Lovebox Festival ~ 14/7/17

Hello and welcome to another blogpost with yours truly. Today I shall be doing another review; this time on Lovebox Festival and all of the fun I had there. I saw some amazing people throughout the day so I hope you enjoy! Before I start however, I must apologise for the lack of upload last week. It was my birthday last week and I was in my school show the week before so I had no time at all to write a post. Anyways, lets proceed...

One thing I love about festivals is that the majority of the people there are just 'enjoying life' and you sensed this immediately when you walked into Victoria Park (the venue of the festival). There were tents scattered around featuring all kinds of music as well as stalls of food and unique items. Everyone was dressed up in their festival gear and was ready to enjoy the show, including myself; this was the ultimate festival atmosphere!

The first person I saw live at the festival was Kaytranada, a DJ who I have been a fan of for an incredibly long time; his music has even been featured on this blog before ("Got It Good (Feat. Craig David)"). The DJ certainly did not disappoint and he had the crowd jumping throughout his set on a stage which had such a great atmosphere (The "Noisey" Stage) with banners hanging down from the roof. Kaytranada performed some of his most popular songs as well as remixes of other artists performing on the night such as Solange and Mac Miller. I can honestly say he is one of the best DJ's that I have ever seen.

Next up we had Sampha who is an artist who I can simply not praise enough! His entire set was so beautiful, especially the look of it which had the two white members of the band wearing all white and the two black members wearing absolutely anything. if you have read my blog for a while you will know that I have been obsessing over Sampha's song "(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano" for ages now and the song nearly brought a tear to my eye when I saw it live as it was so incredible. I was definitely not expecting him to be as good as he was and I would recommend seeing him to anyone at all!

After Sampha we had Solange, someone who many people may just know as Beyonce's little sister but she is honestly so much more than that! Throughout her massive set, she sang the majority of her recent album "A Seat At The Table" which I am a massive fan of and she also brought Sampha to collaborate with her on "Don't Touch My Hair", my personal favourite of her songs. One thing I must say about the American artist is that she is such a performer, putting on a show like none I have ever seen before. I would happily see Solange again and I would recommend all of you try to do the same.

Lastly, we have the headliner of this amazing festival, someone who I have waited forever to see; his name is Frank Ocean. Most of you will know that Frank is one of my favourite artists in the entire world so it was a rather emotional time to witness him live! Frank sang the majority of his latest record ("Blonde") as well as a few old favourites and I also managed to take a few photos that I am proud of, making the event even better and even more immersive.

My favourite song from his monster 'hour-and-a-half' set, if I had to pick one, would be "Self Control" as the song is so mellow and tranquil, making the 60,000 people-strong crowd seem intimate; his vocals are so smooth and sultry, more than anyone else I know. In addition to this, it was unbelievable when he sang "Thinking 'Bout You" as everyone was joining in and his falsetto was just as good as it is on the record! I must say, after Beyonce, Frank Ocean is the best person I have seen live as he created an atmosphere and an experience that I will never forget!

To conclude, the 14th July 2017 is a day that I will never forget as not only did I see one of my favourite artists in the form of Frank Ocean, everyone I saw and the atmosphere were amazing. Lovebox Festival was so good and even though I may only have Wild Life Festival to compare it to, it was the best festival that I have ever been to. Next year I hope to go to this amazing event again and I recommend you do the same as you will one-hundred percent not regret it.

Song Of The Week :
To finish off this post, I have to mention the "Song Of The Week" which, this week, is Demi Lovato's "Sorry Not Sorry". If you read my blog you'll know that I am a big Demi Lovato fan so I was so incredibly happy when she returned to the music industry with "Sorry Not Sorry", a song that is just so empowering. The song features some great vocals and a great beat so I would highly suggest you start listening to it; the song is also probably my favourite at the moment so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

So I hope you enjoyed this review. Next week I shall be uploading the final instalment of my "Top 50 Beyonce Songs" mini-series so get excited for that!

Album Review : Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1 by Calvin Harris

Hello and welcome to a long-awaited album review. Today I shall be reviewing Calvin Harris' "Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1" which was released just a few weeks ago. This will be the first album I have reviewed by a DJ meaning my wording may be slightly different but this album is amazing so I'm glad I can review it for you all.

Track 1 = Slide (feat. Frank Ocean & Migos)

To kick this post off we have a song that you all know I love as it was my "Song Of The Week" not so long ago. The song features Migos and the brilliant, Frank Ocean (one of my favourite artists) meaning I love the track. However, the song is also so catchy and infectious, a feature which Calvin Harris always seems to excel at. If you ask me, this is the perfect start to an amazing album and possibly even my favourite song on the whole record!

Track 2 = Cash Out (feat. Schoolboy Q, PARTYNEXTDOOR & DRAM)

Like the title of the album suggests, this whole album is funky which is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of this song. What makes "Cash Out" stand out to me though is the fact that it kind of sounds like its from the 80's but when this is merged with rap, it makes a surprisingly brilliant song and one that you should definitely listen to.

Track 3 = Heatstroke (feat. Young Thug, Pharrell Williams & Ariana Grande)

An ongoing theme throughout this record is that it makes you want to dance and this thee carries on with the infectious "Heatstroke". When a beat as great as this one is accompanied by the smooth vocals of Pharrell and Ariana Grande, a great song is formed. This song is one that you should listen to as I can guarantee you'll want to sing or dance along to it.

Track 4 = Rollin (feat. Future & Khalid)

The fourth song on this album takes a slightly slower approach on "Rollin" but that certainly does not make it less impressive than the three songs before it. What I love on this song is Khalid's (someone who I am seeing in September when he supports Lorde) soulful voice as it definitely makes it stand out compared to the rest. The track is so catchy so please give it a listen.

Track 5 = Prayers Up (feat. Travis Scott & A-Trak)

Many people have been in love with Travis Scott and his voice for a long time but I have only recently started to admire the R&B singer and this song really helped me recognise how great he is. The song has some great vocals and falsetto and when this is used alongside A-Trak's rap, it turns into a song that I would recommend to everyone, including you guys so please listen to it whenever you possibly can.

Track 6 = Holday (feat. Snoop Dogg, John Legend & Takeoff)

Snoop Dogg is definitely one of the best rappers to ever live and this song certainly lives up to his standards as his rapping throughout is consistently incredible; John Legend's voice also compliments the track perfectly and even though the chorus he sings may only be a couple of words, he sure makes it great! This song is a certified tune so you all need to give it the attention it deserves.

Track 7 = Skrt On Me (feat. Nicki Minaj)

Whenever a song is released featuring Nicki Minaj, it is a fair assumption to guess that it'll be very catchy and this track certainly backs the point. This is probably my favourite Nicki Minaj track since "Feeling Myself" with Beyonce as it has reggae vibes which I cant help but love. The song may be uptempo but it actually relaxes me so I would definitely recommend it to you!

Track 8 = Feels (feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean)

You know when there's a couple of artists that you really cannot stand, Katy Perry is one of those artists but I surprisingly really like this song as it embodies complete summer vibes. The song makes me want dance and sing along and it gives me ultimate "Feels" of a summer's day which I think is exactly what Calvin Harris intended to do with the song; please give it a listen!

Track 9 = Faking It (feat. Kehlani & Lil Yachty)

The penultimate song on this record it one that puts up a good fight for 'my favourite song' with "Slide" as I am such a big Kehlani fan (as you probably already know) and this song is such a good song of hers! The song is overly catchy (maybe the catchiest on the album) which is a great thing and Lil Yachty also performs very well on his verse, something that is quite a compliment considering I am not a massive fan of his. This is a truly brilliant song.

Track 10 = Hard To Love (feat. Jessie Reyez)
Finally, we end this review with a song that is slower than the rest of this album's material but it still serves it's purpose as a summer tune! This song reminds of summer evenings on the beach and its lyrics seem so tranquil, even though they may be very catchy. This is a lovely ending to a lovely album and I hope you will all listen and enjoy it!

Overall, this album is utterly incredible! I am not joking when I say that literally every song makes me want to sing and dance along. I am loving the new direction that Calvin Harris is going in, even though it may be getting mixed reviews; this is probably my favourite electronic album since Disclosure's "Settle" which, by the way, is one of my favourite albums of all time. With all of these facts in place, lets look at the rankings of albums below (including some slight changes)...

1. Calvin Harris - Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1

2. Kehlani - SweetSexySavage

3. Bruno Mars - 24k Magic

4. Sarah Close - Caught Up EP

5. Sonny - Hopeless Romance EP

6. Harry Styles - Harry Styles

7. John Legend - Love & Darkness

8. Childish Gambino - Awaken My Love

9. Ed Sheeran - Divide

Song Of The Week :

If you have been reading my blog for a long time, you will know that I am a big fan of Mahalia and this week's "Song Of The Week" is by her, it's called "Silly Girl". What makes me love this song so much is the fact that it has such an incredibly strong message that anyone can relate to. Mahalia has so much to say as an artist and I think its about time that we all start to hear it! Please support her as she deserves so much; she is so unique!
So I hope you enjoyed today's blogpost, next week I shall be reviewing my time at Lovebox Festival which I am so unbelievably excited for as I get to finally see Frank Ocean as well as many more incredible artists so get excited.

My Favourite Beyonce Songs (20 - 11)

Hello and welcome to another blogpost. Today I will be giving you the fourth instalment of my "Favourite Beyonce Songs" series but before I start I must say thank you for the immense support on my latest post. The post is now my most-viewed post after just a week and it feels so nice to pour my heart out and have people appreciate it. Anyways, lets get on with todays post where we countdown from 20 to 11...

No. 20 = Partition
Kicking off todays post we have a song that may not feature the most desirable vocals but is certainly a song you can sing or dance along to whenever. "Partition" is definitely one of Beyonce's catchiest songs which is why I am such a fan of it and why I struggle to not singalong to the track whenever I listen. Also, in the audio version of the track which is merged with "Yonce", the song features possibly the catchiest rap ever so I really suggest you go and listen to it!

No. 19 = Daddy Lessons
Only one woman can manage to fuse Country into R&B and that woman is Beyonce! "Daddy Lessons" is such an infectious song and one that should really get you singing along and, unlike the previous song, this song features some great vocals that I bet anyone wishes they had. This song made me (a person who isn't the biggest fan of country music) fall in love with it so I really hope it will make you fall in love with it too; this song is ridiculously underrated!

No. 18 = Flaws And All
Next up is one of my favourite Beyonce ballads, hence why it is so far up the chart. "Flaws And All" is such a stripped-back song that I think anyone can relate to as it is so relatable. I am someone who loves when a song is completely honest which is why I find this song so amazing. The track also features some great vocals and vocal techniques that I honestly think everyone needs to hear so go and listen to this unbelievable song!

No. 17 = Rocket
In the last instalment of this series I talked about how saucy "Dance For You" was but this song certainly tops that! Accompanied by a saucy video, I think anyone gets a bit hot and flustered by this song, no matter what gender/sexuality you are. The song is also a rather catchy one, only adding to my love for it so please listen and take in this song and all of it's beautifulness as I can promise you you will not forget it.

No. 16 = Work It Out
The next song in this post is the last song from "Dangerously In Love" in my countdown and there are so many reasons as to why this song is my favourite album. Firstly, its hard to not sing along to this song and it always tries to make me dance. In addition to this, the song is featured in "Austin Powers : Goldmember" which is a film that I love and a film that also features Queen Bey. Give this track a listen as it is such a feel-good song that I bet you will love.

No. 15 = Schoolin' Life
As we pass the halfway point of this blogpost we are greeted with yet another song that makes you want to dance. Like the previous track, "Schoolin' Life" is such a feel-good song that features some amazing vocals; the only reason why this song is not in the top 10 is because it isn't one of those Beyonce songs that everyone knows as it was only featured on the deluxe edition of her "4" album. If I had several people to sing along to this tune with, this song would be much higher in the chart but I guess it is just too underrated. That does not mean you shouldn't listen to it though...

No. 14 = Sorry
Even though this next song may not feature loads of incredible vocals, "Sorry" is possibly one of the catchiest Beyonce songs around (especially in her previous couple of albums). Also, the song's beat is so infectious that it just always makes me want to dance along. Lastly, another factor contributing to my love of this song is its video which I feel is so empowering to all women, making me feel happy even though I may not be of that gender. Anyways, give this song a listen whenever you can.

No. 13 = End Of Time
At number thirteen is yet another song from Beyonce's "4" album (and there is a lot more to come by the way) and this song is so bloody empowering, just like "Sorry" before. What makes this song beat its competitor though is the crazy vocals maintained throughout the track alongside the catchy lyrics and the infectious instrumental. This song also reminds me of when I saw Bey live as this song is so incredible to witness live; its something I will never forget so make sure you listen to it!

No. 12 = Formation
An ongoing theme throughout today's post is empowerment and the don't come more empowering than "Formation"! The song is about ladies sticking up for what they believe in and gaining some much needed equality which I feel is so deserved. I remember watching the most recent Super Bowl for the first time and seeing Bey perform this with all of this 'army' of girls by her side, even i felt empowered as a man so you should really give this song the attention that it deserves.

No. 11 = Best Thing I Never Had
Rounding off today's blogpost is such an amazing ballad from Beyonce and one that I cannot get enough of! What makes this song so amazing in my eyes is the fact  that it not only has unbelievably good vocals, it has meaningful lyrics and it is so catchy. Even whilst writing this post and listening to other music, I am singing the song in my head as I cant get enough of it and I bet you won't be able to get enough of it once you listen as it is incredible!

Song Of The Week :
Although I have been talking about songs for a long time, I cannot leave out the "Song Of The Week" and this week it is a great one. The song is called "Good Times" and it is by Next Town Down who are a band who I recently discovered and cannot get enough of (probably meaning an "Artist Showcase" is on its way). Both their individual voices and their harmonies are so incredible so please listen to it.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed todays post. Next week I will be back with another album review, this time Calvin Harris' "Funk Wave Bounces Vol.1" which I feel may be the soundtrack to my summer!