Shock and Roll
Matt Gross
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Macy Gray
The Sellout (Concord Records)
She’s back! On Macy Gray’s latest effort, she collaborates with producer du jour Manny Marroquin, best known for his work with Lady GaGa, John Mayer, Kanye West, Rihanna and Alicia Keys. The result is a brilliant and immediate pop classic. Here’s how Macy described the inspiration behind The Sellout: “It tells the story of how I found my salvation in just being myself instead of who other people thought I should be. I had got to a place in my career where I tried everything that was asked of me and in doing so I lost sight of who Macy Gray really is.” You can hear this message in the album’s stunning first single, “Beauty In The World” (which fans of Ugly Betty will recognize as the last song of the series finale), and the entire album is a glorious return to form.
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Sarah McLachlan
Laws Of Illusion (Arista Records)
It’s been just over seven years since Sarah McLachlan has intrigued us with an album of new material. Thankfully, Laws Of Illusion was worth the wait. Working alongside her longtime producer, Pierre Marchand, Sarah has once again released a heartbreaking and stellar collection of tunes. It’s just in time to travel through North America all summer long on her recently resurrected Lilith Fair trek. Expect to hear a healthy number of classics in addition to new favorites from Illusion. To catch Sarah live at the Fair, head to sarahmclachlan.com. |
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Marina & The Diamonds
The Family Jewels ?(Chop Shop/Atlantic Records)
Already a massive success overseas, Marina is about to drastically change the face of pop music. The Welsh chanteuse’s debut album is a wonderful, hook-laden affair sprinkled with sarcastic quips about Hollywood, Shakira and even Catherine Zeta-Jones! If you love a sassy, confident, gorgeous diva as much as we do, then you’re going to fall head over heels for Marina. Her unique, raspy vocals are best highlighted on tracks like “I Am Not A Robot,” “Obsessions” and “Mowgli’s Road.” Don’t be surprised when The Family Jewels tops various year-end lists; it’ll undoubtedly make our own. Be sure to catch Marina at this summer’s Lilith Fair. |
Kelis
Flesh Tone
(will.i.am Music Group/Interscope Records)
When we first heard Kelis scream, “I Hate You So Much Right Now,” we fell hard for her brash attitude and big voice; when her “Milkshake” brought all the boys to the yard, we were glad to see more of the music world join her party. Now, Kelis returns with Flesh Tone, which melds her glowing eccentricity with the genius of David Guetta and will.i.am — resulting in a colossal tour de force. Although Grammy-nominee Kelis has enjoyed moderate fame and critical acclaim over the course of the last decade, she’s about to enter the big leagues with Flesh Tone, which is her finest record to date. Effortlessly combining the best elements of techno, hip-hop and rock, Flesh Tone is unlike any other album released so far this year. As she continues to push boundaries and surprise her fans, Kelis has truly set her self apart from the plethora of stagnant modern R&B artists. Featuring the addictive first single, “Acapella,” Flesh Tone is a must-listen. |
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Cyndi Lauper
Memphis Blues (Downtown Records)
In 2008, Cyndi released an electro-themed gem (Bring Ya to the Brink) featuring a parade of chart-topping singles that tore up dance floors all around the globe. On her latest release, Cyndi changes directions in a major way. The legend personally explained the transition to us: “This is the album that I’ve wanted to make since 2004. I feel as if I was born to sing these songs.” We agree — Memphis Blues, Cyndi’s eleventh studio album, is a magnificent record. Recorded in Tennessee with a host of special guests, including the king of the blues himself, B.B. King, each track on Memphis Blues shines like a diamond. Cyndi has never sounded more beautiful, and we’re looking forward to hearing her live on tour before the summer’s over. |
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Christina Aguilera
Bionic (RCA Records)
Since her rise to fame in the late ’90s, Christina Aguilera has been endlessly criticized for her controversial lyrics, outrageous outfits and provocative music videos. She continues exhibiting her eyebrow-raising intentions with Bionic. Her video for the single “Not Myself Tonight” got tongues wagging with its in-your-face depictions of sadomasochism and bisexuality. As for the rest of the album, Christina sums it up nicely, describing it as “fresh, sexy and magical.” But whether or not you think her new look borrows too heavily from recent Lady GaGa (or “Human Nature”-era Madonna), we’re always excited to welcome back the girl with the golden pipes.
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