BIGGEST VIDEO HITS 2009 VOL 1 by various artists
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
Why limit yourself to listening to your favourite 10 hits when you can watch them too? This compilation has music videos from 30 chart-toppers. There’s pop from Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Bareilles and Westlife, R&B and hip-hop from Usher, Kelly Rowland, Sean Kingston and Jennifer Hudson, rock hits from Oasis, Daughtry and Avril Lavigne and tunes by indie heroes The Ting Tings and Metro Station.
TOGETHER THROUGH LIFE by Bob Dylan
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Sulaiman Philip
Bob Dylan might be 68 but he’s not slowing down. His latest CD features his signature croaky voice and there’s a distinct bluesy sound throughout that fans will find comforting. I Feel a Change Comin’ On has a strong Spanish/Mexican feel. It’s All Good stands out thanks to its jerky drums and accordion. Another classic Dylan album.
SHONTELLIGENCE by Shontelle
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Tsholofelo Segage-Modise
Many have compared Shontelle Layne to Rihanna - both aimed for global stardom but didn’t forget their Barbadian roots. She has made a name for herself with single T-Shirt and even has her inspirational Battle Cry featured on the Obama record Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement. The lawyer-turned-singer/songwriter proves she’s a thoughtful, intelligent musician.
DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK
Relapse by Eminem (from www.billboard.com).
It seems there’s no stopping Eminem. The American rapper is back with his sixth album, Relapse, which gives us songs such as Crack a Bottle and We Made You. The songs were influenced by his past drug issues, he says. He describes the concept behind Relapse, most of which was produced by Dr Dre, as the end of his drug rehabilitation and he raps as if he was on drugs again. His fictional alter ego Slim Shady also makes a comeback. Check out the music video for We Made You in which he pokes fun at celebs such as Jessica Simpson. Hilarious!
