Paris Hilton CD...how long until she hits "Hairspray"?- Page 2

[zzannahk]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:12am

and i dont find the musica video any sluttier than other pop stars videos


and it's not like she wrote the song, it's written to sell

when people think about Paris they think about sex, that combination will sell the album

Updated On: 8/15/06 at 12:12 AM

[aspen]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:19am

Menzel, Paris Hilton is a major celebrity and that's a status she accepts and embraces. If she's as intelligent as you think she is, then she knows she'll be judged on the image she puts out to the public. And the image she's been putting out there so far is a pretty trashy one. So don't gimme this 'but you don't know her' crap.

I also have the impression that her voice is heavily synthesized and her songs are as overproduced as any untalented pop singer's *cough*Rihanna*cough, cough*, but personally I'm reserving judgment until I hear more, esp. a few live perfs.

That said, considering the environment she grew up in, I guess she could've ended up even worse than her little buddy Nicole. So I give her props for maintaining some shred of a soul.

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 9:25am

Now if you've been following my blog, you know I'm a fan of Paris Hilton. I've maintained that she gets a bad reputation for things that are sometimes out of her control. Having watched all four seasons of The Simple Life (and anxiously awaiting the 5th Season in 2007), I have a nice insight into a different side of Paris that the paparazzi doesn't often print. Animal rights activist, supporter (and occasional planner) of gay marriage, etc. Watch the show, you'll see why I love her.

Ok, so Paris Hilton's self-titled debut album Paris was recently leaked. I'm buying it on August 22 when it comes out, but until then I wanted to listen to it to get an idea of what Paris was giving us in her first album.

So obviously I was intrigued when I learned awhile back that she was releasing an album. And yes, I read all of the ridiculous criticisms of her album before anyone had heard any of it. I wanted to hear for myself. Now I should say, I do not support illegal downloads, and again, have every intention of buying this album when it's released on August 22. I listened because I was too anxious to wait. And if you can't wait, then listen: http://www.sendspace.com/file/vhe9t1 . But make sure to buy it. That link will give you the zipped file of her album, excluding her single "Stars Are Blind."

The album opens up with the song "Turn It Up", which is exactly what you would expect a Paris Hilton song to sound like. Lots of dance appeal, a lot of club-feel, lots of bass, etc. Then comes "Fightin' Over Me", which has a rap section by Jadakiss. It reminds me of a song J-Lo would do, and it's my least favorite on the album. But get through those two songs and you'll get to the real weight of the album.

The third song on Paris is her first single "Stars Are Blind." You can hear it on the radio, or watch the video on youtube. It's a good song that I like a lot. The lyrics are pretty standard pop lyrics, until you get to the part where Paris sings that she's "Got a heart, and soul, and body". That line is what I love about Paris. Most people don't see her that way; the media sells more papers talking about Paris' sexual exploits than her humanitarian contributions. But to hear Paris listing her heart and soul before her body is indicative of the way that she views herself. The album that follows this song reinforces that ideal. Paris is a person, and this album shows you more of that person than any paparazzi picture can do.

The next song is "I Want You." For anyone who has ever liked the Bee Gees song "Grease Is The Word", you'll love this song. The orchestrations are eerily similar to that song. It's a fun listen, and a good dance song.

Next up is "Jealousy." Wow. Paris maintains that this song isn't about Nicole Ritchie. That's very hard to believe. It's a very emotional song, and really cuts to the core of how Paris felt about the falling-out with Nicole. For those of you who don't know the background on that situation, it's pretty simple. Awhile back, Paris was asked to host Saturday Night Live. Nicole was upset at her for not being asked to co-host along with Paris, and that Paris should have demanded she be included in the show. Paris didn't control that. So the night Paris was on SNL, Nicole threw a party in Paris' honor, invited all of Paris' friends, who thought they were going to be watching Paris on SNL. Nicole showed Paris' sex tape, and the two haven't spoken since. Paris feels that Nicole was very jealous of her success and didn't know how to handle her rising celebrity. Neither of them have spoken publicly about it very much. So here are the lyrics to this song:

"I thought you were my best friend/I felt we'd be together 'til the end/You're not the girl I once knew/Tell me where she is 'cause she's not you/You used to be that shoulder/That shoulder I could lean on through it all/But now it's getting colder/There's no love between these walls/I was always happy/When I was watchin' you become a star/But you were only happy/When the world was openin' up my scars/And now I'm like the devil/Well if I am then what does that make you/You sold yourself for your fame/You'd still never walk a day in my shoes"

Pouring out her heart in a song like this, which accompanied by the music provided alongside the track, results in a hauntingly painful experience that we're able to understand through Paris' eyes. This song is one of my favorites on the album, if for nothing more than an honest "cut to the core" song that illuminates a world of which we had no understanding.

Following this song is "Heartbeat", which is a very 80's-sounding but a fun track.

After that one is "Nothing In This World." Similar in tone to "Turn It Up," this song is clearly designed to be a pop-dance song, and its intent is met. Fun song, definitely worth the listen.

That takes us to "Screwed." I'm sure people will find the title of the track comical, especially given some of the reasons for Paris' notoriety. Listen to the song, judge it for yourself. I did, and was rewarded with a really good song. The chorus is:

"Since I'm already screwed/Here's a message to you/My heart's wide open/I'm just not getting through to the lover in you/Yet I'm still hoping/That tonight, tonight, you're gonna turn down the lights/And give me a little more room just to prove it to you/What do I gotta do?"

"Not Leaving Without You" comes next, followed by "Turn You On", and while they're both fun to listen to, they're not my favorites. I think critics of the album, or of Paris in general, will end up using "Turn You On" as their reasoning. It's a pretty safe song with one particular line that sticks out and helps tie the album together:

"Don't care who's watching me, I do just what I would."

Last song on the album is Paris' cover of "Do You Think I'm Sexy", the old song from the 80's. It's not as vain as it seems on paper, and she's very cute when you listen to her sing this song.

It's a nice end to an album that lets us into the world of Paris Hilton without oversaturating us with ideas with which we can't connect. She's every girl in this album, another woman in the world trying to find love and validation, with much higher standards of consequence. It's an album that speaks to everyone, whether through 80's dance-pop tracks, ballads of friendship and loss and heartache, or surprisingly revealing tracks.

In her first album, Paris, she certainly delivers the goods. She knows what's going to sell and what people will likely gravitate towards. You don't build an empire out of a bottle of peroxide. Paris is a calculated woman succesfully steering herself towards a fame that no hotel alone could offer her.

And that, in short, is hot.

[iHeartMyGeek]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 9:43am

I'm sorry. I didn't like this single and I don't care what you guys say, I will never be a fan of Paris Hilton. She is a terrible role model for young girls. THe only thing she has been famous for up to this point is her money, her shopping, and her prolific sexcapades. That, to me, does not warrnat fans.

Not to mention that the single is boring, her voice is obviously computerized, and to me it sounds like she's orgasmically moaning whenever she tries to sing. I just can't see how she got a record deal besides the tons of money that she has to pay for it.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 9:45am

...and she's got herpes.

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 9:50am

Grow up.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 9:55am

Sorry. She's a great artist.
I will be first in line when her paintings hit the market.

[iHeartMyGeek]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 10:04am

Wow, what would those paintings be made of?

[kevs]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:00am

"Having watched all four seasons of The Simple Life (and anxiously awaiting the 5th Season in 2007), I have a nice insight into a different side of Paris that the paparazzi doesn't often print. Animal rights activist, supporter (and occasional planner) of gay marriage, etc. Watch the show, you'll see why I love her."

Oh, please. That whole show is STAGED. Even Paris herself has stated that. Watching "The Simple Life" hardly gives anyone "insight" into who she is.

And why should people need to listen to the whole album, as you have suggested, to know that she is a no-talent hack? Anyone can clearly tell from her first single that she doesn't have much of a voice. Sure, it's alright, but it's only alright-and not horrible-because it's been protooled within an inch of its life. Her songs will probably be catchy, but that will have less to do with her, and more to with all of the top-notch producers and songwriters she has hired. And has she ever shown any sort of passion for music before now?

I'm sorry, I just think it sucks that people like her get record deals when there are so many people who have real talent that will bever be heard. Even Broadway performers with amazing voices are putting up original music on their myspaces, I would love to hear them on the radio. But instead, we get people like Paris, who have basically BOUGHT any trace of musical ability(ie Protools.)

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:05am

"Stars Are Blind" has been critically reviewed and the critics like the song and are surprised by the fact that Paris has a voice and is serious about this music.

"No-talent hack" is just another way of dismissing something you won't give a chance.

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:13am

"Next up is "Jealousy." Wow. Paris maintains that this song isn't about Nicole Ritchie. That's very hard to believe. It's a very emotional song, and really cuts to the core of how Paris felt about the falling-out with Nicole. For those of you who don't know the background on that situation, it's pretty simple. Awhile back, Paris was asked to host Saturday Night Live. Nicole was upset at her for not being asked to co-host along with Paris, and that Paris should have demanded she be included in the show. Paris didn't control that. So the night Paris was on SNL, Nicole threw a party in Paris' honor, invited all of Paris' friends, who thought they were going to be watching Paris on SNL. Nicole showed Paris' sex tape, and the two haven't spoken since. Paris feels that Nicole was very jealous of her success and didn't know how to handle her rising celebrity. Neither of them have spoken publicly about it very much. So here are the lyrics to this song: "

That is pretty sad. I hated Nicole anyway for becoming a skeleton. Kevs, I agree with you. Mezel Maniac, have you heard Paris sing live? I don't say any music artist is talented unless, I hear them sing live.

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:17am

No I haven't heard her sing live, I'm not sure if she's done anything live yet. I like her album, I like the way it was produced. I'd be eager to see her live, but I'm not rushing out to buy concert tickets.

I don't think Paris Hilton is the greatest singer out there, I think the album definitely has its flaws and could very well be considered over-produced and digitally enhanced for vocals.

If it's a discussion about the CD and her vocals, like I said, I'd be more than happy to talk about it. But calling her a slut and talking about her sex life is just juvenile. Honestly, I expect better of us than that.

[kevs]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:17am

I've heard "Stars are Blind". Why should I hear more? In that song alone, her voice shows very limited range and no vibrato, followed by the fact that in reality, she's probably not on key anyway.
But don't get me wrong. I'll totally change my tune if hear her LIVE, and she actually has range and vibrato and is not lip-synching. But I can tell from this recording that her voice has been heavily doctored, ala Jennifer Lopez.

[erikaamato]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:29am

But I can tell from this recording that her voice has been heavily doctored, ala Jennifer Lopez.

Or, going back further, Paula Abdul. Who had a real singer sweetening her vocals (the real singer' vocals stacked with own). There was a big lawsuit about that actually...

And speaking of going back further, "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" is not an "old song from the 80's." It was released in 1978 by rock 'n roll legend Rod Stewart, and it went number one in February, 1979. A simple google search revealed: "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" was selling 250,000 copies a week in February 1979, the month it made number one. It was the fastest-selling single in Warner history and their first platinum single of the year. A special twelve-inch version was said to be the first 48-track disco mix ever made (only 300,000 copies were pressed as collector's items). The song topped charts in eleven countries, including France, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Belgium, England, Australia, and Canada. If you don't know or care to research basic pop/rock history, I'm not going to take your opinions/reviews very seriously.

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:34am

Oh, I apologize. I had my dates wrong. By 2 years.

Get over it.

[erikaamato]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:41am

Oh, what a thoughtful, considered response. Thanks.

And by the way, I've heard the song, and it's just another piece of pop fodder. (As was "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy," of course. I'm not a particular fan of the song, but your ignorance about it annoyed me.) Anyway, I'm sure it'll be a huge hit.


Updated On: 8/15/06 at 11:41 AM

[blueroses]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:50am

""No-talent hack" is just another way of dismissing something you won't give a chance."

No it's not. People have heard the single and either like it or think it blows--that doesn't constitute not giving it a chance, it's simply an opinion that differs from yours. You like Paris and that's fine. But why are you taking it so personally if people don't?

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:52am

I'm not taking it personally if people don't like Paris' music. But it's frustrating to find a thread about music polluted with "she's a slut, she's a whore". That's what frustrates me.

"No-talent hack" is a cop-out. Either discuss the music or don't post in this thread. Start a Paris-bashing thread. I wouldn't post in it but I respect its right to exist.

[JailyardGuy]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 11:59am

Oh, poor dear haven't-been-posting-here-very-long-child...

The thread (which wasn't started by you, so I'm sort of flummoxed as to why you've taken it upon yourself to become the Keeper Of The Discourse) was started not as some sort of tribute to The Wonder Of Her Trampiness, but as a tongue in cheek ever-so-slightly-making-fun-of-her thread.

You're taking this (and yourself) WAY too seriously, dear.

And, for what it's worth, Paris Hilton is an UTTER whore.

Perhaps YOU should start your very OWN "Paris Hilton: C'est Une Goddesse" thread.

[MenzelManiac]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:02pm

LOL ok.

Nicely done.

[kevs]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:03pm

When I said she was a "no-talent hack" I WAS talking about her "music". And no, that's not a cop-out. That is my opinion after listening to her "music". And it's my right to have an opinion. Ironically, YOU are the one who is copping out, insinuating that anyone who doesn't like the girl's "music" is calling her a slut or a whore. I never said that.

And just who are you to decide who should and who shouldn't post in this thread? If people think she is a whore, that is their opinion. If people think she is not talented, that is their opinion. And they can post that wherever they want.

And just because it bears repeating, I can call her a no-talent hack if I want to. My opinion is just as valid as yours.

[blueroses]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:05pm

I have a sudden urge to watch Pink's "Stupid Girls" video.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:09pm

Have I mentioned that she obviously doesn't know how to play the flute. (Both in the literal and figurative sense?)

[luvliza89]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:23pm

She will be going on tour and singing live as per her interview with Ryan Seacrest and is working with her vocal coach now to get ready.

Paris is not as bad as people make her out to be. And I'm not talking about her singing. Saying she's a bad role model and an undeserved celebrity is pure bullsoup. Fans chose who they want to make famous and how can Paris be blamed for being a celebrity when it's the people of America that make her one? Plus she's done television, movies, and now music. What more do you want from the girl? She is a big animal rights activist and yes, she likes to have fun. So many, SO MANY, girls in LA do what she does but because Paris is famous it is covered in the press with lots of hostility. "The Simple Life" is not that simple. Both girls are acting, obviously. It's got a script dircetor and story editor like every other reality show out there.

If Paris is a bad role model because she sleeps around then you should be advocating against shows like "Sex And The City" etc as well.

EDITED FOR SPELLING.
Updated On: 8/15/06 at 12:23 PM

[jimnysf]

Posted: 8/15/06 at 12:23pm

"A special twelve-inch version was said to be the first 48-track disco mix ever made (only 300,000 copies were pressed as collector's items)"

How much could you get for it? I'm fairly certain I have that in my collection from my Disco Days.