Artist: Donnie Klang

Album: Just A Rolling Stone
Release Date 9.2.08

Just A Rolling Stone is the debut album from Making The Band 4 alumnus Donnie Klang. While Donnie doesn’t have the urban edge of Day 26, or the confident sexiness of Danity Kane, he manages to fit right into a pop star slot with an album full of hot beats, catchy hooks and some pretty decent vocals. Of course there are the Justin Timberlake comparisons, but Justin had that urban appeal that Donnie just doesn’t have (and doesn’t need) with this debut. My verdict: this CD has quite a few cuts worth listening to and is definitely worth completing your Making The Band album collection.

There are some well-respected producers that contributed to this album, adding some strong foundation to Donnie’s breathy vocals. This album kicks off very upbeat with tracks specifically designed to make you dance. The first song is Take You There which features Diddy (performed by the duo on the finale of MTB4 season 2). The voice altering takes away from the song, and although it was the lead single, it doesn’t showcase what to expect on the album. Its successor and 2^nd single is up next, Dr. Love, which gives a better taste of Donnie’s vocals over some hard-hiting beats from Channel 7 (formerly 7 Aurelius). Danja (in the clutch!) weighs in with the club-banger Hollywood Girl, the story of a small time sweetheart with big dreams and big ambition. Donnie also slows it down quite nicely on the Mario Winans ballad Catch My Breath, which almost sounds like a song made up totally of pick-up lines. Vocally, it’s very smooth and the harmonic and shows a different side of Donnie. Which One is a nice B. Cox joint about honesty and the burden of choosing between 2 lovers and surprisingly, it’s NOT a ballad. Other highlights include the title track (Just A Rolling Stone), The Rain, and My Idol, on which Donnie sings the praises of the woman who has unmistakably become The One.

There were a few tracks that could have been left on the cutting room floor. The Dream contributed to Hurt That Body which is another dance track that gets a bit annoying after the 2-minute mark. Then there’s the self-indulgent Pretty Girls Cry (which has a touch of MJ in the beat, circa P.Y.T. era). The vocals are very breathy and it’s hard to envision insecure little Donnie making any girl cry without a few tears of his own to accompany.

Just A Rolling Stone is due out in stores on September 2, consequently the same day as Young Jeezy’s The Recession so they’ll battle it out for the #1 spot. If you’re looking for another R&B record, this album is not for you. Expect some hard hitting dance joints, some above average vocals and some pretty decent content. Pop fans, if you like N’Sync, and the reincarnation of New Kids on the Block, you’re likely to find pleasure in Donnie’s debut, it gives you boy band without the rest of the band…

-Mack-

Yeah, that’s what I said when I heard this joint from the lovely Jazmine Sullivan. Shouts to my man Tank over at www.iknowtank.com for sending me this joint this morning. I told you before how amazing this girl’s voice is, and I’m sure by now you’ve heard I Need U Bad all over your radio stations. Her debut album, Fearless, is due in stores September 23rd, and if you’re not planning to get it, might I suggest you press play right here, and let Lions and Tigers change your mind…

-Mack-

Hey you guys, it’s Pink!! LOL… i just had to do that. I rocks with Pink, for real. She’s so animated, so real, and she doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks or says! Check out this video for So What, the lead single to her 5th studio album Funhouse, due out in late October. It’s creative, it’s funny, and it’s real. Pink revives a couple of her infamous spoofs, and adds a lighthearted kick to a potentially volatile situation. The song was born out of her recent separation and divorce from her husband Carey Hart. In February, she released a statement saying “we are best friends…” and “mine and Carey’s future just might involve beach babies and sunshine one day. Just not right now…”. Statements like that usually make me think “Yeah, right!” especially with a song like this where she’s clearly more than a little pissed. But Hart’s cameo toward’s the end of the clip signifies there’s no bad blood, maybe just a little water under the bridge. I’m just glad Pink is still making honest music; when shit happens she writes a song about it… like to hear it? Here it goes…

So you went and got your nice outfit because you knew this would be a hell of a party; ladies spent a couple hours in the salon, fellas got those fresh lineups; pulled out a lil extra cash so you could have a drink in hand all night. You looked good, you smelled good, and you were probably feelin on cloud nine after that second or third drink. But there’s always that one element that actually makes the party… it’s called the Soundtrack.

Shouts to Tank, Lydia and Indya for throwing one of the hottest parties of the summer: The Standard. Birthdays come once a year, and this party has raised the bar for celebrating in style – they gave US a gift for comin to their party, how cool is that? And double shouts to the DJ’s: Tab D’Biassi (The Million Dollar DJ) and DJ Buttafingaz for keepin the ladies hips movin and the fellas on their 2-step game all night. The music was crazy, from the 80’s jams, to the 90’s grooves; from my native go-go sounds, to that crazy reggae set, to today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B, the DJ’s definitely held it down all night long. So in true Sound-savvy style, I’mma hook you up. If you missed it, or weren’t invited, or u just wanna relive a little bit of the party vibe, u might enjoy this playlist… don’t thank me, thank THE STANDARD.

Here’s a classic example of EVERYONE CANT DO EVERYTHING. Terrence Howard, please sit down. This is the first single from a self proclaimed “urban country” artist. URBAN COUNTRY?? That’s a mix that I just don’t see bruh. Rule #1, establish yourself as a valid singer FIRST before you try to change up the game. This song is very dry, and the raspiness in his voice adds nothing to the song. Mr. Howard, since you’re an Oscar nominated artist, I suggest you ACT like you got some sense, and either step your music up or step off. Really, you’re messing up my Friday…

On a positive note, I am looking forward to your next film (whatever it may be), and a bigger role for you in the sequel to Iron Man.