Three of the most anticipated of the year so far, have all the right ingredients to make good records but at the same time they all suffer from a couple things that hold them back, terrible tracklisting order. For the most part all three Artist seem to hold their own and set themselves aside from the other singers in their lane. After jump we'll take a deeper look into the release of these records.
Jessie J Who You Are (Island 2011)
On her major label debut the U.K. singer proves that she's a vocal force to be reckoned with.
Her vocal abilities have been compared to Christina Augilera and P!NK, but this album dismisses these comparisons the album opens up with the mellow lead single "Price Tag" a song about love not costing a thing, followed by the vocal adrenalin rush of "Nobody's Perfect". The album is a mostly a mix of mellow Pop rock gems and aggressive soul vocals over powerful speaker thumping hits. What sets her apart from the other singers out now is none of her songs are about being some girl in the club or overly sexualized lyrics but more so empowerment and in some cases liberation from the usual "slutacious" (yeah I made it up) of current pop music.
4/5
Highlights:
Big White Room
Do it like a dude
Abracadabra
Chris Brown F.A.M.E (2011 Jive)
After an up and down 2 years of redemption and Graffiti. Singer Chris Brown makes a return with his 4th studio album. The album starts off with his hits "Dueces" and "No Bullshit" and unlike the typical album goes in reverse with the slower songs opening instead of the poppier tunes. like his previous albums he features a long list of the who's collaborating on the project such as, Benny Benassi, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and many more. The album features a more mature sexual Chris, attempting to the territory of fellow V.A. Native Trey Songz, mainly on songs like "Wet The Bed" featuring Ludacris and "Oh My Love". The only downside of the album is the general direction which I've stated before about his previous albums seemed all over the place and mainly in arrangement of the entire album. But comparing to his previous albums this may be one of his best.
3.5/5
Highlights:
Beautiful People
Dueces
Look At Me Now
Marsha Ambrosious Late Nights. Early Mornings ( 2011 J Records)
SOul/R&B singer Marsha Ambrosious, FINALLY releases her long awaited debut album since parting with her duo Floetry in 2008. She released a grip of mixtapes and appeared on countless rappers albums but now she is finally establishing herself as a solo artist. The album opens up with "Anticipation" which samples "Break Up to Make Up" by The Stylistics leading into a very relaxed and sensual album , very reminiscent of her days in Floetry sans the Floecist giving ill spoken word. But the most standout track would have to be the lead single "I Hope She Cheats on You with A Basketball Player"the sassy yet bitter number sent everyone in a frenzy when it was released, and stands out from the albums relaxed lovey dovey feel.
4.5
Highlights:
I Hope She Cheats on You with A Basketball Player
Lose Myself
I Want You To Stay