In addition to the new Tori Amos and Ne-Yo albums, there's new stuff from Feist, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Green Day, and more.
"American Doll Posse" From Tori Amos
It’s a pretty decent Tuesday for new music. Of course I’ll begin with one of my all-time favorites, Tori Amos, whose new album “American Doll Posse” is buyable today. I got mine on iTunes and have only had time to listen to it once through so far. I haven’t even had a chance to watch the two videos that came with it or take a look at the digital booklet. I can take care of a review for you in depth later. What I can tell you right now after listening to the album once is that it’s good. I haven’t even picked out my favorite songs yet, but there will be many. All the songs were so good I already feel overwhelmed! I suppose I need more time to digest this album.
"Because Of You" From Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo’s new album also hit stores today. Even my boyfriend who never likes R&B, soul, or Hip-Hop likes the <a href="http://popmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/new_pop_neyos_because_of_you">new Ne-Yo song</a>, “Because Of You.” The “Because Of You” album could just set it in stone that he’s a future music legend. He’s already written a ton of songs for other artists -- like Beyonce for starters -- at a young age and this is his second album already. That’s a sure sign of a guy who will have longevity in the business.
GiantMag.com says, “Where “In My Own Words,” Ne-Yo’s debut, highlighted the artist’s uncanny ability to craft crossover hits, “Because Of You” reveals his sense of the power and history of his genre, and the fingerprints of R&B crossover pioneers like Jackson, Prince, and even R. Kelly are found throughout.” I definitely hear the Prince influence in his songs, but not the Michael Jackson.
Other Highlights In New Releases This Week:
Baby 81 from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
This would be a rock n’ roll band, kids. The kind of stuff you catch live in a smoky club while drinking something from a longneck bottle.
Working Class Hero from Green Day
It’s a cover of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero.” Therefore it’s just a single. You really can’t miss when you’ve got Green Day covering Lennon, can you?
"The Reminder" from Feist
I think I will have to purchase this one as soon as I get done reviewing Ne-Yo, Joe, and Tori Amos (although not necessarily in that order). I have a thing for chick singers, songwriters, singer-songwriters – you get the picture. What an original voice! As a radio veteran, I have to ask, where can I hear this on the radio? Why haven’t I heard this on the radio anywhere? Listening to Feist is like pondering the existence of God; the more you ponder, the more questions you end up asking.
"Based On A True Story" from Kimberly Locke
Called fat by lots of folks, including Simon Cowell of <a href="http://realitytv.suite101.com/article.cfm/is_american_idol_voting_sabotaged">American Idol</a> and Screech on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club,” Kimberly Locke has a new album out. Perhaps you will interpret her as “phat” instead of “fat.” One can only hope a female artist can be recognized for more than looks, whatever they may be. She sings poppy, hooky, upbeat songs that are easy to sing along with. She may just be the definition of pop music for that reason.
"The Return Of The Magnificent" by DJ Jazzy Jeff
Ok, where have I been? I didn’t know he was still making records. His stuff is certainly better than “Getting’ Jiggy With It.”* There’s actual Hip-Hop on this record with Pos from De La Soul on “Let Me Hear You Clap.” Big Daddy Kane and Method Man are two other big names on the album.
*I actually like “Getting Jiggy With It” and have played it on more than one radio station for many years now. But comparing that song to the new DJ Jazzy Jeff songs is indeed comparing apples to oranges.
