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. |
