Lost in an image, in a dream...

(Singles are italicized. Recommendations are in red.)

No, I will not apologize for all the recent Britney love. I've been a fan of hers over random periods of time. From 1999 - 2002, the end of 2003 - 2004, and then from late 2007 - 2009. My respect for her has gone up and down throughout the years, and just a few weeks ago, my respect has been gained back, mainly focusing on her first two albums. Either way, in 2000, just 16 months after the release of her debut album, her sophomore album, Oops!...I Did It Again dropped. One would guess that the album would be inferior to her debut, due to the proximity of the two albums' release dates. Impressively, this was not the case. Although I wouldn't quite say Oops! was better than ...Baby, but not worse at all. Despite some people's belief that Oops! was just a rush effort to ride onto the charts just as ...Baby's success slowly decreased, it was obvious that this was not true, since chart positions and sales showed that fans were still hungry for more Britney.

1. Oops!...I Did It Again - I'm not sure if it's because it was horrifically overplayed back in the day, or if it's so repetitive, but the lead single is probably my least favorite from the album. Nowadays, I always skip it.

2. Stronger - While this one was also occasionally overplayed, it's not as bad as the first single. I still love this song.

3. Don't Go Knockin' On My Door - I was never too crazy about this one, but it's pretty darn catchy. By this point in her career, we had never seen Britney this angry and edgy, so it's somewhat refreshing. After this song, there's the first of a few interludes. The interlude here serves as an intro to the following song, and is Britney's friend telling her how she's never satisfied, but she refutes with a "Well, I know I'm a little picky, but, hey. I just know what I want!" Stick it to the man (or, in this case, girl)!

4. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Many people have bashed Brit for covering a song like this so early on in her career, but I gotta give her props for this one. It's a decent cover of the Rolling Stones song by the same name. I like it a lot.

5. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know - The final single released off of the album was also the single that performed the poorest. I never really understood why, it's a really great song. The video, however, was a little more sexual than anything she'd done before.

6. What U See (Is What U Get) - One of my favorites. It's one of those classic "This is me. You can't and you won't change me." songs. While it's a tad cliche, it's got a great, funky beat, and meaningful lyrics. Appended to this is the second interlude on the album. A guy leaves a voicemail for Britney talking about how the movie they saw the other night about the girl who had all that fame, and all that money and how she still wasn't happy. He finishes with "Wouldn't that make a cool song?", segueing into...

7. Lucky - It's so hard to pick favorite songs on any album, since I love a ton of them. If I had to pick, this'd probably be my favorite. A song about a Hollywood starlet who has money, fame and fortune, yet still isn't satisfied with life.

8. One Kiss From You - Britney basically tells us about how the kiss of the boy she's crushing on gives her the strength and the power to carry on through the day. Not the worst song, but far from the best.

9. Where Are You Now - For a loooooonnnnnnnngggggg time this was my favorite song on the album. I still love it, but I just don't find it as good as I used to. Definitely recommended, though.

10. Can't Make You Love Me - Maybe it's me, but I feel like this could be "Lucky, Part 2", from the perspective of the star Spears sang about in track 7. She talks about how she has it all made in the shade, but she can't make somebody love her. Again, not one of my favorites.

11. When Your Eyes Say It - Another great song. It's a slow ballad about communicating with your eyes...ooh la la! (On North American pressings of the album, an interlude is included in which Britney is with friends and she sees a boy whom she thinks is cute. Her friends persuade her to approach him but she doesn't know what to say. This then segues into Dear Diary, which is track 12. On Non North American editions, this interlude is appended to the end of Heart, which segues into Dear Diary, which is track 15 on all other editions.)

12. Girl In The Mirror - (Only available on Non North American pressings of the album.) In this song of self-realization, Spears talks about a "girl" in her "mirror". "I wonder who she is // Sometimes I think I know her // Sometimes I really wish I did". Britney says "There's nothing I can tell her // To make her feel alright" because the girl is sad and "Crying 'cause of you". In the end "I can't believe what I see // The girl in the mirror // Is me!". It's a very powerful song, and I love it.

13. You Got It All - (Only available on Non North American pressings of the album.) The second cover song on the album. This one was originally recorded by The Jets. Her vocals are very powerful, strong and pure in this one. Apparently this was recorded during the ...Baby One More Time sessions, which makes sense, because the way her vocals and the music sound on this one feels like it would fit more in place on that album.

14. Heart - (Only available on Non North American pressings of the album.) A breakup song. Britney has a 'discussion' with her heart. Saying "all the hurt will soon be gone" and that "he wasn't meant to be". It's another powerful and emotional song. (On Non North American editions of the album, the interlude in which Britney is with friends and she sees a boy whom she thinks is cute is appended to the end of THIS track, and segues into Dear Diary, track 15 on Non North American pressings.)

15. Dear Diary - (Appears as track 12, the final track, on North American pressings.) For years and years, I absolutely hated this song, and I continued to do so until recently, but now I don't think it's half bad. It's Britney writing in her diary about seeing (and subsequently meeting) a boy who she has feelings for. She concludes the song with "Diary, do ya think that we'll be more than friends? // I've got a feeling we'll be so much more // Than friends".

16. Walk On By - (Only on Australian and New Zealand pressings.) - I just heard this song for the very first time tonight. I'm lovin' it! The beat sorta reminds me of a mixture between Sometimes, Deep In My Heart and I Will Be There (from her debut album ...Baby One More Time).

You're All I See, Yeah, Oh, But Don't Come Near Me At All...

(Singles italicized. Recommendations are in red.)

The only child of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie had lots to do to establish herself as her own individual, to prove that she was not simply "The King's daughter". Finally, in 2003, at 35 years old, it seemed to be time to do so. With her debut, To Whom It May Concern, it seemed that the album could be her own personal "letter" to the world that she wanted to be known for something other than being a Presley. A Presley who was married many, many times. In any case, To Whom It May Concern had decent sales, but those sales quickly dwindled, and she was back where she started. I'm not sure why, though. The album was a solid effort and although I only discovered it last year (after revisiting her sophomore attempt, Now What, after 4 years), I still find myself constantly listening to it.

1. S.O.B (Son of a Bitch) - LMP certainly holds nothing back in her first track. With awesome background music, strong and powerful vocals, and out-of-this-world metaphors, she truly starts the album off on the right foot.

2. The Road Between - A song about a lover that's out of your life, but not out of your head. Is there anyone who can't relate to this one?! A+ job.

3. Lights Out - Lisa Marie's debut single. Sometimes known by its working title (which was "Memphis"), it's a song written about her hometown, and her family there. Very good track, with a hint of country in it, but not overwhelming.

4. Better Beware - She's angry, so what else is new? It's not my favorite here, but it's a funky little song that makes you want to dance.

5. Nobody Noticed It - Reportedly written about her father, it's a sweet little soft rock song that's sometimes referred to by its working title "You Made Me, I Love You". Again, not my favorite, but it's worth a listen every once in a while.

6. Sinking In - Here we have another breakup song, but this time the tables have turned! Lisa hurt her man, he broke up with her, but she doesn't want it to end!

7. Important - This song is just plain weird. I don't really understand it. Or maybe I do, and just think I interpreted it all wrong. It's one of the low points on the album, but I don't mind it.

8. So Lovely - This song, written about her children, is just amazing. My favorite track on the album. If you tweak a few of the lyrics in some verses to your own liking, this makes a really sweet love song. I just can't put into words how much I love this song.

9. Indifferent - Like I said in other reviews, the track after my favorite song on each album just doesn't seem as good. I mean, I like this song, but (as I've said before), I think it's all about coming down from the high of the "favorite track".

10. Gone - One of those 'take it or leave it' songs that you just have to be in the mood for. I'm not sure I like her voice in this one. It almost seems like she's howling or something here. I'd say this is my least favorite track.

11. To Whom It May Concern - The title track is (shockingly) about...the medical world? LMP expresses her anger to what she feels are doctors' "There's something wrong with your kids? Drug them! That solves everything!" attitude. It sends out a very powerful message, and this track also has a hint of country to it.

BONUS TRACKS:

12. Excuse Me - (Note: On U.S. pressings, this is appended to the end of track 11). Using only a guitar and her voice, LMP really rocks it. It's quite a random song, but I like it anyway.

13. Savior - (Included at the end of Excuse Me, which is indexed as track 12 on Non-U.S. pressings. This does not appear on U.S. pressings). This song is all about betrayal, and the tone, music, lyrics, and vocals are all simply haunting.

Now, Who's Gonna Save Me Next Time?

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

Lisa Marie Presley has been a name that many people have seen in the news, across tabloids, and in entertainment for a while. Not only is she the daughter of The King (Elvis), but she's also notorious for her many marriages, most notably to The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. So it's a wonder why she decided to wait until 2003 to launch her music career, with her debut album To Whom It May Concern (for which a review will be coming later tonight or tomorrow). I will admit, back in 2005 when this album was first released, it was a total blind-buy for me. I was in my local Costco and had returned a CD, and was hungry for new music. I recognized LMP's name because her song "Lights Out" had been on the Now 13 compilation around the time of its release, and I liked it. In any case, her sophomore effort, Now What has proven that she only gets better with each album, and with a third album tentatively scheduled for later this year, it's obvious that there's no stopping Ms. Presley anytime soon.

1. I'll Figure It Out - What a great way to open up an album. She gets really into it, and you can tell it here.

2. Turbulence - It just keeps getting better! Here we find an angry Presley saying "You're the last little s**t // That anyone expected could put me through this // Yeah, f****r, it's true". Near the halfway point, her vocals REALLY pick up, sending the listener (or at least me), into an intense, rocker sensation that make you want to get up and rock out. Or punch somebody's lights out.

3. Thanx - This one really took a while to grow on me, but it did, and it's a great song. It's simply LMP's thank-you song to those who've stuck by her through the good and bad times.

4. Shine (featuring P!nk) - A somewhat inspirational track, with background vocals by P!nk (who, if you're not familiar with, is an equally angry and hostile female singer). It's a bit mellow, but still good. If I had to choose, I'd say this is the weakest track on here.

5. Dirty Laundry - The album's first single! It's also a cover of a popular 1980's rock song by Don Henley. It's pure awesomeness at its finest (I know, not really a word, but it's all I can use to express my feelings). I was confused at first, because she leaves out a verse halfway through the song, but the lyrics to that verse are printed in the album's liner notes. Oh well.

6. When You Go - As close to "ballad" as the album gets, this song is one of my favorites.

7. Idiot - The angriest song on the album is probably one of the best. It hasn't been said just exactly who the song was written about, but maybe that's for the better. Wouldn't you be humiliated if the chorus to a song about you was "Oh please // Remember me // Believe // In me as someone // Who's never gonna wish you well // Oh please // Remember me // Believe // In me as someone // Who wants you to go to Hell". Oh, and you can't forget the lines like "I wanna mutilate myself // When I talk to you". Whew! Later in 2005 this awesome song was accompanied by an equally awesome music video, as it became the albums second and final single. I'll be honest, though. If I had a dollar for all the people I wish I could dedicate this song to, I'd be a friggin' millionaire.

8. High Enough - This one's just plain eerie. I never totally warmed up to it, but if it wasn't so creepy (her vocals, the music), I'd like it more.

9. Turned to Black - This is another one I didn't immediately warm up to at first, but I ultimately liked it a lot. The guitar, the drums, the vocals. Everything about it is just genius.

10. Raven - I heard somewhere that LMP wrote this song to her mother. I'm not sure if that's true or not, but regardless it's a very sweet, forgiving song.

11. Now What - Here we have a very beautiful track that is mainly just vocals and guitar. It's an awesome song that finds LMP leaving her lover.

BONUS TRACKS:

12. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow - (It should be noted that on U.S. pressings, this song is appended to the end of track 11, resulting in a 7-minute running time). This is a very well done cover of a Ramones song, that was originally intended to be on a Ramones tribute album. For some reason, it never made it there, but luckily she used it for the album.

13. Yellow to Blue - I'm so disappointed that this wasn't included on U.S. editions of the album. It's one of my absolute favorite LMP songs. After years of searching, some wonderful person posted it on YouTube and I'm loving it. (Only available on Japanese pressings of the album, though I'm not sure if it's indexed as its own track or appended to track 12...if Here Today, Gone Tomorrow is indexed as its own track. If not, then I assume Now What, HTGT and this one are all one giant track.)

I'm Not Who You Think I Am. Let Go. Get Out While You Can.

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

In early 2003, the music industry was not sitting well with me. Half of my favorite artists had just recently released material that I wasn't too satisfied with, while the other half had seemingly fallen off the face of the Earth. You could imagine my delight when a talented musician named Lucy Woodward released her single, "Dumb Girls" -- a fun and energetic, yet angry song that was just catchy enough to get me hooked. I quickly made it a point to own her debut album, but didn't get it right away (I wound up getting it for my birthday, almost 2 months after its release). It's a good thing I did, too! On a little side note, I found it cool that the album was released in Japan on my birthday, the day I got (the U.S. version of) the album!

1. Dumb Girls - The first single released off the album was a wise decision. As I said before, it's a fun and energetic, yet very angry song that was perfectly catchy. She's warning the listener to expect the unexpected, because anything that can happen will happen. Bravo!

2. Blindsided - This is the song that was chosen for the second single. Many critics and fans aren't too big on this one. They blame this song for Lucy not having more success, but I love it! It's so addictive!

3. Trust Me (You Don't Wanna See This) - Here we have my absolute favorite on the album. Lucy shows her freakier, sexier side on this one, while still maintaining her cool. You go, girl!

4. Is This Hollywood - I used to love it, but now it's not the greatest. I guess it just wore out its welcome after I listened to it for the millionth time. It's still a good track, though.

5. Trouble With Me - The third (and final) single. Another good rock track that I would recommend in a heartbeat.

6. What's Good For Me - You might recognize this from the 2003 Amanda Bynes movie What a Girl Wants. Look out, everybody! Lucy's determined to get what she wants and she will let nothing stop her!

7. Standing - A ballad! It's not a full-out, slow ballad. I'd call it...soft rock. It's a nice song about being strong through a breakup, that I'm sure we all can relate to.

8. The Breakdown - In a weird way, this song is somewhat inspirational. In this rock song that just so happens to be sandwiched between two ballads, Lucy is saying that there's love for everyone out there, you just have to look for it.

9. Always Something - I always used to skip this song for the longest time. I just didn't like having a ballad, a rock song, and another ballad. 7 years later, I've grown to really appreciate it, and it's my favorite ballad on here.

10. Gettin' It On - Lucy gets a little freaky here! She manages to keep it classy, though. She goes all out in this rock track, and it's a very excitable party tune.

11. Done - She slow things down for the final track with a nice ballad to wrap things up. It's a sad song about being used, but her voice is very nice here.

BONUS TRACKS

12. More To Life - Yes, this is the song that Stacie Orrico made popular. Woodward penned and originally recorded the song, but later gave it to Orrico to use. Woodward's version was not used on worldwide versions of her album, but it was used on Japanese perssings. You can't really compare Woodward's version to Orrico's. Their voices are too different, so it would be like comparing apples and oranges. Woodward's version definitely seems superior in any case.

13. Vine To Vine - I have never heard this song. It appears on Japanese pressings and is ultra rare. I would love to get ahold of it!

Always and Forever, You and Me. That's the way our lives should be.

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

Whether you like to admit it or not, you know Britney Spears changed the music industry forever when she released her debut single ...Baby One More Time in 1998, and her debut album of the same name in early 1999. Britney Spears became a household name almost instantly, and ...Baby One More Time not only became her biggest selling album to date, but also one of the best selling albums of all time. Recently, I found myself singing Born to Make You Happy in my head, which triggered memories of when my 8-year-old life was simple, 10 years ago (I didn't purchase the album right away). Flashbacks to me listening to the entire album and enjoying every second of the album. Why not share the love and review it?

1. ...Baby One More Time - Spears' debut single that everyone knew the words to back in the day. Interestingly enough, the song was written for successful female trio TLC (presumably for their Fanmail album, released a little over a month after this one). The girls rejected the song, and it was given to Spears. Good thing, too!

2. (You Drive Me) Crazy - I'm in love with the album version of the song. The "Stop! Remix", which was released as a single, just wasn't as good. Regardless, I love this song. From the electric guitar, to the lyrics, to Spears' natural vocals. It's all good.

3. Sometimes - Normally, I like Britney's ballads, but for some reason, this just doesn't cut it. I guess it makes sense, though, considering Britney herself says she never really liked the song. Oops!

4. Soda Pop - I don't know how I feel about this one. It's part reggae, part pop. Who's that man singing with her? This is one of those songs you just have to be in the mood for. If it's any consolation, Britney's vocals are great at parts of this one.

5. Born to Make You Happy - Oh. My. God. Britney definitely redeems herself (and then some)

with this song. This is such an absolutely amazing and phenomenal ballad and overall song. Her vocals are absolutely phenomenal here, and this is, without a doubt, my favorite Britney Spears song ever. It's about being in a state of desperation for somebody you're crazy about, and I'm sure everyone can relate to it at some point or another. Phenomenal song.

6. From the Bottom of My Broken Heart - I'm not sure if by this point in the record I am still coming down from the high that is the previous track, or if I'm just not a huge fan of this one. I like the lyrics and meaning of the song, I really do. Just something about Brit's vocals or the beat or something is just not doing it for me.

7. I Will Be There - Okay, this is good. It's a simple song about friendship, and Britney really shows off her powerful, natural vocals here.

8. I Will Still Love You (Duet with Don Philip) - Let's just discuss the elephant in the room here for a second. Who on Earth is Don Philip? Well, 11 years later, I decided to do some research. I was shocked to learn that back in '99, he was an up-and-coming pop singer who (by the pictures I've seen) appeared to be between the ages of 16 - 18. His debut album was only released in Japan (I'm guessing it was scrapped by Jive?), and from the clips I listened to he sounded really good. Don't know why he never made it. Anyways! This is a sweet ballad about always being there for your lover, no matter what happens. I enjoy it a lot, but Don Philips' vocals just sound so out of place here. I know I said he sounded good before, but that's when he's solo. His and Spears' vocals both contrast (and at the same time, blend) too much here.

9. Deep In My Heart - Wait. You mean to tell me that you've had this album for 11 years and you've never heard "Deep in My Heart"? Oh, that's because this is the bonus track that's only available on Non-U.S. pressings of the album! It's a good thing, too. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but it's also one of those 'take it or leave it' songs.

10. Thinkin' About You - Meh. I'm indifferent towards this one. I like the verses, but the chorus gets under my skin sometimes.

11. E-Mail My Heart - I don't care what the critics say. This is more than just some 'cheesy ballad'. I personally think it's great. It's my guilty pleasure on the album.

12. The Beat Goes On - This is a cover of the classic Sonny & Cher song. It's just not for me. Britney's vocals are just all weird here. Almost sounds like she's trying to sound like Christina Aguilera here.

13. I'll Never Stop Loving You - A Non-U.S. track. This ballad is just okay, but it's too similar to "I Will Still Love You" and "Deep in My Heart", in terms of concept.

14. Autumn Goodbye - Another Non-U.S. track. Well this one's sorta depressing, considering it's the 3rd or 4th breakup track on here. It's a really good one, though. I recommend it.

(The Davidson Ospina Remix and Boy Wunder Remix of ...Baby One More Time are included as tracks 15 and 16 respectively, but since they're simply remixes, there's no need to review them.)

We Can Live Forever, I Can Be Your Pagan Angel, Angel, Beautiful Dangerous...

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

I totally stumbled upon Slash's debut album Slash -- sometimes referred to by fans as Slash & Friends or R&FNR (that is, Rock 'n' F****n' Roll) -- by mistake. I was browsing the iTunes top 100 songs, and came across the song from this album called "Beautiful Dangerous", which featured Fergie. I loved Fergie's solo album, so I decided to preview "Beautiful Dangerous". Loved it. Loved the energy. The lyrics. The hard rock feel. So I decided to give the rest of the album a try.

I'm not a huge hard rock fan, and I'm still young, so I had no clue who Slash was at first. I Wikipedia'd him (yeah, I just turned that into a verb), and found out he was the guitarist for Guns 'N' Roses. Don't judge. I knew who Guns 'N' Roses are, I was just never a big enough fan to learn the band members' names or albums. I knew a few of their signature songs (Sweet Child O' Mine, Paradise City, Knockin' on Heaven's Door and Welcome to the Jungle were the only ones), but that's about it.

Anyways, I'm glad Slash collaborated with such a wide variety of artists for his record. It kept me hooked the entire time.

1. "Ghosts" (featuring Ian Astbury) - What a great album opener. I'm not too familiar with the band U2, but this sounds like a U2 song, although Astbury is part of the band The Cult.

2. "Crucify the Dead" (featuring Ozzy Osbourne & Taylor Hawkins) - Something about this song is just eerie. Not a bad kind of eerie, though. I like it.

3. "Beautiful Dangerous" (featuring Fergie) - This is, by leaps and bounds, my absolute favorite track on here. Fergie's stellar performance here shows that this chick can sing absolutely any type of music. She rocks it, and she rocks it good.

4. "Back from Cali" (featuring Myles Kennedy) - I have no idea who Myles Kennedy is (don't judge me if I should), but he's a good vocalist. His voice sounds like someone, I just can't quite put my finger on it. Great song.

5. "Promise" (featuring Chris Cornell) - This is my second favorite track on here. It's a mixture of eerie and awesome.

6. "By the Sword" (featuring Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother) - Here we have a slightly more mellow track, which slows down the pace of the album for a bit, but not in a bad way. It's a great addition here.

7. "Gotten" (featuring Adam Levine) - Levine's voice is so unique. Sometimes annoying at time, but they made it work for this track. It's another mellow track that I love.

8. "Doctor Alibi" (Lemmy Kilmister) - Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister lends his vocals to this track, that I can't say I like too much. I'm not a huge fan of songs that are screamed, and not sung, but that's just me.

9. "Watch This" (featuring Dave Grohl and Duff McKagan) - Velvet Revolver's Duff McKagan and Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl team up with Slash for this awesome instrumental track that is nothing but fun.

10. "I Hold On" (featuring Kid Rock) - Sure, I think he's trash, but I like me some Kid Rock every now and then. It's a good song, and it's refreshing to hear Kid Rock's voice after not having heard him in a few years.

11. "Nothing to Say" (featuring M. Shadows) - M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold teams up with Slash here for an okay track. It's not one of my favorites, but it's worth a listen or two.

12. "Starlight" (featuring Myles Kennedy) - Okay. I take back my statement that "Promise" was my second favorite track on the album. Second place is a toss-up between that and this one. LOVELOVELOVE this one.

13. "Saint is a Sinner Too" (featuring Rocco Deluca) - No idea who Rocco Deluca is, and that's probably for the best. His creepy voice intrudes on this very, very strange track. Skip this one.

14. "We're All Gonna Die" (featuring Iggy Pop) - The man will be 63 years old tomorrow (as I just found out when researching him), but he rocks it regardless. This is an awesome way to end the album.

BONUS TRACKS:

1. "Sahara" (featuring Inaba Koshi) - No idea what he's saying because it's in Japanese, but this song is just pure awesomeness from start to finish. (Appears as track 15 on Japanese pressings.)

2. "Chains and Shackles" (featuring Nick Oliveri) - I'm not a huge fan of this one. Perhaps it's because it's a "screamer" song. (Appears as track 15 on Australian pressings.)

3. "Paradise City" (featuring Fergie and Cypress Hill) - Fergie and Cypress Hill really rock this cover of a GNR classic. It's great. (Track 16 on Australian iTunes Pre-Ordered editions. Also track 15 on Brazillian pressings, as well as Best Buy and Napster exclusive editions.)

4. "Baby Can't Drive" (featuring Alice Cooper and Nicole Scherzinger) - Alice Cooper and Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls lends her vocals to this awesome track. (Track 16 on Brazillian pressings, as well as Best Buy and Napster exclusive editions. Also track 15 on Classic Rock Slashpack Edition.)

5. "Mother Maria" (featuring Beth Hart) - Whoever this chick is, she sounds like Melissa Etheridge. Not too sure if I like it or not, but it'll do for now. (Track 15 on U.S. iTunes Exclusive version.)

6. "Sahara (English Version)" (featuring Koshi Inaba) - The all-English version of the great song that was only available in Japan. (Was available as track 16 in the U.S. iTunes Music Store if you Pre-Ordered the album.)

There's a place downtown, where the freaks all come around...

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

When you first heard the song "TiK ToK" and heard the name "Ke$ha", did you not think she was a Keri Hilson, Nikki Minaj, or Kelis wanna be from the ghetto? Did it ever cross your mind that she was a 22-year-old up and coming singer who originated in - wait for it - Nashville?! No, I didn't either.

I'll admit, I hated "TiK ToK" with a burning passion. But a friend convinced me to give the album a try, so I reluctantly did. I was surprised. Very surprised at what I heard! Seven years in the making, Animal not only shows Ke$ha's potential as an artist, but it shows that she's more than just "that TiK ToK girl". Interesting tidbit, before she was famous, Ke$ha and her family were featured on a season 3 episode of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's reality show, "The Simple Life". Ke$ha's family was one of the families the girls stayed with.

1. "Your Love Is My Drug" - The album's current single finds our girl Ke$ha admitting that she is like a "lovesick crackhead". It's a fun opening party track, that ends with Ke$ha saying "Hey / So / I like your beard".

2. "TiK ToK" - I don't like this song. At all. Never have, never will. Simple as that!

3. "Take It Off" - She really redeems herself here after the obnoxious disaster that is "TiK ToK". This one's another fun party song that is not to be taken too seriously.

4. "Kiss 'n' Tell" - Watch out everyone! Ke$ha's mad, and there's no stopping her. In this one, she yells at a girl for being a slut. Nonetheless, it's fun to listen to.

5. "Stephen" - The beginning is very weird, but once the song picks up, you're guaranteed to love it. It chronicles Ke$ha's desperation over a guy that won't call her. It's a nice, slower song, but it's a definite welcomed addition.

6. "Blah Blah Blah" (featuring 3OH!3) - Here's the song that I never ever get tired of, no matter how many times I hear it. It's the album's second single, and it's VERY fun to dance or rock out to, and 3OH!3's verse is pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

7. "Hungover" - My favorite track on the album. It's not typical Ke$ha. Her heart is broken, and she put it into a song. Plain and simple. It's a great slow(er) song that's definitely worth a listen.

8. "Party At a Rich Dude's House" - Like I've said before to other songs on other artists' albums, this is the song that you just have to be in the mood for. The beat and concept are pretty cool, but the lyrics are just mediocre.

9. "Backstabber" - Another song I could do without. It's too similar to "Kiss 'n' Tell".

10. "Blind" - I love this one! She should really do more slower songs. Her boyfriend dumped her, but she won't let him see her at her worst. She knows that he's nothing without her. Attagirl!

11. "Dinosaur" - This one is just so strange. It's about an old guy hitting on her and her friends, and is yet another one I could easily do without. Kinda creepy.

12. "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" - It's just kinda okay. Nothing really special.

13. "Boots & Boys" - Again, just okay.

14. "Animal" - What a GREAT way to end the album! Bravo, Ke$ha. Bravo.

I've Committed Murder and I Think I Got Away...

(Singles are italicized, recommendations are in red.)

By the year 2000, if you did not know who Macy Gray was, you had to have been a very sheltered (and possibly amish) individual. Her smash single "I Try" played all over the radio, and her unique, raspy voice was her trademark. It's evident that she put lots of hard work into her debut album, On How Life Is, as her vocals really shine in all 11 tracks.

Personally, I had never really paid much attention to Macy Gray or her (now dwindling) career until recently for some reason. I had "I Try" stuck in my head for days and decided it was time to look into more of her music, beyond the 2 or 3 songs of hers I knew, and I'm glad I did.

1. "Why Didn't You Call Me" - Had a situation like this not happened to me around the time I heard this song for the first time (about a month ago), I would have written Gray off as being over-possessive, creepy, smothering and stalkerish in this song. In it, she expresses her frustration over not having her calls returned by someone she though she had formed a good romantic relationship with (though, in this day in age it would most likely be called "Why Didn't You Text Me".) It's a decent track, and her vocals really hold up against the funky beat.

2. "Do Something" - This is a very motivational track about how you just need to be motivated to "Do Something". It's got a great message, but it gets annoying after a while. Not really a favorite of mine.

3. "Caligula" - From the opening beats of this song (where she sings "Hush / The neighbors hear you moanin' and groanin' / And I just can't help it / 'Specially when we be bonin'") to the closing of the song, it's evident that Macy likes to get freaky. "He wanna fight and make me feel like I'm nothin'," she sings, "Never lovin' / But we're always f****n'", in reference to a guy she is head over heels for. She compares him to her favorite movie (she wants to see him again and again), her disco (he's really groovy), her 7-11 (got her open like an all-night store), and many other things. It's a weird song at first, but it really grew on me, and is one of my favorites on here. Well done, Macy.

4. "I Try" - Do I really need to review this one? We've all heard it. Recorded in 1997 (two years prior to the album's release), this is Gray's signature song.

5. "Sex-O-Matic Venus Freak" - In the most explicit track on the album, Macy explains that she is a "Sex-O-Matic Venus Freak / When I'm witchu", whatever that is. Something about it all seems very retro, very '70s. But maybe that's just me.

6. "I Can't Wait to Meetchu" - This could easily be a Church Gospel song. Gray sings about doing right so when she dies she can get to heaven. It's just an average track, probably the worst on the album.

7. "Still" - A nice, slow ballad about how Macy still loves her ex, although he was no good for her. It's a nice song, and anyone who's gone through this can relate (I know I can).

8. "I've Committed Murder" - This song documents (what I hope are simply) Gray's fantasies of killing the "Mean ol' b***h" who fires her boyfriend from the cafe he works in. They then escape to Jamaica, get married, and have no regrets. It's quite humorous.

9. "A Moment to Myself" - I love this one. Macy's voice fits it perfectly. It's a nice, light, easygoing song.

10. "The Letter" - By far THE creepiest song on here. Upon first listen, it seems like a nice, light song, if you're not paying attention to the lyrics. If you listen to the lyrics, you suddenly realize it's Macy's song about killing herself! Despite the morbidity of the lyrics, Gray's vocals really shine, and I love it.

11. "Rather Hazy" - This bonus track is another good one. I can't really explain it. It's just good. (Available on Japanese and Australian pressings of the album.)

(Wow. Can you tell I really like this album?) :P

Ha Ha, Hoo Hoo, Thought You'd Get the Money Too

(Singles are italicized. Recommendations are in red.)

When this album was released in 2001, I was just turning 9 years old, so it's understandable that "All For You" was one of the VERY few Janet Jackson songs I was familiar with (actually, aside from "Doesn't Really Matter", I think it was the only Janet song I was familiar with). I was curious, and decided I would give this album a go. Despite all of its many releases and re-releases, the original edition that first came out is probably still my favorite one.

1. "Intro" - A typical album intro, in which Janet and her friend are talking, and ends with the friend telling Janet she sounds like Fran Drescher. This results in Janet mimicking Drescher's nasally laugh, segueing into the second track.

2. "You Ain't Right" - An angry song where Janet sings about an ex-BFF that turns out to be a backstabber.

3. "All for You" - The album's first (technically second) single. We all know it, we all love it, the end.

4. "2wayforyou" (Interlude) - A weird interlude that I still don't really fully understand to this day.

5. "Come On Get Up" - I loved this song upon first listen. It's just something about the beat, the chorus, and all its energy that just really gets me everytime.

6. "When We Oooo" - This song's pretty weird and hypnotic at the same time. You're thinking 'whoa, this song's weird!', yet at the same time you just can't turn it off.

7. "China Love" - Another song I don't understand at all. I don't like it, and could definitely do without it. It's so strange to the point that it's eery.

8. "Love Scene (Ooh Baby)" - I'm not sure if when I listen to this I'm still shaken by the strangeness of the previous track, but this one is still kinda weird. It's sexual, but still just...weird.

9. "Would You Mind" - This steamy, overtly sexual song got the album banned in Singapore! It's so sexual that on the clean version of the album, it's omitted completely. Janet goes into explicit detail about what she's gonna do to her lover when she sees him, and leaves NOTHING to the imagination. It's dirty, but it's a guilty pleasure.

10. "Lame" (Interlude) - Janet proclaims "You men - and you might wanna get this on tape - you men are just lame at times! I'm tellin' you! *Sigh* See..."

11. "Trust a Try" - This is a new direction for Miss Jackson. And I like it. It's got a hard rock feel and Janet tells her lover that they need to trust each other. The title's a bit weird, as it's just a segment of the main line of the chorus, and not the whole line. I would have simply called it "Trust" or even "Give Trust a Try". To each his own, I suppose.

12. "Clouds" (Interlude) (featuring Carly Simon) - I suppose this is a prequel, intro - or whatever you wanna call it - to the next song.

13. "Son of a Gun [I Betcha Think This Song Is About You]" (featuring Carly Simon) - Janet cleverly (and angrily) incorporates Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" into one of the angriest songs on the album.

14. "Truth" - This is another strange song. It's just not typical Janet.

15. "Theory" (Interlude) - Hey! How about a break from recording? No? Okay, onto the next song!

16. "Someone to Call My Lover" - Hey everybody! Janet's desperate! Or horny! Yeah, it's probably a combination of both. Janet fantasizes about her dream guy on one of the stronger songs on the album. Great choice for a single.

17. "Feels So Right" - A sweet song about fate and love. It's nice, peaceful and relaxing.

18. "Doesn't Really Matter (Album Version)" - Technically the first single off the album. For the album version, it's slightly different in the beginning and incorporates dance breaks in the middle.

19. "Better Days" - An optimistic Janet explains her turn in attitude, most notably reflected in her previous album, "The Velvet Rope". She tells the audience that she's "About to change my vibe / Today the sun's gon' shine / 'Cuz I made up my mind / That today will be the start of better days".

20. "Outro" - Janet asks the producer what he thinks of the album. He likes it, and Janet says that she hopes everyone else will.

BONUS TRACKS:

1. "Who" - I'm not too familiar with this one (heard it a few times, not too many though), it's good. (Available on Japanese pressings.)

2. "Son of a Gun (The Original Flyte Tyme Remix featuring Missy Elliott)" - The version of the song that was released as the single. (Appears as track 20 on the Limited Edition, which uses the clean version of the original album, but omits the P. Diddy remix with Missy AND Diddy.)

3. "Son of a Gun (P. Diddy Remix featuring P. Diddy and Missy Elliott)" - This time, P. Diddy AND Missy lend their vocals. Missy's verses are the same. (Appears as track 20 on the clean version of the album.)

4. "Son of a Gun (P. Diddy Remix featuring Missy Elliott)" - Same as above, but removes Diddy's vocals. Oddly enough, this one runs longer. (Appears as track 21 on the Limited Edition.)

There's No Way You Can Stop Me This Time, Or Break This Spirit of Mine!

(Tracks released as singles are italicized. My recommendations are in red.)

Okay, so you could say that I'm feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. I was recently weeding out my CD and DVD collections (both a workout!), and I came across this album. I was reminded of how much I loved it when I first bought it, and after rigorously cleaning, polishing and resurfacing it so it would actually play after almost 10 years (lots of scratches), I restored it to working condition and decided that it would be foolish of me to not review it.

Interestingly enough, an all-Spanish version of the album was released (apparently on May 7, 1999, a month before the regular version was released, but that doesn't really make sense...). It includes the standard 14 tracks -- all in Spanish. Maybe I'll have to hunt down a copy for myself. It's extremely hard to find.

1. "If You Had My Love" - Admit it, you've liked this song at some point in your life. I'll admit to it. It's a simple, yet addictive album opener that lets you know that Jennifer Lopez is here to stay, and she means business.

2. "Should've Never" - Whew! This one's sure a workout! At 6:14, this ballad is the longest song on the album. Six minutes of J.Lo singing about a love she deeply regrets, because she is now in love with two men. Oh my! Now, now Jennifer, don't you know you shouldn't have regrets?

3. "Too Late" - This one is just alright. An angry Lopez tells her (now) ex-lover that it's too late for their relationship.

4. "Feelin' So Good" (featuring Big Pun & Fat Joe) - I'm telling you, even almost 10 years after I bought the album, this song still stands out and is easily the best track on the album. Everything about it is just great - the lyrics, the beat, and the feel-good nature of it all. It's a great party anthem, and no party playlist should be without this song.

5. "Let's Get Loud" - The latin influence is definitely here! This one's another great song, this time about throwing all your troubles away. "Life's a party / Make it hot! / Dance / Don't ever stop / Whatever rhythm" J.Lo declares on this dancefloor anthem.

6. "Could This Be Love" - This is one of those tracks I tend to skip over when listening to, but it's a nice ballad that's a nice way to unwind after the last two energetic songs.

7. "No Me Ames (Tropical Remix)" (featuring Marc Anthony) - Not a huge fan of the Spanish language tracks on this album, but it's an okay song, and this remix is much better than the original 'Ballad Version', which appears later on the album. Not much else to say here.

8. "Waiting for Tonight" - It's back to party mode for Jenny in her signature song that everybody's heard (unless you've been living under a rock for the past 10 years).

9. "Open off My Love" - In the naughtiest song on the album, J.Lo tells her lover just how much she wants him. This is my second favorite track off the album.

10. "Promise Me You'll Try" - This is a cover of the song originally recorded by Diana Ross. A sweet song about how Jennifer doesn't want her lover to make all sorts of crazy (and sometimes unrealistic) promises - she just wants him to try. My favorite ballad from the album by far.

11. "It's Not That Serious" - This song finds us at the exact opposite end of the spectrum in comparison to the previous song. The message is clear here - J.Lo is always one step ahead!

12. "Talk About Us" - Here we have J.Lo at a crossroads. She wants her and her lover to talk about their relationship and what the next step for them is. It's an alright song, but somewhat bland.

13. "No Me Ames (Original Ballad Version)" (featuring Marc Anthony)" - I repeat - not a fan of the Spanish songs here. It's just not that great of a song, sorry to say.

14. "Una Noche Mas (Waiting for Tonight)" - The Spanish version of the worldwide smash, "Waiting for Tonight".

BONUS TRACKS:

15. "Baila" - This one is freakishly similar to "Let's Get Loud", which is probably why it wasn't included on worldwide releases of the album. It's a great song either way. (Only available on European and Philippine pressings of the album as track 15.)

16. "Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To?)" - Another Diana Ross cover, this was performed many times during J.Lo's concerts during the On the 6 / J.Lo album eras. It's a great ballad. Interestingly enough - both J.Lo and Mariah Carey recorded a cover of this song for each of their 1999 albums (J.Lo for this album, and Mariah for her album Rainbow). Both cover versions of the song were released as a Non-U.S. bonus track for each of their albums. Mariah's version went on to be released as a single, and was included on Non-U.S. editions of her compilation album #1's, as well as on a Limited Edition EP released only at Wal*Mart, called Valentines, which is the only instance in which the song appeared on an official U.S. release of a Mariah Carey album. J.Lo's version has never been included on an official U.S. release of any of her albums. (J.Lo's cover of Theme from Mahogany: Do You Know Where You're Going To? is only available on European and Philippine pressings of On The 6 as track 16.)

Let's Get Lost, You Can Take Me Home...

(Italicized titles are singles. Songs in red are the ones I recommend.)

In the fall of 2008, Lady Gaga was still relatively unknown. Her first single, "Just Dance" had been released, but wasn't getting much airplay. Of course, I'm a sucker for artists who are still fresh or relatively unknown, because their music is always fresh! By January of 2009, I decided it was time to buy her full debut album, "The Fame". At that time, the MSRP for the album was just $9.99, so I was delighted to pick up my copy at FYE.

Fast forward a year and a half later, and here we are. We have Lady Gaga, the superstar, pop culture icon, and dance phenomenon. Her music's still as rich as ever, and with the release of "The Fame Mons†er" EP, we see a whole new side of Gaga...well... Not really.

DISC ONE - The Fame Mons†er:

1. "Bad Romance" - Upon first listen, the song seems strange, but after a while, it grows on you. We've all heard it, so it' s nothing new.

2. "Alejandro" - The brand new single from the EP is a personal favorite. It's clear that this song is an homage to ABBA and Ace of Base, from the beat of the song, to the lyrics and delivery.

3. "Mons†er" - Well, it wouldn't be a Gaga record without a completely eccentric, out-of-this-world song like this one. It's great, fresh, and definitely worth the listen.

4. "Speechless" - A nice, emotional ballad that was planned to be a single.

5. "Dance in the Dark" - Very funky, and a very great song! It just makes you want to go to the club and dance. Excellent!

6. "Telephone" (featuring Beyonce) - The EP's second single that has Gaga and B telling their lovers to stop bugging them while they're having a good time. I tell ya, no matter how many times I hear this, it never gets old.

7. "So Happy I Could Die" - I'm not gonna sugar coat this at all. This song is obviously about touching oneself, and it's one of the best songs that appears on here. It's another great song that makes you want to get up and dance. Very catchy.

8. "Teeth" - Gaga leaves us with another sex song, with a very interesting beat and concept. This song received generally negative reviews by fans and critics, but I honestly like it a lot.

DISC TWO - The Fame

1. "Just Dance" - Who hasn't heard this one?! This song is about letting all your troubles go, being carefree and just dancing. It's gonna be okay. The song introduced me to Gaga, and I fell in love after first listen.

2. "LoveGame" - Catchy at first, but starts to get old after a while. It's still good nonetheless. After all, all she wants to do is take a ride on your disco stick.

3. "Paparazzi" - Not quite sure how I should approach this one. It could either be received as extremely creepy and stalkerish, or sweet and ballsy. After all, it is Gaga, so nothing surprises me. Another winner.

4. "Poker Face" - I went from loving this one (before it was a single), to hating it (while it was hot on the charts when it was first release), and came full circle to loving it again (now that it's no longer played every 2 seconds). Very catchy, very good.

5. "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)" - This ballad feels so out of place here, sandwiched between two feel good dance songs. It's a great, welcomed addition, but maybe they should've found another spot for it on the record.

6. "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" - 'Beautiful, Dirty, Rich' is probably one of my least favorites on the album. Don't get me wrong, it's catchy and good, but it's just not a favorite of mine for some reason.

7. "The Fame" - If it wasn't so repetitive, I'd like it a lot more. That's not to say that I don't like it, it's a good song. Just cut out a chorus or two.

8. "Money Honey" - This one's a take it or leave it track. You just have to be in the mood for it.

9. "Starstruck" (featuring Space Cowboy and Flo Rida) - I just can't get enough of this one! It's so addictive and VERY fun to dance to. Don't let this one pass you by.

10. "Boys, Boys, Boys" - Don't judge me, but I think this is my favorite off the entire album. It's just such a fun, catchy, feelgood song with a great beat and an addictive chorus.

11. "Paper Gangsta" - Catchy, but I'd say that Gaga should do less rap-style songs.

12. "Brown Eyes" - A sad ballad that is full of emotion, anger and sadness from Gaga.

13. "I Like It Rough" - Very kinky, disco-esque track that will have you putting this song on repeat and dancing forever.

14. "Summerboy" - Yet another addicting song about a summer love. Gaga really ends the U.S. version of the album on a high note. Bravo.

NON-US BONUS TRACKS:

15. "Disco Heaven" - I'm indifferent towards this one. It's another one of those songs that you just have to be in the mood for.

16. "Again Again" - This was originally included in the main tracklist on U.S. pressings, but they revised it and rereleased the album without this song, and it's a shame, because it's really good.

17. "Retro, Dance, Freak" - I don't know what's up with this song, it's very weird. It doesn't even sound like Gaga. I'm glad this wasn't included on U.S. pressings.

You're tellin' all your friends, "She's a bad, bad b***h!"

(Italicized titles are the album's singles. Titles in red are the ones I recommend.)

By the end of the year 2000, you could say that I was still stuck in the '90s. I was 7 years old, and all of the albums I bought I was still buying on cassette tape. For Christmas 2000, I got my first two CDs - Now 4 and Now 5. The following month, Jennifer Lopez's sophomore album, J.Lo was released, and her first single "Love Don't Cost a Thing" was playing on radio stations everywhere for months after. May 2001 came, and around my birthday I was brought to the mall, and for some odd reason was brought into the record store there, Tower Records. My grandmother had come with us, and she told me I could pick out two CDs. The first CD I chose was Aaron Carter's Aaron's Party...Come Get It, and I walked up and down the aisles looking for another one. I came across this one, as I recognized "Love Don't Cost a Thing". I picked it, and we were outta there. Interestingly enough, the first two pressings of the album came with a Limited Edition bonus disc, both of which were different from the other. I'm not sure which one came first, but one of the bonus discs had two tracks - "Pleasure is Mine" and "Amor Se Paga Con Amor (Spanish Version of Love Don't Cost a Thing)". The other bonus disc came with only one track, called "Can't Believe This". The version I originally got came with the two-track Limited Edition bonus disc (I recently found out about the second LE bonus disc, hunted down a used copy and purchased it - $3!). Soon, this became one of my favorite albums for the next few years. For the sake of the good ol' days, here's my album review for this oldie but goodie:

1. "Love Don't Cost a Thing" - Everyone's heard this one. This pop-ish song about not having to impress Jenny with money or fancy things sends out a good message to those hopeful guys out there. I wouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, though. This song's almost 10 years old and there's a good chance that this song is no longer applicable to J.Lo's life anymore. I mean, come on. Look at her now.

2. "I'm Real" (featuring P. Diddy) - Lopez's then-lover reminds listeners on multiple occasions throughout the song, that Jenny is indeed, "a bad, bad bitch". It's a catchy song that finds Lopez telling listeners that "what you get is what you see". No strings attached.

3. "Play" (featuring Christina Milian) - This track finds Jennifer aggressively demanding that the DJ at the party she's at "play [her] motherf*****g song!". It's an excellent, feel-good party song in which Christina Milian lends her vocals to the chorus. She also wrote the song!

4. "Walking on Sunshine" - Eh. Not the best track off the album, but not the worst. It's fun to dance to, but the beat gets somewhat boring after a while, and the lyrics sort of bland, though there's worse on the album.

5. "Ain't It Funny" - The fifth track on the album is definitely different from anything else I've heard before. It's a song about fate and finding an unexpected love. You can definitely hear the latin influence on the track. I love it.

6. "Cariño" - ...And Jenny Lo brings it back down to mediocre again. This song is just average at best. I'm not sure if it's the repetitiveness of it that bugs me, or if it's the Spanglish aspect of the track. In case you were wondering, the title translates to "Affection", which is what the song's about.

7. "Come Over" - Jennifer gets a bit naughty here! On one of the more slower songs on the album, we hear Lopez begging her man to "Please come over", and "Don't keep me waiting / Anticipating" because it's "Love I am saving / for you", plus a few sexual innuendos.

8. "We Gotta Talk" - "Ooh / Baby come and talk to me / Together we can work this out / We got a love thing we're talkin' about". Simple, yet catchy. Another highlight of the album, about trying to save a romance.

9. "That's Not Me" - When listening to tracks 8 and 9 back-to-back, one could argue that this could serve as the sequel to the previous track. By this point, Lopez is fed up with her man's cheating, lying and overall laziness, and she's done trying and done giving it her all. Another great song.

10. "Dance With Me" - This is what I'm talking about! Jennfer tells the listener to basically leave all their cares behind and get on the dance floor. It's an interesting song with unique lyrics and a catchy beat, yet another one of the album's higher points.

11. "Secretly" - I'm not a huge fan of ballads, so in my eyes, this one's pretty forgettable. Lopez sings to a guy about how much she wants him, and her strong attraction to him.

12. "I'm Gonna Be Alright" - An empowering track about mustering up the strength to leave your lover, although you don't want to, but you know he's no good for you. I know that the Trackmasters Remix (from her J to tha L-O! The Remixes album) was released as a single, but it's essentially the same song, with a different beat.

13. "That's The Way" - This is a song unlike any other I have heard before. And I like it. In this one, J.Lo tells a guy that she can give him anything and make him happy as long as he stays faithful to her. One of my favorites off the album.

14. "Dame" (featuring Chayanne) - Strange. Very strange track if I do say so myself. The title translates to "Touch Me", so if you don't speak Spanish it's pretty obvious what the song's about. If you do, then more power to ya.

15. "Si Ya Se Acabo" - Very latin-inspired. I punched the song's title into Google translator and it came up with "If Already I Am Finished". Hmm. I like the track, but I find it strange that J.Lo chose to end the standard edition of the album with TWO Spanish tracks. One would have been fine.

BONUS TRACKS:

1. "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" (featuring Ja Rule) - Though both the original version of the song and this remix were released as singles, this was probably the more successful of the two. This sounds like a totally different song -- different beats, different lyrics, and different chorus. Not complaining, though. Still a good song. (This track is available on current U.S. pressings of the album, with the Parental Advisory sticker on it as track 16, but it's also available on the clean versions of the album. Also appears as track 18 on UK, Portuguese, and Australian pressings of the album, after "Pleasure is Mine" and "I'm Waiting".)

2. "I'm Waiting" - A nice song where J.Lo lays down the law. She tells her lover that he needs to man up and confess his love for her, because the feelings are mutual. (Available on Japanese pressings of the album as track 16, and as track 17 on UK, Australian, and Portuguese pressings, after "Pleasure is Mine".)

3. "Amor Se Paga Con Amor" - The Spanish version of "Love Don't Cost a Thing". (Available on Latin American pressings of the album as track 16. For a short time, this was available on U.S. pressings of the album, on a second disc as track 2, along with "Pleasure is Mine".)

4. "Carino (Spanish Version)" - Self explanatory. This is a little better than the Spanglish album version. Having the song in just one language made it more powerful for some reason. (Available on Latin American pressings of the album as track 17.)

5. "Que Ironia" - The Spanish version of "Ain't It Funny". The Spanish version of the song still proves to be just as good as the English version. (Track 18 on Latin American pressings.)

6. "Pleasure is Mine" - J.Lo tells her lover to "Stop playin' / Delayin' the divine"...if you catch my drift. (Track 16 on UK, Australian, and Portuguese pressings of the album. Also track 1 on the out-of-print, two-track Limited Edition U.S. bonus disc that includes "Amor Se Paga Con Amor".)

7. "Can't Believe This" - On this ultra rare, hard to find track, Jennifer tells her lover that she is appalled by his cheating and that she's fed up with it. This is not to be confused with her 2005 song "(Can't Believe) This is Me". Ironically enough, they also have the same exact running time. (Appears as the ONLY track on an extremely rare, out of print U.S. bonus disc - not the same one that has "Amor Se Paga Con Amor" and "Pleasure is Mine".)

Hey Everybody!

Hey all, welcome to my site, Amateur Album Reviews.

I'm 17 (going on 18 next month), and I've been listening to music for as long as I can remember. The idea came to me to start a blog like this because I'm constantly bored, and when I'm bored there's a good chance I'm listening to music, so I figured why not review some of my favorite albums out there, new and old. I have a very diverse taste in music, so you'll find a pretty wide variety of album reviews on here, the majority of them being Pop/Rock and R&B.

I'm figuring out the blogger, so be patient with me!