Female R&B At It's Best!

I have made a list of my favorite R&B artists of all time (in no particular order):

1. Erykah Badu
2. Aretha Franklin
3. Diana Ross
4. Jill Scott
5. Mary J. Blige

Comment us and tell us who are your favorite female R&B...

Usher - Here I Stand

Is it even possible for R&B superstar Usher to release a single that is not a hit? From the looks of it...not. Following similar themes to his previous albums he stays true to his female fan base and creates a album that can be passed in the process. Their is no denying that Usher does not have talent. But what he has yet to show is exactly that.

Rating: Lyrics: 27/40 (Similar themes [love etc.])

Tunefulness: 34/50 (With great producers its hard to give the album a low score. But it had so much more potential)

Originality: 2/10 (The themes are all too familiar)

Overall: 63/100 (If you are a fan check it out... if not your safe to pass it)

Buy This Now!

Aretha Franklin 'Respect - The Very Best Of Aretha Franklin' is on sale on Itunes now for just 7.92$. Oh yeah did I mention that it had 43 songs!

Al Green - Lay It Down

When you think gospel you think of singers saying "praise the lord" or "hallelujah. But not Al Green. For me he is one of the best gospel singers but it seems in this album he turns away from his gospel roots and instead goes for a more traditional R&B/Soul feeling. It is still just as good as his previous work and he still has it.

Rating: Lyrics: 32/40 (Heartfelt and beautiful)

Tunefulness: 38/50 (Al's voice is still top notch and the production by ?uestlove is beautiful)

Originality: 5/10 (Like I said it is more traditional R&B than his previous yet still carry a sense of originality)

Overall: 75/100 (An accomplished career and a record thats just taking it easy)

My Current Favorite Voice Ever!

For some they may say that Mariah Carey or The Beatles have the best voice(s) ever. But for me it's Antony Hegarty (Antony and the Johnsons and Hercules and Love Affair). His voice is unexplainable. I first heard of him when I heard his album 'I Am a Bird Now' and I was stunned. I didn't know what to think. I was in shock. I had to make sure this was actually a male because his voice is so venerable.(I later found out that he was gay. I have no problem with that. Just a little fact). My favorite album of his is 'I Am Now a Bird' or his side projects self-titled album 'Hercules And Love Affair'.

Hercules And Love Affair is a side project that just recently released their debut. It's a electronic/disco album that is by far one of the best of the year (I missed that review but I will be doing it later on today).

His main projects album 'I Am a Bird Now' is when you really hear his vulnerability. One of saddest songs I have ever heard, is on this album called 'Hope There's Someone'.

Hercules And Love Affair - Blind:

Antony And The Johnsons - Hope There's Someone:

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We have a few reviews like:

1. Usher 'Here I Stand'

2. Al Green 'Lay It Down'

3. Cyndi Lauper 'Bring Ya To The Brink'

Comment if you think I should review another album. I will update you if their are anymore albums I will be reviewing.

Bun B - II Trill

One of the most anticipated hip-hop/rap releases Bun B's 'II Trill' has finally come. After the tragic passing of fellow UGK partner Pimp C it seems Bun B has made of the strongest rap albums of the year. The album has thumping beats and some of the strongest lyrics of the year. With numerous dedications to Pimp C it seems Bun B is more inspired to be one of hip-hop's elite. Bun B has finally reached his full potencial. (Best Tracks: That's Gangsta, Damn I'm Cold, Swang On Em)

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (Great rhymes)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (With help from such producers like J.R. Rotem how can it not be good)

Originality: 6/10 (It's a rap album done well)

Overall: 86/100 (One of the strongest hip-hop releases this year)

Foxoboro Hottubs - Stop Drop And Roll!!!

It was definatly an unexpected suprise that Green Day had a new side project called Foxboro Hottubs. But the reason is why didn't they just call the group Green Day< Well because this a completely different from Green Day. Its fast paced Rock N' Roll. This album go can 2 different ways. You will hate it or you will love it. Personally I am still undecided. At times when I listen to it sounds great but sometimes it sounds awful. I think instead of doing this side project I think Green Day should just stick to Green Day.

Rating: Lyrics: 28/40 (The drums are so loud that you cannot hear the lyrics)

Tunefulness: 32/50 (Drums are too loud)

Originality: 3/10 (It's sort of new for this generation but it's been done better in my day)

Overall: 63/100 (Stick to Green Day)

Tila Tequila Sings?

Yes you read correctly Tila Tequila sings...suprisingly good. And no I don't mean that god awful song 'I Love U' or that stripper anthem 'Stripper Friends'. It's her latest single release 'Paralyze' which I am impressed with. It shows that she has some degree of talent. (I only like this song by her not the rest because its bumpy and catchy)

Is American Idol Dead?

I just finished watching the finale of American Idol. I hadn't watched the rest of the season but I was curious about what everyone was talking about so I watched the finale. In the middle of the finale it occurred to me that this show has lost all of it's credibility. This is not news for some because blogs have been saying this forever but if you look at all of the past winners I hardly ever hear of them. If you forgot them here is the list of the previous winners:

1. Kelly Clarkson (Heard Of)
2. Ruban Studdard (Who?)
3. Fantasia Borrino (Ummm... maybe)
4. Carrie Underwood (Heard Of)
5. Taylor Hicks (Say WHAT??)
6. Jordin Sparks (Heard of)

So their you have it I only know 3 out of 6 of the American Idol winners. So the question is where did it go downhill? Some may say it was Ruban Studdard but he was talented and I thought had a possible future. Fantasia Borinno still makes music and did have talent. For me it all went downhill when Talylor Hicks won. Thats when it became a popularity contest. Like example how did Taylor Hicks beat out Katherine McPhee, Chris Daugtry, Elliot Yamin and Kellie Pickler? And by the way all of them have a bigger career than the actual winner. So just like everything else in reality TV instead of becoming a talent competition it has become a popularity contest.

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing

It seems to be another British invansion. Although not as commericaially succesful as such acts like The Beatles. This new wave of British artist's (such as Natasha Bedingfield, Duffy, Amy Winehouse, M.I.A., Estelle...) seem to be taking North America by storm. The Ting Tings are probably most well known to the mainstream artist for that new Ipod commerical. Their debut shows off their nack for catchy pop rock tracks that will be stuck in your head for months. Some tracks do it better than others although the album as a whole is a good effort. (Best Tracks: Great DJ, That's Not My Name and Shut Up And Let Me Go)

Rating: Lyrics: 29/40 (They are all catchy and bright pop rock)

Tunefulness: 37/50 (The lead singer has a bright voice and the the two seem to work well together)

Originality: 5/10 (It's bright and poppy yet they seem to manage to put in some creativity)

Overall: 71/100 (It's a good record if you are curious give it a listen)

Scarlett Johansson - Anywhere I Lay My Head

If past history is the best indicater of the future than you would expect this album like all actors/actress' who turned into a musician to be bad. And in this case it's right. This album seems to be overly pretencious at times and tries too hard to be a critical darling. The thing with being over pretensious albums are they try to hard to be something they are not. The production is okay and Scarlett's voice is good (in terms of a celebrity) although it is nothing out of ordinary. Next!

Rating: Lyrics: 24/40 (I do like Tom Wait's lyrics Scarlett just makes them seem worse)

Tunefulness: 28/50 (The production is good at times but horrible at times)

Originality: 0/10 (She didn't write any of the songs so how could I give her any originality)

Overall: 52/100 (Pass...)

Sam Roberts - Love At the End of the World

Well sorry I could not post it at 12 but better late than never right? Well getting back to the album... Sam Roberts has always been one of my favorite rockers. This album is a darker effort than his previous and actually is reminicent of The Beatles. 'Oh Maria' is probably the most reminisent of The Beatles. Their are some weak moments on the album but the strong tracks are very strong.

Rating: Lyrics: 35/40 (It's dark and I like it)

Tunefulness: 38/50 (Some of the album is very good but some sounds very similar)

Originality: 6/10 (A slightly original rock record)

Overall: 79/100 (A good rock record)

My E-Mail...

Hey Guys, if you want to contact me just e-mail me at espo_37@hotmail.com. You can contact me about thing's you want me to review or talk about on the blog. If you want me to listen to your bands music even send me the track and if I like it I will put it on my blog.

Alanis Morrisette - Flavors Of Entanglement

It's been a while since Canadian songstress Alanis Morrisette released an album (more specifically 4 years). And it seems she is getting better with time. The new album incorporates beats, loops and some much more unexpected things. It's far from the album of the year but it is enjoyable while it lasts and I think if you are already a fan of Alanis you will enjoy the album. Who knows she may even make a few new fans. The highlight of the album is single 'Underneath' although most is fairly enjoyable.

Rating: Lyrics: 28/40 (Lyrically the album isn't a gem but, it works for her)

Tunefulness: 39/50 (I have to give it to her for trying something new)

Originality: 6/10 (It's her most original album to date)

Overall: 73/100 (A good album, not great just...good)

The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale

The Cool Kids have been getting alot of hype from such magazines like Rolling Stone which named them one of the bands to watch. And for once Rolling Stone is right. Their EP is a collection of electronic tynged hip-hop/rap tracks. Their sound is completely different from today's hip-hop. It's catchy yet manages to keep your attention the whole way throughout. If I were to make a prediction this is the hip-hop/rap album of the year! The only thing that can beat this is their debut which is due out in fall.

Rating: Lyrics: 38/40 (Fresh and Catchy)

Tunefulness: 47/50 (The production is the star on this album)

Originality: 9/10 (No one is doing it like them)

Overall: 94/100 (PICK THIS UP!)

Sorry For The Inconvenience...

Sorry that I could not post the Sam Roberts review. For those of you who do not know I buy my music from Itunes and I had pre-ordered the album but my computer was not responding. But I finally have the cd and I will be posting it later on. Thank you for your cooperation.

Will Be Reviewing a Album At 12:00...

I will be reviewing Sam Roberts album (Love At The End Of The World) and putting it on the blog at possibly 12:30 ET. So if you are a person who like to stay up late check it out and tell your friends about the blog thank you.

New Feature...

I will be introducing a new feature to my blog called 'Album of the Week'. It will be a little stamp at the end of the review that will basically say that this is the album I enjoyed the most this week. Ex.

Canadian Pride!

For those of you who don't know I am a Canadian, so I have to show some respect to Sam Roberts. He is a Canadian rocker who brings back what rock n' roll was supposed to be. His latest single 'Them Kid's' literally states 'them kid's don't know how to dance to rock n' roll'. His album 'Love At The End of the World' was my second most anticipated release of the spring (first was Santogold). So come on and show some pride to Canada or just show some pride to rock n' roll.

Check Out 'Them Kids' Right Here------->

Rihanna Doesn't 'Take A Bow'

Rihanna will jump from 53 to 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is the second highest jump in Billboard history. The highest jump was done by Maroon 5 with their single 'Makes Me Wonder' when they jumped from 64 to 1.

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We will be reviewing the following album's:

1. Scarlett Johansson 'Anywhere I Lay My Head'

2. Foxboro Hot Tubs 'Stop Drop And Roll!!!'

3. Alanis Morissette 'Flavors of Entanglement'

4. The Ting Ting's 'We Started Nothing'

5. Sam Roberts 'Love At The End Of The World'

6. The Cool Kids 'The Bake Sale'

It seem's like an okay week I am really looking forward to the release by the Foxboro Hot Tubs.

Teyana Taylor: Hip-Hop's Next Big Star?

With her distinctive voice Teyana Taylor could be Hip-Hop's next Missy. You may know Teyana an episode MTV's hit show 'My Super Sweet Sixteen' where she threw an extravagant party and got a tricked out bike. But now you may know her as hip-hop's next big thing. Her album 'From A Planet Called Harlem' will be released June 17th and it is highly anticipated in the hip-hop community. Her lead single 'Google Me' has introduced us to the deep voice and hot rhymes of Teyana. So check out the lead single right here:

To Sell Or Not To Sell Out?

It's a controversial issue. Once a song from your favorite band is on let's say the Ipod commercial do you still like them? It's happened to so many artists (Feist, Santogold, The Fratellis...). But if were in their shoes would I blame them? No. I was in this predicament when I heard Santogold song 'Creator' on a beer commercial. I could not believe my ears! My favorite artist sold out! But, it got me thinking after... It's no secret that CD sale's are going down the tubes. And for some artists this is the only way they can survive. So just think about it. Maybe Feist would be dropped from her label if it was not for her Ipod Nano commercial. So yeah we may be mad if one of our discoveries is on a tampon commercial. But maybe if they were not on that tampon commercial they would not make anymore music. I could understand why Santogold did it (after some thought). She did not know if her album was going to sell. So to be safe she used her music in a Beer commercial. Which probably will make her album more successful then without that commerical. Although some artist's are just greedy (Madonna) for using their music in commercicals. But some this is the only way they can survive.

Jason Mraz - We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Thing's

It seem's the recording industry is in no short supply of pop/rock artists. So that mean's the more difficult it is for other's of the same genre to get in. And the one's who do like Jason Mraz unfortunatly sound the same. To tell you the truth I was anticipating this album because of the hype surrounding it. It's pretty safe material with no real suprises. And so the question is does Jason Mraz stand out of the crowd? No.

Rating: Lyrics: 23/40 (The lyric's are safe and pretty generic)

Tunefulness: 23/50 (It's all safe so I could not rate it any higher)

Originality: 0/10 (We've seen it done before better)

Overall: 46/100

Duffy - Rockferry

At first listen you may think Welsh singer Duffy is one of the most annoying singer in recent years. But after a while you find yourself in love with her music. Although yes, she does have a nasal tone to her. She is original in that sense. Bringing her music will bring you back in time and you may find yourself loving soul music again. I recommend the track's 'Mercy' and 'Rockferry'. Duffy I think you just released a few of us.

Rating: Lyrics: 33/40 (Catchy and like storytelling)

Tunefulness: 36/50 (Some song's sound the same but overall it sound's like a well put together effort)

Originality: 7/10 (Her voice sound's original. But theirs nothing mind-mindblowingly original)

Overall: 76/100 (It's up in the air whether I would recommend this album but check out the track's I recommended and if you like those buy the while thing)

N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose

It's been a while since Pharrel and his group N.E.R.D. have released a new cd. By the looks of their first single it could be pretty good. With that darn catchy chant "All the girls standing around in the bathroom" it seem's that N.E.R.D. are having fun again. But still, this album could be good or can be horrible. It will be interesting to see which one it is.

Rating: Lyrics: 26/40 (They aren't great but, I like)

Tunefulness: 39/50 (It seems like they go a sort of experimental sound. It works for the moment)

Originality: 6/10 (It's similar to the Roots but a little more fun)

Overall: 71/100 (It's a good start)

Girlicious - Like Me/Stupid Shit - EP (Review)

It seems like the industry is desperate for the next big supergroup. The group that came the closest to this in recent years was The Pussycat Dolls. So it's no suprise that they are going for the same furmula with the next hopefuls Girlicious. Their debut EP is pretty generic. But I would not expect anything different. The highlight of the EP is the track 'Stupid Shit'. It's sexy and carefree and is pretty darn catchy. Unfortunatly the other track 'Like Me' is so generic I could have slept through it. It says 3 mins. but it seemed like it was 5. It seems like they are at their best when they are sexy and to be frank not very classy.

Rating: Lyrics: 23/40 (Other than catchy chorus' it's pretty hollow)

Tunefulness: 25/50 (It's pretty safe and generic although I do enjoy 'Stupid Shit' 's beat. Sort of Electronic)

Originality: 2/10 (It's The Pussycat Dolls - to the extreme)

Overall: 50/100 (If The Pussycat Dolls were on Extasy - it would sound like this)

Madonna - Hard Candy (Re-Reviewed)

The reason why I am re-reviewing Madonna's most recent album 'Hard Candy' is because the more I listen to it the more I have different opinions on the album. And those opinions are more positive than before. This album must be re-listened to to get the full effect. It must have taken me at least 5 or 6 more listen's for me to really start to like it. For example some tracks which I could not stand (ex. Incredible) before are starting to be some of my favorites. Before some of my favorite track's included 4 Minutes, Beat Goes On and Miles Away. But now they also include Incredible, The Devil Wouldn't Recognize You and Heartbeat. This album is like a fine wine, give it time and this album will turn into a whole new experience.

Rating: Lyrics: 35/40 (Growing On Me More And More...)

Tunefulness: 45/50 (Those annoying beat's I mentioned before are slowly becoming my favorites)

Originality: 8/10 (Hip-Hop a la Madonna)

Overall: 88/100 (One of most enjoyable Madonna album's)

*I know I will probably lose all my credibility for rating Madonna's album 1 point less than Death Cab for Cutie. But these are two completely different genre's and cannot be compared. You cannot judge a book by it's cover so gice this album a chance

And the #1 Album in the World Is...

Madonna's album 'Hard Candy' has topped the United World Chart. Her album also topped the chart's in 27 contries around the world. This album has also put Madonna in a select few group of legend's to have 10 number 1 albums in the U.K. . It also became her 7th #1 album in the U.S. behind Barbra Streisand as far as female musicians with most #1 albums. In just one week the album has been certified Gold in Canada, France, Finland, Belgium, Austrailia and Denmark. It has been certified platinum in Netherlands so far. Here is the complete United World Chart Top 10:

1. Madonna - Hard Candy (758,000)
2. Portishead - Third (204,000)
3. Mariah Carey - E=MC2 (169,000)
4. Leona Lewis - Spirit (166,000)
5. Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (117,000)
6. Duffy - Rockferry (114,000)
7. Lyfe Jennings - Lyfe Change (80,000)
8. Def Leppard - Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (76,000)
9. R.E.M. - Accelerate (71,000)
10. Mana - Arde El Cielo (69,000)

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

It seem's misery love company. And Death Cab For Cutie want you to be their company on their new record 'Narrow Stairs'. This is an epic album with riff's, catchy chorus' and O so much more. Death Cab For Cutie have always been critcally aclaimmed but they had their nay sayer's. This album it seem's will prove the nay sayer's wrong. This album is more experimental and well put together than any other one of their albums. Lyrically this album is dark. One of the albums central themes is lonliness, that alone gives the indication that this album is dark. Will this be one of the best album's of they year? No, put so far it's in my top 10.

Rating: Lyrics: 38/40 (Dark...)

Tunefulness: 44/50 (Some of the more experimental moments don't really work..but it is very good)

Originality: 7/10 (We've seen it before...but they just do it better)

Overall: 89/100 (A wonderful gem of an album)

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

This week I did no new release album reviews because to tell you the truth...I did not wanna hear any album's out this week. But next week I will be reviewing:

1. Duffy - Rockferry

2. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs (I will reviewing TODAY)

3. Jason Mraz - We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things

Like I said I will be reviewing 'Narrow Stairs' TODAY! So check in regularly...

Coldplay - Violet Hill (Single Review)

It was a ballsy move releasing your first single free on the internet. But Coldplay has just that...balls. Although the new single is nothing mind-blowing it is a nicely constructed song with great vocal's from Chris Martin. (By the way the link if you have not downloaded the new single is www.colplay.com and then go to the 'I'.)

76/100

Good Girl... Rereleased

As most of you know Rihanna will be re-releasing her hugely successful album 'Good Girl, Gone Bad'. It will feature her new single 'Take A Bow' and a duet between her and Maroon 5 ('If I Never See Your Again') and 3 other new songs. It will also feature a dvd featuring a concert, documentary and a umbrella home video.

Song Of The Week...

My favorite song this week is Estelle 'No Substitute Lover'. As you know already I loved her new album Shine so check out one of my favorite track's from the album.

Mindless Self Indulgence - If

One of the most confusing/unclassifiable band's is back and getting more and more crazy by each album. By now if you have been on myspace you probably have checked out these guys music page. And their's two thing's you could have done. Exit it and promise yourself to never listen again. Or find yourself singing along (as best you can). And that is exactly what this band is. A love/hate band. Although their music does get a little too crazy for my liking I can see their appeal. Crazy haired and all that. Their new album 'If' is not their best but it tries damn hard to be.

Rating: Lyrics: 28/40 (You need the actual lyrics for this album)

Tunefulness: 32/50 (Most of their song follow the same formula...)

Originality: 4/10 (I just wish they can try something a little different)

Overall: 64/100 (A good effort, but did not meet my expectations)

Augustana - Can't Love, Can't Hurt

One of the unexpected hits of last year was Augustana's 'Boston'. With video's on youtube being uploaded on kid's attempting to do what Augustana does best. Although this album is more diverse than the first, it seems that they are trying way too hard rather than just letting the music flow. Although you got to give them A for effort because of track's trying to be the next 'Boston' ('Sweet And Low'). It seems they still haven't put that song behind them just yet. If you are to pick up this record it will just show potential and nothing more.

Rating: Lyrics: 29/40 (Strongest part of the album)

Tunefulness: 32/50 (Trying way too hard)

Originality: 2/10 (It been done way better...)

Overall: 63/100 (I expect better things from these guys next time around)