Album Review: Mandisa - True Beauty

Mandisa - True Beauty

01 - Only The World - This track is not the track to open up a CD with; it has that filler track sound (you know that "sound") all over it. Everything about this song is wrong: the vocals, while stellar at the bridge, don't match the instrumentation; the background vocals are very lifeless--very robotic. This is something I expect from Jessica Simpson's first album. In fact, it reminds me of Simpson's, "I Think That I'm In Love". Rating: 2/5

02 - True Beauty - The song has a very positive message to it; very India.Arie, "I Am Not My Hair" meets "Video." A very self-esteem driven lyric, proclaiming to let the world see your true beauty. The instrumentation is lacking, yes; very Amy Grant. Again, the vocals kind of overpower the instrumentation. Not my favorite track, but could see major success on Christian radio. Rating: 2.5/5

03 - God Speaker - This has the same overall lyrical theme (while being a tad more Christian) as "What If God Was One of Us." Mandisa delivers this gem effortlessly and powerfully; CeCe Winans would be proud. The instrumentation, though, is kind of all over the place in spots as if she runs ahead of it or it falls behind her. It's not a bad track, though once the instrumentation finds its place. Rating: 3.5/5

04 - Voice of A Savior - This is very Stacey Orrico (when she was still a Christian artist) meets CeCe Winans. A rock based track, Mandisa delivers the song effectively without getting overpowered by the track. The message is beautiful and so true. It resonates with me on so many levels lyrically; it's a very thoughtfully written track, and although it's been done before, it's altogether refreshing to hear again. Rating: 3/5

05 - Love Somebody (featuring tobyMac & Diverse City) - This is her single from the album if a single hasn't been released yet. This, while instrumentally blah, is a definite hit on Contemporary Christian radio, definitely. It has a very 90's-tries-to-be-70's-contrived soul feeling, and while it doesn't work on any level, the song is definitely a hit for her. It's more of a song you hear on at the end of a movie while the credits are running. It's akin to Aretha's 90's semi-hit, "Deeper Love." Rating: 2.75/5

06 - Unrestrained - I'm not the biggest fan of contemporary Christian music, but I'll give it a chance if the message is right and I, on some level, can stand to listen to it instrumentally. Lyrically, it's true testimony of any believer and speaks to where my heart is with God right now. Mandisa goes straight into worship vocally on track! It's an awesome worship track and this would be the follow-up single to "Love Somebody" if her record company were smart. It's an AWESOME TRACK, especially if you adore worship! Rating: 4/5

07 - Shackles (Praise You) - Yes, it's that "Shackles (Praise You)" by Mary Mary. I couldn't even listen past the first 35 seconds. The background vocals and instrumentation ruined it for me. If you're gonna remake a song like this, you better do it better. No thanks, ma'am. Rating: 1.5/5

08 - (Never Gonna) Steal My Joy - Instrumentally, it's the second coming of that 80's joint that goes, "everybody wants to..." (can't remember the words, but I think Tears For Fears sings it). If it weren't for her vocals and the lyrical content, this song would be automatically skipped, but she adds a little gospel fire to the song that distracts me from the instrumentation. Rating: 2.75/5

09 - Oh My Lord (featuring The Fisk Jubilee Singers) - This is probably the second strongest track on the album. It has that old, traditional gospel feel and this could be what she services to gospel music radio and it would go very far. It's semi-acappella, and she's sanging on this tracks. The breakdown on the bridge is catchy and I love it! This will definitely be going on repeat! Awesome Mandisa! Rating: 4/5

10 - Only You - Another CeCe Winans flavored mid-tempo Contemporary Christian track that Mandisa delivers on! She does not disappoint. Her instrumentalists, however, leave much to be desired. Rating: 3/5

11 - He Will Come - This is a very soft and delicate encouraging track. She delivers a it, her vocals overflowing with hope and only a piano and it's the third best track on the album. No big vocals, just Mandisa passionately singing out to God and it's another gem. Rating: 3.75/5

Overall Album Rating:

I am a gospel boy at heart; in other words, I love that choir sound from The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir and the Mississippi Mass Choir and gospel singers like Vickie Winans and Karen Clark Sheard. Rarely do I listen to contemporary Christian music, mainly because if I'm listening to gospel or Christian music I don't like studio tracks; I love live tracks with the congregation clapping, worshipping, and praising. Mandisa delivered a CeCe Winans flavored album which is not a bad that; I love CeCe. She just went a tad more contemporary Christian than I like, but the vocals are fire, the lyrics, while done in Christian music before are altogether refreshing, but her instrumentation is horiffic at times. It sounds very dated and sometimes even sloppy.

Would I recommend buying this album? If you love contemporary Christian music, you will love this album. Buy it. If you're more of a gospel boy like myself, I say download a few tracks and see if you like what you hear, then go from there.

Overall Album Rating: 3/5

Album Review: Keyshia Cole - Just Like You

Keyshia Cole - Just Like You

01 - Let It Go (featuring Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim) - I tried to listen to this song with virgin ears, but I couldn't; it's been overplayed and, despite that, I still like it. Missy worked her misdemeanor magic with this track from the beat to her interpolations. The only problem I have with Missy's beats and rap interpolations is that they are all beginning to sound the same. Vocally, it's a tad strained but it works for the song. Instrumentally, it's nothing unlike what's on Hip-Hop radio today. Lyrically, blah. Rating: 3/5

02 - Didn't I Tell You (featuring Too Short) - One problem I have with the hip hop generation is that every song is carried by a guest rapper or entertainer; not to say that it's a bad thing occassionally, but the first two tracks should not feature guests. The vocals on this song are a smooth and distracts from the horribly cliched lyrics; the instrumentation is a typical hip-hop beat--crashing bass and lots of high hat. There's nothing original or different about this song. In fact, this song is better suited for Monica, but Keyshia does not disappoint. Too Short actually takes away from the song. This, though, will likely be a single from the album. Rating: 2.75/5

03 - Fallin Out - She sounds oddly like Deborah Cox on this track. This is a nice, smooth R&B track that will never see the light of day on radio. I'm proud of Keyshia on this track; every time I've seen her live on television, she has a hard time staying in the key she began in (I happen to measure all singers by the standard of live delivery--if you can deliver live without lipsynching and not going sharp or flat, you've, at the very least, earned my respect) but she kept the melody and harmony "in the pocket." My only qualm with this song is it required, at least at the bridge, some big SANGING which I think Keyshia is unable to deliver. It, however, is a nice mid-tempo groove and she delivers it convincingly and beautifully. Rating: 4/5

04 - Give Me More - This is definitely a "Diary..." era Alicia Keys track instrumentally. In fact, she sounds remarkably like Alicia in this track right down to her delivery of the song. It has that nice old school vibe to it and that's what pulses this song forward. Keyshia delivers this song like a pro; nothing contrived or forced here. Lyrically, it's not original; it has been done before. But she does it in a refreshing manner; it doesn't feel as if it's been done to death before somehow. Good job, Keyshia! Rating: 3.5/5

05 - I Remember - Deborah Cox, is that you? I swear this girl has tones from Deborah and Alicia Keys alike. This is an excellent slow groove. She has a slight problem with enunciation, but that can be overlooked for her delivery on this song. This sounds like an updated version of "Never Gonna Break My Heart Again" (Deborah Cox). Keyshia delivers a passionately soulful vocal on this song; I only wish it were longer. Rating: 4/5

06 - I Shoulda Let You Go (introducing Amina) - This is a filler track, but unlike most filler tracks, it's actually listenable. This is the uptempo follow up to "I Shoulda Cheated." Same message lyrically. Only the instrumentation differs, but the song is even in the same key as "I Shoulda...". Nothing special. Rating: 3/5

07 - Heaven Sent - Instrumentally this sounds like an updated mixture between Monica's, "Angel of Mine" and TLC's "Unpretty." This is an excellent track! The arrangement is beautiful. Keyshia needs to learn to interpret what she's singing though; she delivers an excellent vocal, there's simply no life in her delivery. Rating: 3/5

08 - Same Thing (Interlude) - Nice for an interlude. Again, she's falling into that traps of not interpreting what she's singing; excellent vocal, just no life in it. Luckily, I'm a vocal kinda guy... Rating: 3/5

09 - Got To Get My Heart Back - This is her Mary J. Blige track; sounds like it came off of Mary's, "Love & Life" release in every way. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Mary turned this track down at one point. There's absolutely nothing special about this track or even remotely memorable about it. It's a filler track. Instrumentally, it's blah. Vocally, the same. Lyrically, nada. Rating: 2/5

10 - Was It Worth It - Skip this track. The songs seem to be getting progressively worse as the album goes on. Everything is beginning to sound the same--her adlibs, her lack of interpretation, the melodies, the harmonies, the same tired beats... Rating: 2/5

11 - Just Like You - Okay, it's getting on my nerves at this point! The delivery of each song has become the exact same. There's no living in the lyric, no build up, no nothing. The instrumentation is the same. The lyrics are cliches. It's irritating. And this is her gospel track, too...I'm a gospel boy and this ain't it...leave it to Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, Keyshia. Next. Rating: 2/5

12 - Losing You (featuring Anthony Hamilton) - They lost me the first 20 seconds of the song. There's nothing more that I despise than sampling the vocals of an old school classic then making it sound like one of the Chipmunks or Chippettes are singing it. Turn on R&B radio at any point during the day and you'll hear something mid-tempo that sounds like this. Next. Rating: 2/5

13 - Last Night (featuring Diddy) - It's getting painful now. I'd heard the song before and I liked it out of the context of the album. But now I hear it in the context of the album and how the last 3-4 tracks have been delivered the same way with the same adlibs and the same inflections, this song does absolutely nothing for me. Instrumentally, it's very 80s, but vocally it's tired. Rating: 2/5

14 - Work It Out - Sounds very "The Writings on The Wall" (Destiny's Child). It sounds a bit dated, but she actually does her thing on this track for the most part. I'm trying to get over the fact that her delivery is the same in each track. Rating: 3/5

15 - Let It Go (remix - featuring TI, Missy Elliott, and Young Dro) - It's your typical remix when one set of rappers think they can make the song hotter than the original set of rappers. Next. Rating: 2/5

Overall Album Rating:

There's no doubt that Keyshia can sing--at least on CD. I have yet to see her deliver live as a true singer (i.e., staying on key, not becoming pitchy, not straining every vocal, etc). But she delievered a strong 8 tracks. The rest of the album is simply filler and it even sounds as if Keyshia wasn't feeling singing it; every song and track began to sound the same which is unfortunate because this could have been a great 12 track album if she had got rid of some of the junk and found four more solid songs that match the first 8. I don't know how this album will perform or fare with her younger fanbase; there's a far more mature sound on this album and that works to her advantage, at least in my humble opinion.
Would I recommend buying this album? No. I say, join MP3.com and download the first 8 tracks for .99 cents a track.

Overall album rating: 3/5

Album Review: Jill Scott - The Real Thing: Words And Sounds Vol. 3

Jill Scott - The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3

01 - Let It Be - I didn't like it at first, but once I began listening to the lyrics and how she was actually interpreting the lyrics, I instantly fell in love with this song. The song is great instrumentally, lyrically, and vocally and has an awesome message--whatever it is, just let it be! Rating: 3/5

02 - The Real Thing - Okay, so I caught her "Soul Story" on VH1 Soul for promotion of this CD and I absolutely fell in love with this song at first listen. The version this song is far more tame and less adventurous than what she performed on VH1 Soul (I highly recommend scouring youtube for that performance). However, the song is absolute genius. Highly rock infused, but still somehow keeps the R&B and Soul pulsing it forward. Great job, Jill! Rating: 4/5 (VH1 Soul Version Rating: 5/5)

03 - Hate On Me - Jill gave a little commentary of this song on her site weeks before the song was released and it really helps flesh out why this song was recorded--essentially, she googled herself and found a site of people hating on her. Rather than letting her feelings get hurt, she read each message, noting those that made a good point and discarding those that were simply malicious just for hating's sake. She came to the conclusion: people are going to hate on you if you're in some way more talented than them in an area which they wish to be talented. Very true. The message of this song is awesomely poetic, the instrumentation is superb, and the vocals are raw, passionate and soulful. Rating: 5/5

04 - Come See Me - Now this is music! Passionate and sexy, this track is! The organ and the horns really take you back to the late 70's-early 80s when music actually was about mystery, message, and actually good. Jill truly interprets each and every lyrics she sings. Even if you've never felt like this about another person, you get the opportunity to feel the love, passion, and desire that she has for another person. It's an excellent track! No oversinging or big vocals, just a laid back reading from the soul. Rating: 4/5

05 - Crown Royal - Lyrically, this song is rated R. It's a short track, but just enough so that she describes a whole sexual encounter without describing it lewdly. The visuals are great without being hardcore or even softcore for that matter. Rating: 4/5

06 - Epiphany - This song goes a little further lyrically than the last song. "...Rode Mt. St. Scott until cream lava landed on my skin and neck...He plowed inside like he was making beats..." This is a song for lovers. Plain and simple. This song, spoken word only, is poetic in her delivery. It explores the passion of the moment in every sense. Wow. Rating: 4/5

07 - My Love - I can definitely hear she and Erykah Badu duetting on this track. Instrumentally and lyrically, this song is her answer to Erykah's "Green Eyes." This is just good, solid, soul music and you can tell that Jill actually has experienced what she's singing about in some way or another because she's excellent in interpreting and relating the message back to the listener. Furthermore, she doesn't suffer from the same plague affecting most "singers" today: she sings the melody, adlibs adequately, stays on key, and is not struggling to stay relevant by selling out her musical genuis for a #1 hit. Rating: 4/5

08 - Insomnia - This a half spoken word and half-sung track, and strangely enough, this is the song you kind of song you would be playing if you were up waiting on your significant other to get home from a night out; this is the kind of song I'd be listening to if I were waiting on my girl to get home. It's not too much instrumentally and vocally and evokes the kind of sleepiness you'd be feeling while waiting up. Another solid track lyrically, instrumentally, and vocally. Rating: 4.5/5

09 - How It Make You Feel - This is real music. Another nice solid track, instrumentally, lyrically, and vocally. Rating: 4/5

10 - Only You - This song samples some song, I just can't for the life of me figure out what the song is! Nevertheless, Jill is all about making real music and this is real music again. I mean, this song is solid while remaining relevant in today's musical climate in a quiet storm kinda way. Good job, Jill! Rating: 3.5/5

11 - Whenever You're Around - The last half of this song is where the song truly comes to life. She begins to push out this angry soul that the lyrical content demands but then she restrains it into a guiltly soul, making the listener actually feel if they are in the relationship with Jill and are being talked to--yelled out, chewed out--by Jill. We're now going through the phases of the relationship, I realize; we've gone from the lust and sexual attraction to the not-so-good days, to the wondering where they are, to letting them know that she feels lonely whenever you're around. If you're fresh out of a relationship, I don't advise getting this far into the album. Rating: 3.5/5

12 - Celibacy Blues - Definitely a blues song and we're now at the next part of the relationship: the imminent end of the relationship. A lot of people today try recording a bluesy song but it comes off as contrived and forced. This is natural and probably one of the most solid blues songs I've heard in a long time! Rating: 4.75/5

13 - All I - The sex kitten delivery she uses on this song is absolutely amazing. This song is very Mariah Carey of her. I can really hear Mariah on this. This is more than likely the next single if her record company is smart. It doesn't undercut her soul or musical vision, but it also would make it (not to number #1) on today's radio. It's the one of the most commercial songs on the album. Rating: 3.5/5

14 - Wanna Be Loved - Another spoken word and sung track, and it's pure genius. Reminds me of being in a poetry cafe. It has a very freestyle feeling to it, but then again, it's very structured and layered. It's an excellent song instrumentally, lyrically, and vocally. Superb! Rating: 5/5
15 - Breathe - It's very 80's meets mid-90's, but it still works, and it's a great way to end the album; she lets you know that after it's all said and done and all of the highs and lows are over, just breathe, find equlibrium, and you'll be fine. And truly--she's absolutely right. Rating: 4/5

Overall Album Review:

Okay, I can't say that any of these songs would be catchy enough to be stuck in your head save "Hate On Me" and "The Real Thing." That's not necessarily a bad thing or to say that the songs on this album aren't memorable. They are definitely memorable, just in a different way. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship will relate each song to an experience in the relationship. Definitely a strong album from start to finish; probably one of the most solid overall efforts I've heard since Tamia's "Between Friends."
Jill definitely has a style and soul all her own and she's not shy about sharing it. She will take you through your fondest memories through your most bitter regrets to your "what the heck was I thinking?!" moments and and you'll appreciate her all the more for saying things that you just couldn't find the words for. There's not a dull moment or track on this album, and if you don't buy this album, you're truly missing a treat. Jill Scott is the real thing.

Overall Album Rating: 4.5/5

Album Review: Mary J. Blige - The Breakthrough

"The Breakthrough"

01 - No One Will Do - It's a very gospel-driven "Through the Fire" reincarnate and that's what makes this song work. Unfortunately, that's the only thing that makes this song work. The base driven dramatic instrumentation of this song makes it little more than something you would listen to only while cleaning up the house on a boring Saturday morning. The song is a tad too busy instrumentally and vocally.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: 2/5

02 - Enough Cryin (featuring Brook) - There are a couple of reasons this song should resonate with any reasonable Mary J. fan: 1) It's a Darkchild song, so the piano instrumentation is impeccible; 2) In EVERY way, this is the 2005 version of "Not Gon' Cry." However, in this version, she's finished crying, not so heartbroken, and is moving on. It's more of a women's anthem proclaiming, "You so dumb to think you gon' marry me...I got to be out my mind thinkin' someone gon' carry me! It's time I do something for me!" Very nice. Very, very nice.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: High. (In the urban market)
RATING: 4/5

03 - About You (featuring Will-I-Am) - I can really hear Erykah Badu singing this very ol' school track. Maybe that's the mistake--maybe they should have given this to Badu because it it doesn't work with Mary; it gets very tedious and boring to listen to, especially
instrumentally. Find the skip button nearest you and use it.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: 1/5

04 - Be Without You - There is no reason that song shouldn't be a HUGE hit! Everything is right about it. This song has #1 written all over it, especially if marketed and remixed properly for club use. This is Mary's "We Belong Together" (which I also predicted would be the hugest hit off of Mariah's album). Excellent!!!
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: DEFINITE.
RATING: 5/5

05 - Gonna Breakthrough (featuring Brook) - The vocals and harmonies are excellent. However, as the title track, this leaves MUCH to be desired. It's very "we don't need no hateration...in this dancery" inspired" lyrically. Instrumentally, it's a FILLER track--and that's what makes it less than...well, listenable, especially as the title track.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: Little to none.
RATING: 2/5

06 - Good Woman Down - Filler track. However, with the right remix and the the right rapper, this song could turn into a huge single. The vocals are tight on this song. The instrumentation is lackluster. Based on the title, one is expecting more of an anthem, but instead, it comes off as an imiation "Babymama" (Fantasia).
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: 1.5/5

07 - Take Me As I Am - Okay. One pet peeve I have is when an artist takes poetic license and decides to switch persons between the verses and chorus (VERSE: SHE'S strong, SHE'S alright --> Chorus: Take ME as I am...). That aside, this is Mary's follow-up to "Deep Inside", minus the Elton John. And that's what this song is possibly missing: Elton and one of his catchy instrumentals. This song is very repetitive and boring. Next.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: 1/5

08 - Baggage - Quite literally this is the answer to Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady." Everything Erykah addresses in "Lady", Mary resolves in "Baggage." This song doesn't really pick up until about 2 minutes in but it's well worth the wait, in my opinion. Mary begins to really sing and relate to the lyrics during and after this point. It's at this point when Mary begins to believe what she's singing and the listener can feel that.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: Moderate.
RATING: 3.5/5

09 - Can't Hide From Luv (featuring Jay-Z) - Cissy Houston has never been so right in her life when she said if you start off high, there's no where else to go. Mary had nowhere to go but down on this song and like a bomb slowly heading down to the earth from the stratosphere, this song eventually explodes.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: 1.5/5

10 - MJB da MVP - This is an autobiographical piece about her career and the only reason this song works happens, again, at about 2 minutes into the song where she lyrically reintroduces a great majority of her past songs. That's the only thing this song has going for it. Other than that, this song is dull, lifeless, and boring.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: .75/5

11 - Can't Get Enough - (About this point in the album, I'm so ready to turn it off, but there HAS to be something better coming up!) Dull, lifeless, boring, drab....
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None.
RATING: .75/5

12 - Ain't Really Love - I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY that I didn't turn this album off. This is sure to be another Mary classic. This is the prequel to "Not Gon' Cry." In this song, she's seeing the problems beginning, and questioning herself before she blames him. The vocal arrangement and the vocals themselves are WONDERFUL. She sings with this so much fire and soul that you begin to get angry at this "man" that she's singing about! Saaaang on, Mary!!! This will definitely be on repeat.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: DEFINITE.
RATING: 4.75/5

13 - I Found My Everything (featuring Raphael Saadiq) - SWEET GOD! YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!! This ol' SKEWL (yes, SKEWL) j.oint is so perfect in every way! The soul, the fire, the passion, the channeling of that gospel-fire! Mary is saaaaaaaaaanging the HELL out of this song and the instrumentation is perfect! They're not going to release this as a single, I know; it wouldn't work as a single in today's market, but damn if it doesn't work to as one to someone who has a real ear for music!!!! POIFECT!
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: Little to none, unfortunately.
RATING: 5/5

14 - Father In You - To all women who grew up fatherless and now seeking to find that in a mate, this song will get to all of you. To others, it will tug at your heartstrings, not because the song is excellent or because the instrumentation is extraordinary (neither of which it is), but the hurt, conviction, sadness, and pain Mary sings with makes the listener feel as if he's had the same experience. Effectively emoted, Mary.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: None
RATING: 3.25/5

15 - Alone (featuring Dave Young) - The perfect breakup song when you really don't want to breakup. "I don't know what to do because I'm real tired of you" but I still want you, though. It's an interesting
dilemma she presents here, and that's what drives the song forward. Nice song and duet. Reminds me so much of P!nk and Steven Tyler's "Misery" on P!nk's "Mizundastood" album. The soulful gritiness and indecisiveness is the current that drives this song. Definitely a single.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: DEFINITE
RATING: 3.75/5

16 - One (featuring U2) - As much as I thought this song would be contrived and forced, this song works amazingly, and I actually like Mary in the rock alternative genre because Mary is SAAAAAAAAAANING!
I'm actually shocked that this worked as well as it did! Kelly Clarkson better watch out because Mary could easily release this and make those Hazel Eyes of Kelly's weep with sadness. Good job, Mary!
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: Moderately high
RATING: 4.50/5

17 - So Lady (featuring Raphael Saadiq) - Instrumentally and the way the lyrics are sung, it's a more modern adaptation of "All That I Can Say" and this is not a bad thing. It works for this song. This is definitely a woman's anthem and Mary is holding back singing, but playing around with the song, something I've never heard her do before. Another gem.
POTENTIAL TO BE A SINGLE: High (only in urban market)
RATING: 3.75/5

Overall:

Well, what can I say except that no one can emote heartbreak and pain better than the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul herself. This album, while full of filler tracks, has many surprising standout tracks that work for
different reasons. This album is probably Mary's ticket to solid mainstream success. From deep, passion laced soul cuts to solid hip-hop j.oints to one powerfully dynamic rock alternative cut, this album is by far Mary's best. It captures the elements and themes that Mary leaves on each of her albums and for once, the listener gets to see the whole Mary, not just a side of her. Vocally, Mary is getting exponentially better. She's singing with MUCH more control and fluidity I've ever heard her do before with little pitch problems. If this album is marketed and promoted properly and aggressively, there's no doubt that it will Breakthrough the "Emancipation".

OVERALL RATING: 3.90/5
WOULD I RECOMMEND BUYING THIS: Yes. I'd buy this for "I Found My Everything" and "One" alone.

Album Review: Christina Aguilera - Back to Basics

Back To Basics

DISC ONE

01 - Intro (Back To Basics) - Your typical intro track, paying homage and tribute to all of the legends, trailblazers, and waymakers that came before her. RATING: 1/5

02 - Makes Me Wanna Pray - The instrumental is very jazzy, bluesy, with a little gospel sprinkled here and there. I honestly did not expect something like this from Christina; this more in the vein of Alicia Keys. It would not hurt for her to work on her enunciation and diction. Someone also should let her know that, in the immortal words of Cissy Houston, "if you start of big, you have nowhere to go." As a result, this comes off as a strained mess. This is contrived. Is it me or is the chorus reminiscent of MC Hammer's, "You've got to pray just to make it today......PRAAAAAAAAAAAAY!"? RATING: 1/5

03 - Back In the Day - Whoever told Christina that she was cut out to do old school R&B music told her wrong. This comes off as very forced. Back in the day, Christina, they wouldn't make crap like this and call it music. My wish for Christina: stop singing every song the same! There is no interpretation of the lyrics. She's simply singing and straining and any fool with a half a voice can do that. RATING: 1/5

04 - Ain't No Other Man - I loved this song from the time I saw her perform it on MTV, so I am sort of biased here. Of the tracks I've heard, it's the strongest on the album thus far. I love it. Good job, Xtina. RATING: 4/5

05 - Understand - BORING. BORING. If she would stop straining and learn how to actually caress and interpret a lyric, she'd have a killer song here. Again, the old school vibe falls flat on it's face. Sorry Xtina, this is not your calling. RATING: 1.5/5

06 - Slow Down Baby - When will she stop singing every song the same? RATING: 1/5

07 - Oh Mother - Now, this is what I'm talking about. She actually is beginning to interpret her lyrics. This song is a more classy version of Fantasia "Babymamaz." Christina pulls this off without a hitch. She did not oversing or strain this song. She simply sang it beautifully. While instrumentally it's nothing spectacular, her delivery more than makes up for that. RATING: 3.75/5

08 - F.U.S.S. - This is her answer to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River." Again, she tries the old school vibe and strangely enough, it actually works for this song. My only qualm is that the song is far too short. I suppose it was intended as so, though. One question, though: what does F.U.S.S. stand for? Good job, Xtina! RATING: 3.5/5

09 - On Our Way - The runs are getting to be a bit too much because they're the same in every song. I love runs and riffs. However, when you recycle the same one's time after time, it gets tiring. There hasn't been a song yet that doesn't have some type of 3-4 second, echoed run. Nevertheless, the song is decent. Lyrically, it's no gem, but then again, it's no slouch either. Instrumentally, it did not match what she was singing. But it is a decent song. RATING: 3/5

10 - Without You - No, this is not a remake of MC's "Without You." This song is in the same vein as India.Arie's, "I Am Not My Hair." Christina seems to have real trouble completing a phrase or interpreting a lyric without a run or riff being involved. It seems as if her voice is not strong enough to stay on top of her note, so she must do some type of run. This type of song has been done too many times before: "what would I do without you? What could I see without you? How would my day be without you?" It's decent. RATING: 3/5

11 -Still Dirrty - It's parent song does not compare. This song is clever and catchy. Her delivery is sexy and fiery. Again, my only problem is that she's still harping on the same things as on "Stripped": a woman's sexuality under scrutiny of a man, emancipation and liberation, and a hunger to be somehow edgy and the Madonna of this generation. Whatever. At any rate, the song is actually quite nice, both musically and vocally. But Christina, go take a bath; don't nobody wanna smell that. RATING: 3.75/5

12 - Here To Stay - Instrumentally, it's a far less original version of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love". I guess every artist has their "Whatchulookinat" and this is Christina's. However, the tired runs and "yea-e-yea-e-yea-e-yeah-ah-ah's" are growing tiresome. Got a skip button? Use it. RATING: 2/5

13 - Thank You (Dedication to the Fans...) - The way she worked in some of her earlier hits into the intro was nice. That was the Christina who actually knew a little something about interpretation of a lyric. This is a nice song, though because it features the voices of her fans thanking and praising her. I admire her for doing this song. RATING: 5/5

DISC TWO

14 - Enter the Circus - Next. RATING: 1/5

15 - Welcome - Okay, instrumentally, this song is something that you'd dream about after eating bad Chinese food or pizza. Again, enunciation and diction falters here. Nevertheless, the theme behind the song is somewhat refreshing and clever in the current state of music. While it's not a favorite or even a strong track, it is original and she gets points in my book for that. RATING: 3.5/5

16 - Candyman - Now, this type of 20's swing is what Christina should have gone for if she was trying to go back to basics. She actually interprets this song as if she's an artist of the 20's. The instrumentation is very refreshing, and the symbolism and metaphors used in the lyrics, while somewhat simple and elementary, are sexually charged but innocent at the same time. Some lyrics remind me of 50 Cent's, "I'll take you to the candy shop/I'll let you lick the lollipop..." She even REALLY toned down the runs for this song! Good job, Christina. RATING: 4.5/5

17 - Nasty Naughty Boy - "Come here, big boy!" The sex in this song is subtle and electrifying. It reminds me of Jessica Rabbit's song from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" lyrically, instrumentally, and her delivery. This song is hot! This is her genre! Again, refreshing. I love this track! I can just see her in a small, crowded, smoke-filled jukejoint in the 20's, walking from table to table flirting with the men. "Put your icing on my cake." I wonder what that alluded to, Christina? Good job, Christina! RATING: 5/5

18 - I Got Trouble - No one does this type of music anymore. The old muffled radio/phonograph sound adds to this song's authenticity. Refreshing again. This is so Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker of Christina to do. That ol' rasp that she adds to this song and the interpretation of the lyric is wonderful. Where was this Christina for the majority of the album? RATING: 4.75/5

19 - Hurt - Again, I ask: WHERE WAS THIS CHRISTINA FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE ALBUM? This is the Christina I fell in love with. She's actually singing and feeling what she's singing. She's not over singing. She's not running. She's not doing riffs. She's just.......singing it, and quite beautifully, I might add. Excellent, Christina! RATING: 5/5

20 -Mercy On Me - Heartfelt and desperate (in a good way). Her voice soars and soars and soars. Wow. RATING: 5/5

21 - Save Me From Myself - An acoustic gem. It's got that old 20's blues feel, and this is where Christina shines. She shows vocal vulnerability. You get to hear her without an abundance of instrumentation and reverb. You hear all of the cracks and parts of her voice that were not warmed up when she sang this and that's what makes this song such a gem. It's vulnerable and honest. Dare I say that this song is artistry. RATING: 5/5

22 - The Right Man - Another gem. Probably the single most strongest ballad I've heard in a LONG time. RATING: 4.75/5

Overall Album Review:

Disc 2 is where you want to be. Stay far, far away from Disc 1. Disc two is actually original and refreshing. Disc one is the same straining, oversinging, running and riffing. Disc 2, something happens to her and if it were released by itself, it would be the single most strong album I've heard since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. However, you must go through disc one first. Would I recommend this album? Yes. I'd recommend that you download before you buy because you honestly may not want disc 1. The girl can definitely sing. However, when is it too much is the question?

OVERALL RATING: 3.25/5

Album Review: Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds

FutureSex/LoveSounds

01 - Futuresex/Lovesounds - Lyrically, it's cheesy as heck! However, I'm feeling and appreciating this new, more masculine sounding Justin. He sings this song like a man with lots of experience in this area. This samples some 80's beat (I'm thinking something Michael Jackson's "Thriller," but I'm not completely sure) and it is the pulse that drives this song forward. His delivery and vocal on this song is, dare I say, artistic and interpretive. Good job, JT! Rating: 3.75/5

02 - SexyBack - (I had to listen to this with virgin ears.) Lyrically, I'm LOVING IT (ba da ba ba ba)! "You see these shackles babe, I'm your slave/I'll let you whip me if I misbehave". It's playfully erotic and that's what makes this song work. The one negative drawback of this song is the computer altered vocals of Justin we get in the verses. However, that's also what makes the song playfully erotic; a playful, drunken erotic. Go 'head, be gone with it, JT! Rating: 4/5

03 - Sexy Ladies (Let Me Talk To You) >Prelude< - Justin is doing some new things with this album and with his style in general. He's trying to establish street cred and sadly, it seems to be working, LOL. He's effectively experimenting with the lower extremities of his voice and even a little rapping, and he sounds great! Lyrically, it's nothing but the second coming of "Like I Love You" and "Rock Your Body." There's also something very Prince-like about this song, especially instrumentally and in his interpretation of the lyric. Killer club song, especially with a hot remix. Rating: 3.75/5

04 - My Love (featuring T.I.) - Okay, Justin has been studying Prince's formula for lyrical interpretation, because he's doing the dang thing! The beat is slightly annoying, but his vocal more than makes up for that. It's a mid-tempo groove that will DEFINITELY go on repeat! This is probably one of the best tracks and vocals from Justin that I've heard in a while. Heck, all things being considered, it's one of the best male vocals laid down on a hip-hop track in a heck of a long time! Rating: 4/5

05 - LoveStoned - I Think She Knows (Interlude) - Remember how "Don't Worry, Be Happy" had no real percussion except (or music for that matter)? Well, this is what it would sound like remixed, updated, and hip-hopped. It's Justin's not-so-trademarked beatboxing. Lyrically, it's a song that a lot of men can relate to (and probably a lot of women as well). I like it. His delivery is very convincing and he's bringing the fire on his vocal! I'm just not feeling the abrupt drop off of the beat into an entirely new beat altogether. It's very Erykah Badu "Certainly" of him. Nevertheless, it's a hot track! Rating: 4/5

06 - Damn Girl - The funeral/haunted house organ chords that he has playing on the instrumental does not work for this song. Additionally, you can barely hear what he's saying because he sounds like he was too close to the mic. Lyrically, this song is nothing you haven't heard before. "There's something about the way you do the things you do when you do those things." He's whining on the 1st half chorus due to the throaty falsetto he uses. However, the rap is HOT on top of that old school, mid-70's vibe this song has going on! Not the strongest track, but I've heard worse from him on "Justified". Rating: 3/5

07 - Summer Love (Set The Mood) >Prelude< - He's doing the dang thing. That's all I can say. Rating: 4/5

08 - Losing My Way - Wow, Justin. He is really bringing the heat! He's interpreting lyrics and his vocals are on point and the arrangement is flawless. This song is a tad melancholy. He is truly dedicated to his craft, based on the way he's interpreting this lyric. The depression, helplessness, and hopelessness conveyed in this lyric and his interpretation is almost heartbreaking. Put this on after or before P!nk's "Just Like A Pill" and wow... Rating: 4/5

09 - (Another Song) All Over Again - The real, raw, vulnerability that he displays on this song wowed the heck out of me. I couldn't help but yelling, "SANG JUSTIN!" He actually brought unexpected tears to my eye with this song. That might be because I can really relate to this song, but his delivery is not at all shabby. He could teach these youngin's out here today singing a thing or two with a cut like this SANG JUSTIN! I knew Justin could sing, but I did not know he could SANG. Rating: 5/5

10 - Pose (featuring Snoop Dog) - I'm really enjoying this playful side of Justin. However, it kinda falls flat here lyrically and instrumentally (it is instrumentally clever at one particular point). This is the first filler track on this album. Rating: 2/5

11 - Until The End of Time - The boy can definitely sing. The simple harmonies on this song are classic and I'm feeling the nice, slow-groove thing he has going on here. Lyrically, this song is nothing spectacular, but it is heartfelt. The only qualm about this song is that the instrumentation is a tad lackluster, however once again, Justin more than makes up for that with his vocals. Good job, JT! Rating: 3.75/5


Overall Album Review:

This is the overall most strong album I've heard since "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Every track here has the potential to be released and be a huge hit, aside from the last track. Would I buy it? Heck yes! Am I buying it? Heck yes! An album like this deserves to be a part of everyone's collection, not as a download, but as a purchased commodity. I really did not care for Justin Timberlake before this album; I knew of his hits and a few of his songs because my neice is a huge Justin fan. From this point, I will follow his career based on this album. Buy it.

Overall Album Rating: 4/5

Album Review: Monica - The Makings of Me

The Makings of Me

01 - Everytime Da Beat Drop - This song is so beneath her and is an insult to all true Monica fans. Uninspired. Trying to follow the latest hip hop musical trend. Disgusted. Rating: 1/5

02 - A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me) - WHAT THE HELL, MO?!! "Boy, you remind me of my Gucci shoes?" "You're butter on my shrimp; I'm Gladys Knight, you're my Pip?" What is the deal, Monica? Why are we doing a Beyonce and becoming entirely too materialistic? I feel insulted again. Is this is supposed to be 'hood Monica? I buy it in her personal life, but not on record. On record, it's an insult. Disgusted, again. Rating: 1/5

03 - Sideline Ho - I didn't have much hope for this song based on the title. What the heck is up with all the cursing just all of a sudden? I couldn't even listen to the rest of this track. Where the heck is Monica's head? I DO NOT BUY 'HOOD MONICA ON RECORD!!! This is disgusting. Rating: 1/5

04 - Why Her - Instrumentally, it's a tad reminiscent of "We Belong Together". It's nice groove, but lyrically it's just not her based on her past work. Vocally, it's nice and sweet. It's not groundbreaking. And if you heard it on the radio, you'd never be able to identify the song for the sake of conversation or who sang it. It's largely forgettable. She's clearly trying to be mainstream hip-hop now and she needs not. Sigh. Rating: 2/5

05 - Hell No (Leave Home) - Forgettable. Uninspired. Twista saved this song. Will I listen to this again? Hell no. Rating: 1/5

06 - Doin' Me Right - Next. Rating: 1/5

07 - Raw - Blah. Rating: 1/5

08 - My Everything - Finally, 7 tracks later, the Monica I first came to know makes a guest appearance on this album. I can easily see this being a part of a "For You I Will" medley. The instrumentation could be better and the song ended way too soon, but it is her strongest effort on the album thus far. Rating: 3/5

09 - Gotta Move On - You know, Missy Elliott is irking my nerves with her song intros--"New Monica s**t! Yup! Yes!" Shut up! Again, this is a return to the Monica I knew and fell in love with! Lyrically, it's juvenile and simplistic. Instrumentally, it's hugely forgettable, but Monica somehow salvages the song. Good job, Monica. Rating: 3/5

10 - Getaway - The most intimate, single most strong track on this entire project! This song is genious! She sings it with such vulnerability and conviction that you feel the pain. Great job vocally, instrumentally, and lyrically! Do the thing, Monica! Rating: 4/5

Overall Album Rating:


This album is supposed to establish street cred for Monica, something she quite clearly has based on her Vibe Magazine article. Nevertheless, if you download tracks 8-10, you'll have the strongest tracks (and the only one's worth hearing) on the album. This was her weakest effort EVER and I'm hugely disappointed as a Monica fan from the first CD.

Rating: 1.75/5