Album Reviews

Rihanna

`Rated R'

(Universal Music Korea)

Pop singer Rihanna goes for a darker sound with her new album ``Rated R.'' It is not so surprising after all, in light of the assault she experienced at the hands of her then-boyfriend Chris Brown earlier this year.

The ``love gone wrong'' theme runs through most of the songs, and the singer uses the album to tell the world just what she feels about the whole experience. Rihanna sings about being a victim in the ballads ``Russian Roulette'' and ``Stupid in Love,'' how she's nursing a broken heart in ``Photographs'' (featuring will.i.am) and having regrets in ``Cold Case Love'' (co-written by Justin Timberlake). There's not many dance songs that people have come to expect from her, but she does do a bit of dance hall with ``Te Amo'' and rock with guitarist Slash on ``Rockstar 101.''

―Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Queen

`Absolute Greatest'

(Warner Music Korea)

Legendary rock band Queen is often considered one of the greatest British rock bands in history. Composed of flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mercury (who died in 1991), guitarist Brian May, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor, Queen was famous for their theatrical and bombastic performances.

This compilation features 20 of Queen's most popular hits, including ``We Will Rock You,'' ``Under Pressure,'' ``We Are the Champions'' and ``Bohemian Rhapsody.'' It makes you realize how much of an influence Queen was and still is on today's musicians. This is a fine compilation to get re-acquainted with Queen's music.

Various Artists

`Style Meets Music'

(SonyBMG)

Lifestyle channel OnStyle worked with Sony Music to release a compilation album ``Style Meets Music.'' It is filled with songs that have been featured on trendy American shows such as ``Gossip Girl,'' Sex and the City'' and ``90210.'' These songs are from different genres, pop, rock, ballads and dance, but all aimed at a young, hip audience.

Dance to the beat of Ciara and Justin Timberlake's ``Love, Sex, Magic,'' and MGMT's electronica anthem ``Kids.'' Fall in love with sweet songs such as Sara Bareilles' ``Love Song'' and Lenka's ``Don't Let Me Fall.'' The Fray adds some pop rock with ``Absolute,'' while R&B is represented by Chris Brown's ``With You.'' It's a pretty good mix of songs from some of today's hottest music stars.