Great new music from Coldplay, Weezer, Ashanti and Flobots
Ashanti
Universal
The Declaration
In a 65 second intro, Ashanti proclaims, "I'm declaring me." I was ready for it. Come on Ashanti; let me hear you declare yourself. Go on girl. The album begins with track 2, "The Way that I Love You" and is unremarkable and ordinary. The same can be said for "You're Gonna Miss," "Mother" and "In these Streets." It seems as though ol'Ashanti has had her heart broken of late, or at least saved all heart breaks for this album.
Ashanti is certainly capable of heavy R&B soul sounds, none of which she decided to break out for this album. Collaborations with R&B and hip-hop heavy hitters don't really help either. Robin Thicke shows up on "Good Good" adding inspirational keys and contributing some 'uhs' and 'woos' but unlike Akon's 'woo hoo' in "The Sweet Escape" these lyrical donations prove annoying rather than catchy. Speaking of Akon, he and Nelly show up in the next song, "Body on Me." It should be good, but it simply isn't. Nelly provides the best part of the track but that's roughly 10 seconds so it doesn't really save the song.
It's not like I enjoy disliking an artists attempt at making an album, I certainly couldn't do it, but I think when it comes to females and R&B we currently have some serious contenders. Mariah, Beyonce and even Christina Aguilera have set the bar incredibly high. Unless Ashanti can somehow pole vault her way up and over that bar, she might want to try another genre. I hear yodeling is looking for some acts.
Sarcasm aside, I like Ashanti and this album just isn't what she needed to do to stay in that R&B Diva category. It's roller rink material.
Let me know what you think!
Check this out!
Flobots
Universal
Fight With Tools
I just stumbled upon hip-hop group Flobots and I genuinely enjoy their socially and politically motivated lyrics and rhymes. Maybe you've already heard "Handlebars" on modern rock radio. The entire album is awesome. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Until next time, go forth and make sweet melodies.
Love or hate my reviews? Have a new band that's worth listening to? Let me know by e-mailing me here! larissa@ellecanada.com
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