Ari Gold As Gold Nation Rocks It With Album "Soundtrack To Freedom"

A while back, beloved New York LGBT scene staple Ari Gold decided it was time to shake things up. He found it was time to do something different, and with that he brought on a new name. For this project he goes by Gold Nation, and as Gold Nation, he is bringing you Soundtrack to Freedom. Get into it, and quick.

There are so many surprising things about this album. I had no idea what to expect going into this, and let me tell you I was pleasantly surprised. There are so many undiscovered gems on this release it's not even funny. It's style may be a bit hard to swallow for those who have come to love Ari over the years, but the new name is very symbolic of the break away from the past, and allows people to approach the album with fresh ears to hears something unexpected -- and that is certainly what he has brought.

The title track "Soundtrack to Freedom" really sets up the whole album. We get a nice taste of the electronic/dubstep vibe that flows throughout the album. It also introduces us to the chorus that accompanies Gold, giving the techno-focused album a very gospel inspired tone, almost as if this album is the Gospel of Ari Gold (which would be a cool album title, by the way). The gospel theme continues on into songs like "Personal Apocalypse" where he goes from saying Jesus is all of us, to damn near starting a church for Oprah. I don't know if it was intentionally hilarious or not, but it was.

Songs on this album are also very misleading with their track names. When I think of something like "Take Your Shirt Off" I think of a trashy club anthem to buffed up pretty boys. This isn't really what Gold was going for here. During the verses he goes into a spill about how it's more about LGBT visability, for everyone from hairy chub boys to transsexuals. Everyone needs visibility, and for this reason this is probably my favorite track from the entire work.

One thing I really appreciate is that the vast majority of the album is Ari on his own with only one (real) feature. "Back In High School" features Adam Joseph in a total throwback to 90's RnB. But other than that the only other features on the album (in "Turn Out The Night" and "Leave The World Changed") are featuring non other than Ari himself. While this baffles me a bit, I'd have to say it's probably because he falls back moreso into his older style of singing in these two songs, so he decided to credit his other persona. It's unclear why this decision was made. Either way the lack of features really gives us a moment to see Ari's vision. We don't have random distracting rap verses crammed into a track or a familiar face to up sales -- it's all Ari and what he wanted to make. That's what really makes this album beautiful.

There is so much you could say about this album, but instead of me blabbing on, why not check it out for yourself? Soundtrack To Freedom is out now on iTunes from JRED Music. Get it now, while it's still steaming hot!

Album Review - Dean Ford "Get Messy"

It's been such a long time coming for Dean Ford. His last album, CTRL came out five hundred years ago (in the music world), and he's been long overdue for a new album for quite some time. Well this indie artist is not one to disappoint, and any good mother would teach you that good things are worth the wait -- and Get Messy is the prime example of that old saying. It's time to delve into Get Messy, and yes, it's just as sexy as it sounds.

Album Review - Marina And The Diamonds "Froot"

Oh. My. God. I started off not liking Marina one single bit. I found the idea of her somewhat jarring, but damnit if she didn't finally win me over with her previous album Electra Heart. In fact, I was so attached to that "era" in Diamonds' history that when she announced that album's character was now gone to make room for something new, I was a bit taken aback. But don't worry. This album is good. So, so good.

Album Review: Danity Kane "DK3"

Oh Jesus where do I begin? This album is both a blessing and a curse. This may very well be the last album we see from Danity Kane -- for real this time. They tried the reunion thing, and it didn't work out. Lucky for us the decided to go ahead and release DK3, one of the best pop albums in the last ten years. Don't believe me? Well let's check it out.

Album Review - Bentley Jones "Defying Gravity" [TRUTHSt4lk3rz Takeover Weekend]

Welcome to day one of the #TRUTHSt4k3rz Takeover Weekend! We are going to start things out easy with a review of the Bentley Jones, the star of this weekend, new album "Defying Gravity". I had the pleasure of getting a deluxe copy, so my review will be segmented into what you'll get from each purchase. But enough time has been wasted on introductions! Let's get to it!

Album Review - Utada Hikaru "Exodus" 10th Anniversary Edition

I can't believe it's been ten years since my favorite album of all time came out. I'm actually over a week late for this one, but then again when have I ever been punctual? Today we are talking about "Exodus" by Utada (Hikaru in Japan, just Utada here for some weird reason). It recently turned ten years old, and we are going to trudge through this album and see if it still holds up.

Warning: THIS IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM EVER! I'm pretty biased.

Album Review: Cazwell - Hard 2 Be Fresh [#TheReturn Day Six]

It's been a long time since I've reviewed an album. I knew when I saw this album pop up for pre-order, I knew I had to give it a go. Luckily the timing was perfect for #TheReturn, so we will get to see what I can come up with for this gem. This album has been a long time coming, and it also features one of my favorite lovelies -- Cherie Lily. Hellz yeah! Let's get into this.

Album Review - Fifth Harmony "Better Together"

Fifth Harmony is my secret obsession. I may not have been into X Factor, but I can say that these five girls have some serious talent. They have been all over the Disney Channel, and they are besties with  Demi Lovato, but now is the time for them to shine on their own. Let's check out Fifth Harmony's debut EP, Better Together.

Album Review: Hyper Crush "Vertigo"

OK, I'll admit it. I love Hyper Crush. I mean it should be obvious with as many times as I post about them (and how often I make it a point to say how sexy Preston is), but I thought I should point it out just in case you are incredibly dense and hadn't caught on. Not long ago they released their newest album Vertigo, and of course I've gotta review it!

Album Review - Natalia Kills "Trouble"

I have been waiting for this release for practically forever. Natalia Kills has been one of my favorite artists since she first popped up on Space Cowboy's major label debut. Now she's fully evolved into a whole new artist, and she's got her newest album Trouble to prove that to us. All I can really say is go in with an open mind, and if you're expecting what you heard from her first album, you may be in for a bit of a shock.

Album Review - Aubrey O'Day "Between Two Evils"

So I meant to do this review a while back, but I kept putting it off for personal reasons. Now, weeks after it's release, I'm finally getting to post this. Aubrey has been an inspiration to me, and with the recent announcement of Danity Kane being reunited, this makes me even more eager and hungry for more O'Day. Let's check out her latest venture while we prep for the next one.

Album Review - The New Futures "Radioactive"

The New Futures are one of the bands I've had my eye close on for the past few months. They have been moving quickly, and gaining a lot of momentum. Without wasting any time, they've unleashed their first EP onto the internet entitled Radioactive, and they are ready get you up and jamming.

Album Review - Daniel Robinson "Guesswork"

I am slowly falling in love with Daniel Robinson. His latest single, "Running With The Wolves" totally won me over, and now he's got a full EP that is that same style of music. His presence is magnetic and his music is addicting. That is exactly what Guesswork is all about. Why don't we take a look at this?

 

Album Review - Ms Trez "Beat's Our Guide"

I have been waiting for this album for a good while now. Beat's Our Guide is the debut EP from the up and coming girl group Ms Trez straight out of Sweden. Made up of three beauties, Lorena, Marlene, and Mira, they specialize in harmonies and pure pop music. Not heard of them? Well get ready because this release will give you a pretty good idea of who they are.

Album Review - Naia Kete "Fire Breather"

Does the name Naia Kete ring a bell? Well it should. She was in the national spotlight, albeit for a shorter time than she should have been, on the critically acclaimed television reality competition The Voice. She has decided that being booted from the show wasn't going to dash her hopes at making music, and now that she's got a great team behind her, she's released her debut album. Get ready for the easy-listening-yet-oddly-addicting EP that is Fire Breather.

Album Review - Frankmusik "Between"

I can't believe we have a new Frankmusik album out. After all the drama that happened over the past couple of years, it is a huge relief to not only have him back, but have him making a full album (as opposed to EPs and singles). Though his video and single release schedules have been hectic, this album was well thought out and released right on schedule. Welcome to Frankmusik's newest masterpiece Between.

(Note: This post was scheduled for June 23, but due to technical difficulties it was delayed. I apologize for this and hope to correct such issues in the future.)

Album Review - Kim Smith "Nova"

Oh, Kim Smith. How you have popped up out of nowhere in the pop music world and have stolen my heart! Kim has been steadily releasing tracks for a while now, and it has all added up to an amazing album full of polished gems. Let's take a closer look at "Nova" by Kim Smith.

Album Review - Colette Carr "Skitszo Part Four"

It's finally here. The last (sort of) part of the epic Skitszo is among us. This journey has been stretched out over half a year, and it has been a trying ordeal. I mean by that each part has left me so hungry for more, and with the cCarr team's lips zipped shut, we didn't know what to expect. Well thankfully part four is out now, and it has four more songs that are begging to be listened to. Let's take a look, shall we?

Album Review - Osvaldo Supino "Exposed"

Osvaldo has popped up on the TOTU radar in the past, more specifically with his last single "I Have A Name", the premier track off of his debut full album "Exposed". This intense pop adventure has finally been released worldwide, and you'd better believe I'm all over this one. Let's take a look at this prime example of indie pop.

Kerli Releases Long Awaited "Utopia" EP

Oh, Kerli. You are always close to my heart. Kerli has gone from being Goth Princess to Queen of the Raver Kids -- or Moonchildren. She released a couple of singles over the past two years to show her major change of genre, but they were too far apart. It's time for something solid. It's time for "Utopia".

The EP stays right on par with her previously established rave-pop style, giving us all more of what we've been craving. Lead in track and potential new single "Can't Control The Kids" is the hottest of the group of six (seven if you count the remix). That is not to say that the rest of the album isn't solid. Each of the songs is polished, shiny, and ready for radio play. They pulled out all the stops for this entry.

My only real beef with the album is the track "Sugar" which sounds like a leftover song from her debut album which had a much darker tone. The new era of Kerli is all about positivity, keeping her fans uplifted with lyrics and beats alike. "Sugar" is a more sullen track, even if it's lyrics are quite as brooding as those found on "Love Is Dead".

The high point of the work comes at the end. I couldn't ask for a better closing track than "Chemical" which is a beautiful love song explored in a very unconventional way. It aslo is the only ballad on "Utopia", making it stand out moreso. This is the one Kerli song I have to hear live. No exceptions.

One thing that is instantly noticeable is that her big hits "Army of Love" and "Zero Gravity", both of which have no home album, are missing. I guess she wanted to start with a clean slate for this release, but one has to think that having the two tracks, or at least "Zero Gravity", would have bolstered the release even further.

"Utopia" is everything supporters of Kerli could ask for. It manages to also be very accessible to newcomers as well, especially those who like all the different genres of techno. I can honestly say this is among my favorite releases thus far in 2013.

Be sure to preview and buy "Utopia" on iTunes.