Post by ᗪ卂ᐯ丨ᗪ on Sept 20, 2020 18:21:55 GMT -5
Toy-Box - ToyRide (2001)
ToyRide is the second album by the band Toy-Box which, unlike the first, is considered the most 'tacky', in terms of sound, lyrics and melody. Released in 2001, the album partially presents some sound changes, based mainly on the pop scene of that time, and departing a little from the eurodance that was present in his first album. However, they still maintain their style (Aneela singing to the songs in a very high pitch and Amir singing in a deep and funny voice) as always, as we can see in some tracks like "Prince of Arabian" (track 9), "Cowboy Joe" (track 5), etc.
1. "Superstar" - To start this album with great style, we are introduced to Superstar, which is a very good and very memorable song, because she makes good use of vocals throughout the song, not to mention an addictive melody. As its title might suggest, the song speaks of the luxurious and glamorous daily life of a superstar, but with an ironic tone. Obviously, Aneela Mirza is the highlight of the song, but Amir also plays an important role, as she used (in some excerpts) a soft bass voice. Definitely a good choice to start this album!
2. "Russian Lullaby" - This track is a cover of the famous song of the same name released by the Eurodance singer, E-Type. This version was really splendid, so much so that it gives us an impression that it is better than the original. Unlike the original version, Amir El-Falaki does not use a 'sensual' or 'sarcastic' voice at any time, just as Aneela does not repeat "Russian Lullaby" all the time (as is usual in the original version). This version is very memorable and very exciting, which you should never miss.
3. "WWW.girl" - One of the most beloved tracks of your audience, WWW.girl is able to show in more detail the special essence that only Toy-Box can offer, in addition to creating a friendly atmosphere. When the song starts, you are already surprised by Aneela's sweet children's vocal along with a dancing bass, and you immediately know that the best is yet to come. Actually the vocals of both vocalists on that song are totally flawless, although they haven't demonstrated these skills much. But still, it is a good choice.
4. "007" - Obviously a song that does a certain parody to agent 007, however, in terms of melody, it is not as captivating as the other tracks, in addition to having a very childlike vocal by Aneela that left the very sick chorus. But other than that, it's a lovely song.
5. "Cowboy Joe" - Really a very good and exciting song, but not very memorable. I loved the sound effects of 'crickets' at the beginning of the song, as well as a strident banjo that is introduced right after the chorus, which made the atmosphere even more contagious. In fact, Toy-Box members manage to bring the 'western' atmosphere to music, as has been felt since the beginning.
6. "Dumm-Diggy-Dumm" - Unlike the other tracks, this track is more pop of all. This song captures the sound that was a trend at the time, which is why when we hear this song, we always remember the 'pop artists' of that time, like The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera etc. Really a great musical 'bet'.
7. "Wizard Of Oz" - This track is the cutest on the album, however it doesn't stand out much like the others. Although not too bad, I think the unnecessary addition of melodies in the chorus left the song a little 'disorganized'. I believe they kept a single melody in the chorus, it could be better.
8. "Divided" - As every bubblegum dance album has at least one ballad, Toy-Box is no exception. In fact, it is a sweet, charming and lovely ballad, where only Aneela is highlighted. However, I thought Aneela should have given more of herself and shown her vocal skills more closely, since ballads are conducive to that.
9. "Prince Of Arabia" - Really an impeccable track when it comes to everything. Amir El-Falaki plays a very important role in this song, in addition to being featured throughout the song; Aneela Mirza in turn, only provides support vocals. Again I praise the sound effects, because they are so authentic, because it gives the impression that we are in the same environment in which the vocalists are.
10. "S.O.S." - Following the same concept as Dumm-Diggy-Dumm, this track stands out for being the most 'disorganized' and 'meaningless'. When the chorus starts, we think it will be something exciting, however, it is quite senseless, because when we think it is over, it is just beginning.
11. "No Sleep" - Although it is not the popular song on the album and, consequently, on the project, 'No Sleep' stands out much better than the other ToyRide tracks. It really is a very catchy song, and the hook on the chorus is really irresistible, not to mention the keyboard that is introduced in the background. Definitely, a track that is music to my ears.
12. "Finally" - Originally, I thought ToyRide's last track would be a slow and sad song, but that's not quite it, as it has an energetic beat accompanied by a Latin spice (although not very memorable).
In the Singapore version of ToyRide, it has 12 tracks and an addition of three bonus tracks, which are basically Superstar's remix. There really isn't much to comment on.
In general, the album is full of cool songs, although all the songs have a very 'sugary' sound, in addition to being full of parodies. The coolest tracks are "Superstar", "www.girl", "No Sleep" and "Prince Of Arabia". I would very much like to give a 10 for the album, however, some technical issues left something to be desired. Really, I wish that Amir El-Falaki and Aneela Mirza had outdone themselves more on the vocal issue, and not being in a 'comfort zone', something that I saw a lot in ToyRide. Because of this, my grade is "7/10".
ToyRide is the second album by the band Toy-Box which, unlike the first, is considered the most 'tacky', in terms of sound, lyrics and melody. Released in 2001, the album partially presents some sound changes, based mainly on the pop scene of that time, and departing a little from the eurodance that was present in his first album. However, they still maintain their style (Aneela singing to the songs in a very high pitch and Amir singing in a deep and funny voice) as always, as we can see in some tracks like "Prince of Arabian" (track 9), "Cowboy Joe" (track 5), etc.
1. "Superstar" - To start this album with great style, we are introduced to Superstar, which is a very good and very memorable song, because she makes good use of vocals throughout the song, not to mention an addictive melody. As its title might suggest, the song speaks of the luxurious and glamorous daily life of a superstar, but with an ironic tone. Obviously, Aneela Mirza is the highlight of the song, but Amir also plays an important role, as she used (in some excerpts) a soft bass voice. Definitely a good choice to start this album!
2. "Russian Lullaby" - This track is a cover of the famous song of the same name released by the Eurodance singer, E-Type. This version was really splendid, so much so that it gives us an impression that it is better than the original. Unlike the original version, Amir El-Falaki does not use a 'sensual' or 'sarcastic' voice at any time, just as Aneela does not repeat "Russian Lullaby" all the time (as is usual in the original version). This version is very memorable and very exciting, which you should never miss.
3. "WWW.girl" - One of the most beloved tracks of your audience, WWW.girl is able to show in more detail the special essence that only Toy-Box can offer, in addition to creating a friendly atmosphere. When the song starts, you are already surprised by Aneela's sweet children's vocal along with a dancing bass, and you immediately know that the best is yet to come. Actually the vocals of both vocalists on that song are totally flawless, although they haven't demonstrated these skills much. But still, it is a good choice.
4. "007" - Obviously a song that does a certain parody to agent 007, however, in terms of melody, it is not as captivating as the other tracks, in addition to having a very childlike vocal by Aneela that left the very sick chorus. But other than that, it's a lovely song.
5. "Cowboy Joe" - Really a very good and exciting song, but not very memorable. I loved the sound effects of 'crickets' at the beginning of the song, as well as a strident banjo that is introduced right after the chorus, which made the atmosphere even more contagious. In fact, Toy-Box members manage to bring the 'western' atmosphere to music, as has been felt since the beginning.
6. "Dumm-Diggy-Dumm" - Unlike the other tracks, this track is more pop of all. This song captures the sound that was a trend at the time, which is why when we hear this song, we always remember the 'pop artists' of that time, like The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera etc. Really a great musical 'bet'.
7. "Wizard Of Oz" - This track is the cutest on the album, however it doesn't stand out much like the others. Although not too bad, I think the unnecessary addition of melodies in the chorus left the song a little 'disorganized'. I believe they kept a single melody in the chorus, it could be better.
8. "Divided" - As every bubblegum dance album has at least one ballad, Toy-Box is no exception. In fact, it is a sweet, charming and lovely ballad, where only Aneela is highlighted. However, I thought Aneela should have given more of herself and shown her vocal skills more closely, since ballads are conducive to that.
9. "Prince Of Arabia" - Really an impeccable track when it comes to everything. Amir El-Falaki plays a very important role in this song, in addition to being featured throughout the song; Aneela Mirza in turn, only provides support vocals. Again I praise the sound effects, because they are so authentic, because it gives the impression that we are in the same environment in which the vocalists are.
10. "S.O.S." - Following the same concept as Dumm-Diggy-Dumm, this track stands out for being the most 'disorganized' and 'meaningless'. When the chorus starts, we think it will be something exciting, however, it is quite senseless, because when we think it is over, it is just beginning.
11. "No Sleep" - Although it is not the popular song on the album and, consequently, on the project, 'No Sleep' stands out much better than the other ToyRide tracks. It really is a very catchy song, and the hook on the chorus is really irresistible, not to mention the keyboard that is introduced in the background. Definitely, a track that is music to my ears.
12. "Finally" - Originally, I thought ToyRide's last track would be a slow and sad song, but that's not quite it, as it has an energetic beat accompanied by a Latin spice (although not very memorable).
In the Singapore version of ToyRide, it has 12 tracks and an addition of three bonus tracks, which are basically Superstar's remix. There really isn't much to comment on.
In general, the album is full of cool songs, although all the songs have a very 'sugary' sound, in addition to being full of parodies. The coolest tracks are "Superstar", "www.girl", "No Sleep" and "Prince Of Arabia". I would very much like to give a 10 for the album, however, some technical issues left something to be desired. Really, I wish that Amir El-Falaki and Aneela Mirza had outdone themselves more on the vocal issue, and not being in a 'comfort zone', something that I saw a lot in ToyRide. Because of this, my grade is "7/10".
