You're my red white blue jean American dream.

I started this post a little differently originally, but deleted it and started over. Sadly you'll never know what the original begining had, sometimes I get carried away, write about things that should remain private, locked in a silly diary with a lock. I had one of those when I was in middle school. Got ruined because my family doesn't respect boundaries and they decided to read what I was writing. I don't know if there's anything that could scream private more than a diary. Ironically now, when I write a public blog none of them reads it. The fuck? 

Either way, it's the 4th of July tomorrow. No, I don't care about American Independence day (y'all seen what happens if you type 4th of july into google?), what I care about is the fact that I was supposed to be in Bologna, Italy tomorrow at Sonic Park Fest. Ticking off one of my biggest dreams of the list. Seeing My Chemical Romance live. Something I dreamed about since 2005. Then they broke my heart by breaking up, now they're back together and I feel like the man upstairs saw me almost happy and decided to intervene with this fucking pandemic. Y'all music lovers feel my pain right? I swear no concerts feels like my therapist has died. Yes I'm aware that dates have been postponed to next year, but believe me that doesn't do much for me right now.

But instead of moping and crying into my FIFTH cup of coffee today, I'll write a quick review of an album that came out last Friday. Still hot from the press. It was a surprise in the mail for me, I didn't know it's coming, and a signed copy non the less. Literally full on sobbing. Y'all know how much I love this man…

I know bad pictures. It's mission impossible to take good pictures of a CD without the reflection, but you get the point. Also ALSO y'all should see the gorgeous smiley photo inside the booklet, but for that I'd have to take it out and smear his fingerprints that are most likely on it. Don't argue with the crazy fangirl right now. Hah. But really, gorgeous smile. 

Alright, here's the deal, y'all know I'm a metal / rock child all the way. But also a total country girl and I enjoy this type of music so much. Don't be fooled though, not all artists. This one just happens to be my favourite. Well top five favourite. Not just his voice and music but also his kind nature. All in all a good man, great artist, amazing voice, beautiful lyrics, what more do you want? 

OH MY GOD, can I just say I'm in love with this album? It's so perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. And I think he just may be the reason I finally go to the UK. Yes, yes I hear myself guys I do, but UK is the closest (as if it's close lol) that he tours to me. I mean everything is cancelled right now obviously (we should cancel life too ugh) but when things settle…it seems like a completely logical, rational decision and I can just see my family tearing my head off if I tell them I'm going to UK for a concert. Lol. Dad would understand I'm sure, but he'd tell me he's embarrassed that I'd go that far for anything that's not Rolling Stones. Well shit. 

So the album has 13 songs all together and the first single came out in August titled ''She's mine'' and honestly you guys it was love at first play. Y'all seen the video? If not the link is HERE, go check it out. I'm so in love, it's simple, it's cute, it's fun and most importantly the song is so catchy and I just love it. Scared to check iTunes how many times was it played. Too many probably. Lol. 

So the album opens with a song called ''Janie Blu''. Oh my god what a song! Like, his voice, all icicle and cotton candy, sand paper and cotton, leather and lace. You know what I mean? It's raspy, it's gritty, it's powerful and yet it's soft and it's gentle and it gives you the idea of his entire range and how he sounds live. Well how I imagine he sounds live, wasn't lucky enough to see if I'm right yet. But obviously I am. I just know. I have this hunch that Kip is a much better artist live than on the album. Sure album sounds amazing but all those growls, and grooves and things that make someone's voice special sorta get lost on a recording. There is nothing like listening to your favourite artists live as is, but sometimes things get lost in translation. 

Second song is called ''Southpaw'' total outlaw anthem. Something I'd imagine myself whistling while running from the law. Yes, it wouldn't be the first time and if the last time it was Pitbull and Sheltons ''Get ready'' then Southpaw might be more on point. Guys! Imagine this song live! It's a Bon Jovi type stadium anthem. Well, better, since Jon's preforming standards these days are rather low.  The song ''Southpaw'' feels like it's about that kinda life, you know, the outlaw life, there's a line ''wanted by the law and every woman''. But that's not what the song is about at all. He recently in an interview explained that this song talks more about his disgust with modernity than his desire to be a bad boy. He told the ''American Songwriter'';

''I get a little frustrated with the way I see society shaping up and the way everything’s become a little vanity-ridden. Social media to me has gotten out of hand. At times I just feel like I was born at the wrong time and I feel kind of isolated in those thoughts. And then it makes me feel like maybe I’m crusty and jaded. I’m not sure. I’m still trying to process the way I feel sometimes about the way I see everything going.'' (full interview HERE) 

Can I just say I completely agree? I feel the same way about society, about social media, about these standards and ''normality'' being forced upon us and definatelly about being born in the wrong time and being isolated with my own thoughts. Not so much thoughts maybe as I am in this place. People are different than I am, and their ''normal'' isn't my ''normal''. It's rough. I get you Kip. 

This album is a bit different because sure these are in a way love songs but not the whole rot your teeth sweet, like Bon Jovi will (please for the love of everything holy write something political Jon) but honest. They aren't looking trough heart shapped glasses but real songs, rugged. Love isn't always pretty and it's not always happy. The people in his songs are real people, flawed people. People who are trying to fit in in a place they don't feel they belong. People trying to find their place under the sun.  He says that he's a private person and that the only real open and honest are his songs, which I think what the last song ''Payin' hard'' is about. Personal. Raw. Honest. 

Don't you just love how country music can make you love the little things? The dirt roads, barefoot walking on the grass, the small towns, country life, skinny dipping in the lake, the sound a truck makes driving over the railroads, Friday nights, bonfires, something to sip on and not a care in the world, tailgate down watching the stars, no hurry, nothing but time to spend. Easy times, easy life. Gotta love that vibe. I miss it everyday. Living in the city. It aint easy. It's not a big city, but it's far from the free, open, country life I had when I was younger. 

Right back to the album. It goes on with ''Fire and flame''. Another one to sing along to on a stadium. I wish. I love the line in this song ''When I was desperate and I lost my faith, I found an angel is a broken place''. And I love the voice he sings this in, that perfect raspy voice that literally gives me shivers and goosebumps all over my body.

The story goes on with the album title song ''Wild world''. Another nice one although with maybe a bit over used phrases. ''Mama said'' and ''life is short, some days are long''. Nothing wrong with that though and I love how he simply but straightforward makes a point with ''be proud of the blue around your collar''. 

Next song is ''Red white blue jean American dream'' and oh my god I am obsessed. This is probably my new favourite song, which is super ironic because it's the only song on the album not written by Kip Moore. Lol. It was written by Jimi Beil, Barton Davies, Phillip Lammonds and Luke Dick, listing them here to thank them because I do love the song so much, and also for my family, if they ever venture here to know who to ''thank'' for being tortured with this song on reply. I love it so much did I say? Starts with a ''Well it's a great big world, with a lot of little things to see, so what you say, girl, do you wanna see 'em all with me?'' uh, yes! You don't even need to ask, anyday, anytime. On a serious note this is a fast pace, fun song, easy to listen, easy to sing along, easy to play real loud in a pickup while driving around with no destination. And I just love the chorus ''Well, Dylan went to New York, Cash went to Nashville, Mark Twain floated on the Mississippi queen. Daddy planted roots in Dixon county, mama's mama never left the front porch swing. We can climb the Eiffel tower in Paris Texas, Rock rock city in Tennessee, rollin' down the road, you and me just chasin' that red white blue jean American dream''. Perfection right there. 

Next song, ''She's mine'' just seriously go watch the video. And that smile. Ugh the cutness is killing me. If you love Tom Petty and Heartbreakers (and I do obviously) then go listen to this song, you'll love it. Did I say my friend and I added a line to that song and filmed a ridiculous remake of the video, in which I may have danced in booty shorts on the hood of his ancient Mercedes? Good times. Shoulda been a pickup though, I keep telling him that. I aint a Merc girl, I'm a pickup, redneck hick all the way. 

''Hey old lover'' that's about a booty call right? I mean ''hey old lover, won't you come on over? Heard you're in between boyfriends from your mother, I always thoguht we'd end up together'' okay maybe not just a booty call but more of a…I don't know a potential for a happy end. You know? When you're dating someone and things are perfect and then they don't work out but maybe years later you find eachother again, and try again and everything is perfect? I know I know…when did that ever happen? Well it did for Brantley Gilbert, but how many Brantley's are there? I guess it's rare, but isn't that exactly what makes it that much more special? 

After old lovers there's ''Grow on you'' and if that's not the cutest song than I don't know what is. Okay it's a bit cocky not going to lie but oh my god so cute! The ''Like ivy up a hickory, down in muddy Mississippi, I'm puttin' down roots and I'ma gonna grow on you'', for the love of everything holy stop promising and just do it already, I'm still waiting. Lol. I guess he declared his love and his dedication to make things work to a girl who's not yet sold on him in this song. Or say not completely convinced yet (crazy or…?). Guitar parts in this one are just fun, the whole song is fun, edgy, more rock n roll vibe. It's just a cool song. 

Then you got ''More than enough'' which is the perfect example of that leather and lace, icicle and cotton candy thing that I described ealier. It demands your attention from the first note because it's different. It's so soft, delicate, tender, soothing. It's the type of love song that any girl would want to hear. Someone pouring their heart out to them, promising forever, in better or worse, sickness and health, rich or poor, all those things people promise each other on their wedding day but forget about in a years time. Under the cold facade and the (as my friends love to say) serial killer glare I'm actually all gooey for romance and love songs (sorry but classic rockers going for love ballads? That shit makes a bitch hot under her collar).  This song though ''If Uncle Sam goes and steals my money, I'm good with a spoonful of your sweet honey, and I'll be sittin' pretty and rich on love, love, love. If the rain won't stop and the sun don't shine, hit a tough spot, baby, we'll be fine, you in my arms is all I need, just a little bit of your love is more than enough for me''. Perfect isn't it? And isn't that what we all want? I don't need a big house, expensive cars, things that society makes us think we need, I just need that. My person. That one person who's there through good and bad and who's demons play well with mine. Don't get me wrong material things like a Harley outside are nice, but in the end of the day, nothing will make you as happy as wrapping your arms around someone you love and someone that loves you and makes you feel like home. Home is not a place after all, home is a person. Family, partner, children, people that love you, they make up a home not four walls. 

''Sweet Virginia'' is another fun track. I wasn't sure when looking at the title does he mean a woman or the state. Lol kinda like that Nelly thing ''Hey lil' Porsha''. If that's about a car then I'm a pitbull. Hah. This is a cool song with this energetic, funky guitar rhytm which is just in perfect harmony with his sweet voice. 

Next song is ''South'' which you know is more relatable. I live in the south of my part of the world. Well just on the begining of the southern part but still. People tend to behave more southern than most. In a bad way. Like the ones the meme's are about you know? This song had quite a few co-writers and just confirmes what he said in the interview I mentioned earlier. That he was born in the wrong era (me too carino me too) because it has this cool 80's vibe. Listening to it I could easily imagine it's a much older song than it is. And it has that heartbreak, pining, endless love feel to it that 80's love songs have ''my love will still be hangin' around, when the birds fly south''. The end of the summer illusion too which brings us back to his album ''Slowheart'' and the song ''Sunburn''. A lot of country songs sing about the end of summer really. I feel that on a deep personal level, to me too it feels almost like life is ending when the summer is over. I hate rain, I hate cold, god forbid snow. And lets not even get into the gray, murky, depressed weather. 

Next before last is ''Crazy for you tonight'', which gets me like, fuck tonight, I'm crazy for you always. Hah, seriously, ignore the crazy fangirl, hopped up on caffeine and broken dreams of tomorrows cancelled concert and the fact that I'm writing a Kip Moore album review while Backstreet Boys play on the loop in the back. Don't judge, we all have our guilty pleasures and I can't focus with new music playing, I get too distracted listening to it, I forget to write. Which, as you see is a problem, I can barely keep on track while writing these. I keep getting carried away. I love ''Crazy for you tonight'' because I feel like it's a song I can relate to. I'm a little crazy too, people call me dangerous all the time, in a world of squares I am definatelly a circle that doesn't fit in so yes, I feel this song. The whole point of the song, being in love and ready to ignore all the doubters and haters, I get that too. I've been there, in love with someone for who the entire world told me is not right for me or I for him but fuck it, we were happy despite it all.  ''you may think I'm a littly crazy, but I'm only crazy for you tonight''. Always. 

Last song just might be the most important song. It's titled ''Payin' hard'' and like I said above that one most personal, most emotional, most honest song. Y'all heard ''Guitar man'' right? This is that same vibe. The song is the shortest one on the album, with just 2:48, while others (except Hey old lover) are all around 3 or 4 min. But we get it, shorter to get over it quicker. The song reflects his feelings, his doubts, fears if maybe he did some things he shouldn't have done. There are verses in it about lost love, his late father and the future. The future one is maybe a bit scary to be honest. But I love how he does a full circle and Janie is mentioned in this song again. It's poetic, starting the album with Janie and ending it. She's a real person too I hear. Not just an idea. His dad Stanley died in 2011 but I think this song is the first song where he let his emotions flow more obvious. I don't think he dealt with his pain in any other song. ''And now he's gone, the kind of gone that don't come back. I only see him now in dreams that I have, I gotta live with that, lose sleep with that, when I close my eyes I'll die with that''. Another one that hits home. I understand his loss. I've been there and I felt just what he feels. 

The future part though, that one kinda scares me there's a line ''So long my friends, I guess this is my farewell, damn all these pennies swimming in my wishing well, told every single story that I have to tell, I'll live with that, sleep with that, make my peace and I'll die with that''. It's kinda…you know, it rubs you the wrong way, especially if you know that he's the person to not announce a retirement but just disappear. And though it's not on me of course, or any of us fans, I'd be extremely sad in a world without his music. 

Either way, this album is nothing but perfection, don't let the whole ''country artist'' fool you though, Kip is a rocker and nothing but. This is nothing like Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson type country music. This is more a fuse of country and rock which goes more to the rock side than it does country. What stands out to me most is the moments on this album that give us little glimpses of a different Kip. The contrasts I talked about, sweet and edgy. Sugar and spice kinda thing. You know why I love him? Because I love Bruce Springsteen and Kip, and this album especially is a country rock version of Bruce Springsteen. All of it. The lyrics, the music, the vibe. All of it. I've seen him preform live on youtube (please God, make him tour somewhere closer than UK, I am literally begging) and I feel like he stands out from all those country stars just there. As a preformer. He's fun, his production is polished to perfection, musicians are all amazing and his voice just has no competition. 

Maybe the songs are a bit too ''safe'' you know, familiar, like the old songs are, which personally for me is perfect, I love him just as he is, but I wonder what would happen if he'd explore different types or music as well. Or different sounds. Could be interesting. Though lets be honest, a singer that came on the scene singing about beer, girls and pickup trucks (basically every other country star then eh? Lol but still better than twerking and all that gross crap that makes you take birth control just to listen to, yuck) he obviously grew a lot, and really evolved, both musically and especially lyrically. This is not just another modern, country, rock album, it's a Kip Moore album and that's rather obvious in his style and sound, which is unique to him and him alone. 

If you're looking for something different to listen to, something new, something fun and exciting, or you're just curious, give this one a listen, I'm certain you'll love it. Probably not as much as I do (obsessed I swear) but that's probably not possible anyways. 

Alright, let me put the record back on from the start while I get ready. Another Friday, another protest, this time hopefully I can say ''I fought the law and I won'' not ''I fought the law and the law won''. 

Wild, wild horses couldn't drag me away.

There's a song by Niall Horan titled ''Put a little love on me''. And there's a line in that song ''I look around as my heart is collapsing, 'cause you're the only one I need, to put a little love on me.'' I thought that was beautiful. The way it's sung with emotion, the words...I'm not a fan of his music, but when a song is good...I can admit that even if it is by Justin Bieber. Ha no not really, him never, though let's be serious we all got our guilty pleasures and that's okay. All I'm saying ''Put a little love on me'' is a beautiful song, I listened to it on my headphones on reply along with Styles' ''Falling'' in the middle of the night and honestly it took a little strength to keep the tears at bay. Not because of the songs but because of the emotions they brought up. Isn't that what good music is supposed to do? Make you feel…

Don't worry though, this week it's business as usual, with an album that someone I love very much loves most. We're both huge fans of this band and this album so here goes…(I might love the cover most just to fuck around with the picture, there's been a lot of ''PG18'' pics on my phone with this cover and also Motley Crues cover. I obviously prefer Vince Neil's crotch over Joe Dallesandro).

You can't actually expect me to look at the title ''Sticky Fingers'' and not think of dirty things straight away? Which is exactly what they wanted anyways. I mean a cover with male genitalia. Literal rock n roll symbol I'd say. The back part aint bad either though I've yet to see a sexier rocker's butt than Springsteen. Tight. Lol. Back to the ''famous crotch'', I mentioned above the man behind the picture, Joe Dallesandro. Can y'all imagine that? Instead of the ''shot heard around the world'' it's the ''bulge seen around the world''. I mean we never saw his face but his dick got some serious fame. That much more making it shot by Andy Warhol. Wild.

This album was released in April 1971, I can literally hear my mother in my head just now going on about how I only love old cars, old men and old music. Makes my eyes roll all the way back into my skull. First off not my fucking fault new music and cars suck and also, y'all seen Nikki Sixx right? Fucking stud. I get off topic easy when it's about classic rock stars yes. Obviously.

While we're on this ''stud'' topic. I've seen the Stones in 2014, ironically in just 4 days it's going to be 6 years since I saw them. My dad once said ''days are long but years are short'', I never understood that better than I do now. I haven't written about this concert in detail on my other blog like I do now. Only shared some pictures. But shit it was an amazing concert. I mean not my favourite, that throne happens to belong to someone else, but this concert? Close second. Man, the energy, the music, the crowd, the fact that they have someone announce them…all of it is beyond perfect. And the fact that I the idiot am walking around the stadium foolishly thinking I'll get to ''randomly bump into Mick Jagger like he's some local wanna be singing in a bar'' and then it actually happens? Seriously, there I am walking around, a huge Mercedes with tinted windows pulls up, window down, Mick Jagger with a huge fucking smile sitting inside, vaving at fans. Did I happen to react? Smile back? Anything? Fuck no. Got a severe case of being completely star struck and frozen solid. You guys! It was Mick fucking Jagger. The best part just might be though that I call home telling family what happened and all I get is ''so? Just some old dude who cares''. I live with animals I swear.

Right back to the stud thing. Mick on stage is nothing if not sexy as hell. He has this energy, this sex appeal, there's something about him that is just to die for. I'm not joking, the man is hot. No I don't give a flying fuck about how old he is. Some guys just got IT. I'm telling you guys this is something everyone should put on their bucket list and do once ''see the Stones live'', let's face it they will outlive all of us (thank god, a world without Stones is not a world I want to live in). Hoping I get a chance to see them again too, was going to with dad, some years ago, that never happened unfortunally.

So Sticky fingers is the ninth studio album by the Stones and first release of their own ''Rolling Stones Records'' label. The album is considered as one of the Stones' best albums, it went triple platinum in US and contains the songs we all know and love such as ''Brown sugar'' and ''Wild horses'' which just so happens to be my personally favourite song by the Stones, it's just so reasuringly sad and comforting at the same time.  The original cover though was really innovative for the time, showing a sexually suggestive picture of a guy in tight jeans (as tight as I wish all men wore tbh) with a zipper that yes it does in fact work. Opening it will reveal a pair of white underwear lol. Later copies though removed the zipper and just have the picture due to the damage done to the vinyl by the zipper (try storing that with your other records) and the expense itself of producing the actual cover.

Y'all know that the Franco regime in Spain actually censored this cover and replaced it by John Pasche and Phil Judes' tacky (sorry guys but it really is) cover with some ''can of fingers'' design.  Also in the 90's in Russia the cover seemed to be quite close to the original only the jeans were coloured, there's a Soviet Army belt buckle and I'm quite certain that the model is female. Come to think of it, I could use a copy of that. Must be badass.

I would easy call this album their peak, best work, whatever you want to call it. They were always called the ''world's greatest rock n roll band'' and on this album it's quite obvious why. I mean they're legends after all but this album shows why.

The record kicks off with ''Brown sugar'' which has this blues – rock feel to it. There's a lot of this blues, RNB, country feel to their music. I think the Stones always were somehow fascinated with American music. You can hear that here so well the blues tone in Brown Sugar, the country feel in Wild horses, the honky tonk (not woman lol) Dead flowers, Sticky fingers feels like a love letter or an ode to that kinda music.

Ironically the album was commercially a huge hit, but reviews were not as hot. New york times actually wrote if they were still ''relevant''. I guess it's how it always is bands fail to meet everyone's expectations. There's always some asshole being the critic. The fans are never happy either so pleasing everyone is damn hard work.

What I love about this album is actually the view into the amazing range of talent as a soul singer that is or better can be Mick Jagger. Like take a look at ''I got the blues''. Amazing. The voice, Watt's drumming, sweet perfection. And while ''Wild horses'' might give that honky tonk piano vibe the vocals are nothing but straight up blues music. Maybe that's why it's sad and reassuring at the same time. Blues is such amazing music, not just because without it there'd be no music now, but really, it's beautiful soulful music, one just has to understand it.

I think this album is actually amazing, the only thing about it that I hate is that it ends. It's wild, it's soulfull, it's packed with confidence and energy and it honestly feels like a great fuck, hitting all those sweet spots along the way. I'm not joking right now, I mean sex is great but did you even listen to Sticky fingers before?

This doesn't read as a review I'm aware, my head is probably too crowded with all the bullshit I'm trying to process to even focus on the task at hand. Take this as a long instagram picture title under a photo of a record I love.  I'll have to come back and rewrite at some point but untill then, put it on, play it, get lost in it, like I love to, because so help me jesus nothing hits quite as good as those ''Wild horses''. There's a lot of bands and a lot of albums out there but just one is ''Sticky fingers''.

I love you, you filthy animals.

Do you guys have some of those songs that just transport you back to a certain place or time or a memory? And it's really vivid? Like you're right back there in that moment when you hear it. She asked while Air Supply's All out of love plays on her iTunes. Shut up, I love that song. A song by All time low came up ''Backseat serenade'' and even if they are one of my absolute fave bands, I haven't heard that song in a long while. So while it played, I was transformed right back to the first time I saw them.  ''Krieau Rocks festival'' Vienna Austria in 2013. Shit that's so long ago already…they played with Green Day. Just nine songs though, but still it was such a cool show. BTW boys, I am still upset that the last TWO FUCKING ALBUMS never got a proper EU tour. The fuck is that about? We miss you too…

So the song. The memory. Suddenly it felt like I'm back at that huge open air venue, I can almost smell the beer in the air and the warm summer night. I can hear the screaming, I can see Alex and Jack smiling, being huge dorks that they are. I can feel what I felt in that moment, that one moment when you know everything is okay. And that everything will be okay. And you're just…dare I say happy? Yes, happy. SO happy.

Seeing ATL for the first time was something special, I really went to the Green Day gig just to see ATL, honest to god, I remember also being covered in bruises because let me tell you, fan pit is not a place to be with crazy Green Day fans, but hell it was worth, every bruise and broken – lost voice. I can faintly remember basically touching Jacks hand before I probably floated away on a fucking cloud. Yes that ''crush'' is still going strong, but really, who wouldn't love Jack Barakat? Did I tell you about that story of a history lesson in first year of high school? Professor goes on and on and on about  the second world war and clearly notices I am NOT paying attention so she goes ''Nikki, what do you think about it?'' and flat out, I the idiot that I am, doodling Jacks name in my notebook I go ''Jack Barakat'' and she looks at me funny going ''what does this Mr. Barakat have to do with our topic?'' and I'm like ''probably nothing but I always think about him''. You can just imagine how much that helped with my ''popularity'' in general.

Either way, I saw All time low two more times after that, another solo concert in Vienna, which also had a meet and greet and if you think I lived through that one with Jack giving me a high five you are so wrong, I cried for good 30 minutes after. Crazy is crazy. And then the third time was in Milano Italy but also years ago. Sigh. Actually in honor of them doing something crazy on their social media accounts these days….(I swear the god boys if you don't stop with your cryptic bullshit)…I'll write a little review of my favourite All time low album, which is a CD, because I was never lucky enough to get any of their albums on vinyl. Living in the middle of nowhere will do that to you.

Future hearts is the sixth album that came out in April of 2015 and which I literally by mistake happened to stumble upon in our capital city while being on another either errand or concert and browsing through a media store when I had some time to kill. Aint that crazy? Also I was too happy to have it. First single off of this one was ''Something's gotta give'' and you guys? I loved it first moment I heard it and I still love it now. The video is so brilliant, I mean not ''November Rain by GN'R'' kinda brilliant but brilliant in it's own way. And the whole zombie thing…I mean shoot me now it's just too good. Censored on our MTV of course but still…and was I obsessed with zombie Jack? You can bet I was…

Future hearts debuted number 2 on the Billboard 200 and sold 75,000 copies in it's first week which made it the band's biggest selling and higest charting album. And you look at the number and it doesn't seem that big but really for a little band that isn't Bon Jovi big this are very good numbers. The critics weren't completely happy again as per usual. I did say several times that critics are assholes didn't I? Wait a second, in a way I'm a critic too aren't I? Concert and album reviews? Shit. Well if the shoe fit as I always say…what bothered the critics here was that the album wasn't ''cohesive'' enough. Like really? Really?? How about pointing out the great influences of other songwriters that also worked on songs for this album? Or the change of musical direction in general? God forbid right.

What I found so extremely creative was that every album contained a set of five collectible ''polaroid'' pictures, together 20 so there were different ones to collect. And I thought that was just such a nice touch to add, and of course the pictures are just awesome, just super silly, and cute, and fun.

You guys! When ''Kids in the dark'' came out…oh my god. I love that song so much, still today. It's such a great song. Literally my nails were painted with splattering paint for weeks, inspired by the song. The video was something completely different than what we were used to from them, the girl shielding herself from her parents arguing, doesn't that hit home I wonder. And there's a note thrown in her mail slot on the doors, I think it says ''The kids in the dark invite you to escape, find us at the old iron works''. She finds those kids in her pajamas and slippers, dark room and the only light is neon paint splattered all over those kids. There's a message there you know, no matter what kinda shit you're going through, no matter the hardships, the hell, you're never alone, there's always an escape, there's always other people that understand, people that are there to help you.  And that one moment in the video ''They left us alone, kids in the dark, to burn out forever or light up a spark'', the sparks! Alex! Too cool. And also, the metion of self harm with ''what a shame, what a shame, beautiful scars on critical veins'' and making it clear that there is help out there, that you're not alone and that you are strong enough to get over it in ''we'll never surrender, the kids in the dark''.  The song it self is just a perfect mix of ''dancy'' and punkish so you know Billie Joe wouldn't burst into tears if he caught you listening to it in public.

Missing you is another such song. And if you think I didn't cry the entire length of the video when it was released you are SO wrong. The song is beautiful as is but the video, in which the band shows their gratitude to their fans, the ''hustlers'' who had supported them for the begining. The video is set in London, Alex is wandering around the streets, looking amazing may I add. Boy! That style. Some scenes are with the other boys as well, and in between you see the band talking to the fans via Skype or whatever else. OH MY GOD. Can you like…omg. How do they breathe? I think I'd die on the spot. Die! The fans then got to tell the band how grateful they are for their music, well how grateful we are for their music, for all they do for us. Very emotional video indeed. The very same second the video starts and you hear that very first ''oh my god''…well you can't help but smile. It's really nice to see a band have such a close connection to their fans. And I won't even touch the lyrics, they are beautiful, hopefull, they made me feel better so many times in the past, ''don't lose your fight kid''. Yeah.

It's funny how cocky the sticker on the cover actually is. It says ''features your new favourite songs'' which you know…very ballsy. But super on point. It does in fact feature my favourite songs. They were then and they still are now. So safe to say they really backed that statement up. Another song I really loved is also Tidal Waves, my god it's a beautiful song, so mature, so serious in a way, so full of passion and emotion and well serious and mature is not something you usually would put down for All time low, especially with Jacks constant dick jokes (I still love you babe). It also features the ultimate punk dad Mr. Mark Hoppus himself and we all know I adore that dork.  The lyrics are real nice on this one as well, Alex has such a wonderfull voice, soothing one and on slower songs, ballad type songs, it just comes through so nicely and really, he is just SO underrated as an artist, as a singer, as a lyricist.  Another big musical guest whos influence is also obvious in the song is Joel Madden. Huge old Good Charlotte vibes there. It's kinda really cool and also kinda funny to have them both appear on the album, funny because you just know that bands like Blink and Charlotte are huge influence on the band and without them I am confident in saying there wouldn't be no All time low either and also really cool because hell, just look at how good the boys are doing, started out in Jacks basement and now they're here. ''Just give them ten more years and see what time can do for hopeless dreamers''. Shit. Respect boys. But then again, there was no way for you to go anywhere but up.

Other songs on this album are also Satellite, which is good but not something I'd allert the press about. There's also Dancing with a wolf which is a bit darker but also really nice. There's also Kicking & screaming, Runaways, Cinderblock garden, Don't you go, Bail me out (the one with Madden), The edge of tonight which makes me shiver all over when he sings ''You keep me alive, on the edge of tonight, chasing tomorrow with fire in my eyes, you're like a siren in the dark, you're like a beat playing in my heart, you keep me alive, on the edge of tonight''. Beautiful. Meaningful. And also another very precious memory. Last song is Old scars / future hearts. Very nice song to close the album to.

In general this is an amazing album, it's serious, it shows growth, it shows that the band is not just some random pop punk or emo or whatever else people call them band but actual amazing musicians that are capable of serious and meaningful topics, while still staying true to their roots and still have that true connection with their fans. This is why we love them. A bit less right now though with their cryptic social media bullshit. Seriously boys! Stop! I am not sane enough for decoding this crap.

Alright then here's to the band I love even when it drives me crazy, and to the band who is the reason that at least some of my art (drawings inspired by their lyrics) got some serious attention on tumblr. 4000 + notes and some 2000 + notes, no joke, fame at last. If you want to give a different but very good music a try then pick this one up, it really is amazing I promise.

So enjoy the weekend guys, I know I won't. A lot of work to catch up to. Ugh. Where are those weekends when I could just sleep 48 hours straight. Hell. Word of advice. Don't ever grow up.

Baby it's all or nothing now, don't wanna run and I can't walk out. You're breaking my heart if you leave me now, don't wanna wait forever.

I promised ''business as usual'' so here we are again. A concert write up. These sometimes come easy and sometimes it's harder. Hemingway said to write hard and clear about what hurts you, and probably all other emotions as well. Problem is I aint Hemingway and writing is hard. Summing up emotions is sometimes downright impossible. How can you describe all the love, all the passion, all the hatred all the raging emotions? It's hard. But I will try my best as usual.

Right, a concert review. If you follow me on Instagram then you know who it is I'm writing about. Yes, that's right. The one and only. Cher. Shut up, I love her.

People call Madonna the ''Queen of pop'' maybe she really is but she ain't got nothing on Cher. Cher is a legend.  A pop legend. Which doesn't fit in with my usual dark, heavy and loud music, I'm aware. But it is what it is. Limiting yourself on one music genre is so stupid. Listen to whatever the hell you like even if it's those damn singing chipmunks. And lets be honest my music taste is all over the place. Obviously.

There are so many bands and musicians that I've been dying to see. Some came true already, and some I haven't had the chance yet, cough Metallica cough. But to be honest, I never thought I'd see Cher. Ever. First things first, last time she toured near me was 15 years ago. 15! I started going to concerts outside my own country about a year or two later. And then she had that Las Vegas thing going on and ugly rumours spreading that she's sick…so on so on. I didn't think I'd see her ever. It was making me sad to be fair. She and Celine Dion are the only two pop divas that I wanted to see live. Now Cher I did, but Celine, that may never happen with sky high tickets prices she's got going on.

Here's the deal this ''Here we go again'' tour has only nineteen dates in Europe and none in Italy or France. So to actually have a date in Vienna (a day before my birthday!) was a blessing from high heavens. And the fact that after some complications (long story) even made it there was another one.

Vienna is one of my favourite cities, I always say ''I basically live there'' because I'm there often, it's beautiful, it's historic, it's alive, it's everything my home isn't. And they have two of my favourite concert venues, which are Gasometer and Stadthalle. Amazing venues and I've seen so many amazing bands and personal favourites there. Of course let's not forget the Ernst Happel Stadium as well. Always going to be a special place for me, lost my Springsteen V card there. Mind out of the gutter I meant the concert! Jesus guys.

I have to say though, it was a little difficult coming back to ''halle D'' Stadthalle. Last time I was there I watched Queen preform with Adam Lambert. Mindblowing preformance but the difficult part is because of a concert before that one. The very same venue I saw Linkin park in. I don't think the reality of losing Chester is ever going to actually settle in my brain. So really before the show started I was somehow staring at the spot where I was for the Linkin park gig, remembering all the feelings I felt then. Bitter sweet.

This concert though, was something else entirely. A sure top five fave. Something I never experienced. It's like a mix of pop music and Cirque du Soleil. I've seen so many concerts but somehow all of them were heavy metal or hard rock. I listen to all kinds of music at home, but concert wise I don't stray far from my favourite genre. Of course I'd kill to see Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean and Kip Moore in Europe but do you think those bitches ever tour here? Uh no, no they don't.  I think the ''strangest'' concert that I've been to might as well be David Garrett. People keep saying it's because I think he's pretty. Not true. I mean I do think he's to die for handsome but I actually love his music. Deal with it.

Cher is amazing. AMAZING. The concert was way too short though. I mean I understand, not many are like Mick Jagger but still, I would of wished a few more songs. At least ''Love on a rooftop'' because it's my absolute favourite song by Cher. 

Huge props to the DJ that started the whole thing and came back after support left. He's called ''KidCutUp'' and not only does he use vinyl instead of boxes and computers, the mix of 80's pop music he had going on was amazing. All the best songs, all the ''gay anthems'' which I love and know by heart, and when just about every song I could imagine was played I'm like ''all I need now is ''I will survive'' and I am done for'' guess what happened? I will survive was next. Incredible. There was a lot of gay people, gay couples at the concert. Not surprising, if we look up Cher on wikipedia I think there's a line saying ''Cher is considered a gay icon and is often imitated by drag queens''.  Oh my god. Even if I didn't like her I'd still go to another show, because gay couples! Only the cutest, sweetest people out there, and I enjoyed every moment of interacting with them and taking their pictures (upon being asked, not like a creeper mind you).

So the support was some musician named Crimer. No clue who he is or what he's about. I know he's a Swiss musician and I like the sassy website ''It's Crimers website baby! Don't be shy, just hit the link''. Clever.  Music was alright too, I enjoyed some songs, but you know how it is, you're just eager to get support off stage and have the main act already. That's how it is for me anyways. I can't remember when I actually waited equally excited for the support. Well. Wait. When All time low had Neck deep. And when Green day had Rancid. Else, meh. Who cares. Sorry, Crimer you were cool tho, the 80's pop vibe and style was great.

After him DJ came back playing some more anthems, asking the crowd if they are ready for Cher. Obviously more than ready. And to ''help'' warm up the vocal chords he had Freddie Mercury's iconic screams. You know from Wembley? Goosebumps all over. Really an amazing DJ. It's something, me saying that. I am 99% allergic to DJ's.

I mean I don't know how do you actually ''turn back time'' but so help me jesus Cher did it. She did not age one bit and her voice sounds exactly the same as it did in the 1960's. Infuckingsane. Don't even start with ''but plastic surgery'' with me because I will kick your ass back to Jotunheimr where you belong. Yes I know she had a lot done but that doesn't change the fact that she has a body I would kill for. Seriously that figure? Mamma mia. And a voice that doesn't need any corrections at all.  She may be 73 but you guys, I'd go gay for her every day of the week.

I think the best way to describe the whole gig is like she called it ''extravagant''. It starts with a video montage of different parts of her life and highlights in her career while the song Woman's world plays in the back. Fitting because lets face it, this really is a Woman's world. Men would be lost and clueless without us.  You know that moment, when the curtain falls and the band comes on stage. Yes that happens here too, they're mounting suspense and anticipation untill the curtain falls and Cher emerges, standing in this golden lift type thingy in the air, wearing the best sparkly dress and a blue wig. I honestly wonder who does her clothes and makeup because honey you fine. And this particular outfit is out of this world, has this Roman vibe and her dancers are gladiators. A moment for a speech is taken here as well, and Cher's problems with a shoe which she refers to as ''this bitch'' and has someone helping her resolve the issue because apparently she wouldn't wanna bend over in tight clothes. As someone who only wears skin tight jeans I more than understand.

She has a ton of dancers on stage, all insanely talented and there to entertain while the Queen changes clothes. Of course so do they, and nearly for every single song. I loved all the clothes though, sparkly, bright, happy, perfect. And of course the iconic all black lace and leather jacket for ''If I could turn back time''. I don't know what I want more in that moment, to be her or to be with her. Honestly.

Womens world after the curtain drop flows into Strong enough and the band on stage without Cher for Gayatri Mantra, which is followed by All or nothing and Cher riding out on a huge  animatronic elephant. Oh.My.God.  And a very touching moment where she preforms two songs with Sonny Bono, the same way Queen do Bohemian Rhapsody with Freddie. He was on the projector and she sang literally with him. It was sweet, though before she said she wasn't sure about this song ''I got you babe'' and she wasn't sure how people were react and maybe rather on the next tour and then she's like ''bitch you may be dead then, do it now''. Lol. I sincerly doubt there will be another tour. I wish but you know…

The number I just LOVED was ''Welcome to Burlesque''. I am already obsessed with the movie, it's really good and this act was just totally badass. Cher plays the most badass boss in this movie, Christina has an amazing voice and Cam who plays the bartender? Eyeliner? Uh yes please. So handsome! The dancing at the show was spot on, the dancers were just sexy enough, and Cher walks out like the diva that she is. Amazing I tell you. Actually fun fact, I totally want a Burlesque bar of my own. No joke. There's something about the vibe, the dance, the way women are dressed, revealing, yet sexy not vulgar…it's really awesome.

Of course the show can't go on without ABBA. Like, okay…I am NOT an ABBA fan, that's too much even for me. But the original Mamma mia movie is still one I saw one too many times. Cheesy, funny, light, just perfect. Part two though, hated it, Cher was the only highlight in it and of course Andy Garcia, other than that, might as well trash the whole movie. Don't get me wrong, cast was fantastic, and they did a great job, but the story…no thank you. But Cher is so badass in it. And I love her. So of course on stage she does Waterloo, SOS and Fernando. Can't do without Fernando. I guess at least Mamma mia would also be great or say with the amazing dancers she has the Dancing Queen.

Like I'm sorry but you just have to love Cher for her ''fuck it'' attitude. She could not care less about what other people think of her. At all. And I admire that. I should spend a little less time worrying about that myself. Cher knows she's beautiful and amazing and fabulous and badass and she has a music library and list of acting roles to prove it. Some of it you get to see at the concert, when a montage of movie clips and most famous scenes plays.

There's a pause where she stands on stage and tells a long story. Well longish. About 15 minutes. It's a whole novella, like Nikki Sixx did, when he talked about knives and what they mean to him on the last Crue tour. Cher talks a little about her career, how she never felt accepted, about being told she's too old and not sexy enough for a certain movie part by Jack Nicholson who I never liked and now I just downright despise, fuck you Jack, you couldn't handle a woman like Cher. She also told us she didn't want to go to David Letterman and when asked why by him she without thinking told him ''because I thought you were an asshole''. Hysterical. And also of course she talks about her age, which may be the best part of the show…she says she doesn't know why people cheer when she tells them how old she is, is it because she's still alive and they're amazed? Lol. And what I loved was that she dedicated this speech to women, no matter how old you gotta do what you wanna do in life. This entire show is like an ode to women, no matter who you are, where you're from, how old you are, no matter what people say and expect of you, you are the one who decides which path you're taking and who you are. And Cher decided she's going to be a Queen a long time ago and she's still rocking it. And of course she's totally right, this is a beautiful message. Get  off your ass and go do whatever it is you wanna do. She ends the speech with ''I just got one question left, what is your grandmother doing tonight?''. Amazing. Hah.

  

Of course you also got a cover of Cohn's Walking in Memphis which is one of my fave songs as is. Elvis, Memphis, Cher singing, clearly I love it. She talks a little about seeing Elvis with her mother when she was 11 then. I'm jealous. I'm jealous of everyone that got to see Elvis. But like she says, he was a rebel, he did something different, and he was the inspiration for so many musicians. Love him or hate him, Elvis is to ''blame'' and without him…well who knows what music would look like today, which bands would maybe never exist because they'd never get inspired to even start a music career. As she sings Walking in Memphis there's a what appears to be a Memphis street in the back and a billboard on the street that reads ''Chelvis''. Let me just point out in modern terms that I ''totally ship'' Chelvis.

The entire show is like a walk through through different times, eras, locations. It starts with the Romans, then we move to India. Then there's the romantic tribute to the late Sonny, clearly in a 60's style. Middle part of the show is a tribute to her film career, showing movies, doing an act from Burlesque and Mamma mia. Then we move to the 50's rock nostalgia with Elvis and back to the 80's yet again. One of Chers musicians does a bad ass guitar solo. Of course, guitarist, blond, clearly I was very intrigued. My friend said, that though Cher is now officially single, doesn't want a serious relationship or god forbid another marriage, but she's surely not lonely. Well….if I was Cher, I know who'd keep my bed warm. Cough blondie cough.

After the solo and Bolton's cover of ''I found someone'' Cher returns in that iconic skintight see through bodysuit and leather jacket she wore in the music video ''If I could turn back time''. Guys. I tell you again, I am not gay but I would go gay for her looking like that everyday of the week. No joke. Y'all saw that music video right? It's shot on board of the Battleship USS Missouri and basically it's Cher and her band preforming for the ship's crew. Though in the video the bodysuit shows a lot more of Cher's butt and a tattoo of a butterfly on it. Glad to know I'm not the only ''idiot'' to have a tattoo down there. Of course as per usual the video was contraversial and tv stations refused to play it. I mean like…do these people still live? Have they seen what these so called modern pop stars put out now? Cuz it's like basically porn and nobody bans them. You know skin coverage equals talent and since they got none…oh well.

The concert ends too fast, I'm spoiled by Springsteen and Guns N' Roses I suppose, but at 15 songs that's obviously way too few for me. I could honestly listen to her for another hour.  Of course as per usual the night ends like so many Cher concerts do, with Believe. Which as cliche as it is is totally one of my favourite songs. It was the first song ever to be recorded with auto tune and it sounds ridiculous if you think about it but hell I still love it. And the lyrics are awesome. Don't we all want to ''believe in life after love''. A happy life that is. In another happily ever after. And of course let's not even start with Adam Lamberts cover of this song. It was out of this world. This song is an anthem. That is all I have to say. It brings up so many good memories, every club used to play this song, everyone used to dance to this song. It literally made you wanna drink fruity boozy drinks and dance the night away lost in the music.  With the song ending, Cher disappears through the doors on stage, dancers take a bow and that's it, lights turn on and you know it's over. Saddest moment of every show. But all good things must end at some point.

There is no question what so ever that this tour, most likely the final tour (though I don't know if that was confirmed and there were like 3 of them already) is sending Cher out in style and she continues to prove that she can literally wipe the stage floors with any pop star from previous generations or the new ones. Yes I mean it. Don't you dare sending me any ''but Beyonce'' messages. Beyonce will have to eat a lot more spinach to measure up to the perfection that is Cher. And the audience in the venue confirmed that very well as well. Insane energy, people singing along, off their feet, dancing, proving that Cher is the Queen and a legend.

All in all, it was a different concert than what I'm used to, but given the chance I'd love to go again. It was a fun night, full of laughter and good vibes. Now if only I get Jason Aldean in Europe preferably with Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert and Kip Moore. I'd be the happiest. Else you know business as usual, really hoping to see Metallica next year. At fucking last. Fingers crossed.

Alright time to wash the glitter out of my hair and return to the ''real world''. Doesn't sound too appealing, but whats gotta be done and all that.

Gonna take a miracle to save you this time, and your savior has just left town.

''A penny for your thoughts now baby, looks like the weight of the world's on your shoulders now. I know you think you're going crazy, just when it seems everything's gonna work itself out they drive you right back down...''

It would seem that even a monthly post is getting impossible for me these days. I don't know what to say. Crazy life. Not in a good way. Well most days. Some days can still be pretty amazing, even if those days come so rare and feel like seconds not days. Cherish the good moments you guys, they're so far and few in between and over way too soon. But I suppose that's what makes them more precious. If life was all good all the time we wouldn't be able to appreciate the good times. ''Some days they feel like razor blades, some days, they taste like lemonade''.

But the news that hit the other day was anything but lemonade. Could be any other day, but no, the news breaks on the same day as the anniversary of My chemical romance breaking up. If you know me, you know that's one thing, the one band I'm never getting over. So on the same day the SPN family gets hit hard ''Season 15 of Supernatural is the last season''. How dare you stab me in the heart like that? It's like, my eyes aren't sweating, I'm not crying, I am just crying my fucking eyes out. Don't give me that ''it's just a show'' crap because so help me Odin I will kick your ass back to Jötunheimr you limp noodle. Supernatural was always more than ''just'' a show. It was a family. It's a constant I had for 14 years now. When everything was wrong and I do mean everything because let's face it, 90% of the time everything in my life is in fact wrong, Supernatural was there, to make it better, to cheer me up, to make me feel less alone, to make me realise it's okay to struggle, it's okay to be different, it's okay to not fit in... It's hard to understand when you're not a part of it. The fan base. The family. It's going to be impossibly hard to actually say goodbye. Shows come and go, and I know the SPN family will remain just that (come on guys, we all know we'll just end up binge re watching the show right?) but things will never be the same again, this is the end of an era, an end of a huge part of my life, of our lives and hell I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye just yet. 

''Carry on my wayward son for there'll be peace when you are done, lay your weary head to rest, don't you cry no more.''

So to keep my mind of all the darkness that's haunting it, here I am back to one of the things I used to think I was good at anyways. Album reviews...

Taking another stab at Bon Jovi, or actually Jon Bon Jovi since this is in fact a solo album. Maybe not the best time for this review since I am still ''licking my wounds'', after that last album that was a complete disaster, Richie Sambora leaving and don't give me that ''they got Phil now'' crap, because Phil never was and never will be an equal member and I'm quite certain that the last album is shit because of his imput. Let me put it this way, even if you can't compare bands at all, but can you imagine The Rolling Stones without Keith Richards? Guns n' roses without Slash? We all know how that ended coughcrapcough...so why should and I mean music ''pussy rock'' quality aside Bon Jovi be any different? My god New Jersey, Slippery when wet, Have a nice day, Lost highway, What about now,..all amazing albums, and then Phil came along and we get ''This house is not for sale''? Gross.

So I'm even not that devastated over the INSANE ticket prices to be honest, because I don't even really want to go...but seriously Jon? 150 euros a ticket? Have you lost your mind? Even Bruce Springsteen isn't that expensive and he is THE BOSS and on a musical level you can only dream of.

Don't get me wrong though, I still love the band, I still love the music, I still listen to it all the time, I'm just stating that recent ''events'' in the band are really over the top and not to my liking at all. For which btw I got the nickname ''fake fan'' by crazy middle aged housewives. It's amazing how these women behave. I mean in their shoes I'd be hella embarrassed. You're only as old as you feel, but jesus christ at 50+ you really are too old to behave like crazy teenagers.

What is a real fan anyways? How do you determine a real fan? What makes a fan a fan? I wouldn't say someone that is sickeningly obsessed with a musician, an actor, a celeb of any kind, prepared to defend them till their last dying breath, hating every other fan for speaking their mind and voicing an opinion that happens to be different from theirs is a real fan. No. I think a ''real fan'' is a fan that is capable of admitting when they don't like something their ''babies'' do, capable of pointing out their ''mistakes'', we're all only human aren't we? A ''real fan'' respects other fans. Only love towards the same thing, person, music, is what brought us together, so why should that be the thing that also tears us apart because we can't see eye to eye?

Should we start with the song ''Blaze of glory''? I hate it. Absolutely hate it. I don't know what it is, the sound, the music, the lyrics. I don't know. Something rubs me the wrong way and I literally turn down the radio when I hear it. Even though as a debut solo single it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 (why though?) and also number one on Billboard Album rock tracks chart.

Did you hear it was written on a napkin? I think it would be better if that napkin was used and then tossed away. Allegedly though the song was recorded because a man named Emilio Estevez requested the song ''Wanted dead or alive'' (which btw has that same vibe and sound and I also am not a huge fan of) for the soundtrack of the movie Young Guns II but Bon Jovi didn't think that the song fits in a Western because after all the lyrics are about a touring band. Unless of course I completely misunderstood the point and meaning of a ''steel horse''.

You know what's just wild? I get shit for also not liking this song. ''How dare you! It's one of the best Bon Jovi songs!'' etc...well see that's just funny, given that this song is not a Bon Jovi song at all. It was never released as a band single, and it's actually notable purely because Jeff Beck plays guitar on it. Who the hell is the crazy one here?

I guess this album gives me this ''desparate'' attempt at being a rockstar or a rock legend vibe. It feels like some sort of a shot at Bob Dylan's Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, and  the fourth song on side A ''Blood Money'' is actually dedicated to Dylan. Sometimes I wonder if a cover of ''Knockin' on Heaven's door'' wouldn't be a better option as Blood Money because let's be honest, he sang Knockin on Heavens door and it sounded rather amazing and Blood Money is just, meh.

Of course let's not forget the stunt he pulled on this one, just like Roy Orbison he invites lots of famous musicians to join him. Little Richard, Elton John, Jeff Beck,...and generally I think it paid off, the whole Blaze of glory aside, he album is quite okay, well some lines like the ones about lonely jukebox are rather dumb, but then there's some really nice melodies, solos, harmonies if you will.

The album actually begins with a tiny bit of dialogue where ''Billy'' says ''I'll make ya famous'' and after the song Billi get your guns begins. It's not a song like Bon Jovi usually put out at all but it's still really cool. A rock n roll sound and if you pay attention to Jon's voice, then you'll understand what I miss so much these days. That sounds almost like a different singer. Strong, confident, powerful, as opposed to the sound we get today. I miss the old Bon Jovi to be honest. Btw, Jeff's solo on this one is badass.

Now critics aside, let me comment on something I actually LOVE on this album. The song Miracle. HAVE you seen the music video? The hair! The bikes! I'm dead. So perfect all of it. Miracle is a power ballad obviously, but the whole vibe of it and the accordion give it a different feel than regular Bon Jovi ballads. It's a beautiful song, Jon wrote it all on his own (props) and it really reminds you that he does (or at least did) have a very strong and powerful voice. A voice capable of making one a rock legend. Which clearly he is despite the fact that some of his rock reminds me more of ''bubblegum pop''. Is like pop metal a thing? If they were ''metals'' back in the 80's (what kinda weird world was that, Bon Jovi metal? I may roll over on the floor laughing my behind off) and now they're....whatever they are...pop metal or metal pop could be just the term for them.

I actually got the term ''pussy rock'' or ''Kuschel rock'' from a friend of mine that lives in Berlin. He couldn't stand the idea of ''tough Nikki'' that grew up on Motley Crue and Guns N' Roses, the baddest of bad, actually liking Bon Jovi. When I told him I'm going to see them live, gosh when was it, 2010 or 2011, he nearly died laughing. Quite literally. But come on, even tough girls like romance every now and then. And Bon Jovi are just that, hopless romantic, with a pinch of politics and life thrown in between.

Well to put it simply, I think that this album is more Jon having a great time pretending he's a cowboy and the rest of us are just along for the ride. But the ride gets boring after a song or two. I'll tell you what though it has one hell of a cover and inner sleeve art. Sure makes me feel a bit hotter under my collar.

At the end of the day, if you're an obsessed fan like I am, most of the time, or I used to be at least, then you'll like this album and will definatelly want it in your collection, else just get a single vinyl of ''Miracle'' which I hear includes a huge poster. Hell, I'm gonna go hunting for that one right now because honestly, I'm desparate enough for a good poster of young Jon to tape that inner sleeve on my wall if I didn't think that that is utter criminal.

Alright guys, cheers, look after one another till my next post, exams are coming up, final exams before my degree, which is not even in scraps yet. Wish me luck, I'll need it.

''You're looking for salvation, you thought that it'd be shining like an angel's light, well, the angels left this nation and salvation caught the last train out tonight. He lost a hell of a fight.''