Author - Monica Consbruck

If you’ve talked to me at all in the past two weeks or so, you’ve heard me talk about Demi Lovato’s new album, Tell Me You Love Me.

I have to say, I was never really a super huge fan of Lovato, her music being a little too radio for me. Don’t get me wrong, she’s always been a guilty pop pleasure, but nothing I would write home about.

Until now. Now I’m writing home, work, New York City, and reviving State in the Real to talk about Demi Lovato’s latest album.

Since it came out, I’ve been listening to it on repeat. While I get ready in the morning. On the train. At work. On the train. While I get ready for bed. You get the idea. Hear me when I say this album is one for the books.

This is all I need to say about it: Demi Lovato has a killer voice. We always knew she could sing, but DAMN. This girl full on belts it from “Sorry Not Sorry,” to “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore,” to “Ruin the Friendship,” to “Hitchhiker.” Each song has its own powerful moment where you’re like,

“Woah, ok!!!”

“Wait, who is this?”

“This is Demi Lovato?”

“Ugh, I love this song,” (all actual reaction quotes I’ve heard (ok the last one was an actual quote from me during just about every song)). Seriously though, Tell Me You Love Me gives you feels.

Ok so let’s start with the obvious, the first track, “Sorry Not Sorry.” Great party song, gets stuck in your head all day, and literally anyone and everyone will dance to it. Test it out. I’ve tried it with my coworkers and I catch them all singing it when they think no one is looking (gotcha ;P). Bop #1.

Now, let’s talk about my favorite track. I’ve been dying to get here. “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore,” is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time. This ultimate breakup song will move you to tears even if you’ve been in a solid relationship for 3 years (hi). Demi takes you on this roller coaster of emotion with her rich, beautiful voice. Towards the end you’ll be full out rocking back and forth on the verge of screaming, “Yeah! What’d I ever see in that douche bag anyway?!!” Give it a listen, you’ll see what I mean. Everyone I’ve played it for stops in their tracks and is like “Oh, migod. Wow.” Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself listening to it on repeat again and again (also, hi). Bop #2.

Next up is “Daddy Issues,” and while I don’t necessarily love it there are a few people out there that have demanded I not skip it in their presence. And admittedly, I’m liking it more and more. See what you think.

“Ruin the Friendship,” is definitely Bop. Number. 3. This funky song is what we’ve all thought when someone has said to us, “I don’t want to risk losing you as a friend.” Lovato is straight up like, “Screw the friendship, let’s bang,” which is what we’re all thinking anyway. Also another song where Lovato’s vocal range is also supremely showcased. Bravo, Miss.

Picture this: You’re sitting in the dark corner of a bar and you hear this rustic sounding broken hearted love song that resonates with your soul, because your relationship has brought you to tears once again…the song you’re listening to is “Cry Baby,” Bop #4. This is one of the songs on the album that has you completely belting with Demi by the end of it in a full on sway. For anyone going through an emotional push and pull in their relationship, this one’s for you.

I feel inclined to talk about the guests on this album, as they are notable and worth mentioning. Lil Wayne pops up in “Lonely,” giving us a kind of sultry, intoxicating vibe that snarls “screw you for leaving me.” On the deluxe album we get Jax Jones and Cheat Codes songs featuring Demi which were already summer smash hits, “Instruction” and “No Promises.”

Listen. Bottom line is this album is amazing! But I’m sure you’re bored of reading at this point, and are so stoked to go listen to the album that you want me to wrap this up. So in short, believe me. Go to Apple Music (quick plug) and download the album. Feel free to totally disagree with me or come over and listen to the album with me all day. Either way, I got my fix and for that I’m all cheers for Little Miss Demi. Consider me hooked.

Step aside, Young Money, there’s a new crew in town…

Based in Williamsport, Pa, DyHard Entertainment was founded by Chris “Crisis” Hayes and features a number of extremely talented hip hop artists on the label.

Before you dismiss these new kids on the block, know that they are in it to win it. Each artist is uniquely talented in their sound and writing styles. Unlike some hip hop labels, there’s something distinctive about each artist that sets them apart from each other. The songs actually have messages behind them, but not in a preachy way – rather, in a subtle, catchy, singing every word before you know them kind of way. But don’t take my word for it. The label plans to release videos for some of the singles within the next month or two, so keep your eyes peeled for those. In the meantime, meet the crew below and see why I predict they will be the hottest thing on the scene in a year, tops.

LullaNAs is a Pennsylvania-based singer/songwriter twin duo. They are often accompanied by Jonathan Yuko on guitar. Some of their musical influences include the Civil Wars, the Lumineers, Kacey Musgraves, and Ingrid Michaelson. The duo has been playing together since their senior year of high school and their guitarist Jon joined their band about three years ago. All three of the band members are graduating this year.

Participating in the Movin On Battle is a really nice opportunity for them to play one last show here at Penn State. This will be the first show where they will be purely playing original music! LullaNAs spends most of their free time song writing and posting covers of their favorite songs on their YouTube channel. They are very used to performing behind a camera, but love every opportunity they receive to perform in front of a live audience. Check out some of their videos below!