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Archive for the ‘Album Reviews’ Category

With "Teenage Dream" Katy Perry wanted to create an album that didn't stray from the musical equation which has been so successful for her. Mission accomplished: She's made an album that her fans will love which also shows zero progress as an artist.

There aren't too many musical acts who have been around for over three decades that still find relevance in their genre. "The Final Frontier" is Iron Maiden's way of once again proving that they fall into such an elite group of legends.

Rather than pursuing further experimentation, as she did with "Body Talk Pt. 1," the series' second album reverts back to the sound which modern Robyn fans have come to know her by. "Body Talk Pt. 2" is Robyn at her finest.

Following the death of drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan, the remaining members of Avenged Sevenfold were faced with the decision of whether or not to continue on as a band. To honor their brother, they did, and in the process they've created an album that will define the band for years to come.

An all-star cast boasting some of today's hottest names helps Rick Ross in his return to the mic in 2010. With or without the likes of Kanye & Jay-Z however, the end result is pretty much what you'd expect: "Teflon Don" is simply about flossin'.

While growing up roughly 100 miles from Memphis as a child, Sheryl Crow developed a passion for the sound and spirit that characterized a generation of soul music. With the release of her new album however, she does little to recreate any of that on her own.

Prince dropped an unexpected announcement at the 2010 BET Awards: In less than one month he would be releasing a new album, "20Ten." What's even more surprising however is that the record is as honest a return to the enigma's most celebrated sound.

While under-aged pop songstresses are being prematurely pushed toward pursuing overtly-sexual personas, Kylie Minogue has returned with her 11th studio album and casually eclipsed them all. Not bad for a 42-year-old pop vocalist.

Following the dark overtones of 2008's "Rising Down," the Legendary Roots Crew have returned with "How I Got Over," a record that reexamines the bleak state of our culture, this time striving to find a glimmer of hope amongst the darkness.

Nearly 34 years after releasing their self-titled debut, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have returned with "Mojo," the group's first record since 2002's "The Last DJ," and the first to take a long hard look at the blues.