Album Reviews

Jack Johnson `Sleep Through The Static' Universal

The song ``Better Together,'' which was used in a local TV commercial advertisement is well known to many Koreans, though the American singer/songwriter composer Jack Johnson, who has recorded his fourth album with the help of solar energy, is less known to them.

This album package, which was produced with eco-friendly ink and recycled paper, contains mellow grooves of standout tracks such as ``What You Thought You Need,'' ``Adrift,'' and ``Go On.''

Johnson, who actively engages in the environment protection campaigns, presents his eco-friendly messages with his acoustic pop of soulful ruminations.

For this album, drummer Adam Topol, bassist Merlo Podlewski and keyboardist Zach Gill worked with guitarist and vocalist Johnson.

-Chung Ah-young

Kat de Luna `9 Lives' Sony BMG

If you need some fresh dance music, Kat de Luna may be the answer. Only 18, this New York born Latin dance queen is already hitting pop charts with her exotic tunes. ``Whine Up'', which also features the renowned musician Elephant Man, has topped the `Hot Dance Club Play Chart' for a week in 2007, following Beyonce's ``Beautiful Liar'' and Rihanna's ``Umbrella.''

The young, yet talented singer/songwriter's songs and dance moves have already mesmerized Korean fans through UCC (User Created Content) on the Internet last year. Now fans can finally get a chance to experience her music which is described as having a little bit of everything: from dance and Latin pop to R&B and hip hop.

The album also includes rhythmical melodies such as `` Feel What I Feel,'' and a gentle ballad ``Love Me, Leave Me,'' along with her signature Latin dance tracks.

-Han Sang-hee