Secrets of the Heart

Artist: Scott Krokoff Single: The Right Place There is nothing like a man, his guitar, and a great song. The Right Place focuses on a hopeful future. I love how the lyrics relate to someone who is ready to give up and accept their circumstances. They settle. They also call the person to action to change their circumstances if they're not happy. He sings, "Some days are so tough you think you lost the will And when you’re feeling so empty it really kills But don’t you dare give in, you better try Or else from sun-up to sunset it’s all a lie." It's encouraging because the song is telling you that you're not stuck in the situation you're in. There is a point in your life that you need to put up or shut up to put it bluntly. Nothing is final. We have the power to change our situations. The best and most inspiring lyrics in the song are the following: "When you’re not happy but you always make excuses Then it’s a definite that all you’ll really l

When people look at me, they don't tend to see the Filipino in me. I look more Italian and Spanish than Filipino. My mother (on the right in the picture) of course looks her heritage and she should. After all, she was born and raised in the Philippines. She came to the United States in 1979 to marry my father, Anthony LaSpada (100% Italian man). There were a lot of mannerisms I thought were unique to my mom but as it turns out it's quite common among most if not all Filipino mothers. The first video I saw of comedian Christine Gambito was about a Filipino mom giving directions. I could not stop laughing because it's exactly like my mom. She always says "You know da ting." Everything is "da ting." Needless to say it rubbed off on my sisters and me. We each do that at some point. However the latest video I saw by Christine was addressing the "kilikili" which made me scream with laughter. I thought my mother made that up. You see a "kilikil

Artist: Leslie Becker Single: Slow Burn In the beginning of this video we see Leslie walking down the street at night looking classy and ready for some fun. This song and the video reminds me a lot of the opening credits to a James Bond film. The song as well sounds like the next title track to the next James Bond film. It's hot, sultry and Leslie's voice is hypnotizing. What I like about the song is how the woman is in control. You see the men looking at her and she decides whether they get her attention or not. It's interesting because within the song and video there is a tease of mystery. She's not putting herself completely out there. This is apparent even through her vocals. It's like a "come and get me" but she decides when it goes further. I love how she sings, "I'm worth the wait" because it's an empowering statement. She knows her worth. The "slow burn" is the excitement building up to that incredible firework fee

Artist: Jerad Finck Criminal EP The first review for Jerad was the "Criminal" single. This review for the "Criminal" EP. Before I get into the review I want to define what an EP is for those that don't know. An EP stands for extended play. It contains additional tracks than the single but the track list is too short to be considered a full album. It's like a sneak peek into the artist's potential full album, a teaser if you will. Now onto the review. I was ecstatic after listening to Criminal  that when my boyfriend, Jeff returned from work I made him sit down and watch the video with me (my 20th time watching it that night, his first). I started playing the EP this morning and he immediately joined me in the living room asking me, "Is this the guy you're reviewing?" I said "Yes" and with that Jerad gains another fan. Jeff loves the music. This is what I love about music like this. It brings people together and infectious. T

Jerad Finck Single: Criminal I am impressed with the music I am reviewing tonight. I love this song. I was already singing along to the chorus by the end of the video. Let me break this down for you. This man is heartbroken. His wife (assuming wife considering one of the disks said wedding) left him. He trusted her and she just stole everything from him "like a criminal." The most powerful line in this song is "We could've had it all but you're a criminal." I felt this way when I found out my ex cheated on me. I felt he took everything from me; my heart, my love, my money, my generosity. At first I did think if he would have just stopped being selfish we could've had it all but where I am in my life makes me see that I have it all now. It's amazing how songs like this truly touches you. Above all the video itself is powerful. He moves out and she returns to a single note saying "We almost had it." She tosses the note and it leaves you

Artist: Whitty Whitesell Album: Gift of the Middle I first encountered Whitty on Twitter. I truly enjoy meeting/connecting with artists no matter their craft. He messaged me encouraging me to check out his album. *Note: It is always a great first impression when you personally reach out to people to check out/review your work. Moving on, I went right to his sight whitty.bz to check out his songs. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. In a world where it seems that the music has gotten lost in the image, his music is refreshing. It's that raw talent that has everything to do with the music and artistic expression. With the first tracks, St. Lucy Flyin' High , Firm Embrace, and Dying Myself, I can hear the stylings of the Beatles in songs such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds . There's just something about Lucy. This album takes you on a musical journey starting with what I call the "birth" mood of the first three tracks. You feel carefree, calm, and unst

Maleficent Release Date: May 30, 2014 Starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning Walt Disney Pictures is making a habit of turning their animated classics into LIVE action films. Does this mean that the Disney company is straying away from it is most famous for? Absolutely not but they just released the LIVE action Jungle Book and has the upcoming Beauty & the Beast starring Emma Watson underway. Maleficent is one of the early LIVE action take on the classic Sleeping Beauty. For those of us familiar with the animated film Maleficent is the evil witch who wishes to murder King Stefan's daughter, Aurora as revenge for not inviting her to the celebration of Aurora's birth. It almost sounds like they were a type of slave to her the way the queen spoke to her. This film puts a twist on the classic story we know all too well. Stefan takes on the role of villain in this version told by the point of view of Maleficent narrated by Aurora. Maleficent is the protector of the f

In light of Mother's Day I would like to discuss some things that makes a mother a good mother. A mother doesn't have be biological or a woman at all. Giving birth to a child does not make you a mother. What you do from that point on for the child does. I've learned so much from the mothers around me but also from the fathers around me. Fathers sometime have to assume the role of mother when the woman is incapable or doesn't assume their role as mother of a child just as a woman does in the case of a father not assuming their roles. However in our society a mother is hailed in higher regards than a father when a father is just as important. Being a parent whether mother or father is to put the needs of the children first. It is knowing how to put your selfish needs and wants aside for them. A father can be a mother thus why I get passionate about some things. The importance of Mother's Day and Father's Day is to recognize those who truly give their children t