New Music Reviews

BLAKE LEWIS- AUDIO DAY DREAM***

On the sixth season of American Idol, viewers were treated to an array of talented singers; the best A.I. could offer. Well, this could be a drastic overstatement, considering that last season’s ratings were some of the worst since idol debuted in 2001. But out the myriad of fame thirsty contestants, one may emerge to be a formidable force in the very fickle and ever-changing pop scene. Let me digress and take you back to a time when Prince and Michael Jackson battled for dominance on the pop charts. A time when other male recording artist seemed to all eschew at least on characteristic of these two singers, Jermaine Stewart, Morris Day, Zapp & Roger, El Debarge, Johnny Kemp, and the System all recorded music that was recognizably influenced by Prince and MJ’s style. Then it was hard to distinguish some of these artists, but Prince and MJ were completely different. There music was stylized; when a Michael Jackson song came on the radio, you knew it was Michael Jackson. Today, few artists have captured that stylized recognizable sound that these two artists did. Were they innovators, pioneers? In a sense, their music is synonymous with an entire decades sound [80s], but they were influenced by the sounds of James Brown and Jimi Hendrex, still they managed to create a sound all their own. Although today’s musicians seem to be relying more and more on sampling and paying homage to artists or musical concepts, some of the music is much in its own right eclectic.
Eclectic seems to be the most accurate term to really describe pop music today, or the best way to describe successful pop albums. Today, artist such as Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Kanye West, Ciara, etc…all try to mask their music behind a variety of styles and genres. Fergie’s The Duchtess album hosted an array of musical styles such as reggeton, 80s bubble gum pop, hip-hop, and R&B. The album did not have one defining feature and as a result became one of the best selling albums of 2006-2007. Now, I know what does this have to do with Blake Lewis? Well, Audio Day Dream is no different. It is an eclectic mix of 80s bubble gum pop mixed into a more contemporary sound.
Audio Day Dream reflects Lewis’s desire to create a sound that although isn’t uniquely original, but seems to praise the computerized synthesized music zeitgeist of the time. What I really like about this album is that there are really no surprises. How can this be a good thing? Well, Lewis doesn’t take any chances, which run the risk of not paying off. He sticks to what he knows—beat boxing and I for one, think it was a wise decision. On tracks such as ‘How Many Words’ and ‘What’cha Got 2 Lose’ he shows or better flaunts his vocal acrobats—and although there are not Christina Aguilera vocal tricks here, Lewis does manage to display his zeal for beat boxing. Unfortunately, there are some lulls on the disk; Lewis should stick to mid-tempo or fast pop songs. He doesn’t have the vocal maturity of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine or Idol predecessor’s Elliot Yamin and Chris Daughtry. The slower tracks such as ‘Without You’ or ‘End of the World’ are not horrible pop songs, but Lewis doesn’t have the ability to take these songs where they have the potential to go. Overall, this disk is fun, especially if you are an eighties buff; I think this disk is one you should check out. Download these- ‘Gots to Get Her,’ ‘How many Words,’ and ‘I Got U.’

ALICE SMITH, FOR LOVERS, DREAMERS, & ME*****

A week ago I discovered one of the most innovative and original artist to come along in quite awhile. Her name is Alice Smith, and her debut album entitled For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me has been in my CD player since I got it. This new chanteuse in the pop world is the best thing since I discovered how fabulous a drink mojitos were this summer. Actually, like the crisp, clean and sweet taste of a mojito, Smith’s album is just as refreshing. Really, that description probably doesn’t do the album justice, but if you know me, then you know I like to drink. So, comparing my favorite new album to a superb drink should come as no surprise. And, unlike so many of today’s female pop tart vocalist, Smith shines so brightly. Really, she is in a league all her own; she is the kind of artist I hope will have the kind of longevity women such as Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner, and even her self- proclaimed idol, Bjork. Smith has a unique and meticulous sound. She is the smooth, sensual, and seductive voice, reminiscent of eighties British soul diva Sade, but Smith’s voice commands your attention when she sings. Lyrically, this album is flawless. You will not find worn our clichés or overproduced tracks on For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me; instead you will a young artist’s life experiences shelled out in the visceral ten songs on the disk. She leaves her listener yearning for more. Don’t just download single tracks; go out and buy the entire album. If you like Amy Winehouse, then you’ll love Alice Smith. Download these- ‘New Religion,’ ‘Fake is the New Real,’ and ‘Love Endeav