Album reviews

Jason Castro

`Jason Castro'

(Warner Music Korea)

The dreadlocked star from ``American Idol'' has released his debut album, two years after he rose to fame on the popular show. The 23-year-old from Dallas, Texas, showcases his acoustic, clear-cut tenor melodies in the perennial hit ``Let's Just Fall in Love Again'' and his sincere rendition of Leonard Cohen's ``Hallelujah.'''

Though the album lags with more clich?d formulas such as ``That's What I'm Here For,'' other, more quirky ukulele-accompanied pieces like ``If I Were You'' bring refreshing island notes. But it's the slight country-twang of ``Love Uncompromised'' and the practiced croon of ``All Wrapped Up'' that make this album ― if not the best ― at least charming.

- Ines Min

Various Artists

`40 for 40 Songs'

(Sony Music)

This three-disc set compiles the best oldies and guilty pleasure songs from 40 artists over the past four decades. From Korean legend Bom Yeo-reum Gaeul Kyeo-ul (Spring Summer Fall Winter) to Simon & Garfunkel and Whitney Houston to Haebaragi (Sunflower), all the basics are covered in this commemoration of the evolution of the modern music scene within Korea.

Disc 1 covers the greats, from 1980s sensation Kim Hyun-sik with his distinct, hoarse vocals, to the emotion-filled notes of singer Lee Eun-mi.

Disc 2 brings together George Michael's ``Kissing A Fool'' and Bob Dylan's ``Knockin' On Heaven's Door'' on a single CD, while the third disc combines Roy Orbison with the synth and rap combination of the ever-popular Kim Gun-mo.

B.o.B.

`B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray'

The debut album of Bobby Ray Simmons, a.k.a. B.o.B., took a solid jump into the music industry this week, making it to the No. 1 spot on Billboard's album charts within two weeks of its release.

Highlights include the haunting ``Ghost in a Machine'' and the straighter rap of ``Past My Shades,'' which features Lupe Fiasco.

Featuring Hayley Williams (in ``Airplanes,'' also a top 10 hit) to Rivers Cuomo, the genre-infused, diverse release will have a little something for everyone, without losing any focus on what is distinctly B.o.B.: That is, a sweet infusion of hip hop, rock and R&B.