New Music Reviews: Week of November 19, 2012-Part One: The Albums

By: Jacob Elyachar

Are you tired of being bored while waiting for the big Thanksgiving feast?   How about waiting in line during Black Friday?

Here’s my solution for this problem: listen to these incredible albums!

This week, I will be reviewing the latest offerings from Pitbull, Rihanna, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker and Coldplay.

 

Pitbull Global Warming album cover

Pitbull’s “Global Warming” album has several quality tracks but the rest are all filler. (Album cover property of Mr. 305, Polo Grounds and RCA Records)

Global Warming by Pitbull

If you are a die-hard Pitbull fan, then you will love this album.  However, Global Warming is a very mixed album.  While there are incredible collaborations with Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Usher and Shakira, music lovers might get bored with this album.    Overall, this album is a mixed bag of both great and abysmal songs.  C+

Songs to Download: “Feel This Moment,” “Back in Time,” “Hope We Meet Again” and “Get It Started.”

Mr. 305 performed two of his hits: “Don’t Stop the Party” and “Feel This Moment” at last Sunday’s American Music Awards.   To watch this performance, click here: http://youtu.be/z4DrxKUCz5U

Unapologetic by Rihanna

Rihanna’s seventh studio album cements the Barbados-born singer’s dominance as a hybrid artist that can do multiple music genres including Hip-Hop, dance pop and electronic dance.   In addition, her collaborators: David Guetta, Eminem and former flame Chris Brown help make this album an incredible joy to listen to and is the perfect album to be listening to while you wait in line at your favorite store during Black Friday.  A-

Songs to Download: “Diamonds,” “Numb,” “Right Now,” “What Now” and “Nobody’s Business.”

One of the most controversial tracks: “Nobody’s Business” (the duet between Rihanna and her ex: Chris Brown) is actually one of the best tracks of the album.

 

Kid Rock Rebel Soul album cover

“Rebel Soul” is hands down the best rock album of the year. I will be very surprised if this album is not nominated for several big awards. (Album cover property of Atlantic Records)

Rebel Soul by Kid Rock

Michigan’s favorite son is back with his first studio album in two years and it is one of Kid Rock’s finest albums to date.   From the impressive instrumental arrangements on songs like “Let’s Ride” and “3 Catt Boogie” to the strong lyrics that are showcased throughout this album, Rebel Soul should get nominated for several major awards next year.    In addition, Rebel Soul is the best rock and roll album of the year! A+

Songs to Download: ”Let’s Ride,” “3 CATT Boogie,” “Detroit, Michigan,” “Cucci Galore” and “The Mirror.”

Kid Rock recently released his music video for his latest song “Cucci Galore”.  This song is actually a great throwback to his “Bawitdaba” days.

Midnight Special by Uncle Kracker

Kid Rock’s fellow rocker Uncle Kracker has embraced country music and delivered an interesting album that would make listeners think that they were listening to either Kenny Chesney or Keith Urban.    Midnight Special will actually surprise a lot of music lovers due to its catchy lyrics, wonderful melodies and excellent vocals. A

Songs to Download: “I’d Be There,” “Four Letter Word,” “Blue Skies,” “When I Close My Eyes” and “Happy.”

Live 2012 by Coldplay

There is only one word to describe this album and it is outstanding!  A

 Songs to Download: “In My Place,” “Yellow,” “Up in Flames,” “Clocks” and “Us Against the World.”

 

 

Copyright 2020 Jacob Elyachar