Robyn - Robyn

The Swedish pop artist Robyn is back after a hiatus and you should care because she has made one of the best pop album in a while. With no big producer's on the album it really shows Robyn's lyrical skills. Which for a pop album are pretty enjoyable. Some standout tracks include 'With Every Heartbeat', 'Be Mine' and 'Handle Me'. The reason why this album is enjoyable is she re-creates what it means to be a pop artist in 2008.

Rating: Lyrics: 34/40 (Like I said a pop album with pretty good lyrics)

Tunefulness: 45/50 (Great beats make this album a gem)

Originality: 8/10 (It's definitely not your typical bubble gum pop)

Overall: 87/100 (Will be remembered as one of the best pop/electronic albums of the year)

Estelle - Shine

It seems like the British are coming in waves to North America (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Kate Nash and Duffy) but add another to the mix Estelle. Signed to John Legend's label she really delivers an amazing album. Her mix og R&B/Soul/Rap really bring's you back to Lauryn Hill. Some stand out tracks include the WHOLE ALBUM. Each song add's to the album and does not take away whatsoever. I will be dissapointed if she does not release another album. Because I have not felt this feeling about R&B in a long time.

Rating: Lyrics:35/40 (Really great love lyrics, but not at all chessy or carried away)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Great producer's and Estelle's voice make this album great)

Originality: 8/10 (Although she is not re-inventing the wheel, she does what most artists wish they can do)

Overall: 86/100 (Great album, probably will be one of the best R&B album's of the year)

Portishead - Third

It's been a little while (11 years) since trip-hop group Portishead released a new album but that is over. With their new release 'Third' they stick to their regular formula (just a little darker) but without making it boring. Some track's really do scare you like 'Machine Gun' and so does the lead singer's voice. Although they are a trip-hop group they (like always) dabble in the electronic genre aswell. Which makes it that much more interesting.

Rating: Lyrics: 32/40 (Some interesting lines, although their lyrics are not the main attraction)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Dark and original production make this album a keeper)

Originality: 8/10 (They always make original album's so this is not a shock to most)

Overall: 83/100 (A little bit of this and a little bit of that and *POOF* you've got their new album 'Third')

Lil' Mama - VYP (Voice of the Young People)

It's taken a while but female hip-hop/rap artist Lil' Mama has released her debut record. As you probably guessed their is no real risk taking on this album. It's a typical debut album from a artist who you can tell can do alot better than what is on this record. Their are glimpse's of her true talent on track's like 'L.I.F.E' and 'Shawty Get Loose' but unfortunately we've lost another potential star to the record labels, by making her album as generic as crackers.

Rating: Lyrics: 23/40 (Some good rhymes, but definitely nothing out of the ordinary)

Tunefulness: 29/50 (It seems like the producer's were making B-Sides when they made this record)

Originality: 0/10 (Nothing original here, NEXT!)

Rating: 52/100 (Skip it unless you like generic beat's and rhymes)

The Roots - Rising Down

The leader's of alternative rap are back and keep getting better and better. Discribed as their most political album and in my opinion one of their darkest. Although their are not too many stand out tracks each track add's something different to the album. But one definate stand out track is 'Rising Down'. If you are into dark beats and dark lyrics this is the album for you. (Warning: if you are into the thing's I just mentioned you may salivate on this cd.)

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (Polically, one of the best albums so far in terms of lyrics)

Tunefulness: 40/50 (The dark beats get stuck in your head, but it does get a little boring after a little while)

Originality: 8/10 (In terms of a rap album this is as original as it get's)

Overall: 85/100 (Hip-Hop/Rap fans rejoice because the leader's of alternative hip-hop/rap have returned)

Santogold - Santogold

It's finally here! My most anticipated album of the spring! And yes it's as good as I thought! With Santogold (a.k.a. Santi White) it's not about the lyrics as much as the sound of this record. Although she is a writer for some big names you can tell she has a nack for the sound of her creations. She incorparates some interesting genres like dub, electronic, new wave, punk and the list goes on and on. If I were to make a early prediction for debut of the year this would be it. Some stand out tracks include 'You'll Find A Way (Remix)', 'L.E.S. Artistes', 'Creator', 'Unstoppable' and 'My Superman'. If you are to pick up one album this week, pick this one up.

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (Interesting lyrics although sometimes you cannot identify the words but that adds to the mystery and it works for her)

Tunefulness: 47/50 (A very well put together album)

Originality: 10/10 (If this is not original I do not know what is)

Overall: 94/100 (PICK IT UP! NOW!)

Mariah Carey - Bye Bye (Song Review)

I don't remember the last time a remix was better than the original. But alot of unexpected things happen when Mariah Carey is in the mix. In case you are wondering the remix I am talking about is her new single 'Bye Bye' featuring Jay-Z (see below). In terms of a single 'Bye Bye' is a knock-out. It has Mariah Carey written all over it. Strong/emotional vocals and great production. It is one of the strongest track's off her new album 'E=MC2'. And because of this I will be very suprised if this is not a #1 hit for Mariah Carey.

82/100

Ashlee Simpson - Bittersweet World

It seems like Ashlee Simpson will never recover from her infamous SNL perfirmance. But the best she can do is try and put it behind her. Which 'Bittersweet World' is trying to do. She has a visibly less polished voice on this record. Almost like saying "Okay, everyone knows what she sounds like. So let's just let it all hang out". Which is apart of the charm of this album. This is by far Ashlee's best record of her career. Although that is not saying alot because her other 2 albums were nothing special. But it still is a testament of her growth. The best track's are the funky disco tracks like 'Boys' and 'Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya) and one pop/rock influenced track called 'Little Miss Obsesive'. Other than that the album is a little bland at spots. And you won't miss anything special if you don't pick up this record.

Rating- Lyrics: 23/40 (Her lyrics could use some work)

Tunefullness: 33/50 (It is fairly well put together)

Originality: 5/10 (Atleast she's trying to do something original like bring back the 80's, C for effort)

Overall: 61/100 (A step forward for Ashlee, but still nothing great)

Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords

If you HBO then you probably know by now who Flight of the Conchords are. And if you don't you should watch some more TV. But anyway I am not hear to talk about the TV show I am here to talk about their first full lengh self-titled disc 'Flight of The Conchords'. Although these guys are pretty good at what they do. They aren't as good as some reviewers make them out to be. I am not saying that they are bad, all I am saying is they are a little over-hyped. But if you ignore the reviewers, this disc is not bad at all. It by far one of the best comedy records ever made. Some highlights are 'The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room)' and 'Buisness Time'. The one thing these guys do best is they make comedy music without going over the line into chessy-ness. Which alot of comedic artists do. Other than comedy this album could catorgorize as a folk/acoustic guitar/rock record. What I am trying to say is it's not just your regular comedy record.

Rating- Lyrics: 30/40 (Pretty good comedic lyrics)

Tunefullness: 35/50 (it well put together but some parts are a little bland)

Originality: 9/10 (It's original because it's a comedy record with so much more to it)

Overall: 74/100 (It's enjoyable but, I could not imagine myself listen to it over and over again)

I Am So There It's Not Even Funny!

What music festival has this lineup: Jack Johnson, The Black Keys, MGMT, The Killers, Cat Power, Duffy, CSS and Broken Social Scene? Well of course it's OSHEAGA MUSIC FESTIVAL in Montreal. In my opinion of the best music festivals anywhere, that just keeps exceeding my expectations. Last year was also great but this year sounds like a whole different game. You would be crazy not to go!

'Hard Candy' Fever Worldwide!

In just one day of release in some of Europe Madonna's lastest album 'Hard Candy' has sold 15,000 copies in Finland making it Gold on it first day of release. And in the Netherlands it has sold 50,000 making it Platinum on it first day of release. And that's only some of Europe. Still coming are the big markets like America, Canada, U.K. and Japan! Congrats Madonna!

Next Week on Amplifier Reviews...

Well it is a great week for music next week with big release's from:

The Roots 'Rising Down'

Santogold 'Santogold' *(Most Anticipated of Spring)

Lil Mama 'Voice of the Young People'

Portishead 'Third'

Estelle 'Shine'

Robyn 'Robyn'

Augustana 'Can't Love, Can't Hurt'

Mindless Self Indulgence 'If'

Can you believe how many new releases! I don't think I have ever been so excited for a music release week. Some I am really interested in hearing are 'Santogold', 'Robyn', 'Rising Down', 'Third' and 'Shine'. Not to say I am not anticipated to hear the others. And yes I have enough money to pay for all of them! I calculated it (Total: 79.92$) and I have just enough money to spend. So check in thoughout next week for some reviews!

Sorry for the Inconvenience....

But I will not be able to review 'Konk' by The Kooks or Phantom Planet's 'Raise the Dead' :( . The reason being I do not have enough money to pay for their cd's. I refuse to illegally download so I may review them in the near future. Thank you for your understanding.

Madonna - Hard Candy (*EXCLUSIVE REVIEW*)

It's finally here! One of the most anticipated commercial albums of the year. So does it live up to the anticipation? Yes and no, but mostly yes. But old Madonna fan's rejoice it's not as hip-hoppy as some expected. If I could explain it without using the whole page it would be Holiday with a little hip-hop/R&B flavor mixed in. Although some tracks fall short (Spanish Lessons and Incredible) most of the album is enjoyable and catchy. The highlight of the album is defiantly 'Miles Away', it a mid-tempo song with some great production from Timbaland and great lyrics. Some other note worthy tracks are 'Candy Shop', 'Beat Goes On' featuring Kanye West and 'Give It 2 Me'. My only criticism of the album is some of the beats are fairly annoying. A prime example of this is 'Give It 2 Me' (although the rest of the track is pretty good). It may not not be a classic Madonna record but it is a pretty good record that I think you should take a listen to.
Rating: Lyrics: 33/40 (Not as good as some of her older records but pretty good)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (As previously stated some annoying beats but overall pretty darn good)

Originality: 9/10 (Not as I expected, not your average hip-hop record as it looks on paper)

Overall: 85/100 (A pretty good effort)

Take a listen to my favorite track 'Miles Away':

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We will be reviewing the following albums:

1. Ashlee Simpson 'Bittersweet World'

2. Flight Of The Conchords 'Flight Of The Conchords'

3. Jack's Mannequin 'The Glass Passenger'

If you want me to reivew another album request it by commenting on this post and asking for that album to be reviewed and I can see what I can do for you...

Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell

I don't know about you but after 2 stellar EP's I am ready for the debut full lengh album from one of my favorite bands Tokyo Police Club. And it seems my patience has payed off. This has to be on of my favorite releases this year. Tokyo Police Club seem to be masters at making catchy yet complex rock music. The tracks at first listen may disappoint but after a few listens the album grows on you and you cannot stop listening. This is a rare album for me because I know after a few listens that I will be listening to it some more afterwards. Usually I go back to an album self-consciously but this album is a definite repeat listen offender. Don't miss out on possibly the best album of the year!

Must have tracks: Tesselate, Centennial, In A Cave (If you like all these tracks buy the whole thing!)

Rating: Lyrics: 38/40 (Read the lyrics to get the full affect)

Tunefulness: 46/50 (It all meshes well, and is far from over produced)O

Originality: 8/10 (It's not your typical rock)

Overall: 92/100 (A stellar, well put together album)

Mariah Carey - E=MC2

Who ever thought Mariah Carey would surpass Elvis in #1 singles had to be in the minority. She probably will surpass The Beatles with her album 'E=MC2'. This album is juiced with potencial #1 singles like 'Bye Bye', 'Migrate' and 'Side Effects'. It is not that much different from her previous album 'The Emancipation of Mimi'. She follows the basic formula of a few club bangers and a few mid tempo ballads. But unlike the previous album the club bangers are what keeps the album afloat. There are no tracks like 'We Belong Together' which is unfortunate. Their is one track that attempts to capture the same magic, that track is 'Bye Bye'. Although the club bangers are what keeps the album afloat, the problem with them is that they do not show off her six octave vocal range and frankly neither do the mid tempo ballad tracks. Overall the album is not a let down, but it will not duplicate the sucess of her previous album (few albums in the future will). But the album does seem like a well put together effort (it should be with all the big producers). But hopefully another album is in the future and that album will show her true undeniable talent...her vocals.

Rating: Lyrics: 34/40 (Pretty good, one of her best albums in terms of lyrics)

Tunefullness: 35/50 (Great Producers but could have done better with vocals)

Originality: 2/10 (No Originality, Same formula as alot of records today)

Overall: 70/100 (Not bad but had more potencial)

My Most Anticipated Release This Spring...

I've received a few e-mails asking me what my most anticipated release is. My answer is is one word Santogold. I went to SXSW and after seeing her perform I have high expectations for her self-titled debut. The best way I could explain her sound is M.I.A. meets every genre. Her music is unclassifiable, she has a totally unique sound. I don't think I have been so excited for a debut in such a long time. If I were to buy one CD this year it would be hers. If you don't believe me check out her myspace (www.myspace.com/santogold). So their it is my most anticipated. (I believe her album is coming out April 29th in North America.)For now check out her first single off her self titled debut 'L.E.S. Artistes' ------>

Song of the Week...

I was recently searching the web when I stumbled upon this band called 'Los Campesinos!'. Ever since I stumbled upon this band I have been hooked. They have a absolutlely amazing sound that is fun yet not annoying at all. They are a seven piece band from Wales and they are like the Arcade Fire but not as gloomy or dark but instead fun and catchy. I highly recommend their debut album 'Hold On Now Youngster...' but for now check out a track off their album 'Death To Los Campesinos' my pick for song of the week:

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

we will be reviewing the following albums:

1. Mariah Carey 'E=MC2'

2. Phantom Planet 'Raise The Dead'

3. Kooks 'Konk'

4. 'An Exclusive Review' Tokyo Police Club 'Elephant Shell'

We may be announcing some more so check in daily and have a good weekend!

Voice Your Opinion On Our Reviews... And a annoucement!

Hey readers, I've been getting some mail lately about people commenting on my bias on certain genres. Some people have commented that I am bias and that I rate Electronic/Dance music better than Rock or Pop albums. I think their has been a confusion. So the annoucement is from now on I will be reviewing my albums from 1 to 100%. Here is how I will be grading:

1. Lyrics: Lyrics are one of the most important part of albums. Usually out of a hundred the max you can get just based on lyrics and is 40 on 100. And that's just it you have very good lyrics and the rest of the componants of the album are horrible. It can also go the other way where if the lyrics are lacking and are completely idiotic the album can lose 40 points. (40/100)

2. Tunefullness: This is just how the album sounds. If there alot of sloppy guitar you will lose some points. But if it is melodic and very well put together you will get top marks which is 50! (50/100)

3. Concept/Originality: Here is were alot of albums go wrong. There is no originality! A concept album is most of the time very original. But sometimes just the sound is original and then therefore you will score top marks 10. (10/100)

And that is how I will be rating from now on. And I have also been getting some mail asking me about qualifications to write reviews. Well here it is:
-I was in a band for 15 years.
-I have a bachelors in Musicology
-I have been a fan of ALL music for all my life

And if you guys don't like how I reviewed a album then please comment come on guys jump in.

Moby - Last Night

It's been a long time since I've heard something new from electronica master Moby and it's about time with 'Last Night'. My most vivid memory of Moby was when I was younger was seeing his video 'We Are All Made Of Stars' and absoulutely loving it. I hoped and hoped that his newest album 'Last Night' would be just as good and the good news is it is! Their are some great tracks like 'Ooh Yeah', 'I Love To Move In Here', 'Alice', 'Everyday It's 1989', 'Live For Tomorrow' and 'Disco Lies'. As you can tell I really love the Electronic genre and so far this year I have had 2 great releases Crystal Castles 'Crystal Castles' and this disc which is not as great as Crystal Castles release but is still pretty damn good. If you are a fan of electronic music check this disc out.I am happy Moby returned to his roots Electronic were he belongs!

Rating: 4.5/5

Leona Lewis - Spirit

Have you ever noticed that Oprah controls our life (whether you admit it or not)! Even musically one example of this is Josh Groben's 'Noel' was the number 1 album of 2007 because he was on Oprah's favorite things. And may I remind you that this was a Christmas album! So will Oprah's new find Leona Lewis going to be another success? Well she already is a success, her single 'Bleeding Love' is at #1 on the Billboard 100. She is the first British female singer since Kim Wilde over 20 years ago! So the hype for her debut album 'Spirit' is justified. And what so many people have been wondering is, is she a one hit wonder? There's no doubt in my mind she will not with such tracks as 'Better In Time', 'I Will Be', 'Take A Bow' and 'Angel'. She has been compared to Christine Aguilera and Mariah Carey. And this is pretty accurate because of her stunning vocals, she makes it sound so easy to hit those high notes. Even though she is British this album seems surprisingly pretty Americanized. And there's no doubt that this album will be a hit for time to come and probably will be one of the most successful. Although I have talked a lot about her commercial success this album will most likely get, this album is pretty well put together. Her voice meshes well with the beats and it seems that they have chosen the right producers for her vocal talent. Why is the production done so well, it's because the beats don't overpower her voice. If you should check out this record you are hearing one of the voices of the future.

Rating: 3.85/5