REVIEWED BY CHUCK ARNOLD
SOUNDTRACK
Like the sensational movie musical, this soundtrack belongs to American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, who as Effie White brings down the house singing "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." On record as onscreen, Hudson's powerhouse performance of this showstopper is a real revelation, one that sends chills down your spine even after the first 37 times you've played it. While other numbers, such as Hudson's gospel-charged "I Am Changing" and the dramatic Beyoncé original "Listen" (which first appeared on her latest solo album, B'Day), could also stand alone from the film, the disc works best as a companion to the movie, capturing the energy and spirit of memorable moments like Eddie Murphy's James Brownish turn on "Jimmy's Rap."
DOWNLOAD THIS: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"
Into White
POP
The best moment on the new Carly Simon album—a tranquil collection of covers that play like lullabies for grown-ups—is her dreamy version of "You Can Close Your Eyes," a 1971 tune by her ex-husband James Taylor. Fittingly, her two children with Taylor, musicians Ben and Sally, join in a nice display of family harmony. Elsewhere, Simon puts a soothing spin on songs by the Beatles ("Blackbird"), the Everly Brothers ("Devoted to You"/"All I Have to Do Is Dream") and Cat Stevens (the title track), while "Quiet Evening," one of two originals, keeps the peace.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "You Can Close Your Eyes"
Hell Hath No Fury
CRITIC'S CHOICE
RAP
A slew of big-time rappers—from Jay-Z to Nas—have released albums since November. But if you're going to buy only one hip-hop CD right now, let it be Hell Hath No Fury, which earns belated props as the best rap disc of 2006. The long-overdue follow-up to Clipse's gold 2002 debut, Lord Willin', was well worth the wait: With def rhymes and dope beats courtesy of the Neptunes, this brotherly duo eclipses anything the competition can offer.
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It's worth revisiting the original Broadway cast recording, recently rereleased in a remastered special edition, if only to hear the thunderous voice of another Jennifer—Miss Holliday. On her classic rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," she is a force of nature.
The Departed
The killer soundtrack to the hit gangster movie leans on classic-rock heavies like the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys. But Beantown punks Dropkick Murphys hijack it all with the Celtic stomp of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston."
Babel
A sprawling two-disc set juxtaposes Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla's evocative score with an eclectic mix of tunes and artists reflecting the international scope of the drama.
Happy Feet
This kiddie-friendly disc has some grown-up appeal too, thanks to a cool cast including Prince and Pink. But performances by the animated film's stars, such as Robin Williams, won't exactly get your feet tapping.
Bobby
This '60s set has the usual Motown suspects (Stevie, Smokey, Marvin), plus the new song "Never Gonna Break My Faith," an uplifting duet with Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige.
GOOD CHARLOTTE fuses alt-rock with hip-hop on "Keep Your Hands Off My Girl," from their CD Good Morning Revival, due March 20. At iTunes.com.
NORAH JONES (left) is at her bluesy best on "Thinking About You," from her third solo album, Not Too Late, due Jan. 30. At napster.com.
MARIO hits the dance floor on "Go!," the rousing title cut from his third R&B disc, due in April. At musicstore.connect.com.
FALL OUT BOY returns with the defiant "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race," from the punk-pop band's Feb. 6 release Infinity on High. At music.aol.com.
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
