Leighton Meester-Heartstrings

                                              We all know Leighton from a famous television show, or from  her great work in the film industry, but did we expect her to be able to sing like this?  On "Heartstrings", Meester is captivating, and really portrays the material well.  The craft, and eloquent first single is the album title, "Heartstrings".  This song is very smooth, and has a tempo that is easily able to get stuck in our heads.  The way Leighton laid this track down, is almost perfect.  Almost, because it still shows a bit of inexperience with releasing quality music.  Don't get me wrong, this album is really solid, and I would play it constantly in rotation if the occasion arose, but there are some gaps in this album.  Also, "Heartstrings" is only a nine track release.  This is disappointing to fans of hers.  The best track in my opinion from the album, is the song "Good For One Thing".  This song is resonating, and gives us some taste of her potentials throughout the record.  Other standouts are "Run Away", "L.A.', and "Dreaming'.  For the current price of the album, which I've seen it around nine to ten dollars, you get your money's worth.  There is an impeccable range on the release, and I think we all should experience this.  I suggest you go out and grab the record on the 27th-28th of October.  You will enjoy this, but beware, don't expect a perfect record.  This is an enjoyable record, not perfection though.
                                                                Rating: 4.25/5.0

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Sara Skinner-Unchangeable EP

            Sara Skinner has one of those voices that get stuck in your head.  Her range is eclectic, and the power is obviously from deep inside her soul.  She began as a youtube sensation, doing cover song, after cover song.  I must admit, I am not one fond of musicians that do cover songs, but Sara's renditions were so much better, so much more unique, it drew me into her.  I discovered Sara's music and talents after seeing an online post by the band, Angels Fall.  I heard her cover of the Alicia Keys' smash single, "Girl on Fire", and I was completely blown away.  She added darkness, and a whole new depth to the single.  Now, please don't get caught up in Sara's ability to completely master cover songs.  Sara Skinner has some amazing originality in her own rights.  Her first breakthrough song and video, was for her original track, "Break".  The video can be found on her youtube link below, and it is so compelling, you want to dive right into her entire catalogue.  My favorite track off the current EP, is titled, "The Only One".  Lyrically one of the best songs I've heard, and it will become contagious to your ears.  Sara has laced this track with brilliance and it holds an excellent message.  Judge for yourself, order the EP today!  If there is a weakness on Sara's record, it would have to be the track, "Unchangeable".  This song is good, don't get me wrong, but it seems to almost be a "filler" of sorts, though Sara's vocals seem to make every song addicting.  "With You" is quite simply beautiful.  Sara took a different approach with this track, and it is obvious with her tone and lyrics.  If you want to crank a song up, other than "Break", I would definitely turn the volume up on this one my friends.  Finally, "Holding On", shows us her diversity.  Sara has a beautiful, direct voice, yes; however, she has distinction.  Radio will know her very soon, and you will too.  With over 5,000 subscribers, and more everyday, Sara is reeling fans in, by the hundreds.  The key to her success seems to be that it's not about the fame, it seems to be about the music and fans with her.  Sara recently attended the NAMM Convention, and there is little doubt the representatives there were blessed to catch a performance, and to meet her.  If you want to compare Sara to any artists out there today, I would suggest Sarah McLachlan or Christina Perri.  However, as heard on "Break", Sara is different, and in this instance, "different" is quite good.

RATING: 9/10

              

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