Pic of The Day: If This Doesn't Make You Say Awwwwww

If THIS picture doesn't make you say "Awwwwww," then I don't know what else will!  Too friggin' cute! :)

Change Is A Good Thing: Sparkle 2012

1976

Ok so, I have a confession to make.  When I heard that Hollywood was set to remake the movie Sparkle, I was soooo disappointed. Jordin Sparks as Sparkle?  Whitney Houston as Effe?  I said to myself, self (I call myself 'self'), "Why would anyone want to touch that movie.  Like, why???"  Because...the original version of Sparkle is everything. EVERYTHING. 

It's my favorite movie of all time. I fell in love with it as a kid and I've been in love with it ever since. The story. The characters. The music. They should have called it "Unforgettable" because once you see it, you'll never, ever forget it. The original movie was released in 1976. Over 35 years later, here comes the remake....

Sparkle 2012.  Two-thumbs up!  Brava!  Yeeeessss!      

The remake vs. the original - are there similarities?  Sure.  Is the remake entertaining?  Absolutely.  But, this is a very different movie.  You'll see three sisters who want to sing.  An overprotective mother.  Conflict and consequences.  But, it is....different.  And like most remakes, this version isn't a soulless carbon copy.     

The 2012 story line isn't nearly as gritty as the original.  The characters are familiar, but more flawed and endearing. The music is so freakin' dope (R. Kelly produced the soundtrack)!  And yes, the ending is predictable.  But the road to get there had twists and turns that were layered, complex and full of surprises. 

2012

And Whitney?  One word:  Awesome.  (That being said though, I was totally not prepared in any way to hear her voice.)  Her version of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow?" Jesus. You could hear a pin drop in the theater.  Beautiful.    

As I write this post, I'm having a huge slice of humble pie. Silly me.  My expectations for this film were extremely low. I mean really, does Hollywood ever get it right when it comes to remakes?  Not often.  But, I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
 
This adaptation of the original Sparkle stands on its own. It's a refreshing bright light in a world that believes that reality TV "stars" and Madea are authentic representations of my community.  It's not perfect, but it is inspirational. And it's a great reminder that change is good, if it's in the right direction.  

You Wanna Date My Daughter? Fill Out This Application First

Listen.  I understand the special bond between Dads and their baby girls.  I know it's real.  I know that no boy/man that she brings home will ever be good enough for his sweet dumplin', precious lambchop, angel-face, puddin' pop.  And I know that her Daddy is the first man she'll ever love.  Very important relationship.  I get it.  

But, has it gotten so bad out here that Dads are resorting to this?!  An "Application For Permission To Date My Daughter."  Whoa.   

I love the "Explain what 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' means to you" section.  Sweet pre-teen Jesus.  What is this world coming to?  *giggle*

Up Close & Personal With Amber Bullock

Meet Amber Bullock.  She's beautiful, talented and she captured the hearts of millions as the 2011 Season 4 winner of BET's hit show Sunday Best.  Amber's debut CD, entitled Thank You was released in late 2011 on Mathew Knowles' Music World Gospel label and entered at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

Her signature jazz-infused, neo-soul style is in full effect on her sophomore project, So In Love, a collection of feel-good inspirational music released in July 2012.  A St. Louis native,  Amber partnered with producer PJ Morton on So In Love and describes their union as a "match made in heaven."         

THINKPink caught up with Amber during a recent visit to Atlanta.  She was in town to tape a live recording (she killed it by the way).  Check out the interview to find out more about Amber and her "feel good" music:

Your voice is amazing!  When did you know you had a gift, that your voice was special?  Thank You!  I've been singing all of my life. I don't ever remember my voice being special really, because I grew up around so many people with special gifts. I just blended in with them. 

A lot of people may look at you and think, Amber is very beautiful, she has a great voice, she's so talented, why doesn't she sing secular music? What would you say to those people?  I come from the church.  I'm a church girl.  I'm only singing what I know to sing.  I believe that gospel music is a genre worth fighting for.  I'm blessed to join the fight to keep gospel music alive. But, gospel music shouldn't be in a box.  Gospel means good news, it doesn't mean "churchy."  I'm not trying to give churchy music.  I'm trying to give good news music.      
      
What do you want the world to hear when they listen to your music?  My new CD, So In  Love features different kinds of music.  It features go-go, hip-hop, reggae, jazz, country and pop.  When people listen to it, I want them to feel like they've been on a perfect date.  I want people to feel good.  I want to bring back 'feel good' music.  Gospel music means good news, so I want to produce good news music that makes people feel good.   

Who are your biggest musical influences? I love PJ Morton. I also love Kirk Franklin, Brandy, Kiki Sheard and J. Moss. 

I believe in speaking things into existence.  So, when you win your first Grammy Award, who will you thank first?  God.  My parents, my daughter and her father. 


Follow Amber:
Twitter: @SingAmber
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/singamber
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/singamber/