Stories by Gregory Hicks
Not much '#willpower' in will.i.am's new release
- Interscope
BY GREGORY HICKS
While “Scream & Shout” is proportionately fun, bizarre and contemporary, each track on this fourth studio album falls short of the entertaining lead single.
Paramore reintroduces itself with self-titled album
- Atlantic
BY GREGORY HICKS
Paramore sticks its toes in a few different waters, but ultimately clings to its rock foundation.
Nothing new in NKOTB's '10'
- Open Road
BY GREGORY HICKS
New Kids on the Block’s sixth studio album does not disappoint — assuming that disappointment implies some sort of initial expectation. The group fell hard, and not even in reference to their peak in 1989.
Back with third album, OneRepublic delivers contemporary pop on 'Native'
- Interscope
BY GREGORY HICKS
The pop rock band’s third studio album — much like its previous records — is capable of stirring a great deal of empathy, so prepare to share the mind of the quintet, be it merry or morose.
Timberlake introduces a seductive, new generation of R&B for 'The 20/20 Experience'
- RCA
BY GREGORY HICKS
“Let the Groove Get In” and listen as JT brings sexy back to the music industry in a new decade of R&B.
Single Review: Blake Lewis rips off Alex Claire on latest single
- 19 Recordings
BY GREGORY HICKS
“Your Touch” doesn’t sound like much while cruising through its opening verse, but once the wind gust begins to swoosh into the track, it doesn’t take much to know that a bass is sure to drop.
Notebook: Listening in to the Best Original Song nominees
BY GREGORY HICKS
From platinum-selling Bond themes to lyrical contributions of Seth MacFarlane, 2013’s Best Original Song nominees for the Academy Awards deserve a close look (or listen, rather), particularly the winning track “Skyfall”.
Single Review: Simplistic 'Downtown' a foreboding sign for upcoming Lady A album
- Capitol Nashville
BY GREGORY HICKS
In its attempt at cuteness, the track oversimplifies itself. The verses narrate oddly specific experiences, but in the most banal “We used to (verb) while we were (verb)” formula.
Notebook: Why is Nicole Scherzinger absent from American pop charts?
- Interscope
BY GREGORY HICKS
In 2009, Nicole Scherzinger prepared for a 180 on her career. Regrettably for us, Americans would exclusively miss out on this international platinum-status, post-burlesque music from Scherzinger.
Notebook: The enemies of pop music
- Capitol
BY GREGORY HICKS
Let’s take a look at three artists who have recently contributed most to slandering the name of pop music by transforming it into an uninvolved, oversimplified genre.
