The Backstreet Boys are back with their first studio album as a quintet in eight years! (Album cover property of RCA & K-Ban Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
This week’s New Music Releases features new albums from the Backstreet Boys, Robin Thicke and Tech N9Ne…plus hot singles from Enrique Iglesias, Flo Rida & Icona Pop!
In a World Like This by the Backstreet Boys
All five Backstreet Boys have released their first studio album together since 2005’s Never Gone. The quintet still has their signature five-part vocal harmonies, which are evident on the title track and the “Emotions”-like track: “Try.” Besides recruiting longtime collaborators Max Martin, Kristian Lundin and Martin Terefe, all of them co-wrote a track on In a World Like This and are terrific songwriters. I am glad that Backstreet’s Back and I hope that they continue to show these new boy bands like Emblem3, One Direction and The Wanted how it is done. A
Tracks to Download: “In a World Like This,” “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of),” “Love Somebody,” “One Phone Call” & “Feels Like Home”
Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke’s sixth studio album fuses the worlds of pop, hip-house, R&B and soul together in a 14-track roller coaster ride that will definitely make its listeners groove all day. As a first time listener to Mr. Thicke’s music, I think he is a soulful singer and songwriter that could give some of today’s blue-eyed soul men a run for their money. I hope that he continues to record this type of music in the future. Congrats, Mr. Thicke on an impressive album. A+
Tracks to Download: “Blurred Lines,” “Ooo La La,” “Ain’t No Hat 4 That,” “Get in My Way” & “Give It 2 U”
Tech N9ne’s “Something Else” will change the way we listen to rap music. (Album cover courtesy of Strange Music)
Something Else by Tech N9ne
Kansas City native Tech N9Ne’s thirteenth studio album has over two-dozen tracks that feature an all-star group of performers and producers including Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B, Cee Lo Green, Kutt Calhoun and the Doors! Tech N9Ne produced some incredible beats and changed the way that music lovers listen to rap music. A
Tracks to Download: “With the BS,” “I’m Not a Saint,” “So Dope,” “See Me” & “That’s My Kid.”
“Turn the Night Up” by Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias returns to the music scene with his new dance pop single: “Turn the Night Up.” While the beats are a little darker compared to “Dirty Dancer” and “I Like It,” this will send Enrique’s fans to the dance floor and could definitely dominate the Top 40 charts until October. B+
Flo Rida and Pitbull’s “Can’t Believe It” is officially the worst song of 2013! (Photo by Atlantic Records)
“Can’t Believe It” by Flo Rida feat. Pitbull
Normally, I like listening to both artists but this song is a train wreck! Sure, the beat is addicting but the lyrics are too derogatory towards women and are not catchy! D
“All Night” by Icona Pop
This Swedish pop duo delivers a powerful feel-good dance pop anthem that is the perfect piece of ear candy. I hope these two can deliver a high quality debut album because I believe Caroline Hjelt & Aino Jawo have big futures ahead of them. A-
I do not own any of the music that is featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record companies!
