Album Reviews

Jason Mraz

`A Beautiful Mess ― Live on Earth''

(Warner Music Korea)

Anyone who has seen Jason Mraz in concert knows he's a very compelling live performer, but does his on-stage charisma translate to a good live album and DVD? The answer is: yes. The new live album ``A Beautiful Mess'' captures the singer-songwriter's colorful personality, humor, energy and pitch-perfect performances.

The concert, recorded at the Charter One Pavilion in Chicago in August, features performances of his breakout hit ``I'm Yours,'' ``The Remedy,'' ``Dynamo of Volition,'' and ``Lucky'' with guest singer Colbie Caillat. Aside from the full-length concert, the DVD also includes backstage footage and a ``mockumentary,'' ``Un Beau Desordre.'' Watching the DVD makes you wish Mraz would come back to Seoul again for another concert.

―Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Britney Spears

`Britney: The Singles Collection'

(SonyBMG)

With several multi-million selling albums and No. 1 hits, there's no doubt Britney Spears was and, arguably, still is one of the biggest stars in pop music today. Forget about the scandals; Spears has consistently churned out infectious pop and dance tracks that top charts all over the world.

``The Singles Collection,'' the 28-year-old singer's second greatest hits compilation, is mostly filled with memorable dance songs such as ``Oops! … I Did It Again,'' ``I'm a Slave for You'' and ``Toxic.'' Also included are collaborations: ``Boys'' with Pharrell and ``Me Against the Music'' with Madonna. An added bonus is ``3,'' a racy disco track.

2PM

`01:59 PM'

(Loen Entertainment)

The full-fledged album of boy group 2PM is finally here. The group is still leaderless with rumors of Jae-beom coming back, but until then, fans will just have to be satisfied with the new album. The main track ``Heartbeat'' is different: dark, edgy and raw. For those who are not used to the group's edgier side, try ``Tired of Waiting,'' which has a more familiar rhythm and beat. The slower tracks, ``Gimme the Light'' and ``Back 2 You,'' also bring out the member's distinctive voices and style. The album also carries the group's hit singles ``10 Out of 10,'' ``Again and Again'' and ``I Hate You.''

―Han Sang-hee