Channel Orange, Frank Ocean
There is no doubt that chilled R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean has soul, and it can be heard on every single song in this album.
His most recent single, Pyramids, has been on our iPods on loop and the ultra
chilled-out Thinking About You has been one of our songs of the year so far. His falsetto and high notes are Prince-worthy, and his lyrics intelligent (he
used to write for John Legend).
If you’re looking for an R&B soundtrack for a lazy Saturday afternoon,
this is it.
Dh60, Virgin Megastores. Rating: 4 stars (5 stars being the highest )
Life In A Beautiful Light, Amy MacDonald
Looking back at Amy’s discography, This Is The Life was amazing and launched the Scot’s career perfectly, but her followup, A Curious Thing, was weaker.
But fans of the folky singer will be happy to hear that Life In A Beautiful Light is a return to form.
The electric guitar gives the record an edge. The opening track, 4th Of July, sets the upbeat folk feel perfectly, and songs like Left That Body Long Ago prove that Amy’s voice can still send chills up the spine.
Dh60, Virgin Megastores. Rating: 4 stars
Life Is Good, Nas
Life Is Good has got people talking about the New York rapper again, not only because Mary J Blige features on the album and the fact that singles, The Don and Daughters, has already made waves in the charts, but also because it posthumously stars Amy Winehouse.
The troubled singer’s voice has been brought to life a year after her death on Cherry Wine, and due to her jazz vocals, the song stands out. On his 10th release, Nas has proven, yet again, that he’s one of the most influential
MCs of his generation.
Dh60, Virgin Megastores. Rating: 3 stars
