Spider-Man. The Avengers. Batman. X-Men. These superheroes have taken to the big screen in recent years and proven to be incredibly successful amongst audiences and critics alike. It’s no secret that there’s big money to be made in the sub-genre that has been dominating contemporary cinema, and many studios are hoping to emulate the success of the big names and draw in the masses with their version of the ‘superhero movie.’ But what is it about these types of films that make them so popular? Why are audiences so inclined to go and see films that effectively feature people dressed up in unusual costumes, swinging around town and battling villains?
This is the beginning paragraph for a piece I wrote for newspaper, Concrete, and if you're intrigued to read more, you can check out the rest of the article right here.
Full link: http://www.concrete-online.co.uk/rise-superhero/
Soaring in as a new release is Demi Lovato's song 'Nightingale' (watch the music video below). The track comes straight from Lovato's fourth studio album, entitled simply Demi, and was written by Lovato alongside Anne Preven, Matt Radosevich and Felicia Barton - and boy does it pack a real emotional punch. 'Nightingale' is no doubt a particularly personal song for the singer, who has had numerous personal struggles that the song can be seen to highlight. In the track, Lovato talks about needing "a light to take me home/ I kinda need a hero/ Is it you?" as she sings the ballad-esque track with full volume, reaching impressive notes for such an underrated singer. I heard Lovato's 'Nightingale' track recently, and upon seeing the video it is particularly clear what the song is about and what type of message it is projecting to the singer's fans, many who are young and no doubt deal with their own struggles in life.
I admit, I was surprised to see Lovato come out with such a powerful song that does a great job of reflecting her as a music artist, and it's intriguing to see what she will follow this up with - but one thing's for sure - all eyes are on her at the moment. 'Nightingale' is an emotional song and has that deep level of connection that will make it appealing to multiple audiences, but also a powerful chorus fuelled by Lovato's vocals that make sure the track is thoroughly memorable; you almost can't help sing along. The music video matches the track's sentiment perfectly and it's a very confident addition to the singer's discography.
Marina Diamandis (Marina and the Diamonds) has released the music video for her third track 'Immortal', which is taken from her third upcoming studio album. The album, entitled FROOT, is set to be released on the April 6 next year (In the US and UK). 'Immortal' is the third track from the album to be released, with it's predecessors 'Happy' and title track 'Froot' garnering much attention online. 'Immortal' has the familiar solitary, slow-paced sound as 'Happy', and is the ending track on the album, which sounds more than fitting for the nature of the song - which talks about wanting to be immortal.
But 'Immortal' has that kind of brashness to it with it's lyrics, as Diamandis sings rather openly "everybody dies, everybody dies/ If I could buy forever at a price/ I would buy it twice, twice". Despite its slow pace, and the fact that the song takes a rather long time to build (compared to your average song), it does possess a catchy chorus even it is surrounded by a certain sense of solemness but also enlightenment. This is of course aided by Diamandis' vocals which sound rather angelic in tone and soar above the slow rhythmic beat. So far, the album is shaping up to be a rather emotional affair of mixed feelings (from the burst of sexuality in 'Froot' to the self-discovery and emotional journey in 'Happy' to this new life-reflecting 'Immortal').
Have a listen to (and watch) 'Immortal' below - what's your favourite track so far?
Another new Lana Del Rey track? Oh yes, also from the upcoming biopic Big Eyes, is the airy 'I Can Fly'. The song sees Del Rey's ethereal vocals be put to their limits in this dreamy ballad. It's all very reminiscent of the 'Born To Die' era, with sweeping vocals and core strings and piano instrumentals. So this is definitely one you want to check out if you were a fan of that particular Del Rey style.
Once again, 'I Can Fly' has key lyrics which reflect the nature of the film; "I had bright wishes in the summer, I was bathing in sunlight/ I was painting in the garden like a ghost in Mid-July/ Running fast from something with my eyes wide like/ Saucers spinning in the sun". Whilst the lyrics of the songs are filled with a certain poignant sadness, the acoustics are particularly heavenly, and reminds an eager listener just how well Del Rey can perform these kinds of ballads. Listen to the sickly sweet 'I Can Fly', below:
Big Eyes. Tim Burton. Lana Del Rey. Yes, the sultry songstress has lent her entrancing voice to another movie - Tim Burton's Big Eyes, starring Amy Adams. The title track by Del Rey is very much in-keeping with the feel and theme of the biopic, which revolves around Artist Margaret Keane and the fraud of her husband Walter, who allegedly passed off Keane's work as his own (although this is still heavily disputed). Nevertheless, 'Big Eyes' is a real number, a crooning ballad that features some killer string instruments. Del Rey certainly has that classic aura and gravitas, and these types of tracks always showcase her talent best. It's certainly one to listen to.
The track is set to be incorporated into the film at some point, with another of Del Rey's songs for the movie ('I Can Fly') being used for the ending credits. With memorable lyrics focusing on the main themes of the movie "With your big eyes, and your big lies/ Is it me was I wrong to have trusted you" the track is a haunting affair and Lana Del Rey does a chilling job of portraying the movie's key emotional aura. Listen to 'Big Eyes' below:
