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Sam Bodnar

Sam Bodnar is a sophomore at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He is a Journalism Major and will be working with the Indiana Daily Student in the fall of 2018. He is one of the youngest staff writers for MEB and the former Editor-in-chief for his high school publication, "The Sage." He looks forward to many more unique experiences with MEB and the journalism world.

Browsing All Posts By Sam Bodnar

  • Lauren Duski delivers her first release since her runner-up performance on season 12 of "The Voice." Her new single is relatable to everyone everywhere.
    9Score
    Reviews 0

    Relatable: The Perfect Word for Lauren Duski’s “Costume Party”

    In three minutes, Lauren Duski made me cry and re-evaluate my true motives. Her newest single, “Costume Party”, is that relatable. “Costume Party” defines the war inside myself ...

    On July 31, 2018 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    7Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Blending Pop, Country and Soul: Dan + Shay Impress Again

    Upon hitting the market in 2016 Obsessed was instantly one of the top country/pop albums of the last decade. Blending themes of summer time and love, the album ...

    On June 28, 2018 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Single review for Season 13's winner of "The Voice", Chloe Kohanski. This blend of pop and rock aims to keep her from being a one-hit wonder.
    6.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    One-Hit Wonder: Chloe Kohanski’s “Come This Far” Has a Deeper Message

    NBC’s “The Voice” has yet to produce a mainstream artist. The only two notable successes (arguably) of the show are Cassadee Pope and Jordan Smith. Pope, the Season 4 ...

    On May 28, 2018 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 7.5Score
    Reviews 0

    “Little Girl” Reflects Christina Grimmie’s Love for Her Mom

    Mother’s Day honors the millions of moms that routinely sacrifice everything to make their children’s world a better place. Breakfast in bed, cleaning the house, going out to ...

    On May 23, 2018 / By Sam Bodnar
  • "Love Lie"Love Lies" by Khalid and Normani is currently among the best singles of 2018. Themes of vulnerability and falling for one another provide a romantic and intimate tone that runs smoothly throughout.s" by Khalid and Normani is currently the best single of 2018. Themes of vulnerability and falling for one another provide a romantic and intimate tone that runs smoothly throughout.
    7Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Khalid and Normani’s “Love Lies” Among Top Singles of 2018

    Khalid and Normani’s “Love Lies” impresses with its R&B beats and flirtatious lyrics. In three minutes of trading cutesy love lines, Khalid and Normani use their easy-going personalities ...

    On February 28, 2018 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Chris Blue's newest single lacks the authenticity that he has presented in the past.
    6.5Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Chris Blue’s “Blue Blood Blues” Lacks Authenticity

    Audio Tuning significantly devalues artists with incredible voices. It takes away from their authenticity as singers. Hip-hop/rap performers like Kendrick Lamar or Logic incorporate audio tuning and background ...

    On December 27, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 3 Of The Week 0

    3 Of The Week: Fall Pop Albums

    Hyping up fans for upcoming albums is a tactic artfully administered among today’s top selling artists. Through releasing a few songs early, fans are able to gauge how ...

    On November 17, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Apple Music
    8.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Adam Wakefield: Adam Wakefield – EP

    Nashville nurtures unique artists from all kinds of angles in the music industry. It’s a legendary place where folks gather to play their music and meet up-and-coming artists. ...

    On August 2, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Alisan Porter's "Change" is the second song off of her upcoming EP to be released next month. In describing the rugged world we live in, Porter sings about a necessary change our society's attitude is in desperate need of
    7.5Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Alisan Porter: Change Single Review

    In the midst of an increasingly hostile political atmosphere, our society is at war with itself. Endless controversies within the government, activist groups sparring with discrimination; these are ...

    On July 25, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Winner on Season 11 of "The Voice," Sundance Head disappoints with his new single.
    4.5Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Sundance Head: How I Want to Be

    Growing up we are reminded at every meal not to bite off more than we can chew. Simply put, it is because we’ll choke and overwhelm ourselves. Just like ...

    On July 19, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Hillsong United is back at it with their pop influenced gospel album, "Wonder."
    7.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Hillsong United: Wonder

    Tranquility is one of the most perfect feelings to ever enter my body. When I am at peace with myself, my day is brighter, the people around me ...

    On June 26, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    7Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Christina Grimmie: All is Vanity

    It has now been a full year since her death. Yet, her legacy still massages the ears of her fans as it travels through their headphones. All is ...

    On June 19, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Midnight North, an Americana/Rock quartet out of San Francisco, has produced a beautiful album about the touring life. From melodies about longing for home to energetic pieces about traveling place to place, MN did a solid job of compiling their 11 tracks together.
    7Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Midnight North: Under the Lights

    Traveling the country and sharing music with appreciative audiences sounds like a dream come true. Along with the experience comes meeting new people, extending a fan base, and ...

    On June 5, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Season 12 of "The Voice" is finally over and a new champion has been crowned. To see who won, who dominated, and who produced the best original song: read on!
    Editorials 0

    Season 12 of “The Voice”: The Finale

    This is it: the final week on Season 12 of “The Voice”. All throughout the competition Aliyah Moulden, Jesse Larson, Chris Blue, and Lauren Duski have sang their ...

    On May 24, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • The semifinals are over, the competition is cut in half, and four have advanced into next week's finale. Check out all the highlights on Season 12's "The Voice" Top 8
    Editorials 0

    Semifinals: Top 8 on Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Season 12 is nearing its end and with half of the remaining eight artists going home, the contestants and coaches gave everything they had. On this week’s semifinals, ...

    On May 17, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Read through to see who delivered the best performances and who was sent home in the Top 10
    Editorials 0

    Top 10: Recapping Double Elimination

    Following this week’s episode, only one more week remains until the finale. Monday night, the remaining 10 artists took it a step up in order to advance to ...

    On May 10, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • The Top 11 is in the books and now only 10 artists remain in the competition. To see who shined, who moved on and who went home, read on.
    Editorials 0

    Top 11 Recap: Season 12 of “The Voice”

    With the Top 10 looming, the remaining contestants powered through rehearsals to deliver unforgettable performances. Artists sang for America’s votes and two of them went head-to-head in an ...

    On May 6, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • The fate of the remaining 12 artists was put into the hands of voters. To see who moved on and who departed for home, read on.
    Editorials 0

    Fate in the Fans’ Hands: Top 12 Results on “The Voice”

    This week marked the second round of live episodes on Season 12 of “The Voice.” The fate of the remaining artists is now in the hands of the ...

    On April 28, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Album review for the late Christina Grimmie. Her "Side B - EP" has four songs that carry on her wonderful legacy.
    8Score
    Album Reviews 2

    Christina Grimmie: Side B EP

    Thousands of hours are dedicated to creating an album that is unique and beautiful. Between composing emotional and catchy lyrics, utilizing the right instruments and executing harmonies, artists ...

    On April 25, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 12 artists sang their hearts out, however, only six could move forward. To see who advanced from the playoffs to the Top 12, read on.
    Editorials 0

    Playoffs: Night 2, Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Tuesday was the second live episode and the final night of the playoffs. Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani each witnessed six of their artists fight for votes in ...

    On April 24, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Monday marked the first live episode on season 12 of "The Voice." Read through for all the highlights and results to see who made it to the top 12 and who left for home.
    Editorials 0

    Live Playoffs: Night 1, Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Monday marked the first live show of Season 12. Blake Shelton and Alicia Keys’ artists performed for voters, while Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani’s teams will be performing Tuesday ...

    On April 18, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • In the final week of recorded episodes, coaches pushed their artists to fight for a chance at performing in next week's live playoffs.
    Editorials 0

    Final Knockouts: Week 7 on Season 12 of “The Voice”

    In the final week of recorded episodes, artists brought their A-game in order to advance to the live playoffs, which begin next week. Only Alicia Keys had a ...

    On April 14, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • In the first week of knockout matchups, artists from each team competed against each other for a chance to advance to the live playoffs.
    Editorials 0

    Knockout Matchups: Week 6 of “The Voice” Season 12

    At this stage in the competition, the coaches only have one steal to claim that special artist for the live playoffs. Coaches utilized a new method of coaching ...

    On April 7, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • With the battle rounds over and the knockout rounds coming up, check out who moved on, who changed teams, and who's going home.
    Editorials 0

    Recapping Battle Rounds: Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Season 12’s final week of the battle rounds is complete. From pop to country to R&B, artists worked with their coaches and last week’s advisers in a fight ...

    On April 3, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • With nights 1 and 2 in the books, take a look at the results of the Battle Rounds to see who moved on, changed coaches, and who was sent home.
    Editorials 0

    Recapping Week 4: Battle Rounds on Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Monday and Tuesday were the first two nights of the Battle Rounds. Artists worked with guest advisors, moved on to the Knockouts, changed coaches, and some went home. ...

    On March 22, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • With the third and final week of the blind auditions complete, take a look at the top 5 takeaways from this week.
    Editorials 0

    Recapping Blind Auditions: Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Week three of the blind auditions is in the books and now the attention turns to the Battle Rounds. In this next round, coaches will pair up two artists ...

    On March 20, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • With week 2 of blind auditions in the books, see who made the cut as the voice top artists of the week.
    Editorials 0

    Recapping Week 2: Season 12 of “The Voice”

    At the conclusion of week two, 14 new artists stepped into the spotlight and advanced one step closer to realizing their dream. While few graciously and gallantly took over ...

    On March 15, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Season 12 of "The Voice" has just finalized the first week of the blind auditions.
    Editorials 0

    Recapping Week 1: Season 12 of “The Voice”

    Season 12 of the hit Emmy winning show, The Voice, came back on Monday and showcased diverse artists from all over the United States. With four hours of ...

    On March 6, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Jessie James Decker's newest album, GOLD - EP
    6.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Jessie James Decker: Gold

    As a high school student in AP Literature and Language courses, I have been trained to identify rhetorical devices- specifically imagery, and Jessie James Decker‘s visual imagery in her ...

    On February 20, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Single Review of Imagine Dragons "Believer"
    6Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Single Review – Imagine Dragons: “Believer”

    In previewing album number three, the Imagine Dragons have come out with an upbeat and spellbinding new style. “Believer”, delivered by lead vocalist, Dan Reynolds, celebrates life’s pain for making him a believer in ...

    On February 14, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Sam Hunt - "Body Like a Back Road" single review
    5Score
    Single Reviews 0

    Single Review: Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road”

    Sam Hunt is computerizing country with his poppiest release to date. The Georgian country singer’s new single definitely took an alternative road in comparison with his previous work by sticking ...

    On February 13, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 6Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Train: A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat

    Train’s latest release perfectly fits its title, A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat. Nearly all of the 11 tracks are exciting, and connect with the alcohol and girl aspects ...

    On February 6, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Alfie Arcuri album cover
    Editorials 0

    Alfie Arcuri: The Next Sam Smith?

    We’ve all heard an artist that sounds exactly like another and typically, we don’t appreciate the tasteful techniques or the vocal tones as much. They aren’t as pleasing ...

    On January 9, 2017 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 6.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Forlorn Strangers: Forlorn Strangers

    “People want something that is authentic and real.” This one-liner from guitar and mandolin virtuoso Chris Banke is the most empowering message behind the Forlorn Strangers’ new self-titled album. ...

    On October 12, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 6Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Devvon Terrell The Renaissance

    He couldn’t bring it back to life because there was nothing to revive. The Renaissance was a sparkling cultural rebirth of architecture, art, and intellect between the 14th ...

    On September 21, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 6Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Florida Georgia Line: Dig Your Roots

    A plant’s roots remain firm in the ground and develop overtime as it’s nurtured. They don’t disconnect and dance away to other types of life growing around them, nor do ...

    On September 7, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • New Country album
    7.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Justin Moore: Kinda Don’t Care

    Country music is consistently producing new additions to develop the face of its style, and Justin Moore is healthfully contributing. Sadly, country albums are starting to lean more towards pop, which ...

    On August 29, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • King's song writing and heart helped to change the face of music
    Show Reviews 0

    Beautiful-The Carole King Musical

    After a fabulous stint on the Broadway Stage, a national tour for Beautiful was cast and began its trip around the United States late last year. Jessie Mueller, the original Carole ...

    On August 15, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Playlist editorial
    Editorials 0

    Playlists are Magical

    In no way whatsoever am I going to claim that I have the finest taste in music. Nor am I an expert with critically analyzing and identifying every ...

    On August 15, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Jordan SMith has rejuevenated his music with 4 new songs
    7Score
    Album Reviews 1

    Jordan Smith: Something Beautiful – Deluxe Edition

    The following is an update to Sam’s original review of Something Beautiful, which can be found here. Months ago, Jordan Smith, winner of “The Voice”, released his first ...

    On August 15, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Christian/Gospel music
    6.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Of Dirt and Grace: Hillsong UNITED

    Hillsong UNITED has always impressed listeners with their harmonious serenity of gospel music, and that quality production continued in Of Dirt and Grace. Despite a lack of energy in this ...

    On August 15, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 7Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Caitlyn Smith – Starfire EP

    Talented artists that want to stay on top of the food chain in the music industry need to be able to convey several emotions and cover multiple genres. Lady ...

    On July 22, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • American Authors's new album
    4Score
    Album Reviews 0

    American Authors: What We Live For

    Picture being perched on top of a ski slope, blanketed with snow, looking down at a smooth ride ahead. You take off and feel the exhilarating rush of ...

    On July 13, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • newest album for The RHCP
    4Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Getaway

    Before you continue reading, I want to make it very clear that I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I always have and I always will, but it is ...

    On July 6, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • 6.5Score
    Reviews 0

    Single Review – Christina Aguilera: “Change”

    In the aftermath of the Orlando attack, people of all backgrounds congregated together to show their love and support. Christina Aguilera did her part by writing a song in ...

    On July 1, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    7Score
    Album Reviews 1

    Dan + Shay: Obsessed

    Obsessed is nowhere near an overstatement for this diverse album lighting up the sky. The country-pop team of Obsessed is lead by Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, who ...

    On June 22, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    9Score
    Album Reviews 1

    The Complete Season Ten Collection Alisan Porter

    Every wide-spread, blazing fire develops from something, no matter how gigantic or minuscule. Alisan Porter, though seasoned from appearances in musicals like “The Ten Commandments” in Los Angeles and ...

    On June 13, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Alexander Hamilton History musical
    Editorials 0

    How Hamilton Made History More Interesting

    When we think of reading through historical events, irritating memories of our high school and college textbooks typically surface first. It’s not that history is a completely dull ...

    On June 13, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    7.5Score
    Album Reviews 0

    Blake Shelton: If I’m Honest

    The aphorism “Honesty is the best policy” seemed to slip the minds of certain individuals on the release of Blake Shelton’s newest album: If I’m Honest. In the ...

    On June 1, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
  • Listen On Spotify
    6.5Score
    Album Reviews 1

    Sawyer Fredericks A Good Storm

    The ability to travel back in time has long been sought after and finally the phenomenon has been achieved… just not in the way you’d think. Artists with ...

    On May 30, 2016 / By Sam Bodnar
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Latest Reviews

  • Real Friends
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    Real Friends Search for Stability on New Album “Composure”

    July 13, 2018
  • Listen On Spotify
    7

    Blending Pop, Country and Soul: Dan + Shay Impress Again

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  • Single review for Season 13's winner of "The Voice", Chloe Kohanski. This blend of pop and rock aims to keep her from being a one-hit wonder.
    6.5

    One-Hit Wonder: Chloe Kohanski’s “Come This Far” Has a Deeper Message

    May 28, 2018
  • 6.5

    Where I Go When I Am Sleeping Finds Casey at Their Most Atmospheric and Reflective

    March 30, 2018
  • Turnstile Time & Space
    8.5

    On Time & Space Turnstile is Pushing the Boundaries of Hardcore

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News

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    grandson Premieres “Blood//Water” Music Video, Announces New EP

    June 13, 2018
  • EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Forts Like Vana Debut Enthralling “Love You Right” Music Video

    May 31, 2018
  • Sum 41 to Celebrate 15 Years of Does This Look Infected? with Anniversary Tour

    April 18, 2018
  • Hopeless Records Presents Susiepalooza Charity Comp

    Hopeless Records Partners with Susiepalooza to Raise Money for Cancer Research

    April 4, 2018
  • Gasparilla Music Festival 2018

    Gasparilla Music Festival 2018: Can’t Miss Moments

    March 21, 2018

Interviews

  • A Conversation With Justin Courtney Pierre

    November 29, 2018
  • A Conversation with State Champs: “We’re Doing Things We’ve Always Dreamed of Doing”

    August 15, 2018
  • Mayday Parade

    Mayday Parade Talks the End of Warped Tour and Future of the Band

    August 15, 2018
  • STOLAR Music

    A Conversation with STOLAR: “I Just Want To Create Soundtrack Options for Life”

    August 1, 2018
  • grandson

    Grandson Talks Music, Activism, and What’s Next in 2018

    May 23, 2018

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