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Free Music Notes for DepartureFree Music Review: McCartney ain't leavin' Hit: 5 Stars
If you think you know Jesse McCartney, think again, 'cause this 21 year old former Disney boy did what many believed was almost impossible: he pulled a Justin Timberlake.
Granted, his previous efforts weren't half bad, I'd even say they were underrated, however, this one is a real "departure".
It could have easily turned out to be a desperate JT wannabe's pale copy of Justified. Only it isn't. With the smash hit "Bleeding Love" sung by Leona Lewis, McCartney has already proven himself as a mature writer to critics. His own record, however, the third album "Departure", will really surprise the audience.
The first single "Leavin'" was an excellent choice as it really bridges the gap between pretty boy Jesse and the new, 21 year old R&B singer. With amazing club remixes (the Ralphi Rosario Club Mix in particular) and a killer acoustic version recorded for KISS FM proving McCartney's vocal skills, the song is a solid Billboard Top10 hit.
"Leavin'", however is by far not the only excellent track on the new album. In fact, almost all the tracks have the potential to appeal to different types of people.
The ones that stand out for me personally are songs like "Rock You", which will make the casual fan check the CD cover twice as they will simply not believe they are listening to a Jesse McCartney album. The shock will only be a positive one, though, as Jesse and Sean Garret sell the song as good as anyone could. It is a smash hit.
The almost boybandish (think *N Sync 2008) "How Do You Sleep" with a catchy chorus you'll find yourself humming all day long, is the ultimate "guilty pleasure" on the CD. Rumor has it, it might even be the next single.
"My Baby" is one of McCartney's personal favorites and, although I find it slightly boring, there is a certain flow to the song that makes it worth checking out. It is also one of the most "Justin-like" tracks, but again, it never feels like a cheap copy.
"Relapse" is another surprising song which is not too complex or sophisticated, yet has a certain mood to it, with a midtempo beat that makes it very enjoyable.
"Runnin'" is one of the highlights of "Departure". It is a very well written and performed midtempo song which begs for the "repeat track" function on your mp3 player.
The track that amazed me the most, however, is the one I consider McCartney's best work ever. If he has the guts, he simply has to release "Make Up" as the next single. Granted, this will cause the most controversy and might be too much for the screaming 13 year old "Beautiful Soul" fans. However with the steamy/cheeky lyrics, the irresistible beat fueled by the background vocals ("Uh-hey"), the killer base and the sexy Brazilian chick whispering, this flawlessly produced Kwame club-banger could establish McCartney as the coolest thing since sliced bread. Warning: the song is massively addictive!
Altogether, even with its weaker tracks, McCartney's third album gets a solid "A" on my chart. The only question is, will the media, the market, the fans allow Jesse to grow up. Will people be open enough to give it a try and listen to the album with an open mind forgetting (forgiving?) the blond-dyed Disney-boy past.
If so, Justin Timberlake will have to watch his "sexy back". McCartney ain't "leavin", he's about to "rock you".
Free Music Review: McCartney's Departure Catapults Him to the Top Hit: 5 Stars
Jesse McCartney's latest album Departure is exactly what the title depicts. This new and improved sound from McCartney is a welcomed change from his previous Disney infused music. Don't get me wrong, his earlier albums and songs had an appeal, but Departure blows his previous LP's out of the water.
First on the album is the upbeat and catchy jam "Leavin'", which was the first single off Departure. America has positively responded to the more R&B infused sound "Leavin'" brings to the table, making it the number one song of Summer 2008 with five consecutive weeks atop the Mediabase Top 40 Charts and Radio.
Next up is "It's Over", the second single from McCartney on this LP. "It's Over" is a fan favorite and a song you will often find you have on repeat on your iPod or singing along to loudly in the car. This song's addictive beat and emotionally distinctive lyrics make it one of the stand out songs on the album.
Some other favorites on the album include the happy-go-lucky "How Do You Sleep?" that you can't help but bust a move to, as well as the sultry track "Told You So" that engages your full attention. The R&B beats from "My Baby" and "Relapse" won't disappoint either. They have great dance appeal to them that will get you up off you feet and onto the dance floor. "Runnin'" is another track that harnesses the "it" factor listeners are demanding. Its smooth flow and rhythmic tones are aiming to please.
Overall you can't go wrong with owning this album. There are numerous songs on Departure that everyone can relate to and enjoy, girls and guys. Departure is exactly as it reads and McCartney's new and more mature sound is a huge leap in the right direction.
Free Music Review: Jesse's Best Work Yet Hit: 5 Stars
Jesse McCartney's new album Departure is absolutely the best work he's ever done. The CD introduces a new sound from the pop star that's more striking and catchy than any other material he's put out thus far. Departure definitely separates itself from Jesse's other albums by showcasing a more mature sound with its upbeat R&B influenced songs. The first single off the album, "Leavin'" is this summer's number one hit, reaching the top of numerous charts including radio and billboard. Many of the songs on the CD follow the rhythmic beat of Leavin', but there are also some slower ballads on the album that fans will appreciate who liked his older work. Working on this album with McCartney are some big names in the business. Producers include: Tricky (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Madonna, Mariah Carey), The Dream (Rihanna, Usher, Ciara), The Clutch (Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown), Sean Garrett (Beyonce, Britney Spears, Chris Brown). These producers have helped write numerous hits for the artists listed above. I know for a fact Jesse will have a few more hits under his belt from his new LP Departure. This album certainly sets the bar in Jesse's career, no doubt about it.
Here are some reviews from established music critics: PopJustice.com reviewed the album, and said "Departure repositions McCartney alongside Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown and stands as an exciting, brilliantly produced landmark on the post-'Maneater' pop landscape. While referring to "My Baby", one of the album's tracks, they went on to say "if Michael Jackson was recording 'Off the Wall' in 2008 it would probably sound a bit like this." Chris A Sosa of Musicouch states that "Jesse's Departure...marks a step in the right direction for McCartney".
Free Music Review: Radio Friendly music Hit: 5 Stars
Remember the kid with the floppy blonde hair that was the teen heart-throb of the moment a few years back with the release of Beautiful Soul? Yes, Jesse McCartney is back with his third album called Departure.
There's no doubt that the guy can sing but the album does nothing to prove that he'll have any longevity in today's music scene. The title is deceptive. There's no departure here - there's nothing on offer that can't be generated by every other act today, there's no departure from the flash in the pan appearance of his debut release and there's certainly no departure from blending in with what's currently getting airplay.
He does try his hardest though. He even tries some pop/hip-hop stylings with Rock You featuring Sean Garrett, who has written for everyone who is anyone and has produced more than a few of the tracks. It's a bit bland and it will disappear from your memory before the next song is half over. He does, however, do a better than expected version of Bleeding Love which was penned by himself and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic fame. His attempt has honesty that you can't find on any of the other tracks on the album. Sadly though, next to Leona Lewis, his version pales in comparison.
Overall, the album is full of the fluff and disposable radio fodder with nothing that will make you want to hit the back button. It's great background music if you're having a lazy afternoon with friends. It's simple, it doesn't require thought and if you have teenage sisters, it'll make a great gift - they'll swoon over it. My sisters love me now.
Free Music Review: A More Grown Up Sound Than Before... Hit: 5 Stars
If Jesse wanted to make people realize that he's not the teenager boy from Dreamstreet and the Disney channel that he once was, then I think this album did it for him. It seemed like a lot of reviewers didn't really give him a very good grade on it and while I'm what you might call a female admirer of him because really, I'm crazy about him, I'd like to think I'm more than just some teenybopper fan. I attended a concert of his recently and I wasn't one of the ones running up to the stage and grabbing at him wildly. Ha. I'm a little bit too old for that now.
Not Your Enemy was personally my favorite on this album. It closed out the album perfectly and really showed his vocal abilities. And while I wasn't really crazy about Make Up at first, it's grown on me after listening to it a lot. I also really love Rock You for the beat and what he did with Sean Garrett on it. Freaky, My Baby, and How Do You Sleep are also amazing. Leavin' is a great song but it's just been so overplayed that really you have to check out the other ones and give them a chance.
On a side note, there's apparently a bonus song that can be found on some copies of this album but I did not get it on the very first copy I got through this site called Oxygen, I highly suggest getting your hands on that song if you can. He sang it at the concert I attended and it was incredible.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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