WBM Album Review: Chrisette Michele "Let Freedom Reign"

Grammy Award winning singer, Chrisette Michele is back with her gutsy "Let Freedom Reign" LP.

Now on her third album, Chrisette stretchs her vocals to take on love, loss and heacier topics and also dabbles a little into rapping.

The albums first single is the edgy "I'm a star". Another notable track is the self empowerment track titled "Number One". She also has a collaboration with Talib Kweli and Black Thought.

But Chrisette Michele reveals vulnerability on "So In Love" her second single featuring Rick Ross. She recaptures her classic, piano-driven sound that drew fans to her 2007 debut with the grand "I Don't Know Why, But I Do," written by John Legend and Jazmine Sullivan.

"Let Freedom Reign" shows an incredible balance in both its content and in the way it contrasts Michele's demure vocals with a bold sound.

Chrisette proves shes here to stay. She will make DEFJAM very happy with this album. I don't think it'll debut at #1 like her last album did, but this album pleases.

A WBM certified album.

WBM Album Review: Jazmine Sullivan "Love Me Back"

"Love Me Back" the new album by Jazmine Sullivan is out now. But I haven't seen any promotion for it, nor have I been able to hear any of the new music being played anywhere either. It was pushed back a few times this year, and the first single "Holding You Down" was a hot song but it didn't get the airplay it needed to gather any attention.

By the time the album was ready to be released "Holding You Down" was far off the radar and the second single "10 Seconds" didn't even make a blimp on the charts.It's one of the better r&b albums I've heard all year but it's safe to say that Jazmine Sullivan has suffered from the "sophomore album jinx".

"Love me back" is a solid effort. With being nominated for seven Grammys and written songs for Jennifer Hudson and Mary J Blige you would think Jazmine has earned some type of respect in the industry.

Jazmine has unique powerful vocals sounding lived-in.Despite her young age, the Philadelphia native’s mature style, voice and writing skills will surely pushed her to explode one day on the charts, but I doubt it will be with this second CD.

If your a true fan of R&B music this album will fulfill your needs but will leave you wanting more.

WBM Album Review: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

With a November 22nd, 2010 release date, the world now has the opportunity to explore the the psyche of the mad scientist, Kanye West. His latest creation: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

What he presents with this 13 track LP, is something that has built up a reputation since the inception of G.O.O.D. Friday, the release of the innovative Mural video, "Power" and short movie, "Runaway" based around the music that this album consists of. Interestingly enough, there's no mistake for how ever the feeling toward Ye may be, his music has quite the appeal to it.

More a hip hop hybrid album, Kanye takes things in another direction from his last project, "808's the Heartbreaks." Featuring Kid Cudi, John Legend, Raekwon, Swizz Beats, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Elton John, Fergie, Bon Iver, CyHi The Prince, Rick Ross, Pusha T, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy makes for a great listen.

Just how great??? Very stellar effort, in my opinion. The fine detail placed on the production from Rza, No ID, Mike Dean, S1, Bink!, Dj Frank E, Jeff Bhasker and Mike Caren coupled with the power collaborations, easily make this 5th studio recording his best work to date.

Standouts include the 3 singles, "Power," "Monster," and "Runaway," but also phenomenal listens in Gorgeous ft. Kid Cudi and Raekwon, Devil In A New Dress ft. Rick Ross and Lost In The World ft. Bon Iver.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is now available and WBM Certified.

WBM Album Review: Nicki Minaj "Pink Friday"

Nicki Minaj is fun, she doesn't like to be called the Lady Gaga of hiphop but she borrows a lot from the looks and attitude from Lady Gaga. She's been featured on so many hit songs, we just couldn't wait for her album to drop. Nicki has been able to keep her name in the press, but if you read it all its never nothing to do with her rapping skills. It's been all about her booty being fake, her fake breasts, plastic surgery, her wild weaves and multi color hair styles. She's a beast on Kanye West's "monster." She's proven to hold her own while being a featured artist.

So we expected a lot out of her album.

Well "Pink Friday" is an album with 13 songs really about nothing. If you listen to the entire album every song has the same story being retold over and over again. You being to ask yourself Dear Nicki, do you have anything else to rap about?

She's very cocky like on "I'm the best" and "Roman's revenge" and then very vulnerable like on "Right thru me" and that's about all the feelings you get out of her. She shows a little humbleness with "save me" and "moment 4 life" with Drake.

Personally, I like her better when she's featured on someone else's track. She's proven she can jump on a track and get the job done for someone else, but when all on her own she struggles.

This album will please the divas, and her large gay following but for true hip hop fans they will be left some what disappointed.

She will probably do well the first week in numbers and then vanish. I expected more. If your going to buy this album get it while it's on sale.

WBM Album Review: Lloyd Banks "Hunger For More 2"

"Hunger For More 2" is one of 2010's Best Hip Hop Albums. After listening to the album in its entirety there really are no fillers. Lloyd does have a lot of guest appearances but its not the usual I need help to make the song hot type deal.

It’s a straight up hip hop album, Lloyd has proved to be a real rapper,hard bars over hard beats.

Every album has to have some radio singles to promote the album and so far all of them have been hits for Mr.Banks. He has been consistently releasing new music on the web and slowly but surely rebuilt his brand.

We never doubted his talent, he's known for his raspy flows and clever punch lines and he comes off very clean and crisp on wax.

His beats are first-rate all the way through supplied by under rated producers Hi-Tek and Baby Grand. You wont be disappointed with the "Hunger for more 2". WBM certified album.

WBM Album Review: Rihanna "Loud"

In 5 years, Rihanna has had 4 multiplatinum albums and now with the release of her 5th album "Loud" the 22 year old singer has also scored her 8th #1 single a duet with Drake called "What's my name?"

"Loud" picks up from last years deep dark "Rated R" album. This album is a lot lighter and more fun. It leaves you wanting more, with each album Rihanna becomes more confident, continues to be sexy and very natural with progression. She's undefeated by her circumstances and finds redemption within her music.
Rihanna has been developed into one of the most revered names in Pop Music and continues to blossom.

The first single off of "Loud" was "only girl in the world" which is still riding high on the charts. The second single "What's my name?" featuring Drake has already taken over the #1 spot. The third single being prepped is the very sexy club banger "S&M". The album also features guests spots by Nicki Minaj, Drake and Eminem.

Rihanna's vocal growth and growth as an artist is shown in the songs "Complicated" and "California king Bed" both powerful ballads. She pushes her limits vocally and her Barbadian accent is always present.This album does not disappoint, and will do well on the charts as well for her career.

Next up for Rihanna is her first motion picture called "Battleship" as well as a new world tour in the works. "Loud" is a WBM certified album, make sure to get a copy.

WBM Presents: Nesra "Tired Of The Extras"

Nesra a rapper thats making a lot of noise in CALI, and soon to be all over the country. His latest effort "Tired of the extras" will be out on August 1st, so get ready. The 7 song EP has a song for everyone, from the club bangers, to mid tempos, and sure to please any hiphop fan.

"Tired of the extras" starts out with the banger "Hard act 2 follow" which leads into the mellow "this time". Nesra never misses a beat with his flows. His story telling ideas and metaphors are on point as well.

Nesra is an WBM certified artist, so take a minute and listen to "Tired of the extras"

Here's the track listing:

1. Hard Act To FollowProduced by DAXAMION
2. This TimeProduced by Big D (SSF)
3. Fast ForwardProduced by AntraxBeats
4. My EverythingProduced by Majestic Drama Nano Beats
5. Behind The Wheel feat. BarnoneProduced by Remy Remaq
6. Be Different feat. Sexi Nina RossiProduced by Davey (DCOHN) D
7. ProblemsProduced by Davey (DCOHN) D

Follow Nesra online:
www.servnu151.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/nesra151
www.twitter.com/nesra
www.facebook.com/nesra151

WBM Music: New Amerykah Part Two Album Review

New Amerykah is a great piece of art. Erykah Badu is embracing her self determination and rediscovering her identity in this new body of work.
She accentuates her inner strength and refusal to let a damaged relationship stifle her growth as an artist.

You can tell the lyrics show an inner conflict that many artists face in wanting to share their music, wanting to create yet feel the pressure the label and fans want or expect from them.

At the end of the day Erkyah truly sheds any masks and inhibitions, inevitably evolving, and putting out some of her best work. She uses a lot of live instrumentation that taps into Badu's emotional side by thematically focusing on romance and relationships, listen to the strings, harps, piano, drums. You feel every emotion she wants you to feel through out the album.

New fans will fall in love with Erykah and true fans will in love with her all over again.

New Amerykah Part Two: Return of The Ankh is WBM certified

WBM Music: Raymond Vs. Raymond Album Review

Usher is back with a new LP interestingly titled Raymond Vs. Raymond. This album is supposed to be more or less about his divorce from Tameka Foster-Raymond. However while listening to this album, you quickly hear what you've been hearing on his past albums, there's no vocal growth nor is there any maturity in the songs. There all simple, talking about the same subject matter borrowing alot from his album Confessions.

It's an alrite album, better than the last but not much better. In a Trey Songz dominated world right now, it's sad that Usher decided to take the safe route this time. It seems the album was produced so plain, unoriginal, and not only are his vocals lazy, but so are the videos he's put out to support the album. "Little freak," one of the better tracks on the album featuring Nicki Minaj was a snooze.

At the end of the day Raymond Vs Raymond is just another generic R&B album where a good male singer sings over uptempo beats. It is official he hasn't grown as an artist since Confessions. This album will please die hard fans, but won't win any new ones.

Raymond Vs. Raymond is WBM certified.

WBM Music: Still Standing (Album Review)

MONICA has never disappointed. With Still Standing it's not just a collection of songs, it's hours of hard work and personal sacrifice. With the recent split up with her baby father Rocko, you can tell the songs are personal, about her relationship and the love for her two sons Rocko and Romelo.

The album is 10 tracks strong and the most mature material we've ever received from Monica. The Ludacris-assisted song, especially, "Still Standing" is one of the best songs on the album next to the single "Everything To Me" and the new single "Mirror."

The album is filled with ballads with nothing much to dance to except for the "If You Were My Man" which has MISSY's all over it.

No one sings about pain, drama, love, cheating and strength like Monica, but at the end of the day the album is certain to be made into a classic. Still Standing is WBM certified.

WBM Music: Battle Of The Sexes Album Review

Ludacris has one of the most distinctive and forever-pleasurable voices in HipHop.

On "Battle of the Sexes," his latest, Ludacris proves he's always been a lover, not a fighter. With songs like "Hey Ho" featuring Lil Kim on the remix and his follow up single "Sex Room" featuring Trey Songz, it looks like this will be another hit album under his belt.

Ludacris's latest project was born trying to give female perspectives, which has been notoriously scarce in hip-hop, Shawnna was suppose to be his main partner in crime but she's rarely on the project. Instead Diamond of Crime Mob, Trina, Eve and Nicki Minaj all are featured on the album.

But still at the end of the day this is Ludacris, and this is Ludacris's album if your a fan you'll continue to be one. With his last two serious efforts, this is a little bit of comic relief and what music has been waiting for.

WBM Music: The Sea (Album Review) - Corrine Bailey Rae

In 2006 a British singer by the name of Corrine Bailey Rae crossed over into the U.S in a major way. She was such a happy, sunny singer full of life. After touring and releasing a few hit singles Corrine went back into the studio. However, in 2008 her husband took his life. 2 years later we're offered "The Sea" Corrine's sophmore album.

The days of being happy are long gone, and we can't blame her for that. She's proven to be a strong woman, and this album shows so much emotion its hard not to listen to the pain in voice. The album is a great album, yet it's full of saddness, grief and heartbreaking songs such as "Are You There," "I'd Do It All Again" or the title track dedicated to her late husband "The Sea."

So much growth vocally, and lyrically more mature if you were a fan before you'll be pleased this time around. She might alienate some who don't want to be in the dark melancholy place but this is true art.

You can tell there were a lot of intense recording being done, and pauses and breaks in between. This album is a lot deeper and has heavier themes then her debut. Overall, it's extremely agreeable, never predictable and most importantly some of the songs are simply irrestible.

Corrine Bailey Rae's the sea is WBM certified.

WBM Music: Ollusion (Album Review)

Omarion is back with a new album after a three year hiatus titled "Ollusion." Interestingly enought, he wrote and co-produced the whole album. You can tell the effort he put into being creative on such tracks like "I Think My Girl Is Bi" and the song "Wet." His voice has matured a bit, and is light years away from his beginnings with B2K.

This album to me is a stepping stone to what can be something great in the future. Omarion has been able to stabilize a solo career with a few hit albums, some movie roles in the past. Some say he doesn't have what it takes to continue the success, but with "Ollusion,"I think it's just to let listeners know he's still around. Omarion even created his own Starworld Entertainment imprint and has released "Ollusion," which is an attempt to show the world of his ever maturing sound. You can tell he had fun making this album especially on the tracks "Hoodie" and "Speedin."

Overall it's decent, but I don't expect it to win any grammy nominations but it will have moderate success. In a time where people don't buy albums anymore it's tuff to sell anything.

But we here at Why Blue Matters wish Omarion the best.

WBM Music: Alicia Keys Brings A Great Element (Of Freedom) To Music

http://www.aliciakeys.com (official web page)

Alicia Keys has never disappointed. So I have high hopes for her latest album "The Element of Freedom". Right off the back "Love is Blind" opens a set and shows so much growth musically and vocally. When I first heard track three "Doesn't Mean Anything," it took awhile to grow on me and now I love it. I wouldn't have picked it to be the first single cause it doesn't represent the album in whole. "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart" is one of those songs that won't go away and will be on radio and video for a long time. It quickly became on my fav. Alicia Keys songs.

Lyrically this is some of her best work to date, she's opened up a lot and tries new things vocally. "Like the Sea" "Un-thinkable (I'm ready)" are worthy mentions. Alicia has been able to capture some elements of the 80s and incorporate with her latest sound. I think I would have enjoyed "Put It in a Love Song" with Beyonce on the track. She (Beyonce) holds back a great deal from her usual vocal delivery. "Distance and Time" is one of those tracks you can throw on when your having a bad day.

Element of Freedom came out a good time, the winter season. You can throw it on and warm up to a nice fire. Find a good cuddle buddy and enjoy yourself. It's a very mellow album, no club bangers, it ends with a stripped version of "Empire State of Mind." True Alicia Keys fans will enjoy this album. She's always had that crossover appeal and didn't disappoint.

Album Review Vs Gucci Mane

Gucci Mane is the GO TO man for 2009. From his collaborations with Mariah Carey to Teairra Mari just to name a few, there isn't a track he hasn't been featured on. His latest release, THE STATE VS Radric Davis is pretty official. The album starts off with an honest intro titled "Classical."

The song "Heavy" opens the album then leads into a collabo with Lil Wayne and Cam'ron called "Stupid Wild." From then on Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Usher make appearances on this bass heavy album. The softer side of Gucci can be heard on the song "I Think I'm In Love" and "Bad Bad Bad" featuring Keyshia Cole which is screraming to be the next single to be released of fthe album.

The album's interludes are comical and overall pleases hip-hop and r&b music listeners. The subject matter isn't anything that we haven't heard before, but we see life through Gucci's eyes. He'll be heard playing in cars for a long time to come. This album is a great effort into solidifying Gucci as a super star.

Brown's Graffiti Shows He's Here To Stay

I can't judge Chris Brown the person the same as Chris Brown the artist. With that said, we'll move forward with his third album, Graffiti's review. With the release of the albums first single "I Can Transform Ya," it didn't perform as well as the label would have liked, but the same problem, interestingly enough plagued his second album with the single "Wall To Wall" which didn't help push units.

The second song on Graffiti called "Sing Like Me" really shows vocal growth for Chris. Another great single "Crawl" also has singer Cassie in the music video, shows the softer side of Chris, the Chris Brown that we're used too. You can't help but wonder if some of the songs on Graffiti are about Rihanna.

The album is filled with mid tempo ballads. One that stands out in particular, is "So Cold" which features Esther Dean in the background singing and produced by Polow Da Don. "What I Do" features rapper Plies in a forgettable collaboration. "Famous Girl" produced by Ryan Leslie would have been more suited for Ryan then Chris. On the other hand, a slow jam that's going to get a lot of play time in the bedrooms is "Take My Time" which features Tank.

There's a few fillers like "Iya" and "Pass Out" which is a revamped more techno filled song similiar to his prior hit "Forever" from his previous release. The song "Wait" featuring Trey Songz and The Game is screaming to be released to the clubs. In my opinion, the album ends on a good note with the songs "Fallen" and "I'll Go."

Overall "Graffiti" will keep Chris's fan base happy, but musically there's nothing exciting going on here. I guess the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" can be said for this album. I expected more but I guess he has to play it safe to continue to reshape his image.

Rated R(eview)

Rihanna RATED R - if you're expecting the happy, sexy, yet still vulnerable RIHANNA back in the "UMBRELLA" era. She's long gone, the new RIHANNA is strong and not taking any s&*!. She isn't afraid to take chances and this whole album is taking one big chance. Some of the material might alienate some fans but to her die hard fans who've supported her from day one she's still the delivering good music.

The album starts off with a creepy sounding interlude titled MAD HOUSE and quickly leads into WAIT YOUR TURN the 2nd single off of RATED R. "Stupid in love" is an r&b ballad that's screaming to become a single. Rihanna is known for her power ballads, RATED R is full of electronica dance pop tunes with heavy on the guitar riffs. There's a lot of vocal growth and maturity in the songs on RATED R especially on the song "Photographs".

Rihanna executive produced the album and co-wrote most of the material. Usually albums have filler tracks, but RATED R has 13 solid songs. With the song "G4L" she's setting it straight you don't mess with her and get away with it. RIHANNA has always been one step ahead of the game, this is where music is heading towards. She ends the album with "the last song" which is a powerful pop ballad. Rihanna has nothing to prove and makes it very clear she's here to stay.

Like a Charm

Pretty Ricky are back with their self titled album. With the lead off single "Tipsy" to their latest "Say a Command," you can only imagine what your going to get with this LP. Additionally, there are plenty of sex songs that are pretty blunt in language, as with "Menage a Trois" and "Sticky."

Interestingly enough, this is the first album to feature new member Lingerie since the departure of Pleasure P and 4Play. Howver, the chemistry is still there and a lot of babies will be made to this most recent release. Overall, it's a very good album. Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick 'em and Lingerie don't hold back one bit-- they give you their all. The album is a snapshot of what the typical urban male with a high sex drive is all about, and for better or worse, it works like a charm.

Has The Self Destruction Begun?

Before I Self Destruct is the fourth album by 50Cent. It's also his final solo release with Interscope Records. "Before I Self Destruct," is tough to take. His ego worked back when he dropped his debut album, Get Rich or Die Trying, but as the years go by 50's album sales have gotten smaller and smaller. Songs like “Crime Wave”, “Get It Hot”, and “Ok, You’re Right” are classic 50 Cent. However, many of the producers on the album are lesser-known. Overall the album is a great offering from 50 Cent but falls short from previous works.

(Is all fair) In Love and War?

It has been in love and war for the past few years with Amerie. Her third album was shelved in the U.S. and she was later released from her label to then she sign a deal with DEFJAM. The album kept getting pushed back. Finally In Love and War is out. With hardly any promotion, no hit singles, hardly any radio play or video play is there room for Amerie in today's market?

When the single "Why R U" was released, it took a while to catch the interest of listeners and then it fizzled away. The follow up,"Heard Em All" was released and didn't get any attention, so a remix was thrown out featuring Lil Wayne on it--that didn't do much either. Now In Love & War is on its third single "Pretty Brown Eyes" featuring Trey Songz. I'm not quite sure what the future holds, but it seems as if this single is doomed to have the same fate as the two prior releases.

I didn't have high expectations for this album. When I found out she wasn't working with Rich Harrison who was responsible for her past hits, I thought Amerie was going to bring it with a new sound. Suprisingly, every song sounds like a Rich Harrison song but it was exectuive produced by L.A Reid--go figure (shrugs).

Vocally, she hasn't progressed at all; the same pitch, the same notes somewhere down the line someone told her that "One Thing" type style was still was still hot. At the same time, In love and War does have a few tricks up its sleeve. It features a mid-tempo song called "More Than Love." It features Fabolous and is very reminiscent to her debut single. "Swag Back" is another mid-tempo joint worth listening to. The ballad "Red Eye" is a direction in which I think she should concentrate her efforts on any future project(s). She closes off the album with the ballad "Dear John" where you really get the chance to hear her vocal capabilities.

I really want Amerie to succeed. With the right writers and production team behind her I think she has what it takes to progress. With now having 4 albums under her belt she has earned gold sales twice and has a had a few top ten singles. I was expecting more from her this time around. If you like "Heard Em All" and "Why R U" you'll enjoy this album. There are more fillers on this album , yet hardly any club bangers.

Overall it's a decent album.