All Artists:Ayla Brown Title:Forward Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label:Cbuj Ent Original Release Date: 1/1/2006 Re-Release Date: 10/17/2006 Album Type: Import Genres:Pop, Rock Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:602617100625
CD Reviews
Great Debut CD from MA Basketball Star and AmericanIdol
Idlluva | MA United States | 10/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ayla shows how determination and perserverence pays off not only in sports but also in achieving insurmoutable goals such as pulling off recording a cd in less than 2 weeks due to contract constraints. Because of the quick turn around time, this cd has the unique quality of being a pop genre cd with minimal sound effects and digitized production gimics.Thatis other than "Breaking Away" which has rhythmic sounds of basketball dribbling and a voice over by Ayla's dad, both which I find a lot of fun and a refreshing surprise. "Forward unplugged" and "Miles Away"show her pure raw emotion and vocals that you seldom hear on the radio these days. I also love the other version of "Forward" and frequently flip back and forth to hear the differences in the two versions. It is especially enjoyable to know that Ayla helped write "Thanks to You" and "Falling Into You". I'm not as crazy about "Sugah" or "Know You Better" but I get a kick out of "I Quit" These three are radio friendly and the refrains pop into your head at random times. All in all a great first cd out of the gate for Season5 Idols. A must by for the Idol collection
"
SLEEPER OF THE YEAR
T. L. Stansbury | Las Vegas, NV | 12/30/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am simply shocked by some of the reviews I've read here - obviously from ill-willed youths totally into so much of the crap music that overwhelms the pop/rock scene these days. This album is totally entertaining, pleasing, and shows talent and ability that I (and many of us) knew was apparent when they so eagerly boosted her off the show too early. These songs, along with her singing ability totally blows away some very popular artists - such as Britney and Jessica. Ayla may not be Katherine, but she shines with talent in my eyes, and even my 20-yr old daughter. I highly recommend this CD."
6 star Album
T. L. Stansbury | 12/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ayla is a great role model for the young and old. She's only 18 and she's already so mature. This album obviously proves all of that. The entire album is awesome. I love and enjoy every day each song of the CD with the exception of two songs, but hey, you can't always get a perfect CD that everyone will adore.
I gave this CD five stars because I totally think it deserves it. Well, actually that was a lie because I believe it deserves six stars but unfortunatly that's not one of the ratings. Believe me when I say that when you buy this album you won't regret it. You are not wasting your money by buying it. The whole CD brings out her personality. Ayla is a person who loves her fans and actually cares about them and isn't all fake towards them. If you don't support her or aren't a fan of her this CD will make you want to become one. If you don't have this album, you're missing out!.....BIG TIME! :)"
Ayla can only move 'Forward'
M. D. | Boston, MA | 10/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although she did not make the finals on the fifth season of FOX's hit show 'American Idol,' Ayla Brown struck a chord with many Americans due to her immense talent, both vocally and athletically. Ayla finished 13th, being beat out by Melissa McGhee for the final female spot in the Top 12. Though she undoubtedly deserved to go further, it seems things have worked out quite nicely regardless.
'Forward' is littered with ballads, Radio Disney-esque pop hits and soulful tracks. Considering the album was recorded in one a week, it is amazing to see what has transpired over the past few months. Of course the highlight of the album is Ayla's voice, which is enough to make any song amazing.
1) "Know You Better" (8.5/10) A cover off of UK popstar Ruby Amanfu's 2002 album 'Smoke and Honey,' "Know You Better" is a great track to start off the album. It's catchy, fun and very radio-friendly. I think the bridge could have been re-written, but it works regardless.
2) "If I Was a River" (9/10) Originally written for Tina Arena by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, "If I Was a River" is truly an underrated song. This ballad shows off Ayla's range, as she magnificently reaches some high notes near the end of the song.
3) "Sugah" (7/10) Another cover, "Sugah" again was originally sung by Ruby Amanfu. Though it is uptempo, this song sounds a little dated. It's fun and poppy, just not one of the standouts for me.
4) "I Quit" (6.5/10) A cover of the British girl band Hepburn, this is one of my least favorite tracks. This is the one song where Ayla's vocals are stretched too thin, especially during the chorus. It sounds like a second-string Kelly Clarkson song. Again the bridge is lackluster, as it is filled with 'da da da da''s instead of lyrics.
5) "Forward" (10/10) This is my favorite song on the album. The lyrics are meaningful, and Ayla sings with such passion. The gospel choir in the bridge adds a great feeling of emotion. This could be a huge hit at adult contemporary radio.
6) "Breaking Away" (6/10) My least favorite track on the album. Although the song takes a unique approach and tries to be different by including basketball-themed sound effects, it doesn't do much for me. It's a fun song and it shows the connection to Ayla's basketball talents, but it does nothing to showcase her range and instead sounds as if it were to come straight out of a Disney Chanel original movie.
7) "Falling Into You" (9.5/10) "Falling Into You" completes the album for me. Ayla sounds amazing on this R&B-tinged cut, and it has 'hit' written all over it. It is everything radio is looking for, and is one of the most contemporary songs on 'Forward.' Hearing what Ayla can do with this kind of material, I hope she further pursues R&B in the future. Also, the fact that Ayla co-wrote this is quite a feat in itself.
8) "Thanks to You" (8/10) Also co-written by Ayla, "Thanks to You" is the most personal song on the album. The song is a 'thank you' note to all those who have supported Ayla, including her family, friends and fans. The sentimentality of the song overrides the clichéd lyrics, and the melody is pretty catchy.
9) "Miles Away" (8.5/10) The simplicity of "Miles Away" is refreshing. In an era where overproduction of tracks is as common as Dunkin' Donuts messing up your coffee, it's nice to hear a song that lets the artist's vocals do the talking. Ayla proves she can hold her own with limited assistance and the finished product is a testament to what true talent can accomplish.
10) "Ten Cent Wings" (8.5/10) The album's final cover, "Ten Cent Wings," is similar to "Miles Away" in that it is not over-produced, which is a plus. The piano accompaniment adds to the rawness of the song.
11) "Forward (Unplugged)" - 10/10 - The most basic song on the album, it is also the most impressive. Untouched by any enhancements, this version of "Forward" is nothing short of amazing. I'd like to see other artists Ayla's age try to pull this off. Just beautiful.
As you can see, I'm impressed with Ayla's first studio effort. Yes, there are both high and low points on 'Forward,' but realistically, is there any album that doesn't have them? I truly think we will all get to look back on this album one day and marvel at the fact that Ayla was able to pull this off despite having little formal vocal training. Ayla can move 'Forward' from this."
She got game, both on the court and on record.
Smegma Cheese | l got a hundred guns, a hundred clips 'coz l'm fro | 06/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"0n the court Ayla can weave through defenders with the greatest of ease to go up for an uncontested layup while leaving her opponents in the dust. 0n the album, she weaves a tapestry of words and music with the greatset of ease as well.
0n the court, Ayla gets in your face and blocks shots and prevents opponents from getting anywhere near the basket. 0n the album, the emotion Ayla sings with hits you in the face just as hard.
So when your describing Ayla's performance, you could be describing either her music or her basketball abilities."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1