Fall Music Preview: Four More DIVAS

Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction ****
With this follow-up to 2003’s Bare, Songs of Mass Destruction, Lennox’s new album does not disappoint. The lyrical chanteuse returns with a vivacious album that is both innovative and empowering. Lennox follows in the vein of her Eurhythmics sound on tracks such as ‘Ghost in my Machine’ and ‘Big Sky’ (my personal favorite). But, it is on the standout feminist driven tracks ‘Womankind’ and ‘Sing’ where Lennox’s voice really shines. ‘Sing’ is a wonderful track dedicated to increasing awareness about global sisterhood. ‘Sing’ boast an array of female vocalist, it is a sort of “who’s who” in pop music, everyone from Madonna to Joss Stone, and Celine Dion, literally sing on this track. This is one of the most uplifting and powerful tracks to hit the music scene. Will it be a single? I hope, but probably not. There are stronger more radio friendly tracks on Destruction. Download these: ‘Love is Blind,’ ‘Smithereens,’ and ‘Big Sky.’

Carrie Underwood: Carnival Ride ****
On her sophomore effort Carrie SOARS. Carnival Ride is an infectious album. If you are not a country music fan, don’t worry this album packs a punch; it has something for everyone. A little pop, a little country, and dare I say, even a little rhythm and blues. The lead song, ‘Flat on the Floor’ is an up tempo song with fierce, that’s right fierce lyrics. Carrie displays that “in-your-face” attitude she had on the hugely successful ‘Before he Cheats’ record. ‘Flat on the Floor’ is a great song to kick off the album. It’s seems to take her out of her element; you know the sort soft safe ballads one might expect from the American Idol alumni. Other notable tracks include, ‘All-American Girl,’ ‘Just a Dream,’ ‘Crazy Dreams,’ and of course the final track, which is a metaphor for the album title ‘Wheel of the World.’ I predict even greater success for Carrie on this album than her debut ‘Some Hearts.’ Underwood’s voice shows more maturity and growth. Unlike Kelly Clarkson’s latest effort, ‘My December,’ Underwood does not take as many risks musically, but the one’s she does take seem to pay off. Download these: ‘Last Name,’ ‘I know you Won’t,’ and ‘Crazy Dreams,’


Jennifer Lopez: Brave **1/2
On her first two albums, Lopez crafted pure “pop” bliss. The songs were a mesh of Latin salsa, pop, and r&b. The albums On the 6 circa 1998 & JLO circa 2001 reflected a fun, energetic, lively sound. She created music that was exciting. Remember the dance sequences in ‘If you had my Love’ and ‘Love don’t Cost a Thing’ this was pop at its best. Unfortunately, Lopez has not been able to recapture that same feel on her last two albums and on her latest effort, ‘Brave’ she seems to fall short once again. Where is the “MOJO” JLO? ‘Brave’ is another sub-par album, although I do like the sort of eighties vibe, all some songs seem to really lack that fire or spark to ignite enough interest. The lead single, ‘Do it Well’ boast a great beat, but vocally Lopez sounds rushed and a little uncomfortable. “Rushed” is a great way to describe this album. Not a single track is “brave” as the title would suggest. Lopez work has become very generic and boring. Although her first two albums were not perfection, many of the songs had great hooks and break beats. Maybe she needs to recruit Diddy again, he was obviously doing something for her sound that subsequent producers since, have not been able to capture. Mediocre songs won’t cut it in this day an age of here today gone tomorrow, especially if you don’t have the vocals. Download these: ‘Do it Well,’ ‘Stay Together,’ and ‘The way it is.’


Chaka Khan: Funk This ***
If you remember “funk” music, then this is the album for you. If you are a Chaka Khan fan, then this is the album for you. If you love divas, “real” divas, then this is the album for you. On ‘Funk This,’ Chaka brings back the old-school funk sound of the 70s on tracks such as ‘Back in the Day,’ and ‘ ‘Foolish Fool.’ Once I discovered Chaka’s work with the funk band Rufus, I was instantly hooked on her voice. It is so rich and powerful. I don’t believe any other female artist can take songs to such massive heights as Chaka. She is on in a million. ‘Funk This’ is a return to creating the Rufus and Chaka Khan sound. Download these: ‘Disrespectful,’ ‘Sign ‘O’ the Times,’ ‘Back in the Day,’ and ‘Hail to the Wrong.’