May 27, 2014

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Thaea - Vox

This is the debut artist album from the modern Opera singer. This album provides a golden opportunity for the public to discover the versatility and power of Thaea's voice. She shines on every single song, delivering soaring operatic vocals on some songs and then singing traditionally on others. Produced by NovoGain, the productions have a modern yet timeless feel. The lyrics are thoughtful and relatable.

"Vox Occulta" serves as both an intro and the first song. The dramatic symphonic opening while Thaea vocalizes is stunning. Soon the uplifting big room Trance production comes in. "Dancefloor (Surrender To The Sound)" and "Dance Until I'm Free" are contemporary Dance/Pop confections. The former has operatic vocals. "Here As One" is another dark operatic cut. "On My Own" has a slight Rock feel. It could easily be an acoustic ballad. "This Is Your Chance" is a powerful uptempo. "Will Be True" is a gorgeous midtempo Pop track with a slight Dance element. "I Feel It All Over" and "Good Enough" are the only true non-Dance songs on the album. The latter is structured like a dramatic power ballad with lots of strings. The album closes with two remixes by NovoGain. The remix of "Dancefloor" is a longer take on the album version. It feels a bit harder. The "Dance Until I'm Free" remix is also in a similar vein. Overall, this is an incredible album with every track being single-worthy.

Listen to the album here:



Grade: A

May 22, 2014

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Mariah Carey - Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse

This is the 14th studio album from the legendary singer-songwriter. After numerous delays and changed release dates, the album will be released on May 26. The album is one of her most introspective since her Daydream and Butterfly albums released in 1995 and 1997. Those gave fans a window into the her troubled first marriage and her emotional state. This album also shows signs that all is not well with her current marriage, as illustrated on a number of the songs. While some of the songs are open for interpretation and could be hypothetical, but given how involved Mariah is with the writing of her songs, it's safe to assume that these songs could be at lease semi-autobiographical.

The album begins with the midtempo ballads "Cry" and "Faded" which seem to hint at potential trouble in her marriage. Things pick up with "Dedicated" which features Nas and "Beautiful" which features Miguel. "Dedicated" is a delightful throwback to late 90s Mariah. "Thirsty" is a campy Hip Hop club banger that is sure to be a fan favorite with all of its quotable lines. "Make It Look Good" and "You're Mine (Eternal)" also recall 90s Mariah. "You Don't Know What To Do" is a stunning, groovyy Disco/R&B cut which samples the underground classic "I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)" by Inner Life & Jocelyn Brown. This is a borderline Disco/House track. It's the closest Mariah has come to Dance music since 2008's "I'm That Chick", and her own remixes. "Supernatural" is a sweet track with additional vocals by Mariah and Nick's adorable children. Things go Disco for one more song in the form of "Meteorite" which is an interesting critique on fame. It could be argued that this song is about American Idol. "Camouflage" is a dark song about hiding how one really feels. This could be seen as a companion to "Looking In" (from Daydream). "Money" is another ratchet uptempo. Things close on an almost church-like note with her cover of George Michael's "One More Try" and the rousing "Heavenly".

Overall, this album is her strongest since her comeback album The Emancipation Of Mimi. It is a cohesive collection of songs covering a variety of styles and sounds dating all the way back to her debut. Mariah's voice sounds stronger and fuller than it did on her last two albums. The songwriting is mature and deeply personal. There are no surprising disasters or missteps with this one.

Purchase the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A

May 14, 2014

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Jei - Jei (The Album)

The long-awaited album was released late last month. The tight 8 track set covers a wide variety of sounds and styles though one could call it mostly Deep House. The album opens with the minimal "Brave Myself". The long, sinewy intro leading into the vocals sets the tone and mood. The big room meets Deep House production of  "Paradise" is divine. Things slow down for a break with the moderately downtempo "I'm Ready." The Dubstep-influenced "Remember" has a fun 80s feel though it sounds current too. "Wishing" is dramatic and haunting power ballad. "Feel It" is a sexy tribal, deep cut with lush pianos. "Always Behind" is another great track with it's mid 90s Twilo sound. The album ends with an uptempo tribal remix of "Paradise". Overall, every one of the songs is single-worthy. Jei's vocals are enchanting. The album arrives just in time for the warm Summer months.

Purchase the album here (iTunes)

Grade: A

May 8, 2014

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Placidic Dream feat Tascha Johnson - I'm In Love

Soulful House music has been making a huge comeback during the last year. This new release is yet another one in that style. It features the warm vocals of Tascha Johnson. The main version is straight out of the Def Mix era. The additional mixes by Earl TuTu with John Kahn, Sandro Valentino, and Fry with Chizo all maintain the soulful elements of the original, however, each one adds a little something making it suitable for different types of dancefloors. Earl TuTu with John Kahn's mix is close to the original but a little meatier. Sandro Valentino's is more peak hour, but still on the lighter side. Fry with Chizo's mix is also peak hour-oriented. All 4 mixes are amazing.

Listen to clips and purchase here:

Grade: A

May 2, 2014

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Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good

This is the lead single from the King Of Pop's second posthumous album entitled Xscape. The original song was  apparently written and recorded nearly 30 years back with Paul Anka but remained unreleased until now. A new version was produced specifically for the album. Despite having been updated, the song has a distinct sound characteristic of what Michael was doing around that time. An alternate remix version with additional vocals by Justin Timberlake, produced by Timbaland has also been released. The production on the remix is different. Justin's vocals do complement Michael's, however, there is an unfortunate noticeable difference in the sound quality that is distracting.


  • Purchase the original here (iTunes)
  • Purchase the remix here (iTunes)


Grade: B+
 
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