House, R&B, Soul & Rap > G House, R&B, Soul & Rap > Green, Al

Advantages: Smoo-ooth, romantic tunes
Disadvantages: NoTake Me To The River

Al Green puts everything into his music. He's now a Reverend, back to performing occasionally, but any recordings he makes nowadays are more likely to be gospel music than the smooth, sexy soul on this album. On some songs he even sounds persuasively raunchy - in "Let's get married" when the song slows down and he starts pleading it turns into what must be the best love song ever. He's very emotional - his hesitant vocal on "I'm so tired of being ...
...He was involved in writing most of the songs, so it could all be based on his own experience. And yet, at times he manages to sound very laidback and understated. It's not only when Green sings, either: a seductive brass section is a very important feature in his music, along with divine backing vocals, some of which remind you of earlier, 60s, Aretha Franklin tracks. The introduction to "I'm still in love with you", with just 4 chords of gorgeous ... Read review

Advantages: a wonderful return of an american master
Disadvantages: lyrics

...revival to Neptune. I Can't Stop, Green's first full-length secular album in 26 years, succeeds in both showing how powerful and real the myth of Al Green is and in showing how the myth can differ from the artist as well. It not only shows why he is considered as, arguably, the greatest soul artist of all time, but also the full range of the gifts that made him mythic in nature, as well as the deeply human element of his art that has compelled people ...
...art will be satisfied; for I Cant Stop is a portrait of a great artist in nearly full command of his faculties, with the guts to use all of them. Just because he's almost a wistful 60 doesn't mean that the right reverend has become a eunuch. The title track starts off where Belle, his epic last full-length secular album, ended. And this needs explanation. In "Dream," the final track to the album, Green kissed his muse goodbye in what can only be ... Read review

Advantages: Good
Disadvantages: None

Shystie aka Chanelle Calica grew up in Hackney and is the queen in the urban music sceen in the UK. If you have not heard her music you may recognise her from "Dub plate drama" or the recent film "Adulthood" playing the character Lisa. The album "Diamond in the dirt" has a mixed variety of music. For some reason being a female and an MC doesn't seem to mix in the eyes of a male. But Shystie proves that females are just as good if not better when ...
...in the girls corner with "womens world" shows the integrity and intelligence of this woman and at the same time is able to bring comedy into the equation. "One wish" has got to be one of her darker songs but shows the pain of growing up in Hackney first hand. www.myspace.com/shystie ... Read review

Advantages: Great variety
Disadvantages: Not everyones cup of tea

This has got to be the best album from Dizzee Rascal. He has his own original style and unique lyrics which can't be compared to any other MC in the UK. Dizzee Rascal grew up in east London and started to get into the music scene by doing his own pirate radio show and Being a DJ in the clubs. The now 21 year old now owns his own recored label "Dirtee Stank Recordings" represented by a logo which he describes as "a lump of shit". His first single ...
...one of the most memorable songs from the album. Heavy old school base and a great music video to go with it. What makes this album so appealing? The fact that he is honest about his life living in London and he isn't afraid to cause controversy. An example song would be "Hold ya mouth" where he discuses his opinion on the police, the queen etc. with true emotion. As well as good club music, this album shows his darker side also. Although it appears ... Read review

Advantages: Great music and lyrics, vocals
Disadvantages: Nothing

...of the funkiest tracks on Here I Stand. 4.) Trading Places This opens with a pounding drum beat and then a piano comes in. I love the way the drum beat moves along throught the song and this is a great track about giving something back to your partner and doing things for them that they have done for you. More songs should be like this. 5.) Moving Mountains This was the first song I heard from the album before it was released as this was one ...
...on this album. 18) Here I Stand This is a lovely ballad that has an old style feel. Usher sounds amazing in this superb ballad. This is about Usher's life as he sees it at the moment of recording the album and what he feels about his wife and son. A gorgeous track in every way. 19.) Will Work for love This is a superb end to Here I Stand. This track tells the tale of a heartbroken Man trying to find love. One of the most unique tracks Usher has ... Read review