Music is my second passion after movies that is. And while I’ve done music posts in the pasts, I’ve never actually reviewed an album before. With the surprise release of Beyoncé’s Lemonade the other week and the Internet going into overdrive about it, I though it would be a good time to do a review of it, especially considering the fact that the album comes with a one hour film that cuts together music videos for each song on a journey like format. I don’t know how this review will turn out because I’ve never done a music review before, so here goes nothing.
It is no secret that I’m a big fan of Beyoncé; having seen her in concert and followed her career since I can remember. But nothing could have prepared me for Lemonade, which is in my book her best album to date. A personal, deeply felt odyssey of marital disharmony(that everyone is having a field day about because it’s been alleged that Jay-Z has been unfaithful in the past to his wife) and the gradual rebirth of a woman rekindling her love after a difficult time, Lemonade explodes with unbridled emotions and power. We may never know if there is any truth that the album is about her own relationship with her husband, but if the results are anything like this, I think tongues will always be wagging. But to merely speculate about it is to do discredit to the album, as it explores other territories like gender and race and is her most experimental album to date. And with the visuals to add to it, Lemonade becomes an all round knockout experience.
From the opening notes of ‘Pray You Catch Me’, you can tell that Beyoncé is crafting something memorable. The pain reflected in her voice is palpable and almost a whisper in the beginning, as layered vocals swirl around an ominously soulful backdrop and we feel her suspicion that something is wrong in her marital union. Following up is ‘Hold Up’, whose bouncy reggae flavoured beat belies an anger and resentment towards the hurt she is feeling. The juxtaposition of seemingly breezy fare and embittered vocals makes for an intriguing pastiche as we now know that Beyoncé is not a woman to be trifled. If ‘Hold Up’ was a warm up for how angry she is, ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’, a collaboration with Jack White that edges into slashing rock territory, more or less confirms it. Beyoncé uses her voice with a raw and gritty intent here, growling over a drum heavy backdrop with the ferocity of a lion. This song is probably one of my favourites from the album because of the experimental tone and the way it shows her in a totally different light from what many of us are used to seeing.
Apathy and a desire to have a good time set in during ‘Sorry’, that explores feminine power and assertion with an attitude and swagger, very becoming of Beyoncé who now wants to rid herself of pain and have a good time. This then applies to the darker sounding tale of ladies making money for a living in ‘6 Inch’, a collaboration with The Weekend. Over a moody bass line, Beyoncé makes a stand for hard-working ladies that will resonate with every woman out there.
Beyoncé is now fully adept at throwing curve balls and this album more or less confirms that she isn’t going to be saddled to just one genre, but is more than willing to branch outside her comfort zone for artistic expression. ‘Daddy’s Lessons'( a very good example of the curve ball) took me by surprise with its country vibe and southern horn section. It works very well which is something I didn’t expect, but Beyoncé’s unparalleled urgency, soul and talent add another genre twist to her growing list of ventures on this album.
With ‘Love Drought’, we hear her now becoming more open to the idea of forgiveness, despite being hurt as her soaring voice exclaims that ‘Ten times out of nine I know you’re lying/ But nine times out of ten I know you’re trying’. She now seems a bit more content now after the ferocious nature of the opening of Lemonade, and the emotional ‘Sandcastles’, which shows of her stunning vocals and emotional delivery, heralds the slow but growing return to being strong once more after all the hurt and the pain she has endured. ‘Forward’ provides a stunning interlude between this and the Kendrick Lamar featuring anthem ‘Freedom’, which is filled with gospel harmonies and a strong message about overcoming adversity that Beyoncé belts with fierce conviction. The almost heavenly sounding ‘All Night’ marks the re connection with one’s beloved in beautiful lyrics and sensual passion. Rounding off Lemonade is ‘Formation’, which bravely delves into subjects of race and pride. Beyoncé displays how she isn’t afraid to be confrontational and aggressive with her music and this shines through, especially on this track.
And I have to discuss the visuals of Lemonade as it is a visual album after all. The editing gives the whole package a real cohesion that brings to life all the themes Beyoncé explores. Going from sometimes frightening imagery, whispered poetic narration, to Southern Gothic framing and proud depictions of female empowerment, it’s a swirling cauldron of ideas brought to life with a vivid and purposeful cinematic quality. Split into chapters that go from anger to ultimate redemption and retribution, it grabs hold of you with its style and soulful underbelly.
All I have left to say is that Beyoncé has conjured up a surprisingly raw, unapologetic and highly cathartic record that speaks from the heart and the soul, and is for my money one of the best albums I’ve heard in a while and an undisputed masterpiece from an artist who is always setting the bar high.
What did you make of this music review? Do you think music reviews could be successful on my site?
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Beautiful review Vinnie. I can definitely see music reviews such as this being successful on your blog. 🙋🏻
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vinnieh said:
Thank you Kim, I’m glad you think so as I’m definitely considering it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Go for it!
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vinnieh said:
What in particular did you like about the review?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I just like the thoughtful and thorough way you discuss it. Much the same way you write your movie and tv reviews.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks. As soon as I heard this album and the visuals, I knew I had to talk about it some way. It’s such an experimental album that showcases her versatility abd willingness to try new things.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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kmSalvatore said:
Great review Vinnie, , I’m not a fan. But your review was really good.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you and its always nice to hear that people may not agree with my opinions, but still like my reviews and the points made.
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Lloyd Marken said:
Vinnie this is fantastic, a great review that had nothing to do with sexy things (I like sexy things but a change is good) and really touched upon all the songs without getting bogged down. A good read indeed.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you very much. I was bowled over by this album.
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fragglerocking said:
Will have to check out the album, and yes V-man keep up with the music reviews.
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vinnieh said:
It’s so good and the visual accompaniment is out of this world. Even if you are not a fan of her music usually, this album can’t be praised enough.
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ninvoid99 said:
I’m kind of back into the world of music but Beyonce is someone who well, I’m not really into. She has a few good songs but I don’t think she is as great as many claim to be. A neighbor of mine isn’t a fan of hers either. I just don’t get it.
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vinnieh said:
As I always say, each to their opinion. We can’t all love the same thing, how boring would that be? We are all unique individuals.
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ninvoid99 said:
Exactly. I do like “Crazy in Love” though.
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vinnieh said:
Crazy in Love is a tune, never fails to get me dancing.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
You review like a boss, Vinnie! No matter if it is a music album or a movie, you always slay it! NOW I HAVE TO LISTEN TO BEYONCÉ’S ALBUM OMG! loved your review! ❤ (and after so many awesomeness on your part, I'm ashamed to show you my first movie review…)
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vinnieh said:
Like a boss you say? You just got to listen to this album. I’ll be sure to check out your movie review as soon as possible.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
Do you prefer like a knight? Hahaha! 💙 And I will! But please, dont check my review! I’m totally ashamed by it now, especially considering that I reviewed a blockbuster movie and not aome kickass awesome movie 😂
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure it’s great. I just felt so passionately about this record that I had to share my thoughts on it somewhow, happy to hear it get a good reception.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I think you can do this to every album that falls on your graces from now on .<
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vinnieh said:
I definitely plan on doing this in the future.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
yay!! You made this Brazilian maiden very happy, haha!
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vinnieh said:
I can’t promise they all will be amazing but I’ll give it a try.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I’m pretty sure they will be, you’re all amazing 🙂 and trying is the important part!!
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vinnieh said:
That warms my heart.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
❤ ❤
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vinnieh said:
This album just had it all for me, can’t recommend it enough.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
That’s a great feeling ❤ I think the last time I felt this regarding any album was with Avril Lavigne's The Best Damn Thing, haha! I loved the whole freaking album so much!!!
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vinnieh said:
Beyonce has always been one of my favourite artists.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I like some of her songs, but I lean more towards pop/ rock/ symphonic metal and heavy metal, haha!
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vinnieh said:
Then again this album combines quite a lot of genres.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I’m sure I’ll like at least some of the songs >3 She is Queen B after all!
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vinnieh said:
Queen B reigns supreme.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
Agreed, haha!
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vinnieh said:
She has so much talent and energy, it’s unbelievable.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
fact! NO ONE DANCES LIKE QUEEN B! And almost no one sings like her either, haha! She’s a force of nature!
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vinnieh said:
I can vouch for that. When I saw her in concert she was transcendent.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I’d totally watch her in concert too, must have been wonderful!! *–*
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vinnieh said:
It was an outstanding experience. Her dancing was superb and her voice was heavenly.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I can believe that ❤ Someday, I hope to see all her awesomeness in person too!
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure you will. I’ve been asking everyone what they liked most about this music review. What for you stood out?
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Annelise Lestrange said:
you feelings behind the writing 🙂 you really bared your soul to explain your love for the album in a reasonable way. I loved reading so much feeling! 😀
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vinnieh said:
Thank you so much for that lovely compliment. I just connected so much with the album and the film experience. I was bowled over by her willingness to be unapologetic, personal and show off different sides to herself.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
All I say it’s what I felt, haha! You passed on your feelings very well!
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vinnieh said:
You gotta listen to the album and see the short film, it will blow your mind.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
Will do, sir! 😀
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vinnieh said:
As I said in the review it is an odyssey from being broken to rebuilding strength. Every song represents the progression.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
I’ll definitly love it!
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vinnieh said:
She just ups the game with every release. Love that this album and the one before it took everyone by surprise.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
that’s true 🙂
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vinnieh said:
And both albums show her being experimental and breaking out of her comfort zone in the best possible way.
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Annelise Lestrange said:
That’s true, it was one of the things that made me like the last album so much! *–* I didn’t have any particular favorite songs, but hearing all together was so harmonic!
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vinnieh said:
They all flowed seamlessly together.
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Jordan Dodd said:
I can’t stand pop music but I thought i’d just say, your descriptive abilities are great. You almost have me wanting to listen to the album! I do like the idea of a movie coming with it, that is a cool idea
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vinnieh said:
Definitely check it out, it’s a full blown experience.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Is the movie/album on youtube?
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vinnieh said:
I’m not sure, I downloaded it from I tunes. I’m sure it will be available.
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imalialbana said:
I skimmed through it till I made my way to 6 Inch, and your way of wording it out is beautiful. I guess reviewing music is a thing of yours that you do well huh? Good job 👏🏼
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vinnieh said:
Movie reviews and television are the usual things I write about, but I like to put newer things into my blog like this.
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imalialbana said:
Well keep going at it, you’re doing well I think. I’m no expert but yeah…
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for the praise, I think music will become a big part of this blog in the future.
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alexraphael said:
After all the showbiz stuff regarding the album, I was beginning to think the whole album was about Jay Z haha. Your rreview highlights how much more there is to it. She’s always had great singles, a great voice and look, but sounds like this is a real heavyweight album. Feel free to do more.
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vinnieh said:
People are loving speculating, but it’s better to listen to the quality of the music and her ability to vary between genres. I admire her risk taking and unapologetic approach here, that also allows shows of vulnerability and impassioned strength.
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midnightexpressions said:
This review is great! I’ve really got to check out this album because I am a big fan of begonce.
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vinnieh said:
I tried my best to convey my feelings on this album and how much it impressed.
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midnightexpressions said:
Yeah, you did it very well, I’ve heard such positive reviews about the album!
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vinnieh said:
And all of them true. The film goes along so well with the songs and expands the stories within them.
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midnightexpressions said:
That sounds great, I can’t wait to watch it!
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vinnieh said:
It adds so much to the experience. When you listen to the songs after seeing the film, it is hard to separate them as they intertwine so well.
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midnightexpressions said:
Wow, I can imagine!
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vinnieh said:
I think it’s official that Beyonce is queen.
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midnightexpressions said:
Yep, definitely!
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vinnieh said:
When I saw her concert, it was the best concert ever.
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midnightexpressions said:
Omg, I’ve never been to one of her concerts, it must have been amazing! Which concert was it?
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vinnieh said:
The I am Sasha Fierce concert, it was glorious. Her voice is transcendent and her dancing is just fantastically energetic.
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midnightexpressions said:
Wow, I’ve got the deluxe version if that album and it really iis great!
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vinnieh said:
Ive got the deluxe edition to. Which of her albums is your favourite?
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midnightexpressions said:
Hmm, that’s a tough one, I’m not really sure but I really like the album ‘beyonce’ what’s your favourite album?
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vinnieh said:
I love all her albums and it may be too early to say this, but Lemonade is just so good and every song is so good. Beyonce is also a very good album that shows a different side to her and her ability to experiment.
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midnightexpressions said:
Yeah, she is a very good artist and her albums are so good
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vinnieh said:
She ups her game with every release.
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midnightexpressions said:
Yeah, I definitely agree!
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vinnieh said:
I can’t wait to see what she does next.
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midnightexpressions said:
Me too! Bet it’ll be great
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vinnieh said:
I hope it’s another visual album. Which was your favourite track on her self-titled album?
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midnightexpressions said:
Hmm, I like a lot of songs in that album e.g. Mine, yonce, partition, haunted, drunk in love. What’s your favourite track on that album?
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vinnieh said:
Haunted is a really dark but intriguing track, plus the video is so good. Blow is a super sexy song that you can’t help but dance to.
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midnightexpressions said:
Yeah, it was a good album!
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vinnieh said:
Sure was.
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midnightexpressions said:
Beyoncé*
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vinnieh said:
I understood what you meant.
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The Likkleone said:
Good review. Very thorough.
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vinnieh said:
Much appreciate that. I tried to be as thorough as I could be as I knew I had to write something about the greatness of the album and the visual film.
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beetleypete said:
Passionate and thorough, V. Just like your film work. Keep them coming.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Well that was what I was aiming for Pete. Are you a big Beyonce fan?
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beetleypete said:
I like her well enough mate, but I wouldn’t say that I was a loyal fan. She can certainly sing, no doubt about that, but I can’t get that involved in all the rest of the hype on occasion.
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vinnieh said:
I get were you’re coming from Pete. I think it’s because I grew up with her music and that’s why I’m a big fan of hers.
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abbiosbiston said:
It’s a great review… even though I really don’t understand any of the hype around Beyonce. I find it hard to take any artist who mostly performs half-naked seriously. Did she actually write the songs? I wasn’t aware that she wrote any of her own music.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting Abbi. She has a writing credit on every song on the album and it really shows off her voice and energy.
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jennypugh said:
I must admit that I haven’t heard any of Lemonade, or seen any videos for it. I’m always about 5 years behind everyone else! I will get around to listening to it. I really liked your review, I think you should write more music reviews. You have a clever way with words and your reviews are always very thorough and engaging.
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vinnieh said:
Oh you just have to listen and see it Jenny. You will not regret it. It’s a fully engaging experience.
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jennypugh said:
I will and I will let you know what I think 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Jenny.
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Kat & Jiji said:
Your review of lemonade is perfect. You gave it the most eloquent, poetic and diplomatic review this masterpiece deserves. True to its nature you have described it. ☺️👌 Good work man! Loved it – What more could a self confessed member of the beyhive want – Kat & Ji X
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vinnieh said:
I’ve never had someone say my work is perfect so thank you for that. I was so hyped to write this review, despite being nervous that I wouldn’t be able to talk about everything. But it turned out better than I thought and I’m happy with my review.
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Kat & Jiji said:
Oh you captured everything that was needed
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Kat & Jiji said:
You should be proud!!
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vinnieh said:
I am really proud of this piece.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you so much.
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thebuzzwithomar said:
Love you account 😍
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vinnieh said:
Why thank you.
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theindianindiehead said:
Enjoyed reading this!
I’m a Alternative music blogger based in India, fairly new to WordPress. My latest blogpost is about Royal Blood, the new heavy rock duo who have been applauded by the legend Jimmy Page himself, they have opened for Foo Fighters and Arctic Monkeys are big supporters of this act. Rock riffs haven’t sounded this good since the 00s.
Do check it out and my other related articles too and feel free to comment and share your views.
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for commenting. I’ve bookmarked your site to read when I get time.
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