Made In The A.M. Review

Hello, everybody. It’s Thursday and I should be studying for my quiz, but guess what? I am definitely not capable to do that after I listened to One Direction’s Made In The A.M.. Yes, I know what you are thinking, the album’s release is tomorrow, as in November 13th, but I pre-order it and the cheeky post office delivered it today. 

A tiny little introduction for those who don't know what I'm talking about (but seriously, if you don't, what world do you live in?!). Made In The A.M. is One Direction's fifth album and they decided to release it just before they have a well-deserved break. 

So, with no further ado, here is my song-by-song review. 

• Hey Angel 

WHAT A NICE WAY TO START YOUR FIFTH ALBUM, ONE DIRECTION. Setting the bar high since the very beginning. So, I know we were all anticipating this song with excitement because of the constant tweeting from Harry Styles. The cheeky lad kept giving out lyrics from this song in particular. And, I really thought it would be a slow and emotionally wrecking song. Yes, the lyrics are emotionally wrecking, but it’s not slow AT ALL. All of the vocals in this song are flawless, but I have to give it up to Harry in particular. And when the bass drops during the second verse, it gives me the chills. Oh, and the mixture of guitars, background vocals and violins makes me think a lot of Coldplay. Eeek.

• Drag Me Down 

Being the first single from this album, I’ve listened to this song ever since and I was buzzing when the music video was released because, come on, what other band in this world films a music video at the freaking NASA? Certainly, not all of them. This was our first chance to kind of know what to expect from their fifth album. I could easily tell that Made In The AM would be different from wha they’ve done before, and I was right. Harry Styles’ riffs are on point, even when he sings them live- I’ve been there, trust me.

• Perfect 

It’s been weeks since the music video came out and the feelings are still here. Being honest, this song was the one that made me more excited than ever for this album. I adore the transition between the first and the second part of the chorus. And I love the rawness going on during the bridge. I really, really, really, really like Niall’s voice here. There’s nothing I can say that will make justice to it, because it is truly perfect.

• Infinity 

I enjoy how every single instrument is slowly added into the song before we reach the first chorus. If you use earphones, it will be easier for you to notice this. Musically speaking, the transition between last two choruses is incredible!!!! And, once again, the voices are greatness.

• End Of The Day 

My favorite thing about this song, and even Odette thought the same after the first time she listened to it, is the change we can listen from the verses to the chorus. I need to say that Louis voice is a lot more confident throughout the album in comparison to their previous work, and I couldn’t be happier. His high note in this one is SO on point.

• If I Could Fly 

Mr. Harry Styles tweeted about this song and he immediately made me want to listen to it. I was 100% that it would become my favorite track from this album - don’t ask why, the heart knows what it knows- and it came out to be true. This is my absolute favorite song from Made In The A.M.. It’s a slow ballad, but it feels different from every other ballad these lads have ever come up with. The vocals alongside the piano and violins, give it some type of heart-swelling rawness (favorite word at the moment haha) and the lyrics are simply beautiful. I also love how the rhythm picks up during the bridge, goes back down during the chorus and then picks it up at the last part of the chorus. But then we have a fully raw ending. GAH. You can definitely tell this is my favorite one.

• Long Way Down 

Background vocals are beautiful and adds up to the song in a great way. I dare to say that the verses are more “talked” than sung and it makes it very different from everything else. I really love the chorus and the vibe Harry’s raspy voice gives to it. It’s such a relaxing song, to be honest.

• Never Enough 

If there is a song in this whole album that you need to listen with your earphones on, THIS IS IT. Warning, you might get a little scared at the beginning haha, but it is just insane. I love the upbeat going on during the 3:33 minutes of this song. Such a catchy chorus and the come ons being shouted are a dream. I find myself dancing and jamming out with this one. The bridge is the best part of it. No joke.

• Olivia 

I live for Niall’s deep voice during the first line and the pre-chorus. Violins made quite a participation in this album and I couldn’t ask for more. This song has a very old school sound, specially during the bridge, and it sounds very posh. I like that.

• What A Feeling 

The chorus literally makes me go like what a feeling. The whole song has a 60s vibe to it and I just cannot stop thinking about The Bee Gees when the chorus comes up. I am in love with the transition that goes from the verses to the chorus (yeah, I mentioned it for the 10x time), and later on, between the bridge and the first part of the last chorus. Lyrically, this is one of my faves.

• Love You Goodbye 

This is the type of break up track that, just as the lyrics themselves say, twist the knife over and over again. Louis Tomlinson, once again, sends shivers down my spine with his freaking high note in the bridge. The guitars sound crazy amazing!

• I Want To Write You A Song 

The lyrics are simply beautiful and their voices sound angelically. No joke. Louis does it again and his raspy voice in the chorus makes my heart skip a beat. I particularly love the harmony between their voices and guitars are incredible.

• History 

Such a good tune to wrap the album (it’s not the last one if you buy the Deluxe Edition, though). They have said that this song is for their fans, and I couldn’t agree more. Even if the lyrics can be quite emotional, like every single song, its beat makes me want to dance and sing at the top of my lungs (maybe it’s because of all the good vibes the background vocals have and you can actually listen to people cheering). Just like Act My Age from their album Four, it made want to get drunk at an Irish pub and dance ridiculously. Nothing has changed. 

And the bonus tracks, of course.

• Temporary Fix 

I’ve read a lot about this song being basically No Control 2.0. It does have the same kind of theme, but personally the whole track is just waaaaaaaaay more mature; lyrics, voices, melody, everything. I love how the beat speeds up during the chorus as well. It also has the Midnight Memories (the song) vibe that I was dying to hear again, that rock ‘n roll soul given by Harry Styles’ voice. This is also a very catchy tune.

• Walking In The Wind 

I define this as a good-break up kind of song. Again, I totally love the lyrics. And once again, these guys keep having amazingly good transitions between the verses and the choruses. Not to mention that note in the bridge when Harry sings the line just close your eyes and see (and it totally makes sense, right?), how he picks it up at the very end, is just on point. I know you know what I’m talking about (or you will).

• Wolves 

This song has a soul and you can hear it. I want to praise the people behind the instruments; guitars, bass, drums, they are all perfect in this one. And, especially during the bridge. Hands down, people. Liam’s high notes in the bridge are amazing, but it’s no surprise as his notes are always perfect. I love how Harry’s voice sounds in the beginning of the last chorus, with nothing else but just the background vocals.

• A.M. 

Favorite part of the song? When the bass makes an entrance in the chorus, because it gives depth to the whole track. I really like the lyrics as you can totally relate to them. Again, the voices sound excellent in this song. A nice way to end the Deluxe version of Made In The A.M. 

In a lot of recent interviews these guys have talked about how it is possible to see/hear the influence from their musical inspirations in this album and they were telling the absolute truth. 

I know a lot of people who are not keen on the idea of listening to One Direction, simply because they were put out in the world as a pop boy band. If you are one of those and you’re reading this, give them a try. You will see that they have come a long way since their X Factor days and have evolved into amazingly talented musicians, singers and writers. 

Now, if you love them as much as I do, I cannot put into words the emotions this album will make you feel with every single word, harmony, high note, chord. 

In conclusion, Made In The A.M. is the living proof of Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam’s hard work and talent. They definitely set the bar even higher with this record and I truly hope this will make everyone take their music more seriously.

Hands down yo everyone who poured their hearts into the making of this new album, not only the boys from 1D, but everyone behind aka Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott, Ed Drewett, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan and more (this are the names that popped in my mind, soz), your hard work is very much appreciated. 

Thank you Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne. As I am always tweeting/saying, thank you for doing what you love, loving what you do and making us extremely happy in the process. Cannot wait to see what the future will bring to you all. 

You can buy Made In The A.M. in the nearest music store, in One Direction's official store or digitally in this link: http://smarturl.it/1DmitamDXiT

I hope you like this review, I always love writing about things I’m passionate about. Let us know what you think and if you liked the album! 

Au revoir.

Hello! Or should I say...bonjour?

Well, as you can see I couldn’t keep my lame jokes off of this blog, lol. But, hello!!!!!!!! 

Funny how every time we say something along the lines of “hey! We’re finally back for good!”, we usually never post again until months have passed. It is not our intention at all, but we have been busier than ever. 

In the last months, Oddie got a weekend (sometimes full-week) job and me (as in Gee, the other half of this bog) moved to Paris. No, not permanently. I wish! *sigh* But I am studying abroad for a semester. So, as you can see, we have been keeping a long distance friendship for two months! It is not the easiest thing to do because our time zones are totally different and most of the time, when one of us is going to bed, the other one is wide awake. Now, add a blog into that equation and it becomes a harder. But hey, here I am, writing a post that was intended to be up in August. Oops.

I tried, and I swear I did, to vlog. But my vlogging abilities are definitely not on point. So, instead, I’m going to summarize the last 53 days in a few lines haha. 

I don’t know why, but I’ve never had a problem when it comes to jet lag. I usually don’t experience it and this time was not the exception. I slept like a baby and was ready to wander around the city the next day. I attribute it to the excitement that runs through my veins every time I am in a different city. But that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle to get up every morning! I’m so scared to sleep in on school days, so I usually set like 5 alarms haha. 

Onto my experiences in Paris...The university I’m studying at couldn’t be closer to the Eiffel tower, so I’ve been spending a lot of my time there. There are for things you need to do when it comes to it: 

• Visit it at night because it sparkles. Eeeeek. Every hour for 5 minutes only! (And I recently discovered that half of it sparkles in the morning, but I’m trying to figure out if it’s a usual thing.) 
• Spend some euros and get to the top of it. It’s probably not a great idea right now because it’s fall and I can bet it’s really windy and cold at the top, but during the summer is amazing. Plus, you’ve got a pretty damn amazing view of the city. 
• I’ve discussed this with a few pals, but we don’t really like the Eiffel tower during the day. We just think it’s not thaaaaaaaaat appealing to the eye (please don’t hate us, french people). But I found a really nice way to enjoy it. Go buy some food and champagne and just sit by the Seine river, in Trocadero or in the gardens down the tower. You’ll have a great view while relaxing, and it’s amazing.  
• Visit the place around sunset. There’s not much to say, you’ll get some great shots. The view is amazing. 

When it comes to shopping, MAN, there are some nice places to go to. You can find some great stores, and still affordable, at Les Quatre Temps (in La Défense), Beaugrenelle Paris, la Bastille and les Champs-Élysées! But if you’re willing to splurge, like, REALLY SPLURGE, Galeries Lafayette and Avenue Montaigne are made just for you. Last weekend, a friend and I walked down that avenue and felt incredible poor haha. It’s the street were you can find all the designer stores, go figure. Someday though *sighs again*. 

I won’t say a lot about touristic places because I’m sure we have all read a lot about them already. But you cannot come to Paris and not visit Montmartre, la Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, le Musee du Louvre, Montparnasse tower, le Arc de Triomphe and all that jazz. I still need to visit the Musee d’Orsay and find my prince Louis (Gossip Girl reference) though and the stadium where PSG plays at.

Important thing to say, I cannot speak french. Well, just the most basic stuff ever. And it helps me to move around the city and survive and be nice to people in the streets. So, don’t worry if you don’t know the language. People here (most of them) don’t really mind if you ask for help in english or in a not-so-well-pronounced french. 

Oh, I have a love-hate relationship with the metro (as they call the subway/underground here in Paris). I love the fact that it takes you everywhere in so little time, but I totally despise huge crowds and it can get really crowded at peak hours. And there are some creepy guys sometimes, but if you’re with someone else, it’s not much of a problem. But if you’re alone, I’ve learned that you can always listen to music and ignore the person who approaches you. Hahaha. You just gotta be careful and keep an eye on your surroundings. 

French cuisine, eh, not my favorite. But as it is a cosmopolitan city, you can find any type of food really. So, don’t really worry if you’re a fussy eater. You can always order the basics in almost every restaurant. And if you want to save up some cents, order water. Like, plain water. They won’t charge you! And when it comes to desserts, I’ve completely fallen in love with the vanilla macaroons and eclairs!!! 

Last, but not least (wow, such a cliché sentence)...Paris, France in general, is so close to so many countries in Europe and that’s definitely something awesome about it. I really want to travel to Germany or Amsterdam on my week off, we’ll see. I already travelled to London for a weekend, just to see One Direction (GAAAAAAH) (I promise a post about it is coming soon!!!!!!) and it was incredible! Just took me about 3 hours to get there. 

Just a little teaser ;) (literally)

Talking about school, I’ve been pretty darn busy! All of my projects demand a hell of attention from me. But, as my mother would say, I wanted to study abroad. And I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing people, some of them I can call them my friends and it’s grool. It’s really nice getting to know different cultures and stuff. 

Before living here, Paris wasn’t my cup of tea, to be honest. But after 53 days, I can definitely tell you that I’ve learned to love it. There’s always something going on around, whether it’s an art exposition, a fashion show, a silent disco party, a concert, an ERASMUS party, anything! And I’m pretty sure that if you give it a chance, you’ll learn to love it as I did. 

This is pretty much it for the moment, but I seriously promise to write more about my life here! I hope you enjoy this post and please feel free to say hi in the comments if you’re a reader from France!!! If you want to see more pictures of Paris and food and One Direction and 5SOS and selfies, you can check out my Insty: @geovanagallegos.

It’s almost hump-day! We’re nearly there! Have a lovely week, salts (yeah, I felt the need to say that, sorry). 

Over and out. 

PS. I want to give a shout out to all of those amazingly good looking guys I’ve seen on the streets/metro of Paris, you’re da real MVPs. And it’s sad that I won’t see you ever again, have a great life, dudes.

Nail Polish Collection: Part 1

Hello, people from planet Earth. We’re back and with loads of posts coming your way. Yeah, we promise we are back for good this time haha. *promise that for the 192743rd time* Plus, we’ve been working to make this blog better and better. YAAAAY. 

So, as you may have noticed from the title of this post, this is going to be about our nail polish collection. And we realized we have a ton, so we will split the whole collection into 2 posts. Here’s the first part...WOOHOO!!!!!! 

Alrighty, first we got our purple collection. Starting off Jafra’s “Berry Crush”, Essie’s “Bond With Whomever”, Cy°zone’s “Lilac” and Jafra’s “Queen For A Day”. Ok, we know the last one doesn’t look purple, but we promise it’s got purple glitter. Then we have China Glaze’s “Evening Seduction”. Then is Essie’s “Luxedo”, followed by Magnetic Color (we don't know the name, sorry), Jafra’s “Dangerous Purple” & “Virtue”, and Esika’s “Passion Purple”.

Our next color is a weird selection of brown-ish kinda polishes. We think, haha. First it’s Flormar’s silk satin “Mini Dress”, then China Glaze’s “Below Deck” and again Flormar with “Tree Bark”.

Then it’s time for loving some red polishes, yay! We started with China Glaze’s “Be Merry, Be Bright” and “Just Be-Claws” (yes, they’re Christmas special edition, LOL); then it’s Jafra’s “Geisha”, Flormar with nail art “Blazing Fiery” & matte “Volcanic Red”, and China Glaze’s “Pure Joy” (yeah, it’s also from the limited Christmas range).

Now, onto the fun stuff, colorful thingies!!!! It’s a Claire’s collection but we can’t remember the name, sorry :( But it’s this fun and bright bunch of nail polishes with multiple colors in each bottle, how cool? From left to right, it’s “Surf’s Up”, “Springtime”, “New Technopop”, “Sand Art”, “Watermelon”, “Strawberry” and “Mango”.

 

Next we’ve got oranges. Like, brightest color ever and in two pics. First it’s OPI’s “Guy Meets Gal-veston”, then Cy°zone’s “Orangyc”, China Glaze’s Neon “Sun Worshipper”, “Do The Twist” from Color Club’s Poptastic Remix Collection and China Glaze appears again with “Love Letters”. The second picture shows Kleancolor’s “Party Fever”, “Off Duty” from Color Club’s Made in New York Collection, Neon’s “Orange Tree”, Avon’s “Orange” (please, be more creative with your nail polishes’ names, thank you very much, Avon). Finally, we have Jafra’s “Golden Nectar” and Icing’s mood swing nail polish “Cheery/Confident”.

Who doesn’t love a turquoise nail polish? We know we do. So, here we have Claire’s mood color changing nail polish “Peaceful/Confident”, China Glaze’s “Turned Up Turquoise (Neon)”, Bissú’s “Melody”, Flormar’s Jelly look “Turquoise Green”. In the bottom picture you can see Teen Nails’ “Brest”, China Glaze’s Tranzitions “Duplicityy” (yes, we did type two “y’s”), “Too Yatch To Handle” (let’s be honest, we just bought this one because it was an adorable mini version) and “For Audrey”.

Now, onto burgundies (more like burgun-die-for). From left to right, Teen Nails’ “Deep Burgundy”, Jafra’s “Burgundy” (again, a really creative name), Flormar’s “Velvet Red”, Revlon’s “Satellite”, China Glaze’s “Seduce Me” and “Santa Red My List”, and Bissú’s “Charlestone” (again, mini versions. Eeeek).

A must-have: white nail polishes. From left to right: BTWN by Jafra’s “B Secret”, China Glaze’s “Oxygen”, Jafra’s “Moon White”, Flormar’s nail art in white, a nameless Claire’s white nail polish and China Glaze’s “Luxe and Lush”.

Then, onto nature’s color: green! We started off with Island Girl mood color changing nail polish “Greenyellow” (so creative!), Colorfun’s “Lemon Green”, Mary Kay’s “Grass Green”, Cy°zone’s “Lemonyc” and Jafra’s “Lime Attraction”. The next greenie picture contains Color Club’s “Editorial”, Flormar’s satin matte “Green Flag” & neon “Saturated Green”, Cy°zone’s “Emerald Glitt”, Claire’s “Lime” and Jafra’s “Jade”.

Well, fellas, this is it for our nail polish collection part 1. We had so much fun writing this, with all the weird polishes’ names, hahaha. But, especially, because we’re back for good. We truly promise this time. 

If you haven’t noticed, we just renewed this site! And we are beyond happy. This is such an exciting time and we’d like to share it with you all. First of all and very important, we’ve got a new URL, it’s thenamelessblog.com.mx. So, if you’d like to enter our site, you just need to type that right into your computers and devices. And we’ve also made things prettier in here for our gang :)

Hope you like it as much as we do! Thanks for reading.

Until next post, peeps, x.