Rihanna Shines Bright

          For any singer, the first single of a new album sets a precedent for what listeners can expect to hear on the rest of the album. With this new song, Rihanna demonstrates quite a divergence from her previous singles. Penned by “Titanium” singer, Sia, “Diamonds” is filled with infectious and repetitious lyrics such as, “shine bright like a diamond” and “we’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky.” At first listen, I noted more of a Lana Del Rey-esque melody, very different than what Rihanna has put out before. Because this song is not as “pop-y” as most of the songs Rihanna is known for, it opens doors for her to explore new genres. Although I didn’t enjoy the forcefulness with which Rihanna sings trying to reach some of the lower notes, I am a fan of Rihanna venturing into new styles when it comes to choosing singles. Within an hour of its premiere, “Diamonds” shot to the number one spot on iTunes and has maintained a spot in the top ten since then.

 Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆

 Listen to “Diamonds” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOGBIbqXwYE

The Complete Confection

       "It's not my third record. It's my second record, with a face-lift" the songstress is  quoted as saying. In an interview with MTV, Perry discloses that the focus of this "Teenage Dream" re-release is not to gain more fans, but instead to give her preexisting fans a more unabridged album: 

"I had the idea to do a reissue, like that one last 'wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am.' Like, 'Here's Teenage Dream, if you're on the edge of being a fan.' ... It's for that last push of, like, 'Jump in with me. Why not? You've already bought five songs, so you might as well complete your album!' ... But really, why I did it was because I know my fans always want more, so it's for the die-hard fan to have a nice, complete package."                                   

     
        Along with numerous number one singles, three new songs grace Katy Perry's latest release. Additionally, listeners will be to listen to acoustic versions and remixes/mashups of their favorite songs. In a previously unreleased song, titled "Wide Awake", which was recorded after the initial release of "Teenage Dream", Katy sings of her somber "fall from cloud nine" after "dreaming for so long", alluding to her not-so-fairytale ending with her ex. Perry hinted that she "needed to flush that out of (her) system" before she could move onto her next project.       
       Her next endeavor is the release of her 3D cinematic debut, an interactive concert film composed of footage from her California Dreams Tour in addition to never before seen, behind-the-scenes footage. From whipped cream guns and cupcake dresses, to elaborate peacock-esque ensembles, this 3D experience is sure to be quite a colorful spectacle.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

GRAMMYS 2012.

     
           Adele was the overall victor of the night. In addition to winning all six of the awards she was nominated for, her post-surgery comeback performance was flawless. Unlike the unneeded dramatics that came along with others' performances (ie. Nicki Minaj's exorcism) everyone's attention was solely on Adele's ability to hit each note with grace.

Highlights: Adele's performance, Bruno Mars' opening number, closing performance, Rihanna + Coldplay's medleys, Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston tribute

Fashion Winners: Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Jessie J, Alicia Keys + Swizz Beatz

WFL.

Rihanna - We Found Love

          A compilation of drugs, sex, and remorse, Rihanna’s new video reaches new heights with its shock value. Racy, yes, but lacking a story line, most definitely not. Rihanna and her counterpart fall in love while bonding over drugs, as they “find  love in a hopeless place”. Throughout the entirety of the video, Rihanna is accompanied by an actor who eerily resembles her ex, Chris Brown, raising the question of how much the events in the video are actually reminiscent of their relationship. Violence ensues, as they come to the realization that their love only runs as deep as the drugs can allow. Guess Ke$ha’s song “Your Love is My Drug” does not always apply! Overall, an extremely well made video, both artistic and compelling. 

Her Minajesty.

Madre Monstere @ The View.

That Rihanna Reign.