Bucket List Concerts: Queen

When I think of historically iconic bands, Queen always comes to mind. Their music, their look, their talent and their demeanor worked together in harmony to create a legendary group. My younger brother and I have bonded over our love for Queen’s music over the past couple of years, so when I heard they were going on tour with Adam Lambert I knew I had to take him!Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

At first, I was skeptical. I remember saying to my brother “you know it’s not going to be the same, right?”. On one hand, my fear was that Adam Lambert would try to become or impersonate Freddie Mercury, which is an impossible task. On the other hand, I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough tribute to Mercury.

We arrived at the venue and were surrounded by both young and old fans who were just as excited for the show as we were! As we settled into our seats and the lights went down, I could feel my anticipation grow. As soon as Queen and Adam Lambert hit the stage, I knew it was going to be an amazing performance.

IMG_6560The Vocals, instrumental abilities, lights, and overall vibes of the show were unbelievable. Every aspect of the performance was spectacular, and there is nothing I wished they’d do differently. Lambert put his own flair on the vocal arrangements while still paying tribute to their original glory, and he even mentioned to the crowd that “there will only ever be one rock god in eternity called Freddie Mercury”. With today’s technology, the group was able to remember Mercury by playing video of him performing back in the day, while the band played along in real time. It really was a special show.

If Queen and Adam Lambert stop by a city near you, I highly recommend going to see them! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

-Swaggie Maggie

My Top 10 All Time Low Songs

All Time Low has been tearing up the music scene since 2003 when the band found their beginnings in high school. Not only are they killer songwriters, but they’re amazing performers. The band has just started this year’s world tour to promote their latest album, Last Young Renegade. With 7 studio albums to choose from, it’s difficult to decide which of the group’s songs belong within their “Top 10”, but here are my top 10 All Time Low songs that have impacted my life for the better.

Good Times – Last Young Renegade

This track off All Time Low’s new album, Last Young Renegade, is already a fan favorite. With vulnerable lyrics and a nostalgic tone, it’s easy to fall in love with this song. When I heard this song for the first time it brought tears to my eyes. It helped me remember every important memory of my life, and allowed me to realize that I have years left to have more experiences. It’s perfect for those times in your life when you’re on the cusp of something new, but you take a moment to look back on your past.

Old Scars / Future Hearts – Future Hearts

Old Scars / Future Hearts is an edgy song off of Future Hearts, and it’s reminiscent of the band’s early days. It has everything you could possibly want from a pop-punk song; jaded vocals, skillful instrumentals, and a killer beat! Not only is this song great to listen to on a daily basis, but I loved hearing it live! The energy that All Time Low brings to the stage during this song can’t be beat.

Backseat Serenade – Don’t Panic

This metaphorical masterpiece is what lyricist’s dreams are made of. All Time Low turned a song about a wild fling into a beautiful story. With an instantly recognizable verse and chorus, this song is definitely a fan favorite. This song was actually one of my “summer anthem’s” in high school, and I’ll never forget singing it at the top of my lungs with my best friend.

The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver – Don’t Panic

Found on Don’t Panic, this song is the perfect rebel anthem. I remember listening to this song in high school every time I got in an argument with a friend, or when some mean girl tried to ruin my mood. I think everyone can agree that this song is great for blasting in your car after a long day.

Weightless – Nothing Personal

Weightless, off of Nothing Personal, is one of the first songs I ever loved by All Time Low, and it really helped introduced me to the pop-punk genre. This song is definitely essential to any Throwback playlist!

Break Your Little Heart – Nothing Personal

This song is so edgy, and I love it! Its lyrics are are full of angst, and the electricity of the guitar matches the mood perfectly. Break Your Little Heart is one of those songs that you always end up singing along to.

Damned if I do Ya (Damned If I Don’t) – Nothing Personal

Damned if I do Ya (Damned If I Don’t) is actually the first All Time Low song I’d ever heard, and it made me fall in love with the band instantly. The song is somehow catchy without becoming cheesy, and All Time Low’s attitude really shines throughout it.

Therapy – Nothing Personal

This ballad is definitely emotional and beautiful. The lyrics are poignant, and Alex’s beautiful vocals are showcased perfectly in this song. With instrumentals and passion that build over the course of the song, it’s obvious why this is one of All Time Low’s best songs.

Dear Maria, Count Me In – So Wrong, It’s Right

Easily one of the band’s most recognizable songs, Dear Maria, Count Me In, is a favorite of fans who have loved the band since the album So Wrong, It’s Right was released in 2007, as well as fans who are just beginning to love the band. Take one listen, and I promise you’ll be hooked too!

Jasey Rae – Put Up or Shut Up

Jasey Rae can be found on All Time Low’s first EP, Put Up or Shut Up, and it deserves a spot in their Top 10 Songs. It’s fun to listen to it now, more than 10 years later, and see how far the band has come since it’s release, what they’ve changed, and what has stayed the same over time.

Don’t forget to catch All Time Low on their world tour this Summer and Fall! Check out my top 10 All Time Low songs, and let me know what yours are!

-Swaggie Maggie