Sheryl Crow-Detours

Record Label: A&M
Year: 2008
Track Listing:
01. God Bless The Mess
02. Shine Over Babylon
03. Love Is Free
04. Peace be Upon Us
05. Gasoline
06. Out Of Our Heads
07. Detours
08. Now That You’re Gone
09. Drunk With The Thought of You
10. Diamond Ring
11. Motivation
12. Make It Go Away (The Radiation Song)
13. Love Is All There Is
14. Lullaby For Wyatt

Detours is an aptly titled for Sheryl Crow’s latest album. In between her broken engagement to Lance Armstrong, her battle with breast cancer, and the adoption of her son Wyatt,
she has managed to release one of her strongest albums to date.

Teaming up with one of her earlier collaborators, songwriter Bill Bottrell, Crow has produced an album that is a mixture of pop, rock, folk and roots. Don’t be too surprised to find political tunes on this album, as the album kicks off with ‘God Bless The Mess’, which gives Crow an isolated, echoed sound.
They’re closely followed by ‘Shine over Babylon’; the worldly tune ‘Peace Be upon Us’ that features Arabic singing; and the rock-themed ‘Gasoline’. Naturally, as one can expect from Crow, they’re all anti-war.

After hearing those track alone, one knows that Crow has soared past songs about soaking up the sun and having fun, and settled for something so much better.
For those who don’t want to hear anti-war protests, take a deep breath as the album alters from the preaches of anti-global warming and anti-war to a more personal level.

Detours sees Crow touch on aspects of her personal life, and the demons she has battled recently. ‘Make it go away’ touches on her own personal experience with breast cancer and she produces a touching tribute to her son on ‘Lullaby for Wyatt’.

She also touches on her personal heartbreak with ‘Detours’ and ‘Now you’re gone’ which is a strong redemption-from-love song. ‘Love is there’, which sees Crow deal with the loss of love in a more mature manner.

This is a stellar effort for Crow who, after 15 odd years in the music industry, has made her mark as a singer-songwriter.

Tracks worthy of listening: ‘Gasoline’, ‘Out Of Our Heads’, ‘Peace Be Upon Us’ ‘Now That You’re Gone’.

I give this: HHHH

Buy Detours

Official Site

Various Artists-The Phantom of the Opera

Record Label: Sony
Year: 2004
Track Listing:
01. Overture
02. Think of Me
03. Angel of Music
04. The Mirror (Angel of Music)
05. The Phantom of the Opera
06. Music of the Night
07. Prima Donna
08. All I Ask of You
09. All I Ask of You (Reprise)
10. Masquerade
11. Wishing You Were Here Again
12. The Point of No Return
13. Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer
14. Learn To Be Lonely

There is no musical bigger or as spectacular as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. So, it was no surprise that Hollywood would eventually turn it into a movie once again. While the film left many cold, thanks to the heavy padding and casual gothic noire of Joel Schumacher.

However, while the movie may have sucked big time, the soundtrack withstands the testament of time and is a magical delight.
While, the musicians will never hold a candle to the delights of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, it is a worthy effort.

Beefed up by the presence of a 100-piece orchestra and The London Boys Choir, it showcases all the main songs of the story. While we also get a delightful 16 minutes of new music written specifically for the film, it is 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Music of the Night' that shine throughout.
Again, while they are never going to be the powerful duo of Crawford and Brightman, Both Gerald Butler and Emmy Rossum do an amazing job.

Both Rossum and Butler know only too well the importance of drawing the audience into their music and really nail it.
Rossum has a voice of an angel and Butler is surprising in his powerful vocal range. Not to mention the sheer emotion that he conveys in his music, whether he is passionately whispering the lyrics or belting them out. It’s both captivating and inspiring.

Being a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera since the original in 1987, I have to say that this is close to becoming one of my favorite soundtracks aside from the original.

For all fans of Broadway and Musicals, this simply is a must to have in your CD collection, even if it is just for 'Music of the Night' and 'Phantom of the Opera'.

I give it 4/5

Buy The Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack

Official Site

Duran Duran-Redcarpet Massacre

Record Label:
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
01. The Valley
02. Red Carpet Massacre
03. Nite Runner
04. Falling Down
05. Box Full O Honey
06. Skin Divers
07. Tempted
08. Tricked Out
09. Zoom In
10. She’s Too Much
11. Dirty Great Monster
12. Last Man Standing

Red Carpet Massacre is the much-anticipated 2007 return of 80’s rockers Duran Duran. On first listen the sound of Simon Le Bon’s familiar whine is present, although the sound is surprisingly different.

For fans expecting Mach II of 'Hungry Like A Wolf', and 'Girls on Film' think again. While the first two tracks get as close to the old Duran Duran as possible, the rest of the album takes a different turn.

Fans of the band may be scratching their heads at ‘Nite Runner’and wonder if they bought a Justin Timberlake album instead of a Duran Duran one. That’s not surprising since he wrote, produced and features on ‘Nite Runner’ and ‘Falling Down’.
The same can be said for Timbaland with 'Skin Divers’ and ‘Zoom in’, two songs he wrote, produced and featured on.

The truth is, adding these two brilliant artists to a Duran Duran album was not particularly a savvy idea by the band, as their strong dominance complete overshadow Duran Duran.
Duran Duran seemed more concerned with being a hit with the younger generation, which may be one of the reasons they have brought in Timberlake and Timbaland.
They definitely have some catchy club tunes, and have replaced Andy Taylor with electronic beats was an interesting choice.

That’s not to say I don’t like this album, I do…as long as I listen to it without thinking of classic Duran Duran. That, or concentrate too hard on it.

For those who are die-hard fans just take away the tracks Timbaland and Timberlake contribute to, and the distinct vocals of Le Bon are loud and clear.
The only difference is that these days Le Bon’s whiny vocals have been altered electronically on some tracks, and on others left well alone.

Personally, I’d say, to most Duran Duran fans and newcomers, save your money.

Red Carpet Massacre is not worth it, and certainly a huge disappointment for such a highly anticipated comeback.

I give it 1/5

Buy Red Carpet Massacre

Official Site

Duran Duran on myspace

Fergie-The Dutchess

Record Label:Interscope Records
Year: 2006
Track Listing:
1. Fergalicious (Featuring Will.I.Am)
2. Clumsy
3. All That I Got (The Make Up Song) Featuring Will.I.Am
4. London Bridge
5. Pedestal
6. Voodoo Doll
7. Glamorous (Featuring Ludacris)
8. Here I Come
9. Velvet
10. Big Girls Don’t Cry
11. Mary Jane Shoes (Featuring Rita Marley & The I-Three’S)
12. Losing My Ground
13. Finally
14. Get your hands up (Bonus)
15. Wake up (bonus)
16. Paradise (Bonus)

Was it a big surprise to anyone that Stacey Ferguson AKA

Fergie decided to realise a
solo album? I mean let’s face it that’s just what anyone in a world famous band, with strong vocals and vamped up sex appeal does right?

Firstly let me ask you- Does the cover art of the album just seem a little too reminiscent of a Lil Kim album?
The covers seem almost identical if looking at them side by side. Same pose, almost the same lingerie, and same supposedly sexy look.

Produced by

Will.I.Am, this debut solo album by Fergie is better than I thought it would be. At first thought I expected the whole album to be nothing more than R and B, and funk pop, but surprisingly Fergie actually can sing, and behind that sexed up façade is a strong vocalist.

The album isn’t just about hip hop and funk, although it has it’s fair share of it, with the already well-known, 'London Bridge' as well as 'Fergalicious', 'Clumsy', 'Voodoo Doll'and 'Mary Jane Shoes', although the last two songs mentioned are more reggae than hip hop.

But mixed in with these tracks are some slower tracks, in which I think Fergie really does shine. Instead of her usual hip hop style of singing, she actually sings.

Tracks that really show her versatility, and a softer side of Fergie include 'Big Girls Don’t Cry', 'All That I Got', 'Losing My Ground'and 'Finally'.

One of the things I do admire about Fergie is that she throws caution to the wind, and songs that start off hip hop turn into wold rock beats. It’s almost as if she can’t decide which genre to go with, but it works at the same time.
Lyrically, she is at her weakest, although she tries her best.

One interesting song was 'Here I Come', which was a sample of The Tempation's, 'Get Ready'. The first time I heard it, I loved it. Being a huge Temptation’s fan, I was surprised to find that I loved what Fergie did to the song. Simply brilliant.

Best songs on the album, “London Bridge”, “Here I Come”, “Finally”, “Pedestal”, and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”.

Buy The Dutchess

Fergie's Official Site

Fergie on myspace

Garth Brooks-Double Live

Record Label: Capitol Nashville
Year: 1998
Disc one
"Callin' Baton Rouge" (Dennis Linde) – 2:58
"Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House" (Warren Haynes, Dennis Robbins, Bobby Boyd) –
2:44
"Shameless" (Billy Joel) – 3:55
"Papa Loved Mama" (Kim Williams, Garth Brooks) – 2:51
"The Thunder Rolls (The Long Version)" (Pat Alger, Brooks) – 4:48
"We Shall Be Free" (Stephanie Davis, Brooks) – 4:43
"Unanswered Prayers" (Alger, Larry Bastian, Brooks) – 3:41
"Standing Outside the Fire" (Jenny Yates, Brooks) – 3:43
"Longneck Bottle" (Rick Carnes, Steve Wariner) – 2:42 feat. Steve Wariner
"It's Your Song" (Pam Wolfe, Benita Hill) – 4:18
"Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)" (Randy Taylor, Brooks) – 3:12
"The River" (Victoria Shaw, Brooks) – 3:48
"Crowd" – 0:06 Not listed on the case, it is 6 seconds of crowd cheering possibly included because Garth did not want the cd to have 13 tracks.
"Tearin' it Up (And Burnin' it Down)" (Kent Blazy, Williams, Brooks) – 3:56

Disc two
"Ain't Goin' Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)" (Williams, Blazy, Brooks) – 4:45
"Rodeo" (Bastian) – 3:44
"The Beaches of Cheyenne" (Dan Roberts, Bryan Kennedy, Brooks) – 3:51
"Two Piña Coladas" (Shawn Camp, Hill, Sandy Mason) – 4:38
"Wild as the Wind" (Pete Wasner, Charles John Quarto) – 4:13 feat. Trisha Yearwood
"To Make You Feel My Love" (Bob Dylan) – 3:17
"That Summer" (Alger, Sandy Mahl, Brooks) – 4:42
"American Honky-Tonk Bar Association" (Kennedy, Jim Rushing) – 4:05
"If Tomorrow Never Comes" (Blazy, Brooks) – 3:44
"The Fever" (Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Kennedy, Roberts) – 3:40
"Friends in Low Places (The Long Version)" (Earl "Bud" Lee, DeWayne Blackwell) – 8:56
"The Dance" (Tony Arata) – 3:56

Garth Brooks isn't your traditional and typical country singer.
With music roots that go back to his love for Kiss when he was younger, it's obvious through his double live album that he tries to emulate what Kiss did on their own live albums and shows. And you know what? Garth succeeds.

Nothing about this double live album is dull. Garth shows through his music what a true performer he is, and you only need to listen to this album to understand why everyone raves about his showmanship. With classics that range from 'Friends in Low Places' to newer songs such as 'The American Honky Tonk Bar Association' Garth brings a little rock to his country, and a little country to his rock, and he does it exceptionally well.
Garth brings his own style to country. In each song he performs he speaks volumes with emotion. Songs like 'We Shall Be Free' touch the soul completely.

Other songs such as 'The American Honky Tonk-Bar Association'and his exceptional cover of Aerosmith's 'The Fever' has one tapping their foot along to the beat of the music.
Whether he is being cocky and confident, or humble and tearful, through and through he brings emotion to the music. This is heard not only through his voice, and the lyrics but through the crowd, and the atmosphere.

Songs such as 'The Thunder Rolls' and 'Friends In Low Places' are two songs, in which the extra verses can only be heard in concert and the response to those extra verses is enough to hear it. Garth's connection with his fans is obvious, and what is even more obvious is his own enjoyment at seeing how much his fans love his shows.
And it wouldn't be right without Trisha Yearwood singing a duet with Garth, as she does on 'Wild As The Wind'.

This Cd is a must to all Garth fans. And for those who aren't Garth fans this is the album that will either make you one, or not.

The best way to listen to this is to turn down the lights, turn up the music, close your eyes and let Garth take you there.

Buy Double Live

Garth Brook's Official Site

Ozzy Osbourne-Under Cover

Record Label: Sony
Year: 2005
Track Listing:
01. Rocky Mountain Way
02. In My Life
03. Mississippi Queen
04. Go Now
05. Woman
06. 21st Century Schzoid Man
07. All The young Dudes
08. For What It’s Worth
09. Good Times
10. Sunshine Of Your Love
11. Fire
12. Working Class Hero
13. Sympathy For The Devil

What the hell was Ozzy thinking? That’s the first thing that comes to mind in listening to
Under Cover. The next thing is that he obviously wasn’t because this is one of the worst cover albums I have ever heard.

It’s cringe-worthy. And, for someone who is a huge Ozzy fan that’s a hard thing to say about the Prince of Darkness.

But, a covers album of poorly chosen songs? Not his best move. It might have not been so bad if he hadn’t managed to destroy every song he stumbled through. It could have been feasible if the songs chosen hadn’t been so poor. I mean Ozzy singing Lennon’s ‘Woman’?

Not only is there absolutely no contest between Lennon and Ozzy in singing ‘Woman’ but Ozzy tends to warble through it with a lack of conviction and no emotional impact. In truth, his singing ‘Woman’ is more of an insult rather than a tribute.

Granted, this was part of the Prince of Darkness 4 Disc set, but to release it by itself…another poor move. At least with the box set you could sit through it, and know that there were 4 more Discs that surely had to be better. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with this disc.

In listening to this album, it is hard to believe that this is a man that has produced worthier albums such as Blizzard of Oz, Ozzmosis and more recently Black Rain. However, having said that a highlight to this album is that it makes a fine coffee coaster.

Kiddies, if you want to keep remembering Ozzy as the Prince of Darkness and not the pathetic putz you see on The Osbournes, forget this album and buy Black Rain instead.

I find even hard to give it 1/5

Buy Under Cover

Official Site

Ryan Adams-Heartbreaker

Year: 2000
Record Label: Bloodshot records
Track Listing:
01. (Argument With David Rawlings Concerning Morrissey)
02. To Be Young
03. My Winding Wheel
04. Amy
05. Oh My Sweet Carolina
06. Bartering Lines
07. Call Me On Your Way Back Home
08. Damn Sam
09. Come pick Me Up
10. To Be The One
11. Why Do You Leave?
12. Shakedown In 9th Street
13. Don’t Ask For The Water
14. In My Time Of Need
15. Sweet Lil gal

Ryan Adams Heartbreaker begins with Adams and Rawlings arguing about a Morrissey song 'Suedehead' and which album that it’s on.

A strange way to start an album, but something that is typical of Adams. It’s really hard to pinpoint what genre to describe Adams. He’s a country boy with a dark attitude, and his music tends to crossover into many different genres.

Personally I would describe him more as a folk singer with rock, blues and country flooding through the blood in his veins.
Maybe, even go, as close as to describe him as a modern day

Bob Dylan, if I dare.

If you’re feeling down and out then this probably isn’t the best album for you to listen to. Dark, deep and melancholy, Adams oozes heartbreak, indefinite sadness and bitter anger. All these things he does very well, and as always “Heartbreaker” is another well-written Adams album.

There are upbeat songs on the album, such as the second track 'To Be Young' and 'Shakedown on 9th Street' but as the titled album suggests this album focuses on broken relationships and the aftermath.

'Come Pick Me Up' is just brilliant with it’s lines, “Steal all my records, screw all my friends…why stop there?” which is the tale of a breakup gone badly.One of the most beautiful songs on the album is My Sweet Carolina, in which

Emmylou Harris sings harmonies.

Adams has a few different guest vocalists on his album, including Kim Richey, Harris, and Allison Pierce.

One of the things I love best about this album is Ryan Adams gravally voice. Not only does he share with us the darkness and anger through his lyrics, but also through his voice.
Expressive in every song, you really can feel his emotions in particularly on “Oh my sweet Carolina”, as he talks about home. Truly Beautiful music.

If you love the likes of Jack Johnson, Damian Rice, Adam Cohen and John Mayer than Ryan Adams really should be checked out.

This is some of his finest work and a real infusion of rock, county, folk and blues combined together to create something special.

Buy Heartbreaker

Ryan's Official Site

Ryan on myspace

The Fray-The Reason EP

Record Label: Independent
Year: 2003
Track Listing:
01. Together
02. Some Trust
03. Vienna
04. Without Reason
05. City Hall
06. Oceans Away
07. Unsaid

Before The Fray hit the big time with How To Save a Life, they released this independent EP titled The Reason. Re-released by Epic after they became a sensation, it an earlier version of “Vienna”.

While I wouldn’t categorize it as a must-have, it does allow fans an insight into the development of the Denver band.
One of the aspects that I do like about this EP is that it’s not one that’s just been thrown together, but highlights the strengths of the band.

Each song is well written and produced, and captures their musical style. In listening to this, it’s hard to believe that The Fray was only starting together, and not an already established band.

I actually prefer the feel of this CD rather than their later stuff, especially tracks such as “City Hall”, “Unsaid” and “Some Trust”.

I give this 3/5.

Buy The Reason EP

Official Site

The Fray on myspace

Jack Johnson-In between Dreams

Record Label: UMVD Labels
Year: 2005
Track listing:
01. Better Together
02. Never Know
03. Banana Pancakes
04. Good People
05. No Other Way
06. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing
07. Staple It Together
08. Situations
09. Crying Shame
10. If I Could
11. Breakdown
12. Belle
13. Do You Remember
14. Constellations

There is something soothing about In Between Dreams. It’s probably an observation that can be made about all Jack Johnson’s albums, and it seems the most fitting.

While the laid-back style of music has not changed from his previous two albums, this time Jack Johnson’s instincts have shaped his melodies more, and taught him how to self-edit. Johnson has this ability to write and make music that gives chills, and this album does just that.
The music is as per usual haunting, and makes you feel slightly nostalgic, especially on the French sung, belle, and sitting, waiting, wishing, which to me is one of the top tracks on this CD.

One of the things that I do love about this album is that the songs tend to blend into each other, and at times it is hard to find where one song ends and another begins.

Another is that, while the album is rather nostalgic, Johnson sings in such an upbeat way, that you just can’t help but smile and let the album lighten your mood.

While it is my belief, on and on, is the perfect album for a cold, wet, winter’s day, in your dreams, is the perfect music to listen to driving with your windows down on a scorching summers day.

If you’re looking for an album to completely relax you, and forget all your troubles then Jack Johnson is definitely your man.
His voice has this soothing effect, that peels away all your troubles, and lulls one into a sense of comfort.

Tracks not to miss: 'Banana Pancakes', 'Sitting Watching Waiting', Belle, and 'Good People'.

I give this album 4/5

Buy In Between Dreams

Jack Johnson's Official Site

Jack Johnson on myspace

Rodney Atkins-If You're Going Through Hell

Year: 2006
Record Label: curb

Track listing:
01. These Are My People
02. About The South
03. Watching You04. Cleaning This Gun
05. In The Middle

06. A Man On A Tractor
07. Wasted Whiskey
08. Invisably Shaken
09. Angels Hands
10.If You're Going Through Hell

I purchased this CD after hearing the song, 'Watching You', and I have to say I was impressed by it. From the beginning of the album, this album really sucked me. It’s not hard to tell from the first song that East Tennessee native, Atkins is proud of his heritage and where he comes from.

I think the choir-style chorus works very well for the about the south, and it is a real toe-topping song.

The most enjoyable song on this album though is the song, 'Cleaning This Gun'. It really made me smile, as it’s a song about a guy realising that his little girl is growing up and his worrying that she will meet the type of boy that he used to be.

It’s every father’s nightmare, and the perfect revenge. The song is sung with humor, and a real gem on this album.

'Watching You', is another gem, and is a #1 hit for Atkins. A song about his son imitating him, and the clear messages we should be careful about what we do lest our children think it’s the right thing.

Atkins reminds me of Tim McGraw. Refreshingly honest, tongue in cheek, proud of who is he is and who he comes from.

It’s pure country from the first beat to the last.I’m looking forward to hearing more from Atkins, and it’s a nice introduction to a fine country singer.

I give this 4/5

Buy If You're Going Through Hell

Official site

John Mayer-The Village sessions

Record Label: Sony BMG
Year: 2007

Track listing:
01. Waiting On The World To Change (Ben Harper version)
02. Belief (acoustic version)
03. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room (acoustic version)
04. Good Love On The Way (acoustic version)
05. I’m Gonna Find You(acoustic version)
06. In Repair (acoustic version)

I love anything that John Mayer does, and this EP is no different.

The Village Sessions shows Mayer retooling some of his latest tunes from Continuum, and in doing so strips everything away so it is just Mayer and an acoustic guitar.

Fans of Mayer will be delighted by the results, as there is an even more laid back feel to all the songs and an intimacy about Mayer and his music.

You can almost imagine Mayer sitting there and running his fingers, over the guitar sings, lost completely in the moment and his music. It’s a good imagery, and one fans of his earlier music will testify to.The Village Sessions is a simple release.

Mayer lets his guitar skills shine throughout the whole EP, and his vocals take a backseat. It’s hard to imagine what made Mayer decide to put this EP together, but I like to think that maybe its his way to remember his roots, and get back to basics and where he started-as an acoustic musician.

Either way, The Village Sessions is a relaxing listen, and Mayer shines throughout. I admit I loved the album from beginning to end, and a favorite of mine is waiting on the world to change (Ben Harper version)

For fans of John Mayer, this is just another reason to fall in love with the talented musician.

I give it 4/5

Buy The Village Sessions

Official Site

John Mayer on myspace

Britney Spears: B-In The Mix

Record Label: Jive
Year: 2005

Track listing

1. Toxic (Peter Rauhofer Reconstruction Edit)

2. Me Against The Music (Ft Madonna) (Justice Remix)

3. Touch Of My Hand (Bill Hamel Remix)

4. Breathe On Me (Jacques Lu Cont's Thin White Duke Mix)

5. I'm A Slave 4 U (Dave Aude Slave Driver Mix)

6. And Then We Kiss (Junkie Xl Remix)

7. Everytime (Valentin Remix)

8. Early Mornin' (Jason Nevins Remix)

9. Someday (I Will Understand) (Hi-Bias Signature Remix)

10. Baby One More Time (Davidson Ospina 2005 Remix)

11. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know (Hex Hector Club Mix)

12. Stronger (Mac Quayle Mixshow Edit)

13. I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman (Metro Mix)

14. Someday ( I Will Understand) (Gota Remix Ft Mcu)

It’d been a while since Britney released an album, but after the success of Toxic, being played repeatedly in nightclubs around the world, it wasn’t long before her record label released they were onto something.

The response? To release a remix album of Britney danced up.

Teaming up with some of the hottest guest producers that include Junkie XL, Jason Nevins, Hex Hector and Jacques Lu Cont (AKA Stuart Price, the producer of Madonna’s “confessions’ album), it also includes the new song, Someday, which has also been remixed.

This album is strictly for either die hard Britney fans, or for those have a great appreciation for dance music. Heavy usage of bass, and not my kind of music, although Peter Rauhofer’s version of Toxic, was worth the disc alone.

It is also a way of showing how far Britney has come musically since she began with baby one more time.

One of the things I do love about this album, is that it does give Britney’s music not only a darker edge to it, but also a heavier sound.

The music envisions flashing lights on and on, sweaty, dancing bodies and flashbacks. Some songs such as touch of my hand, unfortunately drown out Spear’s voice with the heavy beats. Some may see it as a blessing, but in this case I think it does ruin the song.

I’ve still got mixed feelings about the CD, and the first time I heard it I hated it, but it has slowly started to grow on me.

It’s still not an album I would choose to listen to unless I was really in the mood for heavy bass and loud beats, or just something to get me ready for clubbing.

I give it 2/5

Buy B In The Mix

Britney's Official Site

Britney on myspace

Dolly Parton-The Very Best Of

Record Label: Sony/BMG

Year: 2007

Track Listing:
01. 9 To 5
02. I Will Always Love You
03. Islands In The Stream
04. Jolene
05. Coat of Many Colors
06. My Tennessee Mountain Home
07. Here You Come Again
08. Baby I'm Burning
09. Love Is Like a Butterfly
10. Bargain Store
11. Potential New Boyfriend
12. Everything's Beautiful (In It's Own Way) - Willie Nelson,
13. Silver Threads and Golden Needles - Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette
14. To Know Him Is to Love Him - Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt
15. Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That
16. Romeo
17. Tennessee Homesick Blues
18. Dumb Blonde
19. Applejack
20. Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You

With an artist such as Dolly Parton, who has performed well over 3000 songs, and had hit after hit, how do you manage to release a Very Best Of, and choose simply the best without disappointing fans?

Well, in Parton’s case, it would seem you release a Greatest Hits/Best of every couple of years and hope that it satisfies the fan. Already owning three Parton compilation, I was interested to see whether or not this Very Best Of would be any different from the others.

This time around I was pleasantly surprised, as the album does span her long career and capture the essence of the country singer.
Obviously on each Best of there are going to be the songs that are almost a requisite such as 'Jolene', and '9 To 5' and 'Coat Of Many Colors', but then you get the hidden treasures such as Parton’s first hit 'Dumb Blonde'.

Tracks such as 'Coat of Many Colors', 'I Will Always Love You'and 'Jolene' capture the writing talents of a singer, who has penned nearly every song that she has written.

'To Know Him Is To Love Him', 'Romeo' and 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles'shows that Dolly’s talents at harmonising, and see her team up with other country legends such as Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Linda Ronstadt during the 80’s.

This time the album also showcases tracks such as 'Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You', 'Applejack' and 'Potential New Boyfriend'- all tracks I had never heard before, and loved from the beginning. They were pure Dolly through and through.

Like all Greatest Hits, there are going to be the die-hard fans who will grumble about what should or should not have been on this album. That’s fair enough, but for new comers of the brilliance that is Dolly, this is a nice treat and introduces them to not just her bigger hits, but some of her older songs.

The album also defines the ups and downs that have come with Dolly’s music, and how she has managed to rise against all odds, and still be the most recognized female country singer of all time.

Tracks not to miss: 'Baby I’m Burnin', 'Islands In The Stream', 'Potential New Boyfriend', 'Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That' and 'Coat Of Many Colors'.

I give the album 3/5

Buy The Very Best Of

Official Site

Free Good Charlotte single

Another free download, this time from Good Charlotte.

Sign up for their mailing list and you will be able to download one of their songs free. Download it here

Free Downloads

For all Nine Inch Nails fan who can't wait to buy their new album, NIN currently has it available for free download from their website.

You can download it here

Track Listing: 01. 999,9990
2. 1,000,000
03. Letting You
04. Discipline
05. Echoplex
06. Head Down
07. Lights In The Sky
08. Corona Radiata
09. The Four Of Us Are Dying
10. Demon Seed

Length: 43:35

Coldplay also have their newest single available for a free download on their website

You can download it here

Phil Vassar-Prayer Of A Common Man

Record Labels: Universal South
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
01. This Is My Life
02. Around Here Somewhere
03. My Chevrolet
04. Love Is A Beautiful Thing
05. Prayer Of a Common Man
06. I would
07. Why Don’t Ya
08. It’s Only Love
09. Let Me Love You Tonight
10. Baby Rocks
11. The World Is A Mess
12. Crazy Life

Prayer of a Common Man sees Phil Vassar make his debut on Universal South Records. Produced by Mark Wright (Gretchen Wilson), his fourth studio album allows Vassar a creativity control that was lacking on his previous albums.

A renowned Nashville songwriter, who has penned hits for Alan Jackson, Collin Raye, and Tim McGraw, Vassar pulls no punches on this album. While he is known for his songs about having fun, Prayer of a Common Man shows a more personal and introspective side.

Fans of Vassar’s fun style, don’t despair, as ‘My Chevrolet’ and ‘Why Don’t Ya’ shows that the country singer can still kick up his heels and cut it with the rest of them.

There isn’t just the change of tone to the songwriting, but fans of Vassar will also notice there is a different feel to Prayer of a Common MN.

While each song still has the strength of a piano behind the music, this album is more guitar-drive. The combination works well and while this is still a country album, there is more than just a shade of rock.

For someone who’s not a big Phil Vassar fan, it’s surprising to be able to say that there is not one damn fault on this album.

The songs are as evenly balanced as always, and Vassar’s voice is clear, and goes from strength to strength, especially on ‘Let Me Love You Tonight’.

Prayer of a Common Man is a sure-fire hit for Vassar, and the first single ‘Love is A Beautiful Thing’ is already climbing the country charts.

A must-have for fans of Vassar, and for fans of great country music.

Songs not to miss: ‘Why Don’t Ya’, ‘Let Me Love You Tonight’, ‘The World Is A Mess’.

Buy Prayer of a Common Man

Phil Vassar's official site

Phil on myspace

Watch the first single 'Love is a Beautiful Thing'

The Goo Goo Dolls- Greatest Hits, Vol 1- The Singles

Record Label: Warner Brothers

Year: 2007

Track Listing:

01. Let Love In
02. Dizzy
03. Here Is Gone
04. Slide
05. Name (new version)
06. Stay With You
07. Before It’s too Late
08. Broadway
09. Feel The Silence (remix)
10. Better Days
11. Big Machine
12. Black Balloon
13. Sympathy
14. Iris

The Goo Goo Dolls burst onto commercial radio with their smash hit 'Iris' but long before that they had a hit with 'Name’. Most fans of The Goo’s know that this is not the first compilation they have released.

In fact, in 2001 the band released one titled, What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art and Commerce, an album chock-filled with hits from all their albums.

So, does this Greatest Hits stack up? As much as I do love this album, it’s by far not a Greatest Hits package. Hell, it’s not even a cliff notes version.
There are so many great songs missing from this album including ‘January Friend’, ‘Slave Girl’, their cover Supertramp’s 'Give a little bit’ and their whole back catalogue of the Metal Blade Years.
Actually that’s not quite correct. They did add to this Greatest Hits package a version of ‘Name’, which comes from ‘A Boy Named Goo’.
Unfortunately, they decided to update it and it’s a newer version that doesn’t even stand up to the original.

Don’t get me wrong, for those who are not fans of the Goo Goo Dolls and want to experience the band from afar then this is the perfect album for them. It has their later biggest hits such as ‘Iris’, ‘Slide’, and 'Broadway’ on it.
All of these are great songs, and I’ll admit some of my favourites but they don’t quite show the strength, depth and talents of the Goo Goo Dolls.
The album also shows only one side of the band, and there is nary a glimpse of their punk-rock origins.

I find it hard to call this a Greatest Hits package when it is mainly comprised of their last three albums, rather than all their albums.
Maybe it’s a coincidence that the three albums were released by Warner Bros, and their earlier records with Metal Blade.
This is an okay album if you’re looking for it to be a companion of their earlier records, but if you’re really looking for a Greatest Hits that showcases all that the Goos are then What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art and Commerce is the one to buy.

There’s word that Volume 2 is due to come out in June this year, so here’s hoping that it actually showcases all that the Goos are, and not just the acoustic tracks and Warner Years.

Great album, but definitely not a great Greatest Hits.

I give it HH

Buy Greatest Hits 1

Goo's Official Site

Goo's on myspace

Cher-Greatest Hits-1965-1992

Year: 1992

Record Label: Geffen records
Track listing:

01. Oh No Not My Baby
02. Whenever You're Near
03. Many Rivers to Cross
04. Love and understanding
05. Save Up All your Tears
06. The Shoop Shoop Song
07. If I Could Turn Back Time
08. Just Like Jesse James
09. Heart Of Stone
10. I Found Someone
11. We All Sleep Alone
12. Bang Bang
13. Dead Ringer For Love
14. Dark Lady
15. Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves
16. I Got You Babe

This Greatest Hits album is Cher to a core. Reproduced a few years back with one or two extra tracks, this is still the better version of the album.

In the midst of her never ending retirement tour, Cher has released string after string of hits over her forty years in the music industry from her time with Sonny Bono and her time as a solo artist.

Consisting of 16 tracks, Cher’s Greatest hits really does consist of some of her Greatest songs, and includes more obscure tracks like 'Oh No Not My Baby', 'Many Rivers To Cross' and 'Save up all your tears'.Some of the better tracks of this album come from her album Heart Of Stone, such as 'Just Like Jesse James', 'If I Could Turn Back Time'and 'Heart of Stone'.

It wouldn’t be a Cher’s Greatest hits album without the classic 'I Got You Babe' with the late Sonny Bono, and Meatloaf and Cher’s duet on 'Dead Ringer For Love'.

It’s a shame that they didn’t think to put on 'Halfbreed', which was one of the defining songs in her solo career.

Cher’s unique voice coupled with strong lyrics, catchy beats, and songwriters of the like of serial songwrirters Diane Warren, and Desmond Child make this album worthy anyone’s CD collection.

Throw in songs written by Michael Bolton, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, and this is a definite must have for all Cher fans.

I give this 4/5

Buy Cher's Greatest Hits

Cher's Official Site

Cher on myspace

Prince- The Hits 1

Record Label: Paisley Park

Year: 1993

Track listing:

01. When Doves Cry
02. Pop Life
03. Soft and Wet
04. I Feel For You
05. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?
06. When You Were Mine
07. Uptown
08. Let’s Go Crazy
09. 1999
10. I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man
11. Nothing Compares To U
12. Adore
13. Pink Cashmere
14. Alphabet St
15. Sign o’ The Times
16. Thieves In The Temple
17. Diamonds and Pearls
18. 7

I’m not an enormous fan of Prince, but I’m smart enough to know that he's probably one of the most talented songwriters and musicians of our time.

My first experience with Prince was in the eighties, and hearing 'When Doves Cry' for the first time. It got me hooked, and aided in my appreciation of music.

This Hit package probably highlights the sexual tracks of Prince and chronicles his hits from 78-1993.

There’s nothing particularly special for the die-hard Prince fans, but for newcomers to his music, it is a delight.

It has some of his Greatest Hits on it, starting with 'When Doves Cry', and ending with his newer music of that time, '7'.

One of the things you do have to admire about Prince is that he has packaged a CD that shows how much his music has progressed, and developed in the past 15 years. Definitely one that should be in your collection if you grew up on Prince, but for those who already own all his albums, then it’s not so worthy.

Personally it’s one I could not do without in my collection. With the classic tracks of 'When Doves Cry', 'Let’s Go Crazy', '1999', 'Sign O The Times', and his newer music 'Thieves In The Temple', 'Diamonds and Pearls' and '7', it is a real gem.

One thing that should also be noted about Prince is that his song 'Sign O The Times'was done at a time when AIDS was still only just being talked about.

Prince gave us a politic statement that seemed an unsafe choice for a single but one that worked out well.

I give it 4/5

Buy Prince-The Hits 1

Official Site

Prince-Little Red Corvette (Live)