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

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

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

Augustana- Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays

Record Label: None

Year: 2003

Track listing:

1. "More Than a Love Song"

2. "Lullaby"

3. "Only One"

4. "Angels"

5. "Found My Place"

6. "Maybe"

7. "Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays"

8. "Boston"

9. "Empty Days"

10. "Not Alone"

11. (Hidden bonus track)

I love Augustana, and fell in love with them after hearing their song 'Boston'. A friend sealed it for me by sending me their latest album, as well as this album.

Self-produced, and released before the band had signed to a record label, this album was sold at 2003 shows in the Midwest and Southern California.

It shows shades of the band that is Augustana now, and there is something special about this recording, that I love. I think the fact it is a glimpse of Augustana before their fanbase, and impact began to develop.

Nevertheless, it is an album that new fans should get their hands on. Their sound is still the same, and it even features the track 'Boston', in a version that is almost stripped down.

The vocals on this album are raw, yet show the style of melodic sound that has made the band famous.

Lead singer Dan Layus has a vocal style, which could almost be described as breathy. It is one that really stands out, and makes the band just that little more different. Another thing I love about this band, is that the lyrics are not mindless wastefulness, but ones that are contemplative, well-thought out, and well-communicated.

Whether this album will be re-released is something to hope for. It’s a great first attempt for a band that didn’t even have a record label, and for one that only sold 1000 copies.

Songs not to miss: Boston, Empty Days, More Than a Love Song, and Lullaby.

For those who have not had the pleasure to discover this band, definitely check out their latest album, Can't Love, Can't Hurt and All The Stars and Boulevards. Trust me, it will definitely be worth it.

I give this album 4/5

Buy Can't Love, Can't Hurt

Buy All The Stars and Boulevards

Official site

Augustana on Myspace

Ronan Keating-Bring You Home

Year: 2006

Record Label: Universal
Track Listing:

01. Friends In Time

02. This I promise you

03. All over Again

04. Iris

05. To Be Loved

06. Superman

07. It’s So Easy Lovin You

08. Back In The Backseat

09. Bring You Home

10. Hello Again

11. Just When I’d Given Up Dreaming

12. (We Just Need) Time

13. So Far Away

It’s been over 6 years since Ronan Keating made the leap from Boyzone to a solo artists, and like his rivals Robbie Williams, and Justin Timberlake, he has forged a successful career in the process.

Ronan is well know for covering other people’s songs, and has taken them to #1 in the process, including 'Life is a rollercoaster' and 'If Tomorrow never comes', so it wasn't a surprise that he would release The Goo Goo Dolls,'Iris' as the first single of his new album.

Writing 50% of his fourth studio album, the album works well for Ronan. His songs take on a more subtle, and slow melodic tune. Each song Ronan covers, he makes his own, especially 'Iris'. I’m skeptical about most cover songs, and there are only maybe a handful of covers that I love more than the original, but Ronan just seems to have the magic touch when it comes to choosing songs that fit his voice.

And all of which he covers, not only fit but, mould to everything that he is.

Ronan has one of those voices that were made to sing ballads, which is probably why his version of 'Tomorrow Never Comes' and his super-hit 'When You Say Nothing At All', did exceptionally well. And on this album, it is no difference.

As I mentioned earlier, his version of Iris is just breathtaking, and he takes the song to new limits.

One thing I do like about this album is that it is slow and simple. A lot harmonies are used, and the subtle tunes of mainly just a piano, strings, and acoustic guitar, work very well for Ronan and this album. Ronan has the type of voice that is sweet, and it is never hard to tell that he used to be in a boyband, but over the years, he has matured to become a very successful and talented musician.

He has come a long way from his time in Boyzone, and while he has matured, so has his voice.

He’s well aware of his limits, and has managed to make an album that is based solely on his strengths.

Songs worth listening to: 'Iris', 'It’s So Easy Lovin You', 'I Promise You', 'Superman', and 'Time'

I give this CD 3/5

Buy Bring You Home

Official Site

Backstreet Boys-Black and Blue

The Backstreet Boys-Black and Blue
Year: 2000
Record Label: Jive
Track Listing:
01. The Call
02. Shape Of My Heart
03. Get Another Boyfriend
04. Shining Star
05. I Promise You
06. The Answer To Our Life
07. Everyone
08. More Than That
09. Time
10. Not For Me
11. Yes I Will
12. It Is True
13. What Makes You Different?
14. How Did I Fall In love With You?
15. All I Have To Give To You (Acapella)

Black and Blue was my introduction to the Backstreet Boys. Previously, I had admitted my loathing for all boy bands, since I had been forced to grow up with New Kids on the Block.

But surprisingly, the first song I heard of this album, 'Shape Of My Heart', intrigued me enough to go out and buy this album. I will admit that 2000 was a weird year for me, as I also decided to like Britney Spears after previously loathing her music. But that’s a whole different story.

The Backstreet boys really hit the music scene with their second album Millennium, and it was thought they couldn’t do any better than that, but Black and Blue really is a worthy successor, and the boys show us a more mature sound.
As with most boy bands around this time-N Sync, 98 degrees, and of course the BSB, this album is riddled with upbeat tempo pop, but the boys do manage to bring a heavier R and B beat to some of their music, including the very catchy, 'Shining Star'.

One of the things I do love about this album is that the BSB don’t try to be anything that they’re not. The melodies work well, and the soppier songs such as, 'Shape Of My Heart', 'I Promise You','How Did I Fall In Love With You'and 'What Makes You Different?' are all songs to woo their female teenage fans.

And it works. The tunes are catchy, and will appeal to the romantically hearted, who still believe men like this exist.The BSB are the King of Ballads, and they know how to work them, which is probably another reason that there are more ballads on this album that pop songs.

I’m not saying there aren’t songs that you can’t bop along to- 'The Call',, 'Everyone', 'Get Another Boyfriend', and 'Shining Star'are heavier tracks to dance to. This CD will appeal for those who like the soft pop melodies that the BSB are well-known for.

Guys, this is not the CD for you.

Favourite songs on this cd? 'The Call', which reportedly is a send up of one of Britney’s track, from her 'Oops' Cd that came out at the same time.

Other amazing tracks: 'Shape Of My Heart', 'I Promise You', 'Everyone', 'What Makes You Different?', and 'How Did I Fall In Love With You?'

Probably the best stuff I have heard from the BSB. But for those who want to explore the band further, it’s worth checking out the talent of the band’s solo album- Nick Carter.

I give this 4/5

Buy Black and Blue

Official Site

BSB on myspace

Pink-I'm Not Dead

P!nk- I’m Not dead

Year: 2006
Record Label: La Face
Track Listing:
01. Stupid girls
02. Who knew
03. Long way to happy
04. Nobody knows
05. Dear Mr President
06. I’m not dead
07. Cuz I can
08. Leave me alone (I’m lonely)
09. U and Ur hand
10. Runaway
11. The one who got away
12. I got money now
13. Conversations with my 13 year old self
14. Centrefold
15. fingers
16. I have seen the rain (featuring James T Moore)

In 2000, a controversial and exciting new singer named P!nk hit the charts with her debut album, Can’t Take Me Home. Everyone wanted to take her home, and she knew it. In 2006 she released I'm Not Dead, which can easily be called her best album yet.Hitting the charts with her first single, ‘Stupid Girls’ an anthem for strong women around the world.

P!nk uses the single to take a swipe at the likes of Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson and all those wanna-be celebrities looking for their 15 minutes of fame.It also sends a message about the worrying increase of celebrities with extra-thin bodies. From the view of someone who suffers from an eating disorder, ’Stupid Girls’ is a refreshing song that shows that we don't have to be obsessed with being super thin.

And P!nk doesn’t stop there. She takes a swipe at George Bush in 'Dear Mr President'. It’s a song that really grabs you, and features the Indigo Girls. Singing, "How do you sleep while the rest of us cry”, “how can you say no child is left behind, we’re not dumb and we’re not blind, they’re all sitting in your cells, why you pave the road to hell” and “I can only imagine what the first lady would say, you’ve come a long way from whisky and cocaine”, P!nk really hits home while questioning Bush's views on sexuality, war, drug abuse and homelessness.

Without a doubt it’s one of the best songs on the album, and not just because it comes straight from the heart but due to its strengths both lyrically and vocally.

“Long Way To Happy” is an angst song about heartbreak that shows shades of Janis Joplin and Joan Jett.

For those looking for a ballad, 'Who knew' fits into that mould nicely, and is about lost love.'Cuz I can'is probably the heaviest song on the album, and for me has shades of Marilyn Manson’s 'Tainted Love' running through it.

Slightly more explicit with the lines, “I’m fucked because I live a life of sin” this song really stands out. It has a great beat, and more than a hint of rebellion about it.

'Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self' is a touching dear me letter to herself when she was 13. It tells the story of what she knows now and what she didn’t know then.

P!nk doesn’t just tell us how she feels, and what she thinks in her music, she slams us over the head with it. But it’s worth it.

I don’t think there is one song on this album that isn’t worth listening to.

One thing I really love about this album is that Pink seems to be able to slip into any genre. Punk, R and B, pop, hard rock…she does it all and she does it very well.

Pink’s song writing skills have strengthened over time, and this is obvious with lyrics, that were just meant to be played over and over again ('Dear Mr President', 'Stupid Girls' and 'Cuz I Can').

She really bares her soul on this album and casts done the hammer, daring people debate her opinions.

Favourite songs on this album, 'Stupid Girls', 'Dear Mr President', 'I’m Not Dead', 'Cuz I Can' and 'Leave Me Alone'.

And for those who can, I suggest getting the U.K version of her album, which has two extra tracks – 'Centrefold', another brilliant, cheeky song and 'Fingers'

P!nk’s definitely back, and ready to show everyone she's not dead.

I give this 5/5

Buy I'm Not Dead

Official Site

Pink on myspace

Westlife-The Love Album

Westlife-The Love Album

Record Label: BMG
Year: 2006
Track listing:
01. The Rose
02. Total Eclipse Of The Heart
03. All Out Of Love
04. You Light Up My Life
05. Easy
06. You Are So Beautiful
07. Have You Ever Been In Love
08. Love Can Build A Bridge
09. Dance
10. All Or Nothing
11. You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

Westlife are the Kings of Ballads, and love songs, so putting together a song of love songs was probably one of the smartest marketing moves by their record label.

Most people thought with the departure of

Delta’s main squeeze, Brian McFadden, the band would collapse but they have gone from strength to strength through their constant touring, and hit singles.Having just signed a five record deal with Sony, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop for the Irish boy band.

I’m a sucker for the song

'The Rose', and have been since I heard it sung by Bette Midler . Not being a fan of cover songs, I was impressed by their version of 'The Rose', and think they maintained that special something that goes with the song.
The same could be said for the Bonnie Tyler cover of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', although it did lack the depth and power that Tyler brings to it with her strong voice.

One thing I didn’t like was their version of 'All Out Of Love', with Delta Goodrem. It’s not so much a criticism of them, as it is of their duet with Goodrem.
The magic was just not there, and it sounded in frank, bloody awful. I think the band could have done a much better job if they had omitted Goodrem altogether.'You Light Up My Life' didn’t really do anything for me, and I think it’s a song that needs a stronger voice, so that was a bit of a disappointment.
I also wasn’t a big fan of their version easy, which is covered much better by faith no more. Both songs just lacked the depth I was searching for.

'You Are So Beautiful', well what can we say about that? It is one of those songs that probably shouldn’t be covered for the simple fact alone, no one does Joe Cocker or Joe Cocker songs better than the man himself.
Having said that, it’s not a bad attempt on the song, but it failed to dazzle me. I did enjoy their version of 'Have You Ever Been In Love', because I think it was sung in the style that Westlife make their own, but also a style that actually suits the song.
It also made you feel the song, and the impact of the words.

One highlight was their version of one of my all-time favorite Garth Brooks songs, 'The Dance'.
Their version of it, hit the right emotion on the head, and was just superb. I think if the master himself heard it, he would be impressed.
I was actually also impressed with their version of 'You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling', because they actually make it worth it, and there is the right depth in their voices for this song. Much impressed.

For fans of Westlife, this is a must have album, and even for those who aren’t fans, it’s worth checking out. One thing that does need to be taken into consideration is that it is an album of covers, and it’s not supposed to be an ingenious piece of art.

Tracks not to miss: the dance, you’ve lost that lovin feeling, the rose and total eclipse of the heart.

I give it 3/5

Buy The Love Album

Official Site

Westlife on myspace

Ringo Starr-Liverpool 8

Ringo Starr-Liverpool 8

Record Label: Capitol Records
Year: 2008
Track Listing:
01. Liverpool 8
02. Think About You
03. For Love
04. Now That She’s Gone Away
05. Gone Are The Days
06. Give It A Try
07. Tuff Love
08. Harry’s Song
09. Pasodobles
10. If It’s Love That You Want
11. Love Is
12. Are U Ready?

Ringo Starr has never made any secret of the fact that The Beatles were the best thing that happened to him. That is none more evident on the title track, 'Liverpool 8’, in which he proclaims, ‘When I look back / It sure was cool / For those four boys from Liverpool’.

While the rest of the Beatles stretched out and did their own thing, Ringo Starr has happily
continued on way preaching about Love and peace, and good ‘ol Liverpool.

The title track is his hats off to the town he loves so much, complete with football fans shouting ‘Liverpool’. For some fans of Starr it may come off as cheesy, but to me it’s a nice ease into an album that is never going to cause waves but will produce some ripples among his fanbase.

Liverpool 8 sees Starr team with Mark Hudson and former Eurythmic-turned producer Dave Stewart. The acclaimed Duo, help Starr to build a solid framework throughout the album and while it’s an album that is never going to win accolades for its lyrics, it is a fun album.

Track such as ‘For Love’ may make you cringe and reach for the remote to fast forward but others such as ‘Now That She’s Gone Away’ fair much better.

Lyrically, it’s not any better than ‘For Love’ or ‘Liverpool 8’ but Ringo does manage to deliver a solid vocal with a driving beat.

Other fine examples are ‘Harry’s song’ and the psychedelic-themed ‘Gone Are The Days’, which to no surprise is about the former Beatles heyday.

It’s hard to say whether all Beatles fans will enjoy Liverpool 8, but I’ve got to give Starr up for the solid drumming, and the enthusiasm that belies his 67 years.

I give it HHH

Buy Liverpool 8

Ringo's official site

Elton John: Rocket Man

Elton John-Rocketman

Record Label: Island

Year: 2007

Track listing:

01. Bennie and the Jets

02. Philadelphia freedom

03. Daniel

04. Rocket man

05. Guess that’s why they call it the blues
06. Tiny dancer

07. Don’t let the sun go down

08. I just want love

09. Candle in the wind

10. Crocodile rock

11. I’m still standing

12. Saturday night’s alright (for fighting)

13. Your song

14. Sorry seems to be the hardest word

15. Sacrifice

16. Goodbye yellow brick road

17. Tinderbox

18. Are you ready for love?

In 2006 Elton John turned 60 years old. He celebrated with a superb performance at Madison Square Garden, and then topped it off with the release of Rocketman:the number ones; which saw many of his greatest songs digitally remastered.

Too many artists’ release greatest hit packages that tend to be redundant of others they, or
their record labels, have already released and most fail to deliver. However, this time, Elton John has really nailed it. In some form or another, each of his songs have been a #1 hit somewhere in the world, and the selection of songs, were perfectly chosen.

For those who have not heard some of their masterpieces before, this is a must have. I must admit, listening to 'Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me', I was half expecting to hear George Michael give his input, as it’s the only version of the song that I actually have.

I never fail tire of hearing 'Tiny Dancer', 'Candle In The Wind', 'Crocodile Rock', 'Daniel', or 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', and it really is Elton at his best.

While the rocketman has aged, his voice has stayed true, and this is none more obvious with the new single, Tinderbox, which appears on this album.

Of course like many albums, there are different versions for different countries, and sadly we miss out on his version of 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds', which is worth listening to on the US version of this album.

I give this 3/5

Elton John's official site

Elton on myspace

Buy Rocketman

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

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

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

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