Back in 2004, there was a song called "Chewing Gum" by a Norwegian singer named Annie. I quite liked the song, but I think it was one of those songs that grew on me. The more I heard it, the more I liked it. That song was on Annie's debut album and she's been making music since. And now Annie has a new EP out and it is AMAZING!
Annie
Annie's new release is called "The A&R EP." We can safely assume it is called that because A is for Annie and R is for producer Richard X. Three songs of Richard X have been in my Top 20 Countdowns over the years: "Freak Like Me" by the Sugababes, "Being Nobody" by Richard X vs. Liberty X, and "Finest Dreams" by Richard X featuring Kelis. And yes, Richard X co-wrote and produced "Chewing Gum" and other songs for Annie.
The new EP starts off with the single "Back Together." The track starts off a bit slow without beats. But don't worry this is not a ballad. It doesn't take long for the beats to kick in. And perhaps it isn't a dance floor stomper, it is quite a poptastic song. I think it is quite lovely. A fabulous song! Edit: The video premiered today!
Track 2 is "Hold On" and it starts off a bit poppy but it quickly settles in a bit of chill-pop track. The vocals are effortless and dreamy. By the time the steel drums come in near the end, you've already imagined yourself on a beach sipping a piña colada.
The third track is my early favourite! The title is "Ralph Macchio." Yep, that's right! The actor who played in the original "Karate Kid" movie (and on "Ugly Betty"). And the song is quite the electropop tune! It's all about her having a crush on Ralph Macchio. This song is amazing! It will have you grooving in no time. I love this track. Admit it, you want to have a song called "Ralph Macchio" in your music collection. There's even a reference to him being on "Dancing With The Stars" in the lyrics.
Ralph Macchio
The next track is called "Invisible" and it has quite a few reviewers going bonkers over the song. It is very experimental. I like it, but it's a bit darker than all the other tracks. Other reviews list this song as the standout track. For some odd reason it reminds me of Kylie Minogue. There is an odd male (or vocoder) vocal here. I'm not quite sure what to think of it. What do you think?
The EP closes with "Mixed Emotions" and what a fun baseline this has with plenty of key changes. This is a bit trance pop. It is probably my second-favourite track. It just has a really nice melody.
All of the songs are great! This is a perfect summer EP to buy, and it won't break the bank. It will, however, leave you wanting more!
"The A&R EP" by Annie is available on iTunes. Go get it!
Cheers then,
—Davearama
P.S. I did notice that the cover art for the EP is very reminiscent of ABC's 1985 album "How To Be A Zillionaire" album and singles (sans cartoons). By the way, this is one of my favourite albums from the 80s.
Cheers then,
—Davearama
P.S. I did notice that the cover art for the EP is very reminiscent of ABC's 1985 album "How To Be A Zillionaire" album and singles (sans cartoons). By the way, this is one of my favourite albums from the 80s.
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