Album reviews

Various artists

'Sex and the City 2' original motion picture soundtrack

(Sony Music)

The film every woman has been waiting for is accompanied by a soundtrack that features artists from Liza Minnelli to Cee Lo, in an obvious effort to cover all bases and span the generations.

Alicia Keys' remake of Blondie's "Rapture" ― which manages to integrate the TV show's theme song ― starts off the release with strong dance beats and the singer's ever-rich vocals. A modern take on the classic "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and Ricki-Lee's "Can't Touch It," are also well-executed numbers that are entertaining, if not awe-inspiring.

But the contrived, cutesy "I Am Woman," sung by the four actresses themselves falls flat, and even Minnelli's version of "Single Ladies" is more irritating than fun.

― Ines Min

Judas Priest

'British Steel 30th Anniversary Special Ed.'

The iconic Judas Priest relives its glory days with the release of the 30-year anniversary edition of "British Steel," an influential album in the genre of heavy metal.

Kicking off the three-decade landmark with a U.S. tour last year, the remastered version includes a DVD of a live show in Florida as well as two bonus tracks, "Red White and Blue" and "Grinder." Favorites "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight" still serve as highlights of the album that once reached No. 4 in the U.K. Albums Chart. The group _ who won the 2010 Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" ― does not fail to satisfy those with a nostalgic itch.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

'Uni5: The World's Enemy'

(Warner Music Korea)

The Grammy Award-winning group attempts to recapture lost fans' interest with their eighth studio album.

The quintet of rappers pull together in the explosive "Rebirth" that is the only track that seems to truly make use of their numbers. The well-choreographed piece is by far the best of the release, along with the smooth "My Life."

Though the album sags with singularity such as in "Wanna Be," fun hip-hop tracks "Meet Me in the Sky" featuring K Young pull it back. But Bone thrives on talent when they stick with the basics of sweet, clean raps in "Facts Don't Lie."