New Music Review: Better than Expected

Pink- Funhouse****

This is a fantastic CD. Pink fills it with heartache and sass. After a tumultuous break-up, Pink manages to channel the pain into an angst filled party anthem jam, "So What", which becomes the perfect opener to this conceptual CD. One might expect "Funhouse" to be overtly sad and depressing, but Pink provides an acceptable balance, dealing with the pain of a break and finding true healing power in writing music that is fun and inspiring. Yes, it is really the fun house, I did not expect. Download- Bad Influence (bad chick party anthem)

John Legend- Evolver****

I did not join the John Legend bandwagon until I heard his first single "Green light". Although I was completely captivated with "Ordinary People" a few years ago, I thought the rest of his music sounded the same. But, on "Evolver," Legend manages to mix it up. With the help of Andre 3000 on "Green light" and other artists Legend manages to create an eclectic and soulful disk. Download, "Quickly," "Satisfaction," and "Take Me Away"

Michelle Williams- Unexpected***

"Unexpected" could not be a more perfect title for this collection of pop gems. William's scores on this disk. She manages to set herself apart from the sleuth of other r&b and pop diva's currently on the radio. The often characterized "quiet one" in Destiny's Child, Williams lets her personality shine on "Unexpected." The songs are a refreshing blend of pure dance pop. Download, "Hello Heartbreak," "The Greatest," and "Hangover"

Lady Gaga- The Fame***

Who is Lady Gaga? Well this might be an appropriate question if she did not have the success of her first single, "Just Dance." But, if you're still hesitant to checkout her music, take a chance; you won't be disappointed. "The Fame" is an interesting mix of electronic and pop with r&b influences sprinkled throughout, possibly to give her some edge. If 90s one hit wonder Jane Child and Kylie Minougue could have a child, then we might get Lady Gaga. Download, "The Fame," "Poker Face," and "Paper Gangsta"

Robin Thicke- Something Else***
The r&b crooner is back with "Something Else". In this aptly titled disk, Thicke certainly offers his listeners something else. If you long for the days of Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, then put your worries away, Thicke is here to fill in the gap. From the beginning to the end of his CD, Thicke manages to capture the muse for passionate and tantalizing songs. The songs are infectious. This is the kind of blue-eyed soul that keeps you coming back for more. Download, "Magic," "Sidestep," and "Dreamworld"

Pussycat Dolls- Doll Domination***

Well, the dolls return with a finely tuned pop smorgasbord of fun. The dolls maybe hot, hot, hot. But, they manage to reveal some substance on their sophomore effort. The songs border on being way too over produced, but Nicole's vocals manage to retain some semblance of authenticity on an array of tracks. Melody, another one of the dolls manages to spruce up some of the songs with her high pitch soprano, at times it's refreshing. Mainly, the dolls create an exuberant mix of dance music, perfect for pre-clubbing rituals. Download, "Magic," "Elevator," "Who's Gonna Love You"