ALBUM OF THE MONTH
WHEN THE WORLD COMES DOWN by All-American Rejects
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig
The third album of US rockers All-American Rejects could well be their best. The 12-track CD includes popular hit single Gives You Hell which peaked at No 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No 2 on US Pop 100 charts. It’s a roller-coaster ride going from pop to groovy to dark in tracks such as Fallin’ Apart and I Wanna.
The group is known to appeal to teenage audiences and the lyrics of this offering mostly relate to teen angst but the strong, funky beat will suit many tastes.
REVIEWS
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (SOUNDTRACK) by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Bollywood goes mainstream in this Oscar-winning soundtrack from the Oscar-winning film that has had everyone talking. The up-tempo beats on AR Rahman’s score are complemented by the catchy Paper Plane by MIA who also teams up with Rahman on the opening track, O . . . Saya.
NO LINE ON THE HORIZON by U2
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip
On their latest offering U2 leave their comfort zone and end up with an album that is, well, okay. The soul-searching, strident, self-righteous lyrics are there but they’re less important than the music on the best songs. The downbeat and beautiful Cedars of Lebanon is a highlight on this zany, confused album.
CADILLAC RECORDS (SOUNDTRACK): DELUXE EDITION by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
The standard edition of this soundtrack has 13 tracks so we recommend buying the deluxe double-disc edition. The album has a mix of Motown, golden oldies and new material from Nas and Solange Knowles. Beyoncé (Etta James in the musical), Jeffrey Wright (Muddy Waters) and Mos Def (Chuck Berry) sing most of the songs.
