Hey, it's all about the Platinum Headphones in 2009, let me know what you think of the new look!

Greetings to all my Sound-Savvy fam! 2008 has been a rather interesting year and very rewarding. Sound-Savvy was born at the end of March and has since grown into something more than I had dreamed in such a short time. The support of all the readers has afforded me many opportunities to grow the site and participate in many exciting new ventures. For that I'm truly thankful to every single one of you, so please know that this year in review is dedicated to you.

Before I get there though, I got some special shouts to make: In April of 2008, Sound-Savvy embarked on a venture with Mindstream Radio to produce the Sound-Savvy report, a weekly segment on the ever-popular online talk show Mindstream Radio hosted by Adam Butler and Paul Spann. The show airs weekly, each Wednesday from 8-10 PM EST at www.im4radiodc.com with the Sound-Savvy report beginning at the top of the 9 o'clock hour. The audio from each week is now being posted at the top of Sound-Savvy and can be streamed.

Next up, Sound-Savvy was blessed to form a partnership with Suavv Magazine, a leading online magazine, widely known for it's celebrity interviews, real-life stories, and it's widespread appeal to young professionals. You can read Sound-Savvy stories, interviews and album reviews in Suavv Magazine, hitting newsstands near you VERY SOON!!

Last but not least, shouts to my entire blogger fam: BshepJr, Odara, iKnowTank, FashionCitizen, My Mood Is Music, A.Red, Sane, all my fam on Facebook, Myspace, Blogadelphia, The UrbanBlogger and on Twitter. 2009 hasn't even started yet and it's shaping up to be a great year with lots more in store so make sure you bookmark Sound-Savvy: it keeps gettin' better! So without further ado, here it is, your Sound-Savvy Year in Review:

This year we watched as products of Makin The Band put out their new albums, both debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts but then faded away from existence until one of them was suddenly disbanded. The Roots retired from touring while Mary J. toured with Jay-Z , Kanye glowed in the dark, and Janet Jackson kinda sorta toured the US. Big David beat Little David to become the American Idol, but neither compared to the UK Idol Leona Lewis. Estelle’s album went gold, and apparently Kellz decided his braids could do the same… Nas resurrected the N word, 50 Cent hung Young buck out to dry and Lupe Fiasco stamped all our passports in Paris and Tokyo. Lyfe Jennings tried for a Lyfe Change (failing in more ways than one), Usher fizzled, Ashanti flopped and everyone-and-they-mama had a remix to A Milli. John Legend gave us the Green Light on his solid album, while Robin Thicke didn’t quite cut it this time around and Soulja Boy made a swimming pool game into another flop. Alicia Keys gave props to the superwomen out there while Katy Perry was off somewhere making girls kiss girls and Pretty Ricky is probably somewhere kissin their careers goodbye. Young Berg was a guest star on his own album, Ne-yo made it cool to be a gentleman, Monica tried to come back, Brandy DID come back and Ciara and Keri Hilson… well they keep getting pushed back. Jennifer Hudson stepped into the spotlight, Ludacris blasted and got put on blast, and the white boy from Makin' The Band dropped an album somewhere (anyone find it?). As for wack albums, Akon and Nelly can’t stop, LL Cool J and Britney Spears won’t stop, and Diddy, well… NO BITCHASSNESS (nuff said). Beyonce and Mariah made duplicates of their last albums, while Keyshia Cole and Jamie Foxx outdid themselves quite nicely. T.I. stepped up his swag, Kanye West started to sing, T-Pain started to rap, Soulja Boy got even more ignorant and Christina Milian is on her way back via Myspace Records (no really, I'm serious). Anthony Hamilton’s still got soul, Michelle Williams came out of nowhere and apparently went right back, and Solange really did a damn good job. And to top it all off, the quote of the year goes to Jamie Foxx: “Terrence Howard’s album only went plastic!”

-Mack-

When it comes to family musical acts, very few are able to hold it together long enough to establish some tenure in the industry. The Harrell brothers (Grady, Jared, Anthony, Papa, and Jacob) chose to weather their storms in the eyes of viewers on their BET reality show Brothers to Brutha, which chronicles their behind-the-scenes work for their debut album entitled Brutha. It’s a less-than-decent album, a few songs I could keep in rotation, but nothing amazing. The downfall is that the guys failed to capitalize on their unique chemistry and potential to produce something new and exciting. The team of producers on this album seems to have forgotten that Brutha is a group of 5, as many of the tracks focus more on individual vocals instead of the soulful group harmonies displayed on the show.

Despite its shortcomings, this self-titled debut delivers some nice offerings. One of my favorite joints on the album is the opening cut Bang Bang (written by Ne-yo), with its clever catchy hook sample and witty lyrics. Also check for some of the more heartfelt numbers like She’s Gone and Afraid of Love, the latter of which is probably the best on the album. Fabolous makes the only guest appearance with his verse on the lead single Can’t Hear the Music, which is really nothing more than recycled R&B lyrics over a hip-hop beat. Ne-yo also penned the steamy Set It Off, which has more intimate content, as does Like This. To further dispel the good guy persona, the fellas break hearts on Just Being Honest, an interesting twist where the guys give in to lust over love.

The problem with this album is the overall lack of inspiration and soul. Despite their immense talent, there’s nothing here to set these guys apart from any other candy-shop R&B groups of today, and I find that quite disappointing. The soulfulness that fans hear in the show’s performance clips failed to transcend to this album, resulting in the group appearing as a mere carbon-copy of other neo-R&B groups. There are no a capella numbers to culminate the “a capella movement” that they began with a series of widely popular YouTube clips, which include renditions of Love Lockdown (Kanye West), Love U 4 Life (Jodeci), and the Bee Gees classic How Deep Is Your Love. So while the individual vocals on this project are nearly flawless, it’s the unique sound of the entire group that gets lost beneath the work of some of the big-name producers like Ne-yo, Tha Cornaboyz and Bryan Michael Cox. I’d much rather hear the production handled by some lesser known producers who can acknowledge that the sound of the group is more important than the “tooting of their own horns”. I had high hopes for this group, they’re the only R&B group in recent years that could deliver chilling vocals, but I wish them better luck on their next effort.

Sound-Savvy officially rates Brutha with 1.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Related Post:
Introducing: BRUTHA!

-Mack-

Artist: Mariah Carey
Album: Merry Christmas
Release Date: 11.01.94

This year has been an especially different year for me when it comes to holiday cheer. I mean, here it is two days before Christmas and I’m just finding my holiday joy – but I found it in the one place I should have looked from the beginning: my music. I’m guilty this year of working too hard to remember that it really is the most wonderful time of the year. So waking up this morning to the sounds of All I Want For Christmas Is You by one of the most stunning voices of our time is all I needed to catapult me right into holiday heaven.

Merry Christmas is the Christmas album from Mariah Carey originally released more than 14 years ago as her first offering of holiday cheer. This is by far one of the best Christmas albums I’ve ever heard. It’s a spirited blend of traditional carols, holiday gospel and mild romantic love songs especially made for those mistletoe moments. Highlights on this project include her soulful rendition of O Holy Night, Jesus Born On This Day and Miss You Most (At Christmas Time). The stylized arrangements of Joy To The World, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town are also noteworthy standouts, but the entire album is a true treat for the season.

For anyone having trouble feeling the spirit of Christmas despite the lights and presents, the gatherings and cards, I offer you this album. The music therein was born in the era of Mariah, not Mimi – trust me, you’ll hear the difference. With the recommendation of this album, I wish you all the peace, blessings and good will that the spirit of Christmas brings to all who embrace it…

O Holy Night - Mariah Carey

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

-Mack-

Artist: Jamie Foxx
Album: Intuition
Release Date: 12.16.08

Jamie Foxx can be called a lot of things, but one thing’s for certain: there’s no shortage of talent in his camp. He may be best known for his comedy and acting abilities, but he’s showing just as much growth behind the mic as he’s shown on the big screen. Intuition follows up his 2005 sophomore release Unpredictable and effectively propels Foxx back into the music realm. I particularly like the flow of this album; the hip-hop flavored up-tempo tracks start the show, then he moves into the sensual mid-tempos and brings it all together on the erotic slow jams towards the end of the album.

Timbaland shows why he’s one of the hottest producers in the game by contributing a killer beat to I Don’t Need It. T.I. keeps it cool and relaxed on the lead single Just Like Me while Lil Wayne adds some heat to Number One, a track hefty with swag from the New Orleans-bred rapper alongside Foxx. T-Pain steps up to the mic with Foxx on the club banger Blame It, a spirited toast to the effects of spirits and Kanye West along with the Dream team up for the second single Digital Girl, a look at the latest craze of cyber/digital sex.

In true R&B fashion, Intuition totally delivers on its slower tracks. The late night lovers can indulge their carnal fantasies with tracks like Weekend Lover, Slow and my personal favorite, Freakin’ Me with Floetry songstress Marsha Ambrosius. Freakin’ Me is a passionate duet that brings life to the hidden intimate desires of the masses – time to commence the baby making with this one! On tracks like Overdose and Rainman Foxx takes the role of the forlorn lover, desperate and almost whiny over the breakup.

There’s no doubt that this album surpasses his previous release in the fact that it’s just stepped up in every way. The wider selection of producers adds some variety, but there’s still a heavy presence from Tricky and The Dream throughout. You’ll also find an absence of old school sampling, which gives the album a much fresher feel, while it maintains the elements of good R&B music with Foxx’s penetrating vocals and his mature subject matter. Props to Mr. Foxx on outdoing himself once again by simply following his own intuition…

Related Posts:
Jamie Foxx - Digital Girl
Video: Jamie Foxx feat. T.I. - Just Like Me

-Mack-

Artist: Anthony Hamilton
Album: The Point of It All
Release Date: 12.16.08

Soul singer Anthony Hamilton is back in the game with his latest major label release, The Point of it All. Hamilton initially won fans over with his down-home style, his country swagger and his genuine approach as a musician deeply enveloped in his craft. But this album was not so much an instant winner. It really had to grow on me, but after some time, I’d say it’s a decent release, not his best work by any means.

The production on this album is great and refreshing at times. In contrast to most other mainstream R&B artists, Hamilton’s music has less of an electronic feel and more of the singer-with-a-band feeling that characterized most of the R&B legends that precede him. Cool was released as the lead single and features fellow country-boy David Banner for a double-dose of laidback swagger and a mellow feel. Other recommended tracks on the album include Diamond In The Rough for its deep-reaching electric guitar rifts, Soul’s on Fire for its stirring vocals and Hard to Breathe for its honest emotion. Her Heart is a sensitive ballad and definite favorite on this album with the inspirational anthem Fine Again as a close choice for second.

There are a few tracks that deviate from Hamilton’s signature style in an effort to break new ground; some work well, while others fail to ignite. Take the album’s opening song for example, The News: there’s just a little too much going on with this song, which takes a downward turn beginning with Hamilton’s midway spiel through the closing vamp. By contrast, Prayin for You has a southern backwoods funk feel to it and sounds pretty good. I Did It For Sho has less lyrical depth than the majority of the project and sounds rather uninspired as does Fallin In Love.

Throughout this project, Hamilton maintains his bluesy disposition and his vocals deliver flawlessly throughout so it’s hard to grasp why this album sounds so average. Even the notable tracks are mostly just decent and there’s nothing really spectacular. I’d give it a C+ rating, with hopes that the next album comes out stronger. I haven’t lost faith in him, not by a long shot, but I would like to hear some more classics with the next release.

Related Post:
Video: Anthony Hamilton - Cool

-Mack-

"I would like to introduce a different me..."

Artist: Keyshia Cole
Album: A Different Me
Release Date: 12.16.08

Suffice it to say, Keyshia Cole has delivered another reason to fall in love with her, despite speculations that this new album would continue down lovesick lane with it's predecessors. Accompanying the new look that graces the cover of her latest release, Keyshia re-emerges with a fresh sound and newer content for her third album, appropriately titled A Different Me. With guest appearances from hip-hop legends Nas and 2-Pac, and a stunning duet with R&B superstar Monica, this album packages her soul, her versatility, and her maturity.

Embrace the newness with the album’s opener, Make Me Over, a big-band composition over a soul-clap beat. It’s a welcomed departure from some of her more overproduced slow jams of late. In contrast, the shining points of this album come within the slower numbers like the sensual Brand New, the sexy anthem Erotic, and the album’s second single, You Complete Me (yes, it grew on me!). Brand New is an invitation to intimacy and a noteworthy choice, very soft and soulful with Keyshia taking care not to over sing, but blending rather well with the melody. If you were like me and fell in love with Heaven Sent the first time you heard it then This Is Us will easily become one of your favorites; from the short guitar strums on the intro to the depth of the lyrics, it’s just a beautiful song: I don’t need to find a million reasons why, this is us, this is us, and this is how we love…”. Monica’s contribution comes in the form of Trust, a power ballad that joins the two vocalists on a journey to gain the faith of their respective endearing lovers.

A lot of her regular listeners can relate to the pain and heartache in her previous releases, but it’s important to respect the change in seasons for Keyshia Cole with this new album. I’m glad to see, hear and feel the growth in her as an artist with this project – from the image on the album cover all the way through to the final song. Start to finish, A Different Me is an album that fans can appreciate and enjoy for its freshness and its impeccable display of Keyshia, in a different light…

-Mack-

I Don't Believe You by Fashion Citizen

This has got to be one of the saddest songs on the entire project. It's a woman who refuses to believe that the relationship is over. She reminds the man that he said they wouldn't be apart so to hear this news of a break-up is foreign to her. I imagine this girl approaching his place to find the locks changed because she won't believe it any other way. She wears dark jeans and a black turtleneck. The wrap she wears is reminiscent of one Pink herself wore recently. Although she's deeply hurt, her accessories are bold with turquoise and gold earrings with a set of bangles in earth tones and turquoise. Her trusty hobo bag in black carries the many things she needs, a trend you'll see throughout the rest of the mash-up.

One Foot Wrong by Fashion Citizen

This woman in this song keeps saying "All the lights are on, but I'm in the dark". She's disturbed and refuses to find any silver lining. She yells at one point "Is it my fault or did somebody bring me down"? She's close to the edge and she says that one foot wrong and she's gonna fall. I brought back the black leggings and a 60's mod-top inspired by the horns in the song. The red top underneath makes for an interesting scene as does the multi-beaded necklace. Her accessories are toned down to reflect this dark mood, diamond and onyx drop earrings adorn her ears and she piles on multiple black bracelets. One foot wrong and she will fall in the Louis Vuitton Powder pumps.

Please Don't Leave Me by Fashion Citizen

Ok, the woman is back..almost in this upbeat jam. The running theme seems to be her chorus of "I always say how I don't need you But it's always gonna come right back to this, Please, don't leave me". She doesn't know what to do or how to treat this man, but she claims when her heart is broken she behaves this way but pleads for him not to leave her. I imagine they're out to yet another dinner where she pleads ol' boy not to dip out on her. She wears a Vivienne Westwood Angolomania Gainsborough zebra blouse and her favorite jeans. Tan boots are her shoe of choice and she wears a season favorite, the trench. Her accessories are simple in ruby earrings, a gift from this long suffering fellow, no doubt and her trusty big bag, this time a See by Chloe slouch shoulder bag.

Bad Influence by Fashion Citizen

Troubled, troubled, TROUBLED ! This girl is nuts...she goes from don't leave me to...

"Lordy, Lordy, Lordy! I can't help it i like to party, it's genetic! It's electrifying, wind me up and watch me go Where she stops, nobody knows A good excuse to be a bad influence on you and you"

Well I figured she'd do well in this sequined Herve Leger ombre bandage dress and Jimmy Choo platform sandals. The silver clutch is so sleek it's a sin, much like the woman carrying it. She wears teardrop chandelier earrings and to lend edge to her look she wears a leather jacket with ruffle detailing on the collar and sleeve. Since she loves martinis so much, they are her only other accessory.

Funhouse by Fashion Citizen

Ok, ol' girl has to still be drunk from last night. She's pissed off that the "funhouse" they used to share is now full of evil clowns, she's gonna go Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes (RIP) and burn his house down. I see her going str8 dramatic with it. A bright red dress, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, and a hat, something the singer is known for, this chick employs to hide her morning bed head. She grabs her big studded bag by Christian Louboutin and shoves the matches and a change of clothes inside. She puts on some bad boots, the Forever Tina's by Louboutin and proceeds to exhale like Angela Bassett when she burned ol' dudes car up.

Crystal Ball by Fashion Citizen

Finally this woman has found some peace. She says she's learned to be brave in her beautiful mistakes and she wouldn't trade the pain for what she's learned. She's back together, at least, in some ways. It seems as if she is making peace with her past. I imagine her heading to the park to clear her head after what's been a harrowing life thus far. An interesting shrug goes over her black top and instead of dark jeans, a light pair of skinny jeans make the outfit less severe. She wears black hoop earrings with stud detail and of course, her big bag, this time in the form of a Louis Vuitton Monogram Denim Neo Cabby MM.

Mean by Fashion Citizen

Ok..this one starts like this...

"You used to hold the door for me, now you can't wait to leave, You used to send me flowers if you f**ked up in my dreams, I used to make you laugh with all the silly s**t I did, But now you roll your eyes and walk away and shake your head. "

She then goes on to wonder "How did we get so mean"? WE...I guess she's still got some work to do. I imagine she's meeting with ol' dude again to talk about what seems to be a failing relationship. Her take on the jeans and tee, come with a skinny dark jean and a striped baby doll sweater. She wears another hat, a chic Eugenia Kim Black Velour Fedora and around her neck, a locket given to her by her beaux. I'm sure there will be alot of "fight" in this, so she wears Chloe' flats to keep grounded in case things get ugly. Her big bag this time is the "Love Your Planet" Angie Hobo by Isabella Fiore.

It's All Your Fault by Fashion Citizen

This time she shows up at dude's house, yelling "It's All Your Fault". She says he called her beautiful, turned her out and now she can't turn back. All this drama she's kickin' is because dude expressed love. Shaking my dang head @ her and her mess. See what we go through ladies? lol

She wears ripped black jeans, no doubt grabbed in a rage. A dip dye tank is a bright purple ombre pattern and a leather jacket in grey-purple seal the deal on her outfit. Black motorcycle boots are on her feet, she has a motorcycle and she rode it all the way over to dudes house. Butcher knife earrings hang from her ears, telling of her delicate mental state and the big bag, who knows what it carries this go round, is a Prada medium striped nappa hobo.

Ave Mary A by Fashion Citizen

This song is a departure from the dramatic relationship played our for us and is a plea for the light in the world. It speaks of the many ills that plague us now, from the Virginia Tech shooting and the suicide bombers in abundance in the news. I imagine for a plea this strong for the light in the world to return, she's dressed as pure as possible. White skinny jeans and a white ruffled short sleeve top form the base of the outfit. Underneath a bright blue thermal top, to add a bit of grit to the outfit. Her accessories are a simple rosary and a silver bracelet. The jacket by Derek Lam with it's military inspirations is a nod to the many men and women who've sacrificed life for this war. I know it's fashion, but hey, we've got a heart too. The bag is a Prada Tessuto Weave Hobo bag and the shoes, Balenciaga Patent & Metallic booties.

Glitter In The Air by Fashion Citizen

Alrighty, we're back to the final song and the conclusion of the drama. She's mellowed out and is head over heels in love with this man who's endured so much. No doubt realizing it was her who needed work and not the man who stayed with her through it all. I imagine a moon-lit stroll to a fancy dinner to celebrate love. She wears a Thread Social flower corsage dress in green with black detail. A woman she is, but ultra-fem and frilly she is not, this dress is the perfect marriage of femininity and strength. Her accessories for this enchanted evening are emerald and diamond earrings, a black shiny clutch bag, a simple black onyx bracelet and Louboutin Orlan ponyskin sandals. Finally, a dash of scented body shimmer powder to go along with the last line of the song...

"Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself will it ever get better than tonight? "

...Peace & Love...