Birmingham’s multiracial Beat, led by Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, boasted one of the most infectious sounds of the early ’80s, a joyous blend of ska, reggae and pop. This generous 5-CD box set contains frenetic hits like “Mirror in the Bathroom,” a plethora of bonus material and a photo-filled biographical booklet.
The beloved musical about Eva Peron has enjoyed phenomenal success, including a movie with Madonna and Antonio Banderas. The latest stage version stars Elena Roger and Ricky Martin as Ché, who deliver an enhanced Latin flavor to the score with sultry tangos and a stirring Spanish rendition of the famous “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”
This one’s for the non-Beliebers out there. Justin turned 18 on March 1—and it shows. The Canadian sensation’s latest recording presents a new, mature Biebs. Gone are the innocent odes to puppy love that characterized My World 2.0. In their place is a more adult R&B sound influenced by one of pop’s biggest legends. “Michael Jackson is my inspiration,” admits Bieber. “For me, he’s the greatest—he’s the King of Pop—and everything I do, I do to be the greatest.” Featuring co-writes with A-list guests like Drake, Nicki Minaj and Ludacris, Believe has something for everyone: ballads (“Fall,” “Right Here”), club bangers (“Beaut...
Minogue, who performed for Her Majesty at the Diamond Jubilee concert, is Australia’s pop queen, having sold more than 68 million records worldwide. This generous CD/DVD collection features 21 of her most popular songs and videos, including her first single, “Locomotion,” and the synth-laden hit “Can’t Get You Outta My Head.”
Maroon 5 and frontman Adam Levine are certainly not complaining about overexposure. The California rockers became ubiquitous last year with their worldwide smash “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera, and Levine’s prime-time presence as a judge on The Voice. Now the band is embracing its new pop-centric profile. “We’ve decided to stay on that path,” says Levine. “We tapped into something really special.” Maroon 5’s fourth studio album abandons the last vestiges of the group’s soft-rock past in favor of an unabashedly dance-friendly sound. Working with hitmakers like Britney Spears songwriter Max Martin, the band f...
There’s never a dull moment in Usher’s world. The Atlanta crooner, one of the world’s top-selling artists and Justin Bieber’s mentor, is currently going through a custody battle with his ex-wife Tameka Foster. Usher will also be fighting in the upcoming movie Hands of Stone, appearing as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard. As if that wasn’t enough, the 33-year-old star, now romantically linked to his manager, Grace Miguel, is making music he calls “revolutionary pop.” Usher’s new album certainly breaks fresh ground. The Diplo-produced “Climax,” which explores a relationship’s torturous end, mixes r&b and electronic music into a futu...
The full album title runs 23 words—a trifle compared to the 90-word title of her 1999 CD. Apple’s fourth release, her first in seven years, is passionate, quirky, mysterious and compelling, like the artist herself. Recorded with piano and drums, it features the reckless jazz of “Left Alone” and the wildly sexy “Hot Knife.”
In hindsight, the benefits of Simon’s controversial album far outweighed any detriments of his breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa. This special reissue, complete with bonus tracks and the Under African Skies documentary, are a joyous reminder of the groundbreaking album that Whoopi Goldberg enthusiastically declares a “perfect storm.”
No one in popular music marches to the beat of his own drum quite like Neil. The iconic rocker often changes direction, alienating people in the process. But his refusal to bow to expectations—and his ability to surprise—has also endeared him to fans. Young’s latest album with his band, a collection of old folk tunes, does just that. “They’re songs we all know from kindergarten,” says Young. “But Crazy Horse has rearranged them and now they belong to us.” With their ragged, rocking renditions, Young and his band reclaim classics like “Clementine,” “Oh Susannah” and “Jesus’ Chariot” (aka “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain”) ...
An accomplished actress, Kramer is a convincing country singer on her debut album. Although born in Detroit, she sings with the sass and twang of a genuine Nashville siren, especially on “Why Ya Wanna” and “Whiskey,” which she performed as actress Alex Dupre on TV’s One Tree Hill last year.
