Young Forever -- Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson

• Song: Young Forever
• Artist: Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson
• Album: The Blueprint 3
• Rating: 4 Stars

Nobody would think of calling Jay-Z unoriginal, and in his most recent song, Young Forever is no exception. Young Forever is a modern reinterpretation of the 1980's song, Forever Young, that although a cover, exudes the originality of a fresh perspective.

Young Forever is about wanting to be young forever and living life the way it should be lived. Jay-Z never wants to get old, but he also says that youth is not just physical, it is a state of mind. Our lives should be lived for every single moment, and the good times can last forever as we remember them. If we are young in our attitude and perspective, then we have lived our life well. With ambitions, we can succeed, and live forever, in our youth in the lives of others. He never gives up, and will live forever, one way or another. Life is too short to waste, and we should never be afraid.

Young Forever has used the chorus of its original, replacing other sections with similar, yet more chronically relevant lyrics. The song is wonderfully performed, opening as the original did, with the vocals similar to that of the original singer performed by Mr. Hudson. It then moves into the rap interpretation of Jay-Z. Rarely is a cover or reinterpretation better than the original, but Jay-Z has managed it. Using an entirely different genre than that in which it was originally performed, the Young Forever creates a new and better sound, while still allowing the beauty of the other to bleed through. Young Forever takes just enough of the old, and just the right amount of the new to form an incredible and inspirational reinterpretation that brings the message to a whole new generation.
For more artist information, go to www.jay-z.com/

Empire State of Mind -- Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

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  Song: Empire State of Mind
• 
  
  Artist: Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
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  Album: The Blueprint 3
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  Rating: 4 Stars

Owl City with Seattle, Fall Out Boy with Chicago, and now Jay-Z with New York City.  With the help of Alicia Keys, Jay-Z's recent award-winning song, Empire State of Mind, celebrates the beauty and inspiring light of the city that never sleeps.

In Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z is talking about his history and love for New York City.  He used to be poor, but has made money, and even though he has moved away, he still loves New York.  Every kind and color of person lives in New York, and that is where life-changing events and amazing things have happened.  Jay-Z also talks about how people sometimes change when they come to New York.  He says that you should not lose sight of who you are because the city will change you for the worse if you let it.  In the chorus, Alicia sings about how dreams are made in New York, and that there is nothing you cannot do there.  She sings of how everything about the city is inspiring, even the lights, and that everything, and anything can be better in New York.

Typical of rap, the sound of the song is very simple. Jay-Z and Alicia's vocals, a piano, and a drumbeat.  Towards the end of the song a few stringed instruments make a subtle appearance in support of the piano.  The sound suits the songs well, allowing the lyrics to shine through and make an impact on the listener.  The stark contrast between Jay-Z's rap and Alicia's soaring vocals only intensify this effect.  Empire State of Mind displays both the glamour and the dark sides of New York City in a thought-provoking, and beautiful way.

For more artist information, go to http://www.jay-z.com/