Album reviews

Jesus Loves Babies 'Jesus Loves Babies'

(Universal Music Korea)

For many new parents, a growing emphasis has been put on prenatal education. But forget the foreign-language tapes, as Universal Music Group's ``Jesus Loves Babies'' provides a new twist to prenatal education: religion. Fifteen instrumental hymns arranged by Conrad Wong and Kong Fai present soothing melodies for all ages. From acoustic guitar and piano, to more quirky xylophone and flute pieces, they keep this album lively and fun.

Accompanied with a 36-page booklet with lyrics in both English and Korean, the album reinterprets such classics as ``Amazing Grace,'' ``Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty,'' and ``He's Got the Whole World in His Hand.''

/ Ines Min

Cypress Hill 'Rise Up'

(Capitol Records)

The legendary Cypress Hill returns with their first album in six years ― in a career that spans two decades ― and their debut release on Snoop Dogg's Priority Records.

The move to the new label and four years of work by the Latino hip-hop group has resulted in a strong comeback that recalls the edge of their earliest albums. Numbers such as title-track ``Rise Up,'' featuring Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, highlight the best points of the group's ninth release, as well as ``It Ain't Nothin'.''

The L.A.-based group hasn't lost their love for the medicinal green leaf either, and lyrical self-references keep this album humorous.

Selena Gomez & the Scene 'Kiss & Tell'

The 18-year-old Selena Gomez has come a long way from small-town Texas to the Hollywood Records label in her debut release "Kiss & Tell." Lyrical content ranges from the topic of young, unrequited love in ``Crush'' to the classic coming-of-age hits like ``As a Blonde.''

Electronic beats and upbeat tunes keep the album balanced between flirty numbers such as "I Got U," and more sincere serenades with "I Promise You." Gomez also lets her spunk show through in songs like ``Stop & Erase.''

Gomez has a strong, if young, voice ― but more is sure to be in store for the girl whose fame still carries the mark of the Disney Channel's ``Wizards of Waverly Place.''