Dance [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The newest CD by award-winning composer Kurt Bestor captures the warmth, poignancy, and richness of Richard Paul Evans' latest book, The Dance. Using intimate orchestration (piano, acoustic guitar, harp, fiddle, percussion, woodwinds and string quartet), Bestor paints a memorable picture that follows the story of a young girl who dances her way from the innocence of childhood through the impetuousness of her teens to the promise of womanhood and finally, full circle, into her father's arms. The album makes an intriguing companion to Evans' prose.

Dance,Kurt Bestor,River Records UK,Captures the warmth, poignancy, and richness of Richard Paul Evans' latest book, The Dance. Follow the story of a young girl who dances her way from the innocence of childhood through the impetuousness of her teens to the promise of womanhood,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Dance [Import]

Tracks:

Planet Earth
Guitar
Somewhere Here On Earth
The One U Wanna C
Future Baby Mama
Mr. Goodnight
All The Midnights In The World
Chelsea Rodgers
Lion Of Judah
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:

Very Prince.......2007-08-06

This is classic Prince. The music, guitar, and vocals are very much the 1970s/1980s Prince. I love Somewhere Here on Earth. Good job Prince.

Prince is back!.......2007-08-05

Prince returns with his latest album "Planet Earth." Wow is this album amazing or what? I've been a Prince fan since the hit "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World." I love that song! I also heard his 80's music and fell in love with it as well. When I found out Prince was releasing new material, I wondered if it would be as good as his older stuff. Well I was right, it was as good as his older stuff and then some! The lead single "Guitar" is classic Prince. Iti's original and unique just like him. I'm a fan of various music styles and I was pleasently surprised with Prince's latest release. itunes classified it as R&B but I think it's a combination of styles. I didn't get "3121" or "Musicology" (the title track rocks!) but now I want to after hearing "Planet Earth." Definately the most original work of 2007 so far. I highily reccomend you buying this if you love Prince. You won't be dissapoined at all!

4.5 STARS!!.......2007-08-05

The first time I listened, there were only a couple of cuts I wanted to hear again. But, after listening a couple more times, I can't seem to get enough of the whole album... it's catchy, funky, addicting, it makes me happy! :) Prince is the best, there's just no way to ignore this man's music. He's pure genious!

And I thought "3121" was good!.......2007-08-05

Prince returns with another strong conglomeration of R & B funk and soul, coupled with some straight out rocking jams that only the Minneapolis native can compose.

Though some may feel that he has lost some of his genius, especially since his conversion to the Jehovah Witness faith, I find the tracks on this album to rank with some of his best of the 70's and 80's.

The best include the thought-provoking title cut, the playful "Guitar," the Smokey Robinson-sounding "Somewhere Here on Earth," the enigmatic "Future Baby Mama," the sexually-suggestive "Mr. Goodnight," and "Chelsea Rodgers," a really hard-hitting dance cut that pulls no punches.

The disc should lose a star for not including the lyrics, somewhat necessary to analyze the words without the music.

But, I can't do that to "THE PURPLE ONE!"

I guess Musicology was the last one..........2007-08-04

I'm a die hard Prince fan, and as such, I must say that Planet Earth sucks. I was hoping that 3121 was a one-time disappointment...but i was wrong. I wish I could get my money back. Sad to say, but I think the Prince who gave us classics like "Let's Go Crazy", "Adore", "Purple Rain", "Kiss", etc etc etc (the list goes on and on)...is dead.

Average customer rating:

A greatest hits worthy of the wait.
Underrated Garbage
Absolutely Fantastic
Absolute Garbage - 13 years of Sheer Brilliance
Some of the best rock music of the last decade.

Absolute Garbage
Garbage
Manufacturer: Almo Sounds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Garbage: Absolute Garbage
Are You Listening
Beauty & Crime
We Are the Night
Planet Earth

ASIN: B000R9J3X4
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Vow
Queer
Only Happy When It Rains
Stupid Girl
Milk
#1 Crush
Push It
I Think I m Paranoid
Special
When I Grow Up
You Look So Fine
The World is Not Enough
Cherry Lips
Shut Your Mouth
Why Do You Love Me
Bleed Like Me
Tell Me Where It Hurts
It s All Over But The Crying
The World Is Not Enough (Unkle Remix)
When I Grow Up (Kagz Kooner Remix)
Special (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)
Breaking Up The Girl (Timo Mass Remix)
Milk (Massive Attack Remix)
Cherry Lips (Roger Sanchez Remix)
Androgyny (Felix Da Housecat Remix)
Queer (Rabbit In The Moon Remix)
Paranoid (Crystal Method Mix)
Stupid Girl (Todd Terry Remix)
You Look So Fine (Fun Lovin' Criminals Remix)
Push It (Boom Boom Satellites Remix)
Bad Boyfriend (Garbage Remix)

Amazon.com

Taking inspiration from little known British band Curve, the formula behind Garbage was simple enough: Industrial strength beats, grungy guitars and ice queen vocals. But in Scottish fireball Shirley Manson the three middle-aged studio whizzes from Wisconsin not only found a muse but a front woman whose infinite charisma and wicked sense of humor--as evidenced by the title of this greatest hits set--gave even No Doubt a solid run in the hits race. For a few years, the group ruled the charts with shiny metallic pop gems like "Queer," "Stupid Girl," and "Only Happy When It Rains," hampered only by some remedial lyrics and a penchant for cribbing other bands' melodies (see: The Pretenders aping "Special"). There's a discernible dip in quality midway through this collection, when at the turn of the millennium Garbage seemingly lost its fire, but at least the group's token James Bond theme, "The World Is Not Enough," is more Shirley Bassey than Sheena Easton. Fans who are already up do date with the originals will want to pick up this special edition set that features a bonus disc of remixes by some of the biggest players on the '90s electronic music scene, including Massive Attack, The Crystal Method, and Unkle. --Aidin Vaziri

Product Description

Four albums and seven Grammy® nominations later, Garbage has its first best of collection -- Absolute Garbage. Along with the new track Tell Me Where It Hurts, Absolute Garbage features 17 songs of extreme and intense emotion, from Stupid Girl, Queer and #1 Crush to Special, Bleed Like Me and Why Do You Love Me.

The special limited edition 2-CD set adds to the original CD a bonus disc of remixes by some of the world s most renowned DJs, including U.N.K.L.E., Massive Attack, Todd Terry, Crystal Method, Fun Lovin Criminals, and Felix Da Housecat.

Absolute Garbage offers the best of a band that, to quote a lyric from Queer, has been the strangest of the strange, the coolest of the cool.

Customer Reviews:

A greatest hits worthy of the wait. .......2007-08-05

In the post grunge era of the late 90's right before the explosion of pop and mainstreem hip-hop there was one band that didn't want to let go of the glory days of the first half of the decade. That band was Garbage. Garbage combined haunting Annie Lennox like vocals from the stunning Shirley Manson hard tuned down guitar rifts and just a pinch of slight new wave and created one easily recognizible sound for the time. I was eagerly awaiting this grestest hits and the best part is this special edition with a whole addition cd of remixes. The best part about the remix cd is that its not all the same songs as on the first disc. So pretty much all of the songs of Garbage that I loved are all here so I got my moneys worth entirely. If you are a fan of this band it is a worthy addition to your collection if you are looking for something different or trying to get into the band more its a great starter.

Underrated Garbage.......2007-08-04

This album encapsules 12 years of the band, and they are not done yet according to recent interviews with Butch and Shirley. The best part about this album is that it is remastered, so listen carefully and you will discover sounds you never heard before. This collection is essential for any garbage fan, especially the remix CD which puts a good spin on the originals. This greatest hits collection is a good start for anyone who likes the band, but Garbage is best known for their albums as a whole, so while this takes you down memory lane, make sure to buy their albums if you haven't already for the real journey.

Absolutely Fantastic.......2007-08-02

Absolute Garbage is a wonderful addition to the collection for the hard-core Garbage fan. With one new track (Tell Me Where It Hurts) and a remix (It's All Over But The Crying) this is a must have. And to top it all off a second disc of club style DJ remixes and one Garbage remix the Absolute Garbage 2 disc set is Absolutely a must have. For the new Garbage fan this is a grate way to start your collection or to add a new CD to your set with smoe of their best songs on one disc you can't go wrong.

Absolute Garbage - 13 years of Sheer Brilliance.......2007-08-02

Absolute Garbage compiles 18 totally unforgettable tracks together in one nifty pacakage + 13 super remixes. Garbage can't produce a bad song, so I really have no complaints about the track sequence. There've been 'best of' cds with less tracks than this, so, at this price, I say pick one up with they're hot. Too bad there's no CD/DVD combo thingy, cos I haven't seen one video of them yet. Was looking for the Absolute Garbage DVD as an individual item to buy at the same time, but none of the local music stores carry it (yet). Perhaps there's one song that could've been added (Sex is not the Enemy). Don't know why wasn't added. It really gets me moving, especially when I'm on the bike.

The liner notes are well-written and thank you, for the lyrics to the songs! Very good move, guys. Disc one is red and the the remix CD is black. Artwork is kept simple yet catchy. I haven't seen most of these photos, yet I don't spend much time on the net looking for photos of Garbage anyway. Shirley & the Boys never cease to amaze me, whether it's their 'in your face' posing & expressions, or their funky shades. I've had the opportunity to see Garbage in Montreal, April 24th, 2005. What an experience!

Sound quality is excellent and the songs I believe have been remastered. Housed in a double jewelcase with matte paper outer slipcase, everything is summed together rather well. 13 years of super-great hits spanning the band's career will keep your speakers pumping out continuous ear candy like none other. Go Baby Go!!! The liner notes booklet features 24 pages including front & back covers. All photos are in black & white or greyscale. The "Parental Advisory" sticker on the slipcase is not a sticker at all, but actually printed on as part of the artwork. This CD is a must for any garbage fan, and should be on your Ipod. Support Garbage by purchasing this item. You won't regret it.

Some of the best rock music of the last decade........2007-07-31

"Absolute Garbage" is Garbage's greatest hits disc. This special edition adds a CD of remixes.

The first disc is a spectacular, single-disc summary of this extraordinary band. Nobody sounds like Garbage. You know a Garbage song the instant you hear it.

First, there's the amazing Miss Manson. She joins a very small club of female rock singers that rise effortlessly above their peers...we're talking Chrissie Hynde...and then that's pretty much it. She's that good.

The rest of the band are no less tremendous. MAN can they make a lot of glorious noise! So many of these songs have irresistible hooks, earth-shaking sonics, walls of guitars and synths...drums that come from, oh, I dunno, magma? They come from nowhere...from somewhere below...and then explode with a fierce inevitability. Check out the fireworks on "Rains" or "Push It" or even "When I Grow Up."

Layer on that these anthemic choruses and terrific melodies, and you have some of the best rock music of the last decade.

The disc does a good job summarizing their four albums, and as any true fan, I have my quibbles over song selection. But they are just that: quibbles. Of a fan. Of a particularly fussy fan.

The remixes are superfluous. Worse that that, they're just bad. Now don't get me wrong: I love remixes. They can make a good song more interesting, longer for added enjoyment, or they can present an overly familiar song in a fresh manner so you can like it all over again.

Yeah, well, none of that sort of stuff happens here.

For me, the second disc could have been a live disc, or more songs, like "Supervixen" or "Androgyny". Or the DVD of the videos. Which I also bought.

But as it stands, that one disc is pretty darn awesome. You cannot lose with songs like "Only Happy When It Rains" (how wonderful would it have been to have, say, the Hynde/Manson duet version from VH1 here?), "Stupid Girl", "Special", "Cherry Lips", "Bleed Like Me"...

I really hope they're not broken up for good. In this era of disposable pop, there simply isn't enough of this good stuff to go around.

Average customer rating:

You can stand under Rihanna's umbrella
Oh Dear
Surprisingly good.
New Look + New Sound = Alright Music
This is why it's HOT!!

Good Girl Gone Bad
Rihanna
Manufacturer: Island / Def-Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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My December
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Because Of You
Double Up
Back to Black

ASIN: B000OZ2CZW
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Umbrella feat. JAY-Z
Push Up On Me
Don't Stop The Music
Breakin' Dishes
Shut Up and Drive
Hate That I Love You feat. Ne-Yo
Say It
Sell Me Candy
Lemme Get That
Rehab
Question Existing
Good Girl Gone Bad

Amazon.com

There's a cool new development in summer singles: they no longer need to be sunny. In fact, the wetter the better. "Umbrella," the first single off Rihanna's ragingly good third album, may be her strongest ditty yet, and that's saying something considering her run of past summer chartbusters. More stylish than "S.O.S." (from A Girl Like Me) and more interesting than "Pon de Replay" (from Music of the Sun), "Umbrella" barrels forward with big, brawny drums and a hot but haunted-sounding vocal. From there, the upbeat numbers chug forth like chilled pina colada mix into a blender: "Breakin' Dishes" trades skillfully on a recent vogue for man-directed venom, and "Shut Up and Drive" borrows "S.O.S."-style from the '80s New Order song "Blue Monday." Both are irresistible. So, too, are a couple of late tracks. "Rehab" and "Lemme Get That," both produced by Timbaland, prove that being an island girl is no barrier to holding one's own amid a sizzling stew of urban beats. In fact, it's a boon--one that'll register with pop music fans instantly. -Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Multi-platinum, award-winning SRP/Def Jam recording artist -and CoverGirl spokesperson - Rihanna has taken over the charts with her # 1 smash single "Umbrella" (featuring JAY-Z) and her chart topping album GOOD GIRL GONE BAD. Rihanna's third album release in less than two years, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD is the follow-up to 2006's platinum A Girl Like Me, with the back-to-back #1 hits, "S.O.S." and "Unfaithful"; and her gold debut from 2005, Music Of the Sun, featuring the worldwide smash, "Pon De Replay." GOOD GIRL GONE BAD boasts the production skills of Timabland, C. "Tricky" Stewart, Stargate, and the team of Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken (responsible for "S.O.S." and "Pon De Replay"), as well as songwriting contributions from Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo, among others.

Customer Reviews:

You can stand under Rihanna's umbrella.......2007-08-02

I hadn't heard much about some Carribbean hottie named Rihanna until her big hit "SOS" started making waves in the US in 2006. Though I thought the single was somewhat catchy, but a bit too repetetive for my tastes, her nasally vocal delivery made me cringe and I couldn't get past that annoying quality in her singing. Being a person who doesn't really listen to radio these days, I just so happened to hear she had a huge hit single on her hands in 2007 called "Umbrella" so I decided to check it out to see just what made the darn song so catchy. The first time I heard it, I thought it was just a mediocre R&B dance track with little to offer (the infamous "ella ella ella ey ey" part was the least satifying part of it for me at first); but with subsequent listens it sounded better and better. Soon I started playing it repeatedly on my iPod and noticing I was grooving to the bea so I decided to get the album. Even though Good Girl is far from perfect, its good outweighs its low moments. Opener and lead international smash "Umbrella" is, undoubtedly, the highlight here--everything about it, from its beat to Rihanna's refreshingly bubbly delivery--make this track a sure feel good single, worthy of the praise it has received since its release onto the charts. "Please Don't Stop the Music" is another memorable tune, more disco and dance than R&B and Hip Hop. "Breakin' Dishes" is lyrically jarring as it references a woman discovering her man done did her wrong and how angry it has made her. Ballads have never been one of Rihanna's strong points ("Unfaithful" was a beautiful, almost tragic R&B ballad which showcased her oft-questionable singing skills quite brilliantly), but the two real ones presented on Good Girl are quite listenable: closing and title track "Good Girl" is decent and presents a good message to all those cheaters out there, but it is the smoky "Rehab", not to be confused with the brilliant Amy Winehouse song, that stands out here as the better song. "Lemme Get That" sets the mood for the Carribbean flavor Rihanna presented in her debut single, the annoyingly likable "Pon de Replay", and features a hilarious chorus lyric over the top of its addictive island Hip Hop beat: "Got a house but I need new furniture/But why spend mine when I can spend yers?" Rihanna may not have made a perfect listen, but Good Girl is certainly her best album to date and worthy of its success.

Oh Dear.......2007-08-02

Oh Dear,

What will she release next year??? A country Album? Will she be Bad girl gone Good??? She has to strip and change her style(if she has one) to keep the public interested...

She is an image created to be so popular, but her album isnt selling as good as they are making us think, for an artist that has been on the charts for 9/wo week, her album hasn't even gone gold yet, but Maroon 5, Pink with U & ur hand, Justin Timberlake with Summer Love which didn't even go to #1 on Billboard have all gone gold??? I dunno I think it is like One person buying or downloading a song/album a million times so people will think everyone is buying it and then they start to buy it too...

An image created because talent & this girl don't go together... If not 4 Jay pushing her with those endorsement deals, she wud be forgotten like that Tierra Marie. But if i was her i wouldn't feel too bad, at least u never took ur clothes off to sell an album, keep flippin those burgers girl ;-)...

Surprisingly good........2007-07-30

Rihanna's last two albums were hit and miss and sounded incredibly rushed. Her second, A Girl Like Me, managed to go platinum and produced two successful singles. Still, she did not go down in my book as a name to look out for. But with this album, Good Girl Gone Bad, she demands our attention. She has stepped out with a bold hairstyle, fashionable clothes, a somewhat "rebellious" attitude and a new confidence that we have yet to see from her before. This album, although not flawless, is a huge improvement from her previous efforts.

The good: First, Rihanna's voice has improved tremendously. The annoying nasal quality, present on her last two discs, has almost completely disappeared. Also, her delivery is much more emotionally charge and she finally sounds connected to the music. The production on this album is mostly top notch. Of course the first single, "Umbrella," is excellent, although is may be a little over-produced. "Push Up On Me" is an undeniably catchy piece of 80's-tinged pop. But "Breakin' Dishes" has to be the highlight track, for me at least. The fierce track opens with Rihanna fuming, "I don't know who you think I am!" It is entertaining to hear Rihanna angry and the tongue-in-cheek lyrics are quite humorous. The Timbaland-produced "Sell Me Candy" and "Lemme Get That" are amazingly catchy. "Say It" is a sweet track with great harmonies, "Question Existing" is touching, and the title track is a great way to end.

The bad: At times, it feels like Rihanna is trying too hard to be different and too much of a people pleaser (i.e. genre hopping, more pop-sounding, unconventional packaging). "Don't Stop the Music" was a terrible choice for a third single and I find the techno-pop track to be rather irritating. "Shut Up and Drive," is a nice rock influenced track, but the lyrics are a bit trashy. However, "Hate That I Love You" with Ne-Yo would have to be the hands down worst track on the album. The song is a lazy carbon copy of the featured artists' hit, "So Sick." It even uses the same shuffling drumbeat. (Also, I'm no huge fan of Ne-Yo and I think his voice is nasal.) I heard a rumor that this will be the fourth single. Um... not a good idea. Lastly, Rihanna tends to sound like Nivea at times. (Not a surprise since Nivea's husband contributed, in some way or another, to four of the album's tracks.)

Although this album is not without flaws like some people claim, the good far outweighs the bad and I'm quite impressed. Good Girl Gone Bad is a huge improvement from Rihanna's past works in many aspects. Now if only they could choose the right singles to release this album could be a big success.

New Look + New Sound = Alright Music.......2007-07-20

Rihanna definitely made the effort to step up to a more mature sound on this album. The new sound is not half bad either. However, alot of the tracks sound rushed and like no effort was put into them. The beats are solid and there are some memorable lyrics as well. Overall, Id say this cd is worth lending an ear to. Her other 2 are better, though. Hot Tracks: Umbrella, Rehab, Good Girl Gone Bad

This is why it's HOT!!.......2007-07-16

This CD is fresh and energeitic all the way through. It's truly made for those who want to dance. R&B artist take note, Rihanna has tapped a flavor of music that's rocking the spot.

Average customer rating:

so my mind changed...
Better Than Expected
Good CD to have!
Is Anyone Even Buying These Anymore?

Now, Vol. 25
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Utv Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Now, Vol. 24
Now, Vol. 23
NOW 22
Good Girl Gone Bad
2007 Grammy Nominees

ASIN: B000QFCD5Y
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Fall Out Boy - Thnks Fr Th Mmrs
Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend
Gwen Stefani w/Akon - The Sweet Escape
Pink - U & UR Hand
Fergie - Glamorous
Beyonce/Shakira - Beautiful Liar
Justin Timberlake - Summer Love
Ne-Yo - Because Of You
T-Pain w/Yung Joc - Buy You A Drank
Lloyd - Get It Shawty
Huey - Pop, Lock & Drop It
Mims - Like This
Bone Thugs N-Harmony w/Akon - I Tried
Bow Wow - Outta My System
Kelly Clarkson - Never Again
Boys Like Girls - The Great Escape
Keith Urban - I Told You So
Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats
Elliot Yamin - Wait For You
Daughtry - Home

Customer Reviews:

so my mind changed..........2007-07-30

1. Fall Out Boy - Thnks Fr Th Mmrs---9/10
2. Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend---10/10
3. Gwen Stefani w/Akon - The Sweet Escape---6/10
4. Pink - U & UR Hand---8/10
5. Fergie - Glamorous---9/10
6. Beyonce/Shakira - Beautiful Liar---7/10
7. Justin Timberlake - Summer Love---8/10
8. Ne-Yo - Because Of You---1/10
9. T-Pain w/Yung Joc - Buy You A Drank---5/10
10. Lloyd - Get It Shawty---2/10
11. Huey - Pop, Lock & Drop It---0/10
12. Mims - Like This---4/10
13. Bone Thugs N-Harmony w/Akon - I Tried---8/10
14. Bow Wow - Outta My System---1/10
15. Kelly Clarkson - Never Again---7/10
16. Boys Like Girls - The Great Escape---10/10
17. Keith Urban - I Told You So---1/10
18. Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats---6/10
19. Elliot Yamin - Wait For You---4/10
20. Daughtry - Home---10/10

some suggestions for now 26...

when you're gone
teenagers
cupid's chokehold

Better Than Expected.......2007-07-18

I am not going to make this a long review of Now! 25, it is a very well rounded collection of songs, put together much better than, Now! 24, 25 has a long of hits on it and I so far have listened to songs 1-7, without skipping also, songs 15, 17 and 18. That adds up to 10 songs in all that I've listened to, which is exactly half of the CD. Much of the same candidates are found , however Carrie Underwood makes her first appearance on a Now Cd, and after a 2 Now! abscence, Keith Urban returns. But like I said very good CD, well worth the purchase, cannot wait for Now! 26 due somewhere in November. A+

1. Fall out Boy B+
2. Avril Lavigne A+
3. Gwen Stefani B+
4. P!nk A+++++++++++++++++++++
5. Fergie C+
6. Beyonce/Shakira A+++++++++++++++
7. Justin Timberlake A++++++++++++++++
15. Kelly Clarkson A+++++++++++++++++++
17. Keith Urban A++++++++++++++++++++++
18. Carrie Underwood A++++++++++++++++++

In future Now! CD's I will no longer review, songs that I have never heard so only songs I know will get reviewed, that's way only 10 appear in this review.

Now! 26

Rockstar
Big Girls Don't Cry
Who Knew
Hey There Delilah
First Time
Get Me Bodied
When You're Gone
Just to name a few.

Good CD to have!.......2007-07-18

I am glad that some of my new favorite songs are on the same CD. It was a good buy and I listen to it all the time.

Is Anyone Even Buying These Anymore?.......2007-07-18

Now That's What I Call Music! Is back yet again with another CD of songs played heavily on radio and hit the most "buy now" buttons on iTunes, which of course defines them as hits. Or are they? Two questions come up when looking at the 25th edition's tracklist. First, is Akon the most popular hook artist out right now? And secondly, more like a statement, why is the tracklist full of commerical hip-hop artists? The 25th edition proves a fair set of songs for the average NOW buyer. Sure, we have hot hits from Avril Lavigne, Gwen Stefani, P!nk, and Justin Timberlake. We have hip-hop tracks from commerical acts Lloyd, T-Pain, Huey, and Bow Wow, along with mainstays Bone Thugs N Harmony and R&B artists Elliott Yamin and Ne-Yo in the mix. Then the pop-rockers ranging from huge acts Kelly Clarkson and Fall Out Boy to newcomers Boys Like Girls. And for 24 lacking the token country track, you now have both Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban stringing the violins and guitars. Therefore, the disc offers a fair selection, but quite a bit too many newcomers and feels more like a place to put your music to promotion then adding what really is hot. Too often, the newcomers take potiental spots from hot current artists, prime examples being Timbaland, Rihanna, Maroon 5, and especially summer flirt Sean Kingston. And that makes a thought that the disc is more suited to the young teens, as dance craze hip-hop artists such as T-Pain, Huey, and Mims get most of the spotlight. Aside from the hits, the tracklist may feel too empty to the older consumer. Still, Now That's What I Call Music! 25 offers a fair enough amount of hits and shouldn't disappoint too many who venture it, especially for a more summer suited disc, but some earlier editions are more versatile in their selections. 3 stars.

Average customer rating:

Buena Banda Sonora De La Pelicula
*** Great Songs Re-Made... Not Quite the Same! ***
Some extremely HOT music.
Great soundtrack...up until track 10!
CLASSIC.

El Cantante
Marc Anthony
Manufacturer: Sony International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

El Cantante: The Originals
United We Swing
Sigo Siendo Yo: Grandes Exitos
Como Ama una Mujer
Marc Anthony: Live From Cali Colombia

ASIN: B000ROALCG
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

El Cantante
Mi Gente
Escandalo
Aguanile
Che Che Cole
El Dia De Mi Suerte
Que Lio
Quitate
Todo Tiene Su Final
Toma De Mi

Amazon.com

There will likely be lots of scoffing at Marc Anthony's interpretation--both on disc and onscreen--of late salsa singer Hector Lavoe. But let's not forget that Anthony is a salsa superstar in his own right. He has anchored some of the genre's most thrilling moments and has taken salsa to audiences not normally exposed to the sweltering sound. The El Cantante soundtrack is a solid effort, notable for Anthony's dedication to recreating Lavoe's distinct delivery and phrasing. He puts aside his own emotive stylings for a more subdued performance on several tracks, including the celebratory "Mi Gente" and the mournful "Escandalo." Anthony is virtually unrecognizable during "Che Che Cole," "Quitate," and the standout "Que Lio," which makes the project all the more intriguing. Jennifer Lopez, Anthony's wife in real life and onscreen in El Cantante, croons pensive closing ballad "Toma de Mi." Even without the film, the soundtrack stands as an earnest homage to a tragic icon. --Joey Guerra

Album Description

Over 10 million albums sold worldwide. Awarded over 12 Latin and standard gold and platinum certifications by the RIAA. Has won a total of 16 "Premino Lo Nuestro" Awards in the span of his career. Holding the record of winning the most "Premios Lo Nuestro" Awards of all artist. Marc Anthony first single will be "Mi Gente" distributed on June 7th. Radio impact date: June 12th. Two versions will be available. Radio contests around album release date. Radio VIP will be invited on May 16th and May 24th to the movie screening in New York.

Customer Reviews:

Buena Banda Sonora De La Pelicula.......2007-08-04

When I heard this album, I expected for Marc Anthony to adapt to Hector Lavoe's style to interpret the songs, not just imitate his voice (UJUM!, Van Lester)!!! and anyone else that can a buck only as a Hector Lavoe imitator or Hector Lavoe "covers" orquestras. And I think Marc Anthony accomplished that without using completely his vocal range. Remember, Hector Lavoe was not known for that, but more the way he spills his emotions and interacts with his public with his phrases on stage. The songs chosen are some of the obvious popular tunes, some that are not really the most popular tunes from his catalog. I guess that might depend where you lived in that era, PR, NYC, South America, the favorites vary slightly by market or area. I have not seen the movie yet, but I imagine the reason these songs were chosen for this sountrack is because it fit the best with the "movie's standpoint" of Hector Lavoe's live. You can't compare salsa quality from the Fania era, that is something that is locked and treasured, but I think for 2007 this album is done musically very good. It's a well done album with a great musical quality in today's standards, (stop comparing with the Fania era, that was the sacred time golden age of salsa and is never coming back). I recommend highly this album. The main reason I gave this album four stars is the last song, by Jennifer Lopez, it is very out of place from the other songs

*** Great Songs Re-Made... Not Quite the Same! ***.......2007-08-04

Let me start by saying that I am one of those hardcore Hector Lavoe fanatics that gets up to dance every time any one of Lavoe's songs starts playing - be it in a restaurant, a nightclub, "la calle", you name it...

Hector Lavoe had an undeniable talent captivating the audiences with not only his voice, but his personal style back in the 70's and early 80's... Let's face it, there will never be music like Lavoe's (which is also true for all the other big "Salsa Gorda" Soneros - e.g. Tito Rodriguez, Ismael Rivera, Tito Puente, just to mention a few) - Even though I believe Mark Anthony did a great job acting in Hector's capacity (I realized this after seeing the film), Hector's music is still unparalleled today and always will be (which should not be unexpected). Objectively speaking, these songs make more sense in the movie than they do when put together as a standalone compact-disc. For my everyday listening and dancing leisure, I would much rather enjoy the unadulterated Lavoe's originals (which I do not think is particularly unexpected).

What I really expected from Mark Anthony was for him to incorporate some of his own flavor into this production. Mark Anthony is gifted in his own ways, and he should have allowed for this album to stand-out by being a little bit more like himself. Should he have done this, we would have ended up with one of the best salsa CD's ever - After all, this was a great opportunity for Mark to interpret, and not just imitate, during the remaking of some of yesterday's most-treasured salsa classics while concurrently allowing himself to reach today's "newer" salsa crowds... And as far as us consumers go - Why buy a less-than-perfect replica, when you can listen to the crème de la crème - which has stood the test of time?

Overall, this CD lacks originality and since Mark's intentions were to mirror Lavoe verbatim, I should write my evaluation with that in mind... And no, there is no Mark Lavoe.

Some extremely HOT music........2007-08-01

One song in particular "AQUANILE" is really hot, hot, hot. If you don't want to get up and dance to this, you must be dead.

Great soundtrack...up until track 10!.......2007-07-30

I really was enjoying this CD! 9 tracks of 70's style Salsa (something I grew up listening to) done with new arrangements and STELLAR vocals by the swesome Marc Anthony...

...up until track 10! I really, REALLY wish hubby Marc would be honest with Jen and tell her SHE CAN'T SING! A well written song with a HORRIBLE singer, brings this CD down from 5 stars to a 3! Talk about buzz kill.

A high recommend, if you can somehow edit out the 10th track.

CLASSIC........2007-07-30

Marc Anthony Singing Hector Lavoe is enough to let you know this c.d. is an instant classic.

Jennifer Lopez's song on the soundtrack "Toma De Mi" is amazing. Beautiful flow and captivating lyrics.

Instant classi.

Average customer rating:

This one just plain old sucks
Chemical Bros. on sedatives
Not old Chemicals, New Chemicals!
Yes, You Are the Night
Don't think I'll buy it!!

We Are the Night
The Chemical Brothers
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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The Mix-Up
Our Love to Admire
Icky Thump
Zeitgeist
Year Zero

ASIN: B000OV129I
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

No Path To Follow
We Are The Night
All Rights Reversed (The Klaxons)
Saturate
Do It Again (Ali Love)
Das Spiegal
The Salmon Dance (Fatlip)
Burst Generator
A Modern Midnight Conversation
Battle Scars (Willie Mason)
Harpoons
The Pills Won't Help You Now (Midlake)

Amazon.com

One can never accuse the Chemical Brothers of consistency. We Are the Night continues their eclectic electronica approach even though the big-beat groove of the title track remains their digital calling card. Spotted with a minimalist keyboard pattern, vocal non sequiturs, and sampled sound effects, the infectious groove of "We Are the Night" eventually evolves into the monotone-chanted dance chorus of "We are the night skies/We are the bright lies," recalling Brian Eno circa Here Come the Warm Jets. However, for every catchy electro-dance, there's a tune that leaves you scratching your head. What to make of the novelty song "The Salmon Dance" is anybody's guess, though you might find some illumination in a salmon recipe on their Web site. With fractured nursery-rhyme lyrics that are sung like an off-color Sesame Street rap, it will drive you up the wall--or at least toward the skip button. Then there's Midlake singing the trancey ballad "The Pills Won't Help You Now," making the Chemical Brothers sound like a sci-fi version of Coldplay. Retro-analog synthesizers dominate, with the electro-grooves of "Das Spiegel," "Burst Generator," and "Saturate," which builds on a Kraftwerk-forged metal framework coupled with storming sampled drums. The circuits of '70s techno-pop artist the Normal are re-soldered on "Do It Again." With Ali Love singing the title-track chorus, it's built to be a summertime anthem akin to Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)," albeit robotically chilled. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

This one just plain old sucks.......2007-08-05

Up until this point I have liked what the chemical brothers have done. Each album went out and did something different. However, with this album, if you can even call it that, it's like they went into the studio for 5 minutes, pushed some buttons and said "that sounds good enough". This album has got to be one of the laziest outings ever by CB. It doesn't even sound like them half the time, it's like some 10 year old made an album and they just put their name on it. I miss the days of Surrender where every song was awesome. With this album though, I can't stop thinking that even I could've made something better with my $100 midi keyboard. The tracks are about as minimal as you can get. Hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come. In any case, fan or not, I would suggest saving your money with this one. It's lazy, has sloppy production, and is just overall confused on what it is trying to convey.

Chemical Bros. on sedatives.......2007-07-31

I own every studio album by the CB, but I regret to say I will not be buying this one. Saturate and Modern Midnight conversation are decent, but the rest sound like Gorillaz B tracks. Looking forward to the next album.

Not old Chemicals, New Chemicals!.......2007-07-29

I love the Chemical Brothers. As an electronic musician and dj, the Chems are my favorite artist and my biggest influence.

My favorite work of theirs is actually their DJ mix, "Brother's Gonna Work It Out." Just awesome.

I didn't really like their last album, "Push the Button." I thought it was just ok. I didn't play any of the songs of that album in my dj sets,(although I did play "Rise Up" which was actually a b-side to "Galvanize.")

I've never loved any of their albums though. I've just thought that certain songs on their albums were mind blowing. The albums usually don't have a very danceable flow to them.

This one does.

This album is the first Chemical Brothers album that I can listen to from beginning to end. There was only one song I thought was slightly mediocre (Das Spiegel).

"Do It Again" makes a ton more sense now that I've heard it within the context of the album. The sung vocals were questionable to me, but after hearing the album, I think it's brilliant.

And, for the record, I think the "Salmon Dance" is wicked dancefloor material. The funkiest Chemical Brothers track ever.

This album is a bit less in your face then the earlier stuff, but it is quite relevant to the current state of electronic music. It draws influences from the minimal house/berlin techno and nu-rave scene but transcend all of that. They really make some odd-ball decisions and push songs in really strange directions, all the while keeping their familiar sound pallette.

If you want the old (and still great) block rockin' Chemical Brothers, then this is probably not the album for you. But if you want to hear cutting edge dance music, this is it.

Currently my favorite electronic music album. Period.

-The Beat Counselor

[...]

Yes, You Are the Night.......2007-07-28

There are not so many bands in the musical panorama which, after releasing a singles' collection of a decade of existence, have made out 2 great new albums just after it. As many do, I really enjoy "Push the Button" but for me this album is almost capable of matching with it... and I must confess I was not expecting that. Yes, songs like "We Are the Night", "Das Spiegel" or "Burst Generator" are the night! Go for it fans, the formula is as good as ever.

Don't think I'll buy it!!.......2007-07-27

This is NOT the Chemical Bros. that I know of!!! What the hell happened??? This whole album blows!! Thank god for the preview or else I would have to add another album to the stack of dust collectors and paperweights!! Listen at your own risk!!!

Average customer rating:

Ok album, not that great!
painfull
It's okay!
So hot!
JUSTIN IS HOT AND HIS MUSIC HOTTER!!!

FutureSex / LoveSounds
Justin Timberlake
Manufacturer: Jive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Back to Basics
Loose
The Dutchess
B'day
Continuum

ASIN: B000H305U0
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Future Sex/Love Sound
SexyBack
Sexy Ladies
My Love
Love Stoned
What Goes Around
Chop Me Up
Damn Girl
Summer Love
Until The End Of Time
Losing My Way
All Over Again (Another Song)

Amazon.com

One spin of FutureSex/LoveSounds and it's hard to believe that Justin Timberlake was ever a boy-band barnstormer--no modern-day male artist beats him when it comes to single-minded self assurance or suavity. "SexyBack," the inescapable summer sizzler of a first single off this short and thrillingly unwholesome disc, makes that clear on its own: If there was ever any question about whether sexy was in need of reviving--a doubtful proposition at best, given the sheer volume of JT's gyrating counterparts--he lays it to rest instantly over a small but insistent Timbaland-concocted beat. On that track, Timberlake's appeal is his sweet but newly thuggish-sounding voice--here's a good kid gone bad, and he's determined to convince us of it not only by tossing a few well-timed mother****ers our way but also with such lyrics as "I'll let you whip me if I misbehave." The rest of FutureSex will feel familiar to anyone who picked up 2002's brilliantly funk-flecked Justified: "Love Stoned/I Think She Knows Me," shifts from Michael Jackson-esque paranoid trilling to pulsating guitar rock; "Chop Me Up," a collaboration with Three 6 Mafia and Timbaland, gives up the grit rap-style but still manages to recall both Prince and Stevie Wonder; "My Love," with T.I., mines classic Timberlake territory with meltaway lyrics like "I can see us holding hands walking on the beach/Our clothes in the sand"; and the straight-up but groovy lament "Losing My Way" asks, searchingly, what may be the silliest question a squeal-inducing pop star has ever posed: "Can anybody out there feel me?" Rest assured, JT: we feel every past-, present-, and future-sexy verse. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

Come Along with JT through his own groovin' universe of FutureSex/LoveSounds, co-written by Justin Timberlake and produced by Justin Timberlake, JAWBreakers, Timbaland, will.i.am, and Rick Rubin, among others. Guest artists include TI, Three Six Mafia, and Hezekiah Walker. Obviously, there is no shortage of talent.

More from JT & Friends

Justified, Justin Timberlake

No Strings Attached, 'N Sync

Celebrity, 'N Sync

Justified: The Videos (DVD)

Justin Timberlake: Live From London (DVD)

Edison Force (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

Ok album, not that great!.......2007-08-01

The first time I heard SexyBack I thought Justin's new album would be filled with lots of great new tracks, and as always he'd take a different direction in Pop to sound fresh and hip.

He kind of tried to do that, but if you got just one and only main producer (Timbaland) you get one and only result: All the songs sound exactly the same. The dance songs have pretty much no difference between them, the lyrics quality is worst than his previous album, and though some songs sound refreshing, the rest of them are disposable. This album is filled with 5 good songs and the rest is nothing more than fillers.

This is sad considering that he is pretty much the dominating alfa male in Pop right now. But it's not as good as his previous album. Some mention some Prince like style, but Justin is far far away from sounding like any Prince album, he's got the ideas, a great Producer (Timbaland), but he needs a little bit more of different ideas. Not just the same idea for all the songs in an album.

This is kind of the same for Justin as Bad was for Michael Jackson, lots of keyboards, lots of beatboxing, and lots of dance songs, but just like 'Bad', it wasn't half as good as 'Thriller'. Sad story.

painfull.......2007-07-27

This is exactly the sort of thing that should be played on headphones in the dentist's chair, just to remind us that there are things more unpleasant than a root canal. What a dreadful, boring piece of work this is. My question to the production team; were there any actual musicians in the recording process or was everything electronic samples of the worst of the synthesized '80s? [...]. Keep repeating that to yourself with the same regularity as the middle school lyrics on this recording and perhaps eventually you will come to realize that this IS NOT MUSIC, in fact this may actually be ANTI-MUSIC. If this is the future of music then we have sold our souls to Madison Avenue Moguls. This recording is so bad on so many levels that I can't even begin to review it with any kind of objectivity. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

It's okay!.......2007-07-22

I bought this CD mainly for the Sexyback song and thought the other songs on the CD would have a similar beat/feel to them. I was unpleasantly surprised to find that I really only like 3 songs on the entire CD. Many of them do not sound at all like Sexyback, some of them do not even sound like Justin Timberlake, and some sound like rap-type music. It's okay - but if you are expecting a similar sound/feel for the songs, it is not there.

So hot!.......2007-07-22

Yes, JT is hot, but so is his music! Almost every single track in this album can be released as a single. To think that I actually hated "SexyBack" when I first heard it.

JUSTIN IS HOT AND HIS MUSIC HOTTER!!!.......2007-07-06

I must say that I was very surprised that the whole CD was unbelievable... not just tracks Sexy Back and What Goes Around that is now being played in most radio stations. Every song was amazing, with great lyrics and jammin' beats. It just underlines and reiterates the incredible artistic tales of this dude. I will say that this is my first CD from him as I have bought only single tracks in the past - and definitely will not be the last. Thanks Justin, for a totally kickin' and rockin' album. LOOOOOOOVE it. Definitely blasting this on the way to Vegas!

Average customer rating:

Major hit-maker finally makes some hits he can call his own...
Tasty beats however
One problem
Shocked at shock value
Can't stop Tim

Timbaland Presents Shock Value
Timbaland
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Good Girl Gone Bad
FutureSex / LoveSounds
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Because Of You
Dignity

ASIN: B000NA26ZE
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Oh Timbaland
Give It To Me
Release
The Way I Are
Bounce
Come & Get Me
Kill Yourself
Boardmeeting
Fantasy
Scream
Miscommunication
Bombay
Throw It On Me
Time
One & Only
Apologize
2 Man Show

Amazon.com

When the most exciting producer in pop music himself puts out a CD, the thrill is in the discovery: The world may have already suspected that Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, and a small army of other singers owed 75% of their fame to the stockpile of skittering beats Timbaland built and then graciously set them upon, but here's a chance to prove it. Or it might have been in less welcoming hands. Shock Value is a far-reaching and ambitious disc; a masterpiece, even, in its own way. But it's not at all self-centered. If there's a point being put across here, it's that Timbaland came by your vote as behind-the-scenes musical man of the hour honestly: pair him with Fall Out Boy or the Strokes, and he will not only provide tracks that surprise you by maintaining their rock 'n' roll integrity, he will also convince you that shimmer's role in rock music has, to now, been tragically misguided and miniscule. Re-team him with Timberlake and Furtado (for the near-flawless track "Give It to Me") and he will again trade vocal bites, but they will still be nibbly, not voracious. In a CD full of experiments and puzzles (why is Elton John just piano-playing, not singing? And how did the L.A. band One Republic end up on this disc?) a single truth emerges: Timbaland's taste is impeccable, but his judgment is even better. Shock Value, by virtue of its swirly beats and mesmerizing rhythms, will bring him a smidge closer to the spotlight. But because it's a disc of collaborations, he'll retain the shadowy-genius reputation that precedes him, and that he so richly deserves. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Major hit-maker finally makes some hits he can call his own..........2007-08-01

Timbaland is lauded by almost everyone as the hit-maker. If you want a radio friendly club beat laden single then seek out Timbaland and consider you're dreams answered. This is made apparent by the recent rise of pop stars Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado who have just blown up lately thanks in large part to Timbaland's infectious beats. So here finally Timbaland steps behind the microphone in order to explore his own vocal talents and let the world see what would happen if he was allowed to make the music he wanted to make. Thankfully he's a genuine artist and didn't just put out another rap album that could easily be mistaken for the countless other no-talent releases year round. In fact with `Shock Value' Timbaland delves into different musical styles and does so with expert maneuvering, delivering a unique and memorable musical experience.

Of course when you pair Timbaland up with his musical soul-mate Timberlake you have instant hit status, and so Timbaland enlisted Justin's talents on three tracks, and those three tracks are standouts. `Give it to Me' also partners Timbaland with Nelly Furtado, a voice that Timbaland helped make a household name. It's a brilliant choice for a first single for it establishes Timbaland's mark while still keeping him comfortable, mostly behind the shadow of the better vocals. `Release' is a fun song but the real gold is found on `Bounce' which teams Timbaland and Timberlake with Dr Dre and Missy Elliot. The beat is one of Timbaland's best and the song in itself will lodge itself in your brain.

Another collaboration that suits Timbaland very well is that with upcoming star Keri Hilson who appears on three tracks as well. `The Way I Are', also featuring D.O.E., has a fantastic beat that belongs in the club. I'm sure everyone has heard this song by now so you know how great it is. `Scream' also features Keri but couples the two with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. I don't care what your feelings are about the Pussycat Dolls, that girl has a beautiful voice. Personally out of the three I think I prefer `Miscommunication' but it's a hard toss up with `The Way I Are'. On `Miscommunication' though Keri Hilson really shines and that makes me lean more in that direction.

The remainder of the CD has Timbaland teaming up with random rappers and rock groups in order to create some of the more interesting tracks in hip-hop today. Teaming up with ultra-popular pop-punk band Fall Out Boy on `One and Only' was a brilliant step. In fact `One and Only' is one of the best tracks on the album. The Hives provide some entertaining aspects of `Throw it on Me', but it's `Apologize' that really blows me away. California based OneRepublic is a brilliant band and I just want to take the time to thank Timbaland for bringing their music out for the rest of us to experience. `Bombay' is very satisfying, coupling hip-hop beats with intoxicating Middle Eastern vibes and vocals. Timbaland also reunites with his old partner Magoo on `Boardmeeting' with nice results. It's not the greatest track here, but it's still great. `Time' is different, featuring She Wants Revenge, and it's not quite as successful a pairing as the previous, but it'll definitely grow on you, that's for sure.

Some of his more rap influenced tracks are a little bland, like `Come & Get It' featuring 50 Cent and Tony Yayo or `Kill Yourself' featuring Sebastian and Attitude. It's not that they're awful it's just that their nothing new. They sound like they belong on a less expressive and expansive album, maybe like something done by 50 Cent himself. It's just not up to the standard that Timbaland sets for himself, although the piano beat running though `Kill Yourself' is a nice touch. `Fantasy' is decent, but Money takes over the track and it becomes more or less another pop-diva recording without much substance. I still don't understand the closing track `2 Man Show' featuring Elton John. It had so much potential, and Elton is a master of the ivory keys, but the track is a major disappointment. In the end `Shock Value' is a disc that should entertain and impress anyone wondering what Timbaland has rolled up his sleeve. Here's to his major success. Can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.

Tasty beats however.......2007-07-23

This is the first hip-hop album that I had ever bought and I'm satisfied with it. I thought this was Timbaland's solo album, but in truth only the first track "Oh Timbaland" can be described as a solo effort. As for the whole album you can expect to listen to the unique beats that is his signature.

As genius as he is in creating beats, he is no lyricist or at least a keen observer of lyrics. Take the first four lines into the song "Miscommunication" which incidentally was not written by him as Timbaland could have suggested better rhymes instead of the ones there.

My favorite among his collaborators in this album is Keri Hilson. Her smooth singing voice provided counterbalance to Timbaland's throaty effort, as evidenced in the track "The Way I Are". Unfortunately I don't feel any chemistry between Timbaland and Hilson as the lyrics would have suggested. Timbaland, as charismatic he can be, just don't have the persona for flirting with a 'co-star'.

Another collaborator worth mentioning is Amar, the British/Indian singer on the track "Bombay". Here I'm particularly fond of Timbaland's accentuation of the upbeats, slight syncopation of the downbeats, added with the otherworldly qualities of Amar's Indian singing style.

The rest of the tracks I'm not really fond of. "2 Man Show" with Elton John for example, feels a bit dry and uninspiring. The tracks with fellow hip-hop collaborators I can't really decide as this is, after all, my first hip-hop album.

One problem.......2007-07-21

Timbaland has a talent for making hits, and there are so many potential singles on this thing it's not even funny. But there are a bunch of filler songs in the middle of the album that are disappointing.

There are a lot of good, fun, danceable songs on this CD, it's just that the bad songs really weigh down the good ones. Tracks 6-10 could've been left out quite easily. Since the cd is 17 tracks long, I'm constantly skipping over those songs to get to the good ones. It's just inconvenient.

Other than that, this is pretty good. Like I said before, it's just annoying to have to skip over a bunch of songs.

Favorites: The Way I Are, Bombay, Throw It On Me, Time, One & Only, Apologize

Shocked at shock value.......2007-07-13

Now, I'm not going to say I didn't like the album. I did like it. But, I just do not feel Timbaland let loose enough.
I think he is a wild stallion, but it just felt like something was pulling back on the reins, something was MISSING.
I can't put my finger on it, but felt this album was...Too controlled to offer an SHOCK to me.
I wanted a cut loose RAW BEAT album.
I was satisfied, but being satisfied means the content was just satisfactory. I want to be satiated. I hope another album is to follow this, I really do. I'm addicted to the beats, Timbaland is EXCELLENT for those. I can't get enough. BUT, please next time don't just shock me.
I want shock waves, electricty to the veins. Maybe next time.

Can't stop Tim.......2007-07-09

This album rocks. I love that Timberland teamed up with all different types of artists. Rock this!

Average customer rating:

Awesome change of pace for Ms. Furtado
All around Fun
dissapointing
Very Happy with my Purchase
I really like it.

Loose
Nelly Furtado
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Taking The Long Way

ASIN: B000FII324
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

Afraid
Maneater
Promiscuous
Glow
Showtime
No Hay Igual
Te Busque
Say It Right
Do It
In God's Hands
Wait For You
All Good Things (Come To An End)
Te Busque (Spanish Version)

Amazon.com

The buzz for Nelly Furtado's Loose began before the music was even recorded, with the announcement that legendary hip-hop knob-twirler Timbaland (Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake) would act as co-producer. The question on fans' minds: what would it sound like when a hip-hop kingpin collaborated with an artist who culls inspiration not just from pop music, but also her own Portuguese roots?

As it turns out, Loose incorporates a number of different styles along its journey, but is--surprisingly--primarily divided between '80s-influenced electronica and latin-infused pop. This disc is very different from Furtado's previous CDs, a fact immediately evident from track one, the new wave-affected "Afraid." A strong opener, the song is the beginning of a 1-2-3 punch of uptempo, infectious dance floor beats. The second cut, "Maneater," also proves to be incredibly catchy, but the verses and keyboard sound too much like they were plucked from electroclash artist Peaches' tree, and originality is lost. The perfect summer pop song follows, the massive hit "Promiscuous," which features clever interplay between Furtado and Timbaland on their sassy duet. From that point, Loose oscillates between the Miami-affected sounds of R&B, Latino pop, and reggaeton ("Showtime," "Te Busque," and "No Hay Igual" respectively) and the aforementioned '80s vibe ("Glow," "Do It"). Fans will hear Furtado at her vocal best on "Say It Right" and "In God's Hands"--two of the most lyrically compelling tracks on the disc. --Denise Sheppard

Album Description

In preparation for her new album, Loose, NELLY FURTADO tried out collaborations with a who's who of producers, and she tried to create a music more of the body than the mind. A prime example of the latter is first single "PROMISCUOUS," a duet with Loose producer TIMBALAND, known far and wide for his groundbreaking work with, among others, MISSY ELLIOTT, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and AALIYAH.

It stands to reason that gold and multiplatinum certifications (for 2003's Folklore and 2000's Whoa, Nelly!, respectively), a pair of Top 10 singles ("I'm Like a Bird" and "Turn Off the Light"), and a Grammy Award (for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance), to name just a few accomplishments, would afford a certain level of confidence. But nothing has inspired Furtado to throw caution to the wind more than motherhood. "Motherhood makes you fearless," she says. "The album is very youthful-sounding," Furtado continues, "and I think that's partly due to the presence of this two-year-old in my life. I was with her all day every day and then I'd go to the studio at night, and I think that translated into a playful energy I feel onstage but that hasn't really been heard on my records."

Starting with her longtime production team of Track & Field, she also knew she wanted to check out a variety of producers. "Working with new producers," she hazards, "is like trying on new clothes - you never know what you look good in until you try it on. And sometimes they will see something in you that neither you nor anyone else could see." So she traveled with her daughter from Toronto to London to work with NELLEE HOOPER; to Los Angeles to work with LESTER MENDEZ (who produced, "Te Busque," her moving duet with JUANES) and RICK NOWELS (co-writer and producer of the gorgeous ballad "In God's Hands"); and to Miami to work with PHARRELL WILLIAMS and SCOTT STORCH and finally, TIMBALAND.

Indeed, the raw, lighting-in-a-bottle spontaneity of the collaborative process is at the heart of Loose. "This record shows who I am in a jam-type environment, where I really feel the excitement of the creativity flowing," Furtado reveals. "It's who I am at my most artistic. I live for that, and I'm very grateful to be able to share it."

Customer Reviews:

Awesome change of pace for Ms. Furtado.......2007-07-30

Love this album but its a shame that the best track, 'No Hay Igual"(Residente YUM!) will never make it to commerical radio in the US(Becuz its in Spanish?)

All around Fun.......2007-07-17

This cd is perfect to let loose to. Put this on when you're getting ready for a night of fun and partying, or when you're looking to make a boring household chore like washing the dishes a little more bearable.

dissapointing.......2007-07-12

The cd cover of mine came broke. I'm a tad upset about it but it's not bad enough to ask for a refund.

good cd though

Very Happy with my Purchase.......2007-06-27

I really have enjoy this cd thank you for getting it to me so quickly

I really like it........2007-06-20

I have a couple of friends I frequently ride around with, and unfortunately for me they are big into R&B, rap, and hip-hop which I'm not particularly fond of personally. But they like to crank their music in the car and I'm forced to grin and bear it.

Then one day "Promiscuous" started up and I realized I actually quite liked it. I'm big into 80s music, and the chorus has that 80s synth sound to it which caught my attention.

I own Nelly's first CD, and I enjoy it still, but I, like some other reviewers, had kind of lost interest in her with her change in "image" and turn toward hip-hop. So when I realized I liked one of her new songs I blindly went out and bought the new CD. I popped it in the car player and listened to it all the way home. It has remained in my player since.

I've come to the realization that if I keep turning my nose up at things, I'm gonna miss out on some good music. This CD is very good. Obvious favorites are the singles "Promiscuous" and "Say It Right", but the real jewels for me are "Te Busque" "Afraid" "In God's Hands" and "All Good Things". They are Lyrically beautiful as well as just being plain good.

I seriously recommend anyone with reservations to give it a listen all the way through before rushing to judge.

Average customer rating:

Pink Rocks It
love it, I've played it a lot!
Fantastic discovery!
Fantastic
AH! SHE OUT DID HERSELF!

I'm Not Dead
Pink
Manufacturer: La Face
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Missundaztood
Taking The Long Way
The Dutchess
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Back to Basics

ASIN: B000EGCITG
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Stupid Girls
Who Knew
Long Way To Happy
Nobody Knows
Dear Mr. President (Featuring Indigo Girls)
I'm Not Dead
'Cuz I Can
Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
U + Ur Hand
Runaway
The One That Got Away
I Got Money Now
Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self
I Have Seen The Rain (Featuring James T. Moore)

Amazon.com

Some music is celebrated for its elegant subtlety; Pink's slams you over the head. Four albums in, she's not changing her formula. I'm Not Dead touches on bulimia ("Stupid Girls"), war-mongering politicians ("Dear Mr. President"), teen angst ("Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self," "Runaway"), overheated pickup artists ("U + Ur Hand"), and gross materialism ("I Got Money Now"). None of it, in other words, is for featherweight listeners. Then again, none of it suits eggheaded college tastemakers either. Where this translates, then, is with those willing to man up and embrace what makes Pink Pink: her spellbinding ability to render rebelliousness in all the many colors of the rainbow. Neil Young-inspired acoustic guitar is sketched into "The One That Got Away," but it's just as quickly scribbled over by Joan Jett-style ranting (on "Long Way to Happy") and Janis Joplin/Joss Stone-fueled howling (on "Who Knew"). Even R&B gets its turn ("I Got Money Now"). The album also includes appearances from the Indigo Girls, who duet on "Dear Mr. President," and Pink's father, who joins for the hidden track "I Have Seen The Rain." Pink pulls all of this off, and probably without even breathing hard. She's not dead. --Tammy La Gorce

More from Pink

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Customer Reviews:

Pink Rocks It.......2007-07-17

First, I think Pink just has a raw power to her voice that so many of the other pop starts don't have. Second, she sets herself apart by having tracks with relevant topic, a couple of ballards and then tunes you can dance too. Lasly, she deserves at least music award nominations.

love it, I've played it a lot!.......2007-07-14

LOVE HER! Tracks 7 8 and 9 are continually played in my car. I love the whole album including the song with her dad (no credit though, why not?). She's real, shares a lot in her lyrics, and real artists are hard to come by these days.

Fantastic discovery!.......2007-06-28

I never was a fan of hip hop/dance/rap music, so I never really paid attention to Pink. I'll be the first to admit that was a big mistake. I heard "Who Knew" on the radio and was absolutely bowled over! I immediately went out and bought the album based on that one song. Turns out the album is full of fantastic musical gems. I didn't realize she changed her style to more of a rock/pop style. "Stupid Girls" is a great social statement (and totally made me think of Paris Hilton). "Who Knew" is one of my favorite songs of all times. "Long Way to Happy" is so catchy and awesome, it's my 2nd fave on the album. "Nobody Knows", "Dear Mr. President" and "I Got Money Now" are all great slowed down songs. I almost cried the first time I heard "Dear Mr. President". Extremely political and so very true, beautifully sung and deserves a lot of attention. "U + Ur Hand" and "Leave me Alone" are fun and full of attitude.

I'd like to add that not only is this album awesome, but I finally found out that Pink is an incredible vocalist and performer. Based on that, I ended up buying Misunduztood and there are several songs on that album I loved as well. I just wish I had noticed Pink long before this! Buy the album, you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic.......2007-06-10

Great album! Pink has really shown some great range! This cd is way beyond some "Stupid Girls".

AH! SHE OUT DID HERSELF!.......2007-06-06

EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT. A PINK MUST HAVE.

Intelligent, thoughtful, inspiring!

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