Category: Reviews

Artist: Dirty Vegas Title: Dirty Vegas Label: Capitol Rating: 7/10 Dirty Vegas is a British trio who is good at beats as they are writing hooks. You’ll come for the hooks and leave impressed by their electronic prowess. Hot: “All Or Nothing” – Even this slow track is on track. “Days Go By” – You’ve…

Artist: Epidemic Title: Epidemic Label: Elektra Rating: 5.5/10 Epidemic is four guys, one from Holland and three from the southeast. One way or the other they all met up in L.A. and here they’re bringing us their rock ‘n’ roll fantasy. Yeah! “Walk Away” – Simply enjoyable rock. “Catalyst” – Dark and very curious. “Currency…

Artist: Will Smith Title: Born To Reign Label: Columbia Rating: 4/10 The Fresh Prince, Big Willie Style, Will Smith, or whatever you call him these days is back. He says he’s Born To Reign. We’ll see. Reign: “Born To Reign” – the rhymes are weak, but the message is clear. Smith takes shots at todays…

Artist: Oasis Title: Heathen Chemsitry Label: Epic Rating: 7/10 I love Oasis plain and simple. But the love for their music stems from days seemingly long past. With each new record I slip further and further away from hope they can get back what they once had. So can Heathen Chemistry bring back the joy?…

Artist: AZ Title: Aziatic Label: Motown Rating: 6/10 AZ, a founding member of the Firm, is back with Aziatic. Hot: “Once Again” – You seemingly can’t go wrong by using the hook from Welcome Back Kotter combined with his ever-smooth flow. “Hustler” and “Wanna Be There” – He’s got the skills. “The Essence” – Featuring…

Artist: Audiovent Title: Dirty Sexy Knights in Paris Label: Atlantic Rating: 4/10 The Calabasas, California-based quartet Audiovent has been making music together for nearly a decade. Sexy: “One Small Choice” and “Sweet Frustration” – As close to good as they get. None: “Energy” and “Looking Down” – A bit on the boring side. “I Can’t…

Artist: Anastacia Title: Freak of Nature Label: Epic Rating: 5/10 Anastacia does have a voice that is a freak of nature. But can a voice be all you need? Hot: “Why’d You Lie To Me” – The most single worth track. “Paid My Dues” – A song that flexes all the right muscles. “I Thought…

Artist: Amanda Marshall Title: Everybody’s Got A Story Label: Columbia Rating: 4.5/10 Amanda Marshall has gone virtually unnoticed in the states. Calling Canada home Marshall hopes this go around will finally get her some notice. Good: “Everybody’s Got A Story” – It’s true, we’ve all got stories, some are just more interesting than others. “Love…

Artist: Wyclef Jean Title: Masquerade Label: Columbia Rating: 8/10 Wyclef has had a pretty amazing career. From the Fugees to a good solo career he’s sure we’re all ready to learn more about the Masquerade. Hot: “Peace God” – Another good track from top to bottom. Speak positive and walk the same way. “PJ’s” –…

Artist: Howie Day Title: Australia Label: Epic Rating: 8/10 Howie Day is 21. Day isn’t from Australia, actually born and raised in Maine. His songs are quick-witted rock. Oddly enough the album was originally released two years ago independently. Wonderful: “Sorry So Sorry” – Hit me gently with your hook. “She Says” – Seductively sweet.…