I thought we had one of these but we can just start a new one.

Anyway, use this thread to review new (or old) releases.

I'll start:

Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, Shakira

There's just something about Shakira that has always fascinated me. Her singing is unique and her body is vivacious. Her first English language CD wasn't very good, but there is a lot that works on her latest effort. The first single, "Don't Bother," is probably her strongest English language single. It sounds like something Alanis would've recorded for Jagged Little Pill. Even though some of the lyrics are mediocre, "Illegal," a duet with Santana, is appealing. And the pretty melodies that dominate "The Day and the Time" and "Dreams for Plans" make those tracks quite memorable. Uptempo numbers like "Hey You" also leave a mark. And the ballad "Something" is surprising affectionate without being cheesy. The by-the-numbers "Your Embrace" and the forgettable "Costume Makes the Clown" are the disc's only missteps. Perhaps the album's strongest element is its brevity: there are only 11 tracks and it clocks in at under 50 minutes. I wish more artists would eliminate the filler.

My Grade: B+

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DoubleD,

Love.Angel.Music.Baby., Gwen Stefani

A-

With her electricity and sparkle, Gwen's oddly engaging songs make you want to dance and hum along. I can't really say that Gwen Stefani is the best singer in the world, but some of her songs are too catchy. Who thought that "bananas" would be nominated for Grammys this year?

My favorite tracks: "Bubble Pop Electric" "What You Waiting For?" "Hollaback Girl" "Luxurious"

bump

Some of my favourites this year (so basically, these all got A's of some sort, so grading is really irrelevant).

Fiona Apple "Extraordinary Machine" ... This album has some really great songs. I'm really impressed with the style of music of many of the tracks. Very chic and eclectic to say the least. I have to tell you, it's not what I originally expected from a Fiona Apple album, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. My favourite song off it is "Parting Gift". This album is one of the best I've heard this year.

Feist "Let It Die" ... Feist is just wickedly cool. I would just like to chill with her. Her music is mellow and slick. This album is just that. It's really easy listening, nothing hard, nothing offending, just real jazzy, folky arrangements and silky, tamed vocals. Yet at the same time, it's filled with great songs that are simple and sophisticated. My favourite track is "Mushaboom".

Amos Lee "Amos Lee" ... This guy is really talented. I'm so impressed with his vocal skills and songwriting ability. His music is very Norah Jones-ish on many occasions, but it's really good. I love how it's really simple music. It's not overproduced. It's literally just a few instruments and vocals, like something you would hear in a show. There aren't a lot of distractions, so the music, melodies, and vocals really shine. My favourite song is "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight".

M.I.A. "Arular" ... I love this album to death. It's hands down my favourite of the year. The thing I really like about M.I.A.'s music is the energy. Her tracks don't disappoint, they keep you in it from the begging to the end. The styles both musically and lyrically are really original. It has a lot of different flavours which I like a lot. It has a lot of rawness and edge to this album like you can't believe. Plus, the music is so riddled with political significance and meaning (She really does let her Sri Lankan experiences infiltrate the songs). I could probably go on forever about this album. Believe the hype, she's for real. My favourite song is "Fire Fire".

The Arcade Fire "Funeral" ... One word for this album: "moving". I love what The Arcade Fire does on this album. It's all relatively the same style, but they do so much within it. It really isn't like anything I've heard before. I love how they just go off into a tangent sometimes, and it's not like it's uncalled for, it just contributes to the brilliance of the track. The lead singer's vocals are so haunting, it's beautiful. The instrumentals are phenomenal. These songs hook you, and you're glad they're stuck in your head. My favourite track is "Rebellion (Lies)".

Mariah Carey "The Emancipation of Mimi" ... I'm a HipHop/R&B fan and this is one of the better albums I've heard this year in this genre. I find the songs really solid from beginning to end. All the songs are so unique on this album. Rarely do two tracks sound similar. I love this about Mariah. I love how she can give us the really poppin club joint and then blow us away with some traditional R&B. I think the mix works on this album. I think vocally, she's in a better place on this album than some previous works. She really takes it down one level and surprisingly the music takes centre stage versus her vocal acrobatics (which I do like, don't get me wrong). My favourite track is "We Belong Together". No surprise there.

Coldplay "X&Y" ... This album is not as strong as their previous work, but on it's own, it's pretty damn good. The songs as usual are really solid on Coldplay albums. I actually think this album is extremely well-rounded. There aren't any standout tracks that sort of skew it. All the songs are relatively on the same level, but that's not a bad thing. It makes listening very easy and enjoyable. My favourite track is "Fix You".

Bedouin Soundclash "Sounding A Mosaic" ... I don't expect a lot of people to know these guys, but this album is so on my page. I don't know if you can call their music reggae, ska, pop, rock, maybe (and it probably is) a mix of all of that. I love reggae music, so their sound is just hot. The lead singer has this awesome smoky voice. The bass edges are amazing. There music, though a little immature, got a lot of soul and a lot of flavour. I really like it a lot. My favourite track is "Criminal".

The Breakthrough, Mary J. Blige

A+

To the Mary fans who've been avid listeners of her music since 1992's What's The 411?, this is a release that many will enjoy. For one, it's much better than her previous effort, 2003's Love & Life where Blige preferred to re-unite with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs; that album was proof that earlier collaborations by Blige & Combs were much better, and that for future reference, Blige should never again do an ENTIRE album with Diddy.

The Breakthrough is easily Mary's best work since her debut album. That soul is back. The songs here show that she's in a great place in her life, but throughout those songs, she never forgets her fans that are still going through a struggle. Tracks like "Good Woman Down" and "Enough Cryin'" proove that Mary still keeps that one priority in mind when making music: her fans.

As a Mary fan myself, this is one album that you'll definitely enjoy. Standouts incl. the first single, "Be Without You," as well as "Can't Hide From Luv" (feat. Jay-Z), the Gospel-inspired "I Found My Everything," the album opener "No One Will Do," "Baggage," "Good Woman Down," and "One" (feat. U2); also present is a song that was played on urban radio heavily throughout the past 10 months: "MJB da MVP." It's also one of the album's best tracks; the track is a remix of The Game & 50 Cent's top 5 smash, "Hate It Or Love It."

This CD is one that you can enjoy in its entirety.

~SoulMusiq~

Unpredictable, Jamie Foxx

This CD is pretty much what I expected but a little better. The beats are hot, but the subject matter is repetitive: sex, clubs, sex, love, deceased relatives, one-night stands and, of course, sex. Many of the tracks, including "Warm Bed" and "DJ Play a Love Song" are pretty catchy and Foxx's duet with Mary J. Blige on their remake of "Love Changes" is one of the album's high points. But the unnecessary cameos by Snoop Dogg and The Game bring the album down as well as filler songs like the Kanye West penned "Extravaganza." Ludacris does, however, provide another well-executed, charismatic guest appearance on the title track and lead single. Still, it doesn't always work but this is worth a listen.

My Grade: B

James Blunt, BACK TO BEDLAM

Stellar debut album from British singer/ songwriter James Blunt, and is in the style of artists like Damien Rice, Keane, and Coldplay. The album is very engaging, and if Blunt can keep his momentum going into the new year, I think that he will be a Best New Artist nominee and frontrunner to win (Keane's current nomination in the category gives me some hope; "You're Beautiful" is just waiting for a Pop Male Vocal nomination for starters, as well as a Song of the Year nomination).

Many tracks here are standouts, and any could work as viable upcoming singles, including:

"High"
"Goodbye My Lover" (which is the next single and was recently performed on "Saturday Night Live")
"Wiseman"
"So Long, Jimmy"
"Tears & Rain"
"Cry"
"Out of My Mind"

Back to Bedlam is very listenable overall (if you like more introspective, singer/ songwriter/ instrumental-driven pop), as well as being a consise work (only ten songs total). It's worth the effort to seek this album out and give a listen.

Grade for Back to Bedlam: A-

Feist - Let It Die.............I have always heard good things about this CD but never checked it out until a friend sent it to me. I was expecting to be dissapointed but it was so good. Its laid back and not overproduced. Her voice is fantastic and lyrics great. My one complaint is that there are too many covers but she still does the covers so well.

Favorite songs:
When I Was a Young Girl
Secret Heart
Mushaboom

A

Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway

B+

Mariah Carey, Emancipation of Mimi

A- (I love "Mine Again" so soulful...so awesome)

Coldplay, X/Y

C+ ("Fix You" stands tall above all the other tracks)

John Legend, Get Lifted

A (I'm in awe. What a talented man! Gifted musically! "Ordinary People" & "So High" are already CLASSICS.)

[i]The White Stripes, Get Behind Me Satan[i]

A- (I'm thinkin' about my doorbell, when ya gonna ring it? when ya gonna ring it? when ya gonna ring it? LOVE IT! lol.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cederick,

The Breakthrough, Mary J. Blige

I've already accepted the fact that MJB will never surpass the brilliance of 1994's My Life or even the mature departure that is 2001's No More Drama. But I can't help but express my slight disappointment with her latest disc. Sure, there are some standout tracks on her latest: the melodic "Baggage" (with its great chorus: "All of this baggage in me/Don't wanna make you pay for/What somebody else has done to me") and "MJB Da MVP," which chronicles her 13-year career, immediately come to mind. But there are also quite a few clunkers here such as the heavy handed "Father in You" and the forgettable "Good Woman Down." Still, this should tide MJB fans until her next release and after a few more listens, it probably will grow on me.

My Grade: B

Flo'Ology, Floetry

Wow. This is leagues better than their debut, which was good but had too much filler. Although this album only contains 11 tracks, you won't feel cheated. The production is lush ("Let Me In," "Sometimes You Make Me Smile"), the hip-hop flavored numbers feel real ("Supastar," "Closer") and the lyrics are saucy and seductive. In "Imagination," a six-plus minute ode to the female orgasm, the two women proclaim "There are so many things that we can do/Use your imagination/You can taste/You can touch/You can make food." My only quibble is that the the album sometimes drifts into an occassional unremarkable ballad or two ("My Apology," "I'll Die"). But otherwise, this is a remarkable sophomore that shows great artistic growth.

My Grade: B+

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DoubleD,

Another I'm adding to my Top Ten....It's an "A" album for sure.

Damian Marley "Welcome To Jamrock" ... It's no secret, I love reggae music, and I think Bob Marley is the greatest musical artist in the history of music. I was a little worried Damian was just gonna try to emulate his father, but he doesn't at all on this album. Rather he uses traditions in reggae as a foundation for creating his own sounds. And I say "sounds" because this an extremely eclectic album. I'm really impressed by the fusion of different musical genres from traditional reggae to modern Hip Hop. It's a solid work throughout. Damian isn't the greatest vocalist in the world, but he has a wickedly smoky, coarse voice that he works man. For real, he works it. Great album.

The Dixie Chicks, HOME

I'm not a country music fan for the most part, but I thought that this album was a great change-of-pace from what I normally listen to. Natalie Maines has one of the best singing voices around and puts it to great use here in these well-crafted and engaging songs.

Standout tracks were many here:

"Long Time Gone"
"Travelin' Soldier"
"I Believe in Love"
"White Trash Wedding"
"More Love"
"Landslide"
"Top of the World" (these last two songs being my favorites from the entire album)

The album was so strong, I even liked the instrumental track here ("Lil' Jack Slade"). Home definitely earned its Album of the Year nomination in 2002 from a strong list of contenders. Very few missteps with the overall album. I'll also make one of my rare grade decision upgrades here. Highly recommended listening.

Grade for Home: A

Mary J Blige - The Breakthrough

I've seen a lot of praise for this album, with many ranking it among her best. I disagree; it's a typical Mary album to me. Mary's albums usually have a few incredible tracks, 1-2 poor tracks, and the rest being modern-day R&B filler. The Breakthrough follows that pattern. The standout cuts are the Aretha-like "I Found My Everything" and her soul workout on the U2 song "One." Several other tracks (including the single "Be Without You") are catchy enough to merit repeated listens, but most of the tracks (like "No One Else Will Do" and "Take Me As I Am") just lie there. The only truly bad track is the turgid "Father In You." Mary is in better vocal form than ever, though.

Grade - B

quote:

Originally posted by jenglisbe:
Mary J Blige - The Breakthrough

I've seen a lot of praise for this album, with many ranking it among her best. I disagree; it's a typical Mary album to me. Mary's albums usually have a few incredible tracks, 1-2 poor tracks, and the rest being modern-day R&B filler. The Breakthrough follows that pattern. The standout cuts are the Aretha-like "I Found My Everything" and her soul workout on the U2 song "One." Several other tracks (including the single "Be Without You") are catchy enough to merit repeated listens, but most of the tracks (like "No One Else Will Do" and "Take Me As I Am") just lie there. The only truly bad track is the turgid "Father In You." Mary is in better vocal form than ever, though.

Grade - B

Finally, it's nice to see someone agrees with me. I thought I was crazy b/c I keep reading these reviews that are praising this album to high heavens.

Keisha Cole "The Way It Is" ... funny thing is I don't own this album, but I know every song and in the order of appearance. I've been hearing this album for a while and I really like it. It's really solid. Great songwriting throughout. I really can give it one listen right through and not have anything negative about one particular track. She has a great voice and I love the guest collabos. They aren't excessive and blend well into the general scheme of the album. This is an example of a good Contemporary R&B work. Awesome stuff. (A-)

quote:

Originally posted by Atypical:
The Dixie Chicks, HOME

I'm not a country music fan for the most part, but I thought that this album was a great change-of-pace from what I normally listen to. Natalie Maines has one of the best singing voices around and puts it to great use here in these well-crafted and engaging songs.

Grade for Home: A

I'm glad you liked it, its one of my all time favorites. I completely agree about Maines as well. I particularly love "Top of the World" and "A Home", but there's not a bad song in the bunch.

Kathleen Edwards, "Back To Me"

I bought this for Christmas and it was worth every penny. The album is a bit more downbeat than the singles ("Back to Me" and "In State"--both are wonderful) would let you believe, but there is a nice mix that works well as a whole. Aside from the singles, highlights for me include "What Are You Waiting For", "Summerlong", and "Good Thing".

Grade: A

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Keyshia Cole, The Way It Is

I've had this album since the summer, when it was released. It's actually one of the best contemporary soul albums of the year, giving Free Yourself and The Emancipation Of Mimi a run for their money. As with many of today's contemporary soul albums, there is quite a bit of filler, but not as much like you'd find on Ashanti's 2nd album or on Janet Jackson's last album; on those two efforts, there was so much filler that it actually weighed down the good of the albums. On The Way It Is, I'm thankful that there isn't much that I wanna skip. It also helps that Cole has a terrific Gospel-tinged soul voice that sounds fantastic all the way through her album.

There are 12 tracks here, so there isn't much room for filler. I do enjoy the 1st three tracks a lot (they also served as the album's first 3 singles), but of the trifecta, the breakout top 5 R&B smash, "I Should Have Cheated," is the most-addictive and serves as one of my favorite tracks on the CD, not to mention one of the hottest R&B singles of the year. Cole's voice is terrific throughout the entire song; the pain can be heard in her voice, and alludes many contemporary soul fans such as myself back to Mary J. Blige's 1994 classic, My Life. Although she's very underrated, Cole is the best new artist to debut in summer 2005, a time when Beyonce-Ashanti-Aaliyah wannabes were very active (new singers like Teairra Mari & Rihanna come to mind).

Another one of my album favorites here is "Love." The runs that she performs throughout the chorus give her voice a great distinction, and I must say that she's the only person that I can hear singing that song. She's stamped that song, and I'd prefer to hear no one else other than the original artist sing it. This is definitely a song that no "Idol" hopeful should attempt -- whether it be at auditions or finals.

"(Love) Thought You Had My Back" is another track that shows the pain in Keyshia's voice. A very fun & enjoyable track is the mid-tempo bedroom anthem, "Down and Dirty." The up-tempo ladies anthem "Guess What" feat. Jadakiss is something to jam to while in the car (as a male, I only listen to this track to hear the Jadakiss verse). The Luther Vandross-cover of "Never Too Much" (re-titled as "Never" here) w/Eve isn't a bad touch to the album either.

Keyshia Cole has a wonderful voice that reserves her strictly for the R&B/soul crowd. If you're looking for a real contemporary soul diva of the new millenium, Keyshia Cole (as well as Fantasia) is it. Her album showcases her beautiful voice, songwriting skills, and the enormous pain that she's been through leaks out through her voice. She is my 2005 pick for Most Valuable Newcomer.

Grade: A

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John Mayer Trio, TRY!

This live album is an interesting departure for John Mayer -- those who are more accustomed to his pop stylings from his last two albums might be surprised by this blues-influenced creation. Mayer, performing here with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino, create a nice set of songs here (originals and some covers) that dabble in rock, blues, pop, and soul, while still maintaining Mayer's kind of introspection and quirk. It will be hard for this album to get Grammy attention I think (I guess he could be submitted in Pop Duo or Group for something like "Gravity" or "Daughters" again -- voters have no problems nominating songs from live albums, or songs that have already won awards before in previous recordings; he could also be submitted in Pop Male Vocal if the record company's inclined to do so).

From a songwriting perspective, it's some of his best work -- standout tracks include:

"Gravity" (Mayer performed this song recently at the ReACT now telethon for Hurricane Katrina relief victims)
"Vultures"
"Good Love Is On the Way"
"Try" (he's been performing this song for a while now in concerts)
"Another Kind of Green" (one of my favorite tracks here)

There's also some familiar material for the fans from Heavier Things, including "Something's Missing" and "Daughters". The trio does a rousing cover of Ray Charles's "I Got a Woman" here too (the song that Kanye West samples in his "Gold Digger" hit with Jamie Foxx).

This is a solid live album that probably won't get much commercial attention, but if you're fans of John Mayer's previous albums, then give this one a try too -- you might be surprised where he goes with some of these songs.

Grade for Try!: B+

Raul Midon "State Of Mind" ... Because I was extremely curious and far too lazy to download any of his songs, I bought this CD which boasted critical acclaim by credible reviewers on the CD packaging. After one listen through, I was not overly impressed but I was entertained nonetheless. The songs are very simple and soulful. The melodies on many songs are quite catchy. He does a really nice job of mixing up slower, easy-listening tunes with faster chords with his guitar at the heart and soul of virtually every song. He's a great vocalist, but I think his lyrics could use a little maturing. I thought they were extremely superficial at times, he likes to repeat himself and speak in cliches, but these never really take away from the songs too much. It sort of reminds of Avril Lavigne. Her songs are really catchy (great melodies and instrumentals), but her lyrics are extremely weak. Anyways, it's a decent album. The songs are really nice to listen to. I give it a B+!!

Some songs I really like are "Keep On Hoping" which is a duet with the brilliant Jason Mraz. I like the easiness of "Mystery Girl" and "All In Your Mind". I quite liked the more upbeat "Sitting In The Middle" and adored the song "Expressions of Love" where Stevie Wonder has a harmonica solo. It's very Stevie-ish song, so that's wicked.

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