Fifa World Cup Awards

It's no secret that the Kruses really, really enjoy soccer. I mean, not to brag or anything, but I was the star of my team kindergarten through sixth grade, (by star, I am referring to that one player who resorted to running from the ball because she was the one who always ended up with a soccer ball to the face). I owe all my success to my coaches who were really like family to me - Paul Kruse and Chad Lau - I know I was always your MVP. Sad to say, my career was short lived due to a fear of running "on the big field", which later became one of my biggest regrets from high school.

Antoine Griezmann, 11 - Forward An interesting choice of hair, but I always  love a man who can pull off a statement.

Blaise Matuidi, 14 - Midfielder He has the talent to be attractive while looking pissed off.

Olivier Giroud, 9 - Forward A clear favorite with the ladies, I don't feel it necessary to explain why.

Lucas Digne, 17 - Defender He's kind of got a puppy dog face to him, and the freckles definitely do justice.

Kyle Beckerman, 15 - Midfield Beckerman is easy to notice with the  dreadlocks. And I like dreads.

X Track by Track Review

As you may (or may not) know, Ed Sheeran had released a new album earlier this week titled "X" (Multiply). I had been anticipating this album for quite some time, especially after listening to his hit "Sing". So, after finally getting my hands on it (and listening to it for a good 20 times since then) I thought I could do a track by track review of what I think of it. I have also link the songs with the title, if you want to check them out!

1. One 

Initial reaction: Starting off the album with a classic Ed song, slow peaceful melody with a man and his guitar, it really gives a clear example of his talent.

Favorite line: "Take my hand and my Heart and my Soul, I will only have these eyes for you, and you know, everything changes but we'll be strangers if we see this through"

Rating: 7/10


2. I'm a Mess

Initial Reaction: A little more upbeat than the first one track, this song shows the large vocal range the Ginger has. It also includes nice harmonies with the background vocals, which I'm assuming are Ed as well. While it's not one of my favorite tracks on the album, it's an incredibly catchy tune.

Favorite line: "And though I've only caused you pain, you know, but all of my words were always beloved." 

Rating: 6/10


3. Sing

Initial reaction: The first song the public was introduced to, as his first single, this song was an immediate favorite. I hear it on the radio at least once a day and I can't seem to get sick of it. When it was first released, it showed how this album was going to be different than his old ones because he has a band playing with him versus his previous albums with just him and his guitar. The video is priceless and features Pharrell Williams in it, who helped produce the song. Can't help but dance to this one.

Favorite line: "I told her my name and said, "It's nice to meet ya." And then she handed me a bottle of water with tequila. I already know she's a keeper."

Rating: 8/10


4. Don't 

Initial reaction: Another great upbeat song, which seems like a remedy to help cure a bad mood, Don't kind of has an Blues/Blackstreet, "No Diggity" feel to it which I'm totally digging. I would love to see him perform this live.

Favorite line: "We drink away the days with a take-away pizza, before a text message is the only way to reach her. Now she's staying at my place and loves the way I treat her, singing out Aretha."

Rating: 8/10


5. Nina

Initial Reaction: When I first read this song title, I thought of  Scottish singer/songwriter, Nina Nesbitt who had been in Ed's music video for Drunk and also was his opening act on tour (I adore her also). So it could be possible he wrote this song about her, considering the two of them are/were "mates"..  As for the song, it is a nice slow jam ideal for head nodding and feet tapping.

Favorite line: "Love will come and love will go, but you can make it on your own. Sing that song, go, oh won't you leave me now."

Rating: 7/10


6. Photograph

Initial reaction: One of my absolute favorite tracks on the album, I called this song my "cuddle song", simply because it has such a sweet, soothing melody that you can't help but feel all warm and sappy inside while listening to. This track is prime evidence of the songwriting talent Ed has.

Favorite line: "Loving can heal, loving can mend your soul and it's the only thing that I know, know. I swear it'll get easier, remember that with every piece of you, and it's the only thing we take with us when we die."

Rating: 10/10


7. Bloodstream

Initial reaction: I remember the very first time I heard this song, it stood out with the strummin' and hummin' it started with. Another one of those slow jams that you just want to lay back, close your eyes, and listen to. A rainy day song, perhaps?

Favorite line: "Fading out again, I feel the chemicals burn in my bloodstream, so tell me when it kicks in."

Rating: 7/10


8. Tenerife Sea

Initial reaction: Ironic because the song includes "sea" in it, it seems like this song has a "pirate-inspired" music with it. I don't know if this is possible, but it feels very ocean-y and I can just imagine laying out on a sailboat listening to this one.

Favorite line: "You look so beautiful in this light, your silhouette over me. The way it brings out the blue in your eyes is the Tenerife Sea."

Rating: 8/10


9. Runaway

Initial Reaction: More of a folk tune to this one, I found it as a nice upbeat jam, while not a danceable tune, it really puts you in a good mood, which is funny considering the lyrics don't agree with the happy tune.

Favorite line: "But I love him from the skin to my bones, but I don't wanna live in this home. There's nothing to say 'cause he knows. I'll just runaway and be on my own."

Rating: 7/10


10. The Man

Initial reaction: Showing some of Sheeran's rapping skills, this song has a good beat and fast singing. I love it when Ed raps, but this track is one of the weaker ones on the album, the chorus just doesn't match the buildup that the verses bring.

Favorite line: "But when I broke the industry, that's when I broke your heart. I was supposed to chart and celebrate but good things are over fast."

Rating: 6/10


11. Thinking Out Loud

Initial reaction: Another one of my favorites on the track, it's one of those songs that just feels like summer, you know? The very first line of the song first sounds like John Mayer singing, and it kind of has that influence in it, but as you get further into the song, it get clear that it's Ed. This is another one of those songs that really shows Ed's great vocals.

Favorite line: "Place your head on my beating heart, I'm thinking out loud that maybe we found love right where we are."

Rating: 9/10


12. Afire Love

Initial reaction: Sheeran ends the album with a very emotional and sad song, going back to his childhood. With a piano leading the music, you really can feel the emotion Ed probably felt while writing this song.

Favorite line: "But then the devil took your breath away and now we're here left in the pain. Black suit, black tie, standing in the rain and now my family is one again."

Rating: 8/10


*BONUS*

All of the Stars

Initial reaction: While this song isn't on the new album, he had written this song to go on the soundtrack for the movie The Fault in Our Stars. I had listened to the song before I had seen the movie, and I have to admit, it made me feel very emotional just by the sound of it. The lyrics of the song seem to sum of the story is musical form perfectly. I would see the movie again simply to listen to this song again during the credits, while everyone in the audience is weeping (that may be a reference for you - Christina.....)


Rating: 9/10



Final notes: it's no secret that Ed Sheeran not only likes to write and sing about love, but is very good at writing and singing about love as well. As you can tell by my ratings, he received nothing lower than a 6 out of 10 meaning I highly, highly suggest this album for everyone, really. It's one of those albums that doesn't matter what genres of music you prefer, as long as you appreciate beautifully written music. It's amazing to think someone only 23 years old managed to write, sing, play, and help produce his own album. HE'S TWENTY-THREE. In addition to all of this, it's one of those albums you can just tell how fun and good it will sound live, that being said, I'm hoping I can snag some tickets to his show in Glendale, AZ this fall.

Long story short, buy this album. Just do it.

Things I've Learned in my 18 Years of Life.

In no particular order. . .

1) Keep a small notebook with you at all times, it'll come in handy more than you think. Trust me on this one.
     Side note: the small blue notebook located in my purse held all the reasons listed below.

2) Being a morning person isn't anything to be ashamed or embarrassed of, contrary to teenagers beliefs.

3) Libraries are your new best friend. Free, have A/C, and you can't beat the smell of old books.

4) It's okay to prefer the movie version over the book.

5) Don't order pasta at a restaurant. My mother taught me this one after traumatizing me after ordering fettuccine alfredo one evening, "You're gonna order the MOST EXPENSIVE thing on the menu that happens to be the CHEAPEST thing for them to make?!" She had a point.

6) I actually love learning, and like school. And taking tests.

7) Don't be that person who films 30 videos at concerts. I'm sure you'll enjoy those shaking videos of you singing in the background 50 times more than actually enjoying the concert.

8) Having road rage never makes you look cool.

9) It's healthy to splurge on things every once in a while.

10) Own a hard copy of your favorite CDs, movies, and books rather than digital copies.

11) It's fun to obsess over things. It's almost like taking a "brain-cation" (brain+vacation).

12) Minnesota actually has the greatest summers, simply because we enjoy it more.

13) It's fun to write and send letters. It's even more fun to receive them.

14) Thrift stores are your best friend, if you know how to shop in them properly.

15) Doing PSEO in high school may be more work, but getting free college classes makes it all worth it.

16) I find it incredibly relaxing to clean the house. My parents seem to like that about me.

17) Try taking public transit/biking. It's actually quite fun and you'll feel WAY superior over other humans while doing so.

18) God bless Amazon Prime.

19) One of my favorite foods are bread and butter, if served correctly.

20) Lists are fun, and a good way to organize thoughts.

What is this you say?

You may be just as confused as I am. . . A blog? For a journalism major? How shocking!