What Are You Waiting, 4?

How anticipated was Beyoncé's 4th solo studio album? So much that it was leaked as early as a month before it was due to release. But today, fans and foes will have to wait no longer, because the new album, entitled 4, is here! Featuring singles, "1+1", "Best Thing I Never Had" and the infamous "Run The World (Girls)", the album has set a tone and a bar for that matter. Some weren't expecting the eclectically put together album, but its either something you'll love or as a cynic, you'll love to criticize. Despite the good or bad reviews, I'm here to let you know that as a fan, I was not disappointed.

eyeBelieve that once again, the "Queen B" has created a timeless album. What are my favorite tracks? Let's see..."Love On Top" is on the top of the list. I love this mid-tempo, pop 80s track. I love the chord modulations, the vocals and the groove. Another on of my favorites is "Countdown". Although it doesn't sound like the mature Beyoncé that we were introduced to as early as her first album Dangerously In Love and the "I Am" side of I Am...Sasha Fierce, it's catchy and fun to sing. One this about Beyoncé, is with her albums, I always expect more, but I guess that's a great marketing scheme. I think it's a well put together album and there's something for everyone.

Is the album what you expected? What's your favorite track? Least favorite? COMMENT!

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eyeReview: Unknown

This weekend, the box office offered a few movies that caught my interest. Just Go With It, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston was one of them, but once we got to the theater, we decided to go with the unknown. Unknown, is a film starring actor Liam Neeson and is based on the 2003 French novel published in English as Out of My Head, by Didier van Cauwelaert.

I really didn't know what to expect since I didn't read a synopsis of the film, or see the trailer; however, the movie drew me in with intuition and anxiety within the first 10 minutes. With the many puzzling moments of the film, it was easy for you to play detective and try to figure out only what you would at the end. The story line was interesting and of none I have seen before. I'll give Unknown 4/5 eyes. If you're interested in seeing the movie for yourself, check out the trailer below. Happy watching!

Video Link

Click here for a full synopsis of Unknown

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eyeReview: Pink FRIDAY

The "Moment 4 Life" for the self-proclaimed Harajuku Barbie, Nicki Minaj, has arrived. The release of her debut album, Pink Friday has hit stores and is sure to cause mayhem in the music industry. It's no secret that almost everyone has mixed feelings about Nicki, whether its over her character, her kookiness, or her lyrical content. Truth is, the young lady is good at what she does, and since music is a form of expression I personally feel that she's entitled to present herself in whatever manner she feels appropriate for herself.

With all of that being said, I've listen to the album and will give her 4.5/5 eyes!

The lyrical content is there, the punchlines, the hooks, the versatility, the story, and the element of Rap and Hip-Hop. You can hear her growth and development now from the time of her mix-tapes days. If I had to pick one, my favorite track would have to be "Fly" featuring Rihanna. Other tracks that I can listen to over and over (not including those released as singles) are: "Here I Am", "Moment 4 Life" - I believe that life is a prize, but to live doesn’t mean you’re alive...And this very moment I’m king, this very moment I slay Goliath with a sling. I wish that I could have this moment for life...'cause in this moment I just feel so alive. - and "I'm the Best". Other featuring on the album include Natasha Bedingfield, Kanye West, Drake and Will.I.Am. Overall, it is a good album that I could listen to from start to finish. Kudos to Nicki, her hater, supporters, and everyone involved in this project.

In the words of Rihanna in "Fly": I came to win, to fight, to conquer to thrive. I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise...To FLY! Listen to "Fly" now, happy listening!

Do you have the album? What are your thoughts? What do you think her first week sales will look like? COMMENT!

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Passion Pain & Pleasure

Trey Songz's new album Passion, Pain, & Pleasure; dropped today and although we usually do the "eyeReview', we've decided to get a review from those that know him and his music best - his fans. So we've hit the Twitter Trending Topic (#passionpainpleasure) and clipped some of the thoughts from his trusty fans and tweeters. Everyone's opinion matters and we're here to make sure some of them count. I'll say that the album is a good R&B album (not that I would expect anything less from Trey), but the songs tend to blend; and can just sound like one long 56 minute song. It's proven that the man has the voice, the look, and the talent, but I'm ready for Trey to take it to another level. He can write a good song, and just stand there and look good, but every artist has to push themselves to another level of success. I think Trey is comfortable where he is as an artist and I haven't heard any growth from Ready to Passion Pain & Pleasure. I'm not saying that it's a bad album, but my favorite Trey album is his first, Gotta Make It. We need to get that vulnerability back, that hungry artist, or else we'll just end up with another R. Kelly. Anyway, let's get into these tweets! Let us know what you think about the album, which is in stores now!

@DayLonRayLe: @TreySongz ..... I am not disappointed at all with #passionpainpleasure .... I brought the deluxe album off of itunes! Great follow up!

@mrmixtapejdot: I don't think #passionpainpleasure is nowhere near as good as Ready, #noway

@Rob_French86: Shout out to the dude @TreySongz.... #passionpainpleasure is a definite must have for the collection...If u don't have it go get it asap

@Karamel_25: This cd is AMAZING!!! #passionpainpleasure @TreySongz

@SiMpLe_DiMpLEZ: Ok so just finished the #passionpainpleasure album....My thoughts: very commercial, no flow to the ordering of songs (ex:beg,climax,end). The lyrical content was NO WHERE NEAR the Ready album, i was definitely disappointed smh. Oh and "bottoms up" didn't belong on that album. It didn't fit in at all. That's prob why they threw it at the end.

@Mama2Dane: #passionpainpleasure is the BEST @TreySongz album to date! I'm telling' you...somebody gon' get the business to this one!

@SabrosaLTL: #passionpainpleasure album from start to finish is hot @treysongz did not disappoint don't believe me go get it and see!

Have you heard it? What are your thoughts on the album? COMMENT!
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#nowplaying #NoSlices

It's been a long time coming, and Ayindé has had fans on their toes waiting for the release of his first solo mixtape, "No Slices." Featured on Good Music All Day, TruStatement.com, and elleELLEeye.blogspot.com, Ayindé has proven that he is more than just a rapper, he's a true artist; and anyone that knows Ayindé personally, or just lyrically will say the same and be extremely impressed with this mixtape. From "The Procession" to the "Outro", it was hard not to be overwhelmed with excitement and pride hearing where Ayindé's work has brought him thus far, and will take him in the future.

The mixtape title track, "No Slices", produced by Ayindé himself, is a great listen. From the lyrics and metaphors, to instrumentation and vocals, the sound on this track is refreshing. "Gone" is another great song, produced by Johnny Juliano. The chorus, "They ask me where I'm going, said I'm headed to the top.

I'm never looking back, and no, I'm never gonna stop. And baby I'm gone and I'm gone and I'm gone..." is something you would hear on your local Hip-Hop radio station on heavy rotation. "Gone" gives you a glimpse of where Ayindé is headed in this industry, especially as he identifies with some of Hip-Hop's heavyweights as he so cleverly states, "They say I'm kinda like J. Cole with a little Drake, and maybe Kanyeezy. Sprinkle a little Phonte, then maybe you got me." I'm sure if he stays on the path that he is on both musically and mentally, he will be an artist that others compare themselves to in the near future. Another track that anyone would enjoy merges Ayindé and his rapper friend Indigo, of the group M.A.E., giving you "Ayindigo". Both Ayindé and Indigo have tight flows that make this song a good feel, party up track. It's short, sweet and straight to the point! "Do It", is very reminiscent of the sound that you would hear if you knew Ayindé back when he was spittin' as a member of Rekon. A very laid back flow, accompanied by tight lyrics.

The balance on the mixtape is great. Ayindé covered all bases musically and he definitely showed all sides of Ayindé. From the Hip-Hop fan, the Christian, the artist, and the singer? "Praise/Love" interlude gives you the vocals and harmonization, not to mention the crazy twist the beat takes at the break. Any female's heart would melt after hearing it, and they would fall in love while listening to "Love Love". "Relax Your Mind" has great potential to be a Hip-Hop classic. Why? One - because it's one of the most chill tracks on the record and two, because Kemizt (of Rekon) is featured. "Napkins Please" was a great finish to the mixtape and Ayindé went as in as in could go. He put a savvy spin on his metaphors as he managed to give shout outs to those who helped him along the way on this project. A round of applause goes out to everyone who was a part of the project as far as producing, mixing, engineering and features go. Looking forward to hearing more from Ayindé!

You can start banking on the name now, because sooner than later, Ayindé will be a commodity. The world needs to hear more. And he will leave "No Slices."

DOWNLOAD No Slices
Let us know your favorite track! COMMENT!
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effFASHION Read

Fact: Personal style does NOT come easy to everyone. So what's a girl to do when she wants to visually express herself as well as stand out in a crowd? eyeRECOMMEND she reads Who What Wear: CELEBRITY AND RUNWAY STYLE FOR REAL LIFE. I brought this book because I read in a review that its a good read for up and coming stylists but don't worry... it's very easy to understand.

Who What Wear: CELEBRITY AND RUNWAY STYLE FOR REAL LIFE comes Katherine Powtricks and Hillary Kerr who are the creators of the website WhoWhatWear.com, a website dedicated to fashion and beauty for women. In this book, they've combined all their tips and tricks about developing your personal style through the use of celebrities, fashion shows, make-up, confidence, etc. In this look you can learn everything from how to create your own personal style board to how to find the perfect shade of red lipstick for your skin tone (something I've ALWAYS struggled with). Who What Wear: CELEBRITY AND RUNWAY STYLE FOR REAL LIFE is a MUST READ for ANYONE interested in expressing themselves through their apparel. Get it, read it, use it and you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Stay couture, Aliciia

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eyeReview: The Element of Freedom

Songs in A Minor, As I Am and The Diary of Alicia Keys, three great albums from one great artist, Alicia Keys! And with hits like "Doesn't Mean Anything", "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" and "Put it in A Love Song", there's no doubt in my mind that The Element of Freedom will be yet another accomplishment for this singer/songwriter/actress.

Keys delivered with a slightly different approach on this project than most of her fans may be used to, but it works. With her 80s sounds, synthesizers, eclectic blend, and collaborations with Beyoncé, and Drake (who she said she wouldn't mind working with a few months back on 106 & Park). The only thing I was hoping for was her ill arrangement of harmonies; which there was a lack of compared to As I Am. Instead, her percussion and instrumental approach on the album made up for it.

Besides the singles that she has already released, I love "That's How Strong My Love Is", "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) featuring Drake, "This Bed" and "Though it All". The album is great and definitely one of those that you can listen to from beginning to end! Great job Alicia! You get 4.5 eyes!

Cop Alicia's The Element of Freedom today!



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Graffiti

20-year-old heartthrob, Chris Brown, has been in the eye of the pubic since his debut in the music industry in 2005 as a young and talented artist and dancer. Recently he's been in headlines and on television screens worldwide for other reasons; but today, he will be on the charts, your favorite radio stations, and TV shows publicizing his new album, Graffiti!

I've listened to the album about five times today and he didn't let me down. Although I believe that his debut self-titled album is one of his best, you hear a different Chris Brown in Graffiti. It is hard listening to his lyrics without thinking, "Is he's talking about Rihanna?" but one thing that is admirable is the ability and willingness to have their personal experiences inspire their work.

Brown worked with Polow Da Don, Swizz Beatz, The Messengers and The Runners amongst others to produce the follow-up to Exclusive. The album was preceded by the single "I Can Transform Ya"; which is definitely one of my favorite records on the album. Brown stated,

"I wanted to change it up and really be different. Like my style nowadays, I don't try to be typical urban. I want to be like how Prince and Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder were. They can cross over to any genre of music."

And he did just that with the eclectic arrangement on the album. I'm sure he'll appear on Billboard's Pop, R&B, and Dance charts.

My favorite records are: "Lucky Me"; in which Chris expresses his gratitude and appreciation for what he has although he's had his downfalls in life and his career. I'm loving the 80s punk rock feel on the song "Pass Out", and I love the overall feel of "Girlfriend". Brown got his sexy on with R&B sensation Trey Songz on "Wait", and although I dislike the connotation between the song and his relationship with Rihanna, I love "Crawl".

Chris Brown definitely delivered and hopefully the public will be able to view him as the human being he is and accept that everyone makes mistakes. Good job Chris! Make sure you cop your copy of Graffiti!

Will you be supporting Chris Brown? What did you think of the album?

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Attention deficit

At the rare event that you were stuck in a comesmic planet where satellite radio or the broadcasting of any music was perished and you have no clue who Wale is, you will find out within the next few sentences. Before today, Wale was just mixtape rapper from Washington, DC trying to make it.

Today, Wale is signed a rising icon (although he [being his humble self] would be probably say that he's still trying to make it), that is signed to Allido Records/Interscope and a part of Jay-Z's "ROC Nation".

"Attention Deficit", his debut album hit stores today and I'm sure that it will be hitting the charts even harder within the next week. At this very moment the sounds of Wale are coming through my computer speakers and I am impressed. Although my full attention (no pun intended) isn't there because I'm writing this, I hear the voice of someone who is hungry and has maneuvered his way into the music industry nicely. If nothing else, his album is very smart.

My favorite tracks you ask...

"90210" - Very stereotypical, but a very good concept.
"World Tour" - This track reminds me of Rekon's Award Tour.
"Pretty Girls"
"Chillin'" ft. Lady Gaga (yea you know this one).
"Mama Told Me"
"Beautiful Bliss" ft. Melanie Fiona & J-Cole...enough said.

Overall I'll give the album a A-. I think Wale did a great job!

Make sure you go cop Wale's "Attention Deficit"! If you already heard it, what do you think of the album? If not, what are you expecting to hear? COMMENT!

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*Album art was altered

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eyeReview: Transition

tran⋅si⋅tion  [tran-zish-uhn, -sish-]

–noun
1. movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
2. Music. a passing from one key to another; modulation.

The dictionary definition of the word Transition isn't too far off from what Ryan Leslie's second studio album "Transition" represents. His album will hit stores Tuesday, November 3rd; only nine months after his debut album "Ryan Leslie". There's no doubt about it, once you pop in the disc or hit play that you're listening to the sounds of Mr. R. Les. The instrumental basis of the album is very similar to the rest of his work...bad thing? Hmm, I wouldn't say so, but it did make me wonder when this so-called "transition" was going to occur...And it did to say the least.

I was surprised to hear what seemed to be a wedding song on the album. "I Choose You" made my heart smile, simply because I love songs like that. That's what did it for me. In my perspective, the change that he made throughout the album wasn't so much a musical one, but him growing into more of a man through his lyrics and musical content (it'll make more sense once you listen).

There aren't too many tracks on the album that I didn't like on the album, and that's surprising. One element to having a good album is one that you can play from beginning to end without wanting to skip a song. So, what tracks am I feeling? Of course I'll have to say "You're Not My Girl" (his first single off of the album). This was in heavy rotation in the radio world, and it was very appealing to his male audience; which is always a plus for any artist. I also like "Guardian Angel", just because I find it flattering when guys compare females to things of such innocence and purity (even though none of us are pure in any aspect of our lives). "Something That I Like" featuring Push is another track that I would recommend. Ryan Leslie has a great album so make sure you cop it! Transition complete...I'll give it a B+.

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I Can Only Be Me

Boston bound rapper Nixon Nyce released his mixtape I Can Only Be Me hosted by DJ Whoo Kid yesterday, October 12th. Though he's not the best rapper I've ever heard, I do see a lot of potential in his work. With the development of tracks like "We Like To Party" and "Sky High", his music can definitely be mainstream. I admire the fact the his mixtape was hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, but honestly, I think he could've done without him. The beats on the mixtape are hard, and if nothing else, I would like to see Nixon Nyce work a little bit more on his lyrical content.

The mixtape did have it's ups and downs, but overall I think that Nixon went harder on the second half of it. Some tracks that I enjoyed were "I'm A Monster", mainly because I felt like his flow had some umph behind it and the hook was tight. I was also feeling "Boy Meets Girl" and "Done Deal". It was clever on his part to end the mixtape with "Done Deal" considering the title and the conclusion of the mixtape. So without further ado, I will rate I Can Only Be Me a 6/10. I look forward to hearing more from Nixon Nyce. If you want to hear the mixtape for yourself, you can download it below. Happy listening.


DOWNLOAD I CAN ONLY BE ME

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eyeReview: KiD CuDi "Man on the Moon: End of Day"

After stating the he will he will "lay low" until his album "drops" to "avoid" unnecessary "hype", I think that the time for KiD CuDi to come from under that rock. With his album dropping in less than a week, CuDi just released his third single
"Pursuit of Happiness" ft. MGMT and Ratatat. I think this was definitely one of the weaker songs that he has released as his singles. He dropped "Day & Night" in early February and "Make Her Say" ft. Kanye West & Common in June; which are two of the strong songs on the whole album.

The album is setup in Acts, as if the journey of the record is being acted out as a play. There is a bit of narration at the end of some songs; which lead you into the next act. Just to be fair, I'll pick my favorite song from each act:

Act I: The End of Day - "Soundtrack 2 My Life"
Act II: Rise of the Night Terrors - "My World"
Act III: Taking a Trip - "Sky Might Fall"
Act IV: Stuck - "Make Her Say"
Act V: A New Beginning - "Up Up & Away (The Wake & Bake Song)"

The CD is a bit melodic and I would say that it's a fuse between Kanye and Colin Monroe. Overall the album is cool, but I wouldn't call it a smash hit. I will give the album a 3.7/5.

The deluxe edition of the album will will feature 3 bonus songs and 65 minutes of live footage. It is set to release on September 15th! How do you think it will do? I think The Blueprint 3 buzz will still be around and CudDi won't get as much shine.

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eyeReview: Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

I know what you're thinking, another Jay-Z post, but hey eyeLove him, and I give credit where credit's due. He's been working at this hustle for over 13 years and although he's "retired" a couple of times, he's returned with a jump shot almost as good as it was back in 1996. Some say he's changed, but with life comes real experiences and you can only, or should only rap about what you live. We know the Jay that lived the life of a drug dealer Brooklyn's Marcy Projects, but we also know the Jay that's an international businessman and business man that has performed and sold out Madison Square Garden (more than once).

Well that Jay is back with his 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, and when I say this album is great, I mean it. I wouldn't say that it's his best work, but I definitely feel another #1 album coming. I feel like it's a compilation of all of his albums into one. "Venus and Mars" feels like it would've been on the American Ganster album, as far as the flow in the song goes. In his track with Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind" I feel like its the 2009 Reasonable Doubt Jay. When it comes to my favorite track (besides "Run This Town") I would have to say "On To The Next One" ft. Swizz Beatz just because it's gets me mad hype and want to spit a hot 16 LOL.

"A Star Is Born" featuring J. Cole is definitely a great track! I love the fact that he's applauding the artists in the game who are not only doing their thing now, but he talks about artists like Nelly, Wu Tang, Ghostface, etc. who had their time in the game. He even says that if Lil' Wayne keeps doing what he's doing that he'll pass the torch to him. You better work Wayne! J. Cole did his thing on the track ::clap for him::! I also love "Hate" featuring Kanye West (king like T.I., but in the Chi, Larry)! It's a mad laid back track and it seems like it was so effortless for the both of them.

Hov went in with the collabos on this album. The feature roster includes: Kanye, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Swizz Beatz, Drake, Young Jeezy, Pharrell, Mr. Hudson and Luke Steel. Overall, if I had to rate the album being neutral, I would give it 4.89/5 BUT since I'm a huge fan, of course I will give the album 5 /5 stars!

Make sure you cop that album SEPTEMBER 11TH or you can do a prelisten of the entire album at rhapsody.com/jayz which will also have the album for sale on September 8th.

If you haven't seen the Rhapsody commercial yet for "The Blueprint 3" album check it out here.

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MISS elleelleeye
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

P.S. I have the full album, if you have the AIM I might bless you with it ;-)

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eyeReview: Trey Songz "Ready"

If you happened to not know that Trey Songz's new album Ready is now available on iTunes and in stores tomorrow, you must not have Twitter! Trey has been promoting his album hard body on Twitter and the fans love it. The album has 17 tracks and features "Successful" with Drake, "LOL :)" ft. SouljaboyTelleEm and Gucci Mane, "I Need A Girl", and a couple of tracks off of his Anticipation mixtape ("Yo Side of the Bed" and "I Invented Sex ft. Drake").

I was surprised that he actually put tracks from his mixtape on the album, but hey! For me the album wasn't as great that I expected it to be. I mean it's not bad at all, but I just think expected it to be this phenomenal collection of music from the way people were talking. From the start of the album on the "Panty Droppin" intro, I immediately thought of R. Kelly. That comparison will always be there no matter what. He sounds like him and it's clear that they are both two sexual beings and choose to show that in their music.

The sound on the album did remain consistent on the album, as far as his tonality and musicality goes. It's a very R&B Trey album to say the least, and I would say that it's for more of a female audience, but I wouldn't mind seeing the fellas using the album to get in "the mood". My favorite tracks would have to be "Jupiter Love", "Black Roses" which has a more edgy sound, and "Love Lost" which comes off sounding like Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" as far as the instrumental goes.

Let's make it clear, I'm not hating on the album, I'm just saying that six of the tracks were released/leaked before the album actually came out and two are interludes which leaves us with nine "new" songs to listen to. That isn't bad at all, but I'm just saying LOL. I would give the album a B or 4/5 stars, see it's not that bad.

Well happy listening, go cop that Trey Songz "Ready" album like right now! Yea that's my promo right there. Here's some of his very own promotion via his Twitter page:

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eyeReview: Fabolous' "Loso's Way"

Fabolous has been in the game for a minute (eight years to be exact) and has been one of the most consistent rappers in the game until now. He's definitely raised his own bar with the release of his last album, "From Nothin' to Somethin'" (2007), and today I'm sure he done it again with his new album "Loso's Way" (inspired from gangster film "Carlito's Way").

The punchlines in his verses are crazy and he defintely collaborated with the right people on this one. The plot of "Carlito's Way" was the inspiration for the theme of the album and Fabolous's own life in a way that can't help but seem self-aggrandizing. Both Carlito and Fabolous went to jail, both had babies on the way and both were shot, except Carlito was murdered in a hail of gunfire and Fabolous once got shot in the thigh, which hardly even counts, and besides, when was the last time you heard of a gangster named Fabolous?

When "Loso's Way" abandons its concept-album pretensions, which is most of the time, it winds up being a much-better-than-average hip-hop-soul disc. Fabolous deftly manages to conflate personal songs about love and family life with boilerplate gangsta-in-the-club tracks.

"Loso's Way" can't help but be defined by its dizzying array of scene-stealing guest stars, many of whom threaten to bury the low-key Fabolous under their wattage: Lil Wayne shows up for the martial like, "Juno"-referencing "Salute"; Jay-Z himself contributes to the standard banger "Money Goes, Honey Stay (When the Money Goes remix)," a track that began its life as an "American Gangster" outtake; The-Dream contributes to "Throw It in the Bag," a rollicking ode to either shopping or shoplifting; and "Makin' Love" features a showy assist by Ne-Yo, as all '09 bedroom jams apparently must.

Fab is giving these other artists a run for their money. I would definitely suggest that you go out and cop the album!

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eyeReview: Jordin Sparks "Battlefield"

Jordin Sparks' new album Battlefield is in stores today! The 20-year-old singer/songwriter is the winner of the 6th season of American Idol. Battlefield is her second studio album released from her label Jive/Zomba Records. This is a very talented young lady with an amazing voice.

Battlefield starts off rather brilliantly with "Walking On Snow," a fun & catchy opener with an interesting message. The title track "Battlefield" then leads us into her cover of Fefe Dobson's "Don't Let It Go To Your Head." Now, this is one of my favorite songs lyrically of all time, so I was ecstatic when I realized that one of today's best powerhouses was gonna take a shot at it. Jordin's version takes a fittingly more dramatic turn & her vocals soar on the track. Brightening things up a bit is the album's second single "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)," a cool uptempo that's sure to take the clubs by storm.

Jordin can sing anything, but I am truly in love with the middle portion of Battlefield because, I've realized, her voice is simply amazing on midtempos. You'll most definitely find yourself nodding, both to the beat & in agreement, to "It Takes More" & grooving to the melody of "Watch You Go." Jordin takes us back to her "I (Who Have Nothing)" days of emotion-filled vocals on the irresistible "No Parade." Then, on "Let It Rain," she shows off those big notes we all know & love.

You can't blame Jordin, before she gets into those gorgeous ballads that you know are coming, for reminding us of her youth with the current uptempo "Emergency (911)," which is placed perfectly to keep things going. Jordin is quick to apply her magical ability of making the listener feel her pain (in a good way) once again on "Was I The Only One," a song she actually co-wrote, as is the case with the non-cheesy & inspirational (a rare combination!) ballad "Faith." Then, just when you think her bag of tricks is empty, Jordin sings her heart out on "The Cure," a flawless closer.At the end of the CD portion of Battlefield's deluxe edition are a pair of bonus tracks: the acoustic "Papercut" as well as "Postcard," which is good except for its 'postcard' theme. As a huge Jordin fan, I like them well enough, though they don't really justify the extra cost in themselves. I'll be buying the deluxe, rather, because of the included DVD. Back in the late '90s, these are the kind of things you would have to get separately for an inflated price, so I am grateful for the opportunity these present to us.

Battlefield is a model sophomore effort for any talented artists out there looking to make their mark. Jordin puts that killer voice to excellent use to a soundtrack that is, honestly, much better than her debut. She took some time to find what works best for her & really hit the nail on the head. Incredible talent & quality material like this shouldn't be passed up.

I give it a 4.7 out of 5. Make sure you get your copy, available in stores and on iTunes.


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eyeReview: Maxwell

Disclaimer: This is a really bad review [lol] I'm not into this type of music, but I'm doing it by request. Also, the album did not drop yet so there may or may not be more than 9 tracks on there.

Here's my review for Maxwell's "BLACKsummers'night" album; which drops this Tuesday, July 7th. I wouldn't normally listen to Maxwell, but it was a request so bare with me on this one. To me this is the type of album I would listen to go to sleep, not fall asleep, but go to sleep! Meaning, I really didn't care for listening to it, but it's not as bad as I'm making it seem. There are nine tracks and of those I will say that eyelike two, maybe three of them; which are Bad Habits, Fistful of Tears and Pretty Wings. I really like these songs, the instruments and you can just do a light two step to 'em. This is definitely an album for the mature R&B, neo-soul heads out there. Three of nine isn't bad at all especially since one of the tracks, Pheonix Tise, is a straight instrumental track. I can see me listening to this when I'm married, maybe doing laundry or just in the house by myself singing like no one's watching, and then my kids just walk in on me [lol]. Besides me being bias, I would give the album 4.3 of feyeve stars. Maybe it just has to grow on me, but overall, good job Maxy!



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P.S. Here's the track listing:

1. Bad Habits
2. Cold
3. Fistful of Tears
4. Help Somebody
5. Love You
6. Pheonix Tise
7. Playing Possum
8. Pretty Wings
9. Stop This World

*These tracks may appear differently on the actual album. Continue Entry»

eyeReview: Jeremih

If you haven't copped the new R&B sensation, Jeremih's, self-titled debut studio album, I would definitely recommend that you do that. Whether you go to the store, download it on iTunes, or just listen to it in the player I have provided below, it's a real cool album.

Now for me being critical, I would say that his voice has a bit of something "cliche" going on about it. I don't know if it's because sometimes it sounds like he's using Autotune (which he's not), or maybe it's just that sounds a bit like The Dream and T-pain at times (or at least I think so). His voice is so angelic, like the type of voice that just makes your heart want to melt. Anyways, it's a very good debut album, especially for how the music industry is nowadays. He did a good job of mixing the uptempo and ballads; which I think is a very good move on his part because we all know that Birthday Sex isn't uptempo, but when it comes on in the club, you already know what happens.

Overall, the album is cool [even though there are a couple of tracks that I could do without like My Ride and the uptempo Birthday Sex...I take that back, it's kinda cool lol], but my favorite tracks would have to be Make Up to Break Up, Starting All Over [my favorite], My Sunshine [because its so simple and I could see a female doing a cover to this], Imma Star (Everywhere We Are) [if I'm on my way to club riding with the girls in a shiny new whip lol], and of course the played out Birthday Sex. Good job Jeremih, I give it a 2.8 of Feyeve [5] stars.

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