One Direction - Made In The A.M. Track-By-Track Album Review

Being a long term Directioner definitely makes me more critical whenever One Direction release anything new. I was skeptical and unsure about 'Made In The A.M.' right from the beginning, struggling to imagine a 1D record without Zayn, as he was without a doubt the strongest vocally in the group. I've had this CD for a about a week now and have been re-listening day after day, each time my opinion differing slightly. I don't hate it, but I'm not sure if I love it either. 

Fast 4 Reviews - Reece Mastin, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Little Mix

It's my favourite time of year once again - new album season. New music has been dropping left, right and centre and I'm overwhelmed with music to write about! I've admittedly sidelined the latest releases from Reece Mastin, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Little Mix, with media attention focusing on 5 Seconds Of Summer's 'Sounds Good, Feels Good' (review here) and the stand-off between Justin Bieber and One Direction, both releasing new albums on Friday. That being said, I've written a 'Fast 4 Album Reviews' mass post to summarize which of these CDs contain great, substantial music and are worth a listen, and which are worth passing on.

Halsey - Badlands Album Review

Until a few months ago, I really didn't know anything about Halsey other than her name and hair colour. I noticed her name appearing over social media increasingly, and the hype for her first CD release 'Badlands' building daily. Upon a quick view of her Instagram and Twitter accounts, it was easy to see she has a far more extensive fanbase than I realised and the main reason why; she is a leader. Badlands is definitive proof that Halsey is extending the boundaries of pop music with her own unique branding and sound, leading a new era almost. Katy Perry may as well hand over her crown now - Halsey is ready to be inducted as pop royalty. Badlands has me very excited, and here's three reasons why:

Short Stack - Homecoming Track-By-Track Album Review

Stack is officially back. My favourite Australian trio have just released their first album since their reformation in April 2014, one I've been waiting on for a long time. Their EP release 'Dance With Me' from early this year suggested their sound was mellowing which had me prepared for a tamer Short Stack than I remembered, but Homecoming has left me happily surprised. I caught up with the lads the night before their album release and can't stress enough how lovely they're continually to their fans. If there's a band that Australians should be backing, it's them.

MKTO Fan Experience & Bad Girls EP Review

MKTO are back! Malcolm and Tony returned to Australia last week to promote their new single and EP of the same name, 'Bad Girls'. They embarked on an Australia-wide tour early 2014 after the release of their self-titled debut album, but had been silent until now, and I for one am happy they've made a comeback. After several days in Sydney, the boys unexpectedly tweeted their plans to visit Melbourne. Coincidentally, I flew in a few hours before they landed and luckily managed to meet them as they arrived, not knowing myself and travelling companion Emma would be the only two to meet them during their short stay*.

Cody Simpson Returns To Australia! Album Review & Meeting Cody

After almost a year away, one of my favourite Aussie artists Cody Simpson is finally home! Cody was last on our shores for Nickelodeon’s slimefest in September last year, supporting Justin Bieber on his Believe tour the year before. In his time away, Cody has made a lot of significant changes to his career; not only by changing record labels, but striving to define himself as an artist. He’s returned to promote his new independent record ‘Free’, released on iTunes late June, performing invite-only gigs in Brisbane and Sydney. Young fans were left confused after Cody tweeted he will only be performing songs from his new album at said gigs, which I found unsurprising after a conversation I had with him back in 2013.