Music [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
If, musically, 2002 is to be remembered for anything, it's bound to be the continuation of the garage rock invasion. Now that The Strokes are bona fide megastars, The Hives are on the verge of becoming multimillionaires, getting stripped down & back to basics is de rigueur. Every Tom, Dick & Pelle wants a piece of the action. That is unless you're The Music - four barely legal young lads from Leeds with an affection for sprawling, psychedelic wig-outs & a self-proclaimed quest to bring 'the groove' back to rock. This may sound a little scary, but lest we forget that the pre-'Urban Hymns' Verve were largely ridiculed for similar reasons until, three albums in, everyone decided they liked them all along. EMI. 2002.

Tracks:

Icky Thump
You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues
Conquest
Bone Broke
Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn
St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air)
Little Cream Soda
Rag And Bone
I'm Slowly Turning Into You
A Martyr For My Love For You
Catch Hell Blues
Effect and Cause

Amazon.com

Bagpipes, a song written as the soundtrack to a Michel Gondry music video, Patti Page's musical shadow, and Jack and Meg co-narrating a scavenger's rummages: It must be time for Icky Thump, the many-flavored riposte to 2006's Get Behind Me Satan. The duo starts big with the title track--Jack's fast-tumbling, falsetto-tinged lyrics jagging on hyper keyboard-sounding segues and Meg's pounding drums. They rarely shy from an idea, invoking acoustic Bob Dylan to frame "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues," but interjecting a series of distortion-laden guitar paroxysms for good measure. The end of Icky, on "Effect and Cause," is where Jack's trademark vocal warble and spare, quick acoustic strums meet Meg's single-minded beats. Everywhere on Icky giant riffs leap and shout, with Flamenco horns and those eerie bagpipes and rhythmic shifts and Jack's impatient vocal kinetics, marking new territories even as the White Stripes again populate them with vintage ideas. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The White Stripes are back with the most bombastic album they've ever produced! While revealing the band's roots in American folk music, Icky Thump is an explosive, revolutionary assault that brings together garage rock, every blues style of the past 100 years, nouveau, and flamenco. This is truly a modern rock and roll masterpiece!

Customer Reviews:

Highly Entertaining.......2007-07-25

I am going on my 15th or so listening of the CD and it has not yet become boring. The different tracks are different in style enough so that you don't feel at all like you are listening to the same song over and over and yet it retains that White Stripes magic throughout.

A Candy Coated Infectious Confection from the White Stripes.......2007-07-25

I don't believe Icky Thump tops the previous White Stripes release but in it's own right, It is a great CD. New listeners and established fans will find themselves singing to song genre's they would not otherwise have.

Icky Thump, Who'd-a Thunk?.......2007-07-24

For the longest time the White Stripes were my guilty pleasure. Saying their name around musicians is like uttering the name Charles Darwin among Christians or George Bush among Democrats. However, the Whites seem oblivious to outside praise and criticism. They are an anomaly: A two piece band who reduces genres to their bare essentials to see how many ways they can twist, hammer, and shape it into something viable. They do this without an ounce of flash or technical abilities. Jack's near juvenile guitar playing, and Meg's "trained monkey on drums" abilities are among the worst in all of music. The Stripes are essentially an exercise in maximization through minimalization. The variations and nuances they're able to saturate this simplicity with is extraordinary. The results are endlessly surprising and rewarding.

They also seem to alternate - album wise - between interpretations on traditional forms (rock, pop, folk) and experimentation: Although these two sides - the traditional and experimental - are almost always integrated, the focus usually remains on one. De Stijl was their most traditional blues/pop album, with Elephant being a logical progression on that concept that expanded the overall palette. White Blood Cells is perhaps their quirkiest, as it leaped into vast new territories and styles, with Get Behind Me Satan being a focused, refined, near perfection of that stylish mishmash. Now to Icky Thump: At once a return to tradition and complete perfection of it. The spiritual precursor to Icky is Elephant - not the experimental Get Behind Me Satan. The first three songs epitomize this concept:

The title track is monumental, crushing rock. Featuring a towering riff from Jack White, A pulsing "thud" beat from Meg. Along with a vocal delivery that teeters on the edge of manic breakdown and complete control, spitting venom the entire time. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a foray back to De Stijl and pop in its purest form with no excess. It's also perhaps (and I say this tentatively) the best pop song Jack has written. From electric and eclectic to calm with aplomb (bad wordplay, I know) we get to "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues" (I have to gasp just saying it!). This song evokes Bob Dylan like nothing else I've heard from the White Stripes or anyone. The reiterated acoustic lick is absorbing in its meditative restraint. The electric breaks only provide a contrast rather than a driving force to the track.

Then we head into the experimental grasp of Jack again. "Conquest" is pounding and incessant, with its horn flourishes evoking a definite Mexicano vibe. From Mexico to Ireland (or Scotland) we get "Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn". An acoustic, Irish (Scottish?) clog dance that's as charming as anything Jack has done. "St. Andrew" provides a kind of epilogue to "Prickly Thorn' with its accelerating rhythm being lead by a lively bagpipe and miniscule female vocals. "Little Cream Soda" continues the 'Little' tradition, returning to the metal tones of "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" with a distortion drenched riff from Jack that's as good as any he's produced. "Catch Hell Blues" features a tumultuous slide riff that's vaguely reminiscent of "Little Bird" from De Stijl, but more hellish and electric. Jack also hasn't lost his sense of humor. Both "Rag & Bone" and "Effect & Cause" are as whimsical as anything he's done. The former being a rhythmic, comical take on requesting people's unwanteds and the latter being a country-esque romp on refusing to accept the consequences of one's actions.

What catapults this album above the previous Stripes' efforts is Jack's transcendent leap in his lyrical and vocal stylings. I normally don't care for lyrics, but Jack White forces you to pay attention to his due to the inventiveness at which he writes and the originality in which he delivers. The title track being a prime example: At first it sounds akin to a rapper's delivery as Jack rhythmically blurts out variations on "ump", while expanding on this concept throughout. Jack wrenches, bends, twists and distorts syllables; emphasizing serpentine rhythmic drive over melody. This is similar to The Beatles' most experimental vocal work, and Dylan's flow of delivery. Jack's variety of emotive abilities are among the best in all of modern music. If the idea of song is the fusion of music and words - where one acts to enhance the other - then The Stripes may personify that idea better than any other these days.

This album only 'fails' - a better term would be "fail to surpass previous efforts" - when Jack doesn't push himself. Reverting back to comfortable territory. "Bone Broke" is an attempt to return to their punkish, garage days - but it is no Fell In Love With a Girl. Both "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" and "A Martyr for My Love for You" are decent, but lacking in the freshness the rest of the album permeates. However, their inclusion is welcome as they're too good to be considered filler.

If any Stripes albums could truly be called serious, then Icky Thump is the furthest away from that definition. Rather, this is Jack and Meg at their most playful and fun. Confident in what they can do, they produce songs that effortlessly fit within their respective abilities. As always, variety is key. Acoustic, electric, and ultimately eclectic, Icky Thump isn't a radical departure for the Whites, but just an assured, adept execution of their wealth of styles and ideas. It's the nuances that reward repeated listens. This isn't musically dense material, but it's subtle music all the same. Perhaps the only other fault is that in the Stripes' refusal to strive for eminence they may also never reach the heights of albums like Highway 61, Sgt. Pepper, or Born to Run (insert your applicable favorites). If Icky Thump is their peak (and it may be), then I only wonder where they go from here.

The White Stripes have transformed me from a hesitant supporter into an avid one. If Get Behind Me Satan was my acquiescence, then Icky Thump was my revelation. No longer do I consider them my great "guilty pleasure". I could solely appreciate the fearlessness at which they tackle everything. Most bands walk on eggshells afraid of failing, but The Stripes seem apathetic to the notion that they could - with any misstep - ruin their popularity. Instead, they seem rather insouciant about the entire thing - likely wondering how a quirky garage band ended up being hailed as the 'saviors' of pop music. They seem to belong to a bygone era. One in which bands pushed themselves into uncharted waters - daring themselves to improve - growing and evolving in the studio instead of behind closed doors. Perhaps, most importantly, they seem to produce everything with a real sense of passion and honesty, completely lacking any of the contrivances and pretenses in modern pop and rock music.

In the end, I can only echo what Steve Vai (I believe it was) said about them: "Out of tune. Out of time. Beautiful."

Average, at best.......2007-07-24

If this were an EP and the album ended after track 7, than I'd really enjoy it. The 2nd half of the album just sounds like filler. At least the price was right. It's a shame the music of today lacks the heart and energy of the artists in the late 60's & early 70's.

White Stripes Best Album In Years - Rock N Roll Is Back For Jack.......2007-07-23

This album is worth the $9.99 price if only for songs 9-12. ("Rag and Bones", "I'm Slowly Turning Into You", "Martyr For My Love For You" and finally "Catch Hell Blues" are the aforementioned songs 9-12). "Catch Hell Blues" quickly became my favorite Stripes song ever and will really remind of you the older White Stripes album "De Stijl". But don't let my love of this 4 song block distract you from the rest of the album. The only "weak" part in my opinion are songs 3, 6, and 7. The bagpipe sounds like a good idea but I personaly hate those 2 songs.

If you are Stripes fan and love their older work you will love this album.

Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)

Average customer rating:

What a Musical!
Awesome Soundtrack
FABULOUS FUN!
I couldnt believe it...
A New Classic

Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)

Manufacturer: New Line Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PUAID4
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

"GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE" - Nikki Blonsky
"THE NICEST KIDS IN TOWN" - James Marsden
"IT TAKES TWO" - Zac Efron
"(THE LEGEND OF) MISS BALTIMORE CRABS" - Michelle Pfeiffer
"I CAN HEAR THE BELLS" - Nikki Blonsky
"LADIES' CHOICE" - Zac Efron
"THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN" - Brittany Snow
"WELCOME TO THE 60's" - Nikki Blonsky & John Travolta
"RUN AND TELL THAT" - Elijah Kelley
"BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL" - Queen Latifah
"BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL reprise" - John Travolta & Michelle Pfeiffer
"(YOU'RE) TIMELESS TO ME" - John Travolta & Christopher Walken
"I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN" - Queen Latifah
"WITHOUT LOVE" - Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley & Amanda Bynes
"(IT'S) HAIRSPRAY" - James Marsden
"YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT" - Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes,
"COME SO FAR (GOT SO FAR TO GO)" - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac
"COOTIES" - Aimee Allen
"MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW" - Nikki Blonsky, Marissa Jaret Winokur & Rikki Lake

Amazon.com

What fun! This soundtrack of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical overflows with glossy, ol' fashioned '60s-style pep. It won't win any awards for innovation, but it may well be one of the most feel-good releases of the year. While not quite as super-energetic as the original Broadway cast, the new crew ain't too shabby: Nikki Blonsky delivers as Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron (High School Musical) makes for a devoted boyfriend, and the supporting cast gleefully embraces the show's silly-but-generous spirit. John Travolta (who gets to utter the particularly ironic line "it's been years since someone asked me to dance") goes drag as Tracy's mom, Edna, while Michelle Pfeiffer's slight stiffness is appropriate for her uptight character, especially on the cha-cha "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs." After Mama Morton in Chicago, Queen Latifah puts in another brassy turn as Motormouth Maybelle ("Big, Blonde and Beautiful," which is then reprised by Travolta and Pfeiffer). The show's authors, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, have written three new numbers for the movie: the rollicking (and first single) "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl in Town" and "Come So Far." In addition, the CD also includes two tracks that aren't in the film but were in the show: "Cooties," sung by Aimee Allen, and "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now," sung by all three Tracy Turnblads: Blonsky, Ricki Lake (from the source movie) and Marissa Jaret Winokur (from the original Broadway cast). --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

The Hairspray soundtrack will feature 17 songs from the film, including three original numbers that were created specifically for the film version of the hit Broadway musical - "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl In Town," and "Come So Far." Also featured on the soundtrack are the songs "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the `60s," "Nicest Kids In Town," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." The songs are performed by cast members John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelley among others.

The Hairspray soundtrack is produced by Marc Shaiman and features music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. It features tracks mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bette Midler) and Peter Mokran (Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera).

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema is bringing a feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Hairspray to life. Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, the comedy features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago), and director Adam Shankman (Bringing Down The House). The new screenplay for Hairspray was written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune).

Customer Reviews:

What a Musical!.......2007-07-25

Great soundtrack and great movie! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Awesome Soundtrack.......2007-07-24

I had to write and share my thoughts on this soundtrack. I am a bit of a musical snob. I have seen the original movie, saw Hairspray on Broadway three times (with Harvey Fierstein-awesome) and was really excited for the movie's opening night. It was beyond awesome and I had already ordered the soundtrack. I am extremely impressed with this movie. It can't be compared to the stage musical because they are both perfect in their own ways. I was not looking forward to John Travolta's take on Edna Turnblad, because I liked Harvey's so much, but he blew me away and should absolutely be nominated for an Academy Award for this role, as should Queen Latifah. She is an even better singer than I had guessed. She was exceptional in this role-Broadway quality voice (and that is a big compliment coming from me). Zac Efron was excellent (although I would have loved to have seen more of him-my daughters wanted to see more of him too!!!! We're High School Musical fans). Everyone else was great, too, but those were my favorites. I also love the version of "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" with all three Tracys (GREAT IDEA)!!! Great soundtrack and great movie.

FABULOUS FUN!.......2007-07-24

Here are TEN, ok, 11 reasons to see the film and buy the soundtrack:

1. John Travolta is a hoot...he should be nominated for an Academy Award.

2. Queen Latifah reigns in her justifiable glory..she is truly a major star. Her presence in the movie and soundtrack INSURES the message of the movie is delivered with grace and purpose.

3. Michelle Pfeiffer is PERFECT in her role. She plays sordid and evil so very well.

4. Zac Efron IS Luke...he is just too cool..and those eyes!

5. Elijah Kelley is brilliant..what a great talent! He sings, he dances, he acts...he rocks.

6. Nicki Blonsky is the LIVING TRACEY TURNBLAT...what a wonderful new talent. She was born for the role.

7. James Marsden is brilliantly smarmy.

8. The music is uplifting and just plain fun.

9. The sets and costumes are worthy of Academy nomination, and perhaps award.

10. The choreography is exciting, energetic, and exuberant.

And

11. Well...simply stated...you can't sit in the theater without tapping your foot, and you can't leave the theater without feeling real good and humming a song!

I couldnt believe it..........2007-07-24

I have never seen any previous Hairspray and I went to the movie with my mother and little sister on July 22nd and I went to this movie thinking "Oh, Great, Another chick flick". I was in the theater watching this movie and I started bopping my head and that was just to the first song. Further in the movie I started liking it...A LOT. And by the end of the movie with the song "You Can't Stop The Beat" I had become completely hooked. I mean this movie and soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal. I mean I left the theater practically dancing.

When the movie was over I went to the store and bought the soundtrack. It exceeded my expectations big time. I am not much of "Musical" liking guy but Oh My Goodness. It was amazing. John Travolta was sheer hilarity and I couldn't believe he pulled off playing a woman. But he did. I don't just recommend you see this movie. I sincerely urge and insist you go. I had to practically hold my knees from jumping up and dancing. I have listened to it countless times already. Don't Be Square, See some Hair(spray)

A New Classic.......2007-07-23

During the course of my 57 years on this planet I've had the opportunity to listen to literally hundreds of movie soundtracks. So I tend to be somewhat jaded because the classics ("Sound of Music", "Camelot", "Lion King", etc.) have set the bar so high that I'm condidtioned to approach anything new with a jaundiced eye. So imagine my thrill when I heard the soundtrack of "Hairspray" and felt that there was a new jewel to add to my short list. Marc Shaiman is a genius. I saw the show on the Broadway stage and loved it but I must say that this endeavor stands on its own. The perfect blend of exciting, spirited music and brilliantly funny and rollicking lyrics performed by a top notch cast that hits every note with the fun, wit and irony that Shaiman (and Scott Whitman) intended. I heartedly recommend this album to anyone who'd like to have a great time listening to music that will surely outlive us all.

Average customer rating:

Bon Jovi does it again.
Bon Jovi Country-Style
Did not disappoint...
Bon Jovi
Loving Bon Jovi's New CD

Lost Highway
Bon Jovi
Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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5th Gear

ASIN: B000P2A24W
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

Lost Highway
Summertime
Make a Memory
Whole Lot Of Leaving
We Got It Going On
Any Other Day
Seat Next To You
Everybody's Broken
Stranger (feat. Leann Rimes)
The Last Night
One Step Closer
I Love This Town

Amazon.com

Given the chart success of their Grammy-winning country single "Who Says You Can't Go Home," it's no surprise Bon Jovi upped the ante by recording an entire album paying homage to Nashville. In some ways, it's amazing they didn't do this sooner, given the way Keith Urban in particular is blurring country-pop lines, much as Garth Brooks and others did in the 1990s. To their credit, you won't find predictably shallow invocations of past country icons or any self-conscious, in-your-face down-home twang added strictly to remind the listener of the musical premise. In fact, Lost Highway isn't "Bon Jovi goes country" so much as a meaningful tribute to the Nashville ethos done on their own terms. They honor the spirit of the town through 12 simple, direct originals. The intimate, smoldering "(You Want To) Make a Memory," the ballad "Seat Next To You," "Lost Highway" and its roaring celebration of freedom, and "Stranger," an effective duet with LeAnn Rimes, all invoke country's spirit, and "I Love This Town," an eloquent nod to Nashville itself, ties it together admirably. --Rich Kienzle

Album Description

"Artistic freedom made this record possible," says Jon Bon Jovi. "Musical freedom to explore--and emotional freedom to express what was in our hearts."

The result of that freedom is Lost Highway, an album Jon describes as "a Bon Jovi record influenced by Nashville."

Bon Jovi explains. "Nashville is all about songs and songwriters. If you're someone like me who loves songs and hanging out with songwriters, Nashville is the place. I thrive on that feeling and I'm inspired by that creative ambience."

The result, a haunting set of 12 new and original sounding songs, is a stunning, multi-layered look into the nature of love and life in all its glory. Love, like life, is lost, found, forgotten and reclaimed in this collection.

The moods are many, but the core feeling is pure Bon Jovi.

"Writing this record with Jon was deeply cathartic," says Richie Sambora, who collaborated on ten of the songs. "I was going through emotional changes that were new for me. An ailing father. A painful divorce. The start of a new chapter in my life. I poured everything I had into this project, every last bit of soul at my command."

"For over twenty years now," Jon explains, "Richie and I have been close collaborators. Even when our songs create fictional stories, they reveal our states of mind. To a large degree, Lost Highway focuses on the light that love brings. When you shine the light on love, you see the chinks in the armor. You see every crevice, every crack. And that's all right".

Lost Highway is Bon Jovi's tenth studio album since the band formed in the early eighties. One hundred and twenty million albums and 2500 concerts in over 50 countries later, Bon Jovi is enjoying the greatest popularity in their history.

Customer Reviews:

Bon Jovi does it again........2007-07-25

I am really enjoying this CD. After reading the reveiws I didn't think I would considering it was supposed to be Bon Jovi version of country music. I am a huge country fan and I believe this is more soft rock than country. No matter how you label the music style; I love it!!

Bon Jovi Country-Style.......2007-07-25

The scarily large hair and outrageously tight trousers may have fallen by the wayside, but Bon Jovi are back with their tenth studio album, and it's a surprisingly country-influenced record.

Lost Highway hasn't lost any of the huge sing-along choruses that has made Bon Jovi one of the largest stadium rocking bands in the world, but to their credit, they are trying something a bit different at the same time as giving their fans what they want. They have always flirted a bit with country/cowboy symbols in the past (''Wanted Dead Or Alive'', anybody?) but this time have got down and done the dirty on an album described as 'a Bon Jovi record influenced by Nashville'.

There are tracks here that are disappointingly pedestrian, such as Summertime, which you just want to end as soon as it starts, but then comes ''We Got It Going On'', a song stuffed full of classic Richie Sambora talkbox action, extended guitar solos, gravely vocals, name checks for Jon, and Richie, and the immortal line `we'll be bangin' and sangin' just like the Rolling Stones'.

''(You Want To) Make A Memory'' and ''Seat Next To You'' are definite lighter in the air moments, but ''Everybody's Broken'' is a real stadium classic with lyrics like `when you wonder why you're breathing/know you're not alone/it's so hard to believe/when it's easier to doubt'. You can almost hear Dolly Parton singing, sorry sangin', the words.

If you're a fan of Bon Jovi then there is nothing here that you won't like. For others, it certainly won't blow you away, but it won't make your ears bleed either. However, if you're after the likes of the classic 80s Slippery When Wet album, you won't find it here. Think big guitars tempered with country stylings, lyrics of emotional turmoil and ordinary people striving for something better, and you'll be about there.

Did not disappoint..........2007-07-24

The buzz around this album was it was Nashville influenced. I can't say if I actually agree with that or not. The songs may be more mello but all I know is the album did not disappoint. In addition to Make a Memory and Lost Highway, Any Other Day and Last Night are excellent!

Bon Jovi.......2007-07-24

This is a great album. I really like Bon Jovi alot. What I like about
this album that the songs don't sound the same, like some other artists.
I would pick this one!

Loving Bon Jovi's New CD.......2007-07-23

This new CD is great! It's better than the last few they have released.

Average customer rating:

My Daughters Love It
Hannah Nontana 2
Awesome CD!
great role model; great singer
MILEY : "IM KEEPING MY BABY"

Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus
Hannah Montana , and Miley Cyrus
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hannah Montana: 2-Disc Special Edition Soundtrack

ASIN: B000OYC3L6
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

We Got the Party
Nobody's Perfect
Make Some Noise
Rock Star
Old Blue Jeans
Life's What You Make It
One in a Million
Bigger than Us
You and Me Together
True Friend

Tracks:

See You Again
East Northumberland High
Let's Dance
G.N.O. (Girl's Night Out)
Right Here
As I Am
Start All Over
Clear
Good and Broken
I Miss You

Amazon.com

Tweens aren't often heralded for their good judgment and excellent taste (Heelys--hello), but if any young starlet can redeem them, it's Hannah Montana. On this, the second soundtrack from the Disney Channel series, Miley Cyrus takes her cues from her TV alter ego, who has an alter ego of her own: Disc 1 features Miley as Hannah, hair-tossing pop princess by weekend, likable schoolgirl by weekday (see "Old Blue Jeans" and "True Friends" to get a sense of each episode's un-cloying sweetness). But disc 2 is the start of something new, as her friends over on the High School Musical set might say: Miley sings strictly as her spunky, truth-telling self. This yields a number of pepped-up pop tracks bound to vibrate through the walls of pink bedrooms everywhere--"See You Again" is a boy-centric song instantly relatable to anyone who's ever been in seventh grade and suffered a bout of bashfulness, "East Northumberland High" puts a punk spin on an I'm-just-not-into-you tale, and "Clear" bounces on a reggae beat while canceling any doubt about our heroine's ability to stand up for herself. Like Hannah before her, Miley makes the best of both worlds--this well-worth-it set, by turns rockin' and reflective, is a masterful example. --Tammy La Gorce

Hannah Montana Photos

Album Description

This 2-disc set features 10 all new Hannah Montana songs from the #1-rated Disney Channel series, as well as a 2nd CD including 10 brand-new original songs by Miley Cyrus!

Customer Reviews:

My Daughters Love It.......2007-07-26

My daughters (ages 7 1/2 and 4) love this cd. They sing it all day long. I don't even mind listening to it. The music is really good.

Hannah Nontana 2.......2007-07-24

This was a great purchase!!! My children are very happy with it and listen to it often.

Awesome CD!.......2007-07-24

Hannah Rocks! Love it, love it, love it. CD came quicker than I thought it would.

great role model; great singer.......2007-07-23

This is a young girl with quite a voice. My daughter (10) and her friends know every song by heart. Personally, I love the GNO (Girls Night Out) song best. Good Rock and Roll beat without heavy metal. Obviously Miley is a CW crossover hit as well.

Sorry gal, this girl's going to be around for a LONNNNGGGGG time. She's got talent and has everything working for her: good backing by Disney, great parents, music and entertainment contacts and simply put her TALENT. For such a young kid, she's amazingly balanced.

MILEY : "IM KEEPING MY BABY".......2007-07-23

Okay, dont even buy this. It doesnt even sound like her.
They have messed up her voice so much.
She wants to be hilary duff and DISNEY SAYS she is the next hilary duff but Hilary duff didnt have her voice changed soo much like this girl.
And that doesnt even look like her on the cover??
she looks fatter on it, though shes not!
she lip sings in concerts, this cd is nothing new.
Gosh, only people who are gonna like this are little 12-14 year old girls who wanna be a pop star. this album SUCKS.
yes the songs, or atleast a few, are good, THE LYRICS but her voice, no, just no.
I am not hating miley cyrus, I think shes pretty and all, but her voice is edited so badly.
listen to her sing on the show, with no music, as miley, then listen to her "sing" as hannah. It changes.
Gosh. she is gonna be out of style in a year or so.
Cause there is something fishy about her. I just know it.,

Average customer rating:

Not commercial, but still good
"The Mourning After"
Kelly's Cold Lament
Loved it!
GREAT ALBUM

My December
Kelly Clarkson
Manufacturer: RCA Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000QFAJ7S
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Never Again
One Minute
Hole
Sober
Don't Waste Your Time
Judas
Haunted
Be Still
Maybe
How I Feel
Yeah
Can I Have A Kiss
Irvine

Amazon.com

Judging by the themes of anger and betrayal that dominate Kelly Clarkson's third disc, My December, perhaps 'Jagged Little Idol' would have been a more telling title. According to interviews, the massively successful artist wanted more creative control with her music going forward; as a result, unlike her previous CDs, Clarkson contributes as a songwriter on every track. The final product is not nearly as catchy as Breakaway, but is far more introspective and honest. My December's overall sound brings a harder musical style than fans might expect, with acerbic lyrics to match; the disc's first single "Never Again"--a dark rock song slamming her ex-boyfriend--is certainly a tip-off. The compelling chorus of "Hole" finds Clarkson singing "There's a hole/inside of me/it's so damn cold/slowly killing me" over a melody that is far more Tool than top-40. "Haunted" and "Judas" are wrought-over tracks that veer into Evanescence territory, while the wonderfully sparse "Maybe" is a highlight within which Clarkson's pleading voice is perfectly showcased. My December's final listed track, "Irvine" (prior to the hidden bluesy acoustic ballad "Chivas") sounds far more Cat Power-meets-Corinne Bailey Rae than Clarkson, but it is certainly one of the most captivating songs on the disc, and serves as yet another reminder of just how versatile her voice is. Fans of her previous radio-friendly releases may well be divided on her new direction, but it appears to be the path Clarkson is likely to continue to travel. --Denise Sheppard

More from Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway

Thankful

Since U Been Gone

Customer Reviews:

Not commercial, but still good.......2007-07-25

I've always been a fan of Kelly Clarkson. Since her much deserved win as the first Idol she has taken the music world by storm delivering heart-pumping pop-rock a la Breakaway, her second record which became one of the best-selling albums in recent history by a female artist. However, after reading about the rumored rift between Clarkson and Davis (RCA's head man with "the golden ears") I was worried about the much-anticipated third release from this talented siren. It was rumored Davis did not approve of the material Clarkson had co-written for what would later become My December, and had even offered her an astounding $10 million to replace four more commercial and hit-worthy tracks. Let's make one point clear: I LOVED BREAKAWAY. To me, it was the perfect combination of pop and rock elements all rolled into a delicious and extremely consistent full-length listening dessert. So hearing Davis claiming that Kelly's new album lacked hit potential somewhat frightened me: Oh please, I begged, let him be wrong! I had an inkling to pick up a copy of My December when it hit stores on opening day (solely for the fact I found its lead single, the charging angst rock tune "Never Again," to be likable enough to merit the disc's purchase, and because I supported Clarkson's defiance against the Top 40 hit-making machine that Davis is), but decided to hold out from buying it until I made sure it was worth the price tag. I had purchased via iTunes the song "Never Again," and although I was a little disappointed after the first few listens, each subsequent one garnered new admiration from me for the song and Clarkson's newer, darker musical direction. Then I streamed "Sober" and decided, heck, this song and "Never Again" are worth the price of the CD alone. So, was Davis correct in saying it lacks as much commercial appeal as Breakaway? Yes. Though Kelly sounds terrific as ever and the album plays rather well consistency-wise, there are no real standouts on My December like its predecessor possessed. However, that's not to say that it packs no potential radio-friendly singles: "Never Again" was a brilliant marketing move for Clarkson as she broke free from commercial radio's restraints and flew off on her own and in her own chosen musical direction. The song is full of interesting lyrics, powerful choruses and great musicality. The aforementioned "Sober" is also another highlight; although it is softer and less radio-friendly than other Clarkson ballads have been in the past, its raw sincerity and real emotion make up for its lack of an undeniably catchy hook (I recommend listening to the ending of the song when Clarkson sings her heart out and takes the chorus up an octave). "One Minute" has a heart-pumping lyric with a catchy hook; the delightfully jilted "Judas" confronts a hypocrite and liar; "Irvine" (one of the most touching tracks here) is coffeehouse songwriting at its best. Even though it's a definite departure from the commercialism found on Breakaway, My December is always a respectable attempt and chock full of great tunes even if not one song packs as much mass appeal punch as Kelly's previous release. Clive: So you were right in some aspects...but you were also wrong.

"The Mourning After".......2007-07-25

(3 1/2 *'s) There's good news and bad news for Kelly Clarkson's new CD. Romantically, there's almost nothing but bad news, reflecting on loss with glimmers of hope. Musically, there isn't quite the variety or the immediacy of `Breakaway,' her breakthrough second album. However, `My December,' does mix and master slow songs and progressive numbers with a decisively delivered punch. Drawing from power pop from her previous efforts, she manages to garner extra texture, especially with the supple efforts of her supporting band. Lyrically, she co-writes every song. Needless to say, we all root for "Miss Independent" and her continuing grasp at the helm. Truly her words are undeniably and ably delivered. Yet, while it's great to get it straight from her hip and heart, the results are a mixed blessing. Some of the fluidness doesn't match her predecessors, which isn't to say there aren't plenty of memorable moments this outing. Indeed, there's much to recommend for her `...December'.

She begins with promise on her opener, "Never Again" showcasing the progressive alternative leanings she drew from songs like "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes". "I hope the ring you gave to her turns her finger green," she bluntly sings. If we ever doubted her genuineness, then we never will again. A great departure from "A Moment Like This," Kelly will only do songs her own way and for all the great musicianship and powerful singing voice, she refuses to be cheerful for our edification. The mourning continues with the catchy and edgy "One Minute" and the propulsive, yet heavy "Hole". "Sober" shuffles the deck with an acoustically textured effort that builds more tension than first meets the ear. "Don't Waste Your Time" is pop perfect expertly elaborating the lines drawn for "Beautiful Disaster". Following that effort is "Judas," arguably the album's best. With complexity that is matched by smoothly integrated lyrics, Kelly and company really shine. Honorable mention should be reserved for "Hole" offering an edgy, fast forward appeal. "How I Feel" slips back to polished pop with New Wave resonance and one of the albums best lines, describing "him" as "...trophy-wise with little black books". However, "Yeah" extends variety with the funky feel of "Walk Away" without as satisfying results. "Maybe" is heartfelt, if not meandering, offering the telling confession, "I'm as confusing as hell." Continuing, "Can I Have a Kiss?" stumbles and lingers as much as the title suggests. "Irvine" ends the album by giving her heartache a(n) (undoubtedly fictional) name. Clocking in at 8:47, she manages to give us two fine songs. The first rendition is a sweet and spare torch song, reminiscent of Peggy Lee. The second half is soft, yet playful, ending with Clarkson laughing. (As in she's the one to get the last one in.)

`My December' is uncompromising. Kelly left the tryouts a long time ago, and now will only seek a continued career on her own terms. While the lyrics occasionally lack the fluidity of previous efforts, you get the unvarnished Kelly who comes off as the soul survivor for the mo(u)rning after. Nevertheless, on this effort she comes off as much more than simply surviving.

Kelly's Cold Lament.......2007-07-25

Are you on Team Kelly or Team Clive? It seems like everybody chose sides before even hearing My December, Kelly Clarkson's darker, more personal, riskier third CD. There are those who see her as a bird escaping a gilded cage, co-writing her entire album and bravely forsaking the hitmakers Clive Davis assigned to 2004's five-times-platinum Breakaway. Others view Clarkson as a spoiled brat, so impressed by her success that she's telling the industry's most established father figure to take a hike.

Recent management changes and her canceled tour have furthered the assumption that December must be a train wreck. It's not. There's real artistry blossoming on this, the boldest and best effort ever by an Idol star.

That's not to say that Davis was off his rocker when he purportedly didn't hear a hit, because the disc does lack even half as obvious a smash as ''Since U Been Gone.'' There was subversive fun to be had in witnessing America's sweetheart using ''Never Again,'' the he-done-me-wrong first single, to reinvent herself as a banshee (wishing gangrene on an enemy, no less). But she's not playing to her strengths when paying pissy homage to Jagged Little Pill, even if she is channeling Alanis Morissette by way of the octave-spanning Pat Benatar.

Where Clarkson hits us with her best shot is in the confessionals in which she ditches the blame game and draws her own blood. She's not as close to catching up with her songwriting idol, Patty Griffin, as she is to her belter heroine, Benatar. Nonetheless, Clarkson's most vulnerable moments are accomplished and affecting -- from the frisky pleadings of ''Can I Have a Kiss'' to the near-suicidal despair of ''Irvine.'' If you ever wondered what Sarah McLachlan would sound like with an extra set of lungs, check out ''Maybe''; it's a great slow build of a ballad in which Clarkson fantasizes about how the guy who got away would really understand her, if only she had another chance. The sentiment reeks of desperation, but with vocal willpower this indomitable, you're surprised her ex hasn't been sucked into the studio by song's end.

But just when you think Miss Independent has morphed into Miss Misery, Clarkson unleashes some lighter pleasures that (take note, Team Clive!) would make dandy warm-weather singles -- much more than ''Never Again'' or ''Sober,'' the moody second release. ''One Minute'' percolates with electro-pop energy; ''How I Feel'' is a one-woman new-wave revival; and the funk-rock ''Yeah'' suggests that she's an R&B sex bomb waiting to happen. Still, basking in the winter of My December's greater discontent isn't such a bad way to chill this summer, either.

Loved it!.......2007-07-25

This album is fantastic! It's a far cry from her first album, and more mature than her second. It's got a bit of an organic, blues-rock sound to it, which I absolutely adore.

There's been a lot of negative press about this album, but in my opinion it's all completely unfounded.

GREAT ALBUM.......2007-07-24

I absolutely LOVE this cd!!! Kelly Clarkson def proves why she won american idol with every album she puts out!!!

Average customer rating:

WHAT A BAND!
Oh my
HANDLE WITH CARE - THIS SET IS A REAL GEM
Don't listen to the naysayers
Just good music

Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD)
The Traveling Wilburys
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000P0J024
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Handle With Care
Dirty World
Rattled
Last Night
Not Alone Any More
Congratulations
Heading For the Light
Margarita
Tweeter And the Monkey Man
End Of the Line
Maxine - (previously unreleased, Bonus Track)
Like A Ship - (alternate take, Bonus Track)

Tracks:

She's My Baby
Inside Out
If You Belonged To Me
Devil's Been Busy, The
7 Deadly Sins
Poor House
Where Were You Last Night?
Cool Dry Place
New Blue Moon
You Took My Breath Away
Wilbury Twist
Nobody's Child - (Bonus Track)
Runaway - (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, because they didn't try to. Things started inauspiciously when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called in friends Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison for assistance. Two albums later--the second without Orbison, who had passed away shortly after the first was released--the loose-knit collective had recorded material that was as durable, and occasionally eclipsed, the participants' legendary solo work. The Wilburys succeeded due to a genial and contagious camaraderie that permeates both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego clashes instead resulted in a frothy meeting of the minds. These guys are having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies on energetic folk-rock, quirky rockabilly, and Beatlesque pop that shimmers with the respect and esteem the members clearly hold for each other. Harrison and Lynne's rather slick production polishes off edges that might better have been left unvarnished, but there's no denying the loosey-goosey craftsmanship at work in tunes such as "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a striking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore" that ranks with any of his finest. Both albums were million-sellers, but oddly went out of print for about a decade until Rhino resurrected them, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The resulting package is a comprehensive overview of a once--well, twice--in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's passing, will never be repeated. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Featuring classics like "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," and "Heading For The Light," super-group Traveling Wilbury's Collection highlights all of the band's music and previously unreleased bonus tracks through this re-mastered double album. The DVD features behind the scenes footage of the band writing and recording, along with their 5 video clips.

Customer Reviews:

WHAT A BAND!.......2007-07-25

Oh my.......2007-07-25

These cds have some of the best sounds you will hear. The music is not only played well, but this one is mixed to perfection. Every time I hear it, I am impressed. If you are interested in just plain good sound, get this. Oh, did I mention that the music is unbelievable as well? This is truely a masterpiece.

HANDLE WITH CARE - THIS SET IS A REAL GEM.......2007-07-24

The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, mostly because they didn't try to. Things started off simply enough when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called on friend Jeff Lynne who happened to know that Bob Dylan had a studio nearby in L.A.. George's guitar was at Tom Petty's house and by that point they decided to do the group thing.

The group was complete with the addition of Roy Orbison, acclaimed by many as "The Most Beautiful Voice in Rock n' Roll." Unfortunately, Orbison passed away shortly after the first album was released, but the Wilburys succeeded due to the genial camaraderie that is reverberates through both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego, instead resulted in these guys having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies that shimmer with the affection and respect the members clearly held for each other.

Harrison and Lynne's beautiful production make these records both listenable and memorable, particularly "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a breathtaking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore". The CD's went out of print for about a decade until Olivia Harrison completed George's wishes to re-master and re-release the material, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The Deluxe package also includes a hard cover book of rare photos and a sticker.

This is a comprehensive overview of a twice-in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's and Orbison's passing, will never be repeated.

Don't listen to the naysayers.......2007-07-24

Wow, I can't believe how many reviews are negative on Vol. 3. It rocks! Maybe it's because I'm more of a Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne fan but it has all of their trademarks--strong rhythm section, great production, rock steady drumming (and just okay lyrics). I would stack Vol. 3 up against Petty's Full Moon Fever (produced by J. Lynne)--if you love that album, you'll love Vol. 3. If your feet aren't tapping to this music you just don't love rock'n'roll.

Just good music.......2007-07-23

I always loved George Harrison and seeing him in the DVD that came with this compilation was awesome. How can you go wrong with Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison? They are having such fun and enjoyed playing together - it comes across in the music.

Average customer rating:

Prince's best effort in years...4 1/2 Stars
The Royal Badness in Excellent Form.
Prince Will Always be The King of Rock, Funk, R&B and Soul
Planet Earth Is Lite On FUNK!
nice cover - poor content & weak production

Planet Earth
Prince
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000RMC7H0
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Planet Earth
Guitar
Somewhere Here On Earth
The One U Wanna C
Future Baby Mama
Mr. Goodnight
All The Midnights In The World
Chelsea Rodgers
Lion Of Judah
Resolution

Amazon.com

Because it would be un-Prince-like to release a new studio album without kicking up a little controversy first, the Artist Formerly Known As a Cool-Looking Symbol gave away copies of Planet Earth with a British news tabloid weeks before its U.S. release. Among the reasons he shouldn't have: nobody who catches wind of the peerless funk-rock-soul he lays out on these 10 tracks--least of all longtime fans--would think twice about shelling out for it. A big chunk of the appeal is that Prince finds his way back to his guitar here. The title track, a politically right-on-time environmental rant, steers him back toward "Purple Rain" territory, as does "Lion of Judah" ("Guitar," oddly, doesn't--it's more of a straight-up, shout-it-out modern rocker). And the flirty numbers are seriously flammable: "Somewhere Here on Earth" seduces with a crackly jazz vibe, while "Mr. Goodnight" gets friendly with a refined slip of rap. Coolest of all are two tracks at cross purposes-- "Chelsea Rodgers" fuses funk with disco until it's so far off the hook it's in a heap on the floor, and "All the Midnights in the World" paints a picture of artistic maturity through piano and lyrics that lean hard on positivity. There's an elegance to it that Prince fans, no strangers to pop music that's truly sublime, won't fail to appreciate. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Simply put, Planet Earth is the album longtime Prince fans have been waiting for. Several cuts on this album revisit some of the classic Prince sound the captured fans all over the world and helped deem him an incomparable music icon. Superstar and legendary musician prince kicked off 2007 with a show stopping Super Bowls Half-time performance. Prince pulled out all the stops during the second most-watched super bowl broadcast ever. With an estimated 93.2 million viewers to entertain, Prince wasted no time showing off his stages powers and irrefutable guitar skills. He masterfully captured the attention and respect of music fans in general, while sending a message to long time Prince fans that he was ready to once again reign supreme.

Customer Reviews:

Prince's best effort in years...4 1/2 Stars.......2007-07-26

As a huge Prince fan, I must say I like Prince's latest album very much. It's an improvement over both 2006's "3121" which was an improvement over 2004's "Musicology." It's as if Prince has started the growth process all over again and I, for one, believe he can only go up from here.

After the luster of "3121" died down a bit, I concluded that the album was greatly centered around showcasing his former protege, Tamar, and really has no defining sound to hold it together. Also, while "3121" has some great highs, there are bad lows which tarnish the album. I hardly listen to it anymore because of those reasons. On a good note, "3121" has some songs on it which hint at the return of Prince's brilliance. "Musicology" is even more scattered than "3121", with a few excellent tracks (mostly ballads) spread out between mediocrity. This is even worse, in my opinion. "Planet Earth" luckily doesn't fall victim to any of those negatives but, at the same time, is a very different album too.

"Planet Earth" evenly distributes soul and pop-rock music and shows a focus I haven't seen since 1995's "The Gold Experience", arguably the last quintessential Prince release. In terms of the former genre, Prince channels lush backgrounds and melodies I haven't heard since "Adore" from 1987's "Sign 'O' The Times" and "Scandalous" from 1989's soundtrack to "Batman". These tracks are among the most spectacular on "Planet Earth" and soar vocally and musically in ways Prince hasn't touched in ages. The other half of the album mostly looks to midtempo, catchy pop-rock similar to "I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man" from 1987's "Sign 'O' The Times". Prince does well in this section also, an area that has been hit-or-miss or nearly left out completely on many of his recent past albums. Honestly, "Planet Earth" has some excellent songs on it, many of which are among his best in more than an entire decade and I can see myself playing them out for many months to come. They include:

* "Somewhere Here On Earth" - The album's best track and a smooth, piano driven jazz ballad with a knockout melody and tasteful, endearing lyrics. This track showcases some of Prince's best vocals since the 80s, and that's a mighty long time. It may not be for everyone but, for many, it will bring back memories of his heyday.
* "The 1 U Wanna C" - Prince's most successful rock-esque efforts on "Planet Earth". While it's pretty soft compared to many of Prince's other guitar driven efforts, he showcases his skills while a catchy lyrics and a memorable chorus combine to create a picture-perfect pop song.
* "Future Baby Mama" - The distinctive Linn drum machine, one of his signature tools, is brought back once again to create this excellent R&B track. The harmonies in this song are amazing. Easily one of the best on the album.
* "Chelsea Rodgers" - He decided to reach way back to make this early 80s styled track straight out of the days of his self-titled album. It has to simply be heard. The only downside is the appearance of his backup singing showgirls, "The Twins." They almost drive this track into totally corniness.

...and that's just to name a few. Most notably of all, nearly everything else is entirely listenable. It's been ages since he put out an album I could make that comment about. "Sign 'O' The Times", perhaps?

The only problem with this album would be that it's a very, very safe record. Not to say that the other albums I mentioned were envelope-pushing but I will admit the other two did have a *slight* edge that "Planet Earth" doesn't have. Prince decided to truly go the nice and easy route for this one. True-love over sex is a major theme here. In fact, "Mr. Goodnight", Prince's attempt at rapping (again) set in the Hip-Hop/R&B style that was king during the mid to late 90s, and "The 1 U Wanna C" are just about the only songs on here with any remotely sexual undertones. Lots and lots of world peace is another concept covered. Every song on here is either midtempo or slower and easy-going on the ears. He's opted for consistency this time out and, while that's not bad, I'm still waiting (maybe in vain) for him to put out something that's going to change the music game completely. That's not to be found here.

The upside of consistency is that there's only one song I'd call awful and that's "All The Midnights In The World", a dry and banal tune if there ever was one. Another track which needs to grow on me is "Planet Earth", the so-called 'epic' title track which nicely reflects upon the state of the world and, unfortunately, has a melody which does nothing for me.

Overall, Prince has a winner with this album. Though it's not exactly the total home run I've been hoping he'd make again, it's getting there. Good job!

The Royal Badness in Excellent Form. .......2007-07-26

The ONLY problem I had with Planet Earth is its too short, I wanted MORE MORE MORE. The absolute standouts are Future Baby Momma, Chelsea Rodgers, The One U Wanna See, And Resolution. F.B.M. is flawless signature Prince Torch that even reaches back to the signature drum machine of 1999/Purple Rain - NOBODY pulls this off like Prince. Chelsea Rodgers is already packing dance floors here at the clubs - hand-clapping booty-shaking weave-waving dancefunk at its best. The One U Wanna See is getting the most repeats on my player so far, I'm so glad to see Wendy&Lisa back in the fold as if they'd never been apart. Guitar will remind you of Shake (from Graffitti Bridge) with a heavy dose of rock guitar thrown in. Somewhere Hear On Earth is a homage to ADULT listeners, hence the fake 'vinyl static' that starts it, who can appreciate the serious jazzy R/B harkening back to the 70's he incorporates here. Mr.Goodnight is probably the only 'pseudo-rap' Prince has ever pulled off , although its not so much 'Rap' as a latenight bootycall growl. I was very happily surprised to see him back with seriousness toward his work. Too bad we cant get some of those 20minute extended remixes of these like he used to do back in the day. Bravo, P.!

Prince Will Always be The King of Rock, Funk, R&B and Soul.......2007-07-26

Planet Earth is a good cd........ Prince will always play rock,funk,r&b, soul and jazz...... As you can see on this cd....... And this is one reson why he is in the Rock & Roll Hall.... Those who are new to Prince go buy his 2 Cd Prince-Prince 1979 Very hard rock..... Yes, Planet Earth is truly good.... Just give it a little time.

Planet Earth Is Lite On FUNK!.......2007-07-26

After just a couple of plays, I must say this album is a disappointment. After last years very strong 3121 album, this one sure is a let down. To sum up, it's good, but far from great. Worth buying, but nothing to get that excited about. There is almost NO FUNK on this cd, so if that's what you're looking for, get your expectations in order.

1) Planet Earth is a message song, that is actually pretty good and on the longish side at just under 6min. The section at 2:45 in is really nice. I would have preferred a whole song based on the melody from this part of the track.

2) Guitar - The first single. The only real choice for a single on the entire album. Very pop (which is a good thing) but just not as good as most of Prince's pop singles. Think a weaker version of something like "Cream" and you get the picture.

3) Somewhere Here On Earth - One of Prince's patented, super slow, falsetto songs with a very nice muted trumpet featured. This track is actually better than similar trax on his last few albums, but that's actually the main problem. I feel like I already own 25 different, but very very similar trax in this mold from Prince. To say it's nothing new would be an understatement. Still... I like it!

4) The One You Want To See - Again, this one reminds me of soooooo many other Prince songs. Very similar to something like "Raspberry Beret"; just a little faster. Again, just a weak rehash of much stronger material.

5) Future Baby Mama - I would pick this one to be the 2nd single (if this album even gets a 2nd single). A mid tempo jam that is easily one of the strongest trax on the cd. After 3 complete listens, I'd say this my 3rd fav on the album. Still, that's not saying much.

6) Mr. Goodnight - My fav track and the only one that's even remotely funky on the entire album. I really like the refrain on this one. A great summer mid-tempo jam. I also like the 3121 name check.

7) All The Midnights In The World - What better way to follow up the best song on the cd than to follow it with this little slice of drivel. Luckily, it's only 2:25 long. How this made the cut on a 10 track cd I'll never know. A demo at best and easily the worst track on the cd.

8) Chelsea Rodgers - Ok, I lied... this track is pretty funky as well. I love the horn chart on this one. Would have fit in real well on Musicology (and that's a compliment)! My 2nd fav on the album.

9) Lion Of Judah - I just can't help the feeling that this track (along with a few others) is just some demo track that's been siting around awaiting release. Not that bad, just not very good.

10) Resolution - A bookend message lyric to go with the opener "Planet Earth". A nice track, but it doesn't sound like an album closer to me. Production wise, it reminds me of the "Graffiti Bridge" album. Could this be another unreleased track from the late 80's? If it isn't, it sure sounds like it could be. Weak production and even weaker lyrics, but for some reason, I don't mind it. It does have a certain charm to it.

So all in all I do like it, but after 3121 I was hoping for more. As I stated above, my fav track on this album is "Mr. Goodnight", but 3121 had the title cut, Lolita, Te Amo Corazon, Black Sweat, Incense And Candles, Love, Fury, Beautiful, Loved & Blessed & Get On the Boat, ALL of which are better that even the best trax on "Planet Earth". With as many albums as Prince puts out, they can't all be winners and I'd rather have a mediocre Prince album than wait 'till next year for another release. Prince in my eyes is still one of the best, if not the very best artists of this (or any) era.

jd

nice cover - poor content & weak production.......2007-07-26

After the sizzle of 3121, Prince fails to deliver the goods on 'Planet Earth'!
Poor production is a glaring issue, particularly on the final track 'Resolution' with its absence of low-end, and the title cut, which tries hard to duplicate earlier funk/groove Prince with little success.

The strained "green peace/love" messages running through the album sound unconvincing ("Lion of Judah", "Planet Earth", "Resolution"), while Prince's performances are mostly a shadow of his energised groove/funk stylings on 3121. Refreshing to hear Prince return to guitar-driven rock on "The One U Wanna C" but the track has a washed-out sound which dilutes the guitar attack, and ends up sounding like an inferior AM radio track from the early 70s.

Few tracks are worthy of this unique performer:
best are the soulful "Mr Goodnight" & "Future Baby Mama", and the (finally!) funky "Chelsea Rodgers".

"Guitar" is the most commercial-sounding track, while mention goes to "Somewhere Here on Earth" for the nice smooth jazz effect of Christian Scott on trumpet.

"All the Midnights in the World" sounds like a Hillsong number, pretty sing-along melody and all, and is mercifully short. Probably better to have left this one off the album.

Prince: U can do mUch better.

Average customer rating:

LOVE IT!!!!
Different, but not.
It's a creeper!
Not So Much
I LOVE THIS CD!

It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Maroon 5
Manufacturer: A&M / Octone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs About Jane
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ASIN: B000P2A256
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

If I Never See Your Face Again
Makes Me Wonder
Little of Your Time
Wake Up Call
Won't Go Home Without You
Nothing Lasts Forever
Can't Stop
Goodnight Goodnight
Not Falling Apart
Kiwi
Better That We Break
Back At Your Door

Amazon.com

Sometimes it's O.K.--even important--to put aside your reluctance to embrace artists who make teenage girls scream. It happened in 2006, when Justin Timberlake scraped the sludge off pop and left something shiny behind, and it's happening again in 2007 with Maroon 5. It Won't Be Soon Before Long, the L.A. band's sophomore studio disc, rode in on a crest of hype and crumpled expectations--fan reports had it that Adam Levine & Co. scrapped their signature pop-soul sound for something harder and darker. Not so. Shades of Prince, Hall & Oates, and Sting still color the Maroon sound (check out the spectacularly fizzy "Little of Your Time," as well as the first single, "Makes Me Wonder," a song catchier than fire), but they're made ever fainter here by the clamping down of five guys on what is essentially the most distinctive pop sound to emerge from a single band since the Bee Gees squealed into the mid-'70s. It Won't Be Soon squares hip-hop sensibilities ("Wake Up Call") with rock ones ("If I Never See Your Face Again") and stormy moods ("Can't Stop") with bittersweet ballads ("Better That We Break"). It's a disc destined to defy detractors and go on to greatness, elevating the credibility of teenage girls for years to come. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

Global neo-soul rock superstars Maroon 5 are back with their much-anticipated sophomore album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long. The follow-up to the 10x platinum, Grammy-winning Songs About Jane will be "sexier and stronger," according to frontman Adam Levine, who looked to '80s icons such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Talking Heads for inspiration. Recorded at home in Los Angeles with producers Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), Mark "Spike" Stent (Bjork, Keane, Gwen Stefani), Mark Endert (Madonna, Fiona Apple), and Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek), the album promises to be a louder take on the pop sounds of their first effort. "It's definitely aggressive, upbeat and pounding," says Levine.

More Maroon 5

Songs About Jane
Live Friday the 13th
1.22.03.Acoustic

Maroon 5 Photos

Customer Reviews:

LOVE IT!!!!.......2007-07-25

This is one of my favorite cds ever!!!! I absolutely love it and listen to in driving home from work like everyday of the week!!! Every song is good not like most cds where you have a couple of good songs and then mostly fillers!!!! Amazing would definitely recommend!!!

Different, but not........2007-07-24

While I have never really considered myself a big Maroon 5 "fan", I have really enjoyed "Songs About Jane" and was looking forward to this release. Upon hearing the first single "Makes Me Wonder", I was wondering 'should I even bother taking the chance'. Honestly, I wasn't going to buy it, but iTunes had a great deal with presale concert tickets, so I took the plunge.

After more than half a dozen listens, this album has REALLY grown on me. I was hoping for something like "Songs About Jane", but this was something really different, yet distinctly Maroon 5. I have heard the comparisons to some of the smooth-rock/pop icons from the 70's and 80's, and I totally agree, in a good way. This album is a bit more Pop than SAJ, every song still carries the signatures of Maroon 5; groovy bass lines, a good hook, angst vs. love lyrics, and beautiful harmony between the lyrics and music. Of course not every song is gold, but I think there is something here to satisfy a variety of casual and die-hard fans.

There's enough here that I finally have to declare myself a true fan.

It's a creeper!.......2007-07-21

This is my pick for best new album of 2007. To date at least. Initially, I wasn't a big fan, certainly didn't think much of the first single, but I love it now! The album has it's trademark up tempo songs and not to forget, the wonderful ballads of love and heartache.

Standouts for me are "Back at your Door", a cruisy, bluesy awesome track, "Not Falling Apart", "Little of your Time", "Can't Stop", "Until You're Over Me" (bonus track on Australian release) "Infatuation" (another bonus track) and I have to say, "Makes Me Wonder" has really grown on me too.

There is a song here for everyone to relate to, and a song for every mood. I haven't stopped listening to it since it's release. I love it!

Do yourself a favour and buy it :-)

Not So Much.......2007-07-20

This CD is not what I had expected it to be. I enjoy listening to most of the CD but there are some songs that I choose to skip.

I LOVE THIS CD!.......2007-07-19

This CD is wonderful, I promote it to everyone I know that might like Maroon 5

Average customer rating:

Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance

Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000SKO0OY
Release Date: 2007-07-30

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