Album Reviews

Lady Gaga

`Fame Monster'

(Universal Music Korea)

Pop star Lady Gaga, often described as this generation's Madonna, has come out with new material on this double disc ``The Fame Monster.'' The first disc offers seven new songs, including the much-hyped ``Telephone'' with Beyonce. She solidifies her disco diva reputation with ``Bad Romance'' and ``Money Honey'' while experimenting with a different sound in ``Teeth.''

Gaga, whose name was taken from Queen's Radio Gaga, does a pretty good imitation of the legendary band in the soaring ``Speechless.'' The second disc features songs from her debut album ``The Fame,'' plus two bonus tracks ``Disco Heaven'' and ``Retro Dance Freak.'' Overall, it's a great album to have on when you're getting ready to hit the clubs.

―Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Leona Lewis

`Echo'

(SonyBMG)

There were high expectations for Leona Lewis's new album ``Echo,'' the follow-up to the chart-topping ``Spirit'' (the fastest selling debut by any artist in the U.K.). The British singer, who won the TV talent show X-Factor, fills the album mostly with ballads that show off her pipes.

The first single ``Happy'' is a showcase for Lewis's vocal prowess, proving she's stiff competition for other reigning divas like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. She tries some R&B with ``Can't Breathe'' and upbeat pop with ``Love Letter.'' Her foray into the pop-rock route with OneRepublic on ``Lost Then Found'' is passable, with that distinctive sound crafted by the group's frontman Ryan Tedder.

Westlife

Where We Are

(Sony Music)

The Irish pop group Westlife returns with a new album, its first in two years, featuring its signature emotional ballads. The group has downsized to four members, but this hasn't prevented the group from being as good as before. The new album shows more maturity, with stronger beats and edgier choruses and lyrics.

The first single, ``What About Now,'' which is a remake of a number by rock band Daughtry, displays the band's transformation _ it's far from the sugar-coated tracks Westlife is famous for, but still manages to bring out those soft harmonies fans adore. ``I'll See You Again'' proves that they don't need more members to come up with a grand-scale number, while ``Sound of Broken Heart'' is a delightful up-tempo track.

―Han Sang-hee