Album Reviews

Jeff Buckley

`Grace Around the World'

(SonyBMG)

When Jeff Buckley released his debut album ``Grace'' in August 1994, he quickly became known for his haunting voice. More than a decade after his death, Buckley remains in the spotlight.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of his debut album, ``Grace Around the World'' DVD-CD has been released. It features previously unreleased live performances given by Buckley between 1994-95 around the U.S., U.K., Germany, France and Japan. Buckley gives charismatic and passionate performances of ``Hallelujah'' at MTV Japan, and ``Grace'' at BBC's Late Show in London. There are also interviews and behind-the-scenes segments with Buckley.

- Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Lily Allen

`It's Not Me, It's You'

(Warner Music Korea)

British pop singer-songwriter Lily Allen has come up with an immensely enjoyable and fun sophomore album. She mixes up pop, jazz and electronica music, with witty lyrics in songs like ``Who'd Have Known,'' and ``Him.'' In her first single ``The Fear,'' which incidentally shot to number one in the British charts, Allen sings about the pitfalls of being a celebrity.

The politically charged song ``F*** You'' has such a cheerful melody, it's hard to take offense. The track was originally titled ``Guess Who Batman,'' or GWB, leading to speculation it was about U.S. President George W. Bush.

_ Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Craig David

`Greatest Hits'

British R&B singer Craig David released his first greatest hits album, which he described as ``the history of my work so far and the catalyst to my future.'' David has had a good career making likeable R&B and dance tracks like ``Fill Me In,'' the song that made him famous; ``Hidden Agenda,'' and ``Rise & Fall,'' featuring Sting.

David included a new single ``Insomnia,'' produced by Jim Beanz from Timbaland Productions, which is not bad for a dance track but some parts are reminiscent of Ne-Yo's ``Closer.''

_Cathy Rose A. Garcia