Mandy More-Wild Hope

Year: 2007
Record Label: Firm Music
Track Listing:
01. Extraordinary
02. All Good Things
03. Slummin In Paradise
04. Most Of Me
05. Few Days Down
06. Can’t You Just Adore Her?
07. Looking Forward
08. Wild Hope
09. Nothing That You Are
10. Latest Mistake
11. Ladies’ Choice
12. Gardenia

Mandy Moore has come along way since her teen-pop days, where the best that she could muster was the hit single “Candy”.

In fact, apart from her 2003 covers album, Coverage she’d probably prefer us to forget she recorded the rest.However, 2007 was an incredibly good year for Moore. In her own right she has become a well-respected Hollywood actress, and has finally released an album that cements her place as a singer-songwriter.

Wild Hope brings a seasoned maturity to Moore’s music, and while her voice is not distinctive, there is something charming about Mandy Moore all the same.

Written by Moore with the help of other great musicians such as Rachael Yamagata, Lori McKenna, and The Weepies, the album has songs that will help her find a place among the likes of other adult-contemporary artists such as Sarah McLachlan, and Anna Nalick.

One of the things I like about this album is that while other teen singers such as Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears are still trying to move teens out onto the dance floor with their music, Moore isn’t even attempting to do so. Instead she has taken a leaf from the likes of Sheryl Crow, and remained on the outer, producing songs that have far more quality and substance and less bump and grind.

Wild Hope is an album that bounces between upbeat indie-inspired tracks and folk inspired songs, resulting in an honest album. Kicking off with ‘Extraordinary’, which became her first single and shows a different Mandy Moore, driven by acoustics to match her whispery vocals.‘All Good Things’ and ‘Slummin in Paradise’ musically are the same as ‘Extraordinary’ before Moore switches to a more upbeat approach with ‘Most of Me’, which shows Moore’s vocals at their strongest.

Another favorite is the alt-rocker ‘Latest Mistake’ and the country-style ‘Can’t You Just Adore Her?’, in which Moore paints herself as just a girl wanting to be loved.

In all, a great effort by Ms Moore, and for fans of female singer-songwriters who want a mixture of alt/indie/country wrapped into one album then this is the one for you.

That is, if you can get past the fact that this is a Mandy Moore album.

I give it HHHH

Official Website

Myspace page

Buy Wild Hope

Keith Urban-Greatest Hits

Year: 2007
Record Label: Capitol
Track Listing:
01. Romeo’s Tune
02. Got It Right This Time
03. I Told You So (Radio Edit)
04. Stupid Boy
05. Better Life
06. Making Memories Of Us
07. Once In A Lifetime
08. Tonight I Wanna Cry
09. You’re My Better Half (Radio Edit)
10. Days Go By (Radio Edit)
11. But For The Grace of God (Radio Edit)
12. You’ll Think Of Me (Radio Edit)
13. Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me (Radio Edit)
14. Raining On Sunday (Radio Edit)
15. Where The Blacktop Ends (Radio Edit)
16. Your Everything (Radio Edit)
17. Somebody Like You
18. Everybody (Radio Edit)

Keith Urban first hit the charts in 1991 with his self-titled debut and since then has continued steadily to climb the country charts with seven number ones and seven top five hits under his belt.

Sadly, it has not been his musical talents that have garnered him much attention in his adopted home country, but rather his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.

While this overshadows his career as a talented musician within his own right, not just as a singer but also as a songwriter, his Greatest Hits does not.

An 18-track (AKA 18 kids) compilation, it spans Urban’s entire musical career.

Included in the package are the all-time favourites 'Somebody Like You’, “Tonight I Wanna Cry”, “Your Everything” and “Who Wouldn’t want to me” as well as two new tracks “Romeo’s Tune” and “Got It Right This Time” (the latter romantics may well believe could have been penned for Kidman.)

Oddly enough, many of the tracks are radio edits. I’m not sure whether this was to give the fan’s a little something different, or due to time constrictions. However, most fans will not be too fussed, since it still showcases Urban at his best.

Fans will enjoy the rich mixture of songs are a well-balanced collection of love, loss, thanks, and every day life. With beautifully written lyrics delivered with passion in Urban’s trademark velvety tone.

Definitely an album that should be in every fans collection, and for those who have yet to experience Keith, there is no better way than through 18 Kids.

Rating: HHH

Buy 18 Kids

Keith Urban's official site

Gretchen Wilson-All Jacked Up

Album: All Jacked up

Record Label: Sony
Track listing:
01. all jacked up
02. raining on me
03. not bad for a bartender
04. good morning heartache
05. California girls
06. Fulltime job
07. Skoal ring
08. He ain’t even cold yet
09. One bud wiser
10. Politically incorrect
11. I don’t feel like loving you today
12. Rebel child

Gretchen Wilson followed up with the success of her debut album, with All Jacked up. All jacked up entered both the country charts and billboard top 200’s at #1.

While teaming up with the same people who helped her bring success with her debut album, Here for the party, Wilson this time also took on a role as co-producer.

Although 2004’s Here For the Party, was an enormous hit, and allowed Gretchen Wilson to shine, this album brings a more diverse style to Wilson.
With more than a few shades of country, the album also slides into different genres that include a flavor of pop and country.

Gretchen Wilson shows her hand at songwriting throughout this whole album, and the song Not bad for a bartender is one that shines through.
An autobiographical song that tells of Wilson’s climb to the top from a floor-sweeping bartender, 8th grade educated small country girl to one of the hottest acts in country these days.

One song that always shines through for me is California Girls, with Wilson admitting her dislike for Paris Hilton, and with the lines, “There ain't nothing wrong with plastic surgery/Well, Dolly Parton never looked so good to me/Everybody oughta be exactly who they want to be/But that Paris Hilton gets under my skin/With her big, fake smile and her painted-on tan/Never had a chance at a real man” the song is sung with real humour.

A delightful surprise on the album is Wilson’s cover of the old Billie Holiday track, “Goodbye Heartache” which she sings to perfection.
While not one of my favourite songs on the album, Wilson does remarkably well, as she slips into the jazz number.

Merle Haggard makes a guest appearance on “Politically Incorrect”, in which she roots for the underdog, proclaiming she’s for “the low man on the pole”.

One song that really shines is her dedication to mothers, on her track fulltime job, a song Gretchen knows very well, as a mother of child.

I expected all jacked up to be just as brilliant as here for the party and Gretchen has succeeded again, which is surprising.

It’s hard not to be impressed with an album that was written, produced and recorded so quickly after her debut, and amidst touring and media junkets.

Favourite tracks on this album, fulltime job, california girls, politically incorrect, he ain’t cold yet

I give this album 3/5

Official site

Cyndi Lauper-True Colors

Year: 1986
Record Label: Sony
Track listing:
01. change of heart
02. maybe he’ll know
03. boy blue
04. true colors
05. come inside the storm
06. what’s going on
07. Iko Iko
08. The faraway nearby
09. 911
10. one track mind

Cyndi Lauper’s second album was a step away from her first album “She’s so unusual”, but it showed the world what Cyndi Lauper was truly capable of.

From the first song with its strong drum beats, and the added harmony of another 80’s pop group The Bangles, the album bounces along nicely.

“Maybe he’ll know” has Billy Joel featured as a guest vocalist, and is very upbeat and pop. It is an indication, that while her style of music changed, she also evolved.

Billy Joel’s singing back up on this track works well and it is very much the toe-tapping track that it appears to be.

Some of the tracks on this album aren’t exactly the best, and could easily be described as something to fill up the time of the record. Boy blue is an example of this.

However it is the song of the album’s title, “True Colors” that really shows Cyndi Lauper’s depth, and was the hit song from this album.

For those who hadn’t sat up after her first album with “Girls” and “She-bop” this was the track to do it.

Written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, this track shows Cyndi’s vocals at her most poignant, and is definitely the biggest gem of this album.

She also covers two tracks on this album, “What’s going on?” which I found rather irritating, and although meant to be a homage to Marvin Gaye, it's one track that I skip over every time I hear it.

The other is “iko iko”, which is a pretty good version of the Dixie Cups song.

While this album didn’t do as well as her first, it shows a maturity of Lauper’s music.

Stand out songs are: Change of heart, maybe he’ll know, true colors and Iko Iko

I give this album 3/5

Buy True Colors
Cyndi Lauper's official Site
Cyndi on myspace

Bowling For Soup-The Great Burrito Extortion Case

Record Label: Jive
Year: 2006
Track listing:
01. Epiphany
02. High school never ends
03. Val Kilmer
04. I’m gay
05. Why don’t I miss you?
06. A friendly goodbye
07. Luckiest loser
08. Love sick stomach ache (sugar coated accident)
09. Much more beautiful person
10. friends like you
11. when we die
12. 99 biker friends
13. don’t let it be love
14. if you come back to me/outro

I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no Bowling for Soup album that I could truly hate. The band, that are at their best singing about well…the most obvious, are back with their latest album.

If you’re looking for a band that performs light hearted songs with clever lyrics, catchy tunes, and shameless name-dropping then Bowling for Soup is that band.

The first single of the album was High School ends, which states that the whole damn world is obsessed with who is the best dressed, best looking…and you know what, it’s exactly the truth.

With lines such as, "Check out the popular kids / You'll never guess what Jessica did / How did Mary Kate lose all that weight / And Katie had a baby so I guess Tom's straight” You can’t help but love the song.

While the track is supposed to be funny, it is also meaningful, and stating a fact. It shows
that while the band can muck around and ham it up, they can also show that they know what society is all about.

Bowling Soup came to the attention of music lover’s with their song, girl all the bad guys want, or the monster radio hit 1985.

This is the band’s ninth album, and has not strayed too far from any of the others. Like all the others, the band takes a not so serious look at emotions, society, friendships, and is delivered in a style some may argue on.

Some may call them emo, and others will call them punk. They definitely have elements of both. They are never going to be Blink 182, or as big as Green Day, but that’s not a necessarily bad thing.

The band has established a strong following, that understand exactly what Bowling for Soup are all about- happy playing music that is fun.

This is one of the things that makes the band so appealing.

Other tracks definitely worth mentioning are why don’t I miss you? Luckiest loser (About the one that got away, but in a very, very good way), and friends like you.

Granted not all tracks are their best, and their weakness is probably I’m Gay, which just irritates after a while.

Sounds like: Fountains of Wayne style, but much, much better.

Rating: 4/5

Official sitemyspace

buy The Great Burrito Extortion Case

Paris Bennett-Princess P

Record Label: 306 Entertainment

Year: 2007

Track Listing:
01. All Hail The Princess Intro
02. Ordinary Love
03. Dreamin’
04. Daddy
05. Let Me Rap (Featuring Kevin Covais A.K.A Chicken Little
06. My Boyfriend’s Back
07. Can’t Control Myself
08. Duet (featuring J. Isaac)
09. I’m So Hot (Interlude)
10. I’m So Hot
11. Get Bizzy
12. Caught Up
13. B-Bye
14. Burnt Up
15. I Will (Featuring James Grear & Company)
16. Best Friends (Featuring Ann Nesby And Jamecia Bennett)

The Juggernaut that is American Idol has over the years churned out some talented artists, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Season Five introduced us to Paris Bennett, who week after week showed audiences why she was one of the top five finalists.

Following in the footsteps of her fellow season five graduates Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, and Kellie Pickler, sees Paris release her debut album Princess P.

After listening to Princess P’s Intro “All Hail The Princess”, I almost turned it off immediately. The intro was absolutely cringe-worthy, but I persevered, hoping that the album would get better.

Thankfully, “Ordinary Love” and “Dreamin’” highlight why Americans fell in love with the pint-sized Bennett in the first place. Both tracks showcase her extraordinary vocal range, and the maturity that belies her 18 years of age.

Produced by Jon Jon Traxx, "Ordinary Love" is definitely one of the better songs on Princess P. It has a Beyonce-feel to the song, which is not surprising considering Traxx has worked extensively with the former Destiny Child's star.

Well-written, it's a song that Bennett seems comfortable singing, and suits her vocal style as opposed to most of the other tracks on Princess P.

One of the silliest tracks on the album “Let Me Rap” sees her team up with Kevin Covais A.K.A Chicken Little - a fellow Season Five contestant. While the track is complete nonsense, and is more filler than anything else, it is probably one of the most charming.

While some may think it's more irritating than charming, I see it as a song that was never meant to be taken seriously, and sees Bennett and Corvais swapping rhymes and having fun. It's sung with affection, and in a sense shows how young and carefree Bennett still is.

At only just over a minute and a half it also allows Covais to showcase his own musical talents.

Unfortunately there are more bad tracks than good on Princess P, and this includes her cover of The Angel's "My Boyfriend's Back", which she completely butchers.

In attempting to make it her own, she updates the song. Lines such as “He’s kinda Gangsta” instead of “He’s kind of mean” made me cringe, and her announcement that “you’ve officially been princessed” reminded me why I wanted to turn the album off in the first place.

It is, without a doubt, one of the worst remakes of "My Boyfriend's Back" that I have ever heard, and one I never want to have to sit through, and listen to again.

My biggest problem with this album is that, save for four tracks (“I Will”, “Ordinary Love”, “Dreamin”, and “Caught up”), the rest of the album is weak. The songs have been poorly chosen and Bennett seems to stumble through them rather than shine.

This doesn’t mean that Paris doesn’t have the potential to be great, but she's not going to achieve it if she keeps producing crap like this.

I give it 1/5

Paris' official site

Paris on myspace

Buy Princess P

Caliban-The Awakening

Record Label: Roadrunner Records
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
01. I will never let you down
02. Let go
03. Another cold day
04. My time has come
05. Life is too short
06. Give me a reason
07. Stop running
08. The awakening
09. I believe
10. Rise and fight
11. Nowhere to run, no place to hide
12. I’ll show no fear

German Death-Core band, Caliban have returned with their latest album, The Awakening. While it doesn’t see the band return to the form that made them so influential among bands such as Killswitch Engage, and Shadow Falls it is a baby step in the right direction.

While their last album, “The Undying Darkness” was considered a failure, and saw many fans scratching their heads and wondering if the band had completely lost the plot, “The Awakening” sees Caliban truly attempt to get back to their roots and the success of their earlier albums.

But while they are going in the right direction, they still have a far way to go. The choruses are as lengthy as ever, and there is much more aggression packed into each song but each song seems to lack transition.

The flow is awful, and while the band’s choruses show promise of what Caliban can do, the lead up to them leaves you with a bitter taste in your mouth.

The only track that is successfully put together is “My Time has come”, which shows that the band does comprehend, if only briefly, that you don’t need to drop the aggression and insert clean vocals just because a chorus is coming up.

It’s a trap that the band fell into on their last album, and one that many other bands have also fallen into in recent times.

A highlight of the album is, that unlike “The Undying Darkness” the band seem to have inserted some passion into “The Awakening”.

Unfortunately even that is not going to save this album.

I give H

Official site

Caliban on myspace

Buy The Awakening

Daysend-The Warning

Record Label: Faultline Records

Year: 2007

Track Listing:
01. Shoot The Messenger
02. Scars Remain
03. Blacker Days
04. No Regrets
05. V
06. Winter
07. Between The Hammer And The Anvil
08. This Is A Warning
09. Passenger
10. The Eyes Of The World
11. The Violence
12. Breathe It In

Sydney Metalheads Daysend burst onto the Metal scene in 2003 with their debut album, “Severence”, which, with its critical acclaim both international and locally, showed that the band were not just a flash in the pan.

Returning with “The Warning”, and a new frontman, Daysend are determined to show that they are a force to be reckoned with on the Metal scene, as both their reputation and popularity grows in strength.

Stepping up to the plate as their new singer is ex-Headman frontman Mark McKernan, and he fits into the role of Daysend’s frontman with a practised ease. McKernan is definitely the right man for the job, and adds an assertiveness that was lacking beforehand.

Like many other Melodic Death Metal bands, they combine undistinguished, guttural vocals with strong, clear vocals throughout their choruses.

While it’s not a new method, for Daysend it really does work. McKernan seems to have an uncanny knack of knowing when to switch aggressive vocals to smooth, melodic vocals, which prevents each song from sounding dull and tedious. This is none more evident on tracks such as “Winter” and “Blacker Days”.

One of the things I like about Daysend is that while they stick to the genre they are known for, they have not become clones of other influential bands such as Killswitch Engage. They have kept their own formula, adding brutality with guitar riffs and some blistering guitar solos. The vocals don’t drown out the guitars, and vice versa. It’s a nice change from some of the other bands that have brought out album this year.Well worth the wait.

I give it HHH

Daysend's official website

Bryan Adams-Reckless

Record Label: A and M

Year: 1984

Track listing:

01. one night love affair

02. she’s only happy when she’s dancin
03. run to you
04. heaven
05. somebody
06. summer of 69
07. kids wanna rock
08. it’s only love
09. long gone

10. ain’t gonna cry

Every big name artist working in the industry today has that one BIG album that forever changes their lives. For Bryan Adams Reckless was that album.

Although he had scored hits with cuts like a knife, this album brought him hit after hit with run to you, heaven, summer of 69, one night love affair, and it’s only love.

Of course, summer of 69, is probably his biggest hit ever, and one that stands the testament of time.

To this day, every time I hear this song, I feel the passion involved with it, and what the song was all about.

It makes you wonder how many people can say the same about songs of some of today's artists?

This album is probably one of my all-time favorites, and one I don’t pull out enough. It was the first album I owed on cassette in 84, at the age of 8, and one of the albums that cemented my love for music.

Hence, to say, there isn’t anything bad I can say about this album.

Naturally, it’s flannel rock music, and it’s hard and heavy as Adams could go, but still it’s just pure magic.

From the dark run to you, the story of a man cheating on his partner to the sweet ballad of heaven, this album is a MUST for music lovers.

It has blistering guitar riffs, and is pure rock n roll. It captures an era that knew how to play instruments, and knew how to rock n roll and define their music.

If you were going to buy one Bryan Adams album to have in your CD collection, my advise would be to buy pass the stuff he’s brought out recently, and head straight for this one.

I give it 4/5

Bryan Adam's Official Website

Plain White T's-Every Second Counts

Record Label: Hollywood Records

Year: 2007
Track Listing:

01. Our Time Now
02. Come Back To Me
03. Hate (I Don’t Really Like you)
04. You And Me
05. Friends Don’t Let Friends Dial Drunk
06. Making A Memory
07. So Damn Clever
08. Tearin’ Us Apart
09. Write You A Song
10. Gimme A Chance
11. Figure It Out
12. Let Me Take You There
13. Hey There Delilah
14. Take Me away

The Plain White T’s were finally given the much-needed exposure that they deserved when they came under the scope of MTV with their hit singles “Hate” and “Hey there Delilah”.

Many new fans of The Plain White T’s will assume that this is their first album, but it is actually the Illinois quintet’s forth album.Re-released this year, this Australian version has two extra tracks, including the hit single “Hey There Delilah” and “Take Me Away”.

The Plain White T’s have a boundless energy, that is infused into their music, resulting in upbeats songs that reflecting the growing punk-pop genre, as opposed to the dreaded Emo.You can feel it with the first track “Our Time Now”, which has an almost anthem-style chorus.

They’re never going to win awards for the greatest song lyrics (see ‘Friends don’t let friends dial drunk’), however, that doesn’t mean that they’re not appealing.Songs such as “So damn clever”, “Gimme a chance”, and “Figure it out” embrace power pop and provides gentle guitar melodies mixed with power chords, and the vocals of lead singer Tom Higgenson.

There’s almost a heart-felt honesty about “Write you a song” that can make one almost believe that it will be the next single.

It’s not that different from the ballad style of “Hey there Delilah”Kudos also go to the rollicking “Figure you out”, which has pounding basslines that lead you into some impressive guitar riffs.

In the past, The Plain White’s have not been main-stream enough to be played on the radio, but with two hit singles, times have obviously changed and the band have found their niche market.

An impressive album by Illinois Quintet, and I can’t wait to see what they can do next. However, in saying this, I can’t see them setting the world ablaze, but they won’t disappear back into obscurity either.

Tracks not to miss: “Our time now”, “Friends don’t let friends dial drunk”, “So damn clever”, and “Hey there Delilah”.

I give the album HHHH

Plain White T's official website

Plain White T's on myspace

Megadeth-United Abominations

Record Label: Roadrunner
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
1. Sleepwalker
2. Washington Is Next
3. Never Walk Alone…A Call To Arms
4. United Abominations
5. Gears Of War
6. Blessed Are The Dead
7. Play For Blood
8. A Tout Le Monde (Set Me Free)
9. Amerikhastan10. You’re Dead
11. Burnt Ice

This is the first album for Dave Mustaine, and his new lineup of Megadeth on Road Runner Records, and from the first there is a sound to the band that is reminiscent of their earlier days. The album kicks off with "Sleepwalker", and to be honest it was strange to hear Megadeth with such a heavy sound again. Since Youthasia, the band has had a lighter sound, but it seems that Mustaine has finally remembered that he was a pioneer of 80’s thrash metal and taken it on board.In essence, the band go back to their roots.

The sound is strong, solid, and pure old Megadeth. And more importantly there is attitude.

Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political issues, and you almost expect there to be a political feel to this album. Megadeth don’t disappoint with tracks such as "Washington Is Next", and "Amerikhastan".

Megadeth team up with Lacuna Coil's lead singer, Cristina Scabbia to redo "A Tout Le Monde". The song has been speed up, and while it is a great version, it’s not the original by a long shot. United Abomination’s has catchy lyrics and melodies that are reminiscent of Countdown to Extinction, aggressive guitar solos that don’t just start at the chorus-they’re at the beginning of a song, at the middle and at the very end, and plenty of aggression full stop. There is almost a frantic energy to this album that has been missing on albums such as Youthansia and Risk.

While the album is never going to be like Countdown to Extinction or Peace sells….whose buying, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Fans that have been jaded with Megadeth and their later albums such as Risk may see this as redemption.

Tracks not to miss: "Washington Is Next", "Gears of War", "Never Walk Alone…A Call To Arms", and "A Tout Le Monde".

Rating: HHHHH

Megadeth's official website

Megadeth on myspace

Chely Wright-Everything

Record Label: painted red music
Year: 2004

Track listing:
01. bumper of my SUV

02. back of the bottom drawer
03. everything
04. love lets go
05. sex, drugs and rock n roll
06. if I were Jackie
07. scars

This is more of an EP than a CD, and has a couple of tracks from her album, The Metropolitan Hotel.
Personally, I think it is more for fans of Chely Wright than first time listeners. If you’re looking to hear Chely Wright at her best listen to single white female. I will say this though, I do love this CD simply because it does come across as so raw and Chely Wright unpolished.

The shiners on this EP are sex, drugs and rock n roll, which must seem like a weird song for a country singer to sing, until you discover it is about missing out on those vices.

If I were Jackie, sees Chely scolding a dead President over his alleged affair with sex kitten Marilyn Monroe. It is hilarious in the aspect of how much times have changed.

It seems fitting that the album be titled Everything, as it is very much a ballady album, and since the track everything, is an amazing power ballad it suits the album title.

My all-time favourite tracks are the first two, bumper of my SUV, and back of the bottom drawer. They really show Chely at her best, and are a glimpse of the brilliance that was metropolitan hotel. A must have in your CD collection, and I am glad I bought it.

I give it 4/5

Chely Wright's oficial website

Britney Spears-Blackout

Year: 2007
Record Label: Jive Records
01. Gimme More
02. Piece Of Me
03. Radar
04. Break The Ice
05. Heaven On Earth
06. Get Naked (I Gotta Plan)
07. Freakshow
08. Toy Soldier
09. Hot As ice
10. Ooh Ooh Baby
11. Perfect Lover
12. Why Should I Be Sad

It’s been a big year for Britney Spears. In between getting divorced, and shaving her head she released her fifth studio album. So, the question to ask is, was it a bona fide comeback or well-marketed hype?
Released three weeks earlier than expected by her record label due to ‘high-demand’ (In other words, it was leaked online), the first single “Gimme More” was one of the highest demanded singles downloaded.

Much criticism has come from her use of vox-tweaking on Blackout, but to be honest she’s no different from her former fellow mousketeers such as Justin Timberlake, who also used heavy electronics on Futuresexlovesounds.
Let’s face it Britney’s talents have always been questioned by her critics, and that’s never going to change. But in respect, this time, she has taken the criticism on board, and used it to her own advantage.

A notable aspect of Blackout, for fans of Spears, is that it is the first album in which she has actually voiced opinions about her life. But if you’re looking for an apology from the troubled dynamo for her well-documented custody battle, failed marriages, umbrella attacks, hit and runs, shaven head or hard partying, then you’re wasting your time.
Instead she takes aim at the media in "Piece Of Me” with catchy lyrics that proclaim, “I’m Miss bad media karma/Another day another drama/Guess I can’t see no harm in working and being a mama.”
With it’s glibbed lyrics, heavy usage of vox-tweaking, and vibrant dance beats, it could be an anthem for all celebrities looking for a way to tell the media to leave them the hell alone. For Britney, it’s the perfect choice for her second single. While her controlled grip on her personal life may be slipping, the same can not be said for her musical collaborations.

Teaming up with Danja, The Neptunes and Bloodhound and Avant, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, Britney has produced an album with new-wave disco and synthetic beats.
“Toy Solider” is, without a doubt, one of the best tracks on this album. With a sound that is reminiscent of hypnotic dance pop, a heavily dubbed Spears, and a catchy military beat one is automatically tapped into the song.
The track’s chorus, “This time I need a solider…a boy who knows how to take care of me” could be a direct aim at the former Mr Spears. It’s one track that can be foreseen as heavily played in clubs if Spears chooses to release it as a single.

Overall Britney puts her all into the album, and produces some pleasant, sexed-up tunes in the form of “Hot As Ice”, “Get Naked” and “Freakshow”.

If all the songs were like this though, the album would not cut it however she ups the ante with “Piece Of Me”, “Toy Soldier” and “”Why Should I Be Sad”.

While it will never win album of the year, it’s still a very well structured album with a heavy influence on dance, and as the intro to Blackout points out, “It’s Britney, bitch!”

I give it 4/5

Britney's official site

Billy Currington-Billy Currington

Year: 2003
Track listing:
01. I got a feelin
02. That’s just me
03. Hangin around
04. Off my rocker
05. Walk a little straighter daddy
06. Where the girls are
07. Time with you
08. When she gets close to me
09. Growin up down there
10. Next time
11. Ain’t what it used to be

I have loved Billy Currington from the first moment I heard him sing with Shania Twain on the country version of Party for Two, from her Greatest Hits.

At the time I didn't know who he was, and it was a couple of years later that I was reintroduced to his music with the track Good Directions. Yet again, I was hooked, and went out to find some of his music.

One of the things I like about Billy Currington, is that although he tends to sing traditional country, and he has this smooth, velvety voice that just flows with everyone of his songs. I’m one of those people who can listen to an artist and just fall in love with his voice alone, and this album did it for me.

The track, Off My Rocker, in particularly is a favourite of mine.

It’s one of those tongue in cheek songs that he does well, but one that always makes me smile.Well written, there is a mixture if poignant songs, to rollicky country songs, to the traditional songs about his hometown.

Another favourite of mine is Walk A Little Straighter Daddy, which is a poignant song about a child dealing with an alcoholic parent.

I don’t think anyone could resist Currington, whether they are young country fans or an older generation. But definitely check this debut album out. And if you like this one, then you’re going to be hooked on the next one.

Tracks not to be missed: must have been off my rocker, walk a little straighter daddy, where the girls are, aint what it used to be.

I give this album 4/5

Billy Currington's official site

Eric Church-Sinners Like Me

Year: 2006
Record Label: Liberty
Track listing:
01. before she does
02. sinners like me
03. how bout you
04. these boots
05. what I almost was
06. the hard way
07. guys like me
08. lightning
09. can’t take it with you
10. pledge allegiance to the Hag (featuring Merle Haggard)
11. 2 pink lines
12. livin part of life

If there were ever a perfect country album that came out of 2006, then this would have to be it. I got this album after hearing the song, Guys Like Me, and was hooked instantly on this singer.

Newcomer Eric Church is doing what a lot of the many newcomers seem to be doing these days, singing traditional country songs, and mixing the new with the old. And when I mean mixing the new with the old, I mean showing their admiration for the country legends before them.
That is no more evident on one of Church’s tracks, I Pledge Allegiance To The Hag, which is a dedication to the talents of Merle Haggard and features the man himself. The amusing thing about Merle Haggard featuring on this track is, that the song holds it own, without him.
And as much as I love the likes of Faith Hill, Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks, the likes of Owen, Currington, Atkins and now Church bringing back the traditional sounds of country music back is one that puts a smile on my face.

Church either wrote or co-wrote all the twelve tracks on his album, and this album is evidence that we should definitely sit up and pay attention to what’s going to happen with this country singer.While it has the traditional country songs, that show pride in the blue-collar, and a love of the red, white and blue that is reminiscent of Charlie Daniels, Church is no redneck.
His songs also speak of politics, and ‘lightning’, one of the most poignant tracks on the album, is evident of that. It’s a song that saddened me from the first time I heard it, and is definitely worth listening to.
Nor does he shy away from the topic of casual sex and unexpected pregnancies from “two pink lines”.

This whole album is a goody of surprises, and I’m definitely a fan from the first track to the last.
To be honest, there is not one track on this album that I could not listen to over and over again.

It’s filled with honest tracks that many people could relate to, whether it be what I almost was, a song about the path he didn’t take and was glad for, or any other.

Tracks not to be missed: how bout you, what I almost was, guys like me, lightning, pledge allegiance to the hag, 2 pink lines, and livin part of life.

I give this album 5/5

Eric Church's official site

Jack Johnson-Sleep Through The Static

Record Label: Brushfire Records

Year: 2008
Track Listing:
01. All At Once
02. Sleep Through the Static
03. Hope
04. Angel
05. Enemy
06. If I Had Eyes
07. Same Girl
08. What You Thought You Need
09. Adrift
10. Go On
11. They Do, They Don’t
12. While We Wait
13. Monsoon
14. Losing Keys

Jack Johnson is a particular artist you either going to love or you’re going to hate. Most fans love him because he stays exactly the way he is, and most hate him because he’s the artist least likely to evolve.

The simple fact is that Jack Johnson is comfortable in his own skin. He knows that his music works for him, and doesn’t feel the need to change the mellow, soothing sound that has made him a star.

His latest album was recorded using nothing but solar power. Rather apt-fitting for someone who spends so much time surrounded by nature in his native Hawaii.

Like his previous albums, there is an almost soothing lull to Johnson’s music and you can almost hear the wet rain on the roof and warm breeze through the trees.

Critics have hailed this as a much darker album to Curious George, which is no surprise since Curious George was essentially an album for kids.

However, don’t expect too much different from Johnson on this album. Sure, the themes are darker and there is a somber, downtrodden tone, but essentially it’s still the laid back style of Johnson. Johnson has good intentions, with his underlying messages but on tracks such as the ‘All At Once’, and ‘Enemy’ they fail to deliver.

The laid back singing style just does not fit well with his view of the saddened state of the world. In fact, he comes across as someone who has accepted he can’t make a change and doesn’t want to try.With many fans used to his upbeat vocals, and catchy hooks, the underlying messages with their mellowed out vocals and style simply are not enough to pull a listener in. If anything, they’ll make them want to go to sleep.

Thankfully, Johnson is well aware his song-writing strengths lie in songs about relationships and tracks such as ‘Adrift’ and ‘Angel’ are pure winners.

With just the simple strum of his acoustic guitar, and warming lyrics, Johnson manages to get back to basics.

Although this style of song is rare on this album, they are definitely worth holding out for, as are ‘If I had Eyes’ and ‘Same Girl’.

Jack Johnson is at his best stripped down. Track such as ‘Go on’, a song about his children are raw, simple but focused.

One of the biggest problems I had with tracks such as ‘They do, they don’t’ and ‘All at once’ is that his heart isn’t as much in it as it is when he is singing about his family, his home and his relationships.

While it’s a tentative step in a different direction for the former Pro-surfer, I’m not sure if it’s the right one.

Stick to what you know, and you’re good at Jack.

I give it HHH

Jack Johnson's official website

Jack Johnson on myspace

Marilyn Manson-Eat Me, Drink Me

Year: 2007
Track Listing:
01. If I Was Your Vampire
02. Putting Holes in Happiness
03. The Red Carpet Grave
04. They Said That Hell’s Not Hot
05. Just A Car Crash Away
06. Heart-Shaped Glasses (When The Heart Guides The Hand)
07. Evidence
08. Are You The Rabbit?
09. Mutilation Is The Sincerest Form of Flattery
10. You And Me And The Devil Makes 3
11. Eat Me, Drink Me
12. Heart Shaped Glasses (Inhuman Remix)
13. Heart Shaped Glasses (Space Cowboy Remix)

Marilyn Manson has been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. A divorce, a relationship with the much younger actress-Evan Rachel Wood, and an art opening set the scene for the release of Eat Me, Drink Me, his first studio album in four years.

How times have changed for the singer who once was headline news for his controversial behavior, outrageous comments, and live performances. After the success of Mechanical Animals everything seemed to go downhill for Manson. The music became predictable, and he became a tad cliched.

Eat Me, Drink Me sees Manson steering away from the over-produced, highly-glossed studio albums and back to basics. Recorded in his home studio with only bassist Tim Skold, Manson delivers his most personal statement yet with Eat Me, Drink Me.

Completely stripped down, each track is so raw that there is almost an unplugged feel to the album.

While his previous attempts since Mechanical Animals have had more filler than substance, each track on Eat Me, Drink Me stands alone.

Manson is well known for his outstanding covers such as “Sweet Dreams” and “Tainted Love”, but one thing that can never be doubted is his own lyrical talents.

Whether it is Manson infusing his own feelings of pain, anger, hurt, love, or hatred into his songs, or just the uncanny ability to write extremely well on these topics, it has saved him from being seen as another cliched has-been.

Whether it is the militant-rhythmic “The Red Carpet Grave”, the blustering guitar-leaden “You And Me And The Devil Makes 3” , the Lolita-Style “Heart-Shaped Glasses” or the heart-felt “If I was your vampire”, they are all songs that are worthy.

Add guitar-soaring solos, catchy hooks, and a consistency and earnestness that has been lacking on previous albums, and you have Marilyn Manson in top form.

A Bonus for Australian fans are two heart-thumping remixes of his first single, “Heart-Shaped Glasses”.

I give this HHHH

Marilyn Manson's official site

Marilyn Manson on myspace