Album Reviews - November 29, 2007

Magic
Bruce Springsteen
Staying popular for 35 years is proof of his musical ability. So when The Boss decides to release a new album, chances are it's going to win a few awards. With the E Street Band in tow, Springsteen really delivers, giving us one of his best albums to date.

The politically-charged rock anthem Last To Die, with the lyrics 'Who'll be the last to die for a mistake/ Whose blood will spill, whose heart will break/ Who'll be the last to die, for a mistake?' is the pick of the tracks.

In fact, on Magic, the lyrics are better than the music. Bruce goes through all the emotions on the album, from anger (Radio Nowhere) to love (I'll Work For Your Love) and despair (Livin' In The Future).

Also, listen to the sax solo at the end of You'll Be Comin' Down and the harmonica and guitar on Gypsy Biker.

Springsteen shows that he's just having fun writing or playing some good old-fashioned rock-n-roll tunes. The Boss is back. And this time, he's pure magic.

Carnival Ride
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood proves that tv talent shows do spawn some great artistes. When she won American Idol, she was passed off as no more than another Britney wannabe.
But Carrie proves that when it comes to country music, no one does it better.

The first track is the footstomping Flat On The Floor. Her vocal range on Get Out Of This Town and her version of the classic I'll Stand By You is astonishing. If it's vocals and lyrics you enjoy, this is probably the album you've been waiting for.

E2
Eros Ramazzotti
If you have a thing for Italian hunks, it doesn't get better than Eros Ramazzotti. On this two-cd album, he takes us through 19 of his biggest hits, adds four new tracks and, on CD 2, gives you remixes, re-recordings, and duets.

The album contains music from many genres and features the who's who of the music industry. Tina Turner sings along on Cosas De La Vida, Cher on Piu' Che Puoi, Anastacia on I Belong To You, and the legendary Steve Vai on Donde Hay Musica.

B.A.R.S. the Barry Adrian Reese Story
Cassidy
Cassidy, AKA Barry Adrian Reese, is quite a new artiste, yet his music has influenced many. Innocent Man is a dancehall-influenced radio-friendly pop song that features R&B crooner Mark Morrison. The duet with Angie Stone Leaning On The Lord, a mix of soul and gospel music, should garner acclaim.

While not every track here is superb, the album has several potential hits. And since rap and R&B have such a large fan following in the UAE, this album's sure to do well.