t.A.T.u. - 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane (2002/2012) [iTunes Plus]

(*Russian art cover)

(t.A.T.u. – 200 KM/H In the Wrong Lane (10th Anniversary Edition)

t.A.T.u. – 200 km/h in the wrong Lane. NAS NE DAGONIAT!! Russian duo consisting of Julia Volkova & Lena Katina, gained astonishing world success with the release of their sophomore album, 200km/h in the wrong Lane. With an also prosperous Russian debut album, t.A.T.u. where now on a difficult mission to chase the gold worldwide, manufacturing an English album after their following accomplishments with their 1^st release, 200 po Vstrechnoy. 200 km/h in the wrong lane, calls attention to such topics as love, desire, disobedience etc. and also dismantled many conflictful barriers that society has in terms of sexuality. Since mostly all of the tracks were translated into English from their previous album, the production on this album I feel was a huge upgrade comparing it to their past album. This one is topped off with more energetic rock, synth-pop and even some electronic elements. Like in Russia, “All the Things She Said” was a huge success in the US. With a catchy chorus like that, it damn well deserves to be my next ringtone for my cellular device. The release of the video gained heavy attention around the globe when both members exchanged lips on national television. This hadn’t been done and was mimicked by legendary pop artist, Madonna years later. “Not Gonna Get Us”, is the second track on this album.The song clarifies an undeniable love not comprehended by peers and foreigners. The track also has a euro-dance feel blended with dark guitar bass lines. “Show Me Love”, is again another hypnotic banger with a nice memorable chorus and very emotional vocals that were conveyed by both Julia & Lena. Around the middle of the record, a familiar track called “How Soon Is Now”, makes its way and stands out from the rest of the glossy tracks. It appears to be a cover of The Smiths – How soon Is Now, and is certainly not bad as I expected it to be with all of the covers that the song has. Malchik Gay, translated to “Gay Boy”, is a dope track about a girl who shows affections towards a sweet, tender gay boy who is unfortunately to their luck is already committed to another boy. This version is refined and is a little more pop and slower sounded while the Russian version from the previous album I enjoy better since it's produced with a more uplifting feel and way faster beat. Coming to an end, this album sadly was t.A.T.u’s only important record out of their homeland. Julia later became pregnant which lead fans to heavily question if the pop duo were really lesbians or not. Turns out it was all marketing strategies organized by their record label to boost sales. Nonetheless, this duo will never be duplicated for the heavy impact they contributed in terms of pop, image, and of course rebellion. Give this record a spin plz! I promise you it'll be worth it!! 

Purchase: iTunes / Amazon

Charli XCX - True Romance (2013) [iTunes Plus Deluxe Edition]

Oh jeez, where do I start with this album? Umm… True Romance really helped me pave the road for my sudden interest towards the pop genre. With one full spin of this album on the first try, I steadily gave this record a listen almost every single day afterwards. I was never stuck with 1 favorite track. I always had different tracks on different days on repeat a vast majority of the time (well except for the song you’re the one, lol). One excellent quality I noticed about xcx is her production taste. Before I dove into the misty environment, I had to analyze the productions credits to see if I knew about anyone and I did. I jaw dropped when I viewed Paul White (produced some of Danny Brown’s, XXX & Atrocity Exhibition), BloodPop (produced for Grimes, Madonna, Tinashe, Gaga, Beibz etc.) Gold Panda and many more producers that have earned recognition. Production contains ethereal elements, sprinkles of synthpop & to my surprise some tracks even have a witch house vibe. “Stay Away”, carries a dark-light sensational feel along with a memorable chorus that will leave you frozen. “Grins”, has an energetic beat that switches up a gear once charli sings about the uncertainty about her partner. The fun track “Cloud Auroa” stands out from the other tracks since it features charli delivering baby comical bars along with Brooke Candy. “How can I” is the track hinting a witch house influence from the start to the finish. Generally speaking, you can hear the different emotions and flavors all diverted from one another to create a magical album. In conclusion, a successful debut album that brings many variations to the pop genre. If you’re into this album I highly suggest you pick up her previous mixtapes, Super Ultra & Heartbreaks and Earthquakes since it helped lay the framework down for True Romance. 

Purchase @ (iTunes or Amazon)