Album Review: Tyler Hilton’s “Forget The Storm”

Tyler Hilton’s “Forget the Storm” has finally arrived! The highly anticipated album features ten tracks that showcase Tyler’s ‘southern rock meets California country’ vibe to the best of its ability. My favourite track, “Kicking My Heels” has the most infectious chorus that I’ve heard in a while, and the bridge is breathtakingly beautiful.

1. Kicking My Heels
2. Prince of Nothing Charming
3. Loaded Gun
4. You’ll Ask For Me
5. Jenny (feat. Elizabeth Huett)
6. Can’t Stop Now
7. Ain’t No Fooling Me
8. Leave Him
9. I Belong
10. Hey Jesus

‘Forget the Storm’ and see the sun rise by downloading Tyler’s new record on iTunes!

If it makes you feel much better
At least we’re going down together

Farewell for Now, David Archuleta

David Archuleta has embarked on a new adventure. For the next two years, he will be taking a break from his career, his loved ones, and the life he knew to serve as a Mormon missionary in South America. In his final video blog, the sweet and spiritual singer profusely thanks his supporters for their unyielding support over the past few years.

Four years ago, my mom told me about a talented teenager she discovered on a show called American Idol. I honestly don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be today if she hadn’t introduced me to David Archuleta. The singers of Season 7 had (and continue to have) an incredible impact on my life, and I can never thank them enough for that.

I admire David for always being a fine example of what it means to be giving, compassionate, and courageous. I draw great inspiration from his philosophies of appreciating the goodness around you and following your heart. David Archuleta devotes his life to making a difference. He has already touched the hearts of his fans through his music and his personality. Now it’s time for him to begin changing the world on an even larger scale. May he continue to spread peace, love, and hope everywhere he goes.

It’s Not Goodbye… It’s See You in Two Years.

“13 Going On 30” and Billy Joel’s “Vienna”

13 Going on 30 struck a chord with me when I was 15. Like Jenna Rink, I aspired to be like the pretty, popular, and successful women that I saw the magazines, and I anticipated the day when those dreams would come to fruition. With my mind always focused on the future, I often forgot to appreciate the joyful, carefree days of being a teenager and the importance of living in the moment.

In the scene where Jenna travels back home after realizing how much of a mess her adult life is, Billy Joel’s “Vienna” poignantly plays in the background. That was the first time that I had ever heard that song, and I considered it to be a profound moment because it caused me to re-evaluate my ‘grow up and get out’ mentality on life.

Slow down, you crazy child
You’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out
You’ve got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
That you can get what you want or you get old
You’re gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Highlights from the 2012 Grammy Awards

As host LL Cool J said at the opening of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, the night was about something truly universal and healing – music. Devastated by the passing of Whitney Houston (to whom this year’s ceremony is dedicated to), the music community paid their respects to the late, great vocalist by letting the beat go on. The music-makers celebrated this past year by recognizing the achievements of their fellow artists and by creating some of the finest and most memorable Grammy moments in the show’s history.

These were some of my favourite moments…

Continue reading “Highlights from the 2012 Grammy Awards”

The Greatest Whitney Of All: Remembering Whitney Houston

My goodness. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing about Etta James’s passing. I can’t believe that we’re saying goodbye to yet another music legend – the remarkable Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston is regarded by many as one of the greatest singers of our time. Since the 1980s, she has released multiple hits, from her first #1 record in 1985, “Saving All My Love for You” to her latest single, “I Look to You“. Even more, Whitney is esteemed as an artist who has touched millions of lives. Her songs resonate with people and inspire them to fall in love with music, to become music makers, and to follow their dreams, no matter what. In the wake of her death, I’ve heard many stories from her fans about how Whitney has had an tremendous influence on them. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” brings back fond high school memories. “I Will Always Love You” moves many to tears and encourages many aspiring singers to pursue careers in music. “When You Believe“, her duet with Mariah Carey, was an unforgettable moment for fans of the two superstars.

Along with “I Have Nothing“, which I consider to be one of the most powerful and passionate vocal performances of all time, I’d like to remember Whitney by “The Greatest Love Of All“. This song contains an important lesson I wish everyone could hear: “Love yourself for who you are“. There was something very human about Whitney. Like any person, she faced her share of challenges in life, but she worked hard to overcome the obstacles in her path. Whitney is an example of resilience and strength, and a symbol of empowerment to women who want to achieve greatness in their lives.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to the iconic Whitney Houston. May you find the peace you deserve.

We will always love you, Whitney.