Welcome to my new blog! (I'm still working on a few things.) I have officially changed my blog name from Camisado Mind to Iridescent Lotus. I'll do a post later on how I came up with that name and why I've changed the name.
I would like to stick with the same general content that I had posting before, but more of the things I want to talk about. Less promotions.
And what I want to talk about today. . . music!! These are my Top 25 Songs of 2014!
Click the "xx" to listen to the song.
Let me know if you like any of them, and what your faves for 2014 were. If you happen to have a post, please leave it in the comments. :)
If it weren't for music, I couldn't get a lot of things accomplished. Including life. I love music. And because of that, my favorites are constantly changing. Here are the top 25 played songs that I played during March 2014! In brackets are the number of times listened. This only included my iPod and not the amount of times I listened on my phone or CD. After this post I'll reset the plays on my iPod and start over for April.
To listen to the songs & fall in love with them too, simply click the song title!
I've been loving 2NE1's recent album, CRUSH, (honestly, it should be called a mini album). I didn't care much for it upon first listen, but a lot of the songs (mainly the ones in this list) have grown on me tremendously! I may or may not (okay, I totally am) be fangirling over GOT7. Especially JB and Jackon; though they're a few [5] years younger than me.
I cannot stop listening to "Story of My Life" by One Direction and "상사병" by SHINee. They are perfect. They will probably be on my next Top Listens!!
I'm actually surprised that "Ringa Linga" by Taeyang is so high on the list; I didn't think I listened to that song very much. But... I did.
Ladies' Code - "CODE #01 나쁜 여자" [mini album] Rating:½ Genre: K-Pop/R&B/Dance Language: Korean Debut Year: 2013
Tracklist:
1. Intro...Bad Girl
2. 나쁜 여자 (Bad Girl)
4. Supergirl
5. Dada La
6. 안울래 (I Won't Cry)
My thoughts:
I learned about this group through their individual member teasers (Sojung, Rise, Ashley, Zuny, EunB), and there was absolutely no inclination as to what genre or sound these girls would have, but I was definitely intrigued.
A few weeks later they released the music video for their debut single, "나쁜 여자" and from the first note I got chills. I don't really know what I was expecting from them, but this wasn't it. It's good. Like... really really good. Especially for a rookie group's debut song and music video!
I immediately downloaded their mini album and fell in love. "Supergirl" is a super fun, motivating, girl empowering song while "안울래" is their only real ballad and though it shows their amazing vocals, it doesn't really need to seeing as how they sound amazing in all of the songs.
"Dada La" has an addictive beat and hook, "bling bling B-L-I-N-G" that I catch myself singing randomly, though my favourite part of this song is the chorus, I absolutely love Sojung's voice! There's a kind of burlesque sound to the song that makes me want to put on knee high songs and short shorts and dance around the room like I'm on a stage. (TMI? Oh well. ^_^")
This will most likely be in my "TOP 10 KPOP Albums of 2013" this year! Super fun. Of course, who knows what the rest of the year will hold!
I like to say that these girls are a mix of SPICA and Wonder Girls. They have the gorgeous vocals like SPICA, but they're more of an upbeat dance group (without being obnoxious and girly) like Wonder Girls.
Bonus video:
Check out their debut music video for "나쁜 여자" below. I love the dance and colors of the music video. [Watch this video here to see the dance in full. Amazing synchronization for a rookie group!]
I had originally planned on buying this book, but wasn't quite sure if I wanted to... Now I wish I had. It deserves to be on my shelf. It was soo good! I loved the flow of this book, the characters, the writing, the life, the scenery, the timespan, everything! I cannot wait to read Just One Year(which just got a lovely cover) from Willem's POV. If you haven't read this one yet, run to your nearest bookstore & buy it! Read my review here. (Sorry it's such a poor review that doesn't do it justice!)
2. BEAUTY:
Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Shine Minimizing Cleanser (Well, that is a mouthful. This has quickly become one of my favorite cleansers... ever. I have very oily and acne prone skin and this with my entire[days worth] routine has helped not only the current acne, but the scars from my previous breakouts. I love that I feel so fresh after using this. When I first started using it, I learned that I was using almost 3x more than I needed for a full, thick and rich lather. And I love the light smell as well!)
3. MUSIC:
Justin Timberlake's 20/20 Experience Album [Target Deluxe Edition] (I don't think I need to say more. But I am falling in love with songs I didn't care for when I first listened to this album, like "That Girl" and "Strawberry Bubblegum". So good. And I cannot wait for Part 2 of this album. Read my review here!)
JoJo - Can't Handle the Truth (Even though there is absolutely too much talking happening on this , the actual songs are so so good! And this one may be my favorite. This link takes you to the site to download the album free and legally!)
I think I already know what will be in my April favorites!! :) What were your March favorites? Anything in these categories, or whatever. Leave a comment! :)
Another one of those characters that I related to so much! A great story from beginning to end. And the guy was not a bad boy, just tough and sexy and sweet! Even though you're left with a fairly satisfactory ending, there will be a second book. I can't wait to read that!
2. BEAUTY:
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (I am in the color Nude. Love this foundation. The lightest I've ever used and it doesn't start feeling heavy by the end of the day. I have oily, acne prone skin and though this is light to medium coverage, it smoothes out and evens out my skin tone!)
Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action (I had stopped using this for awhile and couldn't remember why... until I opened the bottle. It smells soo strong like men's cologne. But it works really really well for me, so I'll get over it!)
As I Am Coconut CoWash - (This stuff is awesome. It cleaneses your hair without stripping it, but doesn't leave it feeling heavy and limp. In fact, my hair hasn't looked so full and voluminous in a very long time. It's supposed to be for ethnic hair, but my mom [who is white] uses it and loves it as well. You don't need a conditioner with it, but I use one anyways, which only adds to the benefits! You can get it at Sally's.)
Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Amethyst - (These colors don't last very long and I'm not a fan of the brush, but I love the variety of colors. Especially this one. I got in purple, but it's kind of awesome that it's called Amethyst since that is my birth stone.... ^_^" The website is a bit misleading, the color is more true to purple.)
3.DRAMAS:
Substitute Princess - (A Taiwanese drama that has completely won me over! I highly recommend this one. Not too heavy in the comedy, but not a sad/sappy drama either! Super fun theme song that I fear if I download, I'll never stop listening to it.)
Level 7 Civil Servant - (I talked about this one and why I loved it here. Yet another Korean drama I can't pull myself away from!)
4. FOOD:
Oranges - (Seriously, I've probably had a billion this past month & I'm still eating them like crazy. I've had 2 today of the Cara Cara variety.)
Lipton Iced Tea in Pomegranate Blueberry - (I hate tea unless it's premade and fruit flavored. Love this kind!! It has just enough of the tea taste without being over powering. I hate tea.... hate.)
Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee - (My mom got it for me for my birthday and I've had it almost every morning. I mix it with regular coffee to not use it up and you can still taste it. It's true to name... sooo good!! No link, sorry. I can't find id on the interwebs.)
"Ring Ma Bell' by Two-X - (Fun, girly, a bit too girly at times. But I like it. I LOVE LOVE the colors in this music video, their hair, makeup and outfits. Everything. I enjoyed their debut song "Double Up" which was less girly, something I usually like, but for some reason, I like this one a little better.)
"Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - (I'm late on this train. But I hate this song. I love this song. I can't help it. I love the lyrics, the beat and the flow of the rap. So, yeah... I'm addicted. I think Macklemore looks like Jeremy Scott's little brother.)
"있다 없으니까 (Gone, Not Around Any Longer)" by SISTAR19 - (I didn't love this song as much as their other, "Ma Boy", but it is still a beautiful song. Though the dance is predictable. I love Hyolin's voice and Bora's subtle/sexy rapping! And can I please have their legs & shoes? Please? 제발?)
I recommend you check any and all of these things out asap!! I'll try to think of all new things for March. What are your favorites from February?!
My Thoughts:
Don't worry, I can't read any of those song titles either. My ability to read Asian languages begins and ends with Korean. Throw in Chinese, Japanese or any others and I'm a lost puppy!
I first learned about Genie Zhuo through the Taiwanese drama, Office Girls. Her song "Bu Yao Bu Yao" {不要不要} is used as the main theme song, and after watching numerous episodes the song became stuck in my head, at least the only parts I remember. So I finally went and looked for the song and the music video itself was just as addicting. After searching through the YouTube of her record label I found the music video for her song "想飛的自由落體" that I immediately recognized as the song they used during heartfelt times in the same drama, Office Girls (which I recommend). The clips from the drama in the music video helped too. I knew that I had to check out the rest of the album, and downloaded it that instant.
After listening through the entire album, I knew I had found a gem. It is the first Asian album on my iPod that isn't Korean or Japanese (mind you any Japanese song is performed by someone who is Korean). And it won't be my last. It is most likely my favourite album I've listened to this year. {With G-Dragon's "One of a Kind" following close behind.} There is a song in almost every genre, ballad, pop, R&B, dance, electro, a little rock flair. And I so desperately want to learn Mandarin so I can understand at least one word.
I know you're probably thinking "if you don't understand, why listen?" Well, I didn't understand any Korean when I first listened to K-Pop and now I can read it, and use sentences, as well as understand most of the lyrics. It takes time. But, aside from that, she has a beautiful voice and the songs hit so many notes that I just want to keep listening.
The songs "针", "哇哇叫", "反派" are fun songs with beats that remind me of popping bubbles, heavy electric guitar rifs and loud singing that is mesmerizing & has me dancing every time I'm trying to do something else like the dishes or clean my room. #Fail. :]
Then there's the final song, "话说夏娃" that is light and airy, a simple pop sound with paired with her sweet melodic voice
The flow of this album is perfect. It's like a roller coaster to get you up on your feet, sit down and chill and then back up again. You start off with a hyper song and end with a chill song.
I'll be checking more out from Genie, as well as any of the dramas she's been in. One of her songs, "話說夏娃" is actually the theme song of a recent drama she's been acting in and is now the next drama I'll be watching. In fact, I may start it tonight! (especially because there will be 32 episodes & 8 are up already.)
If you're a K-Pop, J-Pop, or a pop fan in general, you should definitely check out this album!!
Bonus video:
The music video that caught my attention and made me love her. "不要不要 (Bu Yao Bu Yao)"
Obviously this has nothing to do with books...but where does it say that I only have to write about books!? Music is probably a bigger passion of mine than reading & writing!
I think about every Monday I'll try to post as many songs that I'm in love with right now and let the world in! If you click the song title it'll take you to the youtube link so you can give it a listen.
I have been playing #1 non-stop!! I am kind of obsessed with that song!
I have loved Citizen Cope for a few months now and finally got my hands on his The Clarence Greenwood Recordings album...and let me say that I'm kind of crazy about it. Especially #2 and #3!
#4 has been out for awhile but it's definitely worth a mention. I love it.
I love Iron & Wine. I have so many songs by him...but #5 aside from "Belated Promise Ring" and "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" has to be my favorite by him.
I've seen Jason Aldean in concert, and let me tell you...he is nothing short of amazing#6 is on his latest album, Wide Open and is definitely my favorite.
JoJo will always be my favorite singer...and I cannot wait until her next album is out. Fortunately for us many of the songs she's recorded have leaked and #7 is by far the best of the bunch!!
I know what you're thinking...Nick Jonas? But I have to say...I've always liked the Jonas Brothers, but Nick Jonas & The Administration are on a completely different level. This is grammy worthy stuff here. I'm in love with #8!
Okay...we all see Shakira as this beautiful exotic sex symbol, but #9 is pure love. The lyrics in this song just speak to me, and they're everything I wish I could be and do! Plus the video is amazing & the guy in it has a gorgeous smile!
I respect Miley and always will...I love #10 and think the video is beautiful. I couldn't care less about her personal life.
Okay....I listened to #11 over and over for awhile, but couldn't take much more of the song....but now that I've given myself a break I love it again. I would love to hear more of Hayley on it...but it's said and done. I can't wait for the video. P.S. "Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now." is probably the best line in history!! (Couldn't really find one where Hayley didn't sound like a chipmunk or a dude...so enjoy!!)
