Articles Index

Album Review: Ryan Shaw - 'Real Love'

On Ryan Shaw's second album, 'Real Love,' which was released in the U.S. May 15, 2012, his rich, powerful and emotive voice is front and center, which gives 'Real Love' the type of warm, personal sound that's missing from much of today's R&B and Soul music.

Album Review: Tank - 'This is How I Feel'

On his fifth studio album, the R&B muscleman who goes by the stage name Tank gives us his best effort yet as a singer-songwriter. His 'This is How I Feel' album, which was released in the U.S. May 8, 2012, is a well-rounded album of romantic-leaning songs.

Album Review: Tank - 'Now Or Never'

If Atlantic Records ever wants to expand the market penetration of R&B singer Tank, it should market his latest album, "Now Or Never," as a fertility drug. That's because if you listen to the album in the right setting, somebody just might wind up pregnant.

Album Review: SWV - 'I Missed Us'

Although SWV's 'I Missed Us' is a well sung, well-produced album, it sounds completely out of place in, and out of touch with, the contemporary music world. Many of the songs sound like they could have been recorded in 2002 rather than 2012.

Conya Doss - 'A Pocketful of Purpose'

Conya Doss' 'A Pocketful of Purpose,' which was released in the U.S. April 24, 2012, happily goes against the grain of most modern R&B. This is a deep, rich collection of mature urban contemporary songs that's as personal and insightful as a diary set to music.

Album Review: K'Jon - 'Moving On'

K'Jon's new album 'Moving On,' which was released in the U.S. April 17, 2012 by Shanachie Entertainment, is easily one of the best R&B albums of the first half of the year.

Review: Quantic & Alice Russell - 'Look Around the Corner'

Producer Quntic and Soul singer Alice Russell's first collaborative album, 'Look Around the Corner,' which was released in the U.S. April 3, is a musically adventurous and sonicly pleasing mix of sounds that seems familiar, but at the same time is totally unique.

Album Review: Monica - 'New Life'

On her seventh studio album, 'New Life,' which was released in the U.S. April 10, 2012, she's definitely more vocally emotive than in the past, which to an extent makes up for the album's very narrow theme, which limits the album's overall appeal.

Various Artists - 'Think Like a Man: Music From & Inspired by the Film'

The film 'Think Like a Man' doesn't come out until 10 days after the soundtrack, so it remains to be seen if the film's a quality production. But if it's on the same level as the soundtrack, then it should be pretty good. The soundtrack, which was released April 10, 2012, is chock full of good songs by established and younger R&B artists.

Review: Joss Stone - "Introducing Joss Stone"

Album Review: Joss Stone - "Introducing Joss Stone"

Concert Review: Amy Winehouse Live at The Roxy March 19, 2007

Concert Review: Amy Winehouse Live at The Roxy Hollywood Los Angeles March 19, 2007

EP Review: Dawn Richard - 'Armor On'

On her new 10-song EP, 'Armor On,' ex-Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money member Dawn Richard takes advantage of her new freedom to record and release music that's quite different from the pop and hip-hop tracks she had been best known for until now. 'Armor On,' released through iTunes on March 27, 2012, is a moody, atmospheric, futuristic, hypnotic and highly danceable step in a new direction for Dawn.

Album Review: Macy Gray - 'Covered'

Wildly eclectic pop-R&B singer Macy Gray hasn't been on top of the music world for over a decade, but on her sixth studio album, 'Covered,' which was released March 27, 2012, she continues to make it known that she won't go away quietly, if at all.

Album Review: Melanie Fiona - 'The MF Life'

It's obvious on Melanie Fiona's sophomore album, 'The MF Life,' that at the time the album was recorded, she was still sad and bitter over a bad breakup. Nearly all of the 13 songs on the album have stinging words behind them as she tells her side of the story of the failed relationship. 'The MF Life,' which was released in the U.S. March 20, 2012, is by and large an album with a dark cloud hanging over it.

Album Review: Van Hunt - 'Live at the Troubadour 2011'

Van Hunt's not one of those artists who relies on pre-recorded music or vocals during his concerts. Every note played or sung at most of his shows is done live and in the moment. And that's readily apparent on his new concert album, 'Live at the Troubadour 2011,' which was released in the U.S. March 13, 2012.

Album Review: Ruben Studdard - 'Letters From Birmingham'

Former 'American Idol' champ Ruben Studdard's latest album, 'Letters From Birmingham,' released in the U.S. March 13, 2012, is definitely the most well-rounded and personal project of his career.

Album Review: Nneka - 'Soul is Heavy'

On 'Soul is Heavy,' the second album by singer-rapper-songwriter Nneka to be released in the United States, the Nigerian-German performer definitely shows her American counterparts a thing or two when it comes to recording music that carries some deep messages, but is also entertaining at the same time.

Album Review: Estelle - 'All of Me'

'All of Me,' released in the U.S. Feb. 28, 2012, is Estelle's second American release and third overall, is a smart, energetic collection of songs, mostly revolving around love and relationships. Although the album doesn't quite have the eclectic, international flavor that made her last album so great, it's still a solid, enjoyable listen.

Album Review: Estelle - 'Shine'

Although Estelle's North American debut album, 'Shine,' isn't likely to rocket to the top of the charts once it's released on April 29, 2008, the album just might camp out on the charts for a long time as more and more people find out about this talented woman. 'Shine' is definitely a fitting title, as Estelle truly shines here and shows off her versatility as a vocalist.

Album Review: Chris Brown - 'F.A.M.E.'

Although Chris Brown's new album doesn't quite elevate him back to the level of popularity that he attained during his pre-controversy days, it definitely helps his cause. Love him or hate him, 'F.A.M.E.' shows that Chris Brown is back. And he just might be here to stay.

Album Review: Johnny Gill - 'Still Winning'

On Johnny Gill's latest project, 'Still Winning,' which was released Oct. 11, 2011, he makes his official return to solo music, and the return's a successful one. Unlike some other artists who also perform in groups, Johnny's voice is more than able to carry a full album, and it does. 'Still Winning' lives up to its name.

Album Review: Bobby V. - 'Fly on the Wall'

Bobby V.'s 'Fly on the Wall, released in the U.S. on March 22, 2011, is just the latest in a long series of mediocre music from him.

EP Review: Mateo - 'Love & Stadiums II'

On his debut seven-song EP, R&B-pop singer Mateo showcases some of the talent that led to him becoming a protege of Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, the producer best known for his work with a young Alicia Keys. Mateo's no Alicia Keys, but the man definitely has a knack for intelligent, expressive singing.

Album Review: Mya - 'K.I.S.S.'

On her first U.S.-released album since 2003, Grammy-winning singer Mya Harrison proves that not all comebacks are deserving or welcome. Her latest project, 'K.I.S.S.,' which stands for Keep It Sexy & Simple, is definitely simple, and even somewhat sexy. What it not, however, is an album that needed to be made, or something that you or anyone else should feel they need to hear.

Album Review: Anthony Hamilton - 'Back to Love'

On his earlier albums, Soul singer Anthony Hamilton's voice was like a untamed bronco; strong and bold, and also restless and wild. But on his latest release, 'Back to Love,' which was released in the U.S. on Dec. 13, 2011, the vocal stallion seems much tamer than in the past. The result is both good and bad.