4Play

Dec. 26, 2007

Blake Lewis - Audio Day Dream - Arista
Ah, the stigma of American Idol, the show that’s churned out more schlock-pop (Constantine, Fantasia, Justin Guarini) than legitimate pop talents (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood). Lewis is perhaps the first male singer to genuinely fall into the latter category. Yeah, sure, he caught his Big Break on a reality show, but his debut disc shows that, albeit scattered, Lewis has vocal skill and a great melodic sensibility. Mixing hip-hop, funk, and electronic sounds, he infuses his personality throughout, whether he’s copping Justin Timberlake (“Break Anotha”), Maroon 5 (“I Got U”), or he’s making his own stamp with tracks like the ambient “I Choose Noise,” the quirky “Here’s My Hello,” or “What’cha Got to Lose.” He reeled in the beatboxing, too, which made room for his singing ability and kept him out of the pre-fab pop idol trap.



Athlete - Beyond the Neighbourhood - Astralwerks
The third album from the Londoners, Neighbourhood brings in more electronic elements and more guitar work than their previous effort, Tourist - but as it was recorded in their own studio and produced by the band, it may actually be more Athlete-sounding than ever before, given that the band themselves are holding all the reins. First single “Hurricane” sets the tone, with its standout vocal line and pop hook; but it’s not the only notable track here. Also catching your ear will be “Second Hand Stores,” with its rock feel; “Airport Disco” with its yearning refrain; “Tokyo” with its appropriate neon-electronic highlights; and album finale “This Is What I Sound Like.” The whole thing stretches the band’s skills enough without destroying their trademark sound; current fans and those new to the band should both find this a winner.




Seal - System - Warner Brothers
Produced by Madonna’s producer-comrade, the ever-skilled Stuart Price, Seal’s latest showcases the singer-songwriter’s writing skills as enclosed in a more dance-oriented outer shell. Other than the kinda weird, out-of-place duet with wife Heidi Klum (stick to hosting Project Runway, Heidi), the majority of the songs here are as likeable as Seal’s efforts usually are, with a little added moodiness that’s especially appealing, adding warmth to this more electronic format. Seal’s great vocals - always rich and sound and perfect in pitch - are in the well-deserved forefront of each song, complimented by acoustic guitar on “Dumb,” a retro-pop feel on “Rolling,” and other radio-friendly tracks such as “Amazing,” “Loaded,” and “The Right Life.” It’s that same soulful sound you’d expect from Seal, coupled with great, catchy songs.


The Hives - Black and White Album - A&M
Pelle Almquist and The Hives are back, oh, yeah, jumping and shaking and raising their fists in garage-pop defiance. This serves as their third U.S. studio set, complete with the band’s usual dual-guitar attack and head-bobbing punk choruses. There are a few quirky throw-ins (maracas, synths) but for the most part, it’s more of what you probably already like about The Hives - funky, catchy, ready-made singles like “Tick Tick Boom,” “Try It Again,” and “Well All Right!” There are a few missteps that’ll cause you to hit FF - namely the weirdly maudlin “Puppet on a String” and the instrumental “A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridors,” but most of it works. On “T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.,” the band claims to rule the world - well, not quite yet, guys, but you’re pretty close to ruling your own exclusive corner of the punk-pop dance floor.