Britney Spears - Britney Jean

The queen of pop is back with her latest, and most personal release "Britney Jean".

Britney has said that this album is her most personal yet, and it really shows. A selection of the tracks show a bit more of the happenening's in Britney's life, including her break up with her ex-fiance and life in the spotlight. Britney has also co-written every track on the album, a first for a Britney Spears release.

Out of all of Britney's previous releases, "Britney Jean" is the most mellow. Yes, there are dance tracks on the album, but the overall tone of the album is more toned down to showcase a more vulnerable side to Britney. Second single "Perfume" is the first ballad that Britney has released as a single since "In The Zone"'s "Everytime" and is a perfect single for Britney. It tells the story of a break up and how a girl wants her now ex boyfriends next girlfriend to know that she was there and he was hers. Co-written by Britney it showcases the growth both vocally and lyrically in Britney.

Standout tracks include album opener "Alien", which talks about Britney's life as a teenage pop star, "Perfume", "Passenger", co-written by Katy Perry and "Brightest Morning Star" which is featured on the deluxe edition of the album. Collaborations with wil.i.am and T.I. are also included and Britney's little sister Jamie-Lynn also makes an appearance on the track "Chillin' With You".

"Britney Jean" is available now from RCA Records and Sony Music Australia.

Little Mix - Salute

The X Factor UK super group Little Mix returns with their second album "Salute".

Lead by hit single "Move", "Salute" is an album filled with music perfect for any pop fanatic. There's tracks to dance to, tracks to unwind to and tracks to just have fun with.

The album takes a more mature approach then their debut album and the girls have had more of a hand in the creation of the album, co-writing many of the songs featured.

Standout tracks include opening track "Salute", lead single "Move" and "Competition".

Available now from Sony Music Australia.

Katy Perry - Prism

Katy Perry returns with her newest release"Prism".

Taking a more of a darker tone, "Prism" is an album that is more in depth and more personal than any of Katy's previous releases. It's a complete 180 from "Teenage Dream" and it's more reflective of sprituality, rather than the conceptial album that was "Teenage Dream".

The album opens with the lead single "Roar" which, if the many number one spots it's taken is anything to go by, is loved by many. Each song on the album seems to create a different a different theme and sound. "Walking On Air" takes on an eighties vibe whilst "Choose Your Battles" is a military inspired track.

There are many tracks that give you an in depth look into the life of Katy Perry. A standout is "Ghost" in which the track opens with the line "You sent a text" referring to the now infamous text sent by Katy Perry's ex-husband Russell Brand in which he informed Katy that he wanted a divorce via text.

Deluxe Edition features three extra tracks, "Spiritual", co-written by John Mayer, "It Takes Two" and "Choose Your Battles".

With strong singles "Roar" and "Unconditionally", "Prism" is a must have for any pop music fan. Available now from Capitol Records and EMI Australia.

From the hit Disney Channel original series "Shake It Up" comes the third soundtrack, "Shake It Up: I 3 Dance".

"Shake It Up" stars start things off with duets "Contagious Love" and "This Is My Dance Floor". "Contagious Love" is reminiscent of nineties hip hop tracks and "This Is My Dance Floor" is a modern day dance track. A solo track from each girl is also included including Zendaya's "Beat of My Drum", which is an African drums inspired dance song and Bella Thorne's "Blow The System" which is a futuristic electro pop track.

Also included is tracks from fellow Disney stars including fellow "Shake It Up" co-stars Roshon Fegan and Caroline Sunshine with "Afterparty", "Let It Shine" 's Coco Jones with "Holla At The DJ (The DJ Mike D Remix", "Kickin' It" 's Olivia Holt with a cover of "These Boot's Are Made For Walkin'" and "Good Luck Charlie"'s Bridgit Mendler with "We're Dancing (Alex Ghenea 3.0 Remix)" included as a bonus track. A remix of the show's theme song performed by Selena Gomez is also included.

With an array of fun pop tracks, "Shake It Up: I 3 Dance" is a great addition to the line of "Shake It Up" soundtracks. Available now from Walt Disney Records and Universal Music Australia.

Brave

From Disney and Pixar comes the newest adventure on Blu-ray and DVD, “Brave”.

Disney Pixar’s “Brave” follows Princess Merida, a Scottish princess who’s mother decides it’s best for her future to be married off to the son of one of the country’s opposing clans. Merida, a free spirit who does not like the idea of becoming a “housewife”, sets out to change her fate but in doing so puts a family member in danger. It’s up to Merida to right the wrongs and learn a thing or two in the process.

“Brave” is not only a fun and intriguing tale, it’s also a little edgier and darker than previous Pixar films. The Scotland setting sets up a cold and dark appearance but the film manages to place a few light hearted moments in the mix. “Brave” is also the first Pixar film to include a female character as the lead, and in this case, the lead character is also Pixar’s first ever Princess.

The film deals with real issues in fantasy settings and really makes a great effort in conveying one main issue of opposing views of parents and children, that I’m sure a number of people can relate too. It does this by using Merida as one half of a joint issue and the character is able to soon realise the importance of those around her.

The film’s animation is it’s usual Pixar finest, filled with fun whimsical characters and a little slapstick humour. One scene in particular sees a sheep flying across the room during a full on roughhousing that could be described in modern times as a “bar fight”.

There’s a little violence, some scary scenes but nothing too outrageous that should be a worry for the younger children.

Blu-ray features include behind the scenes looks at the making of the film, the Disney crew’s research trip to Scotland, the voices behind the film and more, Audio commentary, Extended Scenes and two bonus Pixar shorts; “La Luna” and “The Legend of Mordu”. DVD features include the two Pixar shorts and Audio Commentary.

The film includes a great message, fantastic animation and action that everyone can enjoy. Great for any age. Available now from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

 

Also Available
Brave - Original Soundtrack

Includes all the fantastic songs from the film, including a track with new breakout artist Birdy and Mumford and Sons, plus select score suites from the film. Available now from Walt Disney Records and Universal Music Australia.

Let It Shine - Original Soundtrack

Disney Channel’s latest hit original film is “Let It Shine” and you can own all the amazing music from the film with the release of the original soundtrack.

Featuring 13 tracks, the album is a collection of hip hop and r’n’b tracks that are a perfect fit for the young ones. Each track is suitable for children but has a radio friendly sound that parents will enjoy.

Tyler James Williams, who some may know as the titular character from the famous series “Everybody Hates Chris”, does all of his own rapping on the tracks and is quite impressive. Newcomer Coco Jones, who started out in the Disney world as a contestant in Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing contest stands out with her powerful vocals and Nicki Minaj inspired attitude in track “What I Said”. She not only has the flare but has the chops to pull off the big numbers and does so in promotional singles “Guardian Angel” and “Me and You”. “Let It Shine” is a fun number which contains a sample from the famous children’s song “This Little Light of Mine”. The sample is used to not just create a fun track, but to also encourage listeners to let their best shine.

The “Let It Shine” original soundtrack will be a welcome addition to your child’s music collection and the parents may just like to take a listen themselves. Available now from Walt Disney Records and Universal Music Australia.

Austin & Ally - Original Soundtrack

Austin & Ally is the breakout hit from Disney Channel and the show’s accompanying soundtrack has just been released.

If you’re unfamiliar with the series, the show follows Austin Moon, a guy with the passion for singing and Ally Dawson, an introvert songwriter with stage fright. The two decide to work together; Ally writes the songs, Austin performs them, and they create one amazing duo.

The soundtrack features tracks from Austin actor Ross Lynch, who has become a breakout Disney Channel star. All tracks are performed by Ross with two additional tracks performed by Ross’ band R5.

The tracks range from pop, to bubblegum pop to a more dance vibe. Don’t expect anything too over mature here, after all this is a soundtrack to a television series aimed at children and tweens. “Illusion” is the track that is pretty separate to the others, with a more mature vibe and sound whilst retaining lyrics for a younger audience.

The tracks are fun, easy to sing along with and easy to dance to. If you’re a fan of the series you will be happy to know that all the songs Austin has performed on the show thus far are included including “Double Take”, as performed in the show’s first episode, “A Billion Hits” and official first single “Heard It On The Radio”.

With fun, dancey tracks the Austin & Ally Original Soundtrack is a fun listen for all ages. Available now from Walt Disney Records and Universal Music Australia.