Originally Posted by Wayneh56

What is so hard to understand. The more I hear of this cacophony, the less I like it; and more actively dislike it. I gave JB a fair opportunity, listened to more of his vocal stylings than most people, and didn't like what I heard. There is nothing strange or incomprehensible about that, except to you, Eric. Others here understand my point completely.

As usual, Eric, we are talking past one another.

Don't tell me you're going to make a monument to this thread by alluding to it in your signature line?

Quite a tribute, but, why would you??

(it looks like you corrected it; credit where credit is due!)

As I said, you give no reason for your dislike; not even a description, just calling it bad things. And, any explanation I tried to offer, you reject. Then, you say it's not a decision on your part, BUT, you will never like him. That is illogical, Jim... er, Wayne. In a sense, it is not so much that you are incomprehensible, but that there is nothing to comprehend; on this thread anyway. But maybe you are comprehensible on other threads. I hope so.

Signature? What signature?

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

I think, at least, it should not be taken too seriously. Even if I say someone is wrong, it's only about Justin Bieber. It doesn't matter all that much whether you are wrong or not, or who is wrong and who is not, or who says who is wrong or doesn't. I am sincere in saying I like Justin Bieber (or, wait a minute, could this entire thread be a hoax? I don't really like him after all??.... who really knows ). But it's a lighthearted subject; so I say, lighten up.The Three B's: Bach, Beethoven, .............. and Bieber! (sorry, Rags, "Ratt" won't work here )Definition of bubblegum music, for a lot of folks here: any piece of music performed by someone under 21. So, Mozart wrote mostly bubblegum music.But, "Pray" is such a miracle! I can't buy the definition; it is disproven by that one song alone! A piece of music that (near the end) has at least 4 distinct lines of beautiful melody going, in perfect counterpoint, is not bubblegum; it is worthy of comparison to the best pieces in history.

Ohhhh...so it's like a parody of what's going on elsewhere on the site? Ok, fair enough

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Ohhhh...so it's like a parody of what's going on elsewhere on the site? Ok, fair enough

Parody, that's good!

My two favorite songs together:

http://youtu.be/2n-xljxFUVw

Originally Posted by Wayneh56

listened to more of his vocal stylings than most people, and didn't like what I heard.

Many people focus only on a)vocals or b)lyrics. There is more going on in music than this. Are you hearing the other aspects of JB's songs? Melody, arrangement, harmony, sound, etc. Even I didn't hear everything going on in Pray until just weeks ago. (well, I should say there is probably even more to it I haven't discovered.) There is so much there (and I like the vocals and lyrics of this song too, myself, even if the vocals are not perfect). But maybe you listened to all these other things too, and didn't like them; but just asking. You don't admit it, but others say they don't like JB just because his singing voice sounds too young or high. You also say you dislike his "vocal stylings." That's a bit more specific and valid. But to my ears, it is still so much better than the way Kurt Cobain or The Clash sing their songs, if you can call it singing it all. I like singing better than screaming myself; just my opinion!

"No one has ever been this young, and this famous before, especially as a solo artist; especially in a world where you have twitter, facebook, camera phones; you know, everyone's watching. And I think what's interesting about what's he's done with his charity work, he's actually teaching a lesson which for-profit businesses should study. Whenever a for-profit business has a non-profit component, or charitable component, they actually make more money in the long run, because the consumer feels more comfortable being involved." Scooter Braun
http://youtu.be/hSwK4XKX_Uo

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

I think, at least, it should not be taken too seriously. Even if I say someone is wrong, it's only about Ratt. It doesn't matter all that much whether you are wrong or not, or who is wrong and who is not, or who says who is wrong or doesn't. I am sincere in saying I like Ratt (or, wait a minute, could this entire thread be a hoax? I don't really like him after all??.... who really knows <<smile>> ). But it's a lighthearted subject; so I say, lighten up.

Well yes. I've designated this thread as my sandbox for Privproxy.

The Three B's: Bach, Beethoven, .............. and[ ]Ratt! (sorry, Rags, "Ratt" won't work here <<make smile here to make room for 1 more image )

Not until now. Cf. My new special filter I made just for this thread.
FILTER:[ ]Ratt_nuke Text replacements for Ratt and Monopolists related junk.

# SCNR
#
s/MicroSuck(?!\.[^\s])/MicroSuck/ig
s/FaceFuck(?!\.[^\s])/FaceFuck/ig
s/Justin[ ]Bieber/Ratt/ig
s/[ ]Bieber/[ ]Ratt/ig
s/belieber[?\.[^\s]Metal Head/ig

Definition of bubblegum music, for a lot of folks here: any piece of music performed by someone under 21. So, Mozart wrote mostly bubblegum music.

Not here. Bubblegum music is any piece of music that has a syrupy sweet sound.

But, "Pray" is such a miracle! I can't buy the definition; it is disproven by that one song alone! A piece of music that (near the end) has at least 4 distinct lines of beautiful melody going, in perfect counterpoint, is not bubblegum; it is worthy of comparison to the best pieces in history.

::Yawn::
test to see if[ ]Metal Head filter works here.
test to see if MicroSuck filter works here.
test to see if FaceFuck filter works here.
Edit:[ ]Metal Head test failed. Try again.
s/[ ]belieber/[ ]Metal Head/ig
OK, test passed. Too many images. Only 4? <<smile>>
Edit#2
Sorry, I RAINED on Eric's parade.

Bubblegum is "sweet and syrupy." OK, but almost anything would be sweet and syrupy compared to the music from the 3T that you like, Mr. Rags.

I admit, defining the term is a bit difficult. For me, it is music that is very shallow and superficially sweet, like "Sugar Sugar" (the epitomy of bubblegum, although actually better than some of the other bubblegum pieces). But what about sweetness that is genuine, and also has musical content? (e.g. you know what)

I am less familiar with 80s' "bubblegum," but someone here (Chas?) linked NSync's "girlfriend" song and compared it to JB's "boyfriend" song. I had to admit I might like the NSync song better. What I heard of 80s "bubblegum" (boy bands) was very forgettable, but since I don't know it well, there may be exceptions, and I might like a few of their songs, somewhat. I know Boyz II Men went from being boys to men, and they were very popular. Some of their songs seemed OK; not exactly bubblegum, even if I don't care for them that much. But JB liked them. They were more soul or R&B of a melodic kind than bubblegum; related to Michael Jackson, and recorded on the same Motown label. And among today's "boy bands," I have to admit that One Direction does some good songs (especially What Makes You Beautiful); but, you understand, they didn't write them, and I like covers for them better than their versions. The Wanted may have some potential. And JB's younger you-tube proteges like Austin Mahone I have already mentioned; some of their songs are quite good, and there are some good performers in this group (e.g. Jackson Guthy, Cody Simpson, Megan Nicole, Cimorelli).

The analogy to Bieber fever and these young belieber singers, and the other good artists of the current wave like Jepsen, Owl City, Gotye, Goulding, Perry, et al, is not bubblegum of 1969/1971, or the boy bands of circa 1987, but Beatlemania and the British invasion of 1964-65. These new songs like Pray have the sonic punch of the early Beatle hits, not the innocuous and boring bubblegum sounds.

The best bubble gum song ever has got to be The Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way." Commercial and produced as it may be, IWITA is a perfect storm of skillful production, flawless and beautiful harmonies, a great hook, and a melody that sticks like honey. Whether they admit to liking it or not, almost everyone finds themselves tapping their feet or humming along. There is great bubble gum that can transcend itself, and this is one of the best examples.Nothing JB has done even comes close. His music just goes nowhere and leaves me feeling nothing in particular except bored.Fwiw, I am not a Backstreet Boys fan. But IWITW is an example of a great pop song; great pop songs transcend generations and appeal to people of all ages. Besides yourself, Eric, I can't think of anyone older than 16 or so and who isn't female who really enjoys JB's style of music.

Originally Posted by sbrombacher

The best bubble gum song ever has got to be The Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way."

Guilty.......

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

Bubblegum is "sweet and syrupy." OK, but almost anything would be sweet and syrupy compared to the music from the 3T that you like, Mr. Rags.

Yes.

I admit, defining the term is a bit difficult. For me, it is music that is very shallow and superficially sweet, like "Sugar Sugar" (the epitomy of bubblegum, although actually better than some of the other bubblegum pieces). But what about sweetness that is genuine, and also has musical content? (e.g. you know what)

Still bubblegum...

I am less familiar with 80s' "bubblegum," but someone here (Chas?) linked NSync's "girlfriend" song and compared it to JB's "boyfriend" song. I had to admit I might like the NSync song better. What I heard of 80s "bubblegum" (boy bands) was very forgettable, but since I don't know it well, there may be exceptions, and I might like a few of their songs, somewhat. I know Boyz II Men went from being boys to men, and they were very popular. Some of their songs seemed OK; not exactly bubblegum, even if I don't care for them that much. But JB liked them. They were more soul or R&B of a melodic kind than bubblegum; related to Michael Jackson, and recorded on the same Motown label. And among today's "boy bands," I have to admit that No Direction does some good songs (especially What Makes You Beautiful); but, you understand, they didn't write them, and I like covers for them better than their versions. The Wanted may have some potential. And JB's younger you-tube proteges like Austin Malone I have already mentioned; some of their songs are quite good, and there are some good performers in this group (e.g. Jackson Pithy, Cody Pimpson, Megan Nicole,Cinderella).

Wow, Cody Pimpson is the dude pimping out the other bands on youtube? Yeah, yeah, I know, I've made this whole thread and website a "Victim of Changes". via proxy.

The analogy to Ratt fever and these young Metal Head singers, and the other good artists of the current wave like Jepsen, HHHowl City, Gargoyle, Gilded, Perry, et al, is not bubblegum of 1969/1971, or the boy bands of circa 1987, but Beatlemania and the British invasion of 1964-65. These new songs like Pray have the sonic punch of the early Beatle hits, not the innocuous and boring bubblegum sounds.

Hmmm. a couple of the above bands seem to be quite interesting. Howl City, Gargoyle, and Gilded seem to have the proper heavy metal type names. A new wave of metal? Awesome.

Originally Posted by Eric's "new" .sig

"I close my eyes, and I can see a better day" -- Ratt

Keep the spirit alive,

Eric A. Meece

Now, this is a pleasant surprise. Your .sig is par excellence.

Originally Posted by sbrombacher

The best bubble gum song ever has got to be The Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way." Commercial and produced as it may be, IWITA is a perfect storm of skillful production, flawless and beautiful harmonies, a great hook, and a melody that sticks like honey. Whether they admit to liking it or not, almost everyone finds themselves tapping their feet or humming along. There is great bubble gum that can transcend itself, and this is one of the best examples.Nothing JB has done even comes close. His music just goes nowhere and leaves me feeling nothing in particular except bored. Fwiw, I am not a Backstreet Boys fan. But IWITW is an example of a great pop song; great pop songs transcend generations and appeal to people of all ages. Besides yourself, Eric, I can't think of anyone older than 16 or so and who isn't female who really enjoys JB's style of music.

President Obama.

And there are many others. And I already proved you incorrect by posting twice all the boy beliebers who sing his songs. Austin Malone is quite upfront about it. There are many comments from male beliebers on the you tube videos, some of which I posted here. You haven't "thought" or observed very far to reach that conclusion about who enjoy's JB's "style of music," whatever that means. Tastes can differ, but a number of things people say about JB are just factually wrong. Felix made a number of such statements, and refused to admit his mistakes, preferring to get down on me instead for correcting him.

And there's this guy, one prankster to another; and he goes on to say how much he likes the new Believe album. Notice how similar his story is to mine.

I fail to comprehend your response to JB. Pray is transcendent. Maybe "I Want It That Way" is a good song; might be worth checking out. These responses to Bieber here on this thread are quite predictable, but I would have thought that more than one or two of you were capable of listening and thinking outside the box of conventional opinion on this, and would be able to hear what I hear in his music. It is remarkable that virtually none of you can do so. I am not convinced by your declarations about it. It is too clear to me that he is good. I wasn't sure at first, but now I am sure. I know opinions will differ, and I never expected everyone to like Justin Bieber. I didn't expect to like him either. But my background in music means that my opinion might have some credibility, to those who are open to it. In any case, I am enjoying the new discovery, and perhaps freaking you guys out a bit by sharing my opinion. You can enjoy that much, at least. It is strange though that our opinions could be so far apart. "Different taste" just doesn't explain it. I think I know, and have said, but I'll leave it alone this time.

And you can listen to Pray and then say Justin's music "just goes nowhere"? Whoah, what planet am I living on???

That Austin Mahone site doesn't always seem to work too well, but how about this, a singer from One Direction (and his friends):
http://youtu.be/qkdddTS4l50
http://youtu.be/TBjsFaDLve8

Comment on Pray video (one of many such comments on his videos):

"Why do you hate Justin? Is it because you're jealous? I'm a Boy Belieber and I've been Boy Belieber since One Time And no I'm NOT gay Stop the hating!"
--Armand Hagen


Comment on Be Alright:
"I'm straight and I am a guy and I listen to Justin Bieber! Because I like his music...."
--futur3istic

So guys (admittedly often young guys) do like him; now you can think of some

Originally Posted by Ragnarök_62

Yes.

Still bubblegum...

I guess that means that bubblegum music can be good sometimes.

Hmmm. a couple of the above bands seem to be quite interesting. Howl City, Gargoyle, and Gilded seem to have the proper heavy metal type names. A new wave of metal? Awesome.

One wave is enough.

Now, this is a pleasant surprise. Your .sig is par excellence.

It is quite a good saying by "Ratt," isn't it!

I Want It That Way is pretty good; it's a good song, though delivered without much passion. I don't think I could listen to it over and over again. It is definitely good bubblegum, for what it's worth. It is kind of amazing that songs like that, or Coldplay's Paradise, could be as smashingly successful as they were. Even JB's Baby is somewhat more popular than I might think it deserves (I like it tho!). It makes me marvel at what people have to settle for in this day and age, compared to my favorite period of the 60s.

BSB is being compared to their successor of today. It does seem that One Direction's song One Thing is quite similar in its "hook" part. 1D gets a lot of mileage out of being cute guys, even though there are millions of other guys just as cute. They're OK, but JB is such a titan compared to either BSB or 1D.

Very good cover of Justin Bieber's fine new song Die in Your Arms, by Jervy Hou and Bri Heart
(they also covered Call Me Maybe, Good Time, Payphone, Wide Awake, etc.)
http://youtu.be/YEGGxRYQHjU

Review of Justin Bieber's best songs. How I think they are different from what people here say.

One Time (2009) Very nice melodies, perfect singing, very enjoyable. Written by his team.

Love Me (2009) written by his team, with chorus adapted from an earlier song, and so credited. This one improves as it goes along, and moves toward a climax of brilliant tuneful, soulful harmonies, with what critics call an electronica jam throughout. Very entertaining, and the vocals are perfect. Sometimes I think this one might have made my oldies top 400 (though I won't revise it), but probably unlikely.

One Less Lonely Girl (2009) written by his team, including Usher his mentor. The best of his early hits. Vocals are somewhat weak in places near the beginning, sounding too juvenile for the romantic subject. Some call this a puppy love song (complete with actual puppies in the cute video). But during most of the song, the vocal harmonies are brilliant, perfectly executed, and they get better as they go along, with fabulous counterpoint rising to a peak of intensity. The instrumental production is smooth and spectacular. Might have made my top 400 list, but not sure. A very romantic song indeed.

Baby (2010) written by Bieber and his team, including "Dream." An icon among female teens, this song is irresistable for many of them because of its smooth rhythm, swing, and tunefulness. It brings young people together in a fun, communal experience like In the Mood did for young people in the forties, and may be adapted from parts of Baby Love, the Motown classic, as well as making use of 50s bee bop and 90s rap styles. All this gives it a broad appeal, which is why it has more you tube views than any other song. My favorite part is the yeah yeah yeah at the end, which he follows up by giving us the peace sign. I have also mentioned that the length of the Baby Baby Baby words of the chorus are in a fibonacci proportion, which may explain their strange magic attraction. The vocals and dance moves are perfect, even though they are those of a 15-year old teenager before puberty, which alone causes jealous boys to hate it, and him.

Somebody to Love (2010) written by Bieber and his team, and features his mentor Usher. Again, I hear no flaw in the vocals. This is an energetic but very appealing danceclub style song with a strong hook. It ends with the evocative plea "is she out there?"

Never Let You Go (2010) I forgot this one in my original post, and I didn't like it at first. Very popular, now I think it is a beautiful ballad, and well-performed as usual by Bieber, although in his pre-puberty voice. Written by him and his team.

U Smile (2010) primarily written by Bieber, assisted by his team, the vocals are some of Bieber's best. This is an emotional song with beautiful uplifting melodies.

Never Say Never (2010, movie 2011) originally a sex song by another artist, Bieber revised it and completely re-wrote the words, but including the original main melodic hook. It's now a great motivational song that serves both as the theme song of The Karate Kid movie, and his own bio-concert documentary-- the most-successful concert film of all time. The vocals and melodies are strong, though the instrumental arrangement is somewhat spare and uninspiring, although powerful enough to make the point of the song. It is now Bieber's own personal theme song and motto too.

Pray (2010) written by Bieber and produced and arranged by the brilliant duo The Messengers, assisted by Oscar Martinez. Said by Bieber to be inspired by Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and similar songs, it rises far above its model to be the best pop song in a generation. Nothing current in its field can compare with it. Despite vocals in the early part of the song that might sound like what he was, an energetic teenager, they get more soulful and poignantly passionate as they go along, evoking the powerful emotions arising from the humanitarian and spiritual subject matter better than any other singer can do, or has done in any of its many covers. The instrumental and choral backing, including piano and string quartet, is spectacular too, also building to a powerful climax, in which at least four of the melodic motifs developed during the piece are heard simultaneously-- just as Bieber's vocal prayer reaches its greatest intensity. The melody lines are classically beautiful and evocative. The brisk, powerful development and the fugue-like climax of the themes at the end reminds me of classics like Bach fugues or the Mozart Jupiter Symphony. If my top 400 oldies list were open to new songs today, this one would soar high within the top 100. It is a classic for the ages, although neglected by hit radio stations. As should be completely obvious by now, this is by far my favorite Bieber song.

Part two with his later songs in my next post.

His later songs since the landmark Pray sometimes rise to new levels. I may add more songs to this list if I discover them soon.

Uh Oh (2011?) Said by some to be spurious, like some other songs that only appear on you tube, I think this song is authentic, but may have been rejected for an album in 2010, or was intended for an album that didn't come together early in 2011. Someone said they heard him do it live. It is sharp and energetic, and may be a follow-up to Baby.

Born to Be Somebody (2011) Written by award-winning songwriter Diane Warren for Bieber, it's a motivational song from his autobiographic movie Never Say Never. One feels that no-one could embody the words better than he does. He truly has lit up the sky like lightning. Great vocals, and beautiful orchestral/rock arrangement. Powerfully uplifting, it was also used in a documentary against bullying.

Mistletoe (2011) Written by The Messengers and Bieber, this is the title track from his Christmas album. It showcases his more soulful and sexy vocals like those on the upcoming Believe album, but with the exquisite harmonies and inflections that his fans have come to expect. Toward the end, though, his style weakens. The melody and lyrics are expertly beautiful, laid out to an attractive reggae beat.

All I Want Is You (2011) Written and produced by Bieber, this is the best song on the Christmas album. It is beautiful and romantic, with emotionally soulful vocals, and an instrumental confection that is totally enchanting. This one would make my Top 400 if I drew it up today.

All Around the World (2012) Written by Bieber and The Messengers, this is the first track on Believe, and the first one I liked. It might have some chance at my top 400. Lyrics may be borrowed and inspired by other songs, and the danceclub style is not unique either, although a great addition to the electronica/rave tradition. But the tune and main hook are great, and I like the idealistic subject of the words. The variation at the end is really cool too. This is a really good intro to Bieber's more mature style. The short feature by Ludacris is more like a dramatic reading than a rap, and adds depth to the lyrics. He introduces himself and says "the dynamic duo is back at it," and he laughs; and I laugh too, aware as I am of his earlier appearance on the controversial mega-hit Baby.

As Long As You Love Me (2012) Written by Bieber and his team, this song has a great, infectious chorus, with powerful, brilliant counterpoint harmonies at the end. Bieber's vocals are great, though a bit over the top in their agony. The instrumental backing is modern and effective, but a bit harsh for my taste at times. The popular video already has more likes than Pray, which itself had more than some earlier bigger hits. I think it's a metaphor for the way his haters and skeptics treat him. The cynical and brutal father is well played by Michael Madsen, and Bieber shows his own acting abilities in this mini-drama about forbidden love. The rap episode by Big Sean is sometimes considered unnecessary, and though it's OK, it doesn't really add much to the song's appeal.

Die in Your Arms (2012) This song apparently has some elements from an earlier song, with the result that it is credited to Bieber and almost a dozen other folks. It eludes to the Motown tradition, with more of Bieber's soulful "wounded" new vocal style, and with brilliant inflections of the engaging melodies.

Believe (2012) title track written by Bieber and The Messengers, some people say this track reminds them of Pray, with its gospel-flavored vocal backing and elaborate instrumentals, as well as emotional vocals by JB. It is a beautiful "anthem" dedicated to the fans who have supported him.

Be Alright (2012) Written by Bieber, assisted by his guitarist Dan Kanter, it was cited by Bieber in a recent interview as the "song he's most proud of," although artists frequently change their minds about such things. But it definitely would make my Top 400, and is the first song by JB that I have performed in public myself. It is a simple acoustic track, with powerful tunes, performance and lyrics that are very emotionally soothing and evocative. It "holds your heart in its arms." This song was probably written for his girlfriend Selena Gomez, with whom he often has to have a long-distance relationship. It may also refer to "Mrs. Bieber," the sick little girl Avianna that he cares about. Again, the song is most powerful at the end-- quite contradicting what some people here say about his songs being "boring and going nowhere." If you can honestly say that, after listening to this one and Pray, well I guess you just don't have any ears. This is my favorite song from Believe, but I may add others to the list if they grow on me.

I like this cover of Boyfriend

http://youtu.be/K8rbFlhV3L4

I trust you all saw Barack Obama's version??

http://youtu.be/spS5C0T3JYU

Good cover of As Long As You Love Me, by Hobbie Stuart
http://youtu.be/GBOhNg9UIZo


edit:
I like this comment posted on the Pray video:

hes gay? he has a girlfriend
hes talentless? justin timberlake and usher fought over him
hes selfish? he donates money to charity and sings to kids in hospitals who are sick
he doesnt love his fans? he broke his foot onstage and continued on singing
hes unsuccessful? countless awards, countless world records, hundreds of sold out shows, millions of fans
think before you say something bad about him
ashley olsen

We might see this guy (the "baby bieber") on the charts soon with Say Somethin, now that he has a new "7 figure" record deal with UMG.

(recently earned a "like" on my you tube channel; now that's a big deal )

http://www.billboard.com/news/baby-b...07904542.story

I'm sure he doesn't want to be known as "baby bieber" forever!

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

We might see this guy (the "baby Ratt") on the charts soon with Say Somethin, now that he has a new "7 figure" record deal with UMG.

(recently earned a "like" on my you tube channel; now that's a big deal )

http://www.billboard.com/news/baby-R...07904542.story

Well, yeah, they are sort of cute. As long as they stay away from my house, I'm cool with them. After all, it's not their fault they carry diseases like the plague.

I'm sure he doesn't want to be known as "baby Ratt" forever!

How about lil Ratt? Like lil Wayne.

At least Ratts are intelligent biological creatures, mammals serving an ecological niche. Poison on the other hand may kill ratts, but is deadly to other things too-- like sensibility.

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

His later songs since the landmark Pray sometimes rise to new levels. I may add more songs to this list if I discover them soon.

Hopefully the derived posts will provide nice fodder for some more Privoxy rules.

Originally Posted by Eric

Uh Oh (2011?) Said by some to be spurious, like some other songs that only appear on you tube, I think this song is authentic, but may have been rejected for an album in 2010, or was intended for an album that didn't come together early in 2011. Someone said they heard him do it live. It is sharp and energetic, and may be a follow-up to Baby.

Born to Be Somebody (2011) Written by award-winning^Bingo! songwriter Diane Warren for Ratt, it's a motivational song from his autobiographic movie Never Say Never. One feels that no-one could embody the words better than he does. He truly has lit up the sky like lightning. Great vocals, and beautiful orchestral/rock arrangement. Powerfully uplifting, it was also used in a documentary against bullying.

Mistletoe (2011) Written by The Pissengers and Ratt, this is the title track from his Christmas album. It showcases his more soulful and sexy vocals like those on the upcoming Believe album, but with the exquisite harmonies and inflections that his fans have come to expect. Toward the end, though, his style weakens. The melody and lyrics are expertly beautiful, laid out to an attractive reggae beat.

All I Want Is You (2011) Written and produced by Ratt, this is the best song on the Christmas album. It is beautiful and romantic, with emotionally soulful vocals, and an instrumental confection that is totally enchanting. This one would make my Top 400 if I drew it up today.

All Around the World (2012) Written by Ratt and The Pissengers, this is the first track on Believe, and the first one I liked. It might have some chance at my top 400. Lyrics may be borrowed and inspired by other songs, and the danceclub style is not unique either, although a great addition to the electronica/rave tradition. But the tune and main hook are great, and I like the idealistic subject of the words. The variation at the end is really cool too. This is a really good intro to Ratt's more mature style. The short feature by Ludacris is more like a dramatic reading than a rap, and adds depth to the lyrics. He introduces himself and says "the dynamic duo is back at it," and he laughs; and I laugh too, aware as I am of his earlier appearance on the controversial mega-hit Baby.

As Long As You Love Me (2012) Written by Ratt and his team, this song has a great, infectious chorus, with powerful, brilliant counterpoint harmonies at the end. Ratt's vocals are great, though a bit over the top in their agony. The instrumental backing is modern and effective, but a bit harsh for my taste at times. The popular video already has more likes than Pray, which itself had more than some earlier bigger hits. I think it's a metaphor for the way his haters and skeptics treat him. The cynical and brutal father is well played by Michael Madsen, and Ratt shows his own acting abilities in this mini-drama about forbidden love. The rap episode by Big Sean is sometimes considered unnecessary, and though it's OK, it doesn't really add much to the song's appeal.

Die in Your Arms (2012) This song apparently has some elements from an earlier song, with the result that it is credited to Ratt and almost a dozen other folks. It eludes to the Motown tradition, with more of Ratt's soulful "wounded" new vocal style, and with brilliant inflections of the engaging melodies.

Believe (2012) title track written by Ratt and The Pissengers, some people say this track reminds them of Pray, with its gospel-flavored vocal backing and elaborate instrumentals, as well as emotional vocals by JB. It is a beautiful "anthem" dedicated to the fans who have supported him.

Be Alright (2012) Written by Ratt, assisted by his guitarist Dan Kanter, it was cited by Ratt in a recent interview as the "song he's most proud of," although artists frequently change their minds about such things. But it definitely would make my Top 400, and is the first song by JB that I have performed in public myself. It is a simple acoustic track, with powerful tunes, performance and lyrics that are very emotionally soothing and evocative. It "holds your heart in its arms." This song was probably written for his girlfriend Selena Gomez, with whom he often has to have a long-distance relationship. It may also refer to "Mrs. Ratt," the sick little girl Avianna that he cares about. Again, the song is most powerful at the end-- quite contradicting what some people here say about his songs being "boring and going nowhere." If you can honestly say that, after listening to this one and Pray, well I guess you just don't have any ears. This is my favorite song from Believe, but I may add others to the list if they grow on me.

1. We have a winner! "Award winner" is one of the famous Dilbert corporate buzzwords.
2. I see that the Pissengers rule is working.
3.Ludacris , although misspelled , is just fine the way it is.

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

At least Ratts are intelligent biological creatures, mammals serving an ecological niche. Poison on the other hand may kill ratts, but is deadly to other things too-- like sensibility.

No. Poison depends on a frame of reference. Poison for infectious bacteria like antibiotics and antibodies is required if humans are to not go extinct in a flash.

Originally Posted by Ragnarök_62

Hopefully the derived posts will provide nice fodder for some more Privoxy rules.

And his haters help JB become the leader in social media. So Rags provides more views for the Justin Bieber thread.

Originally Posted by Eric the Green

And his haters help JB become the leader in social media. So Rags provides more views for the Ratt thread.

I'm cool with symbiotic relationships.

If you have finished reading my entire awesome review, and listened to all the songs, you can test your listening skills here:

http://youtu.be/vIdV54BWO0k

no wonder this song gets so many views!

(this is also an alternative, if you want to listen to it, and still have it be over quicker)