MADONNA - "Hard Candy"

(Maverick/Warner 2008)

I usually get pumped that there is a new Madonna album in the pipeline. This time around upon hearing that she had worked with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Kanye West and The Neptunes - I didn't get too excited. Madonna has always traditionally been THE trendsetter so knowing that she's fallen into the trap of playing "follow the leader" disappoints me a great deal.

Vocally Madonna is still the Queen. Her vocal - as always - is distinctive, strong and full of melody. This woman effortlessly oozes music! 

"Miles Away" is the pick of the songs. It sounds as though it should've been on the very brilliant and underrated "American Life". "Give It 2 Me", "Beat Goes On" and "Voices" are the pick of the rest.

Maybe I'm just getting old ... but Madonna is best when she is creating something truly unique and exciting. I'm not just talking the Madonna from the 80's - you know raising eyebrows with "Like A Virgin" or "Like A Prayer" - but who could forget the magic on "Ray of Light" or the excitement around the world generated by her last big smash single, "Hung Up"? Now that is the Madonna this missing on "Hard Candy".

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.madonna.com

KATE CEBERANO - "So Much Beauty"

(Mercury/Universal 2008)

"So Much Beauty" is the 17th album from one of Australia's most prolific and much loved vocalists - and - the title sums up everything that this album and in fact what Kate Ceberano is about.

Choosing songs from a number of musical genres and time periods - all songs are lyrically and melodically beautiful. Kate has "Ceberano-ised" some of the world's best known songs as well as including three self penned tracks that fit the album like a glove.

Her version of Madonna's "Live To Tell" gave me goosebumps while Snow Patrol's watershed "Chasing Cars",David Gray's "Babylon" and Simon & Garfunkle's "Bridge Over Trouble Water" didn't lose any of the impact of the originals which is particularly important when covering songs as important to music history as these!

Her original, "So Much Beauty", is a wonderful reminder of how great a songwriter Ceberano is and hopefully will see the light of day as a single as it deserves airplay! I just love it! Her "It Takes Two" duet partner, AFL footy star, Russell Robertson features on "Never Say Never" and is just a great fun song highlighting the importance of friendship and the lifelong bonds that humans forge in their life.

Ceberano yet again reminds us that music is supposed to be honest and real ... it's meant to create an emotion and connect on a human level.

"So Much Beauty" is yet another definitive moment in the career of Kate Ceberano and is a great way to follow the brilliant "Nine Lime Avenue".

 

BLR Rating: 4.5/5

www.kateceberano.com

To read our interview with Kate Ceberano - click here

STEPHEN LYONS - "Fall"

(Independent 2008)

Emotive, spine tingling and heartfelt. This best describes US singer/songwriter, Stephen Lyons' new album, "Fall". The arrangements are not overpowering and it's definitely not over-produced which allows everything to breathe and stand up on their own. Grammy nominated producer, Anthony Newett found the perfect middle ground between vocal and music.

Throughout the album, I can not help but be propelled back to my youth listening to A-Ha ... Lyons' voice strikes an uncanny reminder of the beautiful and melodic voice of Morten Harket.

The title track, "Fall, "Sapphire Snow" and "How Do You Know" really show what Stephen Lyons is all about. His version of Simon and Garfunkle's classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is smooth and heartfelt.

Remember the name, Stephen Lyons, if he continues down this path - he will be an in demand artist for movie soundtracks and a staple artist for AAA radio.

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.stephenlyonsmusic.com

www.myspace.com/slyons1

VANESSA AMOROSI - "Somewhere In The Real World"

(Universal 2008)

"Somewhere In The Real World" marks the return of Australia's one time pop princess, Vanessa Amorosi. 

I was honestly looking forward to checking out this album after hearing the single, "Perfect". Wow! That song completely blew me away and I was thinking if this is the new direction she is going ... she's right on the money.

Unfortunately, I am a little disappointed with this album.  I am still not completely convinced as to what musical direction Vanessa is trying to go in. It starts with the insane "Start It" which makes me think okay she's doing an edgy pop/rock thing.  Then comes "Perfect" ... a heavenly slice of adult electro pop which makes my thinking change ... and then it changes again after a few more tracks to a more Pink or Suzie McNeil style ... but wait there's more ... let's just throw in a little Joss Stone for good measure.

As much as I wanted to like this album - and for an album as a whole - I really can't say that I do. Admittedly there are some good songs like "Who Am I", "Turning Point", "Send Me The Manual" and the afore mentioned "Perfect".

She is singing better than ever ... she's really found herself vocally. The next step is to find herself genre wise and stick with it ... at least for that album anyway.

 

BLR Rating: 3/5

www.vanessaamorosi.com

LEO SAYER - "Don't Wait Until Tomorrow"

(Universal 2008)

Leo! Leo! Leo! What are you doing my friend? I can only sit and wonder why you would take all your great songs and turn them into this!!

"Don't Wait Until Tomorrow" is Leo Sayer's latest album - but it's a self indulgent collection of new versions of his biggest hits - done in an extremely laid back style ... which can only be described as "music for an over 80's cruise ship bar".

"Orchard Road" which is my favourite Leo Sayer song is lifeless. "Thunder In My Heart" has no thunder, "You Make Me Feel Dancing" simply doesn't make me want to even tap my foot let alone dance and even "When I Need You" which I thought may actually be okay because it's already a cruisy ballad of sorts - nanna's snoring during the midday movie actually sounds more appealing!!

I am probably being way too harsh ... but I simply do not understand - a great songwriter and artists that Leo Sayer is - bothering to doing a project like this.

Since moving to Australia, Leo has become a certified superstar again which I think is great because he does have the talent to match ... but this album is only for the die hard Leo Sayer fan. If you are wanting to discover or even just re-live the genius that is Leo Sayer go out and buy the original versions on a Greatest Hits cd.  I will forgive you Leo ... just bring back the King of Quirk!

 

BLR Rating: 2/5

www.leosayer.com

BRIAN McFADDEN - "Set In Stone"

(Universal 2008)

I was quite impressed with Brian McFadden's debut solo album, "Irish Son". It was full of edgy - and at times quite dark songs - which really gave me a whole new appreciation of "the boy band member going solo".  So, I was looking forward to hearing the follow up, "Set In Stone".

If you look at both album covers you instantly know "Set In Stone" is not going to be what "Irish Son" was. I blame Delta Goodrem for it! She's changed him back into the cute boy band member doing soppy pop songs! I admit I am exaggerating a little.  There are some good songs on "Set In Stone" which could have easily been on it's predecessor."Get Away" is lyrically wonderful, "Everything But You" is the album's hidden gem and the song co-written with Delta, "Forgive Me Twice", is one of the best songs on the record. 

The first single from the album, "Like Only A Woman Can", is obviously about our Delta so it's understandable that the song would be sugar sweet but it's catchy and it's nice to hear a guy talk about his other half with such honesty. "But who decided I'd be hers? I want to hate them cause now I can't live without her" ... aww how sweet!

The album's biggest mistake is the track "Alice In Wonderland".  Brian!! What were you thinking? Disco!? Seriously! No no no!!

While it didn't blow me away as much as "Irish Son" did ... it's still a pretty good listen and it's another chapter in the musical life of Brian McFadden. It's easy to hear that he's much happier right now.

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.brianmcfadden.com.au

CARL RISELEY - "The Rise"

(Universal 2008)

If there is a young, good looking guy who can sing really well and who is going to give Canadian superstar, Michael Buble, a real run for his money - it's Australia's Carl Riseley.

The former navy trumpeter and singer turned Australian Idol finalist has stuck to his guns from word go and delivered a very tasty album indeed.  While I'm not the biggest fan of covers albums - Riseley has managed to put the swing spin on some classics which are just excellent.

The coolness factor is there in bundles because Riseley isn't just singing the swing standards which he could - let's face it - "touchdown" all of them standing on his head - he's breathing new life in a swingin' way to pop songs made famous by artists such as Chicago, Sade, Boz Scaggs, Little River Band, The Carpenters and Joe Cocker.

He does a mighty fine effort on Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You", as he does on Sade's "Smooth Operator" and "Pure Imagination" made famous in "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory".  The real highlight is the awesome version of Boz Scaggs' "Lido Shuffle". There's also his interpretation of "Waltzing Matilda" which raised the roof and divided the nation during Australian Idol.

John Foreman has done a great job producing - Riseley's voice shines beautifully and his honey tinged low tones are outstanding.

Overall, "The Rise", is a cracker debut from a great young talent with a big future on the international stage. Look out Michael Buble!!

 

BLR Rating: 4/5

www.myspace.com/carlriseleymusic

To read our interview with Carl Riseley - click here

MANDY MOORE - "Wild Hope"

(EMI 2008)

While being known for her sugary sweet teen pop tunes and her more recent acting roles, Mandy Moore, has returned to the music fold with a collection of bitter sweet pop tunes that will not only bust the myth that she is just a pop star but prove that this young artist is one of quality and immense talent.

After already being impressed by Moore's last full length disc, "Coverage", I was eager to hear how her new record would turn out when she's is playing a more hands on role with the songwriting. Enlisting co-writers including The Weepies, Lori McKenna, Rachael Yamagata, James Renald and Chantal Kreviazuk - Moore shows she can pen a good tune with substance.

Overall, "Wild Hope", is a surprise packet with Moore wearing her heart on her sleeve like never before and being less than forgiving. The album is about picking yourself up and getting on with life after hitting a low and Moore does it with class ... oh the sweetest revenge!!

"Slummin' In Paradise" is an uptempo rocker with a killer chorus that should've been the first single to introduce the world to the new direction for Mandy Moore ... the album's first single, "Extraordinary", while cute and fun - is light weight in comparison to the eleven other tracks and doesn't showcase the powerful and divine voice Moore actually does possess.

"Most of Me" is one of the album's most important tracks on the album - it's as if she is channeling John Hiatt! "Can't You Just Adore Her" is more Sheryl Crow-esq while other key moments are "Nothing That You Are" (featuring the amazing line "And your mistakes will hunt you down ... eventually"); "Latest Mistake" and "Gardenia".

Mandy Moore is a class act - don't write her or "Wild Hope" off until you've listened and heard it with your heart not your eyes!

 

BLR Rating: 4.5/5

www.mandymoore.com

THE LAST GOODNIGHT - "Poison Kiss"

(Virgin/EMI 2008)

After capturing audiences with their huge smash hit single, "Pictures of You", The Last Goodnight deliver a pretty good album to prove they are anything but one hit wonders.

Sitting somewhere between Maroon 5, Counting Crows and Matchbox 20, The Last Goodnight, are clever at crafting catchy pop/rock tunes that lodge themselves in your head.  The downfall is that they tend to stick to the winning formula and some tracks all start to sound the same in structure and melody.

Tracks including "This Is The Sound", "One Trust", "In Your Arms" and "If I Talk To God" are the songs that will make this band continue to ride the wave of success. They are strong, melodic and emotionally charged.

Vocalist, Kurtis John, doesn't have the best voice in the business but he does have the Bryan Adams rawness and honesty to ensure that the song is delivered in the right way. Plus it will be a voice that will be come unmistakable in the same way you can pick Rob Thomas, Adam Duritz or Adam Levine.

Radio will LOVE The Last Goodnight and deservedly so.

 

BLR Rating: 4/5

www.thelastgoodnight.net

JONAS BROTHERS - "Jonas Brothers"

(Hollywood/EMI 2008)

They're cute, they're young, they're talented and they're brothers. Sounds like a world wide phenomenon waiting to happen.

Like Hanson in the 90's these youngsters are freakishly talented - the only thing that is different - Jonas Brothers have the makings to progress from flash in the pan teen act to a credible trio many years down the track (hopefully Nick has lost the bow tie and white runners by then!).

The album kicks off with "S.O.S." which sounds like a well behaved Good Charlotte. The album goes through the usual teen themes including girls, heartbreak, lying and the future ... there's rockin songs with attitude, rockin songs which make you feel good, ballads that would make every teen girl weak at the knees and then the straight up pop songs. The Jonas Brothers even go a little retro on "Still In Love With You" and "That's Just The Way We Roll".

Finest moments come in the form of "Hello Beautiful", "Goodnight And Goodbye", "Hold On" and the quirky "Australia".  The low point is the unfortunate bonus track, "We Got The Party", which is a collaboration with Hannah Montana.

The most interesting inclusion is "Kids of The Future" which is a new take on Kim Wilde's classic, "Kids In America". They do a good job even though it's lost the spark of the original. 

For a teen act - the Jonas Brothers really do have a great ear for music and a real flair for writing commercial hits - their self penned songs are where they really shine!

It's nice to have a new band that that you'd be happy your kids getting into. I actually believe the Jonas Brothers could become a secret indulgence for many grown ups too!

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.jonasbrothers.com

ONE REPUBLIC - "Dreaming Out Loud"

(Interscope/Universal 2008)

While One Republic has had major success with the Timbaland remix of their song, "Apologize", this album is quite a confusing collection of songs. You think it's going to be one thing, then you realise it's another, only to be caught off guard and lead to make you believe they are about something entirely else.

From the single, you would expect a white r&b record ... but it is quite the contrary. One Republic not only straddle the white r&b genre with ease - but also pop/rock, folk rock and even country.

While I am not a fan of the r&b element, I did find pleasure in the tracks "Stop & Stare", "All Fall Down", "Tyrant", "Mercy", "Prodigal", "Won't Stop" and "Someone To Save You". I liked the hooky choruses and great vocal licks by singer, Ryan Tedder. On this half of the album they are more Matchbox 20 than Justin Timberlake ... and it suits these guys down to the ground. If the whole album was full of these gems - this band could've really been a real contender for one of my favourite new bands of the year. 

While it's not an awful album - quite the opposite actually - there's nothing wrong with being influenced by all sorts of styles and artists ... but they need to figure out how to make it less extreme and more of a One Republic sound in the same way Maroon 5 and Rob Thomas have managed to embrace all kinds of genres but at the same time creating something uniquely theirs.

Having Timbaland remix the first single was initially a very smart career move - but let's hope it won't effect their future success when people work out that they aren't an r&b act.

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.onerepublic.net

NICOLE BERKE - "Frondescence"

(Independent 2008)

Nicole Berke is a rising star on the international music scene with her unique blend of pop and jazz elements. 

Her debut EP, "Frondescence", features 5 tracks and showcases not only her piano pop songwriting skills but also her throaty big voice which reminds me of Sarah McLachlan among others.

Tracks such as "Come On" and "Reasons" are a point in the right direction for this Boston singer/songwriter and should see her moving in the same circles as McLachlan, Tori Amos and even Fiona Apple.

Her sound is extremely polished and professional and a real credit to such a young artist. Once Nicole Berke experiences more of what life's all about - she will be a real force to be reckoned with!

 

BLR Rating: 3/5

www.myspace.com/nicoleberke

JAKE COCO - "Re-Defining Love"

(Alliance Records/2007)

Poetic, gorgeous, flawless, emotive. All ways to describe this hot new talent from Cleveland, Ohio. On his second album, “Re-Defining Love”, Coco bares his soul and wears his heart on his sleeve singing tales of lost love. This guy is either a great observer of human behaviour or he’s had his fair share of heartbreak! Whether he is drawing from personal experience or not – Coco manages to provide the right amount of emotion without sounding like a cry baby.

Each song balances out and tells a whole new story … it’s like a musical version of a television show … that is how vivid the lyrics are.  Great songs come in the form of “Tyler’s Song”, “The Girl Next Door” and “Untitled” while highlights are definitely “Re-Defining Love”, “Waiting For You” and the surprising, “Skies Fade”.

Not only a great vocalist, songwriter & musician – Jake Coco is the complete package who is  destined for big things – here’s hoping “Re-Defining Love” is the rocket that does it for this great new star on the horizon.

 

BLR Rating: 4/5

www.myspace.com/jakecoco

 

 

DAMIEN LEITH - "Where We Land"

(Sony BMG/2007)

This guy could sing the phone book and make it sound beautiful and melodic … it can only help that the songs included on his first studio album “Where We Land” are finely crafted pop songs that pull at the heart strings leaving you weeping with sadness and within a blink of an eye Leith can bring so much joy to the listener. 

The Irish born Australian Idol certainly knows how to use his voice as an instrument … probably not heard since Jeff Buckley haunted us with his Grace album. 

Writing or co-writing most of the songs on the album, the songs which Leith enlisted Alex Lloyd to provide some input into are stunning.  Another “touchdown” moment is his haunting version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” – who would’ve thought someone other than Christine McVie could inject the power and beauty into that song?

Personal favourites on the album are “All I Want Is You”, “Shine Like The Sun” and “I Still Miss Us”.

Leith has landed on his feet with this release – let’s just hope it’s not overlooked just because of the Australian Idol tag.

 

BLR Rating: 4/5

www.myspace.com/damienleith

SHARON PAQUETTE - "Sharon Paquette" EP

(Independent/2008)

There must be something being added to the water in North America ... so many of the world's best vocalists hail from beautiful Canada and Sharon Paquette is joining the line.

Originally from Windsor, Ontario - she was up until recently a music teacher in Toronto. She is now based in Las Vegas where she hopes will enable to make the leap to artist.

From the opening cut on this 4 track EP you can hear that Paquette has a vocal to be reckoned with. It's powerful and honest which is rare in music these days. She really feels what she's singing about. "Good Things Are Gonna Happen" possesses a real Alanis Morissette or Meredith Brooks twang (it must be something to do with the Canadian accent) while "I'm Afraid" features a strong resemblance to Evanescence's Amy Lee.

The real magic starts to happens on track three, "Your Girl", which features a less forced - more mainstream pop/rock vocal. It's evident that Paquette is more at ease with style of song and it suits her so well. She could give Suzie McNeil a real run for her money.

But it's the last track on the EP, "I Won't Sleep Tonight", which has won me over and converted me into a fan of this great young artist. While I was impressed to this point - this is THE style that Paquette should be channeling all her energies into. Forget the latest trend - this classic acoustic styled heartfelt ballad is all she needs to make it in the music world. There is an urgency in her voice that gives this song the power to reach out and grab your heart with both hands and really move you. It sends chills up your spine! This song shows me that Sharon Paquette will make it as an artist if she keeps going in this direction.

Overall a great debut EP ... I'll be keeping my eye on the charts for this great new artist sometime soon ... now I have to get "I Won't Sleep Tonight" out of my head!!

 

BLR Rating: 4/5

www.sharonpaquette.com

JONNY FORBIN - "Jonny Forbin" EP

(Independent/2008)

I know it's a bit of a cliche - a young good looking singer/songwriter that the girls will swoon over ... but in Jonny Forbin's case it's right on the money.  The added bonus is Forbin is a fantastic singer and an amazing songwriter!

Hailing from Philadelphia in the US - Forbin grew up making people laugh and basically entertaining them. The turning point arrived when his father gave him an acoustic guitar as a gift and there was no looking back. According to his bio - he didn't learn the normal "Smoke on The Water" or AC/DC riffs that other kids learn by heart ... he went straight to writing his own composition while learning the guitar within about 2 weeks.

This 4 track EP is a great appetizer to the main course ... I usually don't really like EPs as they tend to have 1 or - if you're lucky - 2 decent songs with a couple of fillers or a live track - but this EP is a real cracker. Opening with "Funky A" which has a real Maroon 5 groove running through it.  At other times there are traces vocally of Bono, JD Fortune and even phrasing similar to Jason Mraz.

Musically the arrangement is great - I love acoustic guitars and this has them aplenty.  "OCD" is by far the best track on the EP and one that is commercial enough to be a single or one of those lucky songs featured in a movie or tv show like "Grey's Anatomy" where the favourite characters have their "big moment". I really dig his vocal on "Mr Bigshot (The Espresso Song)" also and "Lady Love" is a nice cruisy Sunday afternoon in a coffee shop kind of song.

This is a great introduction to a wonderful new talent ... and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of Jonny Forbin over the next 12 months. Great stuff.

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.myspace.com/jonnyforbin

DAN SISTOS - "In The Midnight Hours"

(Independent/2008)

Dan Sistos is a prolific and sought after session and touring musician in the US - playing with some of the biggest names in the business including Christina Aguilera and Toni Braxton.

"In The Midnight Hours" is his debut effort and it sees Dan indulge in his passion of classical and latin guitar and he does it with passion, fire and class.

Dan show he can mix it with the latin greats of the music world with songs tinged with elements of Santana and even Gloria Estefan on tracks such as the opener, "La Mezquita" and "Contigo".  He pulls back the pace and injects fragile and delicate emotions into "Nocturne" and "Rise" while "Song For Gloria" is pure romance.

The album oozes professionalism and style ... the production is top notch with all the right layers while never putting the emotion of the song in jeopardy.

His music comes from the heart and is made for the heart of people who love good music. To put it simply - Dan Sistos is the Carlos Santana for the next generation!

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.dansistos.com

JACKIE BRISTOW - "Crazy Love"

(Craving Records/2007)

From word go on Jackie Bristow’s brand new feature length disc, “Crazy Love”, it shows a new side of this talented singer songwriter.

There’s a new depth and maturity not only in her voice but her songwriting. Every song bar two are written solely by Bristow (2 are co-written with the renowned Mark Punch) and show that she has hit her straps as a songwriter at the right time.

Producer - Helik Hadar - who’s worked with such luminaries as Rufus Wainwright and Joni Mitchell – adds a new dynamic touch to Bristow’s gentle pop gems providing enough groove and flavour while not over powering the emotions and fragilities of her angelic voice. Credit also goes to the great musicians on the songs including Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell/Peter Gabriel), Jay Bellarose (Suzanne Vega), Tim Pierce (Tom Petty), Zak Rae (Alanis Morissette), Brian MacLeod (Sheryl Crow) and Darryl Johnson (Rolling Stones) who create the right mood and atmosphere always.

From the bluesy tones of the title track to the delicious hooky pop songs like “The World Is Turning”, “Close To The Bone” and “Pray For The Love” – “Crazy Love” is a sugary sweet delight and a real step in the right direction for Jackie Bristow.

 

BLR Rating: 3.5/5

www.jackiebristow.com