So you're probably wondering who the hell this guy is, and if you know who he is, you're probably wondering why the hell he's on this list. Truth be told, M. Pokora's English-language debut is littered with the makings of a pop smash. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize the album as one of the better Pop albums to come out of 2008. Catchy hooks? You got them (Tokyo Girl, Dangerous). Sexy lyrics? Right here (Climax). Crossover smashes? All over the place. However, the album isn't perfect. Pokora's questionable vocal ability along with his sometimes annoying accent may turn the average music listener off, and the material isn't necessarily the most original work, but hey, that didn't stop everyone's favorite Barbadian now did it? If you're looking for a deep and meaningful album -- continue onwards. However, if you're looking for a club banger to kick the night off right, or a sensual seducer to set the mood, MP3 is the ticket.
Check these out:
Catch Me If You Can
Tokyo Girl
Why Do you Cry
14
Madonna - Hard Candy
Madonna's latest attempt was quite the surprise. Not because of it's inferiority to her other projects, but because while being just that, it was still a decent album. To be honest, I wasn't taking this whole M-Dolla act seriously, nor was I planning to enjoy her album. Surprises are called surprises for a reason. Hard Candy is full of pseudo-urban pop, Loose leftovers, and traces of FutureSex/LoveSounds, but Madonna's ability to take recycled goods and make them her own is what makes the album a pleasure to listen to. Composed of fluffy production, sometimes profound lyrics, and questionable vocal arrangements among other things, Hard Candy truly is a mixed bag, which means it has something for everyone. There's some you love, some you like, and some you toss to the side for someone else to catch. Hard Candy is easy to get into, but like hard candy, the harder you suck, the faster it goes.
Danity Kane's Welcome To The Dollhouse took me on a melodious roller coaster ride, layered with harmonious cries and sultry moans. Unfortunately, the drops were too long, and the rises too steep. The uptempo songs are spectacular, and undoubtedly far more inviting than those of the last album as the girls trade in their faux Bad Boy swag for that of an internationally appealing superstar. Unfortunately, their transition from showstoppers to dolls left more to be yearned for. Obviously manipulated by Diddy to appeal to the masses, Danity Kane lost most of what made me like them. Though the songs this go around are a bit more raunchy (Strip Tease, Bad Girl), the sass from their debut is greatly watered down, only leaving us with a sample of what the girls are actually capable of. The midtempo and ballad tracks are recycled, and are also obvious attempts at making worldwide smashes. At the surface, the album is a commendable attempt at creating a universal sound for everyone to enjoy. However, upon further exploration it becomes apparent that, like a doll, WTTD lacks the substance that only something real could have.
Check These Out:
Sucka For Love
Strip Tease
12
N.E.R.D - Seeing Sounds
N.E.R.D have always been insanely amazing when it comes to lyricism, but I've never been able to enjoy an album by them. This one is the exception. No lap dance here, but instead we're treated to killer guitar riffs, coke head bimbos, and A.D.H.D. The album is a bit hard to get into, but honestly I couldn't finish the list without mentioning them, and I couldn't see them being ahead of any of the other albums on my list.