Music [Explicit Lyrics]

1. Rapture

2. It's Nuttin' - Daytona, , Erick Sermon

3. Come Thru

4. Music - Marvin Gaye, Erick Sermon

5. Skit I

6. Now Whut's Up - Keith Murray, Redman, , Erick Sermon

7. I'm That Nigga

8. Genius E Dub - Olivia, Erick Sermon

9. Skit II

10. Ain't No Future...2001

11. Do-Re-Mi - LL Cool J, Scarface, Erick Sermon

12. I'm Hot

13. Up Them Thangs - Keith Murray, Erick Sermon

14. Sermon

15. Skit III

16. Music [Remix] - Keith Murray, Redman, Erick Sermon

Music,Erick Sermon,J-Records,East Coast Rap,Hardcore Rap,Hip-Hop,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop

Average customer rating: 8 year-old loves this soundtrack! Fun summer CD! You Won't Get It Out of Your Head... AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!! What a Musical!

Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) Manufacturer: New Line Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) High School Musical 2 Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus ASIN: B000PUAID4 Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. "GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE" - Nikki Blonsky
2. "THE NICEST KIDS IN TOWN" - James Marsden
3. "IT TAKES TWO" - Zac Efron
4. "(THE LEGEND OF) MISS BALTIMORE CRABS" - Michelle Pfeiffer
5. "I CAN HEAR THE BELLS" - Nikki Blonsky
6. "LADIES' CHOICE" - Zac Efron
7. "THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN" - Brittany Snow
8. "WELCOME TO THE 60's" - Nikki Blonsky & John Travolta
9. "RUN AND TELL THAT" - Elijah Kelley
10. "BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL" - Queen Latifah
11. "BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL reprise" - John Travolta & Michelle Pfeiffer
12. "(YOU'RE) TIMELESS TO ME" - John Travolta & Christopher Walken
13. "I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN" - Queen Latifah
14. "WITHOUT LOVE" - Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley & Amanda Bynes
15. "(IT'S) HAIRSPRAY" - James Marsden
16. "YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT" - Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes,
17. "COME SO FAR (GOT SO FAR TO GO)" - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac
18. "COOTIES" - Aimee Allen
19. "MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW" - Nikki Blonsky, Marissa Jaret Winokur & Rikki Lake

Amazon.com

What fun! This soundtrack of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical overflows with glossy, ol' fashioned '60s-style pep. It won't win any awards for innovation, but it may well be one of the most feel-good releases of the year. While not quite as super-energetic as the original Broadway cast, the new crew ain't too shabby: Nikki Blonsky delivers as Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron (High School Musical) makes for a devoted boyfriend, and the supporting cast gleefully embraces the show's silly-but-generous spirit. John Travolta (who gets to utter the particularly ironic line "it's been years since someone asked me to dance") goes drag as Tracy's mom, Edna, while Michelle Pfeiffer's slight stiffness is appropriate for her uptight character, especially on the cha-cha "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs." After Mama Morton in Chicago, Queen Latifah puts in another brassy turn as Motormouth Maybelle ("Big, Blonde and Beautiful," which is then reprised by Travolta and Pfeiffer). The show's authors, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, have written three new numbers for the movie: the rollicking (and first single) "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl in Town" and "Come So Far." In addition, the CD also includes two tracks that aren't in the film but were in the show: "Cooties," sung by Aimee Allen, and "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now," sung by all three Tracy Turnblads: Blonsky, Ricki Lake (from the source movie) and Marissa Jaret Winokur (from the original Broadway cast). --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

The Hairspray soundtrack will feature 17 songs from the film, including three original numbers that were created specifically for the film version of the hit Broadway musical - "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl In Town," and "Come So Far." Also featured on the soundtrack are the songs "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the `60s," "Nicest Kids In Town," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." The songs are performed by cast members John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelley among others.

The Hairspray soundtrack is produced by Marc Shaiman and features music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. It features tracks mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bette Midler) and Peter Mokran (Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera).

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema is bringing a feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Hairspray to life. Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, the comedy features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago), and director Adam Shankman (Bringing Down The House). The new screenplay for Hairspray was written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune).

Customer Reviews:

8 year-old loves this soundtrack!.......2007-07-31

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS MUSIC! I HAVE SEEN THE MOVIE 2 TIMES ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun summer CD!.......2007-07-29

I loved the movie and ordered the CD after leaving the theater. I have listened to it non-stop in the car and even my children love it. The CD is just so upbeat and makes you smile and will have you singing along. I can't wait to go back and see the movie a second time...

You Won't Get It Out of Your Head..........2007-07-29

The move was fantastic, and the soundtrack mirrors this... The vast majority of the songs are upbeat and unbelievably catchy. I've seen many musicals in my day, and I must say that this is the first one that actually made me feel better about myself after taking a look and listen. From the immediate attention grabbing "Good Morning Baltimore" to the undeniably infectious "You Can't Stop the Beat," the soundtrack keeps the energy high and the toes a tappin'. See the movie, and then... well, you'll buy the soundtrack =)

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!!.......2007-07-29

This is an EXTREMELY fun soundtrack! We just saw the movie tonight, and I was toe-tapping the whole time! I just about got out of my seat and danced in the aisles! I have never been so rocked by a soundtrack before! It was FUN. That is the best word to describe EVERYTHING in this movie. The music, the movie, the acting, everything! I think I'll wear this cd out playing it. :o)

What a Musical!.......2007-07-25

Great soundtrack and great movie! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Average customer rating: Something new I like, finally Great Stuff - Impressive Guitar Work icky is right The Return of the Vampire Orphans!!! Some of the Best Music on the Market Today

Icky Thump The White Stripes Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Garage Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Sky Blue Sky Era Vulgaris Zeitgeist Favourite Worst Nightmare ASIN: B000OYC3J8 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Icky Thump
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
3. 300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues
4. Conquest
5. Bone Broke
6. Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn
7. St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air)
8. Little Cream Soda
9. Rag And Bone
10. I'm Slowly Turning Into You
11. A Martyr For My Love For You
12. Catch Hell Blues
13. Effect and Cause

Amazon.com

Bagpipes, a song written as the soundtrack to a Michel Gondry music video, Patti Page's musical shadow, and Jack and Meg co-narrating a scavenger's rummages: It must be time for Icky Thump, the many-flavored riposte to 2006's Get Behind Me Satan. The duo starts big with the title track--Jack's fast-tumbling, falsetto-tinged lyrics jagging on hyper keyboard-sounding segues and Meg's pounding drums. They rarely shy from an idea, invoking acoustic Bob Dylan to frame "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues," but interjecting a series of distortion-laden guitar paroxysms for good measure. The end of Icky, on "Effect and Cause," is where Jack's trademark vocal warble and spare, quick acoustic strums meet Meg's single-minded beats. Everywhere on Icky giant riffs leap and shout, with Flamenco horns and those eerie bagpipes and rhythmic shifts and Jack's impatient vocal kinetics, marking new territories even as the White Stripes again populate them with vintage ideas. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The White Stripes are back with the most bombastic album they've ever produced! While revealing the band's roots in American folk music, Icky Thump is an explosive, revolutionary assault that brings together garage rock, every blues style of the past 100 years, nouveau, and flamenco. This is truly a modern rock and roll masterpiece!

Customer Reviews:

Something new I like, finally.......2007-07-31

These two keep getting better. I really think this is their best. If you've liked previous recordings give this a listen.

Great Stuff - Impressive Guitar Work.......2007-07-30

I'd been thinking of picking up a White Stripes CD for some time and finally got this one. I love it! Several songs have clear Led Zep influence (my favorite all time band). The things that Jack White does with his guitar are incredible.

icky is right.......2007-07-30

I only liked the first song. This CD just did not resonate with me like all their others. Maybe Jack should spend less time ragging on Detroit and more on writing.

The Return of the Vampire Orphans!!!.......2007-07-30

Hello World,
Get some sun and get some lessons you two. Get out and go for a hike or a fishing trip. You two "winners" look like vampire zombies, who's songs interchange with songs from before. My God, Romero will be calling any day now! Anywho, onto the music... nice hooks but overused chords might pay to get some lessons from "better" guitarists. Dont be so vein Jacko... the likes of Derek Trucks and Dan Auerbach should help ya out, maybe? And to Miss White, sexual frustration shouldn't lead to killing a bass drum sweetie. WE HEAR IT ALREADY! Maybe Janet Weiss could help ya out with that one huh? The White Stripes is an understatement!!!!! These two are "The Ivory Barcodes" huh now thats fitting!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy Junk! (note:im nut rezpunsible fer n e mispellings)

Some of the Best Music on the Market Today.......2007-07-29

Very simply put...this is some of the best and most unique music out there today. This CD rocks!

Average customer rating: I love the music of the Travelling Wilburys Traveling Wilburys Former John/Paul snob fan converted to George fan WHERE IS THE VINYL ISSUE? Traveling Wilburys

Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) The Traveling Wilburys Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Memory Almost Full Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Live In Dublin Icky Thump ASIN: B000P0J024 Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Handle With Care
2. Dirty World
3. Rattled
4. Last Night
5. Not Alone Any More
6. Congratulations
7. Heading For the Light
8. Margarita
9. Tweeter And the Monkey Man
10. End Of the Line
11. Maxine - (previously unreleased, Bonus Track)
12. Like A Ship - (alternate take, Bonus Track)

Tracks:

1. She's My Baby
2. Inside Out
3. If You Belonged To Me
4. Devil's Been Busy, The
5. 7 Deadly Sins
6. Poor House
7. Where Were You Last Night?
8. Cool Dry Place
9. New Blue Moon
10. You Took My Breath Away
11. Wilbury Twist
12. Nobody's Child - (Bonus Track)
13. Runaway - (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, because they didn't try to. Things started inauspiciously when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called in friends Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison for assistance. Two albums later--the second without Orbison, who had passed away shortly after the first was released--the loose-knit collective had recorded material that was as durable, and occasionally eclipsed, the participants' legendary solo work. The Wilburys succeeded due to a genial and contagious camaraderie that permeates both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego clashes instead resulted in a frothy meeting of the minds. These guys are having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies on energetic folk-rock, quirky rockabilly, and Beatlesque pop that shimmers with the respect and esteem the members clearly hold for each other. Harrison and Lynne's rather slick production polishes off edges that might better have been left unvarnished, but there's no denying the loosey-goosey craftsmanship at work in tunes such as "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a striking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore" that ranks with any of his finest. Both albums were million-sellers, but oddly went out of print for about a decade until Rhino resurrected them, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The resulting package is a comprehensive overview of a once--well, twice--in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's passing, will never be repeated. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

Featuring classics like "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line," and "Heading For The Light," super-group Traveling Wilbury's Collection highlights all of the band's music and previously unreleased bonus tracks through this re-mastered double album. The DVD features behind the scenes footage of the band writing and recording, along with their 5 video clips.

Customer Reviews:

I love the music of the Travelling Wilburys.......2007-07-30

I love the music of The Travelling Wilburys on the two discs here. I also enjoyed watching the videos on the DVD. "Handle With Care" and "End Of The Line" are my favorite tracks. I love George Harrison singing lead vocals on these classic tunes. "She's My Baby" is an excellent rock and roll song. I love Jeff Lynne's electric guitar playing on this track. "The Wilbury Twist" is a fun upbeat track. I love Tom's Petty's vocals. Not Alone Any More is another highlight here. Roy Orbison's voice is so heartfelt on this track. Bob Dylan shines on the tracks "Inside Out" on "Dirty World". He is the member of the group I knew least about. He is a very good singer. "New Blue Moon" is a perfect example of how well these musicians sound together. This is fun music.

Traveling Wilburys.......2007-07-30

The best CD I've bought in a long while.
You can't get any better that 5 of the best singer/musicians of our/any time, coming together and complementing each other perfectly.

Former John/Paul snob fan converted to George fan.......2007-07-29

I admit it, I discounted George as the lesser talent of all the Beatles, but I was sadly mistaken,and missed appreciating his talent for collaboration and production until now. He showcases the fine talents of Petty, Orbison,and Dylan with his own and with his and Lynn's talent as songwriters. This remastering has the truly finest sound ever to grace my premium auto sound system.

WHERE IS THE VINYL ISSUE?.......2007-07-27

THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A FIVE STAR COLLECTION. BUT, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VINYL ISSUE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO COME OUT? IN THE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE IT SAID THAT A VINYL VERSION WITH 3 LPS WAS GOING TO BE RELEASED. THE THIRD LP WAS GOING TO CONSIST ENTIRELY OF ALTERNATE TAKES THAT WEREN'T INCLUDED ON THE 2 CD/DVD SET. IT WAS ALSO GOING TO INCLUDE A BONUS POSTER AND BOOKLET. THANKS.

Traveling Wilburys.......2007-07-27

This is such a great memory if you're a George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan fan - the DVD is so personal and just takes me back forty years!! GREAT stuff!

Average customer rating: True to his classic sound Bottom line, it's a good CD. Disappointed :( Superb Got a mind full of good intentions and a mouth full of Raisinets

Planet Earth Prince Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: S.S.T./Brand New Orleans Libertad 3121 Absolute Garbage Zeitgeist ASIN: B000RMC7H0 Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

1. Planet Earth
2. Guitar
3. Somewhere Here On Earth
4. The One U Wanna C
5. Future Baby Mama
6. Mr. Goodnight
7. All The Midnights In The World
8. Chelsea Rodgers
9. Lion Of Judah
10. Resolution

Amazon.com

Because it would be un-Prince-like to release a new studio album without kicking up a little controversy first, the Artist Formerly Known As a Cool-Looking Symbol gave away copies of Planet Earth with a British news tabloid weeks before its U.S. release. Among the reasons he shouldn't have: nobody who catches wind of the peerless funk-rock-soul he lays out on these 10 tracks--least of all longtime fans--would think twice about shelling out for it. A big chunk of the appeal is that Prince finds his way back to his guitar here. The title track, a politically right-on-time environmental rant, steers him back toward "Purple Rain" territory, as does "Lion of Judah" ("Guitar," oddly, doesn't--it's more of a straight-up, shout-it-out modern rocker). And the flirty numbers are seriously flammable: "Somewhere Here on Earth" seduces with a crackly jazz vibe, while "Mr. Goodnight" gets friendly with a refined slip of rap. Coolest of all are two tracks at cross purposes-- "Chelsea Rodgers" fuses funk with disco until it's so far off the hook it's in a heap on the floor, and "All the Midnights in the World" paints a picture of artistic maturity through piano and lyrics that lean hard on positivity. There's an elegance to it that Prince fans, no strangers to pop music that's truly sublime, won't fail to appreciate. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Simply put, Planet Earth is the album longtime Prince fans have been waiting for. Several cuts on this album revisit some of the classic Prince sound the captured fans all over the world and helped deem him an incomparable music icon. Superstar and legendary musician prince kicked off 2007 with a show stopping Super Bowls Half-time performance. Prince pulled out all the stops during the second most-watched super bowl broadcast ever. With an estimated 93.2 million viewers to entertain, Prince wasted no time showing off his stages powers and irrefutable guitar skills. He masterfully captured the attention and respect of music fans in general, while sending a message to long time Prince fans that he was ready to once again reign supreme.

Customer Reviews:

True to his classic sound.......2007-07-31

Prince has cleaned up his act. No naughty lyrics here. Just classic Prince melody. The guitar is back y'all!

Bottom line, it's a good CD........2007-07-31

Ever since Musicology, all of Prince's albums have either been considered his return to form or another disappointment. To me, it's just unfair to compare 2007 prince to 1985 prince.

He's released so many albums and has so much material still locked up in the vault, you can't blame the guy for running low on ideas. All of the past greats still recording, from Paul McCartney to Stevie Wonder, aren't even coming close to their primes.

So instead of using the "Purple Rain was 5 stars, so Planet Earth gets 3" approach, I chose to judge it for what it is. All 10 songs are iPod worthy, and like 3121 and Musicology, this one has a couple truly Prince-calibur tracks mixed in. Some complain about the bad pacing, but this format makes you want to listen all the way through and gives the feeling of a true album, instead of a collection of songs.

A lot of reviewers will tell you simply to listen to his past work instead, but true fans can appreciate this just as a fresh Prince album that's among the best of the year and can be listened to front to back.

Disappointed :(.......2007-07-31

Like another reviewer mentioned, due to critical praises I expected a lot more from Prince's latest CD, but was let down. I like a couple of the songs, but I'm not crazy about them, which for a crazy Prince fan like me, is a big downer. Oh well, thankfully I have all his previous other great stuff to listen to (which I'm doing right now).

Superb.......2007-07-30

This is the best over-all album I've heard of Prince since his ground-breaking 'Purple Rain' quite a few years ago. From the title of the album, I thought it would be an earth theme package but it's anything but - although the title song is a great piece of work in itself. Something on this album for everyone. Some ballads, others racier tunes. Extreme good orchestra rifts with piano, guitars and sax. Any of these selections could be a hit and almost made for FM radio. My favorite album of the year so far.

Got a mind full of good intentions and a mouth full of Raisinets.......2007-07-30

Prior to "Planet Earth," the last Prince album I can say I liked was "Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic." The last two ("3121" and "Musicology") - though obviously both commercial comebacks - did next to nothing for me. They were just more additions to the growing list of disjointed, thrown-together sub-par works that Prince began releasing back in '94 with "Come" (though not including every album after that, just that the good ones were less and less frequent). I distinctly remember how distressing it was for an artist who was responsible for such a long line of carefully crafted albums to expect record buyers to be satisfied with willful sloppiness. Yeah, with "Come" (and others) he was hurrying to get out of his Warner's contract - but all these years after the fact, what matters is the music and not his fued with the label. I continue to maintain that he hasn't released a truly great album since 1992's 'Symbol' album (and even that one was flawed, i.e. Tony M was still on board). And I still say that "The Truth" (i.e. disc 4 of "Crystal Ball") is the closest he's come to that greatness in the years since.

All that said, I'll reiterate: I like this new album. It turned out to be a nice surprise - not a major return to form, but a mostly consistently enjoyable collection of new songs. Are they all new? It's hard to say - I do have trouble believing all the musicians who are credited in the album's sparse (nearly non-existant, truth be told) liner notes turned up for recent sessions. Some of this music was quite possibly in the can for many years - the wildly varying tone, and overall sound, throughout the album supports this idea. Before delving into a song-by-song look, I'll summarize my overall feelings. The focus here seems to be tight, concise pop songwriting. Prince used to break boundaries and take chances with song form, but since those days seem long gone I'm satisfied to hear relatively straightforward songs containing strong melodies and memorable hooks. It's far preferable to the aimlessness of recent sludge like "3121" and "Musicology." I also like hearing so many guitar solos - much more than anything since "Chaos and Disorder" way back in 1995. Throughout "Planet Earth," there are lots of little musical surprises and quirks - unexpected chord changes, unpredictable melodic twists, unusual backing vocal arrangements. No, it's not "Lovesexy" revisited by any means, but it keeps the listener from being bored to tears (like the last couple of albums did).

To be more specific, take the opening - and also title - track. On a musical level, "Planet Earth" sounds very much to me like the Prince of old. The plaintive - though highly dramatic - verses that give way to swelling choruses, ultimately climaxing with a passionate guitar solo: it's a full-fledged epic Prince track (bold move to open the record with what sounds like a big finish). The piano/synth/backing-vocals section midway through sounds the vintage late-80s era. Lyrically, I'm less enthusiastic. Prince didn't used to be so literal when tackling "big issues." Here - not surprisingly, given the title - he deals mainly with the fragility of our ecosystem. Sorry, but no celebrity can escape the hypocrisy charge when lamenting the mistreatment of the atmosphere while simultaneously boasting of private jets traveling the four corners of the globe. Prince, how big is your carbon footprint? In the final verse, he sings about sending off young soldiers to fight a war, asking "If they're blessed to make it home, will they still be poor?" I'm not exactly sure what he's implying about the financial status of the armed forces, but I am a bit confused about something: in this song, and later in the album, the lyrics do get a tad bit political. I was under the impression that Jehovah's Witnesses remain strictly apolitical. How can he include this type of subject matter without violating that belief? I'm not taking any shots at his religion, I'm just genuinely curious about this seeming contradiction.

"Guitar" takes us back to mid-90s NPG, "Undertaker" style. I wouldn't be surprised if that's Michael B kicking it on this rock track. Many have mentioned it - and 'I will follow' their lead (get it?) - the main riff sounds like a certain early U2 song. Once you accept that, the song is a fun rocker with some good solos and a light-hearted lyric (what a relief after the pretentions of the first song's message).

"Somewhere Here On Earth" starts off with a hokey 'scratchy record' sound, apparently signaling it's 'old school' balladry. There's also a bit of cringe-worthiness in the lyric, "In this digital age, you could just page me/I know it's the rage." Um, really? I don't know many people who still carry around pagers - but I guess "You could just text me" didn't rhyme as well. Or it could suggest this song's been in the vault for a few years. That wouldn't be a stretch, as it sounds like it could've been on just about any album from "Around the World In a Day" onward - which I mean in the best way: it's a very good falsetto ballad in the classic Prince mold. A tad overlong, though, at nearly 6 minutes, as no new ideas are introduced to justify the length.

Things get even better with "The One U Wanna C" - a straight-ahead pop tune with a subtle, yet comfortable, countryish twang. Again, this sounds so unlike anything Prince has done in years I can't help but wonder if he pulled it out of the vault. As lightweight as it is, I love everything about it - except for the line "I ain't trying to be a hater" (which is the first of several instances of Prince forcing some 'modern' slang into his lyrics). I do like that he sings "I come like thunder" and "If u wanna get creamy" because it proves that the JW's didn't shut down the innuendo completely.

Uh-oh -- Prince gets all lover-man in "Future Baby Mama" -- and there's another (obvious) example of that 'modern' slang. Building a song around the phrase "baby mama" wasn't a great idea, even if he did break out the Linn for this one (which isn't all that exciting anyway - he was trying to evoke the old days in the exact same way back on "Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic" back in '99!). Still, it ain't an entirely unpleasant sounding song, but it feels very out of place in context of the four songs that preceded it. Maybe the course will be corrected shortly...

...in a word, no. "Mr. Goodnight" sounds like it could've been on ANY "Emancipation"-onward album. It's a sort-of rap song, and I hoped he was done with that kind of thing. Suddenly the vibe of the album has been completely altered, and necessarily in a good way. Not that I don't love the funky R&B that has been Prince's bread and butter his entire career - I most certainly do. But this generic-sounding stuff evokes "New Power Soul" more than "Sign O the Times"...or even "Diamonds & Pearls" for that matter. In fact, songs like "Come On" and "Shoo-Be-Do" from that 1998 disappointment KILL this "Mr. Goodnight" bit of indulgence. Oh well, at least it DOES have the funniest food reference in a Prince song since the immortal "Cap'n Crunch with soy milk."

"All the Midnights In the World" - short, but oh so sweet. My favorite track, and it clocks in at just 2 minutes, 21 seconds. THIS is classic Prince pop: idiosyncratic lyrics, melodically inventive, captivating vocal performance. Can this possibly be a new song? Or is this some lost "Dream Factory"-era track? It's so fantastic I can't really explain it. Who but Prince would include a reference to Zuzu's pedals from "It's a Wonderful Life"? "Amethyst and rubies, crystals and black pearls/I'd trade them all just to spend with you/All the midnights in the world." I don't usually use words like splendiferous, but it truly applies to this gem of a song.

Nowhere to go but down, I guess, after such a natural high - but "Chelsea Rogers" is actually a pretty entertaining dance track nonetheless. It's a funky disco-style song, sung along with a husky-voiced woman (reminded me of Mavis right at the beginning). It doesn't really DO all that much in nearly 6 minutes (one of only three tracks that push past 5 minutes). It's about the same length as the title track, yet unlike that well-structured epic, it wears out it's welcome after the halfway point. I haven't really bothered to figure out if the lyrics, which apparently concern a real-life fashion model, tell a coherent story.

"Lion Of Judah" brings it back to guitar-oriented rock. It's grown on me over repeated listenings, though I'm not sure what he's getting at in the lyrics. Sure sounds like something was on his mind though. A failed relationship, it would seem - one that he didn't want to end, and felt ended in the midst of miscommunication...leaving him seeking some sort of revenge? I don't know really, but I like the guitar playing.

"Resolution" - bouncy up-tempo pop, kinda like a less corny "Graffiti Bridge." Also kinda like the opening track: I like it musically, I'm less wild about the lyrics. It's actually a good bookend - both songs tackle "big issues," albeit in a clumsy way. I really like the melody, the simple arrangement, and especially the backing vocals. But spelling out the world's problems in less than four minutes is a tough order for anyone. Actually, in the final verse ("Love is like a circle, no beginning and no end..") he has the right idea - keep it a bit vague, rather than trying to specifically explain the "main problem" with war (that no one ever wins) and with people (that they never do what they say). In fact, his reasoning is incorrect in both cases, so why bother trying to cover so much ground in one song? Anyway, the lyrics are just too dopey-hippy for me to take seriously - I still enjoy the heck out of the song on a musical/performance level.

I've been listening to the album as I write this. I really have to say: the highest praise I can offer is that every time it ends, I feel like starting it up and listening all over again. I haven't felt that way about a Prince album in far too long. Not because it stands as a truly classic Prince album, but because it's the most tuneful and entertaining album he has released in ten years. And, of course, there's that track 7 that brings joy everytime it rolls around.

Average customer rating: Hannah Montana Vol. 2/ Meet Miley Cyrus My Daughters Love It Hannah Nontana 2 Awesome CD! great role model; great singer

Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus Hannah Montana , and Miley Cyrus Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hannah Montana - Pop Star Profile High School Musical 2 Hannah Montana High School Musical, The Concert - Extreme Access Pass Hannah Montana: 2-Disc Special Edition Soundtrack ASIN: B000OYC3L6 Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. We Got the Party
2. Nobody's Perfect
3. Make Some Noise
4. Rock Star
5. Old Blue Jeans
6. Life's What You Make It
7. One in a Million
8. Bigger than Us
9. You and Me Together
10. True Friend

Tracks:

1. See You Again
2. East Northumberland High
3. Let's Dance
4. G.N.O. (Girl's Night Out)
5. Right Here
6. As I Am
7. Start All Over
8. Clear
9. Good and Broken
10. I Miss You

Amazon.com

Tweens aren't often heralded for their good judgment and excellent taste (Heelys--hello), but if any young starlet can redeem them, it's Hannah Montana. On this, the second soundtrack from the Disney Channel series, Miley Cyrus takes her cues from her TV alter ego, who has an alter ego of her own: Disc 1 features Miley as Hannah, hair-tossing pop princess by weekend, likable schoolgirl by weekday (see "Old Blue Jeans" and "True Friends" to get a sense of each episode's un-cloying sweetness). But disc 2 is the start of something new, as her friends over on the High School Musical set might say: Miley sings strictly as her spunky, truth-telling self. This yields a number of pepped-up pop tracks bound to vibrate through the walls of pink bedrooms everywhere--"See You Again" is a boy-centric song instantly relatable to anyone who's ever been in seventh grade and suffered a bout of bashfulness, "East Northumberland High" puts a punk spin on an I'm-just-not-into-you tale, and "Clear" bounces on a reggae beat while canceling any doubt about our heroine's ability to stand up for herself. Like Hannah before her, Miley makes the best of both worlds--this well-worth-it set, by turns rockin' and reflective, is a masterful example. --Tammy La Gorce

Hannah Montana Photos

Album Description

This 2-disc set features 10 all new Hannah Montana songs from the #1-rated Disney Channel series, as well as a 2nd CD including 10 brand-new original songs by Miley Cyrus!

Customer Reviews:

Hannah Montana Vol. 2/ Meet Miley Cyrus.......2007-07-29

The second CD by Hannah Montana / debut of Miley Cyrus doesn't disappoint, but doesn't live up to the expectations that I had for it; for me because there were just so many songs. The Hannah Montana side is definitely the preferred one, though, although Miley's side can be charming at times.

My track-by-track synopsis:

Disc 1 | Hannah Montana

1.) We Got The Party With Us [8/10]: This song definitely grew on me; I didn't like it at first, because it wasn't as 'rockish', as I would've expected her album opener for me. But it is a good song.

2.) Nobody's Perfect [10/10]: This is one of the album's strongest tracks, in my opinion. It conveys a good message for everyone, and is pleasing to listen to. There are little touches of a violin playing that adds a nice touch to it. The chorus is catchy, and will get you singing along to it all day.

3.) Make Some Noise [10/10]: Cheesy? Yes. But it is inspirational. It's songs like this that kids should listen too, telling them to believe in themselves, instead of the heartbreak, that boy doesn't like me stuff that is heard on the radio 24 /7.

4.) Rockstar [9/10]: It's very catchy. It has an extremely peppy tune that will cheer you up when you're down.
The lyrics are also, I must say, adorable.

5.) Old Blue Jeans [7/10]: The seven is just for the message it says, otherwise this song just doesn't appeal to me at all.

6.) Life's What You Make It [10/10]: This is another one of the strongest tracks. It's the whole deal, good melody, good lyrics, good message, it's basically goodxalot.

7.) One in A Million [10/10]: I personally think this song is beautiful. The melody is simply gorgeous. I usually compare this to If We Were A Movie from her previous soundtrack, so while this isn't nearly as creative as that one (I'm assuming because this one is a cover anyway), I'm glad that this love song turned out beautifully. My personal favorite.

8.) Bigger Than Us [8/10]: They made her voice sound nice and sweet in this one. But, (episode reference), in one of the episodes that I happened to see, it centered around this song, and they made it seem like such a hit, but while the message is pure, it's not that great. Good nonetheless though.

9.) You And Me Together [8/10]: Again, very catchy. Again, good message. But it's nothing extremely special.

10.) True Friend [8/10]: It's undoubtedly a cute song that all 'BFFs' will hear, and it's sweet, but I just don't know what I don't like about this and the previous song. Vocals maybe?

Disc 2 | Miley Cyrus

1.) See You Again [8/10]: The chorus, I love. Otherwise, it's very bland. Not the best way to start her album off.

2.) Eastnorthumberland High [10/10]: This is one of my favorites on her album. It has a ridiculously catchy beat, and it's refreshing, new, for the topic its about.

3.) Let's Dance [9/10]: It's not a bad song at all, but she should leave the 'rapping' to the rappers. It doesn't suit her or the song.

4.) G.N.O-Girl's Night Out [9/10]: Good chorus, good lyrics. It's a good song for when you're just sick of boys and want to go out and have fun.

5. / 7.) Right Here/ Start All Over [5/10]: I just don't like them. Lyrics do matter, and these have the lyrics, but these songs just don't have the 'whole package' with a catchy hook or anything. And while good hooks aren't necessary, when your voice is nothing special, or strong, in that case, they are.

6.) As I Am [8/10]: Pretty song; the guy described is the guy all girls should find.

8.) Clear [8/10]: It's very...tropical; which surprisingly suits the song very, very well, seeing it's about finally seeing how things are going in a relationship, making it 'clear'.

9.) Good and Broken [9/10]: Another one of my favorites, it's a good song.

10.) I Miss You [10/10]: Good way to end the album. The version heard on the show was a lot prettier, but this one is still sweet anyway.

Final thoughts: It's not a bad CD, but I think it would've been better if they were released separately. 20 songs is a lot to listen to in one listening. Otherwise, above solid effort.

Thanks for your time!

My Daughters Love It.......2007-07-26

My daughters (ages 7 1/2 and 4) love this cd. They sing it all day long. I don't even mind listening to it. The music is really good.

Hannah Nontana 2.......2007-07-24

This was a great purchase!!! My children are very happy with it and listen to it often.

Awesome CD!.......2007-07-24

Hannah Rocks! Love it, love it, love it. CD came quicker than I thought it would.

great role model; great singer.......2007-07-23

This is a young girl with quite a voice. My daughter (10) and her friends know every song by heart. Personally, I love the GNO (Girls Night Out) song best. Good Rock and Roll beat without heavy metal. Obviously Miley is a CW crossover hit as well.

Sorry gal, this girl's going to be around for a LONNNNGGGGG time. She's got talent and has everything working for her: good backing by Disney, great parents, music and entertainment contacts and simply put her TALENT. For such a young kid, she's amazingly balanced.

Average customer rating: Inseperable from the movie Soundstrack of movie "Once" Great soundtrack Loved it! Oh, it's amazing

Once Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Columbia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Cost Fitzcarraldo Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Release the Stars The Reminder ASIN: B000PFU7OO Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Falling Slowly
2. If You Want Me
3. Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy
4. When Your Minds Made Up
5. Lies
6. Gold
7. The Hill
8. Fallen from the Sky
9. Leave
10. Trying to Pull Myself Away
11. All the Way Down
12. Once
13. Say It to Me Now

Amazon.com

Even those allergic to musicals may be won over by Once, a tender-hearted Irish romance with songs by Czech Republic-born Markéta Irglová and Frames frontman Glen Hansard. (The film's director, John Carney, actually used to play bass in the group.) The trick here is that Irglová and Hansard also play the leads; because their characters are shown busking, writing music, or rehearsing, the songs are smoothly integrated in the film. The overall acoustic mood won't surprise fans of the Frames--some tracks ("Say It to Me," "When Your Mind's Made Up") have even popped up on the band's albums, though the arrangements are more pared-down here, befitting the scruffy, street-musician setting. Being the lesser-known entity, Irglová feels like a revelation; she sounds a bit like a folkie Björk on "If You Want Me," and her song "The Hill" is downright heartbreaking. Irglová and Hansard had already made the 2006 album The Swell Seasontogether, so their collaboration here feels really organic--they sound particularly good together on the title track, for instance. Now that's the kind of magic you want from musicals. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Inseperable from the movie.......2007-07-30

For some reason subsequent listening to the track outside the movie are not as powerful. The film itself and the sountrack together are very moving but without it I'm not sure the sound track is as cohesive. Still, it's faultless, beautiful acoustic soundtrack.

The two scenes from the movie that are still haunting are the songs "If you want me" and "Say it to me now". I would actually suggest getting the DVD for the full experience. Awesome stuff.

Soundstrack of movie "Once".......2007-07-29

If I could give it more stars I would. Went into see this movie that my husband had picked out. He said it was described as an unusual musical. That's all I knew. I loved this movie so much. Couldn't get the tunes out of my head. Went home right after the movie and bought the CD on Amazon. Went to see it again and brought my brother-in-law and his wife to see it. They loved it. I had already bought two CD's (planned on giving them one) even before they had seen the movie. This is one of those inexpensive movies that become an incredible hit. Trust me, go and see it.

Great soundtrack.......2007-07-28

This is a great CD. I saw the movie and like many others ordered the CD. Marketa Irglova has an incredible voice. I highly recommend this CD.

Loved it!.......2007-07-26

Loved the movie and loved the CD. This music sticks to your soul and you'll want to listen to it over and over agin.

Oh, it's amazing.......2007-07-26

Yes, it is. I liked the film but the music is what keeps me coming back for more.

Average customer rating: Bon Jovi has done it again. Don't label, just listen and enjoy NJ's BEST !!!! Rock N Roll at it's Best love them

Lost Highway Bon Jovi Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: My December It Won't Be Soon Before Long Big Dog Daddy 5th Gear Have a Nice Day ASIN: B000P2A24W Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Lost Highway
2. Summertime
3. Make a Memory
4. Whole Lot Of Leaving
5. We Got It Going On
6. Any Other Day
7. Seat Next To You
8. Everybody's Broken
9. Stranger (feat. Leann Rimes)
10. The Last Night
11. One Step Closer
12. I Love This Town

Amazon.com

Given the chart success of their Grammy-winning country single "Who Says You Can't Go Home," it's no surprise Bon Jovi upped the ante by recording an entire album paying homage to Nashville. In some ways, it's amazing they didn't do this sooner, given the way Keith Urban in particular is blurring country-pop lines, much as Garth Brooks and others did in the 1990s. To their credit, you won't find predictably shallow invocations of past country icons or any self-conscious, in-your-face down-home twang added strictly to remind the listener of the musical premise. In fact, Lost Highway isn't "Bon Jovi goes country" so much as a meaningful tribute to the Nashville ethos done on their own terms. They honor the spirit of the town through 12 simple, direct originals. The intimate, smoldering "(You Want To) Make a Memory," the ballad "Seat Next To You," "Lost Highway" and its roaring celebration of freedom, and "Stranger," an effective duet with LeAnn Rimes, all invoke country's spirit, and "I Love This Town," an eloquent nod to Nashville itself, ties it together admirably. --Rich Kienzle

Album Description

"Artistic freedom made this record possible," says Jon Bon Jovi. "Musical freedom to explore--and emotional freedom to express what was in our hearts."

The result of that freedom is Lost Highway, an album Jon describes as "a Bon Jovi record influenced by Nashville."

Bon Jovi explains. "Nashville is all about songs and songwriters. If you're someone like me who loves songs and hanging out with songwriters, Nashville is the place. I thrive on that feeling and I'm inspired by that creative ambience."

The result, a haunting set of 12 new and original sounding songs, is a stunning, multi-layered look into the nature of love and life in all its glory. Love, like life, is lost, found, forgotten and reclaimed in this collection.

The moods are many, but the core feeling is pure Bon Jovi.

"Writing this record with Jon was deeply cathartic," says Richie Sambora, who collaborated on ten of the songs. "I was going through emotional changes that were new for me. An ailing father. A painful divorce. The start of a new chapter in my life. I poured everything I had into this project, every last bit of soul at my command."

"For over twenty years now," Jon explains, "Richie and I have been close collaborators. Even when our songs create fictional stories, they reveal our states of mind. To a large degree, Lost Highway focuses on the light that love brings. When you shine the light on love, you see the chinks in the armor. You see every crevice, every crack. And that's all right".

Lost Highway is Bon Jovi's tenth studio album since the band formed in the early eighties. One hundred and twenty million albums and 2500 concerts in over 50 countries later, Bon Jovi is enjoying the greatest popularity in their history.

Customer Reviews:

Bon Jovi has done it again........2007-07-30

Wasn't sure how I'd like this CD, but after seeing Bon Jovi sing some of the songs on TV I ordered it. I was very pleasantly surprised. I like most of the songs on the CD. The quality of the CD is excellent. The duet between Jon Bon Jovi and Leann Rimes is amazing and is now one of my favorite songs.

Don't label, just listen and enjoy.......2007-07-29

I loved it; vocals and instrumentals were strong. My personal favorite is "One Step Closer", but I loved all the tracks. If Bon Jovi is selling out, then I am going with them!

NJ's BEST !!!!.......2007-07-29

Jon has once again made NJ a proud State! His Music and Style will be remembered for a loooooong time....."That why I love this town" should be a NJ anthem! He Rocks!

Rock N Roll at it's Best.......2007-07-29

This CD pulled you right back to what TRUE Rock N Roll is -- GREAT CD -- Bon Jovi once again pulled this off --- From Fast tracks to the slow songs you will not be sorry for buying this cd.

love them.......2007-07-28

I love bon jovi and this cd even though it was a little more country .. i am not much of a country fan, still the cd is great and good songs

Average customer rating: Paul Potts is amazong! It was worth it... IGNORE THE 'PERFECTIONISTS' AND JUST ENJOY THIS ONE I don't like opera, but... This CD Will Not Disappoint

Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The #1 Opera Album The Best of Italian Opera Puccini - Turandot / Franco Zeffirelli - Marton, Domingo, Mitchell, Plishka, Cuenod - James Levine, MET (1988) The Most Famous Opera Arias ASIN: B000SKO0OY Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Nessun Dorma
2. Con Te Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye)
3. Amapola
4. Ognuno Soffre (Everybody Hurts)
5. Caruso
6. Nella Fantasia
7. Por Ti Sere (You Raise Me Up)
8. A Mi Manera (My Way)
9. Cavatina
10. Music Of The Night

Album Description

2007 debut album from the winner of the first season of Britain's Got Talent. Potts' winning performance of Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' is now one of the most watched clips in You Tube's history (10 million+). The album includes that track as well as the equally captivating 'Time To Say Goodbye', a Spanish version of 'My Way' and Italian version of REM's 'Everybody Hurts'. 12 tracks. RCA.

Product Description

This Unassuming Man, a 36 Year Old Phone Salesman from South Wales and Amateur Opera Singer, Stepped Up to the Microphone on Simon Cowell's British Itv Show "Britain's Got Talent" and Literally Stole the Show. Many Anticipated Another William Hung, but Instead Got a Caruso! the Performance Brought the Entire Audience to their Feet, Even Winning High Praise from Cowell Himself. Potts Went on to Resoundingly Win the Competition! his is a Real Rags to Riches Tale, Having Been £30,000 in Debt and Suffering Years of Bullying and Recovering from a Serious Motorbike Accident. His Winning the Competition Got Him Signed to a Lucrative Recording Contract and He Gained Considerable Media Exposure all Over the World. This Debut Album Naturally features the Piece He Auditioned with (Puccini's "Nessun Dorma") as Well as his Heart Stopping Version of "Con Te Partiro/Time to Say Goodbye", the Song He Sang in the Finals, Originally Made Famous by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

Customer Reviews:

Paul Potts is amazong!.......2007-07-31

I'm one of the 8 million plus viewers of Paul Potts on youtube and I pre-ordered his CD from amazon right after I heard him. I just received it today and am totally blown away by his magnificent voice. The included songs will be familiar to most people, some opera, some popular and all just a total joy to listen to.

I will be anxiously awaiting his future CD's.

It was worth it..........2007-07-31

No, Potts is not Pavarotti...he is Potts, and that has turned out to be enough. I heard his TV audition and there was something unique in his voice, I was right. I will purchase his next CD as well...can there be a better review than that?

Now as to the quality of the CD itself? That is barely acceptable. Simon Cowells studio rushed it, that is obvious - many technical glitches...BUT it does not detract unacceptably from the singer.

IGNORE THE 'PERFECTIONISTS' AND JUST ENJOY THIS ONE.......2007-07-31

This album was released in the UK about 2 weeks ago and it is still selling strongly. There are now, about 60 reviews on amazon.co.uk - most are favourable, but there are few which are less so. The main criticisms being made are given below, together with my own observations :

PP STRUGGLES WITH THE HIGH NOTES - I thought PP occasionally sounded a bit flat and his voice wavered a little (this seemed more noticeable during the first 2 tracks). However, these were fleeting instances only and did not detract from my enjoyment (although more demanding listeners may find this less acceptable). One has to bear in mind also that, with this type of music, the occasional 'slip' becomes more magnified than would be the case with some pop or rock music.

PP's SINGING IS TECHNICALLY INFERIOR - I'm sure there are some people who, because of their knowledge/understanding of operatic music and the requisite vocal skills, can genuinely make such claims. Equally, I'm sure that there are a few others whose claims will be based on nothing more than petty snobbery and these people wouldn't recognize 'technical SUPERIORITY' even if they tripped over it in broad daylight.

THE ALBUM SUFFERS FROM POOR PRODUCTION - To an extent, I agree - it could have been better. Whilst the orchestral and choral arrangements are sumptuous, at times they are both 'too forward in the mix' and, now and again, they tend to drown out PP's vocals (but this problem is not persistant throughout the album).

PP IS BEING MARKETED IN A CYNICAL WAY - Well perhaps, but this is nothing new in the music business. It is certainly no justification for downgrading any rating for the album.

PEOPLE ARE BUYING HIS ALBUM BECAUSE THEY 'FEEL SORRY FOR HIM' - Possibly, but a very small minority only. It is more likely that many people are either, making a connection between PP's music and PP the man or, they simply identify with him. I see nothing wrong with this and, if it enhances their enjoyment of his music, then well and good.


Turning to the album itself, this is the first operatic or 'operatic crossover' album I have ever bought. I sometimes listen to this type of music, but not very frequently. I bought 'One Chance' because I saw PP on 'BGT' and I liked his voice. So please bear with me if some of my review is not very meaningful for you.

THE SONGS : They are all beautiful songs - sung in Italian or English plus one sung in Spanish and they are well known songs - I'm sure many will be very familiar to you. I don't wish to take anything away from PP, but I think the song selection has more than a little to do with the popularity of this album in the UK.

THE VOICE : PP has a strong tenor voice, but not in any overpowering sense (rather the opposite I'd say). I've heard 'Nessun Dorma' sung by Russell Watson and Luciano Pavarotti and, to my untrained ears, they do SOUND better; but, curiously, neither of these versions do as much for me as PP's version (Pavarotti's comes the closest). However, I'll tell you something - whatever vocal weaknesses PP has (real or imagined), he has an emotional quality to his voice that you won't find with most other similar singers ('technically superior' as they may be). I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something 'quietly moving' about the way in which he sings - I would suggest that THIS is the main reason why most people are buying his album; and, when it comes to MY listening enjoyment, a voice with an emotional edge comes high up on my list. The audience reaction when PP first auditioned and sung 'Nessun Dorma' on 'BGT' (can be viewed on You Tube) is, I think, testament to this.

Some brief comments about selected tracks :

NESSUN DORMA - a song which needs no introduction - poignant and dramatic, an absolute 'stunner'. The vocals are, perhaps, not perfect, but more than competent.

CON TE PARTIRO (Time To Say Goodbye) - a fine rendition of this bittersweet song which many people will associate with Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. Towards the end, the choir 'kicks in' and I though the sound was too strident; this is a delicate song and the use of a choir, in this manner, is totally inappropriate (fortunately, the effect lasts for only half a minute or so).

OGNUNO SOFFRE (Everybody Hurts) - swirling strings and acoustic guitar accompaniment; the subdued, yet crisp, percussion ensures that this R.E.M. classic still retains some of it's original 'pop character'.

POR TI SERE (You Raise Me Up) - despite being sung in Italian, there's a distinct Gaelic feel to this song (weird - maybe, but it works); PP's vocals are as close to perfection as any sane person could reasonably expect. Again, the choir is introduced towards the end, but this time to good effect - more in keeping with the slightly dramatic mood of this song.

CAVATINA - a beautifully wistful song which is featured on the soundtrack of 'The Deer Hunter'. Sonically, I thought this was one of the best tracks - lovely, fluent acoustic guitar, PP's vocals are flawless and his delivery is nothing short of exquisite; and the vocal/orchestral balance is first class.

The remaining songs are all highly enjoyable; everyone will have their own favourites, mine were : 'Nessun Dorma', 'Por Ti Sere', and 'Cavatina'.


If you like 'operatic crossover' music, then I think you will enjoy this album - the only possible downside being that you may already have most of the songs by other artists (but I still think it's worthwhile listening to PP's renditions of these songs). Just ignore what the 'perfectionists' might have to say and ENJOY. I don't care if PP isn't 'technically perfect', and anyone who thinks he can't sing must be crazy. OK, I'll concede that this might not be 'serious' operatic music, but how many 'regular' listeners, to popular music, really want this anyway ? I doubt very much whether this, or PP's lack of classical training, will in any way diminish the pleasure to be had from this album. For casual listeners, who might want only 2 or 3 representative albums in their collection, this is a 'must have'.

I'm only giving 'One Chance' 4-stars - I thought there were some very occasional flaws in PP's vocals, and sometimes (and ONLY sometimes), I thought the production left something to be desired. Neither of these 'deficiencies', by themselves, would merit the deduction of one star but, when considering them together, I think it would be misleading to give a higher rating; conversely, giving a rating of 3-stars or less, would be doing PP and his music a disservice.

I don't like opera, but..........2007-07-31

I first saw Paul Potts on YouTube and was blown away. I don't like opera, but the soul, feeling whatever that this man puts into his music is magic. This is a fantastic album and I don't care that most of it is in Italian, it's moving, it's powerful, it's magic. Go Paul Potts, you are a gift that should be treasured for a long time.

This CD Will Not Disappoint.......2007-07-31

Yesterday I received my CD after following the story of Paul Potts for over 6 weeks. Although I had heard all the songs prior to getting my copy it still is much better than I anticipated. This CD was put together in less than a month after Paul Potts won the Britain's Got Talent competition, yet it is very polished. I seldom find an album worth listening to every song. This CD is different.

My favorite tracks are Nessum Dorma, Time To Say Goodbye, Caruso, Nella Fantasia, and Cavatina to name a few. I could have easily named them all. With the accompaniment of the London Symphony Orchestra (most songs), Paul's voice will penetrate your heart and rest in your soul.

This is not an album to use as background music, but rather to sit in an easy chair or recliner with your favorite beverage and prepare to travel to a place where the mundane activities of daily life will not matter, where you will be lifted up and set free.

The CD may have minor flaws but they are easy to overlook with the overall quality of this work. If you like classical, opera crossover music you will appreciate this album. If you have never listened to this type of music before then it is time to give it "One Chance" and join Paul Potts on his "bus journey to Never-Never-Land".

Average customer rating: GREAT! Even Kelly's grown out of this. But it's still good. Her Dark Pages ying or yang awesome!

My December Kelly Clarkson Manufacturer: RCA Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lost Highway It Won't Be Soon Before Long Wild Hope Daughtry Good Girl Gone Bad ASIN: B000QFAJ7S Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Never Again
2. One Minute
3. Hole
4. Sober
5. Don't Waste Your Time
6. Judas
7. Haunted
8. Be Still
9. Maybe
10. How I Feel
11. Yeah
12. Can I Have A Kiss
13. Irvine

Amazon.com

Judging by the themes of anger and betrayal that dominate Kelly Clarkson's third disc, My December, perhaps 'Jagged Little Idol' would have been a more telling title. According to interviews, the massively successful artist wanted more creative control with her music going forward; as a result, unlike her previous CDs, Clarkson contributes as a songwriter on every track. The final product is not nearly as catchy as Breakaway, but is far more introspective and honest. My December's overall sound brings a harder musical style than fans might expect, with acerbic lyrics to match; the disc's first single "Never Again"--a dark rock song slamming her ex-boyfriend--is certainly a tip-off. The compelling chorus of "Hole" finds Clarkson singing "There's a hole/inside of me/it's so damn cold/slowly killing me" over a melody that is far more Tool than top-40. "Haunted" and "Judas" are wrought-over tracks that veer into Evanescence territory, while the wonderfully sparse "Maybe" is a highlight within which Clarkson's pleading voice is perfectly showcased. My December's final listed track, "Irvine" (prior to the hidden bluesy acoustic ballad "Chivas") sounds far more Cat Power-meets-Corinne Bailey Rae than Clarkson, but it is certainly one of the most captivating songs on the disc, and serves as yet another reminder of just how versatile her voice is. Fans of her previous radio-friendly releases may well be divided on her new direction, but it appears to be the path Clarkson is likely to continue to travel. --Denise Sheppard

More from Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway

Thankful

Since U Been Gone

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!.......2007-07-31

i don't care what anyone says, this girl can sing!!! Her vocal range on this CD is amazing, gritty,very nice to rock to. I think this is her best CD- it's her all the way through. The slow build-ups through some of the songs just make the energy she sings with even better. it's been in my CD player since it came out, I still listen to it every day. GREAT JOB KELLY!!!

Even Kelly's grown out of this. But it's still good........2007-07-31

It's clear what the rumors are about, and there is good reason why the record company didn't want this released. Kelly's bitter here, much like a high school junior would be bitter if the senior boy she was crushed up on turned out to be dating the prom queen. And this CD is the pop rock equivalent of the scribblings in that girl's diary, complete with roughly-drawn effigies of crush and girlfriend. And yet, just as there is a cringing pleasure in re-reading those journal entries once you've gone out in the world and steeled yourself against such tragedies, there is a whole lot of fun in hearing Kelly using her pipes to bring real drama to what was probably a very short period in her young, otherwise charmed life.

I'm enough of a fan to have tracked down a Q&A with her talking about how she has moved on personally from the place where these songs were written, and that her performance of these songs are now a bit of theater. It's a relief, because this stuff is pretty angry. It would be a shame to think that she didn't fuel this project with real grief, but it would be worse to think that she was still wallowing in it. Good thing she let it out and let it go in such a listenable way.

Her Dark Pages.......2007-07-31

As one who loathed `Thankful' for it's teen-pop machinations and surmised `Breakaway' the jarring juxtaposition of various disparate noises that it was, Clarkson's declaration of autonomy, on paper, reeked of self-indulgence and pigheadedness; but one need only one listen to thank the musical heavens that she had the balls to stand up to Clive Davis after all. `My December' is chock full of power-pop, with Clarkson utilizing her muscular tones far superiorly than her two previous efforts. Davis needn't have worried, though; while `My December' could have benefited from a few musical spin-doctors, there's enough fluidity in the melodies that Clarkson constructed to please her most dedicated audience - that teen-pop compendium of young girls and youthful gay males - who might not notice the darker, downtempo confessional (take the last cut `Irvine', her most restrained, pained vocal yet, even in its simplicity - which may be the point).
Okay, so `My December' is more 1980s-circa Heart than Joni Mitchell; `Blue' it's not. Hell, it ain't even `Missundaztood'. But it is the work of an artist declaring her freedom from the chains of commercialism for a more aesthetic procuring. And for that she needs to be commended. My grade: B+

ying or yang.......2007-07-31

By the 200+ reviews here, one thing is obvious.
You either love it or hate it. You get it or you don't.
That's the beauty of artistry, only here it's all in the ear of the listener.
If you want pop, dance, catchy tunes forget it.
If you want something to make you think and feel, this is for you.
Me? I think I like it.

awesome!.......2007-07-31

I was sure I would hate this cd...I was wrong. I was pulling for Kelly because I think she is an amazing talent and I was hoping that this cd would do well because of the controversy...that's the only reason I bought it...fully expecting to hate it, but buying it out of support. I think it is fantastic. She is an amazing writer. The songs are not the style I normally like, but the words and her amazing voice made me love it anyway. The more I listen to it the more I like it. She truly shows her versatility on this one! Looking forward to the next one as well :)

Average customer rating: Why so sad 5? Disappointed fan Maroon 5 does it again. Not as good as the last My boyfriend thought I was nuts....

It Won't Be Soon Before Long Maroon 5 Manufacturer: A&M / Octone Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs About Jane Call Me Irresponsible Daughtry Minutes to Midnight Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000P2A256 Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. If I Never See Your Face Again
2. Makes Me Wonder
3. Little of Your Time
4. Wake Up Call
5. Won't Go Home Without You
6. Nothing Lasts Forever
7. Can't Stop
8. Goodnight Goodnight
9. Not Falling Apart
10. Kiwi
11. Better That We Break
12. Back At Your Door

Amazon.com

Sometimes it's O.K.--even important--to put aside your reluctance to embrace artists who make teenage girls scream. It happened in 2006, when Justin Timberlake scraped the sludge off pop and left something shiny behind, and it's happening again in 2007 with Maroon 5. It Won't Be Soon Before Long, the L.A. band's sophomore studio disc, rode in on a crest of hype and crumpled expectations--fan reports had it that Adam Levine & Co. scrapped their signature pop-soul sound for something harder and darker. Not so. Shades of Prince, Hall & Oates, and Sting still color the Maroon sound (check out the spectacularly fizzy "Little of Your Time," as well as the first single, "Makes Me Wonder," a song catchier than fire), but they're made ever fainter here by the clamping down of five guys on what is essentially the most distinctive pop sound to emerge from a single band since the Bee Gees squealed into the mid-'70s. It Won't Be Soon squares hip-hop sensibilities ("Wake Up Call") with rock ones ("If I Never See Your Face Again") and stormy moods ("Can't Stop") with bittersweet ballads ("Better That We Break"). It's a disc destined to defy detractors and go on to greatness, elevating the credibility of teenage girls for years to come. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

Global neo-soul rock superstars Maroon 5 are back with their much-anticipated sophomore album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long. The follow-up to the 10x platinum, Grammy-winning Songs About Jane will be "sexier and stronger," according to frontman Adam Levine, who looked to '80s icons such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Talking Heads for inspiration. Recorded at home in Los Angeles with producers Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), Mark "Spike" Stent (Bjork, Keane, Gwen Stefani), Mark Endert (Madonna, Fiona Apple), and Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek), the album promises to be a louder take on the pop sounds of their first effort. "It's definitely aggressive, upbeat and pounding," says Levine.

More Maroon 5

Songs About Jane

Live Friday the 13th

1.22.03.Acoustic

Maroon 5 Photos

Customer Reviews:

Why so sad 5?.......2007-07-31

Obviously... this album would have to be one of the best in history to live up to Songs About Jane. I'm not sure what kind of magic they had in helping with that album, but everyone I know and from all the reviews I've seen agree with me, it's one of the best-ever. I was very anxious for this one to come out (it took forever!) and was a tiny bit disappointed. I guess their first album had a way of making even the sad songs a little more upbeat... this one does not.

However, I cannot stop listening to 'Goodnight Goodnight' and 'Nothing Lasts Forever'- which is the best song on the album lyrically in my opinion..

I just hope it doesn't take as long for the next one to come out.....!

Disappointed fan.......2007-07-31

After hearing "Makes Me Wonder" on the radio I instantly wanted to buy the new album by Maroon 5. I loved "Songs About Jane" and I thought if the new track is any indication, they have changed their sound and made something fresh and catchy that I could listen to. I was wrong, maybe it's me, but other than "Makes Me Wonder," all the other tracks on this CD are boring and nothing that I can get hooked on. Some of the tracks reminded me of very "poppy" Britney Spears songs and it made me sad to see Maroon 5 conform to pop music and completely abandon their old jazzy sound. I really like the band and I'm hoping they will release a 3rd album with more of the elements that put them where they are today.

Maroon 5 does it again........2007-07-30

It is very rare that a group, in any genre of music, can repeat the success of their previous effort, much less a sophomore one. The list of failures is embarassingly long (even of groups whose first albums I loved). "Songs About Jane" was, and still is one of the few albums that is truly solid and enjoyable front to back. You can throw it in, push play, and not have to worry about having to skip over songs, and in fact the songs seem to get better. So when Maroon 5 announced the release of their second album, "It Won't Be Soon Before Long", I was hoping for something even in the same realm as their first with respect to its enjoyability and upbeat, fresh-air style.

With their second album, they have exceeded the mark. They have not only succeeded in proving they very well mean to stay (with another album that's solid front to back), but in dinstinguishing themselves from every other group out there right now. Their style is unique, ecclectic and theirs alone. Impressively, they managed very nicely to carry their one-of-a-kind sound into their second album without making it seem that you were still listening to first album songs. And as with the first album, I liked the songs that aren't yet, or I imagine ultimately won't be played on the radio, and that's fine because chances are they would play them into the ground anyway.

Adam Levine is a great singer/songwriter who deserves his props. Musically, the sound continues down its path of being unique and tight and energetic (it's difficult not to seat dance while driving to "Makes Me Wonder", and is the glue,like their first album, that holds their audible artwork together. Hopefully there will continue to be no "in-fighting" or "creative disagreements", and Maroon 5 will continue to turn out more albums(the second album was worth the wait).

The bottom line is that if you liked "Songs About Jane", you should love "It Won't Be Soon Before Long".

Not as good as the last.......2007-07-27

I like 3-4 tracks on this new ablum. I should have downloaded just the songs that I liked rahter than purchasing entire CD.

My boyfriend thought I was nuts...........2007-07-26

He thought I had lost my mind when he saw that I purchased this album, neither of us being mainstream-pop loving music fans. At all. Plus, I absolutely hated their song "She Will Be Loved" from the last album due to overplay on the radio and because of the whiny vocals so I can't say why I bought this cd, other than I liked the cover and wanted something new. In any case, while I don't love it, I do like it. It's oddly upbeat for such normally depressing subjects (the usual I-lost-my-love or cheated-on-them teen angsty stuff) but overall it's catchy and inoffensive. I listen to it a lot at work. Not sure I'm going to be a long-term fan, because pop really isn't my style, but it's honestly not bad for what it is.

Dance Music:

1. My Brother & Me [Import]
2. My Crew, My Dawgs
3. My Life, Pt. 2 [CD-single] [Import]
4. Novakane [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Nu Nu (Yeah Yeah) [CD-single]
6. O.G. Ron C. Of Swishahouse Presents Southern's Finest [Explicit Lyrics]
7. Pain Is Love [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Pity the Fool: Experiments in Therapy Behind the Mask of Music While Handing Out Dummys
9. Problem Solvaz [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Re-Entry [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

Lolita EP [EP]

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 43

Talking to Furniture

Live at Sweet Basil [Live]

The Collection [Import]

Stronghold II [Extra tracks]

Swinging Stereo in Studio A

Swedish String Quartets

The Color of Dusk

Streets & Scenes of New Orleans

RI'SHAR

Siren's Song [Import]

Today Tonight Tomorrow [CD-single] [Import]

Paganini: 3 Duets for Violin and Bassoon

No Truer Words