Pop Punk Please

British synth-pop sensation Ellie Goulding released a tour video for her song “Explosions,” featured on Halcyon. The song is currently climbing to the top of the UK iTunes charts.

Goulding tweeted her reaction about the song’s success.

“Really very delighted to see that my unreleased track Explosions is climbing ITunes chaaart,” Goulding (@elliegoulding) tweeted.

The song shows off Goulding’s softer side with lyrics like “I’ve fallen from grace/ Took a blow to my face/ I’ve loved and I’ve lost.” With her personal lyrics accompanied by a choir and an orchestra, this song is sure to touch your heart.

“Explosions” is personally one of my favorite songs from Halcyon and it will be yours too after you listen to it once. It fits nicely on the album in between her other upbeat songs.

If you’re like me you’re probably wondering what exactly Halcyon means. It means a period of peaceful happiness or an idealistic time. Halcyon literally refers to a bird, common to the kingfisher, which in ancient legend would live by the sea and calm the waves during the winter solstice.

You can buy “Explosions” on iTunes and follow Ellie Goulding on twitter.

After Hot Chelle Rae’s big year of touring the world with artists like Demi Lovato, Cher Lloyd and Taylor Swift, they have gone back to the studio to record their next album. Hot Chelle Rae released their first single on Jan. 24 called “Hung Up.”

The song stays true to Hot Chelle Rae’s classic pop sound with simple and catchy melodies. However, this song also has a newer, fresher pop sound to it, like something you would hear on One Direction’s latest album Take Me Home. The sound Hot Chelle Rae has created on “Hung Up” is where I believe the future of pop music is headed.

“Hung Up” is sure to be just as popular as Hot Chelle Rae’s previous radio hits “Tonight Tonight” and “I Like It Like That,” so be prepared for it to be your new car radio jam.

Hot Chelle Rae is streaming “Hung Up” on Youtube and will be available to purchase on iTunes on Feb. 12.

On Jan 1, Action Item released their second full length album Resolution. It debuted at #72 on Billboard’s Top 200 and #9 on Billboard Independent Albums.

Here is my track by track review of Action Item’s Resolution.

Track 1: Where We Left Off

This song is a really good intro to Resolution. It captures all the ideas and thoughts that brought Action Item together and to where they are now. So it makes sense that they opened the song with “Auld Lang Syne” which means “times long past.” This is their resolution to their fans and themselves.

Track 2: Good or Bad

Infused with the string instruments introduced in the previous track,  and mixed with pop-rock, this song does a good job of setting the mood for the album. It shows the new direction that Action Item has taken.

Watch the promo video for “Good or Bad” here.

Track 3: Brave

“Brave” has the classic Action Item sound that everyone loves. The lyrics “If you don’t try you’ll never fly/ but you gotta be brave” inspire listeners while the up beat tempo makes this every teenager’s anthem.

Track 4: Better Than Perfect

This song shows off Action Item’s fun side and will have you singing along in no time. It’s a flirty tune to let go and dance to. This is one of those radio songs you could jam to in the car while fun with friends.

Track 5: Lucky

The relaxed jazzy sound with piano riffs and funky guitar and bass sets this song apart from others on the album. The lyrics give it a sophisticated yet romantic feel that makes you want to fall in love. Lyrics “It’s a crazy life to live/ but through it all/ I think we’re lucky” are a perfect example of this.

Track 6: Bad For You

Opening keyboard and lyrics “You took my breath away/ and I don’t quite know if I want it back” sets up the mood of the song. The catchy rhythm and melodies go perfectly with lyrics “Girl I got it bad for you/anything you want me to/ I will do.” Co-written with The Ready Set’s Jordan Witzigreuter, this is another one of those great young-love dance anthems.

Track 7: Moments

To end the album, Action Item slowed it down with an acoustic song that will speak to a lot of their fans through lyrics “It’s beautiful how we all heal when it hurts/ Don’t ever stop fighting for/ what sets your heart free.” This song is a perfect ending to the album.

With Resolution, Action Item has taken a step forward in the right direction for their band. Progressive instrumentals, varieties of sounds, and lyrics that I could quote forever make the songs on Resolution a special collection. Action Item has set the stage for all bands and albums of 2013.

This is an album you don’t want to miss out on, so make sure to buy it on iTunes!

Artist: Action Item

Album: Resolution

Jenna’s Rating: 4/5

Suggested Songs: “Lucky” “Bad For You” “Moments”

You can see Action Item on the Resolution Tour right now along with Paradise Fears, Before You Exit, Hello Highway, and more! Click here for details.

Watch the lyric video for “Brave.”