POP
The female American Idol champs have so far all gone on to become bona fide stars in pop (Kelly Clarkson), R&B (Fantasia) and country (Carrie Underwood). But it's hard to see the same thing happening for season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, who fails to ignite her recording career with this strangely lackluster debut. The 17-year-old singer plays to the Disney Channel crowd on much of this disc, but the cheesy production—and cheesier sentiments—will make it hard for anyone over 12 to stomach songs like "Shy Boy" and "See My Side." By the time it's all over, you'll be wishing that Blake Lewis would break in with a little beatboxing.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "No Air," a teen-dreamy duet with Chris Brown
Sawdust |
ALT-ROCK
The new Killers disc—a collection of B-sides, outtakes and other non-album tracks—is the kind of compilation that is often spotty. But while there is some filler here (like a club remix of "Mr. Brightside"), there are enough strong songs to tide fans over until the next proper studio release. Highlights include two soundtrack cuts: "Shawdowplay," a Joy Division cover from the Ian Curtis biopic Control, and "Move Away," from Spider-Man 3. Bonus points for "Tranquilize," a gothy new tune featuring Lou Reed.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Where the White Boys Dance," a moody groove
Intoxication |
REGGAE
The most inspired track on Shaggy's new CD is "Church Heathen," which takes a witty look at the hypocrisy of some Sunday morning worshippers while ingeniously intermixing dancehall riddims and Gregorian chant. Now that's something we haven't heard before. The rest of Intoxication may be more familiar, but it will still leave you on a high.
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• The self-titled debut from last year's American Idol runner-up was largely overlooked when it was released early this year. But it is one of the best discs ever made by a show alum.
ALICIA KEYS As I Am
While not veering too much from the Keys playbook, the singer-pianist once again scales artistic heights. From the soulful hit single "No One" to the powerful ladies' anthem "Superwoman," it hardly strikes a bad note.
JAY-Z American Gangster
On his dope new disc inspired by the hit movie of the same name, Jay-Z traces the rise and fall of a drug dealer, vividly detailing the action. Best is the horn-infused hustlers' anthem "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is) ..."
SEAL System
Heidi Klum's hubby returns to his dance roots without missing a techno beat. Club-friendly cuts like "The Right Life" and first single "Amazing" merge atmospheric electronica with his usual soulful delivery and melodic flair.
AMY WINEHOUSE Frank
Just released in the U.S. after coming out in her native Britain in 2003, Winehouse's candid debut, which finds her working in more of a jazz aesthetic, proves that the success of Back to Black was no fluke.
KYLIE MINOGUE shifts gears from dance-pop to alt-rock on "2 Hearts," the sensual first single from X, her comeback CD after surviving breast cancer, due 2008. At music.aol.com.
JAHEIM repents his player ways and embraces commitment on "Never," a heartfelt slow jam from the R&B singer's fourth album, The Makings of a Man, out Dec. 18. At myspace.com/jaheim.
From Josh Groban to Toby Keith and Patti LaBelle, there's plenty of new music to sip your eggnog to this season.
JOSH GROBAN, NOËL
With his Opera Boy powers, Groban is in his element on these seasonal standards—including a divine "Ave Maria"—backed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
YOLANDA ADAMS, WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME
An album of joyful Christmas songs is a perfect fit for this contemporary gospel star. Praiseworthy indeed.
RAUL MALO, MARSH-MALLOW WORLD & OTHER HOLIDAY FAVORITES
It's the spirit of Christmases past—the '50s and '60s—on this whimsical set of traditionals and novelties.
DAVE KOZ, MEMORIES OF A WINTER'S NIGHT
The saxman brings his smooth-jazz vibe to the original title cut and "White Christmas," a duet with Kelly Sweet.
MARTINA MCBRIDE, WHITE CHRISTMAS
There isn't much country about this reissue of McBride's 1998 disc (with four new cuts), but its lush pop shimmers.
KIDZ BOP, THE COOLEST CHRISTMAS EVER!
Like some holiday guests, this CD overstays its welcome a bit, but it will help the kiddies spread some Christmas cheer.
MINDY SMITH, MY HOLIDAY
Don't need to hear yet another rendition of "Silent Night"? Smith spices things up with tasty, acoustic-flavored originals.
TOBY KEITH, A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
On this two-disc supersizer, Keith puts some down-home country trimmings on evergreens like "Winter Wonderland" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Solid if unsurprising.
DISNEY CHANNEL HOLIDAY
Among the Disney types making merry on this ear-candy compilation are Aly & AJ, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Corbin Bleu.
KIMBERLEY LOCKE, CHRISTMAS
The American Idol also-ran gets overly cutesy on "Frosty the Snowman," but really scores with her sensitive, folk-tinged revamp of Wham!'s "Last Christmas."
THE ISLEY BROTHERS FEATURING RONALD ISLEY, I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Who needs chestnuts roasting on an open fire when you've got Ronald Isley to warm you up with his oh-so-silky touch?
MICHAEL BOLTON, A SWINGIN' CHRISTMAS
In the spirit of regifting, Bolton recycles last year's jazzy collection, pointlessly adding two benign new tracks (including "Joy to the World").
BARRY MANILOW, IN THE SWING OF CHRISTMAS
On this album (available only at Hallmark), Manilow brings plenty of sparkle and romance to holiday faves such as "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
RICK SPRINGFIELD, CHRISTMAS WITH YOU
His heartthrob days may be far behind, but the '80s star who gave us "Jessie's Girl" still turns on the charm with dreamy California pop on tunes like "Hark the Herald Angels Sing."
PATTI LABELLE, MISS PATTI'S CHRISTMAS
Whether on the danceable opener "Christmas Jam" or the poignant ballad "Holidays Mean More to Me," the R&B diva is sure to liven up any gathering with this stirring set.
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