Album: The Constant (2010) Artist: I Blame Coco Ever wondered what rock you’ve been under?  Sting has a daughter whose making music?  And it’s good music?  How do you miss something like this? Italian-born “Coco” is the child of Gordon Sumner and Trudie Styler—and she’s more than just the daughter of a legend.  She’s got … Read more →

Album: Loud (2010) Artist: Rihanna She’s back and sounding good on her fifth studio album, Loud.  From the sweet, romantic California King Bed to the almost P!nk feel of Cheers (Drink to That), Rihanna is shining on her new collection and working with talent such as Taio Cruz, David Guetta, Ne-Yo, Timbaland, and more. The … Read more →

Album: Teenage Dream (2010) Artist: Katy Perry Skimming everything from lost love to a relationship with a drug-addicted partner, Teenage Dream tackles a lot while staying light and poppy and even uplifting and encouraging. From the Natasha Bedingfield feel of Firework to the Pat Benatar anthem energy of Circle the Drain, it’s a sound addition … Read more →

Album: The Remix (2010) Artist: Lady GaGa Having sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide, the compilation album contains remixes from The Fame and Fame Monster.  From a strong digital dance version of Bad Romance to a current, thumping ‘relift’ of The Fame, The Remix is a solid add for any fan of the outrageous diva … Read more →

Album: Over You (2010) Artist: Offer Nissim Feat. Maya Simantov Over You is the latest album by Israeli DJ Offer Nissim and the first sole collaboration with Maya Simantov. While most of the material has been released bit-by-bit over 2009, the album is a nice set of his most recent work and is strong electronic—almost … Read more →

Album: 100 Miles from Memphis (2010) Artist: Sheryl Crow Her 7th studio album abandons her previous rock/country/pop roots.  Instead, 100 Miles from Memphis has a rich blues feel that is soul-inspired. Crow tackles religion, politics, and love without getting heavy. Perhaps the most pointed messages come through on Say What You Want. “So much noise, … Read more →

Album: Bionic (2010) Artist: Christina Aguilera You never know what’s coming next on Xtina’s fourth studio album Bionic.  After a 4-year hiatus, the pop diva returns with an 18-track hodgepodge. From cyborg (Bionic, Elastic Love) to calm, mature songstress (All I Need, Lift Me Up), the often highly synthesized CD takes you on a rollercoaster … Read more →

Whether it’s devoted interludes like My Little Girl or percussion-infused jams like At or With Me, Jack Johnson is comfortable in his skin and has assembled a strong melodic set in To The Sea. Vocally rich and smooth, his fifth studio album debuted at number one. Though there is nothing new in his sound, this … Read more →

Album: Ready to Dare (2010) Artist: AnnaGrace Ready to Dare is all dance, all energy. It’s spirited and beat-driven. Unlike your typical dance album, the vocals rival the electronic underpinnings. It’s not an intellectual album, but it doesn’t claim to be. It’s a fun call to the dance floor—to frolic and let go. Ready to … Read more →

Album: Aphrodite (2010) Artist: Kylie Minogue It’s been three years since Kylie Minogue’s last studio album and Aphrodite is a return to her melodic dance beginnings. The release is the perfect summer addition; it’s light, fresh, and sweet. More pop than dance—this playful, ballad-free Kylie trades the sexy feel of Body Language for a more … Read more →