Pop Culture Buzz

JEM - “DOWN TO EARTH”

GRADE: C

Jem’s debut album “Finally Woken” was a huge surprise when it was released in 2004. Back then Jem’s upbeat tunes and electro grooves set her apart from sounding too much like Dido. Unfortunately Jem’s down tempo follow up CD “Down to Earth” suffers from the sophomore curse and the disc in the end sounds a bit mediocre and dated. The first single “It’s Amazing” is a cheesy adult contemporary ballad that is too radio friendly and it almost puts you to sleep.

The few bright spots on the album are perky and uplifting, but once again it’s hard to differentiate her from Dido at times. It’s almost as if Jem decided to flaunt her Christian faith which makes the album’s lyrics coem off as heavy handed and pretentious at times, like in the sore thumb of a track titled “Aciid”. I hate when pop star become preachy and there are just too many references to praying, heaven, god and the after life on this CD for me to really love it.

I truly love Jem as an artist and I hope that in some way she can salvage this disc with some decent remix dance tracks. The mix of gospel choir, banjos, synthesizer beats and ethereal sound-scapes bog down the production of “Down to Earth”. Luckily there are a couple of hidden “gems” on this let down of a follow up from Jem, but not enough for me to rave about it like I did her first disc.

MUST HEAR SONGS: “ON TOP OF THE WORLD”, “I WANT YOU”, “KEEP ON WALKING”

ROBIN THICKE - “SOMETHING ELSE”

GRADE: A

If you discount Robin Thicke just because he is a white R&B singer, the son of Alan Thicke or because he sings in a falsetto then you are missing out on one of the freshest most funky new artists to come out in ages. Blending a mix of disco, soul and R&B Thicke manages to make you swoon, shake your booty and set the mood for romance all in one song. I think he has the best falsetto in pop music, even better than Justin Timberlake’s!

His first single “Magic” itself is one of the year’s best songs and even better his “remix” with Mary J. Blige is a pop fans wet dream. This CD is easily this year’s most romantic album, even the dance themed songs peppered through out “Something Else” ooze sexuality. “Side Step” is a refreshing throw back to the 70’s as is the sweet and soulful title track.

When it comes to the slow jams like “The Sweetest Love” Thicke lays it on thick in a good way. His lyrics can be sweet, dark and erotic making the pulsing grooves even dirtier. The one track where Thicke gets a bit carried away is the self indulgent song “Dreamworld’. But every other song on this disc is soaked in sexy guitar hooks and Jimi Hendrix inspired smoky riffs. Any fan of hot and funky R&B music should own this CD, period!

MUST HEAR SONGS: “SIDESTEP”, “MAGIC”, “SHADOW OF DOUBT”, “LOVERMAN”, “YOU’RE MY BABY”, “SOMETHING ELSE”

JENNIFER HUDSON - “JENNIFER HUDSON”

GRADE: B+

Jennifer Hudson is under a lot of pressure to deliver a great album after her Oscar win over two years ago. Thankfully all the time in the studio tweaking away with multiple producers on her new album was worth it. Jennifer Hudson has worked with the right people on this album. Her pairing with Ludacris and Timbaland in “Pocketbook” is a powerful pop song with a delicious hook. I predict that over time this album will produce multiple hits.

If you are not a fan of hip-hop or modern R&B then this is not your cup of tea. A lot the ballads have an old school sound and early 90’s vibe. Hudson and T-Pain make a great duet team on the radio ready slow jam “What’s Wrong (Go Away)”. Hudson is best singing sassy attitude layered classic R&B inspired songs like “I’m His Only Woman” (which she sings with American Idol winner Fantasia).

Hudson isn’t breaking new ground with her debut, but at the same time the music scene needs a great R&B/Hip-Hop album filled with hits that will bring the strength and passion back to the genre. Hudson has such a powerful and strong presence when she sings it is hard not to be blown away listening to her brand new disc, check it out!

MUST HEAR SONGS: “SPOTLIGHT”, “MY HEART”, “I’M HIS ONLY WOMAN”, “POCKETBOOK”

OF MONTREAL - “SKELETAL LAMPING”

GRADE: A

Of Montreal may have some real catchy songs but most of their records are masterfully constructed electronic orchestras of mayhem. The group produces music that is spliced up and choppy at times, comprised of multiple melodies and harmonies that abruptly start and then begin to suddenly evolve into strange muliti-layered tracks. By mixing artsy beats and odd soaring vocals Of Montreal is able to create bizarre masterpieces.

An example of how Of Montreal can tap into that perfect mix of catchy music and weird gorgeous harmonies is on one of “Skeletal Lamping’s” best songs, the sex drenched track “St. Exquisite’s Confessions”. I still can’t make sense of most of the lyrics on this or any Of Montreal CD’s but I love trying to. The ambiguous nature of the songs, eclectic use of noise and instruments and the creative production make this CD a truly weird experience.

This CD has to be heard to be believed. Most mainstream music fans will not like the innovative and new sounds that Of Montreal creates which is understandable, they are an acquired taste. Songs like “For Our Elegant Caste” sound as if you are taking a ride on a trippy carousel in a strange psychedelic universe. If you like having your definition of music pushed to new levels then you need to hear Of Montreal’s new CD.

MUST HEAR SONGS: “FOR OUR ELEGANT CASTE”, “ST. EXUISITES CONFESSIONS”, “GALLERY PIECE”, “ID ENGAGER”, “WICKED WISDOM”

JENNY LEWIS - “ACID TONGUE”

GRADE: A

Jenny Lewis in many ways has a traditional singing voice that could have easily gotten lost in the adult contemporary landscape. Even in her darkest songs her sweet and tender voice perk you up and lift your spirits as is proof on “Acid Tongue’s” most inspirational song “Sing a Son for Them”. Last year her band “Rilo Kiley” put out a Southern California pop rock classic chock full of instantly catchy tunes.

This CD is primarily one of this year’s best albums because of its simplicity and gorgeous construction. Songs like “Godspeed” and “Carpetbaggers” (which she sings with Elvis Costello) use a twangy country influence to create a sound ready for both pop and country radio. Lewis’ eclectic taste and talent for crafting perfectly written stories set to fun melodies has allowed her to become one of rock n’ rolls biggest talents.

Lewis has a lot of interesting and fun stories to tell. It only makes her art near perfect that she can create music that sounds familiar but new and fresh at the same time. Her haunting and innocent voice soothes the soul. This album is perfect for driving on road trips and for haning out with your stoner friends (just listen to “See Fernando” for an example). If you get excited introducing your friends to new music and if you tend to overplay albums that contain great songs from beginning to end, then you need to hear “Acid Tongue”.

MUST HEAR SONGS: “BAD MAN’S WORLD”, “SEE FERNANDO”, “PRETTY BIRD”, “ACID TONGUE”, “BLACK SAND”, “JACK KILLED MOON”, “TRYING MY BEST TO LOVE YOU”

LISTEN TO A FREE STREAMING MIX OF NEW MUSIC BY JENNY LEWIS, ROBIN THICKE, OF MONTREAL, JENNIFER HUDSON AND JEM BELOW!