Artist: Raheem Devaughn
Album: The Love & War Masterpeace
Release Date: 3.2.2010

As the title suggests, The Love and War Masterpeace explores the war of love and, conversely, humanity’s unfortunate love of war. Devaughn’s vocal delivery is colorful and strong without being laborious or overbearing. Most notably, this album feels “very Raheem”, very true to the artistry he exhibits on previous projects. Read the rest of this entry »

Artist: Jason DeRülo
Album: Jason DeRülo
Release Date: 3.2.2010

Jason DeRülo is no different from your garden variety modern-day pop star, and his self-titled debut album bears qualities no different from any other modern pop debut: decent vocals, repetitive hooks and so-so dance numbers. So with an unoriginal formula, it’s even worse that he has an unoriginal sound. Read the rest of this entry »

Artist: Jaheim
Album: Another Round
Release Date: 2.16.10

While the rest of his R&B counterparts are busy trying to get the ladies undressed, Jaheim has returned to the art of wooing on his new album Another Round. His fifth studio album is comprised mostly of slow jams and love songs that allow Jaheim to flex his husky yet silky velvet tone and make the “road less traveled” an enjoyable journey. The album has hints of 70’s funk and soul mixed with some smooth Motown sounds allowing it to transition from the club to the bedroom to the wedding chapel almost effortlessly. Another Round is one of Jaheim’s better projects, offering more “grown-folks” music and solidifying Jaheim as an R&B favorite.

The lead single Ain’t Leavin’ Without You, evokes a two-stepping rhythm that’s too infectious to resist and is followed up by one of the album’s favorites Finding My Way Back. As far as ballads go, Til It Happens To You is powerful and speaks far beyond a love song, it’s a dreamer’s anthem with an inspiring melody and a message of faith. Another Round picks up pace on the title track, which seems just slightly out of place on an album of mostly slower sensitive love songs. The undertones and production on Bed Is Listening is reminiscent of Jay-Z and Chrisette Michele’s earlier hit Lost One and is another attempt to keep the album current with the bass-thumping and sex talk. Tracks like Whoa and Her are more favorites that show Jaheim’s ability to keep the quality on the faster pace songs just as great as the slow jams. The album comes to a close with the new wedding anthem In My Hands, a beautifully emotive love ballad that calls to mind the Motown era of music, with a piano-driven melody and a sincere focus on the singer’s soaring and excellent vocals.

It’s hard to listen to this album and not think of some of the greats that came before Jaheim – namely Luther Vandross for content and Teddy Pendergrass for vocal tone and style. That’s not to say that Jaheim isn’t original, but it’s refreshing to hear an artist that can revive some of the greatest eras in R&B music but still be balanced enough to keep it current. Another Round is not without flaws (a la II Pink Lines), but it’s worth the listen for the simple fact that it’s a return to love.

Sound-Savvy rates Another Round with 3.5 out of 5 Platinum Headphones.

Artist: Sade
Album: Soldier of Love
Release Date: 2.9.10

Eight years away from the spotlight could be damaging to a musician’s career, especially considering the ever-changing landscape of the music scene. What you’ll find with Soldier of Love is that the infamous band felt no need to conform, proving once again that their sound is timeless and their message is as relevant now as it was when the group took its leave. The most notable attribute of this album is its poetic approach to the lyricism. Mostly everything is stated in subtle references and metaphors that flow impeccably. That’s always been a shining quality in Sade’s music and given the group’s hiatus, it’s great to see this element was not sacrificed for a more “contemporary” approach with their return. Read the rest of this entry »

Artist: Justin Bieber
Album: My World
Release Date: 11.17.09

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a widespread resurgence of pop music and the wave is quickly catching on. In the last couple years, artists have been scurrying to either capture the addictive pop flavor for their own projects or find an artist who can. Enter Justin Bieber: Usher’s contribution to the trend in the form of a 15-year old Canadian kid who’s just that – a 15-year old kid. On the first part of his debut album My World (Part II due out in March), the music is reflective of his young life: family struggles, playful puppy love, and uptempo feel-good potential hits. My World is refreshing to hear, replacing innuendos with innocence and bringing the bubblegum back to the pop genre

The album’s lead single One Time was hard to avoid as it took over the charts with it’s infectious hook written by The Dream and introducing the world to Bieber’s pre-pubescent vocals. What he lacks in vocal maturity is somewhat made up for in the insightful lyrics of Down To Earth, one of my favorite tracks that explores Bieber’s perspective on his parent’s divorce – a tough situation for that many of his younger listeners can most assuredly connect with. Prepare to gush with exclamations of “awwww” on Bigger, the album’s “cute” coming-of-age song with lyrics like “I was a player when I was little but I’m bigger…”  Usher’s influence throughout the project is evident, and he makes a guest appearance on First Dance, a dreamy, slightly wistful track where Justin imagines the first dance at the prom with the special little lady that has stolen his heart. The album closes with Love Me, a synth-heavy pop dance smash that samples Lovefool by The Cardigans.

There’s not even a hint of soul in this kid’s voice so the album lacks emotion and comes off a bit generic. Yet his vocals are quite commendable and I still feel him but not in the sense that his music moves me on an emotional level, more so that I feel where he’s coming from. I particularly like the honesty in his presentation; he’s not trying to be something he’s not even with a mentor as powerful as Usher.  With songs like Down To Earth, it’s easy to see that there’s a future for Bieber once the bubblegum phase ends. It’s cool to see kids being kids and not burdening themselves or their fans with premature talk of sex and other adult content. Bieber fever is here to stay it seems…

Sound-Savvy rates My World with 3.5 out of 5 Platinum Headphones.

Artist: Omarion
Album: Ollusion
Release Date: 1.12.10

Despite the title, there’s nothing beneath the surface of Omarion’s third solo album Ollusion: no hidden tricks or new sounds experimented with here. The only thing different is an increase in raunchy sex-driven lyrics, as evidenced by his first ever Parental Advisory warning label. The entire project lacks a central theme, which is probably the reason for its collage of content and absence of direction. On a content-level, there’s barely anything here that the listener can connect with, which would be somewhat acceptable if he was still in his teenybopper boy band days. But with counterparts like Chris Brown and Trey Songz taking the lead in R&B, this disappointing album puts Omarion far behind in the race to be Number 1.

In keeping with his predictable history of single releases, the first single I Get It In is a percussive street-dance anthem featuring hip-hop’s new go-to guy Gucci Mane. The followup single, Hoodie, attempts to follow a similar format but just isn’t remotely impressive as a song attempting to re-birth a fashion trend – give it up O.  “When I put you on the copy machine your body printed out just right”, he croons on Last Night (Kinkos), a lackluster tale of adventurous sex on a Kinko’s copy machine – the song’s okay, the lyrics don’t illustrate the story too well though. He makes up for it on the steamy Wet, with promises of moistening the nether regions of the Ms. Copy-Girl. That track is followed up with the equally bold I Think My Girl Is Bi, which is one of the better tracks on the album (which really isn’t saying much) and finds Omarion replaying factors in his mind that cause him to question not only her sexuality, but also her fidelity – mediocre lyrics yet again, dope beat. The album’s best offering is the latest single Speedin’, a strong power ballad with an incredible guitar line and a great vocal performance from Omarion – definitely one of his best to date.

While this album pushes the envelope on shock value, it leaves much to be desired in delivery and quality. At this point in his career, Omarion should be making more personal and mature music, yet he seems stuck in the era of his teenage years while the rest of the music industry and its trends have long since moved on. A major downfall I see is the lack of lyrical flow with this project. Most of the songs lack the poetic feel and flow that connects the audience. Ollusion is a project that lacks a central focus and sense of direction, leaving the listener confused and worse, completely unmoved. With the exception of Speedin’, Ollusion offers nothing memorable beyond its ability to highlight Omarion’s stunted growth and failure to launch.

Sound-Savvy officially rates Ollusion with 2 out of 5 platinum headphones

Artist: Susan Boyle
Album: I Dreamed A Dream
Release Date: 11.23.09

To be honest, no, I Dreamed A Dream isn’t anything spectacular or out-of-this-world. It isn’t a work of musical genius that will be heralded in the halls of music as revolutionary or trendy. It isn’t innovative, it’s not the “hot new thing”. What it is, however, is great music and above all else, it’s a testament to the human spirit. Boyle’s story is one of a misunderstood child who became a dutiful daughter, and remained a steadfast believer. She spent years caring for her own aging and ailing parents before the universe granted her a reprieve and allowed her to share her musical talents on the world’s stage. Some might attribute Boyle’s success to the “right place, right time” theorem; we live in a time where everyone needs something to inspire them, some proof that life does indeed get better for all of us regardless of status or class. It’s an innate human need, but much more prevalent given the world’s economic state of affairs. Seeing Susan Boyle come from such humble beginnings and realizing her dreams way beyond what many would consider her prime is nothing short of inspirational, fulfilling that need in all of us to hold on to faith and continue dreaming.

To date she’s sold over 6 million albums and the numbers are steadily rising. I Dreamed A Dream is an album of cover songs, mostly very true to the original arrangements with a few exceptions like her rendition of Daydream Believer by the Monkees. The gift is in Boyle’s delivery, mostly controlled and tranquil. She belts out the big notes on Wild Horses, and dials up the jazzy lounge singer chops on Julie London’s Cry Me A River. Her renditions of classics like Amazing Grace and the Christmas classic Silent Night are also noteworthy. The album is overall very soothing and peaceful, delightfully pure music. I won’t say it’s for everyone but if you like a bit of diversity with your audible bliss, give I Dreamed A Dream a listen, it doesn’t disappoint.

Sound-Savvy rates I Dreamed A Dream with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Artist: Young Money
Album: We Are Young Money
Release Date: 12.21.09

And the award for Wackest Rap Album by a Duo or Group goes to…. congratulations Young Money!! Not only does this album lack any discernable direction, it also fails to establish a distinct identity for any member of this motley crew. The undercard rappers spend most of the album trying to out-rhyme each other for shine with none striking above average. There is also no variation in sound so by album’s end, you STILL won’t be able to distinguish one member from another.

Aside from the album’s first two singles Every Girl and Bedrock, there’s not much to be impressed with on this project. Ms. Parker recalls the curvaceous character from the comedy classic movie Friday but the excessive auto-tune kills the track. In fact most of the auto-tune on the album sounds like Wayne is slumped in a chair, high on a few E-pills, foaming at the mouth and trying to sing at the same time. The rest of the album suggests a normal day for Young Money only involves smoking weed and having sex all day – and when they’re not having sex they’re writing about having sex. Roger That is one of busty beauty Nicki Minaj’s few appearances and is another of the few decent tracks. Wayne is at his best on this project with Steady Mobbin, which features Gucci Mane. The only other track worth a spin is Finale, aptly titled to close out the album. Finale spotlights each member of the group, and for once they sound like a group working together, not against one another.

The We Are Young Money album is a poor representation of many things: the quality of artists signed to Young Money, the amount of time put into this project, and Lil Wayne. Though it’s not a reflection of Wayne as a solo artist (Tha Carter 3 was dope!), it speaks to his level of discretion as a label head and businessman. More importantly, with a title like We Are Young Money, one would naturally expect to get a feel for the group’s members. Don’t get your hopes up – I still don’t know a Tyga from a Gudda Gudda, and can’t tell you anyone else’s name beyond Drake, Wayne and Nicki. In short, FAIL….

Sound-Savvy rates We Are Young Money with 1.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Artist: Mary J. Blige
Album: Stronger With Each Tear
Release Date: 12.18.09

Judging by its cover, you’d think Mary J. Blige’s Stronger With Each Tear would be a slower, more ballad-heavy album. Au contraire, it’s actually very light, mostly upbeat and filled with feel-good empowerment anthems that echo sentiments of strength, growth and love. Her ninth album is yet another representation of her life with songs written that reflect a more mature and happier, yet still growing woman. Women will relate; men will enjoy the insight. What’s most impressive is the fact that Mary’s team of writers seems to pen nearly perfect songs for her while the real beauty remains in the delivery.

The album’s opener Tonight kicks off the project with a mild dance beat and a smooth clean harmony on the hook. With a bit of help from Drake and some auto-tune for the alley-oop, Mary delivers the album’s official first single The One, a bounce track with street edge reminiscent of Blige’s earlier work on albums like What’s The 411 and Love and Life.  Rapper T.I. makes an appearance on the fun and flirty Good Love, while Ryan Leslie contributes the bass-heavy Said and Done, a mature love song about getting over the small stuff for the one you love. I Feel Good is more empowering, similar to her earlier hit Just Fine , though not quite as impressive or catchy. The album’s second single, I Am, is one of the best ballads Mary’s ever delivered, penned by Johnta Austin and showcasing Mary’s raw vocals with a message that personifies a confident love. Each Tear is a life lesson put to music, and highlights Mary’s ability to be empowering and inspirational without being too gospel-ly. The closing track I Can See in Color (from the soundtrack to the movie Precious) is undoubtedly  of the album’s best offerings, delivered in Mary’s bluesy disposition with more dynamite vocals.

This project is one of Mary’s best yet, despite a few shortcomings. Said and Done contains yet another recycled beat from Ryan Leslie (think Fabolous’ Everything Everyday, Everywhere) . Ladies can thank Mary for the warning delivered on Kitchen but lyrically it falls short and it just doesn’t work – no matter how REAL it is. I Love U (Yes I Du) is a bit hard to get into; the track is much busier than the rest of the album, and the quality of the song suffers for it. Simplicity with this album worked best so this track stuck out a bit.

The key element to Stronger With Each Tear is that it continues the progression of Mary J. Blige as an artist and a woman. She’s matured into a stronger woman, and her vocals and content share the same evolution. It’s great to see her have fun with her music but stay mature. As an artist, Mary seems to be moving into a place where her music is consistently great, timeless even. Her last few projects have involved a lot of soul searching but have produced excellent music, proving the title to be true: she’s getting stronger with each tear…

Sound-Savvy officially rates Stronger With Each Tear with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Artist: The Cast of Glee
Album: Glee: The Music Volumes 1 and 2
Release Dates: 11.3.09 and 12.4.09

As a fan of the hit show Glee, I was asked to share my thoughts on the music of Fox’s newest series. The quirky misfits of the McKinley High glee club have become the newest television craze, bonding music with the show’s messages of self confidence, determination, and inspiration. With the help of popular top 40 jams from the last 40 years, they bring a good dose of musical goodness, comedy and real-life lessons to TV every week. So if you’re not on the bandwagon, here’s my 5 reasons why YOU need to get with GLEE and get the soundtrack:

5. You’re a geek too – Yes you, with your expensive gear and cool hair. Some small, barely exposed part of your personality likes things that the rest of the popular people around you would probably turn their noses up at. It’s okay, I’m with you. Indulge yourself.

4. It’s just like you, imperfect – Sure there are memorable songs in the halls of music history that they should have left alone like Rihanna’s Take A Bow or Color Me Badd’s I Wanna Sex You Up. But you’ve done some things you shouldn’t have done too and you turned out okay, right? Good, so get over it.

3. There’s something for everyone – The kids of McKinley high’s Glee club come from all walks of life where they don’t seem to fit in – but they fit just perfectly when they’re together (*cue the cheesy “Awwww”*).

2. It’s an all-natural anti-depressant – The GLEE soundtrack is littered with plenty of uplifting messages that play into the show’s themes of determination, self-confidence, identity, perseverance and, of course, love. Take your pick, they’ve got you covered. Some of my favorites are Imagine (John Lennon), Lean On Me (Bill Withers), Keep Holding On (Avril Lavigne), and the cover of Taking Chances (Celine Dion).

1. It FEELS GOOD – and that’s really the bottom line. It’s like a remixed journey down memory lane, revisiting the way Lean On Me first made you feel, or the countless weddings where you’ve watched the couple dance to Endless Love. It’s about making a difference with songs like Imagine or the way Don’t Stop Believing always seems to lighten the load. Laugh at cheesy renditions of Sweet Caroline, and Kanye West’s Gold Digger. Most importantly, let it lift your spirits; let it give you some glee…

Sound-Savvy rates Glee: The Music Volumes 1 & 2 with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones each (volumes released separately).