POP
There's nothing on Natasha Bedingfield's second album that will prove as inescapable as "Unwritten," her big hit that, as you read this, can probably be heard on a Pantene commercial airing somewhere. But despite some lackluster moments, Pocketful—which, with a different title (N.B.) and some different tracks, was released in the U.K. last April—has enough sunny pop to keep the British singer's fans beaming. Highlights include "Love Like This," a sweetly lilting duet with Sean Kingston, and "Freckles," which, with its empowering message for young women, takes a page out of the "Unwritten" book.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Happy," blissful blue-eyed soul
Love Behind the Melody |
R&B
Like many of today's neo-soul men, Raheem DeVaughn sounds as if he was rocking to Marvin Gaye in the cradle. You can hear echoes of Gaye throughout DeVaughn's second album, from sexy, sumptuous midtempo grooves like first single "Woman" and the Floetry-assisted "Marathon" to the '60s-Motown homage "Friday (Shut the Club Down)," which subtly borrows from Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "You're All I Need to Get By" (and not-so-subtly from the Temptations' "My Girl"). But DeVaughn has learned a few things from latter-day lovemen too: "Customer," with its carnal metaphors, is an R. Kelly-style slow jam, while "Four Letter Word" is D'Angelo redux.
DOWNLOAD THIS: "Mo Better," falsetto-laced foreplay
Some People Have Real Problems |
ALT-POP
Sultry and soulful, Sia creates an alluring mood on her third solo album. This Australian native, who has also been a featured vocalist with Zero 7, possesses a quirky cool that gives her music real character. Her smoky, jazz-tinged vocals—a cross between Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones—light a fire under torchy numbers like "You Have Been Loved" and "Death by Chocolate," while adding rich shades to the bluesy pop of "Little Black Sandals" and "Day Too Soon."
DOWNLOAD THIS: "I Go to Sleep," a haunting Ray Davies cover
Girls and Boys |
ALT-POP
You won't find a more delightful two-minute ditty around right now than "The Way I Am," the handclapping highlight of singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson's second album. Airy and acoustic, it floats along on a cloud of joy as Michaelson makes such romantic professions as "I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair." No matter how bitter about love you may be, we dare you not to crack a smile. There's more where that came from by this unsigned New York artist, whose tunes have been featured on Grey's Anatomy, The Hills and One Tree Hill. Other standouts include "Breakable," which showcases the fragile beauty in Michaelson's voice and her light touch with a song, and the achingly lovely piano ballad "Corner of Your Heart," which will surely warm your ticker.
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JUNO
This charming companion to the acclaimed comedy has a decided alt-folk flavor, with singer-songwriter Kimya Dawson featured on eight cuts, including the cute "Anyone Else But You."
CAT POWER Jukebox Thankfully
Jukebox is not just like every other covers album out there. Instead of the usual standards, Cat Power interprets Janis Joplin, James Brown and Joni Mitchell with her special brand of husky-voiced melancholy. |
JAHEIM The Makings of a Man
Although not quite up to the standard of 2006's Ghetto Classics, this is another smooth set of retro R&B, taking cues from acts like Bobby Womack ("Lonely") and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes ("Life of a Thug"). |
MATT COSTA Unfamiliar Faces
This singer-songwriter is signed to Jack Johnson's label, and like the chief, he brings an easy-breezy way to his folk pop. But there's also a little of Ryan Adams in the twangier tunes and a bit of Sir Paul in "Mr. Pitiful." |
KIRK FRANKLIN The Fight of My Life
Franklin's latest won't convert any gospel purists, but his ultra-contemporary incorporation of R&B, hip-hop, dance, jazz and even rock (on "I Am God" featuring tobyMac) packs plenty of punch. |
JOSH KELLEY goes from newlywed bliss with wife Katherine Heigl to heartbreak on "Unfair," the soulful first single from his third album, Special Company, out Feb. 5. At iTunes.com.
GOLDFRAPP returns with the captivating alt-rock ballad "A&E," a tale of unrequited love from the duo's CD Seventh Tree, due Feb. 26. At myspace.com/goldfrapp.
TINA DICO, a Danish singer featured by Zero 7, delivers the moving midtempo rock of "On the Run." At myspace.com/tinadico.
The 28-year-old singer-songwriter has scored a Top 10 hit with "Love Song," the first single off her major-label debut, Little Voice.
AQUALUNG, "BREAKING MY HEART" This is one of those songs about being totally ruined by somebody. It's depressing, but love songs are. Well, they can be. I like the vulnerability of the song. It's very real.
DAVE MATTHEWS, "STAY OR LEAVE" I like how this touches on the uncertainty that love can bring.
FIONA APPLE, "CRIMINAL" It's [about] the underbelly of love, that dark side. She really hits it on the head on how messy love can be.
JONI MITCHELL, "A CASE OF YOU" This song is just heartbreaking in how completely you can give yourself to somebody, and how beautiful and sad it can be at the same time. It represents all these emotions.
COLDPLAY, "SEE YOU SOON" It's just very beautiful. The song's got a real simple guitar part, and it's quiet and very sweet.
THE BEATLES, "SOMETHING" Such an awesome melody and lyrics.
JAVIER DUNN, "HOW I LOVE YOU" He's a band member of mine. This is about love and perseverance.
ANI DiFRANCO, "YOU HAD TIME" She's a poet, and the way she phrases things in this song is incredible. Totally inspiring.
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!
