The first time I heard "Fences" I was sold on these amazing Frenchmen.
This is their fifth album, they are seasone musicians and this album has garnered
critical acclaim and commercial success (you've heard their song "1901" in Cadillac
commercials I'm sure). With catchy songs like "Lasso" and "Rome" you can't really
go wrong on this record. It's feel good indie music. I love this record, mucho.

"So yeah... Chris Brown... Yeah..."

I chose to withhold my comments on his whole "situation" officially thus no "Chri-Anna" posts.
I honestly thought that releasing an album so soon after his "situation" was career suicide.
The jury is still out on that. All media madness aside, this record is his best.

Prisilla Renea is the cutest little hipster singer-songwriter with mocha-almond skin and a double
mint smile since...well ever. A few years ago she was a teenager belting songs in her room and
uploading them to youtube. Her talent and vocal chops landed her a deal and flashforward she's
releasing her debut record for the world. I liked for her quirky personality and cutesy videos
but after listening to this album I must give her some sincere props as a vocalist and songwriter.
This is a solid debut record.

"Ain't nobody out here making shit, quite like me, quite like this."
--Kid Sister "Big N' Bad"
This record oozes energy. It's crazy! These tracks are amazing. Her lyrical style is
very different from most female emcees. She's sort on her one steez (can't believe
I just said that). She stands out in a way that I can respect. She's not a Trina or
a Nicki Minaj (both of whom I respect...well?...nevermind that). Kid Sister is
creative, fun, vibrant, and this record is a reflection of all that. I can only
imagine what this record will sound like in a car. I have to give her kudos for not
having to base her music around explicit sexual content. She doesn't brag about her
sexual prowess or talking about how big her ass is. She still snaps though. I
personally love 'Get Fresh', 'You Ain't Really Down', 'Right Hand Hi' & 'Life On TV".
It's clear that she had the time of her life making this record and if she didn't it
sounds like it. I give this record a B++

Wale's debut album Attention Deficit is a magnificent recording. I'm say this with all seriousness,
it's the RAP ALBUM of the YEAR. The record is COHESIVE as fuck. It flows seamlessly and the
content is substantial. The cover alone speaks to something that most contemporary hip-hop
artist actively ignore (& contribute to). With collaboration with Bun B, Chrisette Michelle,
Pharrell, Lady Gaga, and K'Naan he's making she he burst on the scene in a big way.
The production is reflective of his eclectic taste. You hear hints of blues guitars and horns on
"Mirrors", nostalgic samples mixed with kacks and drums on "Pretty Girls", and heavy beat
on "90210". Wale is one to watch of for people. Unfortunately the masses will sleep on him,
HARD. I think people are a little to preoccupied with the Jay Z record. I can honestly say this
record is a better record than Blueprint 3. As a rapper, Wale offers a unique perspective because
he isn't the typical trapstar. Check his mixtapes! Introduce yourself. His work spans
various genres. Look up "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E." There are a lot of really amazing tracks on this
record. 'Shades' featuring Chrisette Michelle tackles intra-racism (think brown paper bag test),
it's a great song.

But ask them beautiful light girls if it's black they attract to usually

What if Barack's skin was all black?

Truthfully would he be a candidate or just a black in community?

We as black dudes tend to lack unity

And them blacker girls ain't on the tube usually

Right now at 23 I ain't mad at them reds no more

But for long time I had gone cold blind

Full of my own insecurity

It was holding me

Back to reds, I ain't know how to act

They would get the cold shoulder

And know it was an act, a defense mechanism

Lykke Li is the best thing to come from Sweden since IKEA.
She sounds like a baby angel frolicking in a field of white lilies
and linen sheets. This record teeters a line between eletronic
and just plain old indie. I'm very fond of "Let It Fall", it's extr-
emely catchy and simple. She's very indie so keep that in mind
if you decided to get this album. It's a great record. I'm enjoying
it. A few other notable tracks include "A Little Bit" (Drake cover-
ed it), "Hanging High", & "Breaking It Up". I suggest this one.
.

Lost in space with no way home young artist, Steph Jones just disembarked his space craft
and is wandering planet MoCity. He's been charged with the task of delivering his heart, soul
and thought through melody and discover the true purpose of gravity. Steph is now on a quest,
he must re-route the soul of music (which has been sucked out of earth) so he can
redistribute it back into the universe.

Steph Jones has really brought something refreshing, fun, honest and genuine. Mr. Out of the
Ordinary straddles the lines of rhythm and blues and pop. His voice is soft gentle, he croons each
song with a unassuming boy next door quality that comes across beautifully. He's the kind of guy
that will steal someone's girl with a mere wink & a smile.

Songs I think you'll really like:the lead single (or so I hear) "So Delicious". It's a fun song, very
catchy and quirky. I also enjoy "A Girl Named Hollywood" it's a narrative about a young girl
who moves to L.A. to chase her dreams and enroute she takes some wrong turns. It's hot. I'm
quite fond of "Get Me Started" it's fused with a little 50's pop, 80's rock, R&B...It's pretty
funky. Of course everyone loves "Mr. Ordinary" the song that seemed to start it all. The
Michael Jackson inspired "Shooting Star" is hot too. Oh and I can't forget "Gravity"
(he covers John Mayer).

Wonder if he accomplishes his mission???
check out the mixtape and show him some love!

Before I start I have a caveat/clarification. For the last year or so I've avoided a lot of hip hop records simply because as I get older the more I realize I'm not a huge fan of the genre in general. I've had come up with an operational definition of Hip Hop and I feel the need to compartmentalize different artist and put them in their own separate categories. I put Kid Cudi in my "Alternative Hip-Hop"compartment. So to clarify, I don't like Hip Hop overall, I feel there is a lot more bad than good, HOWEVER, Kid Cudi and other Hip Hop artist like him I appreciate and have nothing but admiration and respect for. Furthermore, since I'm not a fan of Hip Hop I can't (and won't) critique this record in terms of how "hard it goes" etc and so on. This review is all about his ingenuity and creativity as an artist.

This album's concept is based around the tales of young Scott. It's a narrative and it's divided into different acts. You're going to cream your shorts when this drops. Producers: Kid Cudi, Kanye West (exec.) Emile Haynie, Plain Pat (co-exec.) Ratatat, Dot da Genius, Jeff Bhasker, Free School, Crada, Illfonics

Act One: The End of Day
In My Dreams (Cuddler Anthem) – a mellow hip hop lullaby laden with cosmic sfx, strings and affirming lyrics. Near the end of the track Common begins (he narrates the entire record) “...being a leader in this day in age is being a threat not many people stood up against the system we all call life but toward the end of our first ten years in this millennium we heard a voice, a voice who was speaking to us from the underground for some time, a voice who spoke of vulnerabilities and other human emotions and issues never before heard so vividly and honest. This is the story of a young man who not only believed in himself but his dreams too, this is the story of the man on the moon.”

Soundtrack 2 My Life – an autobiographical rap ballad. Cudi emotes and reflects about his insecurities and emotional trauma. My favorite line is "But they all didn't see the little bit of sadness in me *chorus* I've got some issues that nobody can see and all of these emotions are pouring out of me I bring them to the light for you, it's only right, this is the soundtrack to my life, the soundtrack to my life..." This is a goodun'. Great flow. I REALLY like the production!

Simple As – The production is NICE! It reminded me of Gotye. This song is as simple as it sounds. The chorus is catchy. Near the end Common returns and leads us to the next act.

Act Two: Rise of the Night Terrors
Mr Solo Dolo (Nightmare) – this one of those goes tracks that goes bump in the night. Cudi sings "Oh Oh Oh why must it feel so wrong when I try and do right, do right?Oh Oh Oh soaring through paradise when I'm closing my eyes ---I'm Mr. Solo Dolo". The lyrics explore loneliness (solo dolo is a eupehemism for a loner). In the end he asks "When will I ever learn from the words in my songs?" This is my kind of record deep and dark.

Heart of a Lion (Kid Cudi Theme Music) – this one is upbeat. This track features the signature Cudi cadence that I initially didn't like. The song itself is ultimately an empowerment ballad. Something to wake up to. I like it but I don't love it.

My World (featuring Billy Cravens) – Cudi tells some personal stories ranging from having low self esteem as a youth, being awkward with girls, and having shitty jobs. Ultimately beyond the bull he realized that the world is his. I like this one a lot, almost love it.
Act Three: Taking the Trip
Day 'N' Nite – The smash hit single! I love this song.

Sky Might Fall – Produced by Kanye this one of the hottest songs on the record. The the production really reminds me of 808's but it has its own distinctions. I think his flow on this one is pretty hot on this one.

Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part I) – Another upbeat track. It's a love song, very danceable and high energy. It's kind of a transition, Cudi is emotional still but it's not sadness. He's intrigued by love. It's an electronica song in essence. I can hear it at the club.
Act Four: Stuck
Alive – Ratatat produced this one. "Everytime the moon shines, I become alive." I really dig this song.

Cudi Zone – This song brought me to the realization that Cudi is a art kid at the end of the day. He likes layers, space, weed, a sex. This song is dope.

Maker Her Say (featuring Kanye West & Common – anybody and everybody can find SOMETHING they like about this one. It's like the perfect blend of artist and it's about oral sex. It's the second single, doing well on radio from what I hear. I'd see it live with Kanye, Common and Gaga!

Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) (featuring MGMT) – my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.my favorite song on this album.

Act Five: A New Beginning
Hyyerr (featuring Chip Tha Ripper) – slow groove that pays homage to his green lover. I don't smoke but if I did I think this would be my rolling song.

Up Up & Away (The Wake and Bake Song) – a guitar driven uplifting song about the joys of life and marijuana. Mind you it's about getting high but he says something that I think is important in the chorus "I'll be up up & away, up up & away cuz they gone judge me anyway, so whatever...I'll be up up & away, up up & away cuz in the end they'll judge me anyway." I agree and I get it.

Asher Roth can actually rap---go figure. He spits about hot girls, weed, college life, music, and just being a white kid named Asher. He worked with Oren Yoel, Don Cannon, David Appleton, Novel, Ceelo, Keri Hilson, and Chester French. It's not your homeboy's hip-hop. There aren't any references to the hood, n-words (better not be), or the trap. "Lark on my Go-Kart" is the first track and it caught me off guard---I was startled because he had a nice flow. The drum laden track sounds like old head bob hip-hop from that point I let my guard down and relaxed. I like most of the songs, especially "His Dream" & "I Love College". I'm also fond of the song "La Di Da" produced by Don Cannon, I'm not sure exactly why but I think it's pretty dope. He raps about assorted life problems. A little struggle here, some pain there, and a dash of hope for the homies. I think I like it because the chorus is catchy. "As I Em" featuring Chester French is probably my favorite. He addresses the obvious comparisons people draw between him and the only other white rapper Eminem. I really like the track with it's bluesy guitars and drums. Asher spits: "I was in seventh grade when I heard the 'Slim Shady LP'/ My Mom brought it down when I was ironing(--Irony!)/ Getting out the wrinkles, just a little kid in middle school sink my teeth in anything to think I'm cool." Jazzy Pha gives his very best Ceelo impersonation for the track "Bad Day", which isn't a bad track either I just thought his singing style was kind of funny. Mind you, looking at the album as a whole he's not talking about anything enlightening but then again who does? It's simple, straight-forward commentary on the life of your average twenty something white guy.
I give it a B.

[read this article at EXAMINER.com PLEASE]
The saga continues...
Chester French's “Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance” hit the internet recently.
Thousands of people were immediately hospitalized for minor injuries because they were blown away.
LOVE THE FUTURE, an album I've been looking forward to for months drops tomorrow!
Chester French (because they are two of the greatest men to walk among us) put it on myspace today.
"Love The Future" is the official soundtrack Summer 2009.
I'm going to guide you through your listening experience because tomorrow you'll
go to your local record store, Target or Best Buy, iTunes, Rhapsody, whatever and you'll
purchase your copy of "Love The Future".

The songs I think you'll love endlessly:
Bebe Buell - goes hard. Chronicles groupie, love, orgasms. Sounds like two people bumping uglies backstage.
Time to Unwind - melodic and smooth. Sounds like friends frolicking on at the carnival after a few too many shots of yager.
Fingers - a love song to a you're lover the philanderer. Sounds like your friend who should dump is girlfriend but cant.
Beneath the Veil - a little country diddy. Sounds like John Wayne doing a set at Kanye's birthday party.
Not Over You - My favorite song.
Sleep - a lullaby for lover, dreamers, and me. <--(who gives a f*** about an oxford comma)

I wrote my first Chester French entry a year ago.
I said they reminded me of condensed version of Weezer and The Beach Boys.
This holds true. I love these guys, and the record too.
Get it when it drops.
These two demonstrate how talent and hard work equal success.
They went from two Harvard students to a full fledged musical force to be reckoned with.

So I've listened to The Dream - Love VS Money & Keri Hilson - In a Perfect World and I'm not impressed. The Dream's album is basically an alternate version of Love/Hate (including the innovative album title). Don't get me wrong, I like the music! It's just that I anticipated a certain mystique, a little musical magic and all I got was cheap parlor tricks. "Right Side of Your Brain" is my favorite song, by far. Overall the album isn't bad. If you're not familiar with Dream, definitely check it out. There are lot of top 20 hits on it. It's very very mainstream & "radio worthy" and reminiscent of his debut . I got a few flashes of deja vu during a few tracks. Since Dream has distinctive sound (his use of certain sounds and drums) at some points it sounded like I was listening to a slightly different version of a song I've heard before. I give it a C+.

Keri Hilson's album is hard to judge. From the top it's not my taste. I'm not a huge fan of the hip-hop/ R&B hybrids. I grew up on the stuff and after so many years it gets exhausting. Keri Hilson is mega talented and skilled with the pen. This album didn't supremely disappoint me but it didn't knock me down. I like "Energy", "Slow Dance", "Make Love", and "Knock You Down". The rest of the record just did not move me. One song that is particularly wretched is "Get Your Money Up" featuring Trina & Keyshia Cole. It immediately gave me the perma-stank face. It's a club beat paired with a slew of assorted urban colloquial phrases (that don't translate to anything in particular I guess they thought it sounded good? *shrugs*). The only thing I appreciate is that it's called "Get Your Money Up" and not "Get Ya Money Up" because the later would have been the straw. I think the production she used overpowers her lyrics and vocals . I give it a C.

So after my metaphysical retreat yesterday evenning I decided to sit down and listen to
Zero 7's The Garden (2006). My obsession with their 2001 release Simple Things
is unnatural. I've had The Garden for a while and I've just never listened to it all the way
through. It's a different vibe but it stays true to their signature sound. I'm using it to wake
myself up, you'd think DBE (downbeat electronica) would have the opposite affect. On the
contrary, I feel alert and ready. I'm headed to work, just thought I'd share.

People kinda sleep on Bobby Valentino...
I like the guy, I have all of his albums.
I enjoy his voice. His new disc "The Rebirth" is an honest effort.
I've listened to it and I give it a solid B. Again, it's not AMAZING, but it's pretty sound.
I don't really sense any significant growth from his first album to now.
His sound is consistent and he works with pretty good producers.
It seems like he's pretty settled, I hope he shakes it up a little more in the future.
This record has some good jams including the lead single, "BEEP" & "My Girl"
It's contemporary R&B with a southern slide-ya-panties-down twist.
This song stands OUT! Bobby Valentino - Just Me & You (Ft. Raphael Saadiq)
Rapheal Saadiq is so amazering, like he's that guy.

Ryan Leslie released his first album, Just Right, in 2005. You probably never heard it because it was only released in Europe. That was an arbitrary fact that I thought I's start off with. Now, his Self Titled album due out in the states tomorrow. Ryan Leslie (I got it last week and I've listened to it every morning since then). The album features Leslie singing and rapping. He's a talented wordsmith and his voice is smooth and mellow. The album is really chill and relaxing and you'll get a feel for his signature sound. If your looking for neo-soul, panty dropping r&b, or ghetto love songs this ain't your record. This album is urban contempo r&b with an upscale luxxe feel. The songs sound expensive. When I listen to a lot of the tracks I do the "studio bop". The studio bop is a movement/dance that people do when they are in a recording studio and they are bouncing a song that they think is the shit. I do the studio bop all morning as I get dressed. Not only because the songs are great, but they make you want to move--even if it's just a little bit. Some songs require choreography and preparation to really capture the essence of the track, this record is full of grooves. You can dance to them, but you don't need to, just bob your head and studio bop. If I were ever to record an r&b album I would want it to be produced by Ryan Leslie, Dream, Kanye and Polow. That's my dream team (sidenote: I'd insist on a duet with Prince). Back to this album, the hoodest sounding song is "How It Was Supposed To Be", the most romantic track on this album is "Gibberish", simply because it's a love song with no real lyrics. My favorite track is most of them, honestly I like this record. It's neat.

I have most of the songs on this one, a lot of it is stuff from last year.
Still, there's some stuff that's new to me.
I linked two tracks that I really liked.
Pharrell (featuring Sean Garrett) - Patron [from the album: Out of This World]
Pharrell (featuring Young Jeezy) - Rumor Has It [from the album:Out of This World]

I'd like to start off by saying that Vampire Weekend is one of the best band names I've heard
ever.If you're wondering who they are here's quick spiel: Vampire Weekend is an Indie Rock
band out of NY. Inspired by a whimsical combination of both African popular music and Western
classical they are Indie but not that annoying Indie (if that makes any sense). "Oxford Comma" is
the song that pulled me in. First time I heard I immediately fell in love with the melody (and the
chorus, I mean you gotta love "Who gives a fuck about and Oxford Comma?"). Their self titled
album makes me want to buy a bike and just go ride for a day or so. Just coast, enjoy the music,
and see where the road takes me. Check it out for yourself the next time you're at the record store.

[little interesting bit of trivia]
In 2008, Vampire Weekend were dubbed the "whitest band" by Christian Lander,
the creator of the site Stuff White People Like, in an interview with Salon.com.

This has been a great year in music.
Personally, I've had some astonishing music related experiences this year.
Some were amazing, some orgasmic, some unbelievable, some fantastic.
With Chester French, Janelle Monae, Kanye and a slew of other artist releasing albums
next year, I'm sure 2009 will be teeming with talent.
I've compiled a list my favorite albums this year.
They are rank in order based on awesomeness.
The top ten are the best (of course).
"If it ain't on here, I ain't trying to hear it."

1. Solange Knowles - Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams
2. Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
3. Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak
4. Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
5. Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It
6. Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro
7. Santogold - Santogold
8. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
9. Janelle Monae - Metropolis The Chase Suite
10. Lady Gaga - The Fame
11. Kanye West - Graduation
12. Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
13. Britney Spears - Circus
14. Proton - Red & Purple Vol. 1
15. Lloyd - Lessons In Love
16. N.E.R.D - Seeing Sounds
17. Madonna - Hard Candy
18. Wale - Mixtape About Nothing
19. Lil Wayne - The Carter III
20. The Killers - Day & Age
21. Beck - Modern Guilt
22. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
23. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
24. The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale EP
25. Michelle Williams - Unexpected
26. John Legend - Evolver
27. Grace Jones - Hurricane
28. Keane - Perfect Symmetry
29. Lenny Kravitz - It's Time For A Love Revolution
30. Portishead - Third
31. Colin Munroe - Colin Munroe is the Unsung Hero

“808’s And Heartbreak” is not a commercial release, it’s not an experiment with auto-tune gone awry, and it’s not a rapper singing. “808’s And Heartbreaks” is catharsis. Think about it. Kanye West is a huge name in this industry, he sells record, he wins Grammies, he’s superstar. He’s produced for legends and he has incomparable skills as an artist. He has credentials and experience and this record doesn’t reflect that. This record isn’t full of catchy singles with extravagant production and witty one-liners. It isn’t polished to perfection and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. I can’t connect with Kanye’s pain. I’m not him, I haven’t had his life experience and I don’t know how he processes his emotions. However, I completely connect with this album. It’s exceedingly candid and forth-coming. He paints a vivid portrait of a situation, questions it then he wallows in the torment of the moment. I think we’ve all been there. In fact I tend to wallow in the torment of the moment more than one should. The production is not excessively complicated and relies heavily on drums. Kanye doesn’t rap at all and honestly I didn’t really pay any attention to that fact, simply because I was feeling the music. People have been in a tizzy over his use of auto-tune. There is a different between a respected artist using auto-tune as a tool to allow them to create using their voice and a flash in the pan using auto-tune as a gimmick to sing ring tone hits. *Shrugs Shoulders* I’m just saying. I respect that Kanye took this leap from hip-hop to…well I’m not sure what genre this album falls under, but I respect his ability to transcend his expected musical medium. This one isn’t for everybody. I don’t want to say you have to have a sophisticate musical palate to enjoy this record but you have to have a sophisticated musical palate to enjoy this record. Don’t get me wrong you’re not listening to Bach, but you have to look behind the obvious appreciate the sentiment behind it. Trust me you’ll either hate it or you’ll love it. If you’re a Kanye fan you don’t count—you’ll love it. If you’re looking for something to bump on the way to the club don’t get this one. If you’re going through some shit right now, some “life on life terms” shit as my father would say you should get a copy of “808’s And Heartbreak.” I can’t really rate this one. I’ll tell you why. When I was a junior in high school I wrote a poem for my AP Lit class. I poured my soul into that poem literally! I ripped a chunk out of myself and bled on the paper. My teacher gave me a 92. I was furious. Not because of the grade, but because she put a numerical marker on art. You can’t grade art, damnit. This record is art. It’s totally up for interpretation and it reflects basic human struggle so with that said I will end this post without grading it. Go get this album. 

My favorite songs: PARANOID, STREET LIGHTS, AMAZING, SAY YOU WILL & COLDEST WINTER.   

Britney's 6th studio album wll be in stores December 2nd. Here are my notes:

Womanizer – My initial reaction to this song was “I don’t get?” I thought the production was flawless but lyrically!? Lyrically, it was too simplistic, the hook was ridiculously repetitive and it irked me. Vocally it was standard. She sounds like Britney and I may be totally alone when I say this but I enjoy her voice. She doesn’t belt but she doesn’t quite croon. Her vocal capacity is limited but what makes her stand out is how she works with it. The video was directed by Joseph Kahn. I thought his vision was sleek and sexy and he executed it with style. Still, it reminded me of “Toxic.”


Circus – Hard beats and thick production give this one club appeal. It’s not my favorite. I don’t hate but I don’t love it. I can listen to it though, it will probably grow on me.

Out From Under – Sure, they are slightly breathy and nasal but I still love Britney ballads. This song sounds (and by sounds I mean the music not the vocals) similar to a Kelly Clarkson. It has Federline undertones.

Kill The Lights – “If ya feeling froggy leap.” Best damn line ever, I never thought I’d hear that in song. This aggressive dance track is one of my favorites. It has that “It’s Britney Bitch” attitude.

Shattered Glass – A high energy dance track that basically says “you cheated on my and karma is gonna kick you in the dick first chance it gets.” This song contains possible Federline undertones, not sure though.

If You Seek Amy – I feel like this song will be hit. It has that “Gimme More” potential but I don’t want it to be. It’s cool, I like the breakdown and that nostalgic “Ohh Baby,Baby” lyrics, but it doesn’t move me. It was produced by Max Martin famed for writing the song that launched her career. I’m torn, it has commercial appeal but there is something about it that I can’t cosign.

Unusual You – I love this one. I have a dope Bjork video concept. It would be insane.

Blur – A splash of hip-hop and R&B breaks the pattern here. This one is a jam. Sounds like the song you play as you clean your apartment after a crazy night. You find clues, cups, napkins, underwear, and earrings but “everything is still a blur.” Danja put his hands on this one.

Mmm Papi – Not a fan.

Mannequin – A burst of electro-dance-shake-pump-jiggle-shimmy-shake. This one’s a hit. A full frontal dance song. No holds barred just pure energy.

Lace & Leather – Funky as fuck. It has a Vanity 6 sex appeal. Favorite line from this album is “French finger tips, red lips, bitch is dangerous. When I listen to this one I see nude women rolling around stacks of melting fluorescent keytars.

My Baby – A slow one dedicated to her little ones. *tear*. I don’t like it but I can appreciate the sentiment behind it. I mean I can’t really relate—I don’t have kids.

Rock Me In – This is another that I’m not too keen on. It’s a little too Euro-Pop for me.

Phonography – About phone sex, “below the waste” pictures, erotic text, and inappropriate antenna placement. It’s a sexy song. Thematically similar to Beyonce’s “Video Phone” but I feel this one captured the sluttacious aura of a naughty cell phone beautifully.

Amnesia – I can dig it.

Radar – I’m not sure why this song was on the album. If I’m not mistaken, it was on Blackout. Am I wrong? Speaking of Blackout, I think I like it better.

This album is one of her better records. I mean I hate several songs, but it’s not because I think they are poorly constructed, they are just not my taste. I think Britney is poised to make an amazing comeback and I hope she finds some peace. I appreciate the variety of producers, writers and inspirations on this record. She worked with old favorites like Bloodshy & Avant, Max Martin, and Danja while spicing it up by throwing in people like Lady Gaga in the mix. It’s a collective effort and a good record. I give it a B.

Beyonce’s album “I Am” is a double disk, one entitled “I Am Beyonce” and the other “I Am Sasha Fierce.” I’m sure her people thought this was a genius marketing ploy but typically when you do a double disk it is because you have a lot of material. Disk one has six tracks and disc two has five. My immediate reaction: “the fuck?” I just thought that was weird. I listened to “I Am Beyonce” first. Here are my notes:

1. “If I Were A Boy” – Not a first single. It’s a decent song though I think BC Jean’s version is more authentic.
2. “Halo” – I like this one, the production is full and her delivery is precise. It’s a great ballad, probably would have been my choice for a first single to pair with “Single Ladies”
3. “Disappear” – I connect with this track. It’s a reflective song and has strong emotional pull. It almost sounds like irreplaceable.
4. “Broken Hearted Girl” – I honestly just don’t feel this song. I feel like the lyrics could be so much more. It’s a hip-hop ballad with no umpth.
5. “Ave Maria” – Um, this was a unique choice…I expected a bit more to highlight her voice, it’s not a bad song, it’s nothing special though.
6. “Satellites” – This is a decent song—driven by poignant lyrics and an acoustic guitar. Again, it’s no “Dangerously In Love” or “Flaws & All.”

“I Am Sasha Fierce”—*cringe*. This disc is all upbeat dance tracks. Some could say this is definitely her forte with hits like “Get Me Bodied” and “Crazy In Love.” I expected something different (and by different I mean better). I was disappointed. Here are my notes:


1. “Single Ladies” – Initially I didn’t like the song then I saw the video. I said to myself: “It’s aight” and then after a barrage of fan-made YouTube video covers, I decided I liked it. Simply because it I enjoyed seeing other people’s “interpretation” of the choreography.
2. “Radio” – This is the song I like. Great production, interesting play on words, and she sings it with style.
3. “Diva” – I abhor this song. From the first line to the last verse it makes me want to bang my head into a wall. It sounds like a slight variation of “A Milli.” If Nu-Nu (from the movie ATL) made a rap song this would be it, perhaps if she had some street cred it would fly—though I doubt even a thug like Lil Kim could pull off “a diva is a female version of a hustla, of a, of a hustla…” LAME much.
4. “Sweet Dreams” – I dig this track. I’ve had it since earlier this summer. It’s one of my top Beyonce songs of all time—I only have 2.
5. “Video Phone” – This song is terrible, just terrible. Awful. Shitty, crappy, garbage. I mean it is dreadful. Friends don’t let friends release terrible songs like this. Someone should have told her the truth.

People can’t deny that Beyonce has the makings of a legend. Some may say she already is, but you can’t qualify for legendary status until your at least 35 (more like 40). Plus she hasn’t really dug her claws in the industry the way artist like Michael, Janet, Madonna, Prince, & Cher have. She’s a big name but she’s no legend—not yet anyway. The Deluxe version of this record has five additional tracks—I think I’ve heard enough. This album was kind of boring. That’s just one honest opinion. You be the judge and go check it out for yourself.