| New Album Reviews |
Maroon 5 "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" |
Full review to come |
| Best tracks: Make Me Wonder | |
Rihanna "Good Girl Gone Bad" |
For the past two years, Rihanna has been lucky enough to be given two amazingly hot summer smashes, which are quickly followed by rather dull albums. Not happy with just another summer smash (though she has that too), the stars shined down on Ms. Rihanna, because her new CD is full of brilliantly crafted tunes that abandon any semblance to r'n'b. Rather her new tracks go from pure pop to electro, dance and rock with outstanding results. She may dumb as a post, but, this is by far album of the year so far. |
| Best tracks: Umbrella, Don't Stop the Music, Push Up On Me, Breaking Dishes | |
Infernal "From Paris to Berlin" |
Most people would know this group from the title track which was a worldwide dance club smash. Atypical of most dance acts, however, their full length CD is surprisingly diverse in style and depth. And at over 30 tracks (10 are remixes), a definite bargain. |
| Best tracks: Dressed In Blue, I Won't Be Crying, From Paris to Berlin | |
Hilary Duff "Dignity" |
While Hilary herself comes off as a genuine person, her singing voice is the epitomy of reed thin. And where Hilary got it in her head to wave the electro-pop banner in America I have no idea. But, I am so glad that she did because her vocals are much improved and set perfectly against the electro dance beats of her new disc. Some may lack that really catchy pop chorus, but, the theme of a woman scorn and newly empowered is surpringly felt. |
| Best tracks: With Love, Outside of You, Gypsy Woman | |
Jamelia "Walk With Me" |
Miss Jamelia may have lost out on track of the year to Nelly Furtado's Maneater, but, she manages to release the pop album of the year. She moves away from the more R'n'B heavy last CD and produces an album of pure pop that still retains her sexy style and sass. Definitely my favorite album of 2006. |
| Best tracks: Beware of the Dog, Ain't It Love, Do Me Right, Window Shopping | |
Girls Aloud "Sound of Girls Aloud" |
It's strange (yet typical in todays music world) for a pop group to be having a greatest hits album after only three albums, but, if you're going to do it, this is the way. Not only does CD one contain three new songs, there is a second disc with rare tracks, alternate single versions and remixes. Not just an excuse to line their pockets. |
| Best tracks: Something Kinda Ooh, Singapore & Money | |
Katherine McPhee "Katherine McPhee" |
My pick to win last season's American Idol, I felt Katherine had the most potential to release a true mainstream pop album. And while her self titled debut is bit heavy on the syrupy, drab ballads for which AI is notorious, the more uptempo tracks express the true talent she has in the right hands. |
| Best tracks: Open Toe Shoes, Dangerous, & Over It | |
Ciara "The Evolution" |
Though one might worry that Ciara would stick to the same deep, repetitive, club beats that made her first album such a smash, she manages to grow both vocally and musically on her sophomore disc. While she may be aspiring to be her generations Janet Jackson, I hope she skips the useless interludes next time around. |
| Best tracks: The Promise & Like A Boy | |
Young Love "Too Young To Fight It" |
Though I don't generally like my dance music sung by men (something about the dance floor diva), but, this rock infused dance debut is one of the hottest new albums of the year. |
| Best tracks: Discoteque & Too Young To Fight It | |
DJ Skribble "Thrive Mix 03" |
A proper remix album, not just a mix of sped up hits. CD 1 is much better than CD2 which is full of lesser known dance songs. A great album to play in the background of a party or long drive. |
| Best tracks: Maneater (Jelo's Toronto Club Mix), Ain't No Other Man (Ospina & Sulllivan Remix) & Only One Too (Lenny B. Club Mix) | |
Robbie Williams "Rudebox" |
Given that I was one of the few people that like "Sin Sin Sin" from his last album, I thought the idea of Robbie going electro and working with the Pet Shop Boys would result in an amazing album. Unfortunately, the actual result it a mash of promising beats pared with nonsensical lyrics and no proper melodies. |
| Best tracks: She's Madonna & Rudebox | |
Victoria Beckham "Open Your Eyes" |
Not an official release, this appears to be a collection of dance-pop tracks recorded for her planned second album. And it is too bad this never was released because Posh has recorded what sounds very much like Madonna's latest album, and Vicky's was recorded one year before! Includes an alternative version tp her last single Let Your Head Go. |
| Best tracks: I'd Give It All Away, Full Stop, Open Your Eyes | |
Justin Timberlake "Futuresex/Lovesounds" |
The album that JC wanted to make, Justin comes back with what amounts to be a theme album. Futuristic R'n'B/pop that manages to sound retro at the same time. Though I could stand to do without the interludes (hello Janet!) |
| Best tracks: Sexyback, Futuresex/Lovesounds, Losing My Way | |
Beyonce "B-Day" |
Surprisingly solid given her hit and miss debut album. Mostly uptempo send off songs that do well to show off her powerful vocal range and feisty persona. |
| Best tracks: Ring the Alarm, Irreplaceable, Get Me Bodied | |
Jessica Simpson "A Public Affair" |
Jessica's new album is both a homage to fun 80s pop and a frustrating example of how her career would be so much better if her father would stop meddling in her music. Somewhat safe and too reliant on covers and samples, Jessica needs to get some producers that will just let her sing. |
| Best tracks: A Public Affair, Swing With Me, If You Were Mine | |
Danity Kane "Danity Kane" |
Formed on MTV's Making the Band 3, I've been rooting for these ladies over the course of two seasons. Though their chosen name is heinous and first single even worse, they have produced a solid album of club tracks that shows promise for a future beyond the reality show on which they were created. Too bad a proper studio version of Let's Go was not recorded. |
| Best tracks: Hold Me Down, Want It, Heartbreaker | |
Nelly Furtado "Loose" |
Though I used to refer to her as Nelly No Talent, Ms. Furtado has come out and produced one of the best albums of the year. Sometimes pop, sometimes R'n'B, sometimes latin, all very Madonna-esque. If this is the direction she plans to take in the future, she will have a new fan to support her. |
| Best tracks: Maneater, Promiscuous, Afraid, Say It Right | |
Pink “I’m Not Dead” |
After faltering a little bit on her last CD, Pink pulls out the punches and returns to the rock-pop sounds of Missunderztood. She’s borrowed Max Martin and few other producers to showcase her amazingly rich voice and clever lyrics. Her rant about President Bush is both funny and heartbreaking. |
| Best tracks: Stupid Girls, Long Way To Happy, Runaway, Who Knew |
Jewel “Goodbye Alice In Wonderland” |
Though she was criticized by a lot of people for turning to dancier fare in her last CD, I actually enjoyed the refreshing change in style which managed to be poppy without losing her trademark smart lyrics. Unfortunately, much like Faith Hill did with her latest CD, Jewel returns to her roots and, in the process, produces a rather unremarkable disc. |
| Best tracks: Only One Too | |
Rihanna “A Girl Like Me” |
Nothing on this album is quite as brilliant the first single SOS (Rescue Me) which samples Tainted Love and has become the hit of spring. However, Rihanna tries to prove her singing chops by taking on a few lush ballads that she manages to infuse with palpable emotion. Too bad even these pale in comparison to the mighty SOS. |
| Best tracks: SOS, Unfaithful, A Million Miles Away | |
Girls Aloud "Chemistry" |
The third album from Britain's hottest girl groups delivers another set of amazing pop tunes. Though not as immediate as their last album, the sheer brilliance of the song writing and the Aloud's feisty vocals deliver the album of the year. The special edition also comes with a Christmas bonus CD. |
| Best tracks: Biology, Wild Horse, Watch Me Go, It's Magic, Swinging London Town. | |
Texas "Red Book" |
You can tell a good Texas song usually from the first note and indeed their new album is no different. Great classic Texas songs meet new tracks produced in collaboration with Girls Aloud song writers Xenomania. |
| Best Tracks: Getaway, Can't Resist, What About Us, Get Down Tonight. | |
Lindsay Lohan "A Little More Personal (Raw)" |
If, like me, you preferred the dancier pop songs from her previous album, such as Rumors, To Know Your Name, and Speak, you will be disappointed this album has taken an even rockier direction. Having said that, Lindsay's vocals have definitely improved and exceeding those of Hilary and Ashlee. |
| Best tracks: My Beautiful Life, My Innocence. | |
Bananarama "Drama" |
Though familiar with their most famous classics, I missed the earlier Bananarama rage. The two sisters have now returned and produced a surprisingly brilliant collection of dance pop Kylie would be proud of. |
| Best Tracks: Feel For You, Look On The Floor, Your Love is Like a Drug | |
Rachel Stevens "Come and Get It" |
Probably one of, if not the, best pop album of the year. Rachel's accessible vocals blend well with the electropop sound of her producers. |
| Best tracks: Crazy Boys, I Said Never Again, Every Little Thing, I Will Be There, Nothing Good About This Goodbye | |
Liberty X "X" |
With only 10 new tracks and a terrible lead single, I was extremely disappointed at the prospect of this album. But, to my delight, the title track alone is worth the CD and clearly one of their best. |
| Best tracks: X, Dirty Cash, Then There Was You | |
Sugababes "Taller In More Ways" |
An amazing forth album that shows the 'babes are at the top of the class for pop music that is cool to love. The only grip is that "Like The Weather", a b-side to their lead single, was not included. |
| Best tracks: Ace Reject, Push the Button, Bruised, Ugly | |
Jo O'Meara "Relentless" |
The former S Clubber to release a solo album and, unfortunately, she does not have the production talent Rachel has. There are a few wonderfully emotional ballads on the CD, too bad it stops after track 2. |
| Best tracks: What Hurts The Most, Relentless | |
Ryan Cabrera "You Stand Watching" |
This is Erich's CD purchase, but, I took a listen and there are a few decent acousti-pop songs that are worth a listen. |
| Best track: From The Start, Photo | |
Lisa Scott-Lee "Electric" |
This is a single, not an album, but is still notable because it is a nice electro pop gem that shows, given some more investment, the former Steps girl could be the next UK dance/pop diva. |
Pussycat Dolls "PCD" |
Hailing from the Popstars group Eden's Crush, lead singer Nicole, along her burlesque meets pop band members, have produced a debut CD full of slick r'n'b pop. |
| Best tracks: Don't Cha (no rap version), Bite The Dust, Buttons | |
Jasmine Trias "Jasmine Trias" |
The third runner up from season three of American Idol releases her debut CD and, frankly, it is quite disappointing. Her voice is fine but a little more time should have been spent on crafting better songs. Even the promise of DJ Don't Quit isn't reached. |
Geri Halliwell "Passion" |
The third CD from the cheekiest of Spice Girls, this CD sees Geri moving back to conventional pop and dance music. Some of her best songs. |
| Best tracks: Love Never Loved Me, Let Me Love You More | |
Melanie C "Beautiful Intentions" |
Back in form after her lackluster last album, Mel C delivers some good rock songs along with some heartfelt ballads. Maybe a few will be remixed to reach the brilliance of I Turn To You. |
| Best tracks: Next Best Superstar, Better Alone, You Will See | |
Mariah Carey "Emancipation of Mimi" |
Though, for me, there is no song that particularly stands out, I am glad to see Mariah back in form with her vocals and am glad that she has had two hits already. I just hope this brings more upbeat dancier songs on her next album. |
| Best tracks: It's Like That, We Belong Together, Say Something | |
Rob Thomas "Something To Be" |
With my initial irritation with this CDs "dual disc" format and my inability to listen to it on any media (I recommend getting from iTunes), I managed to download the songs online and found the album quite good and a formidable follow up to his work with Matchbox 20. |
| Best Tracks: Ever The Same, All That I Am, Lonely No More | |
Sandy “Unexpected” |
Surprisingly strong solo debut from former No Angels single. It’s rare to here someone these days release a pop album with edge. |
| Best tracks: Unexpected, Little Johnny | |
Kelly Clarkson “Breakway” |
More rock than her debut album, a decent follow up. Some of the songs lose their melody in the choruses. Better upon subsequent listens. |
| Best tracks: Since You’ve Been Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes, Because of You | |
Muse “Absolution” |
Nothing as good as their first single, put nonetheless a solid CD that would sound good playing in the background. |
| Best tracks: Butterflies & Hurricanes, Time Is Running Out | |
Melanie B “Hot” |
Not a new CD, but, the only Spice Girls solo album I don’t have. Most songs are average R’n’B bore, but, there are a few standout songs. |
| Best tracks: Hotter, Tell Me, I Want You Back | |
Reina "This Is Reina" |
A set of hot dance songs that shows there is a new dance diva on the scene. |
Best Tracks: If I Close My Eyes, No Ones Gonna Change You, What About Us |
|
Destiny's Child "Destiny Fulfilled" |
I give credit to Beyonce for returning to the group after breaking out successfully on her own, but, after hearing this album, it makes you wonder why. With the exception of the first single, there isn't much to get excited over. |
| Best Tracks: Lose Your Breathe, Through With Love | |
Kylie Minogue "Ultimate Kylie" |
The ultimate collection that spans her entire career, includes two new amazing tracks: I Believe In You, Giving You Up. |
The 411 "Between The Sheets" |
A good debut from the British four piece that includes mellow r'n'b dance tracks, following in the footsteps of All Saints. |
| Best Tracks: Teardrops, Dumb, China Girl | |
Natasha Bedingfield "Unwritten" |
Despite hating her first two singles, this album contains some great songs. Too bad it doesn't include her best song, The One That Got Away. |
| Best Tracks: Unwritten, We're All Mad, If You're Gonna... | |
Lindsay Lohan "Speak" |
Though her voice isn't much better than Hilary Duff's, the songs she is given is a nice mixture of pop-rock and club dance. |
| Best Tracks: Rumors, To Know Your Name, Something I Never Knew | |
Girls Aloud "What Will The Neighbors Say?" |
A fantastic second album from the UK's premier girl group. A mix of electro-pop genius. |
| Best Tracks: The Show, Wake Me Up, Graffiti My Soul, Hear Me Out | |
V "You Stood Up" |
Not as contrived as most boyband, V's debut album includes a nice mix of acoutstic pop. Too bad the good version of "Breakaway" is not on the album. |
| Best Tracks: Breakaway, You Stood Up, First Time | |
David Morales "2 Worlds Collide" |
A bit of a disappointment, especially since the song for which I bought it isn't mixed the same on the album. |
| Best Track: How Would You Feel? | |
Gwen Stefani "Love Angel Music Baby" |
A surprisingly fabulous debut for Gwen as a solo artist. The music is very reflective of electro-80s pop and shows her obvious obsession with Harajuku Girls. |
| Best Tracks: Cool, Serious, What You Waiting For | |
Amber "My Kind Of World" |
This CD shows Amber moving in a new direction. Not content with simple dance melodies, she has created some truly personal songs. Admittingly, I'll be looking forward to the dance remixes. |
| Best tracks: You Move Me, Sacrificial Lamb | |
Shaznay Lewis “Open” |
From the girl who wrote Pure Shores and Never Ever, I was hoping to here something of this caliber. Unfortunately, aside from the debut single, Shaznay’s album is full of boring Caribbean flavored rnb along with a few good songs, not served well by her voice. |
| Best track: Never Felt Like This Before | |
Kristian Leontiou “Some Day Soon” |
Though I won’t go into what I think are the closeted issues behind most of his songs, Kristian’s music is both soaring melancholy and engaging optimism. Nice surprise to discover a new talent. |
| Best tracks: Shining, Story of My Life, The Crying | |
Christina Milian “It’s About Time” |
Finally a full CD from the girl who wrote Play and sang Am to Pm. Too bad there isn’t anything that catchy, save one or two tracks, on the album. |
| Best tracks: Dip It Low, Whatever You Want, I Need More | |
Javine “Surrender” |
As exciting as the first few singles from Javine were, this CD is rather dull and boring. She is saddled too often with mellow rnb, not the more dynamic, uptempo singles that better suit her voice. |
| Best tracks: Real Things, Best Of My Love, Where You Are | |
Deepest Blue “Late September” |
Not a good track record for CDs this time around. Another disappointing effort. Fewer of the acoustic ballads and more of the love tinged dance songs would have made this a better CD. |
| Best tracks: Give It Away, Deepest Blue | |
The Rasmus “Dead Letters” |
Bought this CD for one song, didn’t expect (and didn’t receive) anything else. |
| Best track: In The Shadows | |
Kimberley Locke "One Love" |
Glad to see the real winner of last season's AI coming out with this solid debut album. |
| Best tracks: 8th World Wonder, Have You Ever Been In Love, Wrong | |
Anastacia "Anastacia" |
Not as good as her last CD. Has a more rock sound, but she still lets off her usually amazing voice to great affect. |
| Best Tracks: Left Outside Alone, Heavy On My Heart, Rearview | |
Janet Jackson "Damita Jo" |
Not too thrilling of an album overall. I guess we won't be seeing a Janet anytime soon. |
| Best Tracks: All Nite (Don't Stop), Sexhibition | |
Soundtrack "Ella Enchanted" |
Loved the movie and a cute accompanying soundtrack, including Strange Magic by Darren Hayes and Somebody to Love & Don't Go Breaking My Heart featuring Ann Hathaway. |
Jem "Finally Woken" |
I didn't even know who she was until I walked into Virgin Records and heard her Dido-esque music playing. Amazing voice and lovely beats. |
| Best Tracks: Come On Over, 24, Flying High | |
Hilary Duff "Metamorphosis" |
Erich's new favorite tween, we bought this CD mostly for the amazing new single Come Clean. |
| Best tracks: Come Clean, Metamorphosis, Why Not | |
4 Strings "Believe" |
Eurodance at it's best. Though some of the songs merely repeat similar sounds with different lyrics, they flow well together and is a great background dance album. |
| Best tracks: Take Me Away, Revelation, Summer Sun | |
Leann Rimes "Greatest Hits" |
My Christmas present from my mom. A nice collection of her best songs. It's also a nice introduction to her older music. |
| Best tracks: Can't Fight The Moonlight, Life Goes On | |
No Angels "Best Of" |
Having followed the German popstar winners for the past three years since I accidentally downloaded their debut single "Daylight In Your Eyes", it goes without saying that these five girls are the most successful "popstar" group in the world. After three albums and twelve singles, these five girls have consistently produced some of the best pop music out there. Though many of their greatest songs were never released as singles, this album is a collection of all their singles released to date. |
| Best tracks: There Must Be An Angel, Let's Go To Bed, FeelGood Lies, Daylight In Your Eyes | |
Soundtrack "Honey" |
The soundtrack to the movie, that includes a new song by Tweet and the amazing single by Blaque, I'm Good. |
Kylie Minogue "Body Language" |
Bit of a disappoinment compared to her last two albums, not much to get excited over. |
| Best tracks: Secret (Take You Home), Slow | |
Britney Spears "In The Zone" |
Better than her last album, more dancy and sexual. |
| Best tracks: Breath On Me, Everytime, Me Against the Music | |
Lisa Scott-Lee "Unleashed" |
Just a 6 track album sampler, but a promising start for the former Steps girl. |
| Best tracks: Lately, Obscenely Delicious, Sleazy | |
Atomic Kitten "Ladies Night" |
Erich's favorite band releases their third amazing album. |
| Best tracks: Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Don't You Know If You Come To Me | |
Pink "Try This" |
Nothing as brilliant as Just Like a Pill, but a good rock/pop album. |
| Best tracks: Love Song, God is a DJ, Oh My God | |
Texas "The Greatest Hits" |
Erich finally discovered the talents of the British band, all the hits and more. |
| Best tracks: Inner Smile, Summer Son, So In Love With You | |
Holly Valance "State of Mind" |
Not great throughout, but the highlights are worth it. |
| Best tracks: Desire, State of Mind, Hypnotic | |
Sophie Ellis-Bextor "Shoot from the Hip" |
80's disco with Sophie's trademark lyrics. |
| Best tracks: I Won't Change You, Mixed Up World | |
S Club 8 "Sundown" |
Songs that Steps should be doing, a few begrudingly catchy dance tunes. |
| Best tracks: Rush, The Day You Came, Sundown | |
Liberty X "Being Somebody" |
My favorite album this year, great second disk from one of the best pop groups today. Also, buy the Jumpin' single with the Shanghai Surprise Remix, amazing!! |
| Best tracks: Being Nobody, Everybody Cries, Where Do We Go, I Just Wanna, Whatcha Doin Tonight, Forever | |
Jamelia "Thank You" |
Nothing as hot as Superstar on the album, but a few booty bumpin' tracks. |
| Best tracks: Superstar, 'Bout, Club Hoppin' | |
Sugababes "Three" |
An amazing third album from the ultra cool British bitches. |
| Best tracks: Hole in the Head, Conversation's Over, Caught In A Moment | |
Deborah Cox "Remixed" |
Remixes of hits from the dancefloor chanteuse. Only compaint is that all songs are put together a continuous mix. |
| Best tracks: Absolutly Not, Mr. Lonely, Nobody's Suppose To Be Here | |
Rachel Stevens "Funkydory" |
The first member to S Club 7 to branch out on their own. Quite a surprisingly good debut. From the bizarre acoustic Sweet Dreams, the sweet love song Breath In, Breath Out, to the slinky, dance floor beats of Silk, Rachel proves she has the chops to be a solo star. Given that quality of this record, I can't wait to see what Jo comes up with. |
Dido "Life For Rent" |
There's much of the same for Dido's new CD. Having said that, it is a good thing as there are a few real gems on this album. The first single White Flag is such a wonderfully melancholy love song that really grows on you. The track Who Makes You Feel has a nice touch of soul to it, and the great album closer, See the Sun, is a sad, but ultimately uplifting ballad. |
Da Band "Too Hot for TV" |
Having watched the show religiously, the debut album from P. Diddy's Making the Band TV show is good, but somewhat disappointing. Sarah, my favorite member of the group, is relegated to back, or dropped entirely for most songs. There is a great beat to the first single Bad Boy This, Bad Boy That and the cover of Do You Know is a good example of all the band members making each style and contribution work. |
Soundtrack "Bad Boys II" |
Erich had to have this album because he is crazy over Shake Your Tailfeather. I'm not totally crazy for that song, but this album has a lot of good hip hop, club songs. I particularly like Show Me Your Soul and Beyonce's Keep Giving Me Your Love If that song had been on her album, the CD might actually have proved worth the price. |
American Juniors "One Step Closer" [Single] |
How I ended up loving this show, I'll never know, but the 10 kids, well 8 of them anyway, really stuck with me. This is their debut single, a cover of the same S Club Juniors song. A paint by numbers cover, but the second song, Kids In America, which allows the kids to shine their vocals, is growing on me. |
Jessica Simpson "In This Skin" |
Anyone looking for another Irresistible will be out of luck on Jessica's third album. In fact, with the exception of the new Madonna-esque Forbidden Fruit and the mellow club beat of Loving You, this album is full of meager balladry. The first single Sweetest Sin can grow on you, to a certain extent, but the ballad Underneath is the only one that sticks out among the pack. |
Michelle Branch "Hotel Paper" |
This was for Erich's birthday. And a surprise to me, was quite good. The lead single Are Your Happy Now? is a great uptempo rock song, while the slowed down "One of These Days and, my personal favorite, Desperately also stand out. |
Mya "Moodring" |
While the first single is a bore and there are unfortunatley nothing as brilliant as Case of the Ex and Free, there are a few good songs. While I quickly realized that Taste This is failing to aspire to No More Drama, the pop melody of Things Come and Go really stand out, as does the r'n'b midtempo Fallen. Also a treat is the bonus track, Real Compared To What, a commercial song drawn out to good fashion like the Spice Girls Move Over. |
Beyonce "Dangerously In Love" |
Too bad with a promising first single Crazy In Love, there is nothing of that brilliance on the rest of the album. Naughty Girl is almost interesting, if not for the extremely high vocals, and Baby Boy starts good, but ends when Sean Paul begins his boring rap. Too bad a talent like hers could not extend through an entire album. I look forward to the new Destiny's Child album. |
Jewel "0304" |
One of Jewel's best albums. The new dancier sound is supplemented by Jewel's typical thought out lyrics. Aside from the lead out single Intuition, other highlights from the album is the sweet ballad Stand and the beat thumping Yes U Can. There are a few odd numbers here, but overall, one of Jewel's consistently well produced albums. |
Girls Aloud "Sound of the Underground" |
The five Brit girls from the most recent TV reality show come out with their debut album and it's the first album to be equaled to the Spice Girls. The title track leads off the album and sets the tone of several other good songs such as Mars Attack and No Good Advice. Other great tracks include the disco inspired Girls Allowed, the midtempo Life Got Cold, and the poptastic Don't Want You Back. Finally, the best song on the album, White Lies, is perfect blend of pop and attitude. |
Madonna "American Life" |
Scott: Not much to say, a little disapointing. Erich: Loves this album, the lyrics are very profound and heartfelt. Nothing Fails and Die Another Day are the best tracks on the album. |
Kelly Clarkson "Thankful" |
Although her debut singles, featured here, showed off her vocal talents, they failed to be anything other than throwaway ballads. Thankful-ly, :o) there is not a lot of that on the rest of her album. The new single Miss Independent and Tamyra duet You Thought Wrong show off Kelly's fiesty side, where the amazing ballad Anytime truly shows how Kelly can belt a song out. A few other songs standout to show that Kelly was the true winner of American Idol. Let's just hope by the end of the year, I'll be writing a review of Kimberly Locke's album. |
Celine Dion |
Thankfully more than just an excuse to promote the single I Drove All Night, this new album from Celine is one of her finest. The Max Martin penned title track, as well as the club-lite Reveal, and the lovely ballad Faith are all highlights on the album. The only downer is a needlessly slowed down mix of Sorry For Love, that was made a updeat dance song on the last album. Overall though, this is a great album |
Robbie Williams "Escapology" |
If Swing When Your Winning, with the supurb singles Rock DJ and Supreme, didn't break Robbie in America, then this new album certainly won't. Not much to listen to here, typical Robbie songs, and little too self deprecating for my taste. The one standout track, Feel, was already a single that I bought. Nothing exciting here. |
Appleton "Everything's Eventual" |
The former sisters from All Saints release their solo album. Has a very All Saints feel, with a little lite rock thrown in, with Natalie providing the larger vocals. Don't Worry & Fantasy and title track are standouts. |
Darius Danesh "Dive In" |
Despite having lost two UK popstar shows, Darius came out with his own material and finding success. Aside from his good lucks, his songs have great melodies like in Colourblind & Rushes. Towards the middle he falls into repetition, but the ballad Simple Like The True is a sad, but nice ballad. |
Dannii Minogue "Neon Lights" |
Kylie's sister comes out with a CD of her own. This CD is more of a comeback than a debut, but with the exception of the two singles Put A Needle On It & I Begin To Wonder, there isn't much but 80s retread. Too bad she didn't try more songs like the club song Who Do You Love Now. |
Melanie C "Reason" |
Mel returns with her second CD, and much like Geri's second effort, a little disappointing. I think she's trying a little too hard to be credible. There are no clubby I Turn To You or lovely ballads like Northern Star. That said, the title song is a nice number as well as her debut single Here It Comes Again. |
Deuce "On The Loose" |
I bought this CD because this group was supposedly the precursor to Steps. Apparently the formula was improved as this CD was not Steptacular or Buzz. No wonder this group didn't take off. |
Faith Hill "Cry" |
A good album, although I don't like the title track, lots of good songs with a more pop, soulful edge to them. But, still a real Faith Hill sound. |
| Best Tracks: Unsaveable, One | |
Mariah Carey "Charmbracelet" |
Not as good as I was hoping, but, love to see that she has returned to the old Mariah. She's looking sexy once again and her songs don't sound like recycled garbage. I think this album was a little subdued, but here's to hoping more from her next album |
Christina Aguilera "Stripped" |
Despite her horrible new trashy image, a few good songs on the album. Dirrty is good if you don't have to watch the video and Beautiful is an amazing ballad, although it could have been sung by Pink. And the rock song Fighter is good and will sound even better when the Thunderpuss Remix comes out. |
Ace of Base "Da Capo" |
A little disappointing given how long it's taken to come out. Also considering I already have one of the album's best song Beautiful Morning and the album version of Hey Darling is not as good as the one I already have. However, there a few other good songs and the album and I still believe they are one of the worlds most underrated pop acts! |
H & Claire "Another You, Another Me" |
If Steps hadn't broken up, this is a lot like what they're fifth album would have sounded like. All Out of Love, Centre of My Heart, and Nothing At All are classic Steps songs, and the clubby DJ is a wonderful new direction of that sound. Too bad the ballads are so dull, and the title track itself, although written by Benny & Bjorn of ABBA, is a disappointment. |
American Idol "Greatest Hits" |
An ok album, not any of the songs I really wanted to hear and putting Kelly's two singles as "bonus tracks" is a rip off. But, the one true shining light that is worth the album is to hear Christina Christian sing Ain't No Sunshine. |
Leann Rhimes "Twisted Angel" |
Definately trying to show that she's grown up. And I'm glad to hear she's going for a more pop oriented sound. The lead single Life Goes On is great, as is Suddenly. Another good song, Tic Toc is very grownup and would sound great remixed. |
Lasgo "Some Things" |
Good dance album, although most songs have a similar sound as the first single, Something. Still, a formula that works. |
Atomic Kitten "Feels So Good" |
Putting aside the horrible cover The Tide Is High, a good pop album. Not many upbeat dance numbers, but a few good midtempo ballads such as The Last Goodbye and a few club songs such as So Hot. |
Sugababes "Angels With Dirty Faces" |
What a great album, there are quite a few hot tracks here. Freak Like Me and the title track will definately get your body moving, and they seem to be able to handle the ballads as well, with Stronger being the best song on the album. |
Daniel Bedingfield "Gotta Get Thru This" |
Alright album, not much beyond the title track. Songs such as Girlfriend and James Dean are ok though. On the whole, a little disappointing. |
Amber "Naked" |
Amber is the queen of the dancefloor. Her two smash hits, Yes and The Need To Be Naked are the feature tracks. There aren't any Above The Clouds here, but it's a good album to listen to nonetheless. |
Paula Abdul "Greatest Hits" |
This has been out for a while, but I just found it. All of the good hits are here, including Cold Hearted Snake and Promise of a New Day. Love her! |
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