That's Why God Made the Radio |
REVIEWED BY KEVIN O'DONNELL
POP-ROCK
Most classic rock bands might mark their 50th anniversary by looking back. Not the Beach Boys. The Kings of California cool are celebrating their landmark year by delivering plenty of new, bright pop-rock tunes. On their first album since 1996, Brian Wilson, the group's mad genius, and his band of sun-loving pals—who are now in their 60s and 70s-have retained their gift for singing intricately layered, swoon-worthy harmonies, particularly on the stunning title track and the standout "Beaches in Mind." There are a few cloudy patches: "Spring Vacation" comes off like a parody of their 1966 classic "Good Vibrations," and "Isn't It Time" just plods along. But they make up for it with "Pacific Coast Highway," a gut-wrenching ballad about entering one's twilight years, not only proving that the Beach Boys aren't a nostalgia act, but that they also have more to sing about than sun, sand and summer.
Alan Jackson
Thirty Miles West |
REVIEWED BY RANDY VEST
COUNTRY
On his 14th studio album, Jackson doesn't stray from the formula that's made him country royalty. He serves up everything from honky-tonkers ("Gonna Come Back as a Country Song") and steel guitar-soaked ballads ("Everything But the Wings") to easy rockers ("Her Life's a Song"). The tastiest treat is "Dixie Highway," a breakneck, seven-minute-plus jam with Zac Brown. Two decades in, Jackson could stand to experiment more, but overall Thirty Miles West is a journey worth taking.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Americana |
REVIEWED BY KEVIN O'DONNELL
ROCK
Neil Young loves to keep fans guessing, whether he's making weird electronic albums (1982's Trans) or art-rock records (2010's Le Noise). So it's no surprise he's now tackled folk songs everyone knows from childhood with his band Crazy Horse. There's a playful, jammy vibe throughout (especially on the raucous "Oh Susanna"). But the highlight is the electrifying "God Save the Queen." If it sounds strange, it is, but it's one more example of his fiercely independent vision. At 66, Young can do whatever he wants.
JENNIFER NETTLES
"I Get Around"
The lyrics are funny: "I'm a real cool head." Are you kidding me?
PITBULL
"Kokomo"
If I hear it, I can't get it out of my head! It's a great song and all about having a good time.
RUTINA WESLEY
"Good Vibrations"
It makes me happy, and I just want to bounce a little bit whenever I hear it.
RITA WILSON
"California Girls"
I was born and raised in Hollywood, and I always thought they wrote that song about me.
5 HOT FEMALE MCs
AZEALIA BANKS, 21
WHY SHE'S HOT
The Harlem native was picked by Karl Lagerfeld to play a party at his house.
HER SOUND
Not only can she rap like Queen Latifah, she can sing too.
MUST-HEAR TRACK
"212," a raunchy anthem that'd make Lil' Kim blush.
KREAYSHAWN, 22
WHY SHE'S HOT
Her hit "Gucci Gucci" scored an MTV VMA nod for Best New Artist last year.
HER SOUND
Spare hip-hop that lets her trash-talking rhymes ring out.
MUST-HEAR TRACK
"Breakfast (Syrup)," a cheeky hip-hop banger.
RYE RYE, 21
WHY SHE'S HOT
Mentored by M.I.A., she's teamed with everyone from Akon to Robyn.
HER SOUND
Pulsing pop that showcases her bubbly rapping.
MUST-HEAR TRACK
"Boom Boom," a thrilling jam with Nintendo-style sound effects.
BRIANNA PERRY, 20
WHY SHE'S HOT
Beyonce posted Perry's "Marilyn Monroe" video on her blog and called her a "cool new artist."
HER SOUND
Foxy Brown 2.0: both street and sexy.
MUST-HEAR TRACK
"Dear Hip Hop" samples Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats."
IGGY AZALEA, 22
WHY SHE'S HOT
Rap titan T.I. has given props to this Aussie.
HER SOUND
This girl can spit as fast as a machine gun. Look out, Eminem!
MUST-HEAR TRACK
"Murda Bizness," her buzz-worthy T.I. collaboration.
ADAM LAMBERT
YOU RECENTLY BECAME THE FIRST OPENLY GAY ARTIST TO DEBUT AN ALBUM AT NO. 1.
I didn't realize it was a milestone that hadn't been met before! I'm humbled.
JUNE IS GAY PRIDE MONTH. ANY FAVORITE OUT ARTISTS?
I love the Scissor Sisters and Sam Sparro. RuPaul's "Supermodel" is also a fierce song from back in the day.
ARE YOU EXCITED TO PERFORM WITH QUEEN FOR SIX SHOWS THIS SUMMER?
It's going to rock! Freddie Mercury is one of my idols, and to pay my respects to him and his memory is a real treat. I can't wait to bring those songs to life on stage. I'm so honored.
HAVE YOU WATCHED AMERICAN IDOL SINCE YOU WERE ON IT?
I watched this season. It would be fun to collaborate with [runner-up] Jessica [Sanchez]. She sings her face off.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO UNWIND?
I'm a homebody. I'll have people over for a glass of wine. My wild days are behind me. I try to save my crazy for my performances.
REGINA SPEKTOR
What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
This Russian New Yorker continues to mix classical piano chops with quirky pop melodies. It's not all rosy-cheeked cheer: "Firewood" is a touching ballad for the heartbroken-and one of her best songs yet.
ERIC BENET
The One
The soul crooner doesn't disappoint with his eclectic sixth album, which ranges from the Shaggy-assisted reggae delight "Hope That It's You" to "Here in My Arms (Lucia's Lullaby)," a tender ballad for his youngest daughter.
JAPANDROIDS
Celebration Rock
This Vancouver duo could ignite arenas with their raging anthems of late nights and wasted youth. Highlight: the Springsteen-style rager "The House That Heaven Built." Perhaps not since Nirvana has a Northwest band rocked with such fury.
MELODY GARDOT
The Absence
The torch singer makes her presence felt on this fine set of jazz tunes. From the whimsical opening track "Mira" to the vintage sound of "Goodbye," Gardot's melodies recall the golden age of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
REVIEWED BY IVORY JEFF CLINTON AND KEVIN O'DONNELL
