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Ne-yo returns with his third album 'Year Of The Gentleman' the follow up to last years Grammy winning 'Because of You'. Ne-yo has been quoted as saying his goal with this album is to evoke memories of a time when guys looked and acted like gentlemen. Well this album certainly lives up to its title. Neyo is all about female-empowerment ,he is responible for Beyonce's irreplaceable,and the theme continues here with songs like 'Miss Independent'his current single. The album is mid-tempo heavy which seems to work for him although there are some up-tempo cuts like stand-out track 'Nobody' the Michael Jackson influence on this one is undeniable. What really impresses here is his songwriting talent he really knows how to tell a story. Overall this is a very solid effort one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish definitely worth copping! 8/10

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Solanges new album has finally arrived a full 5 years after her somewhat disapponting debut Solo Star. Now she is all grown up and trying hard to shake off the comparisons to her big sister, evident in album opener 'God Given Name', and she does so convincingly. The album's retro style is a breath of fresh air in a music industry that is becoming increasingly boring and predictable. There are few artists out there who dare to be themselves and bring something different.(Beyonce included) The album is a great mix of modern tracks with an old school flavour that really showcases her songwriting skills shes written tracks for Destiny's Child as well as the highlights 'Upgrade U' and 'Love'from both Beyonce and Kelly Rowland's current albums. Standout cuts here include 'T.O.N.Y' and 'Valentines's Day' if you want to hear real quality music this is well worth purchasing.7/10

Ashanti- The Declaration

Looks like Ashanti has returned with the same brilliance that she showed in her first album that was self-titled "Ashanti". Since then she has released two other albums, with "The Declaration" being her 3rd effort. She is known for her lyrical ability and great voice and this is a solid album, and in my opinion destined for success. She manages to create a different sound for herself while still maintaining the same style that her fans love (this time round she has a range of different producers other than The Inc).

There is a perfect balance between chilled ballads and party tracks. Ones that I recommend you should definitely give a listen are "You're Gonna Miss" with it's funky production (lol..) and a similar reason for "So Over You" produced by Darkchild. Oh and also "In These Streets" and the simplicity of "Good Good". I'm certainly not feeling "Shine" though, the song is boring and cheesey!

Mariah Carey - E=MC2

The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Despite being a fan since nursery days (thanks to my parents..) I'm a little disappointed. Upon initial listening the album is alright though.

The stand-out tracks for me are "I'll Be Lovin You Long Time" it's a mid-tempo feel good track that makes you envisage sunny days and bright clouds lol. I like how MC provides her own background singing and it kind of overlaps (can't explain, listen for yourself), I'm also liking "Love Story", "O.O.C" and "4real4real" with it's catchy lyrics.
Oh and "Cruise Control" stands out to me, for the wrong reasons though.. what is up with Mimi putting on a Jamaican accent, I know she has a bit of black in her but C'MON now! LOL.

I'm not liking "I Stay In Love", halfway through it Mariah must've run out of lyrics or somethin because she fills in the gap with an uncreative "na nan na na"- I'm not no hater.. but channelling Britney right now GIMME GIMME MORE! To me it seems like a generic pop-love song. I feel mean for saying this but the song "Bye Bye" is just so boring, the idea behind it (the loss of loved ones either by death, parting ways etc) is sweet but it doesn't do much else for me.

So my overrall comment for this is the albums ok. Maybe it'll take a few more listens for me to warm up to it, but I dunno something seems bland about the album, like I said it's ok, but much more is expected from Mariah.

Album Reviews

YAY! Mariah, Mimi, MC, whatever you wanna call her is releasing her album E=MC2 tomorrow! So I'm gonna be bringing you a nice juicy review of her album, from my perspective ofcourse, so feel free to add your own opinion to this. I'm gonna be picking out the outstanding tracks on the album and the ones that I think don't go down too will.

From now on this will be a regular feature from us, but only on the hottest albums around!