6/15: New Artist review: "Stereo Skyline!" by Brett. New Hot6.

6/13: New artist reviews: "Katy Perry" by Mandee, "Lydia" by Brett.

6/08: New artist reviews for: The Ting Tings, Lykke Li, and Evermore.

4/18: New main page feature: Ben G., New artist reviews: "The Hives" by Kayla & "De La Soul" by Dennis, New Hot6.

4/16: 4 new Rewindd Music Support buttons.

3/30: New Hot6, New "Rock Out" iMix, Two new artist reviews by Anum & Louie for: Britney Spears.

3/27: New album review: Simple Plan's self-titled album by Nadia T.

3/23: New artist review: "The Daylights" by Katelyn. Artist Reviews now sorted by Artist & Genre for easier browsing.

3/22: New artist review: "Yelle" by Mark T.

3/16: New layout, 5 new featured stories, new "Music Bits" section.

2/10: Two new artist reviews: "Vogue In The Moment" & "Porcelain and the Tramps." New "Bloc Party" album review.

1/27: New album review: The Academy Is... - "Santi" by Elisabeth.

1/26: New Hot6.

12/28: New concert review: "Maroon 5 - It Wont Be Soon Before Long Tour" by Alexis.

12/27: New artist review: "The Mars Patrol" by Aj.

12/18: New artist review: "The Dream" by Malcom L.

12/13: New album review: Puddle of Mud's album, "Famous" by Angela.

12/9: New album review: Unwritten Law's album, "Here's To The Mourning" by Louie Z.

12/3: New artist review: "The Higher" by Rachel A., New album review: Tegan & Sara's "The Con" by Teresa D.

The Sweet Escape Tour 2007

By: Mark

Artist: Lady Sovereign, Akon, Gwen Stefani

Concert Name/Year: The Sweet Escape Tour 2007

Pros: Lady Sovereign was alright. There was not much to her set. She performed early and people were just arriving as she was half way finished. She was drinking a lot on stage and just let loose. Overall, Lady Sovereign wasn't that great, but not much was expected as she was just the opening act. Akon came on just as it was getting dark, shortly after Lady Sovereign concluded her set. Akon's performance was jam-packed with high energy. Everyone got pumped for the main act. He literally played every single hit he ever had. From his very first "Locked Up" to his not-so-popular "Bananza (Belly Dancer)", he even finished off with a sample of "We Takin' Over". He never sang a song in its entirety, but he played well-fitting samples of each lasting a minute or two. Akon hyped the crowd well, he did a great job of getting everyone out of their seats. Everyone was dancing and singing along, it didn't matter if you were a fan of Akon's or not. The atmosphere of the ampitheatre was set for Gwen.

The crowd was ready and so was Gwen. She came on stage with a bang. Her enterance was amazing. It was well hyped, she came on stage in a golden cage. Her first song was The Sweet Escape. She sang it with Akon and it truly sounded better live than on the CD (which I am a big fan of by the way). I wish I had access to her singing that live on my iPod, because it was just remarkable. Her costumes were vibrant, flamboyant, and detailed. She was very animated and in-shape, because unlike last year's tour, this year she wasn't pregnant with Kingston anymore. She was running and dancing around the stage. It was just awesome, her quick costume changes and personal prefaces to each song were just great. Whoever chose the order of the songs during the set did a great job, because they flowed so well. Gwen looked and sounded amazing. Her hair was fantastic as usual and she was never out of breath. The crowd went nuts when she started "Hollaback Girl", it's such a great song to hype the crowd. She even commented that it "slapped us into shape." Her voice while she was talking was so high-pitched and just cute. She kept telling us how 'amazing' we look, and that we were 'fricken beautiful'. She wouldn't stop remarking how the crowds are the reason she does everything, and that we knew every song so well. It got everyone more into the show. The feeling in the ampitheatre was just incredible, words alone cannot describe the energy in the Ford Ampitheatre in Tampa that night. You had to feel it to believe it. After she concluded her set with a few songs off of her last album, "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.", she kept coming back for encores. The audience would not let her go that night. It was just an unbelievable and unforgettable night. I still love Gwen Stefani after that show, beforehand I was just a moderate fan.

Cons:
Lady Sovereign's performance was not that great at all. She was pretty drunk too and her political comments about the UK and her age became annoying after the eleventh time. The merchandise was all really feminine and expensive. If a T-shirt was unisex it meant basically that it was of male fit and female design. Lose-lose situation for men and women, plus it was $35. I still got a shirt as a memory of the incredible show. Other than that everything went well.

Experiences:
Gwen came out into the crowd. Our ampitheatre is pretty large and almost got to the lawn. She kept remarking how it was the 'furthest she's ever gotten'. That was definitely memorable, although it was a shame that she came out to the side opposite of where I was sitting.

Rating:
A very high 9. I would see Gwen Stefani again in a heartbeat. We even mentioned it at the show how we couldn't wait until she comes back.

Final Thoughts: If Gwen comes to your hometown, go see her! You won't regret it! Even if you're not a mega-fan, her personality and voice will just suck you in. I'm serious, it was unforgettable.