Welcome to Rachel's iPod :)

   Instead of writing a music review about a song, I am going to do this blog on what music means to me! I have also enjoyed music. There's never been a time in my life that music hasn't been a part of my everyday life. When I was little, I participated in Children's Choir at my church. I always loved getting in front of everyone and singing. Then, when I was older, I sang solos. I remember singing Peace Like A River, and having Sarah Cochran and Megan Laughton do the motions behind me. I also participated in the Christmas play and was the lead with my brother. So basically, i grew up being into music. Of course when the iPod's came out, I had to get one.  But even before them, I had tons of CDs. My parents both bought we karaoke because they knew how much I love to sing. I would always lock myself in my room and sing for hours on end. My parents would have to beat on the door so I could hear because I had my music so loud.

   As I grew up, I started to love music more and more. I was in Chorus all through junior high until my freshman year. But I'm going to pick up on it again. With all new technology, like the iPod it was easy to download new songs in a push of a button. My eighth grade year, I got my iPod Touch and i have to say, it's my life! I would die without it! I'm constantly listening to music. I listen to music to get through my day. Whether I'm sad, mad, hurt, or happy, no matter what, I listen to music. I feel like I can express myself better with it. Sometimes, I will just lie in my bed and sing songs that play from my iHome. It has to be one of the best inventions someone has made. I love music, and I'm very passionate with it.

  I listen to all kinds of genres of music. If you looked at my iPod, you would see all kinds of different music, but mostly country. Growing up, I have listen to a lot of country and pop music. But occasionally, I listen to rap, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and alternative. I love different genres because there is never a song you can't listen to that won't take the bad feelings away. But there's also song that will make you smile!

   I know if you asked my parents, they would tell you that I'm very into music. I listen to it, when I'm getting ready, when I'm studying, when I'm bored, just whenever I feel like it. I know there are a lot of people in this world that are very passionate about music. It's an awesome thing, and it sure will last forever, which is make it so much better. So to all those artists that got me through the good and bad times, thank you, i love you all so much ♥

Sara Evans, "A Little Bit Stronger"

 
   This week I am writing about Sara Evans and her song, "A Little Bit Stronger." She was born in Boonville, Missouri on February 5, 1971. She lived on a farm and was the oldest of seven. In 1991, she moved to Nashville to become a country artist. She met her now ex-husband, Craig Schelske, there. She later returned to Nashville and began recording demos. Harlan Howard was impressed by her demo if his song, "Tiger by the Tail," and helped her get a signed contract with RCA Nashville record deal. In 1997, Sara released her first album, "Three Chords and the Truth." This album included a cover version of the song "Imagine That" originally by Patsy Cline. A year later, Sara released her second album, "No Place That Far." Her second single, "No Place That Far," was a duet with Vince Gill. It brought Sara massive success, it reached Number one of the Country charts and the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40. This success certified her album as "Gold." In 2000, she released her album, "Born to Fly." This album became Sara's first album to receive a "Platinum" rating by RIAA. Sara was quite popular at the CMA Awards. She was the most nominated artist with seven nominations overall. She won her first CMA award when "Born to Fly" won the award, Video of the Year. By 2003, she had released her fourth album, "Restless." Her third single on this album, "Suds in the Bucket," was her most successful single. It was Sara's third number one hit and was also a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Restless received a nomination in the 2005 Academy of Country Music Awards. After Restless, Sara re-merged with a fifth album called "Real Fine Place." The single, "A Real Fine Place To Start," reached number one of the County charts in 2005 and the Pop Top 40 at number 38. "A Real Fine Place," was another Gold certified single by the RIAA. In 2005, the album's single, "Cheatin'," was a Top 10 country hit, peaking at number nine. R&R announced Sara as the "Female Vocalist of the Year" in its 2006 Readers' Poll. On May 23, 2006, Sara competed and performed at the 2006 ACM awards in Las Vegas where she won "Top Female Vocalist." In 2009, ABC Daytime and SOAPnet sponsored a tour, headlined by Sara Evans, that featured performances throughout the summer. During Sara's 2010 fan club party in June 2010, she debuted the second single from her upcoming sixth album, "Stronger," which will be released in early 2011. The song titled, "A Little Bit Stronger," which is the only song on the upcoming album not co-written by Sara herself. It was pitched to Sara by its songwriter, Hillary Scott from the Country music band, Lady Antebellum. The song also will be included on the soundtrack to the 2010 film County Strong. It debuted at number 56 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs. It's a great song by Sara, definitely one of my favorites!

  I chose this song because it's a very powerful and inspiring song to listen to. It takes about even though times are rough, you got to move on and just get stronger. I think we all have struggled with something that feels like it ruined everything in life. Many teenagers struggle with relationships or family issues, but sometimes you have to realize life goes on and you got to learn from the experience. You can't let it bring you down, you have to get stronger. Even if it does bring you down, you have to build yourself back up to being a strong independent person. In the lyrics it says, "But I'm telling myself, I'll be okay, even on my weakest day, I get "a little bit stronger." I think this is a statement everyone should live by. I personally have had my days that I tell myself that it's not okay, but in reality, everything does work out for the better or at least the way it's supposed to. So if you're ever down, listen to this song. It's a great song to inspire you to get "a little bit stronger". If you haven't heard Sara Evans' music, then check her out on YouTube or her personal website.

Carrie Underwood, "Mama's Song"

   This week I am writing about Carrie Underwood, and her song to her mother, "Mama's Song." She was born in Oklahoma on March 10, 1983. Her family consists of her mom, who worked as an elementary teacher, her dad, who worked at a sawmill, and her two older sisters. When Carrie was little, she would sing at churches and in talent shows. In 1996, Capitol Records was setting a contract up for Carrie until the company's management changed. She later went to college on to study mass communication and journalism. In 2004, Carrie auditioned for American Idol, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was able to get on the show then won season four on May 25, 2005. This was the start to her career.

   Since American Idol, Carrie has become very successful. In 2005, her debut album called "Some Hearts," was released. Her first single, "Inside Your Heavens," debuted at number one on the Billboard 100. Her second single, "Jesus Take the Wheel," won the songwriters a Grammy Award for Best Country Song of The Year. At the 2007 CMA Awards, Carrie won Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and Video Director of the Year, all for the song "Wasted." In November of 2006, Carrie won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards and nominated for Best Female Country Artist. In 2007, she released her second album called, "Carnival Ride." Carrie was more involved in this album then her one before this. On May 21, Carrie performed "Last Name" on the season finale of American Idol. At the 2008 CMA Awards she won Female Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive time. In August of 2009, Carrie released her third album, "Play On." She has now announced the tour for this album. She has been very successful so far with this album and I'm sure she will in the future as well.

   This song is about how her mother raised her well and taught her how to get through her life. Then, the song talks about how she has found that man that will treat her the way she should be treated. I picked this song because I think parents want their children to do more than just succeed. They want them to be happy. My mom tells me this all the time. She hopes the best for me and wants me to be forever happy. I know parents worry about this sometimes. But I think that it's not just the parent's job to make their children happy. Happiness is within the person and they are in charge on their own feelings, whether it's making themselves happy or not. Parents hope the best for their kids and I know this because I see that and I've heard this from parent's mouths. I don't know how that feels but I'm sure someday I will. I'm glad Carrie wrote this song because it shows that parents do care, and they do want their children to be happy. If you haven't heard Carrie's music then you better go check it out because she one heck of a country music musician! She is one of my favorites! So check her out on YouTube or her personal website.

Miley Cyrus, "The Climb"

This week I am writing about Miley Cyrus and her song, "The Climb." Her real name is Destiny Hope Cyrus and she was born November 23, 1992 in Nashville, Tennessee. Her parents nicknamed her, "Smiley", which was then shortened to, "Miley." At the age of eight, she knew she wanted to be an actress. She auditioned for the role "Chloe Stewart" on Hannah Montana. The productors were impressed by her ability to sing and act so at age twelve she got the part for "Miley Stewart", which they named after her. After the success of Hannah Montana began, Miley produced her first single, "Best Of Both Worlds." Then during the second season, she released the album, "Meet Miley." The single, "See you again," was produced on this album, and went to the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2007, Miley launched her Best of Both Worlds Tour. Her opening acts were Jonas Brothers, Aly & AJ, and Everlife. Then in 2008, she released her album, Breakout. She hosted the 2008 CMT Music Awards and Teen
Choice Awards. Later on she starred in the movies, The Last Song and Hannah Montana: The Movie. In the film, she sang her song "The Climb." Now she has another album called Can't Be Tamed and also to be said to be starring in some upcoming movies.

I picked this songs for a few reasons. One, it was my eighth grade class song for our graduation and two, there's so much to say about this song. It reminds me of the journey we take throughout our lives. It's not just achieving things but it's that feeling you get once you have accomplished it. I remember talking about this song at graduation. We talked about how once you are in eighth grade you are at the top of the ladder, then once you go to high school you are going back to the bottom and have to build your way back up again. I find this to be very true. You can see a difference between the seniors and the freshman. But on that way up to the top, you have those obstacles that make you wanna climb back down. But you always find the reason to just keep holding on tight and getting past the obstacle. But sometimes, the climb is the best part because of how much stronger you become. This song definitely has a strong meaning. If you have not listened to it, then definitely check it out on YouTube and check out her personal website. She's not always be my favorite person, but I love this song!

Lee Brice, "Love Like Crazy"

This week I am writing about Lee Brice and his song, "Love Like Crazy." Lee was born in Sumter, South Carolina on June 10, 1980. When he was younger, he learned how to play the piano. He also sang at church and wrote his own songs. He was able to enter three contests while in high school, and he won all of those.  He went to Clemson University on a football scholarship. But he ended up having an arm injury so he decided to focus on a country music career. He was in the business by the year of 2007. He made cuts with Jason Aldean, Keith Gattis, and Cowboy crush. He also co-wrote Garth Brooks' 2007 single, "More Than A Memory", with Billy Montana and Kyle Jacobs. This song became the first single in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts to go to number one. Lee was also signed to Curb Records' Asylum-Curb division, and released his single "She Ain't Right." Following this single was his other singles, "Happy Endings" and "Upper Class White Trash." All three songs were included on his album entitled Picture Of Me, but it was never released. He also continued to write songs for other artists like Adam Gregory. In the month of August 2009, Lee released his fourth single, "Love Like Crazy." This was the first release from his debut album of the same name. He also helped co-write the single "Still" by another country musician, Tim McGraw. "Love Like Crazy" went to the top ten on the country music charts in July 2010. In September 2010, the song charted for a fifty-sixth week, making the longest charting song in the chart's history. The album's second single, "Beautiful Every Time" was released in 2010 to the radio.

  

When this song came out, I love it and I would play it over and over again. The chorus of this song is one you could definitely live by. Its goes like this; be a best friend, tell the truth, overuse I love you, go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense, never let your praying knee get lazy, and love like crazy. I think that's just what life's about. This song talks about a couple meeting at seventeen and falling in love, and no one believe they would make it but they have been together fifty-eight years now. I don't doubt that because I know for a fact a couple can stay together that long. My grandparents met when they were in the eighth grade and dated all through high school and college. They ended up getting married, and have been together ever since. I think it's so neat to hear stories like that. I hear and see people that can't be with one person for very long. I do believe it can be hard, but being with one person forever can happen too. My grandparents are definitely an inspiration to me and so is their story. But its doesn't sup rise me that they stayed together, because you can see how much they love each other. They tell me that my boyfriend and I remind them of when they were younger. So I hope I am lucky enough to follow in their footsteps because couples in high school don't usually stay together. If you don't know Lee Brice and his song, "Love Like Crazy", check it out on YouTube or his personal website. This song is pretty amazing; you wouldn't want to miss out would you?

^]

Metro Station, "Seventeen Forever"

   This week I will be writing about the band Metro Station and their song called "Seventeen Forever." The band members include the following; Mason Musso(Mitchel Musso's Big Brother) who sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar, Trace Cyrus(Miley Cyrus' Big Brother) who sings back up vocals and plays the lead guitar, Blake Healy who plays bass, keyboard, and synthesizer, Anthony Improgo who plays percussion drums, and Kenny Bozich who plays drums and keyboard.  Some of these men have not been part of this band since it started. The band was started when Trace Cyrus and Mason Musso met on the set of their siblings show, "Hannah Montana." The two discovered they have common interests in music and decided to start a band.

The band was discovered by Jason Aron, who was an intern at Colombia Records. He was working on the Walking Eye Program and  later, and saw their music on Myspace Music charts. Later, the band was signed to Colombia Records. In July of 2007, the band made the 22 Best Underground Bands (That likely won't stay underground long) in the magazine Alternative Press, which seems to be a really good compliment. Then in September of 2007,  they released their self-titled debut studio album. The album included the singles, "Kelsey" and "Control." But unfortunately, neither of these made any of the music charts. Then mid-2008, they released the single "Shake It", which is one of my favorite songs by them. This song went to number three on the hot digital songs, number nine of Pop 100, Tenth on the Billboard Hot 100,and Twentieth on the Hot Dance Airplay. This album went to number forty-three on the Billboard 200. In 2009, the band toured in the tour called Believers Never Die Part Duex. They toured along with Hey Monday, All Time Low, Cobra Starship, and Fall Out Boy. Then after all this excitement, they broke up in March of the year 2010. The broke up because of the Mason Musso and Trace Cyrus wanting to go solo. The band has been put on hold, and will return when the two feel they could record together again.

I picked this song because it reminds me to live life to the fullest. This song talks about a relationship between two seventeen teenagers. When I hear this song, it reminds me to not waste time in my teenage years because I only get to live it once. I know as teenagers, we take a lot more risks then we should. But sometimes, it's good that we do take the risks because it only makes life more interesting. Though, some teens may choose more risky behaviors, that could influence their lives in a negative ways. But many people have told me you gotta live your life to the fullest. So no matter what I do, I try to live a good, fun, but safe life. It's okay to have fun, but having way too much fun can result in consequences. Check out Metro Station on their personal website or YouTube. Hopefully, they will get back together. I am excited to see what happens in the future.

Justin Moore, "Small Town USA"

   This week I am writing about a new country music artist, Justin Moore, and his song "Small Town USA". Justin was born in Arkansas on March 30, 1984. He started to perform when he was a senior in high school. After he graduated from high school, he joined his uncle's band, which was a Southern rock band. Then in 2002, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He moved there to pursue a career in country music. Lucky enough he met a young producer by the name of Jeremy Stover. Jeremy introduced him to  a Scott Borchetta, a industry executive who was gonna launch The Valory Music Company and would most likely give him a record deal.

   In 2008, Moore was signed to the Valory Music Group, which is a imprint of the independent label Big Machine Records. After that, Moore released the single, "I Could Kick Your A$$".  Jeremy Stover and Randy Houser co-wrote Moore's first radio single, "Back That Thing Up". It went to number thirty-eight on the Billboard Hot Country Charts. Moore continued to work on his debut album. It was part of a special promotion called "So You Want to Be a Record Label Executive." This promotion put his music on sites like Myspace and iLike, where fans could create playlist of ten of his songs. The top ten songs that were picked were the ones he put on his final album. His next single, "Small Town USA," went on charts in February of 2009. Then following this was a digital EP entitled The "You Asked For It. On the eleventh of August, Moore released his self-titled debut album. He co-wrote nine of the ten tracks on this album. Then he debuted at number three on the Top Country Albums charts. Moore promoted the single and album on a "Small Town USA" tour, which of course began in his own hometown of Poyen. He also had several stops in other small towns, and he even performed acoustic shows at Walmart stores. On October 3, 2009, Moore's single "Small Town USA" became his first number one hit. His third single, "Backwoods", was released in October 2009. This song was his second Top 10 hit with a peak of sixth in April 2010. "How I Got To Be This Way", Moore's fourth single, debuted at fifty-four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This became Moore's third Top 20 hit on the country charts. Though Moore music career is just getting started, he sounds like he has been successful. I am curious to see what will come in the future from him.

   I picked this song because I have lived in Paris, Illinois my whole life.  Paris is definitely considered a small town. My mom came here after getting her last degree at ISU. She decided to work at the Paris Community Hospital. My dad came here to become an employee at Illinois Department of Transportation as an engineer. So I grew up here ever since I was born. Sometimes I really enjoy living in a small town. There are definitely some advantages but there are disadvantages also. I kinda like it here because I don't go to a huge school and there is not tons of people. I don't like to be around lots of people, so this is an advantage to me. The disadvantages are that sometimes you can feel left out socially, but I come to discovered it's good to have close friends but also people who you just enjoy talking to. Coming to high school, it kind of changes your whole outlook on the town you live in. Some of us might never return to Paris after high school. I am undecided to whether I will stay here or not. I know my dad will, but my mom is waiting for the day my brother or me move. I don't exactly want to stay here, but it will all depend on my life at that time. I have a few years to think about that anyways. Overall, I don't think this small town in Illinois is that bad, but probably not good enough for me to stay. If you don't know Justin Moore or his music, check out his personal website or search him on YouTube.