|
 Michael Jackson
`This is It'
(SonyBMG)
The release of ``This is It," a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for what would have been Michael Jackson's comeback concert, might strike some as a blatant attempt to cash in on the King of Pop's memory. But it proves to be an extraordinary documentary that reveals Jackson as a pop music genius who is still immensely talented at 50.
The soundtrack is not a greatest hits compilation, but it features songs that Jackson would have performed at the concert, such as ``Wanna Be Startin' Something," ``Black or White," ``Thriller, ``Man in the Mirror" and ``I Just Can't Stop Lovin' You." The only new track is ``This is It," which doesn't quite live up to expectations, although a second disc features four demo versions, including ``She's Out of My Life," and ``Beat It."
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Michael Buble
`Crazy Love'
(Warner Music Korea)
Michael Buble is back with a new album ``Crazy Love," a mix of pop, soul and jazz, as well as originals and remakes. The Grammy Award-winning crooner opens the album with the bombastic ``Cry Me a River," then follows it a swing track ``All of Me." While his remakes of Ray Charles' classic ``Georgia on My Mind" and Van Morrison's ``Crazy Love" are filled with warmth, they don't live up to the originals.
Since Buble recorded the album with a live big band and strings, there seems to be more energy and enthusiasm in the songs. He gives the Eagles' ``Heartache Tonight" a big band treatment, with surprisingly entertaining results. His collaborations with Sharon Jones on ``Baby (You've Got What It Takes) and Ron Sexsmith on ``Whatever It Takes" are also gems.
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia
 Pitbull
`Rebelution'
(SonyBMG)
Miami-based rapper Pitbull continues to churn out hits, combining pop and rap, as shown in his latest album ``Rebelution." Songs ``I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," ``Hotel Room Service" and ``Shut It Down" (featuring Akon) will get any party started.
Pitbull doesn't pretend he's a hardcore rapper, instead, he embraces what he does best: rap-infused dance music. Unlike other posers, Pitbull raps: `I ain't no thug, I ain't no gangsta, I'm a hustler." He works with Lil Jon on ``Krazy," Slim on ``Daddy's Little Girl," and Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger on ``Hotel Room Service Re-mix."
―Cathy Rose A. Garcia |
|
Home l Archives l Learning Times | Sitemap | Subscription l Media Kit l PDF
