I took a break but the queerpophoe is back

 I didn't mean to make the hiatus so long, but I got caught up in life and lost my passion for blogging! But I am back and have lots of fun music posts coming. Including an updated ranking of Halsey's albums and a Tove Lo ranking. Stay tuned!

My Ranking of Halsey's Albums and EP'S

 Hello again, I am back after a LONG hiatus due to school, work, and life. Oh, how I have missed making content for you all. No more talking let's get into this ranking!

Note: I Will not do deluxe albums. Also, Halsey uses she/they pronouns so I will be using both.

#5 Room 93 (2014)

Track List:

1. Is There Somewhere
2. Ghost
3. Hurricane
4. Empty Gold
5. Trouble

Halsey's first body of work is utterly forgettable. As a fan of her songwriting, these songs do not have the poetry, and beauty of some of her later work. The exceptions are tracks 2 and 3 (Ghost and Hurricane are bops). You can also find some of these tracks on her deluxe Badlands which I like more because it fits the narrative of the album. It is a decent debut EP...but just that DECENT.

Standouts: Ghost, Hurricane

#4 Manic (2020)

Track List

1. Ashley
2. Clementine
3. Graveyard
4. You Should be Sad
5. Forever... (Is a Long Time)
6. Dominic's Interlude (with Dominic Fike)
7. I Hate Everybody
8. 3 AM
9. Without Me
10. Finally// Beautiful Stranger
11. Alanis's Interlude (with Alanis Morisette)
12. Killing Boys
13. Suga's interlude (with Suga of BTS)
14. More
15. Still Learning
16. 929

This is by no means a bad album and I do not dislike it. But this is a ranking so something has to be #4. Manic is clearly a personal album, as well as a concept album. Halsey is big on concepts with her work and has the videography to prove it. Manic explores themes of mental health, losing relationships, sexuality, misogyny, and finding oneself. Lyrically she has improved immensely from her first offering (Room 93). Halsey's sound on this album is that she does not have a sound. She goes from pop-punk (3 AM) to synth-pop with hip-hop edges (Without Me), to pop-country (You Should Be Sad) within minutes. Manic is a good album, just not as good as the albums I will discuss below.

Standouts: Clementine, Graveyard, You Should Be Sad, 3AM, Without Me, Alani's Interlude

#3 If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power (2021)

Track List:

1.  The Tradition        
2. Bells in Santa Fe
3. Easier than Lying
4. Lilith
5. Girl Is a Gun
6. You Asked For This     
7. Darling
8. 1121
9. Honey
10. Whispers
11. I Am Not a Woman, I'm a God
12. The Lighthouse
13. Ya'aburnee

I listened to this at 2' o clock in the morning a few nights ago and boy I do not regret losing sleep. Going into this new era, I was not sure what to expect from Halsey. Do not get me wrong, she proved she could do variations of rock music pretty well on 3AM. Nevertheless, I was nervous about if I would vibe with the sound. Halsey delivered great lyrics and production on this album was tight. The themes presented in this album are childbirth, motherhood, sexuality, relationships, and loss. Track times range from 2 mins to over 4 mins. Vocally she is the strongest I have heard on any album favorite or not. I can tell this album will become a fave the more I listen.

Standouts: Lilith, Bells in Santa Fe, Honey, I Am Not a Woman, I'm a God, Whispers

#2 Badlands (2015)

Track List:

1. Castle
2. Hold Me Down
3. New Americana
4. Drive
5. Roman Holiday
6. Colors
7. Coming Down
8. Haunting
9. Control
10. Young God
11. Ghost

To be Frank, I do not have much to say about the album asides from it being one of my fave albums. Absolutely love 10 out of 11 songs on the LP. Halsey really shines on her first album, this would have been #1 if not for 2 reasons: 1) HFK is an album that helped me through dark times. 2) New Americana is an awful song and ruins the flow of this album. 

Standouts: Everything but New Americana

#1 Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (2017)

            Track List:

1. The Prologue
2. 100 Letters
3. Eyes Closed
4. Alone
5. Now or Never
6. Sorry
7. Good Mourning
8. Lie
9. Walls Could Talk
10. Bad at Love
11. Strangers (with Lauren Jauregui)
12. Devil in Me
13. Hopeless (with Cashmere Cat)

This ALBUM means everything to me. It came into my life at a time when I was struggling with my mental health. Listening to this album got me through one of my lowest points in life. It was so weird cause it was almost like she was in my head. The lyrics on some of these tracks incite both negative and positive reactions, On "Devil in Me" they say "and I came tumbling down trying to reach your high, and I scream too loud when I speak my mind". That summer I was diagnosed with a mood disorder. To say I can relate is an understatement. Even the songs (Lie, Hopeless) that I do not care for stick with me. I may have my issues with Halsey due to some of the things they say, but this album will forever be in my heart and queue. For this album, I am so freaking thankful. 

Standouts: The ENTIRE thing

Wow, it has been amazing to blog again and I thank you to all who have taken the time to check out any of my posts. You are all wonderful humans and until next time... stay gay.

Happy Halloween my little queerlings!

Mini Reviews: Brandy, and Haim

 Hello hello, it is queer pop hoe and I am back again from a hiatus! I have been so busy with school and work that i have not had time for doing my blog. Today though I have no assignments to do and some energy. Today's blog post will be mini album reviews for two very different artists. I got around to listening to B7 and Women in Music PT III yesterday during a slow period at work. I have thoughts on both, but one more so than the other. So let's jump into this.. Starting with Brandy's B7.

Brandy B7(2020)

Let's talk quickly about the cover art! I freaking love this cover art. She looks absolutely beautiful and the gold 7 makeup effect is dope! It is Afrocentric nostalgic but futuristic realness and I love it. 

That is probably the nicest thing I am going to say about the album, but before you drag me hear me out. Brandy is one of my fave artists and I love most of her music. So going into B7 I was quite excited to hear the album. I am gonna keep it short and sweet by separating the album into Positives and negatives. Then I will list the songs I think are standouts! Let's begin.

                                                            THE POSITIVES

•  vocals 👍
  
• production👍
• visuals👍
• songwriting👍 

Her vocals are always on point so I knew I was in for smooth harmonies, great vocal control, sweet runs and range for days. 

Production wise it is perfection. The beats, the way the songs flow, the art direction, all good. The visuals also go hand in hand with his as well. 

The songwriting is good! Especially track 6 "Borderline". It is an amazing song about mental health that resonated with me.

                                                

                                               💜💜💜💜

                                         The Negatives 

• it is just okay 👎
  
• she didn't take risks 👎
  
• very safe 👎

Brandy is still one of my fave artists but the album was nothing special. With the exception of "Borderline" and "Baby Mama"the songs were not memorable. I was bored and disappointed that she took no risks. Is it a decent album..sure. Will anybody be talking about a year from now? Unless you are a super fan I would so no. I still love and respect her artistry and what her previous albums mean to me. 

Tehn's Favorite Songs Right Now

Tehn's Favorite Songs Right Now: These are some of my favorite and most played songs right now. It was hard to rate them but these are my most most played, to most

My favorite Brandy Songs!

Hello my queerpophoes, it is I QueerpopHoe and I am back again with another blog about MUZIK. I was torn between doing this topic or another ranking of an artists full album. I decided to this blog over the other option in honor of Brandy Norwood's new album B7. The way I am going to do this is as follows:

1. Will list My Fave Brandy Songs from 20 to 1
2. I will include what Album (fuchsia)it is on and the year.
3. I will also list any honorable mentions
4. I have not listened to B7 yet so none of the songs off the album will be featured here. 
5. I will be doing a review of B7 on my blog at a later date. 

Brandy Norwood is a singer, actress, and songwriter. Want more info about her, just visit her website linked below.

https://4everbrandy.com/

Ranking Lesbian Jesus: Hayley Kiyoko Extended Plays from Least Favorite to Favorite

Hello my loves it is I queerpophoe back at it with my second ranking blog. Who have I decided to do you ask? The Lesbian Goddess, and patron saint known as Hayley Kiyoko. If you do not know of her I am assuming you are straight. Lol jk.....but not really. Hayley Kiyoko is  Japanese-English-Welsh-German singer/actress from LA. She is hands down one of my fave singer/songwriters.  My first intro to Kiyoko was through the first Cartoon Network live action Scooby Doo film. Playing the queer icon that is Velma Dinkley. Through further research I found out she made music. Being the inquisitive queer I am I decided to give it a listen. It was the best decision I ever made. As a songwriter she sings about the queer experience in a way that touches the soul. Add her ability to co-produce her videos and her presence on screen I was hooked. "Girls like Girls" (2013) forever lives in my heart as a Queer anthem. So when thinking about who I wanted to rank next, she was an obvious choice. Let's Begin.

#4 I'm Too Sensitive for this Shit (2020)

Track List:

1. Demons
2. L.O.V.E Me 
3. Runaway
4. I Wish
5. She

Kiyoko's most recent release ITSFTS is a sold EP. Unfortunately this body of work was released after her well received debut LP "Expectations". Which is one of my fave bodies of work from 2018. Which is quite a tough thing since the album holds so much weight for me. The sound of this extended play has a similar sound to what you have heard from her in the past. That being said some of these songs just do not move me. They are not catchy nor do they get stuck in your head. With the exceptions of "Demons" and "I Wish" which are the standouts of the work. The other three tracks seem like throwaway tracks. Nevertheless if you are a fan of her work, give it a listen. 

Standouts:Demons, I Wish

#3 A Belle to Remember (2013)

Track List:

1. A Belle to Remember
2. Rich Youth
3. Maple
4. Hit and Run
5. Wild and Wicked World
6. Better than Love

This is Hayley's first EP which I would describe as a pop/soft rock indie outfit. The songs are all cute and catchy, but they are also quite safe. She was not yet the creative powerhouse that she is today. That is apparent on this EP, tis no shade. The EP just lacks the confidence and self-assured attitude we see later. Despite that it is a good pop record. Its a personal body of work and for that it gains so many points. 

Standouts: A Belle to Remember, Rich Youth, Better than Love

#2 Citrine (2016)

Track List:

1. Gravel to Tempo
2. Ease my Mind
3. Pretty Girl
4. One Bad Night
5. Palace

It was hard to figure out who would take the #1 spot. Both #1 and 2 are solid bodies of work. Ultimately "Citrine" had to be number 2. All but one track on this album are my absolute faves. Citrine is a great pop/r&b/hip hop EP. That confidence I mentioned above is on full display on this work Lyrically I can confidently say this is her strongest body of work. Some stand out lyrics are "I thought I was depressed but I think I just needed to cry " (Gravel to Tempo), "suck on your amber lips, just give me one bad night" (One bad Night) and all of Ease my Mind. Many times I find myself screaming me too girl!!! The only song that I do not care for is "Palace".

Standouts: Tracks 1-4

#1 This Side of Paradise (2015)

Track List:

1. Given it All
2. Cliff's Edge
3. This Side of Paradise
4. Girls like Girls
5. Feeding the Fire

THIS EP is perfection. I wish I could end it there but that ain't a proper review.From the lyrics, to production, to subject matter, to the music videos everything spoke to me. Here Hayley is honest,and authentic. She peels back all the layers and (basically) comes out with "Girls like Girls". "This Side of Paradise" discusses longing in a way that hit my queer soul. That Queer longing really be hitting you in the gut. All of the tracks are well written, and this was when I knew she was a force. Her ability to write about her queer experience is unmatched. This EP in my humble opinion put her on the map.

Standouts: The Entire EP

I Present Thee Lesbian Jesus

Some of her music videos to check out: 

What I need Ft. Kehlani

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YynKelHGhNc

Gravel to Tempo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOm2rGwmhWg

 

Sleepover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6jxPFtIAnw

I hope you enjoyed today's ranking and stay gay my little queerlings.

Sources: spotify, Wikipedia, my opinion, the interwebs.

Is Lady Gaga's Chromatica a Return to her former Pop Glory...an Analysis/Review

Hello it is me ya boi queerpophoe and it has been a minute. I have been hella busy and took a break from my blogging, but I am back and ready to discuss some music. Today I will be providing an analysis/review of Mother Monster's new LP "Chromatica". The review will go as follows: I will give a mini review of each track, whether I liked it, loved, or hated it. Then I will rate the album as a whole and give it a couple scores. A-F, 1-10, and if it is queer pop hoe approved. Lastly I will answer a question I posed in the Title. If I believe that this album is a return to her former Pop glory. Many say that she fell off, so let's see if she is back on!

Let me begin by saying I have been a Lady Gaga fan since debuted."The Fame" (2008) and "Born this way" (2011) changed my life. In my humble opinion they are Pop Perfection, albums that left an impression. As a person I do not always vibe with her whole thing! BUT as a singer/songwriter and performer she always has impressed me. Even when whole albums were lackluster *ahem *2013's "ArtPOP". I have always thought she was and is incredibly talented. Through the years she has changed her looks and her sound. Sometimes it worked in her favor, sometimes it did not. Seeing how she has grown as an artist has been interesting. Does "Chromatica" work? Will it bring her back to the top of the pops? Let's discuss. 

Chromatica (2020)

The CD Cover: I gotta say that when it comes to creativity this is not my fave but it definitely catches the eye! It reminds me of Alien and Mad Max. So it most definitely gets points for the aesthetic. 

The Tracks!

 Track 2: Alice

I am skipping the interludes as I have no feelings other than annoyance when I hear them. Let's begin with "Alice". It is a dance-pop,electro house, euro pop inspired dance floor anthem. She uses Alice in Wonderland as an allegory for finding her Wonderland. Or her peace or happiness. Themes of the song would be mental health. Despite the song being dance-able it is a song folx with mental illness or physical illnesses can relate too. 

My Rating: 10/10

Track 3: Stu*pid Love

Full disclosure I did not like this song when it first was released. In my opinion it just did not move me. Sure ,it is a great dance-able track but she is a dance-pop artist. After listening to it again I do enjoy it. All in all it is an okay song, not her best though. 

My Rating: 5/10

Track 4: Rain on Me ft Ariana Grande

I love this song!!!! So damn catchy and she really lets loose on this track. I am a huge 90s Euro-Pop fan and this song just screams euro-pop. The bumping beat and the electro-pop and synths are music to my ears. I also love the blend of Ariana and Gaga's voices. sidenote: the video is so good! (video linked below)

https://youtu.be/AoAm4om0wTs

My Rating: 10/10

Track 5: Free Woman

My favorite part of this song are the lyrics. She sounds so fucking powerful on this song. My fave lyric is " I'm still something, even if I gotta man". So many times non-men deal with the ideo that we belong to men. That once we are in relationships that is it, that is all we are. Lady G is making a stand! Great song. 

My Rating:7/10

Track 6: Fun Tonight

It is a bit slower than the past couple of songs. Despite that it gets faster towards the chorus. Compared to the past two songs it is not as catchy. This is one of the most personal songs on the album though. Subject matter seems to consist of her talking to an ex of some kind. Who is more into the fame and celebrity than she is. Although I am not certain whether she is talking to another person, or talking to her past self. Nevertheless it's a solid track. 

My Rating:6/10

Track 8: 911

I do not have much to say about this one. The beat is nice and reminds me of Kylie Minogue "Can't get you out of my head" (2001). In my head I have "la la la la la la la ...." its seriously pretty similar in beat. Other than that it is just an okay song. I just don't give a damn about it. 

My Rating:4/10

Track 9: Plastic Doll

Now this song on the other hand is amazing. From the intro where she says " I(echo) E I E I..p plastic doooolll" she got me. I love her vocals, the lyrical content and the beat is perfect. The theme of self love and independence is prevalent on this track as well. Production wise it is also the most interesting song to hear. I already know it is gonna be a fave. side note: sounds like it could have been on "Born This Way".

My Rating:10/10

Track 10: Sour Candy ft BLACKPINK

Here is my issue with this song. All of the songs that feature BLACKPINK seem to have the same vibe. Like it's a good pop song but it is so repetitive to me. It is not as adventurous as some of the other songs on the album. It has a simple house beat and seems to be filler. It gets better once Gaga joins after the first minute. I do believe that the song could grow on me, but it is kind of boring. 

My Rating:5/10

Track 11: Enigma

Once again the song feels like filler to me. Not a bad song, but not a song that I must listen too. Trying really hard to love it but after like 4 listens, I just do not care for it. Like the song before it's boring, but what the song above has that this one does not....is that Sour Candy is catchy. 

My Rating:2/10 (i just don't like it)

Track 12: Replay

I love the disco and electronica beat, it also has house elements and makes me want to dance the night away. This song really excites me, what I love the most is her voice. It really sounds like she is enjoying what she is singing. As a Disco fan this song just gives me that throwback feeling. I freaking love it and it is the best on the album for me. 

 My Rating: 10/10

Track 14: Sine from Above ft Elton John

Before anybody drags me, I do like EJ. That being said, why was he featured on the track? My issue is that EJ sounds out of place on the track. He is incredibly talented but he just does not fit on this song. I really enjoy it until he comes in and then I just feel confused.  I will saynthat I love the play on words. Sine from above is very clever.

My Rating: 6/10

Track 15: 1000 Doves

I do not feel anything when this song comes on. Her vocals are good, the beat is good. The lyrics are good, the production is good. It is just good.....good. 

My Rating:5/10

Track 16: Babylon

This song is a great way to end the album. It is dance-able and I love her talking parts on the track. Babylon is also the gayest song on the album. I am imagining black LGBT+ people vogueing and dancing their asses off. There is also what I think to be a choir towards the end. Someone was killing them vocal runs at the end. Great ending, lovely song. 

My Rating: 10/10

Full Album Ranking??????

That is right despite not loving some of the songs I still give the album an A. Despite some of it's shortcomings Gaga gave us multiple club bangers. I love music I can dance too and she does not disappoint. Back to the question I asked at the beginning. Is Chromatica a step back to her former Pop Glory???? 

The answer for me would be no. I say that because I do not think she fell off. What I do think is that this album was not meant to be the thing to make her the reigning Pop Queen. This album is meant to show you that Gaga can make almost anything and find a way to make some solid music. "Joanne" showed that she can do country/pop music with art pop flair . "Art Pop" showed the intersection between visual art and pop music, "Born This Way" was a dance pop masterpiece with some of her best tracks. "The Fame" was an intro to what she could become. "The Fame Monster" was an intro to what we saw on "ArtPOP and "Born This Way". "Chromatica"isn't her comeback album as in my opinion she never fell off. Time and time again Gaga has shown me that her talent has no limit. 

Till next time friends. 

QueerPopHoe

Sources: spotify, the interwebs, Wikipedia, my brain and opinion lol