Music Reviews...

Relapse by Eminem
Tracks: 20
Rating: ♪♪♪

Eminem finally returns to the game after a near 5-year hiatus, and this album has been highly anticipated. However, the hype and anticipation goes unwarranted as Eminem gives a less than stellar performance on this album. He sticks with his old formula of shocking lyrics and rewind that back, what did he just say material but some of the metaphors that he had been known to kill the game in the past just don’t add up on this album. Sometimes it seems that he relies strictly on his wordplay alone to carry him through this album. However, he does manage to give a few gems Slim Shady style and gives a glimpse into what is going on in the head of Marshall Mathers on the track Beautiful.

Notable Tracks:
Beautiful
Same Song and Dance
My Mom
Underground


Epiphany by Chrisette Michele
Tracks: 12
Rating: ♪♪♪♪

After a strong showing on her first album, I Am, Chrisette had gained a following that anxiously anticipated a new release, and Epiphany does not disappoint. Epiphany shows a growth in the Chrisette as an artist and a bigger budget with more solid production. Lyrically, she gives a stellar performance. She starts the album strong with her lead single, Epiphany, a catchy and mature break-up anthem, and she doesn’t let you go throughout the album. Another solid effort from one of the industry’s up & comers.

Notable Tracks:
Epiphany
Blame It On Me
Notebook
What You Do (feat. Ne-Yo)


In A Perfect World by Keri Hilson
Tracks: 14
Rating: ♪♪♪ 1/2

It’s quite apparent that from first listen to this newcomer that she isn’t as vocally strong as some would hope for, but she makes up for it with strong lyrical content over decent beats with catchy hooks. Keri Hilson gives a decent effort on In a Perfect World... although she does fall short of the hype she generated with two solid singles, Energy and Turnin’ Me On. Overall, it is not a bad album and it isn’t entirely forgettable. She fits in nicely among the R&B/Pop divas of this time period (Rihanna, Beyonce, Ashanti, etc.)

Notable Tracks:
Knocks You Down (feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye West)
Slow Dance
Energy
Turnin’ Me On (Feat. Lil Wayne)