Why I Dislike Justin Bieber

I'm going to tell you a secret but you can't tell anyone. I'm dead serious, Justin Bieber is one of the worlds worse singers. He thinks he is cool enough to have a movie, thinks he is a good singer/musician and thinks that he is so amazing that he doesn't have to arrive on time for his shows. He has supposedly been compared to Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake and has young waiting for him because ' If he was their boyfriend, he would never let them go'. 

I was watching T.V the other day, when my younger brother changed the channel. " I will never say never" said the T.V. My brother had changed the channel to the Justin Bieber Movie - Never Say Never. What I don't understand is why Justin Bieber of all people needs a movie made about him. I find it ridiculous that teenage girls actually would wait 2 days in line to just say 'Hello' to him. His movie was so cheesy it was untrue. It was like they had stuck Jedward in cave and filmed their activity for two days - it was that bad! 

Apart from the fact that he has a movie made about him, I also hate his music. 

Here's a video to show that Bieber is a fool: 

The Groove Effect

I had a bit of a revamp and my younger sister helped me revamp my blog and it now looks cooler than ever.

Don't call it Mateus Honrado's Music Blog, now called The Groove Effect.

The domain is no longer mateushonradomusicblog.blogspot.com, it has now renamed as thegrooveeffect.blogspot.com.

Poster acts for...

Here's the acts I consider to be the "poster acts" for genres:

A

• Alternative rock: R.E.M.
• Art rock: Roxy Music and Kate Bush

B

• Britpop: Blur, Oasis and Suede

C

• Contemporary R&B: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly and Boyz II Men

E

• Emo: Sunny Day Real Estate, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Weezer

F

• Folk rock: Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan
• Funk rock: Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Funk metal: Faith No More

G

• Glam rock: David Bowie, T. Rex, David Essex
• Glam metal: Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Van Halen and Twisted Sister
• Gothic rock: The Cure, The Cult, Joy Division and Siouxie and the Banshees
• Gothic metal: Evanescence, HIM, Nightwish, Within Temptation and Lacuna Coil
• Groove metal: Sepultura and Pantera
• Grunge: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains

H

• Hard rock: Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith
• Heartland rock: Bruce Springsteen
• Heavy metal: Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Scorpions

I

• Indie rock: The Smiths
• Industrial: Robert Fripp, Coil and Depeche Mode
• Industrial pop: Depeche Mode
• Industrial rock: Nine Inch Nails
• Industrial metal: Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson

N

• Nu metal: Korn, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Staind and Slipknot

P

• Pop rock: The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Bee Gees
• Power pop: Cheap Trick
• Power pop revival: Weezer and fun.
• Post-punk: U2, Joy Division

R

• Reggae: Bob Marley
• Reggae fusion: No Doubt
• Reggae rap: Shaggy
• Reggae revival: UB40

T

• Teen pop: (80s) New Kids on the Block, New Edition, (90s) Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears
• Thrash metal: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax

V

• Visual kei: Malice Mizer and X Japan

Albums in Development Limbo

Some musical acts record albums, but the albums are then rejected by record labels and put into development limbo. You can find a similar one on this link.

Here's 20 examples of albums in development limbo:

1. Angels Advocate by Mariah Carey

Depending on the success of her 2009 album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, Carey began recording material for what could have been a "part two" album Angels Advocate, which was supposed to comprise new material, outtakes, remixes of the songs. 

The album spanned two singles (which were remixed versions of the songs from the previous album) "Up Out My Face" featuring then-unknown Nicki Minaj and "Angels Cry" featuring Ne-Yo. However Memoirs flopped, which resulted to the cancellation of the album and the worldwide releases of the two singles. Still it appears on Last FM.

This is the book cover.

2. Black Gold by Jimi Hendrix


Prior to his death in 1970, Hendrix recorded an album called Black Gold and gave the tapes to drummer Mitch Mitchell to let him listen. However, the location of the tapes were unknown with rumours that it was stolen, until 1992, when a fan interviewed Mitchell at his house.

It's likely that Black Gold will be released in full in the near future, as one song "Suddenly November Morning" appeared in the 2010 greatest hits album West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology.

3. Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses

The hard rock band Guns N' Roses began working on the follow-up to the 1993 cover album "The Spaghetti Incident?" and the double-album Use Your Illusion in 1998. 

The album was going to be the first to include the new line-up of the band consisting of frontman Axl Rose, new guitarist Robin Finck (better known as the guitarist for Nine Inch Nails), new rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias, new bassist Tommy Stinson, new drummer Josh Freese, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and new keyboardist Chris Pitman. 

The line-up only lasted until 2000, when Finck was replaced by experimental guitarist Buckethead and then Freese replaced by Primus drummer Bryan Mantia. The line-up wouldn't last either when Finck returned a few months later and Tobias replaced by Richard Fortus. Plus Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal replaced Buckethead in 2005.

In 2006, the penultimate line-up change happened when Mantia quit and was replaced by Frank Ferrer and Finck left the band in 2007, with the final line-up for Chinese Democracy becoming: Rose, Bumblefoot, Tobias, Stinson, Ferrer, Pitman and Reed.

Not only that the album was delayed several times and the industrial rock-influenced album was almost unreleased. However it was finally released on November 2008 to mixed to positive reviews. Also it is indeed banned in China.

This is the single cover.

4. Cigarettes and Valentines by Green Day

Punk revivalists Green Day began recording the follow-up to the 2000 folk-heavy Warning in 2003. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong said that the album would mark a return to their punk rock roots from Kerplunk and Insomniac. As the album was almost complete, the master tapes comprising of 20 songs recorded for the album were stolen, which Green Day finally said it was a blessing in disguise. 

Although backup tapes of the 20 songs exist, bassist Mike Dirnt said the album wasn't maximum Green Day. Indeed it was a blessing in disguise, as the band later recorded the punk rock opera American Idiot in late 2004. 

Eventually songs from the scrapped album have been performed by the band recently. Even the song "Cigarettes and Valentines" saw an official release on the 2010 live album Awesome as F*** and was released as a promo single. Let's just say the album will finally be released via backup tapes in the near future.

5. Dahlia by X Japan

The influential Japanese rock band began recording their latest album in June 1993. Instead of doing a full album in 1994, the band released seven singles to lead the album during the three years. The reason why the album only had ten songs was because guitarist and founder Yoshiki suffered a neck injury during a concert.

It was finally released in November 1996 to positive reviews. Despite being a ballad album, the album spanned four number-ones and it was the last to feature guitarist hide before his 1998 death.

This is not the official album cover. It appeared in this link.

6. Detox by Dr. Dre

Detox was intended to be the rapper-turned-producer's final album before focusing on hip hop production. The highly-anticipated follow-up to 2001 began recording in 2000, then it was delayed several times. 

The album was almost completed in time for a 2010 release, with "I Need a Doctor" becoming a hit. However the album is still in limbo since Dr. Dre has focused on more hip hop production.

Still "I Need a Doctor" remains as Dr. Dre's last successful solo single to date. However to satisfy fans, he has released some of the songs from the album-in-limbo on his mixtape series The Detox Chroniclez.

This is the cover of the 1998 B-sides bootlegged album. It appeared in this link.

7. G-Sides by Garbage

After completing the Version 2.0 tour, Garbage compiled the B-sides for their compilation album, however Interscope's acquisition of Almo, resulted the album to be scrapped. Prior to this, fans have done a B-sides compilation called The G-Side Collection in 1998. One fan has even put the 1995-1996 B-sides on a video, found on YouTube.

This is not the official album cover. It appeared in this link.

8. Jumping Trains by JoJo

Who could forget JoJo? Her third album Jumping Trains (originally called All I Want Is Everything) was intended for a 2010 release, however label disputes with Blackground resulted the album to be in development limbo several times. During this time, JoJo recorded two mixtapes to satisfy fans who eagerly waited for the new album.

I probably doubt that the new JoJo album will ever come out since the ongoing Blackground feud.

This is not the official album cover. It appeared in this link.

9. Korn Kovers by Korn 

The highly-anticipated cover album by the nu metal band began recording in 2005, but it was scrapped by the band in favor of Korn III five years later.

10. Lifehouse by The Who

You didn't realise that "Won't Get Fooled Again" appeared on this scrapped album. The Who recorded this rock opera in 1971, but some songs appeared in Who's Next and Who Are You in 1978. However guitarist Pete Townshend never gave up hope when Lifehouse was finally first heard as a radio play on BBC Radio 1 in 1999, to be followed by a six-disc box set consisting of the songs that were intended under the name Lifehouse Chronicles.

11. The Lillywhite Sessions by Dave Matthews Band

This album-in-limbo made an unofficial release in March 2001. Jazz rock band Dave Matthews Band began recording the follow-up to Before These Crowded Streets in winter 1999 with producer Steve Lillywhite. However the album was scrapped by the band themselves after a falling out with Lillywhite. 

They later recorded the replacement album Everyday in ten days. After fans were unhappy with Everyday, the scrapped album was leaked by a fan in March 2001. After the leak, fans were happy the usual DMB sound appearing on the album, also critics praised too. Even the band began performing songs from the scrapped album.

Nine of the songs would later be recorded for the 2002 album Busted Stuff.

12. Lost Sirens by New Order

Influential synthpop band New Order began recording Waiting for Sirens' Call in during the year of 2003 and 2004. Songs that made it were the hits "Krafty", "Jetstream" and the title track. Only seven songs failed to make it on the 2005 album (the first with the second line-up, synth guitarist Gillian Gilbert left after marrying drummer Stephen Morris and was replaced by Phil Cunningham), including "Hellbent". 

The seven songs plus the remix of album song "I Told You So" was going to be released into their ninth album Lost Sirens in 2007, but the band broke up after bassist Peter Hook departed. However, "Hellbent" made it on the joint greatest hits album with predecessor Joy Division, titled Total in 2011.

The band finally reunited in the same year with Gilbert returning plus Bad Lieutenant (spiritual successor to New Order with frontman Bernard Sumner, Cunningham and Morris as the members) bassist Tom Chapman. The album was going to be released in 2012, but to legal issues, it finally released this year.

13. Made in Heaven by Queen

British rock band Queen began recording Made in Heaven in January, months before frontman Freddie Mercury's death from AIDS. Mercury recorded vocals for the album and gave the band an instruction to complete the album after his death. The vocal parts of the album was completed in June of the same year, with Mercury spending his final months.

After his death in November, the band planned to complete the album in 1992, but the memorial concert took place on the same year and the band began to complete it the following year in their Montreux studio. It was finally completed on 1995 and the album came out on November of the same year, to critical and commercial success.

This is the cover of their compilation album Conventional Weapons.

14. MCR5 by My Chemical Romance

Emo-goth band My Chemical Romance began recording their follow-up to their 2010 glam rock-inspired Danger Days in February 2012 with new drummer Jarrod Alexander for a 2013 release. In order to satisfy fans, the band released two unreleased songs every month from October of the same year as part of their compilation Conventional Weapons. 

After the final A-side single released from the album in early February, the band abruptly broke up the following month, which means that MCR5 will never be released unless the band reunites in the near future, which is still a possibility.

15. Peace by The Cult


Gothic rock band The Cult began recording their third album Peace in 1986, however the band was unsatisfied with the result and decided to hire a new producer, which they choose the legendary record producer Rick Rubin. 


Rubin helped to change their sound from gothic rock to hard rock. With this, they re-recorded "Love Removal Machine" and the album eventually became Electric in 1987. It became a critical and commercial success.

Peace would be in development limbo until 2000 when it was finally released as the third disc of Rare Cult box set. It would be released with Electric in 2013 as Electric Peace.

16. Shinwa by Malice Mizer

Influential visual kei band Malice Mizer began recording their follow-up to their major label debut Merveilles in autumn 1998, however lead singer Gackt left the band in January 1999, the band left Nippon Columbia and returned to their own record label Midi:Nette, also tragedy struck when drummer Kami died of a cerebral haemorrhage on June 21 of the same year, aged 27. 

The songs recorded for the intended follow-up eventually became an EP/video album named Shinwa, which was released the following year as a tribute to the drummer. Then the band soon changed their image from a goth-glam look to more funeral goth look in their next album Bara no Seidou with new lead singer Klaha.

17. Smile by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys recorded this avant-garde pop album in the period of 1966 and 1967. The album was scheduled for a Spring 1967, however due to lead singer Brian Wilson's battle with paranoid during recording caused the album to be shelved, also resulting the departure of Van Dyke Parks. 
Still some of the songs would appear in the replacement album Smiley Smile. The album was later revived into a Brian Wilson solo album in 2004 to critical acclaim.

The album was finally released as The Smile Sessions, still retaining the cover intended for the album in 2011, to universal critical acclaim and is considered by most fans as The Beach Boys' greatest work.

18. Songs from the Black Hole by Weezer

Power pop band Weezer began recording a rock opera follow-up to their 1994 breakthrough self-titled debut in later that same year. But due to frontman Rivers Cuomo suffering from writer's block in 1995, caused this album to be scrapped and some of the songs would later appear in the Madame Butterfly influenced album Pinkerton, which was released in 1996 to lukewarm critical and commercial performance though in recent years, it has been critically acclaimed. 

Some of the songs would later appear in Cuomo's solo album series Alone and the deluxe edition to Pinkerton in 2010. The album has appeared in Last FM and fans have made their versions of the albums too.

Let's hope that this album is Weezer's Smile and that it will finally be released.

19. Togetherland by Seal

British pop-soul singer Seal began recording the follow-up to the 1998 album Human Being in 2001, however his record label Warner was unsatisfied which caused Seal to record his third self-titled album. Still one song from the album, did get released, which was "This Could Heaven". Seal has since put the scrapped album in a vault.

20. Untitled by Shirley Manson

Garbage lead singer Shirley Manson began recording her debut solo album in 2006 after the band took a break. Several people collaborated with her on the album, even her Garbage bandmate Butch Vig did the drumming. 

The album was scheduled to be released on 2007, however the greatest hits album Absolute Garbage was released the same year and it was postponed to the following year. But her record label Geffen rejected it, leading Manson to quit music in 2009, leaving Garbage's future in doubt. However, she changed her mind later that year and Garbage was reunited in 2010.

But the solo album's status is now "dead", as confirmed by Manson in January 2012. We may never know how her debut album sounded like, however three demos from the album have been released on her Facebook profile.

Magnum Opus, Breakthrough Albums, Signature Songs, Greatest Work, Most Successful Singles and Most Successful Albums of ...

Here's my list of albums, singles and songs than can be seen in the article on the top.

• Garbage: Garbage (magnum opus), Garbage (breakthrough album), "Stupid Girl" or "Only Happy When It Rains" (signature songs), "Only Happy When It Rains" (greatest work), "Push It" (most successful single), Version 2.0 (most successful album)
• U2: The Joshua Tree (magnum opus), War (breakthrough album), "I Will Follow", "With or Without You", "One", "Beautiful Day" or "Sunday, Bloody, Sunday" (signature songs), "One" (greatest work), "Mysterious Ways" (most successful single), The Joshua Tree (most successful album)

Under construction

The Eighties: A Decade of Music

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The Seventies: A Decade of Music

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The Sixties: A Decade of Music

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The Fifties: A Decade of Music

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The Noughties: A Decade of Music

The Noughties was also a big decade of music alongside with the Nineties. This decade revived synthpop, launching several careers and talent musicians. This decade had the decline of nu metal and the rise of emo.

Coming soon: The Fifties, the Sixties, the Seventies and the Eighties: Decades of Music, which will serve as prequels to my articles: This ones and the one before it, the Nineties.

2000

• David Crosby is revealed to be the father of Melissa Ethelridge and her civil partner Julie Cypher's two children, as revealed by Rolling Stone.
• Latin rock band Santana gets eighth heaven at the Grammys.
• Metallica sues Napster after their demo version of the song "I Disappear" was leaked on the then-P2P service.
• Prince ditches the unpronounceable symbol after his contract with Warner-Chappell is expired.
• Sinead O'Connor comes out as lesbian, however three years later, she changes her mind  and officially confirms herself as bisexual.
• Eminem goes Slim Shady with The Marshall Mathers LP.
• Protest metal band Rage Against the Machine breaks up shortly after Tim Commerford's reactions of the band's loss of winning the Best Rock Video in the VMAs.
• EMI almost merges with Warner Music Group, however it is quickly withdrawn.
• Linkin Park releases their debut album Hybrid Theory, which would become the best-selling nu metal album of all time a year later.
• Napster changes from P2P service to download service after the lawsuit from Metallica.
• Radiohead goes Kid A.
• The Smashing Pumpkins breaks up.
• Madonna marries Guy Richie.
• Spice Girls go on indefinite hiatus.
• Ian Dury dies.

2001

• The iTunes media player is introduced on January, few months later, the iPod is launched, reviving the popularity of Apple Inc.
• Jason Newsted departs Metallica after his idea for the band to go on a two-year hiatus fails.
• Backstreet Boys teams up with *NSYNC at the American Music Awards.
• Manic Street Preachers becomes the first western band to perform in Cuba.
• Kiss classic line-up bows out with Eric Singer replaces Peter Criss, but retaining the "Catman" makeup.
• Mariah Carey signs to Virgin, however due to the failure of Glitter, she leaves Virgin several months later with a sum of $28 million.
• Legendary punk rock band Bad Religion part company with Atlantic, returning to their own label Epitaph.
• R&B singer Aaliyah dies in a plane crash after filming "Rock the Boat".
• After 9/11, Clear Channel puts 165 songs in a list of "lyrically questionable" songs. They are not banned, however.
• Janet Jackson releases her comeback album All for You.
• Michael Jackson releases his comeback album Invincible.
• Garbage goes pop with Beautiful Garbage.
• No Doubt goes reggae with Rock Steady.
• Malice Mizer goes on a indefinite hiatus with several members focusing on side projects, after nine years of success.
• ELO reforms.
• George Harrison dies.

2002

• U2 pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 with a critically-acclaimed performance at the Super Bowl.
• Industrial death metal band Fear Factory dissolve.
• Layne Staley from Alice in Chains dies of an overdose.
• TLC becomes a duo after Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes dies in a car accident.
• Graham Coxon leaves Blur.
• American Idol is aired.
• Nu metal begins to decline due to Korn's Untouchables having a sales decrease.
• BMG buys Zomba.
• Roxette frontwoman Marie Fredriksson is diagnosed with brain cancer, she would later recover.
• Rap rock pioneers Run-D.M.C. break up after turntablist Jam Master Jay is shot dead.
• Girls Aloud is formed.
• Fergie joins Black Eyed Peas.
• Joe Strummer dies.

2003

• Legendary music producer Phil Spector is arrested for the murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson.
• ITV special Living with Michael Jackson becomes a ratings hit with over 53 million viewers watching.
• The Station nightclub is destroyed by fire during a performance of hard rock band Great White.
• Celine Dion begins her five-year residency A New Day...
• Luther Vandross releases Dancing with My Father.
• S Club breaks up, with several members focusing on solo careers.
• MuchMusic USA becomes Fuse.
• Madonna kisses Britney at the VMAs.
• Billy Corgan's post-Pumpkins side project Zwan breaks up.
• Evanescence's debut album Fallen becomes a hit, few months later, guitarist Ben Moody leaves the band, later becoming a successful songwriter. This would be followed by David Hodges.
• Limp Bizkit releases genre-shifting Results May Vary, which alienates critics and fans.
• Napster officially becomes a legal service.
• Michael Jackson is arrested for suspected child molestation.
• No Doubt releases their greatest hits album The Singles: 1992-2003, preceded by "It's My Life".
• Pink Floyd briefly reunite at the funeral of their manager
• In the Zone becomes Britney's fourth number one album in the Billboard 200.
• Take a Look at the Mirror becomes the last album to feature Korn's classic lineup.
• Mick Jagger is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
• Johnny Cash releases his critically acclaimed version of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt". This becomes his last successful single in his lifetime and dies of a broken heart few months later.

2004

• Janet Jackson's breast is exposed during her Super Bowl performance with Justin Timberlake, causing a wardrobe malfunction and MTV blacklisting her. Her album Damita Jo, does not become successful in the States.
• Billy Corgan blames D'Arcy Wretzky and James Iha for the break-up of The Smashing Pumpkins.
• Brian McFadden leaves Westlife.
• Madonna does re-inventing for her Re-Invention Tour.
• Jam band Phish breaks up.
• Post-grunge band Creed breaks up until 2009.
• The Prodigy returns with Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned.

50 Other Power Ballads You Must Listen Before You Die

Under construction

Cover Versus Original

Are covers of songs better than the original or the original are better than the cover. Here's some examples I chose for the article:

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers vs. All Saints - "Under the Bridge"

Red Hot Chili Peppers: The pop-alternative ballad "Under the Bridge" became Red Hot Chili Peppers' biggest hit and signature song besides the rap rock-meets-funk "Give It Away" in 1992, thanks to heavy rotation of the music video on MTV and the song crossed over to American pop radio. It has since become one of the greatest songs of the 90s.

All Saints: Girl group All Saints took a R&B twist on the ballad plus sampling the beginning guitar instrumental from the original song with some pauses. This song became one of their biggest hits in 1998, however the Red Hot Chili Peppers gave a mixed review of the cover, praising the sound, but criticizing the omission of the last lyric, which referred to drug use.


Verdict: The original version wins. Nuff said.

2. Don McLean vs. Madonna - "American Pie"

Don McLean: This patriotic ballad became McLean's signature song and magnum opus and became a number-one in his native America in 1971. Not only that, this 8.5-minute ballad is about the famous 1959 plane crash which killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, known as "The Day That Music Died". 

Madonna: Madonna recorded this song as the lead single for her 2000 critically derided film The Next Best Thing, it eventually became a number one hit in the United Kingdom and a Top 30 hit in her native America. Don McLean has praised the cover saying it was a "gift from a goddess" and that her version is "mystical and sensual". Due to the success of the song, it eventually became a last-minute addition to the international tracklist of her album Music, however in a 2001 BBC Radio 1 interview, she expressed regret of adding the song to the album and at her request, the song was not added her greatest hits album GHV2.

Verdict: Well Madonna's version is maybe more recognisable, but it's McLean's version that is more recognisable in the adult contemporary charts.

3. The Who vs. Limp Bizkit - "Behind Blue Eyes"

The Who: "Behind Blue Eyes" was intended for the Lifehouse rock opera, however Lifehouse was scrapped and the songs recorded for the rock opera were included in Who's Next and  other albums. The song became an Top 40 hit in the United States and set blueprints for ethereal wave, evidenced by the opening.

Limp Bizkit: After their first three nu metal-influenced albums, Limp Bizkit took a step further after their guitarist Wes Borland departed and was replaced by Mike Smith, they released the genre-changing Results May Vary, which unsatisfied critics. Their 2004 cover of "Behind Blue Eyes" was criticised by Allmusic, calling it "boneheaded". However, their music video received critical praise as it was released to promote Gothika starring Halle Berry.

Verdict: Well Limp Bizkit's version is popular in modern rock stations, but it's The Who that is more common.

4. Talk Talk vs. No Doubt - "It's My Life"

Talk Talk: "It's My Life" became Talk Talk's most successful hit, charting at #13 in their native United Kingdom. The music video is mostly of wildlife footage, also the lead singer Mark Hollis does not sing, instead he keeps his mouth shut with early CGI hiding his mouth due to against the commonplace on lipsynching in music videos. 

No Doubt: No Doubt recorded a cover of this as a farewell single before their indefinite hiatus. This song was different to the original version as it had more dance-rock feel than the synthpop feel. 


Verdict: Talk Talk's version may have been recognisable in the Eighties, but it's No Doubt's version that wins this round as it was a better hit than Talk Talk.

Bernie Nolan Loses Cancer Battle At 52

Singer and actress Bernie Nolan has passed away at the age of 52 after a three year battle with breast cancer.

Nolan, who was known as the lead singer of the Irish girl group The Nolans, died earlier today at her house with her family by her side. 

A spokesperson for the family said:

Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister; she is irreplaceable. They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Bernie and her sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen and Linda formed the girl group in 1974 as The Nolan Sisters, however despite Denise's departure a year before, their big break finally came in 1979 when their single "I'm In the Mood for Dancing" became a Top 10 hit in their native Ireland, United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Netherlands. It eventually became a number one hit in Japan. 

After the success of the single, Anne left and their sister Coleen joined and the band renamed themselves as The Nolans. The group released successful singles and album in the UK and Ireland, however they were big in Japan, as their albums sold more successfully than their native Ireland. Anne soon returned to the group in 1982.

The band soon suffered departures: Linda departing in 1983, Coleen departing in 1993 and Bernie departing in 1994.

After an unsuccessful line-up comprising of Anne, Maureen, Anne's daughter Amy and unrelated singer Julia Duckworth, The Nolans split up in 2005, however the classic line-up reunited without Anne and Denise for a tour and a new album in 2009.

Bernie would later finish second in Popstar to Operastar in 2010, but soon after that, was diagnosed with breast cancer. After being in remission in October 2010, the cancer came back  in February 2012 and grew aggressively.

Her parents Tommy and Maureen predeceased her. She is survived by her sisters Anne, Maureen, Coleen, Denise and Linda, her brothers Tommy and Brian, her husband Steve Doneathy, her daughter, her nieces Amy (from Anne) and Ciara (from Coleen) and her nephews Shane and Jake (both from Coleen).

50 Power Ballads You Must Listen Before You Die

This is my list of the 50 power ballads you must listen before you die. Power ballads are usually rock or pop ballads with anthemic, emotional, torch song-styled or powerful lyrics.

Coming soon: Another 50 Power Ballads You Must Listen Before You Die

1. "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses (1992): From the successful Use Your Illusion double album, this nine-minute ballad starts off as a soft rock song, then the song later becomes a hard rock song. This song ends with an haunting guitar riff from Slash.



2. "Disarm" by The Smashing Pumpkins (1994): From their breakthrough Siamese Dream, this power ballad has very emotional, yet powerful vocals from Billy Corgan.

3. "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. "Changes" by Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne
5. "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson
6. "You Look So Fine" by Garbage
7. "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
8. "Wherever You Will Go" by The Calling
9. "Angels" by Robbie Williams
10. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
11. "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam
12. "One" by U2
13. "Nothing Really Matters" by Metallica
14. "Rain" by Guano Apes
15. "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men
16. "Lovesong" by The Cure
17. "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
18. "My Immortal" by Evanescence
19. "The Only Exception" by Paramore
20. "Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)" by Skunk Anansie
21. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
22. "Always" by Bon Jovi
23. "Is This Love" by Whitesnake
24. "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
25. "Wind of Change" by Scorpions
26. "In the End" by Linkin Park
27. "Hold My Hand" by Hootie and the Blowfish
28. "Cool" by Gwen Stefani
29. "California King Bed" by Rihanna
30. "Who Knew" by Pink
31. "The Power of Love" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
32. "Hero" by Mariah Carey
33. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
34. "Linger" by The Cranberries
35. "Coma White" by Marilyn Manson
36. "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West
37. "The Best" by Tina Turner
38. "The Girl From Ipanema" by Astrid Gilberto
39. "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal
40. "Bump N' Grind" by R. Kelly
41. "Creep" by Stone Temple Pilots
42. "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
43. "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
44. "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera
45. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
46. "Live to Tell" by Madonna
47. "Stranger in Moscow" by Michael Jackson
48. "2 Become 1" by Spice Girls
49. "Back for Good" by Take That
50. "Flying Without Wings" by Westlife

How "Born in the U.S.A" Became Springsteen's Magnum Opus

Since today is Independence Day in the States, I've decided to do an article on Bruce Springsteen's 1984 best-selling album Born in the U.S.A.

Fresh from making Nebraska, the darkly album that started out as a demo album, Springsteen was asked by Paul Schrader to compose music for his film Born in the U.S.A. After this, Springsteen had already completed "Vietnam" for Nebraska but decided against adding the song for the album as the song was less darker than the other songs. Soon after this, the film was put on hold and Springsteen decided to do an album inspired by the film's title, which the album would have a patriotic concept. 

Recording of the album unofficially began on January 1982, when Springsteen decided to add the Nebraska outtake "Cover Me" and "I'm on Fire" to the then-developed album. Springsteen officially began recording the album with his band The E Street Band in The Power Station during April, recording the songs "Born in the U.S.A." (an outtake of Nebraska), "Darlington County", "Working on the Highway" (based on the Nebraska demo "Child Bride"), "Downbound Train" (another outtake of Nebraska), "I'm Goin' Down" and "Glory Days".

By mid-1982, the album was recorded over three months before Nebraska was released. In May 1983, Springsteen relocated to The Hit Factory, recording the song "My Hometown". During the final months of recording, he recorded "No Surrender" and "Bobby Jean". 

Just before the album had finished recording in time for the release, Springsteen recorded "Dancing in the Dark". Originally "No Surrender" was not going to be in the album, however Springsteen changed his mind.

The album officially became the first compact disc album to be made in the United States as previous CD releases from Springsteen's label Columbia were imported from Japan.

The album was promoted with the lead single "Dancing in the Dark", released on May 4, 1984. The single became an instant hit and became a number two hit in his native United States. The album officially came out exactly a month later debuting at #9 in the US, then quickly topped on July 7, only to be slid to #2 in the following August. After spending 18 weeks at number 2, the album topped the charts for three weeks, making it his most successful album and one of the best selling albums of all time.

The second single "Cover Me" was released on late July and peaked at #7 in the USA. "Born in the U.S.A" became another hit, peaked at #9. "I'm on Fire" and "Glory Days" also became Top 10 hits, peaking at #6 and #5 respectively. The following two singles, "I'm Goin' Down" and "My Hometown", despite a lack of a music video, peaked at #9 and #6 respectively. "No Surrender" peaked at #40 in the mainstream rock charts. Remixes of "Dancing in the Dark" and "Cover Me" peaked at #7 and #11 in the dance charts, respectively.

The album stayed in the Top 10 for 84 consecutive weeks, which satisfied Springsteen. The music videos from the album also became popular too. The album recieved critical praise and has been considered by some critics as one of the greatest albums of all time.

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Music Acts Can Act Too!

There are a lot of music acts (bands and singers) that have had careers as actors and actresses. Here's some examples:

• Gavin Rossdale: Known as the lead singer of the post-grunge band Bush, Rossdale has appeared in some roles, such as playing Balthazar in the supernatural thriller Constantine and goth rocker turned suspected murderer Dante in an episode of Criminal Minds.
• Jared Leto: Before forming the alternative rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, Leto made his name in acting, playing in the 90's teen drama series My So-Called Life. Leto has balanced his music career and acting career. 
• Shirley Manson: Appeared in The Sarah Connor Chronicles
• Gwen Stefani: Appeared in The Aviator.

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Review: Singles by No Doubt and Garbage

This is my review of No Doubt and Garbage' singles discographies. This is a review of all of their singles from their debut to the most recent. This excludes solo singles and B-sides but includes the non-single songs "World Go 'Round", "Making Out", "Medication" and "Cup of Coffee".

No Doubt

• "Trapped in a Box" from No Doubt (released: February 25, 1992)

The song is a new wave-esque song influenced by The Specials with a rocky beat from Tom Dumont. This debut single never charted which resulted them to be dropped by Interscope after the failure of No Doubt.

This single sounds more like a novelty song as if someone would see from a Disney film. I didn't like the lyrics nor Gwen's vocals but I did like the music. I give the song 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video of "Trapped in a Box": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DccmKKnizFY

• "Squeal" from The Beacon Street Collection (released: May 12, 1995)

"Squeal" is a punk rock/ska-influenced song which includes a keyboard element from then-keyboardist Eric Stefani.

The song is the one that served as the prototype for the usual No Doubt sound, Gwen's near-soprano/punkish lyrics. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Squeal": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYvKXKZhFgs

• "Doghouse" from The Beacon Street Collection (released: January 12, 1995)

"Doghouse" is a ska-meets-pop influenced song with funky/hard rocking guitar rhythms from Tom Dumont and Tony Kanal. 

This song is more like the usual No Doubt song. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Doghouse": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umutwsgrp-w

• "Just a Girl" from Tragic Kingdom (released: September 21, 1995)

"Just a Girl" is a punk rock meets new wave song with alternative rock twist. This song is very feminist with anthemic vocals from Gwen Stefani.

The video of the song marked Gwen's famous look during Tragic Kingdom: Platinum blonde hair, red lips, arched eyebrows and a bindi in her forehead. I enjoyed this song and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Just a Girl": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHzOOQfhPFg

• "Spiderwebs" from Tragic Kingdom (released: November 19, 1995)

"Spiderwebs" is a reggae punk song with Gwen's punchy lyrics, Tom Dumont's Hendrix-esque guitar work, Tony Kanal's funking bass and Adrian Young's aggressive drumming. This song sounds like a Blondie outtake but No Doubt covered it to look like as if they recorded it first.

This song is like their usual, but it's not better than "Just a Girl". I give this song 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Spiderwebs": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZktNItwexo

• "Don't Speak" from Tragic Kingdom (released: April 15, 1996)

"Don't Speak" is No Doubt's first ballad. This song is about Gwen Stefani's breakup with bassist Tony Kanal. their signature song. I like this song and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Don't Speak": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR3Vdo5etCQ

• "Excuse Me Mr." from Tragic Kingdom (released: August 21, 1996)

"Excuse Me Mr." is a ska grunge song with heavier guitar work. I did like it but it wasn't the best, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Excuse Me Mr.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it1aZBPuH4w

• "Happy Now?" from Tragic Kingdom (released: January 20, 1997)

"Happy Now?" is a pop punk meets ska meets alt-rock song. The song is kinda less aggressive and is more pop and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Happy Now?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS4_k4RywdY

• "Sunday Morning" from Tragic Kingdom (released: May 27, 1997)

"Sunday Morning" is an reggae punk song that starts out as clean, but it later gets harder. I like the song and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Sunday Morning": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBX-ESFDF0 

• "Oi to the World" from A Very Special Christmas 3 (released: September 23, 1997)

"Oi to the World" is a cover of The Vandals' Christmas song. I haven't heard of the original, but this song is one true punk rock song. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Oi to the World": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLExwIQKto 

• "Hey You!" from Tragic Kingdom (released: February 23, 1998)

"Hey You!" is a psychedelic meets alternative song. This song kinda has dark lyrics but is more softer. I have mixed feelings for this song and I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hey You!": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uKQicNbppc 

• "World Go 'Round" from Tragic Kingdom (should have been released: November 12, 1998)

"World Go 'Round" starts as a soft rock song, but it soon becomes a reggae fusion song. I enjoy this song and this song should have been a single because it's utterly freaking good. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "World Go 'Round": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gCbgRrbqvM 

• "New" from Music from the Motion Picture Go (later included in Return of Saturn, released: May 1999)

"New" is a Blondie-influenced song which is very different from their ska punk songs. The video showed Gwen in a glam punk meets Gothic Lolita make up, which is more common in visual kei bands in Japan, which would foreshadow her solo career. I enjoyed the song because this song can be very dark. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the 12-rated, uncut version of the video for "New": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtStjGHttGM

Watch the PG-rated, shortened version of the video for "New": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcj-H9xWvIs

• "Ex-Girlfriend" from Return of Saturn (released: May 2, 2000)

"Ex-Girlfriend" starts off with a flamenco song, but it soon grows aggressive with a punk-new wave fusion. The verses are more like rapping than singing. This song is a bit more punkish. The video is inspired by the controversial anime film Kite. This song is one of the most popular songs they ever recorded and I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Ex-Girlfriend": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yqru5UXWGY

• "Simple Kind of Life" from Return of Saturn (released: June 13, 2000)

"Simple Kind of Life" is the sequel to "Don't Speak", this time referring to Gwen's then-failing relationship with Gavin Rossdale. I think this song is very emotional and it is more a pop song than a rock song, something that Gwen would do in her solo career, a few years later. This song could be a good song to play in slow dances or chick flicks and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Simple Kind of Life": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpZJ9EgJho 

• "Bathwater" from Return of Saturn (released: November 14, 2000)

"Bathwater" marks a return to their famous ska punk song. However I didn't really enjoy the sound in the song and ska punk was already dead when this song came out, but I did like Gwen's reggae-influenced vocals, something that would eventually happen in their next album Rock Steady. I give this song 2 out of 5 stars.

Watch the song for "Bathwater": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k_g9hDeOic 

• "Hey Baby" from Rock Steady (featuring Bounty Killer, released: October 29, 2001)

"Hey Baby" marks a turning point in the band's career from a new wave/punk rock/ska band to a reggae fusion band. Though one of Bounty Killer's lyrics "The way you rock your hips, you know it amaze me.", caused controversy, this song is one killer dancing track. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hey Baby": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt1YkGO2Ieo 

• "Hella Good" from Rock Steady (released: April 13, 2002)

"Hella Good" is a Garbage-meets-Madonna-meets-Bambaataa song. This is one killer electronica song and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hella Good": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtTj4cramPM 

• "Underneath It All" from Rock Steady (featuring Lady Saw, released: August 15, 2002)

"Underneath It All" is an UB40/Big Mountain-esque reggae-pop ballad with elements of ska. This song is a bit mellow, yet still I appreciated Lady Saw's vocals. The video showed Gwen singing soon as her makeup begins fade out. I give this song 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Underneath It All": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvuVFHTvdaY 

• "Making Out" from Rock Steady (released: November 2002)

"Making Out" was only released as a promo single in the Philippines. This song is like a Blondie-meets-Eurythmics song, with a bit of disco. I think this song should have been a single internationally. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Making Out": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVK3bNArPNE

• "Running" from Rock Steady (released: July 1, 2003)

"Running" is a synthpop-heavy ballad which has a 8-bit remix influence. It has a strong Depeche Mode influence. This song is about Gwen's reconcilation with Gavin Rossdale, I think. I consider this song as the third and final part of "Don't Speak" trilogy. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Running": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H2l9Lo-jPk 

• "It's My Life" from The Singles 1992-2003 (released: October 30, 2003):

"It's My Life" was originally recorded by Talk Talk, less than two decades later, No Doubt records it. The song is more darker than their original stuff. I actually enjoyed the song because this song could be a new wave classic in the near future. The end of the Forties-esque video was Gwen being executed, with three members she supposedly killed watch her execution, revealing that they faked their own deaths. It was a fitting end to No Doubt before their hiatus the following year, plus this song was a prototype in Gwen Stefani's upcoming solo career. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "It's My Life": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubvV498pyIM 

• "Bathwater (Invincible Overlord remix)" from Bathwater maxi-single (released: April 20, 2004)

"Bathwater" was remixed by guitarist Tom Dumont's side project Invincible Overlord for the UK single release. I think this remixed version is more improved and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Bathwater (Invincible Overlord remix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IWTWTRvPAA 

• "Stand and Deliver" from Push and Shove (Target Deluxe Edition, released: May 2009)

"Stand and Deliver" is a cover of Adam and the Ants classic. This song isn't a good comeback single, though it is very cool. I give it 3 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Stand and Deliver": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV4vrptMwU8

• "Settle Down" from Push and Shove (released: July 16, 2012)

"Settle Down" starts off as a raga rock song but it soon becomes like a Rock Steady-like song. This song is one killer summer track and I think this song is a true comeback to the band after a hiatus of nearly a decade. I give this song 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Settle Down": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb_zZ3xItPI 

• "Push and Shove" from Push and Shove (featuring Major Lazer and Busy Signal, released: August 29, 2012)

"Push and Shove" starts out as a dance-reggae song, then there's a little dubstep which I don't like since I'm critical of the genre itself, however I did enjoy the dancehall influence plus there's a dance-rock anthemic chorus in the song. A good dance song that should have been a very good follow-up to "Settle Down". I give this song 4 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Push and Shove": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hunha8UtqCk 

• "Looking Hot" from Push and Shove (released: November 9, 2012)

"Looking Hot" is a synthpop-reggae song that is like a follow-up to "Hella Good". This song has a huge dance sound. Although the music video was pulled by the band themselves due to fears that it may offend Native Americans due to its themes, I managed to find the video. This song should have been in Rock Steady, I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Looking Hot": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP6sWAlnbzc 

Garbage

• "Vow" from Garbage (released: March 20, 1995)

"Vow" starts off as an indie rock song, but soon after that Shirley Manson's vocals become drone-like. Then the song becomes more like a grunge-esque song. This became Garbage's breakthrough single and I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Vow": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-sIEcChRc 

• "Subhuman" from "Vow" UK CD single (released: August 7, 1995)

"Subhuman" starts out as an industrial, then it soon become a Nine Inch Nails-esque song. I appreciate this song because it is the prototypical version of Garbage's famous electronica-heavy sound. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Subhuman": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8LdXfjzUCY 

• "Only Happy When It Rains" from Garbage (released: September 18, 1995)

"Only Happy When It Rains" starts out as an alternative song, but aggressively becomes a hard rock-meets-grunge song. I really enjoyed the song and it really kick-started Garbage's career. I give the song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Only Happy When It Rains": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdhEx_KLpiI

• "Queer" from Garbage (released: November 20, 1995)

"Queer" is a trip hop-heavy song which has a dark sound. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Queer": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxQdVTjEMF4 

• "Stupid Girl" from Garbage (released: February 5, 1996)

"Stupid Girl" is an alt-rock-meets-electronica song which has a Se7en feel to it. This song is their signature hit and I gives this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Stupid Girl": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ77LOr5MxQ 

• "Supervixen" from Garbage (released: October 1996)

"Supervixen" is a punk revival-meets-grunge song with Smashing Pumpkins-esque theme to it. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Supervixen": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydDXyJ-UZcI 

• "Milk" from Garbage (featuring Tricky in the Wicked remix, released: October 7, 1996)

"Milk" is a electropop ballad with elements of alternative rock, trip hop and electronica. The original version is more like a Bjork song and I give it 3 out of 5 stars. The Siren remixed version however is more like Garbage and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. The version featuring Tricky, however is more downtempo and I give that 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Milk": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEjjdAl05KQ

Watch the video for "Milk (Siren Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk1VZKmLvxM 

Watch the video for "Milk (Wicked Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJghYrrx8fQ

• "#1 Crush" from William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music from the Motion Picture (released: October 29, 1996)

"#1 Crush" is a trip hop-heavy song with rocky elements. The original song is more like a rock song and I give it 4 out of 5. The remixed version has more gothic rock elements and I give it 5 out of 5 stars and this is the version that was theme tune to the Sky1 fantasy drama Hex.

Watch the video for "#1 Crush": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFxVZiCvwkM

Watch the video for "#1 Crush (Nellee Hooper Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJbXjIEP6rM

• "Sleep" from Garbage Video (released: March 17, 1997)

"Sleep" is a haunting piano rock ballad with gothic rock elements. It feels like as a continuation of "#1 Crush". I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Sleep": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lUCz1u48q8 

• "Push It" from Version 2.0 (released: April 20, 1998)

"Push It" is an electronic rock song which has angsty-filled lyrics, followed by a whispering "Push It". This comeback single evolved the band from a trip hop grunge band to more electronic rock band. This song is one killer Garbage hit, but beware, the music video is a bit controversial due to partial nudity. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Push It": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw1nvfQou6I

• "I Think I'm Paranoid" from Version 2.0 (released: July 6, 1998)

"I Think I'm Paranoid" is an alt-electronica song about a person who goes insane. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars. 

Watch the video for "I Think I'm Paranoid": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYhZq1CaX8o 

• "Special" from Version 2.0 (released: October 5, 1998)

"Special" is a synthpop-rock song with some Depeche Mode elements. The song starts out as synthpop but it soon becomes a rock song. The music video foreshadows the podracer scene in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which came out a few months after the single. I give this song 4.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Special": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XneoyanCy6E 

• "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing" from Version 2.0 (released: January 7, 1999)

"The Trick Is to Keep Breathing" is a trip hop-dream pop ballad with string instruments. The song starts out as a Ray of Light-esque song but it soon becomes the sequel to "Milk". I enjoy the dream pop sound from the song and I give it 4.5 out of 5. 

Watch the video for "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBz8iXdddqY

• "When I Grow Up" from Version 2.0 (released: January 25, 1999)

"When I Grow Up" is a power pop song which has one use of sexual innuendo by referencing the term "golden showers", which I will not explain. This song isn't really pure Garbage, it's just a Shirley Manson solo track. I give this song 2 out of 5.

Watch the live video for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVo69yUncow

Watch the Big Daddy video for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMfFPlMOGcw

Watch the second video (without the Big Daddy scenes) for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQccQy5fnw

• "You Look So Fine" from Version 2.0 (released: May 25, 1999)

"You Look So Fine" is a synthpop ballad which has a downer ending to the album. The song is more like the sequel to "Milk" as it has a similar style. I really liked the spacey rock sound on the album. The music video is kinda Star Wars-esque as Shirley portrays a Princess Leia-esque character who grieves for her lover, played by surfer Kelly Slater at the desert, resembling Tatooine. I give this song 5 out of 5. 

Watch the video for "You Look So Fine": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kvXfNoTjsY

• "Temptation Waits" from Version 2.0 (released: June 20, 1999)

"Temptation Waits" is a disco-heavy song inspired by Donna Summer and Chic, also with elements of electronica and alternative rock. This song deserves to be produced by Chic legend Nile Rodgers because of the disco song. This is one of the reasons why disco still exists. This song is one killer disco song and I give it 4 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Temptation Waits": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULHBPzPNBw

• "The World Is Not Enough" from The World Is Not Enough soundtrack (released: October 4, 1999)

"The World Is Not Enough" is a electronica song with elements of symphonic rock and alternative rock. This song refers to the villain of the James Bond film of the same name, Elektra King as previous Bond songs focused on the character. I give this 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "The World Is Not Enough": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C5NLfYdZaE

Watch the title sequence for "The World Is Not Enough": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FG_IJRnoIQ

• "Medication" from Version 2.0 (should have been released: January 15, 2000)

"Medication" is a soft and haunting dark wave-meets-pop-meets-alternative rock-meets-post punk-meets-progressive rock ballad. This song would have set the blueprints for the third album had Beautiful Garbage not turning out to be a pop-heavy album. I give this song 3.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Medication": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3EpLzluiOE 

• "Androgyny" from Beautiful Garbage (released: September 24, 2001)

"Androgyny" is a pop-heavy song with elements of glam rock, contemporary rhythm and blues and new wave. Unlike the previous electronica-heavy songs, this is a turning point as the band took on a lighter and softer sound which I enjoyed. I give this 4.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Androgyny": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVs6Fekh0RY

• "Cherry Lips" from Beautiful Garbage (released: December 27, 2001)

"Cherry Lips" is a synthpop song with elements of Blondie-esque new wave-meets-Eurythmics-esque pop. I really like this song and I give it 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Cherry Lips": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrcGwT1Dg0M

• "Breaking Up the Girl"
• "Shut Your Mouth"
• "Cup of Coffee"
• "Why Do You Love Me"
• "Bleed Like Me"
• "Sex Is Not the Answer"
• "Run Baby Run"
• "Tell Me Where It Hurts"
• "It's All Over But the Crying"
• "Blood for Poppies"
• "Battle in Me"
• "Automatic Systematic Habit"
• "Big Bright World"
• "Control"
• "Because the Night"

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