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TRACK 1 : FIRECRACKER 
Artist: Tisha Jackson
Song: Firecracker
Album: The Highway To Redemption
Written by: Tisha Jackson
Produced by: Tisha Jackson
Genre: Dance/Pop/Funk
Length::5:22
Recorded: December 18th, 2012
After a two year space in between albums, Pop Princess, Tisha Jackson is officially back with some new material. It may be hard to believe that ‘Reveal’ (Jackson’s last album) was released two years ago in 2011 because she’s been extremely active in between albums. However, Tisha is ready to embark on a new adventure. She is set to release her seventh studio album by Spring of 2013 and her first single off the still untitled album is finally hitting airways today.
‘Firecracker’ was both written and produced by Tisha Jackson herself. Not many details are known about the singer’s upcoming album, but it is known that majority of the tracks were written and composed by Jackson herself. ‘Firecracker’ is a very retro number from Tisha. The fiery track boast with horns, saxophone’s, and drums, and leaves you very reminiscent of the early 1980’s disco era. However, the way Tisha delivers the track it seems as if she begins to bridge a gap between the Disco/funk popularized in that era to today’s Dance/Pop music. But while bridging a gap between generations, Jackson also manages to not only lead excitement for her new music, but music in general as well. This spin leaves a very retro futuristic vibe to ‘Firecracker’. Something no one in popular music, indie, or underground music is endeavoring in presently or in the past.
Background & Vocal Arrangements of ‘Firecracker’
Firecracker is a loud number from start to finish. Tisha opens the song with something she’s never done before. She opens the track, singing alone without any beat or arrangement. Quickly after she states the first line of the song, a booming beat boasted. A wild frantic mixture of horns, percussions, and saxophones hit your ear drums. What is different about ‘Firecracker’ is it separates itself from modern day music, with Tisha using live instruments. All the instruments heard that were used for conducting the funky beat were played live as Tisha sang her vocals. The retro feel of the song is greatly due to the live instruments by Tisha’s band instead of a computer made beat. Tisha then repeats the first live of the song and the instruments are arranged in a grand spectacle of a way. It gives you a “Rolling out the red carpet” kind of feel. Before Tisha finishes the [introduction] of the song a instrumental introduction is also heard. Mainly heard are the horns and percussions [which Jackson plays herself]. Tisha then finishes the introduction of ‘Firecracker’ while incorporating lines from the chorus as well.
Tisha then begins the first verse of ‘Firecracker’. The instruments bass lowers a bit as we hear Tisha voice soars. Jackson is a natural alto with a naturally low tone, however she taps into her upper-register for the entire song, from the introduction until the end of the song. As the first verse ends, Tisha begins to increase the volume of her vocals as the bass and volume of the instruments increases. Tisha finally introduces the chorus of the song, very similar to the introduction of the song. Tisha voice soars happily. ‘Firecracker’ is the most excitement and joy heard in her voice compared to any of her previous releases. Her vocals are very clear as she sets a perfect pace, broadcasting all her vocal abilities while not over-doing them. Tisha continues to the second verse of ‘Firecracker’ as she continues the pace set at the end of the first verse and the chorus. The bass of the instruments continue to boast. At the end of the second verse percussions/drums are the main instrument heard as Tisha slows down a bit. Then the chorus comes up again increasing the volume of the instruments as Tisha tone gets larger.
After finishing the chorus an instrumental interlude is introduced. This interlude is to execute the arrangement of instruments. The interlude starts with a ‘saxophone solo’. The bear continues but the main instrument heard is the saxophone in the background. After the saxophone solo, the horns are introduced playing along with the sax. As both the saxophone and horns throb, the drums are incorporated. Percussions begin the meet with the saxophone and horns. Now all three instruments carry out the beat. The beat begins to become infectious and throbs. Tisha then begins to sing in the background.
Introducing then begins to introduce the bridge. She exits her moderate tone heard after the end of the instrumental interlude. She then begins to joyfully shout the chorus. You can hear a light in her voice. She really uses her upper register in the chorus and delivers her vocals and the lyrics in a confident, sexy, playful way making you feel the same way. The beat then begins to blend in with her vocals. Tisha joyfully shouts the last line of the bridge and begins to sing the outro. As the she sings along with the beat, her vocals begin to fade out with the beat as the outro ends.
‘Background of Firecracker’/ [How It Came About]
It was the middle of December and Tisha had recorded a lot of great material for her new album. However she still felt that she hadn’t found her lead single yet. A single that will perfectly introduce her album, the sound, its direction and the direction of her life. Just like most nights since recording began for her seventh studio album, Tisha was in the studio with her band coming up with new material. Tisha began to talk about the approach of her new album, and the new direction her life was taking a positive one. There is a lot of dark material on her upcoming seventh studio album, but that’s the sound the album was heading down when she first began production on it. However now, Tisha’s has been through some life changing things and she finished her stint at rehab she is looking through things with a positive mind set and brand new eyes. So she began to talk with her band about the new direction the album was taking. They encouraged her to allow the the music to take direction it wanted to go and to let it flow. Tisha began to talk to her band about all the new emotions she was feeling and joy she was having. It was a very joyous night in the studio of Tisha and all of her band members talking about the recent positivity in their lives. So each member of the band began to play their instrument and the next thing you know, horns were playing, saxophones were playing, and Tisha began to hit percussions along with her drummer. Tisha pointed out to her band members that she wanted this as a beat for a track and she began to sing along to the beat that they had made. After they mastered the beat and Tisha began singing while writing her lyrics down on paper, the song was recorded. Tisha and her band members entered the studio around 9pm that night and didn’t leave until 4:30 am [that morning] until the record was complete and recorded. Automatically, Tisha knew that this would be her first single off the album.
Concept of ‘Firecracker’
‘Firecracker’ is exactly what it says. It is a very loud, colorful song. It is loud but in a good way. The feel and approach to it’s very unique delivery was completely different. Usually one for using metaphors a lot, Tisha delivers the lyrics differently with ‘Firecracker’ making the lyrics very simple but meaningful. It is a very simple but unparalleled track in which everyone can relate to. ‘Firecracker’ is simply about coming into your own. Tisha lets you know with ‘Firecracker’ that she is coming into her womanhood. You get the sense of her just discovering herself as a woman, and she is excited about it. She is proud of it. It is a very confident number, letting listeners know to let your inner light shine, and be yourself. Be genuine, because that’s when you shine the most. It is a very ‘coming out’ kind of song ant Tisha lets you know that “SHE’S ARRIVED” and she is “HERE TO STAY”. Which may come as a surprise to fans who already know that, but it can take a person sometime to realize the positive affect they can have on people’s lives with what they do. You can tell that Miss Jackson is feeling herself with this song. And it is the perfect way for her to introduce her new era of music.
Quote:Tisha’s Comments on ‘Firecracker’
‘Firecracker’ is a very coming of age record. I think just like many of the material on my seventh album it is mature. It just reflects the woman I am becoming. You know, I finally feel like I am a woman. It took a while for me to grow comfortable in my skin after becoming the age of a woman. You can be a certain age, but that doesn’t mean you feel like a woman. And MY GOD, DO I FEEL LIKE ONE. I feel happy, comfortable, and confident within myself to be myself and do what I want to do, and that’s what ‘Firecracker’ is all about. It’s about making this moment yours, and having a defining moment(s) in your life that will shape your life in a positive way. I would have so many fans crying when they met me or saw me, and people just coming up to me and showing me love, and I had trouble accepting that. I had more trouble accepting people like me than people not liking me. And that wasn’t normal to me, so I’m glad I took time off for myself to reflect. And I guarantee you if I didn’t take some time off for me, and to realize how blessed I am, ‘Firecracker’ would not be great like it is nor would my new album. I just feel confident and beautiful inside and out. I am doing me and I don’t care what people think or say and ‘Firecracker’ is my way of saying that and opening up this new album/era/journey. Tisha Jackson is here!
“Firecracker”
sounds like:
[Intro]
My moment starts now
Firecracker!
My time to shine is now
The brightest star of them all
Firecracker!
Explode!
Erupt!
Like a Firecracker
My moment starts
It’s my time to shine
The whole world is mines
[Verse 1]
I’m celebrating the rebirth of me
Love and happiness just shines on me
It just beams in and out of me
Watch it rain and pour all over me
I see everything with brand new eyes
I’m taking it step by step
I’m living for today
I’m thankful for the new day
So I’m taking chances
Miss Jackson’s gonna show out
I’ll blow up the whole spot
I have finally shed out of my old skin
Sing it to the world
I’m blowing up
Like a Firecracker!
[Chorus]
My moment starts now
My time to shine
The whole world is mine
Firecracker
The brightest star of them all
I’m exploding, showing every color of me
Firecracker!
My moment starts now, my time to shine
Firecracker!
The whole world is mine, the brightest star of them all
Firecracker!
[Verse 2]
I’m gonna be everything I want to be
I’m showcasing it to the world
That this girl is on fire
I’m about to set ablaze
I’m calling my own shots
Taking control of all my affairs
Yes, I’ve taken a stand
I’ve been too bless to let hate fester in me
I’m giving you nothing but love
And positivity!
This is how I feel!
[Chorus]
My moment starts now
My time to shine
The whole world is mine
Firecracker
The brightest star of them all
I’m exploding, showing every color of me
Firecracker!
My moment starts now, my time to shine
Firecracker!
The whole world is mine, the brightest star of them all
Firecracker!
[Instrumental Interlude]
[Chorus]
My moment starts now
My time to shine
The whole world is mine
Firecracker
The brightest star of them all
I’m exploding, showing every color of me
Firecracker!
My moment starts now, my time to shine
Firecracker!
The whole world is mine, the brightest star of them all
Firecracker!
[Outro]
My, My, My
My moment starts now, my time to shine
Fireeecrackerrr!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TRACK 2 : FOREVER & ALWAYS
 Artist: Tisha Jackson
Song: Forever & Always
Album: The Highway To Redemption
Written by: Tisha Jackson
Produced by: Tisha Jackson
Genre: R&B
Length: 3:41
Recorded: September 30th, 2012
Background and Vocal Arrangements of ‘Forever & Always’
Forever & Always is a light ballad. The song is very much based on a relationship between a woman and man. In this case the end of a relationship between and man and a woman. And the after effects it has taken on Tisha. In no way is ‘Forever & Always’ male bashing. In the song Jackson openly admits that she is the blame for the relationship ending, and if she could turn back the hands of time she would make things better between her and her ex.
The opening of the song kicks off with a piano and the hi hat of drums being shingled. Light melodies of horns are played. Then Jackson begins her first verse, remising about her past with her ex, and how the beginning was so blissful between the two. Jackson mainly sings in her upper-register on the first verse as well as the tracks entirety. She then begins to talk about how they allowed the outsiders of their relationship to play a part in the relationship. When Jackson refers to her ex she often mentions him as if they were the same person. She sings “Whenever people saw you they see, When they spoke of me they spoke of you, The only person in this world who understood me, You were brother, my man, my best friend”. Jackson then switches gears to present day and wishes for him to be a part of her life. The piano fades out lightly as the drums then kick in finishing the first verse.
In the chorus of the song, the drums then fade out once again as the piano kicks in now. Jackson uses her continues to take advantage of the use of her upper-register. In the chorus Jackson proclaims her love and heart for her ex. Singing, “Forever, I will always love you, Always will be there for you, Other men have tried to claim your place But there’s still that open space”.
For the second verse Jackson picks up her voice as she sings a tad deeper but still utilizing her upper-register. The drums then kick in again. Jackson talks about how much of a great man he was to her singing, “I named when, the place and time, Next to me, you were there”. She admits messing things up and that the relationships abrupt ending still has an effect on her life today. The drums kick in heavier for the finish of the second verse. Enters the chorus, and the piano kicks into the beat as the drums fade out.
In the bridge of the song, the song slows down dramatically. Tisha voice then gets deeper. Horns kick in heavy, and the hi hat of drums are being played. The piano has now faded out. Jackson reminisce about the intimacy shared between her and her ex. She begin directly addressing him, singing, “All of the intimacy we shared as one. Do you still hold onto the memories too?” Jackson ends the bridge optimistically wondering if they still have a chance. Jackson uses her entire upper-register of the bridge, and her vocals melodically blend in with the light horns being played. The chorus then kicks in as the drums and piano picks up the beat. The chorus repeats twice. As the horns and the hi hat carry out the end of the song. The song ends with a one minute instrumental of horns.
Background of ‘Forever & Always’ [How It Came About]
‘Forever & Always’ was the VERY first song recorded for ‘The Highway To Redemption’. It was recorded in New York City on September 30th, 2012. Jackson had just began the recording process of album number seven, and she wanted the first song to reflect the overall sound and theme of ‘The Highway To Redemption’. Jackson assembled her band while on tour last year and called and they arranged this entire album along with her. Jackson plays the drums for the entire song along with other drummers and her band filled with saxophonist. The song has a very retro feel to it and it’s beat is very reminiscent of the music from the 1960’s and ‘Motown’ era.
‘Forever & Always’ is based on a true story, one that involves Jackson and her first love whom she met when she was a teenager. She has never revealed who he was, but she is open to the fact that it was her fault for the relationship ending, and she uses ‘Forever & Always’ as a way to apologize to him and take the blame for the situation. Something a REAL WOMAN would do.
Quote:“ ‘Forever & Always’ is definitely one of the most personal and important tracks on the album to me. It was the first song that I recorded for ‘The Highway To Redemption’ and it is what I wanted to set the standard of the album with. My band and I used this song as a template for the entire album. And it’s one of those real tracks. You know, us ladies have to realize that we play just as much as an equal part in the errors of our relationship(s) as men. And I wanted this song to show that women can be wrong to, and no matter how tough, liberal, high and mighty, and new millennium we may think we are, we can still be wrong at times. However, what you see with ‘Forever & Always’ is it takes a real woman to know her mistakes, admit her mistakes, but most importantly learn from her mistakes. And that is in all aspects of our lives. I just used an bad experience I’ve had in one of my past relationships to explain that.”
"FOREVER & ALWAYS"
sounds like:
“Forever & Always”
[Verse 1]
Late at night, I think…
About how our love and life together seemed so real
I swear it was so damn real, it seemed a bit surreal
How your essence would protect me
In your presence I felt safe in serenity, nothing could ever harm me
When our eyes first locked…
I could’ve never imagine, I would ever consider you my one and only
Inside and out, I would shine, whenever you flashed that smile
Out of nowhere our love became the most talked about
Whenever people saw you they see
When they spoke of me they spoke of you
The only person in this world who understood me
You were my brother, my man, my best friend
It sucks for you to not be with me in present day
I thought by now we’d be married
I one hundred percent understand, what they meant, when they said
You never know what you have til’ it’s gone
I played you dirty, and now you’re gone
But the one thing that will never change, Is the love I have for you
[Chorus]
Forever, I will always love you
Always, will be there for you
Even after all the mountains we have moved
You were the first person I gave my heart to
And I have yet to have it returned yet
Oh baby, you are the only one
Other men have tried to claim your place
But there’s still that open space
When I got the courage to say those three words, I love you
Forever & Always, baby, I knew you’d be the only one
[2nd Verse]
The best man you were to me, outstanding
The love was riveting
By my side, you were always there
My wish was your command
I named when, the place and time
Next to me, you were there
I never imagined us coming to an end
And even if I did, I didn’t think it would come so abrupt
I could’ve done things another way, the right way
For that, I’m sorry, for making things fucked up
If it were possible, I’d take back every wrong thing, that I did to make you leave
But we’re talking the impossible here
But I pray that you forgive me
I one hundred percent understand
What they meant
When they said
You never know what you have til’ it’s gone
I played you dirty, and now you’re gone
But the one thing that will never change
Is the love I have for you
[Chorus]
Forever, I will always love you
Always, will be there for you
Even after all the mountains we have moved
You were the first person I gave my heart to
And I have yet to have it returned yet
Oh baby, you are the only one
Other men have tried to claim your place
But there’s still that open space
When I got the courage to say those three words, I love you
Forever & Always, baby, I knew you’d be the only one
[3rd Verse/Bridge]
All of the intimacy we shared as one
Do you still hold onto the memories too?
In my mind, I wonder, do you ever think of me?
Because I still think of you
I don’t wanna rewind the hands of time
But if we ever got the chance to move forward
Would you be down for the rideeeeee??
[Chorus 2x]
Forever, I will always love you
Always, will be there for you
Even after all the mountains we have moved
You were the first person I gave my heart to
And I have yet to have it returned yet
Oh baby, you are the only one
Other men have tried to claim your place
But there’s still that open space
When I got the courage to say those three words, I love you
Forever & Always, baby, I knew you’d be the only one
Edited by user 25 April 2013 07:10:36(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified |
