Music Review Monday #4: You're Not Sorry (Taylor Swift)

Today I'm going to review a song by a very popular artist. Can you guess who it is? I'll  giver you  clue. Whenever this person releases a  song, the reaction from the media and her fans is.... "Wow! Okay, what famous celebrity guy is it about this time?"

Do you get it?

Taylor Swift is well known for her autobiography style to her music. She even went as far as saying the name in the song, 'Dear John', (which is probably about her ex, John Mayer) She admitted 'Forever and Always' to be about Joe Jonas on the Ellen Show. I have to admit, though I have loved Taylor Swift ever since I watched the 'You Belong With Me' video, she can be a little mean. I can even understand maybe why she would put the names in the songs, but sometimes, (The Grammys, for instance), she can go a little too far.

Actually, one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs at the moment, is a older song from her breakthrough album, Fearless. Called 'You're Not Sorry', a remix of the song was in CSI episode which Swift guest starred in.

'You're Not Sorry' talk about a relationship which Taylor is sick of a boyfriend saying "I'm sorry," when he hurts her again and again. The song is slow and mostly has piano in it. It's country rock.

"All this time I was wasting/Hoping you could come around," she begins sadly. "I've been giving out chances every time/And you do is let me down/And it's taking me this long, baby/But I've figured you out/And you're thinking we'll be fine again, but not this time around."

That's pretty much the whole song's idea. We learn what he did in their second verse. "You got your share of secrets/And I'm tired of being last to know/You're asking me to listen 'cuz it's worked each time before." She also tells the boy how much she really did love him. "You used to shine so bright, but I watch all of it fade... You can tell me that you're sorry/But I don't believe you baby like I did before/You're not sorry/No, no."

This song is mentioned in her fearless quote. "When someone keeps apologizing for things they'll stop doing, I think it's fearless to say 'you're not sorry.' I think it's fearless to walk away."

Of course, this is a good reason to break up with your boyfriend. If you realize that the guy is doing things behind your back, and he keeps apologizing, yet, he doesn't improve, you should break up with him. But what's sad is that the relationship used to be way different. When parents from a family I knew, broke up, I was sad, mostly because I remember what it used to be. That's one of the saddest parts about any broken relationships.

I was thinking about this song one day, and I thought, 'Wow, how different would we be if God applied this same thing with us?" You've apologized to God for uncountable things. I have What if God thought, "Well, you're not sorry." Then He walked away. The question is: Why doesn't He
?

He doesn't because he knows our heart. He knows when we're sorry and when we're not. Even when there's a certain time when he knows we're not sorry, but He forgives us anyway and makes us realize it. Why?

Because of Jesus. Because He died for our sins. If you put your trust in Him, He will give you  a new desire for Him. That doesn't mean you'll be perfect. You'll mess up alright. But because Jesus died for us, God can know forgive us. How? By just asking Him. He gives us that desire to change too.

Isn't that awesome to think about? God loves you so much. He'll never let you go, say 'you're not sorry', or walk away. Why? Because of Jesus. Because He is loving, kind, and forgiving.

So Swift was probably being just in her song, but we know of more just message, a message that doesn't bring us down.

The X Factor is BACK!!! Been waiting ever since it ended last year!

Words cannot describe why I love Simeon! Lol:)
-Sarah

Music Review Monday #3: Atlas (the lead single for Catching Fire)

I was originally going to review a Katy Perry song, but I've been talking about her a little too much lately. So I decided about two seconds ago to review a lead single to a soundtrack, Catching Fire. This song is 'Atlas' by Coldplay.

Catching Fire, the second book to the Hunger Games Series (which I am obsessed with these days). The movie is coming on this November:)

Coldplay, which I really wasn't familiar with until I noticed that the lead song from the soundtrack had been released, is a British rock band that was formed in 1996. Compared to all the stars I listen to, they are very old. The song is talking about the relationship between the book's hero and heroine, Katniss and Peeta.

Okay, I would like to say, that I read the Hunger Games books this year. At first I wasn't sure about them, but soon, after finally reading the Mocking Jay, the final book, I realized I was a Hunger Game freak! The books are so good and I love going back to them and reading the parts again, and never get tired of it. That's  something I love and look for in books. The emotion, the love, and the intensity of these books are amazing!

Okay, I had to say that. Now onto the song. It is a slow, haunting tune, which according to the lyrics, is a promise between two friends to protect each other. But also, it sounds like a cry out for guidance to... God?

Right away, the lyrics are influenced by the book."Some saw the sun," the lead singer begins. "Some saw the smoke/Some heard the gun/Some bent the bow." The violent, and cruel world is present here in this song, like 'Safe and Sound', the lead single of the first movie.

The bridge speaks of the rebellion plot in the book. "Sometimes the wire must tense for a note/Catching in the fire, oh/We are about to explode."

The promise to love and protect is in the chorus. "Carry your world/I'll carry your world." The second verse talks about many people's love for fame and adventure. "Some search for gold/Some dragons to slay."

Crying out for help, the song mentions God and Heaven, though neither is mentioned in any of the books. "Heaven we hope is just down the road/Show me the way, Lord/'Cuz I am about to explode."

The song, though doesn't have many lyrics, says a great deal of words. The connection to the book, its plot and the relationship between the two main characters, is clear. (Well, if you've read the book and seen the movie) Through it, though, Katniss and Peeta do 'carry each other's world.' Katniss by protecting Peeta's life and Peeta by protecting and comforting her heart when their world falls apart around them.

I was quite surprised to see a cry to God for guidance, since, the book, though many people die, never mentions afterlife or God. One of the few things I disliked about the books was how many characters died. But the funny thing, expect for maybe one of Katniss' dreams, no one even spoke about what would happen after death.

Though the book doesn't mention God, this song does. I'm glad it did. I've always adored the relationship between Katniss and Peeta with all my heart. This song, though doesn't involve a catchy beat or killer vocals, is beautiful. The promise and cry out to God gives us a lesson the book fails to give.

If I really like a song I'm going to post it, so here it is!

Purity

Hey guys! I just wanted to do a quick post to win nonce that my awesome dad got me a purity ring!!! I owe it all to him, God, and the rest of my family for teaching me about the importance of purity. It's a gift from God. Singleness is too.

It's stainless steel and has no jewel on it. I'm glad for that because I'm waiting for that jewel. It has "Holy unto The Lord" engraved in it. I was thinking about what I want to put on it. My dad thought about "Set apart" but we finally chose this. It means the same thing.

"You shall be holy to me, for am The Lord and holy and have separated you from the people's, that you should be mine."

This is a verse from Leviticus. God separated us from all those unpure things so that we can be holy. No I don't mean perfect. I mean set apart. This ring doesn't make me pure. It's just a reminded that I'm set apart.

Why I Write

Dear Fellow Bloggers and Blog Readers,
So if you've ever been on my blog before, I hope that you get that I like to write. I apologize if my posts are ever too long. I admit, they are. It's because I love to write and I get carried away sometimes.

I would like to explain why I write so much so you can know a more about me. Because writing isn't just a hobby for me. It's a part of me.

Writing is my voice. What I can't express in my talk, I can express in writing. You guys might not know this, but I write more fiction than I do music reviews. I love feeling what my characters feel. I love expressing myself in different ways through my stories, personal posts, and music reviews.

To be honest, I've confessed things on this blog I've never confessed to anyone. Why? I can express myself better in my writing and I need someone to tell my feelings to. That's one of the reasons I have this blog.

God uses my writing to make me think of things in a different way. In fact, He makes me realize that He uses those bad feelings in my life. Like one time I had a problem with my friend. We didn't have a fight or anything, but after a conversation with her, I felt neglected and misunderstood. Thankfully, the next day I ended up writing a scene in my book, which I had planned beforehand, with two friends fighting. I was able to express my feelings with my friend through the character in my book. It helped me, and the story.

In my stories, each character, expect the complete evil ones, is a different part of me. I express myself through them. Music inspires that. Once, I was typing a part that went really well with a Taylor Swift song I like. So I played that through my stereo as I wrote it. That's one of the reasons I like music. The music I like the most is the music I can relate to most. That's why I love Taylor Swift. She relates to everyone. She knows how we (girls) feel. I like songs like 'Roar' and 'Brave' mostly because they relate to me.

I could never stop blogging, even there was no one else on the blogging world because I love to write. Blogging gives me a excuse. I've gotten to know so many wonderful girls through blogging! It's truly a gift from God, just like writing is. He has used blogging and writing to show me things about Him, other people, and myself.

So that's why I thank God for writing. I thank Him for giving me a voice. I hope that I can use his gift to glory Him.

In Christ,
Sarah

Music Review Monday #1 Article: Yours Truly

Love is something.

Innocent love, haunted love, forbidden love. All of it is a popular topic all over the world, especially in music. Sometimes I wish someone would sing about something more. But if it isn't about love, it's about partying. So I suppose I want something that, at least, means something.

 When it comes to music, there's only two options these days. Partying or love. Or you could try a combination of them both. Once in awhile you get a respect-yourself anthem. But I'm getting less and less of that lately.

Ariana Grande is known for her starring roles in Sam and Cat and Victorious. Her single, 'The Way' was very popular and reached #32 on the Hot 100 Billboard charts.

'Yours Truly' is her new album. Featuring many collaborations, it is a love themed, Marey Carey styled, R&B album.

Wholesome Content

The second single, 'Baby I' is  a sweet love song in which Ariana tries to express her loving feelings. In the end, she simply just says 'I love you.' On that note, 'Right Here' is a promise to stay true to her lover. In 'Tattoed Heart', she assures her crush that all he needs to do is love her, instead having money or playing games.

One of the only 'breakup' songs on this album is 'You'll Never Know.' Ariana informs a guy he's too late and now she's got new guy who loves her. In 'Honeymoon Avenue', she longs for to make the next step in her relationship. Still, she has hope. "I know we'll find our way home."

The lead single, 'The Way', Grande commends her boy for getting her heart. The two songs that aren't love songs, are 'Popular Song' and 'Piano.' 'Popular Song' is a triumphant song, in which Grande doesn't let bullies' get in her down. Instead of writing a sad love song, she decides to write a fun, upbeat song on her new 'Piano.'

The only sad song in this album, 'Almost is Never Enough' regrets not sticking through an relationship and wishes it wasn't too late.

Unacceptable Content

A few songs are suggestive. Guest rapper Mac Miller raps, "Your bed feeling lonely/So you're sleeping in mine." Even though Ariana knows the relationship is ending, she still wants to be physical. "Hold on, shut up, and kiss me, baby/I just wanna get a little taste before you go." (Lovin' it)

Instead of confessing her true feelings to her ex-lover, once she leaves him, she decides to party the night away. She also mentions kissing. "I'm gonna say please/Make sure they kiss me." Night is mentioned the 'Daydreamin'. "I don't want to wait for the night." It's a tad bit suggestive.

Since honeymoons do involved sleeping together, and since Grande is not married, 'Hollywood Avenue' suggests towards nights together.

In 'Right There', guest rapper Big Sean takes God's name in vain.

Conclusion

Well, there isn't much to say. You get the picture. Grande is in love. She's happy and in love. That's why I was liked about the album. A lot of artists, including Taylor Swift, can focus a little too much on the bad things about love. Ariana looks at the bright side of things in every one of these songs.

A lot of them did sound the same, and a few songs were suggestive, but overall, I loved this album! Ariana Grande has a beautiful voice. She did a little too high at times, but other than that, the vocals were lovely. The songs were catchy. Though a few rappers ruined the mood, especially in 'The Way', it was great.

Since this album is been #1 on the iTunes since it released last Tuesday, I think, for once, the public would agree with me.

Summary

Happiest Song: Baby I
Saddest Song: Almost Is Never Enough
Most Meaningful Song: Popular Song
Best Written: Hollywood Avenue
Most Sexual Content: The Way
Personal Favorite: Baby I/Popular Song

love these songs!!!!!!!!

Ellie:)

BRAVE!

This song is my anthem. It's so inspiring and says so much to me.
-Sarah

The Real Treasure

Have you ever listened to a suggestive, wondering the whole time, if this person means doing 'it?' Sometimes music can be so brief. It leaves you confused, because you're not sure if this person really means doing 'it'.

Well, I know an artist that makes sure you don't have to wonder because he just flats out says the word without shame.

The artist, I'm talking about, is the R&B, pop, and reggae singer, Bruno Mars, who lately, has topped the charts with his songs.

With his second album, Mars has topped the iTunes and Bilboard Music Charts, with his songs, 'Locked Out of Heaven' and 'When I Was Your Man.' His upbeat song, 'Locked Out of Heaven', not only talks about having sex, but also compares it to spiritual things. (See the title) His other song, the only wholesome song on his new album, is a apology to a lover for not treating her right.

I'm going to review the third single for his album, 'Treasure'. The song was released earlier this year and has a 80s feeling to it. It is a song to an insecure girl who needs encouragement.

Before I talk about the explicit version of this song, I'll talk about the clean version. The upbeat, playful verse starts, "Give me your/Give me your/Attention, baby/I gotta tell you a little something about yourself." Gushing over her sexual attraction, he sings, "You're wonderful, flawless, ooo, you're sexy lady/But you walk around here like you wanna be someone else."

"Treasure," he calls his girl. "That is what you are/You're my golden star/You could make my wish come true/Let me treasure you."

The song goes on like that in a fast manner. When I first heard it on the radio, I thought it was pretty good. It was one of those 'makes-you-wanna-get-up-and-dance' songs. Overall, the song is sweet.

When I saw it on the iTunes charts, I was confused to find that it said explicit. Since I hadn't heard any cuss words, I looked up the lyrics. (I did NOT listen to the explicit version) Terribly, I was shocked and disgusted to find out that apparently, Mars says something at the very beginning of the song. For the sake of younger viewers, and the fact that I don't want to even mention the line, I will not put the exact line on this blog. However, I will say that he called his girl a squirrel, plus the f word.

Once I saw that, I was utterly disgusted. I mean, WHY? Obviously, Mars doesn't see value in women.

If you don't think about the explicit version, this song might seem like a sweet song. But, when you think about Mars' other songs, the 'let me treasure you' line could be... well... you get the idea.

There are guys out there that only want a woman's body, and not the woman. As sad as it is, what used to be a touchy subject, is not anymore. Recently, I saw Demi Lovato on the cover of a secular magazine. To just look at the article, I flipped through the pages looking for it. As I did, I saw sex plastered through the whole thing. (in words, not in pictures) I remember seeing a FAQ about having it. Glancing through it, I didn't see anything about how marriage mattered. Because, to the world, it doesn't anymore.

Speaking of the whole 'Treasure' subject, Jesus talks about the real treasures in Matthew.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."

The world might think they know what treasures are. They think that this life is all we have, so we just get high, do 'it, and live it up all we want. But we know that this isn't all we have. We have treasures that no one will ever take away from us,  pure treasures that satisfy us. That's what matters.