot of people had written her off, claimed she was past it. I don't quite understand why, because she released one of the best dance albums of 2011 with Femme Fatale. Anyway, this number one is long overdue.

Also, should we discuss the way everyone (myself included) refers to the song as if it's Britney Spears ft. will.i.am and not the other way around?

End of Britney-heavy blog.