Divalicious Moment # 3 Vanessa Williams

It has been a few months since I posted my last divalicious moment blog. I'll try to post a diva moment at least once a month. Funny, most of my blog topics are diva moments, considering that I generally post about female singers. However, these diva moment blogs are more pointed, primarily old school diva's. And so on to the next one, Vanessa Williams is my divalicious moment number 3. I'm sure most of you are aware of her rise to fame, stardom. And, if not, here's a brief overview. In 1983, she won the Miss America title, becoming the first African-American to win the coveted crown. Unfortunately, nude photos of the young starlet surfaced, and scandal ensued. (http://diaryofahollywoodstreetking.com/vanessa-williams-penthouse-photo-shoot-uncensored/)
Still, Vanessa emerged stronger than ever. In the years that followed, Williams released several albums and appeared in countless movies and television series. Currently, she appears on ABC's 'Ugly Betty'.
Aside from being striking beautiful, which wins you major points in pop music, [suppose Susan Boyle is throwing a slight wrench in that equation, given her recent success] Vanessa Williams is a remarkably multi-talented.
As a recording artist, Williams first album was light-hearted and contemporary. She captured the late eighties vibe on singles like 'The Right Stuff' and 'Dreamin'. Her second album, 'The Comfort Zone' was her biggest selling album to date. And, it's my favorite. Every song is rich and layered pop music. Vanessa's vocals shine on songs like 'Save the Best for Last' and 'Just for Tonight'. She knows her limits and sings so well in her range. Reportedly, she is currently in the studio working on a new album, with a summer 2010 release date.
Favorite Top 10
Freedom Dance (Get Free)- The Comfort Zone
Dreamin - The Right Stuff
Goodbye - The Comfort Zone
The Way that you Love Me- The Sweetest Days
Happiness- Next
Save the Best for Last- The Comfort Zone
Running Back to You- The Comfort Zone
Oh How the Years Go By- Next
Comfort Zone- The Comfort Zone
The Right Stuff- The Right Stuff

Katharine McPhee- A talent worth Consideration

Back in the Spring of 2006, American Idol rolled out it's 5th season and Katharine McPhee made her debut, singing that is, covering the Billie Holiday tune 'God Bless the Child' in the San Francisco audition. Since, McPhee has made several television and movie appearances and she released her first studio album in 2007. The self-titled disc boasted minimal success, 'Over it', which was a top 30 Billboard hit, and 'Love Story'. McPhee's album landed at the number two spot, reporting sales of 116,000. Shortly after, about a year later, her record label, J records dropped her, after what they considered disappointing single and album sales.
Now, Katharine McPhee has released a new album with Verve Records titled 'Unbroken'. Could this title be a affirmation of the starlet's will to survive in the here today, gone tomorrow world of pop music? Maybe. But, does the disc live up to the implied promise? Depends. If you want a sleek, clean, and just all around good album, then look no further. Katharine's vocals are appropriately soft and powerful, when needed. She has impeccable control, knowing when to hold back and when to let it loose. The technical side of the craft [singing] really shows on 'Unbroken'. Unfortunately, the disk debuted on Billboard at # 27 with 15,000 in sales reported. Unlike her first disk, in which McPhee appeared to be another in a long line of tit's and ass sell music pop stars, 'Unbroken', is more refined and polished, possibly the singer-songwriter type artist McPhee is. It's not all roses, definitely some bland filler, but overall the better songs are worth a listen. Download "It's not Right,' 'Had it all,' 'How,' and 'Unbroken.'

She Wolf, Shakira's New Release, in case you missed it

In case you missed her the last time you purchased music on itunes, please check out Shakira, you know, one of the world's best selling female artist, with top 40 hits such as, 'Whenever, Wherever', 'Underneath Your Clothes', and 'Hips Don't Lie'. The 32 year old Colombian born chanteuse has been singing and performing for most of her life. She's relatively huge everywhere except here, the good ole USofA. We undeniably reward good talent on these shores, like Ke$ha, right? So, if you haven't found Shakira relatively interesting in the past decade, give her a listen, now. Shakira's latest release, 'She Wolf' fits in well with much of what popular music is today. It's super catchy and beat driven, on songs like 'Men in this Town', in which Shakira ponders where all the "good" men have gone. It seems California's night life, doesn't quite live up to expectations. Precise, the song captures a common sentiment, [you get all dolled up and hit the clubs, only to find a bunch a douche bags awaiting your arrival] enveloped in a hypnotic/electronic beat. With several Neptunes powerhouse tracks, Shakira seems to have found her muse with Pharrell and company. The only drawback to 'She Wolf' is that she didn't include enough original music. There are 3 Spanish versions of tracks, remixes, and live recordings, unnecessary filler. Download, 'Why Wait', 'Did it Again', 'Give it to Me', and 'Gypsy'.

New Sade Video

The video for 'Soldier of Love' from the grammy award winning and multi-talented group, Sade, has hit the multi-media airwaves. Sade Adu, the band's lead singer, looks fabulous, especially riding that white horse. Hmm.. I wonder if that's a euphemism for something else. After a 9 year absence, I definitely think the song and video are worth the wait.

Album Reviews- Alicia Keys & Mary J. Blige

On Alicia's 4th studio album, entitled The Element of Freedom, she chooses a title that feels slightly contrasting to the lyrical content. Maybe the juxtaposition is relevant, acknowledging the freedom from a particular state, love. The album itself is brilliant, except the Beyonce duet, garbage. Each track is so seamlessly layered and intricate. The beat on the first [second] single 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart' is powerful. It has such a gratuitously infectious baseline for a [lyrically] emotionally gripping song. Alicia seems to be a slave to love, as she crafts songs that depict a journey filled with plenty of ups and downs. On tracks like 'Love is a like the Sea', 'Love is my Disease', and 'Love is Blind', she effectively taps into the heartache typically associated with being in love. It's a slow album; it's a sad album; it's a visceral album, especially if you've ever been in love. Download these tracks, 'This Bed', 'Un-Thinkable' and 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart'.

Stronger with Each Tear, Mary J. Blige again, does what she does so well, make empowering, confident, and introspective music. Blige is the kind of artist whom takes a song and finds that really honest core. And, it is where she connects with her audience. She's authentic. On each one of her albums, from her first release, 1992's 'What's the 411' to this latest, 2009's 'Stronger with Each Tear' Blige lets it all hang out. She's like an open wounded, on display for the world to see. And, to be that bold, takes some guts. Mary's no holds barred attitude on tracks like 'I am, 'Kitchen' and 'Said and Done' reveal a woman finally comfortable in her own skin. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the most vocally driven tracks Blige has ever recorded, 'I Can see in Color'. Blige invokes the blues and is so vulnerable, she captures what few female vocalist can, raw unfettered emotion.

Best of 00s

With 2009 quickly coming to an end, literally one day left, I thought I'd jump into the best of fray. .

Back to Basics- Christina Aguilera- Can't get anymore conceptual than this. The only major hit on the album was 'Ain't no other Man' but the album follows in line with that single's vibe. Unfortunately, I think she just included too much material. She should have limited it to one disk. Overall, undeniably some of the best singing by a female artist.

Hotel Paper- Michelle Branch - Another good album, it could have made my underrated list, but she actually did have at least two hits from this disk. If you're into singer/ songwriters, Michelle Branch is your girl. She's not the best singer, but like so many other pop girls, she's not trying to be. The lyrics on songs like the title track, 'Hotel Paper' capture her vulnerability as an artist.

Hot Fuss- The Killers - I'm a sucker for anything 80s and when an album has a quintessential 80s sound, I'm all over it. Enter The Killers, 2004 release, everything from cheeky lyrics, to bombastic style, these guys were definitely channelling 80s new wave synthpop/rock.

Other favorites,

White Stripes- Elephant- 2003

Lady Gaga- The Fame- 2008

Alicia Keys- Diary- 2003

Mary J. Blige- No More Drama- 2002

N.E.R.D- In Search of- 2001

Pink- I'm Not Dead- 2006

Madonna- Music- 2000

Sade- Lover's Rock- 2000

Underrated and Overlooked,Albums of the 00's

Two years ago I posted a blog, ranting about Vh-1's show about the 00's. It was another installment of their I love the Decade series. I thought, "it's too soon, it is fall 2007." Now, it is time, the exigence it's here. Vh-1 rollout the 00's. With all the discussion on blogs about the top selling albums of the decade, (Billboard just reported that NYSNC - No Strings Attached is the top selling album of the decade-10million) I thought I would devote a blog to some of the albums that didn't get the radio attention or acclaim they deserved.

En Vogue- Masterpiece Theatre- released May 2000

If you're scratching your head, you're probably not alone. En Vogue? En Vogue reached the height of there popularity in the early to mid 90s. They started as a 4-member girl group, Dawn Robinson left the group in 1996 before they dropped their 3rd album, EV3. In 2000, the remaining members released, Masterpiece Theatre. The first single 'Riddle' gained some airplay, but by industry standards the album was a failure. The album was some of the groups best work, showcasing a rich depth lyrically. And vocally,Cindy, Maxine, and Terry hit their stride on this disk. Their harmonies were powerful . Each voice, distinctive (you know who is singing) which for a girl group is quite refreshing. Were there no Destiny's Child, En Vogue may have done better in 2000. Go grab this album, or download these singles- 'Riddle', 'Love U Crazy,' 'Que Sera, Sera', and 'Those Dogs'.

Lamya- Learning From Falling- 2002

You may really scratch you head on this artist. Lamya found minimal success with two singles, 'Empires' and 'Black Mona Lisa', both were remixed and faired will on the Billboard dance charts. Sleek production and poetic lyrics color this album. Lamya was one of those introspective artist that don't come along often enough in pop music. Her voice was refined, yet unique. In the vain of Sade and Dido, Lamya was definitely a chanteuse worth consideration, unfortunately she passed away in January 2009, yet her music still lives. Download- 'Empires' , 'Never Enough', 'Judas Kiss', and 'Full Frontal Fridays.'

Little Jackie- The Stoop- 2008- This is just a really fantastic pop album. Imman Coppolla and Adam Pallin make up this duo. Live instruments, funny, catchy, and relevant lyrics make this album a gem.

Cyndi Lauper- Bring Ya the Brink- 2008- 80s infused pop flair, with that classic Cyndi sound sketched into each song.

Roisin Murphy- Overpowered- 2008- Eclectic and stylistically quirky, electric dance music at it's best

Jody Watley- Midnight Lounge- 2001- Seductive and mellow, a perfect blend of disco and electronic

Robin Thicke- A Beautiful World- 2003- charismatic Blue eyed soul , rich and bold, retro meets hip-hop.