Posted by andPOP Staff on December 21st, 2006

You have a couple more days to pick up your Christmas gifts. Here are Paul Telner and Byron Pascoe’s reviews of some CDs you might be considering.

Chantal Kreviazuk’s Ghost Stories (Sony/BMG)
One of Canada’s finest singer/songwriters with a knack for composing brilliant songs for some of today’s youngest and most talented artists is back with her latest. The special single “All I Can Do,” is one of her finest to date. There is no question Kreviazuk can write amazing, heart-wrenching music and has mastered the piano, however this latest disc has a low, possibly depressing feel to it. Produced by and for the most part co-written by her talented husband Raine Maida, the album has incredibly thoughtful and rich songs such as “Ghosts of You,” “Mad About You,” “Grow up so Fast,” and “Wonderful.” The authentic album gives goose bumps at times but can also unfortunately be dull in other areas. Chantal is a brilliant artist but Ghost Stories takes some dark turns which will take some getting used to… unless that’s your thing.
3.5/5

Jet’s Shine On (Atlantic)
Australian rockers Jet are back with a hard-hitting, rock n’ roll album that follows their stellar Get Born offering. They don’t hold back with an exciting, high-energy rock fest in the tradition of the music that paved their way. Produced by Dave Sardy, who also has worked with Brit legends Oasis, has helped to make Shine On a great fit with your collection of Oasis and Beatles records. Songs to listen out for include “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” the beautifully arranged rock pop anthem of “Bring It On Back,” which is destined to be a hit and the gorgeous title track rock ballad. We’re excited about this album and feel it’s one of the best albums of the year. Go pick this album up!
5/5

Fort Minor’s The Rising Tied (Warner)
An ambitious hip hop project, from Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and exec-produced by legendary hip hop artist Jay-Z, this project includes appearances by some of the best in the game from Black Thought and The Roots to Styles of Beyond. Are there too many cooks in the kitchen? Hardly. This is one of the most positive hip hop albums released in the past few years. Shinoda is a good rapper, but his voice lacks an edge; it’s more clear than stylized. However the music delivers. Standouts include their single “Where’d You Go,” which features Holly Brook and Jonah Matranga, the hip hop House of Pain sounding “Petrified,” and “High Road” featuring John Legend. The album has dark, fun and emotional moments and is a very well produced and written.
4/5

Aaron Neville’s Bring It On Home… The Soul Classics (Sony/BMG)
Aaron Neville is back with latest musical accomplishment; an album of his interpretations of some of his favourite soul music. This is a deliciously romantic, serious and beautiful collection of songs including the stellar “Rain Night In Georgia” featuring Chris Botti, the incredible (sittin’ on) “The Dock of the Bay”, and the mellow and emotional interpretation of the standard, “Stand By Me”.
5/5

Cheyenne Kimball’s The Day Has Come (Sony/BMG)
Cheyenne is the star of her own reality MTV hit show documenting her musical journey launching her debut album. It showed the beautiful singer and the crazy life she lives. Cheyenne co-wrote her addictive songs with some help from Canadian music power couple Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida. Off to an amazing start with her talent, direction, drive and the “it” factor, Cheyenne’s big songs include “Hanging on,” “Four Walls,” “Didn’t I” and “Full Circle.”
3.5/5

Angels and Airwaves’ We Don’t Need to Whisper (Geffen Records)
We miss the groundbreaking Blink 182 and while this might not be the answer to Blink’s departure, their former front-man Tom Delonge is back with this highly ambitious project. The Angels and Airwaves album is thoughtful with a big sound, which made bands like Coldplay famous. Known for his catchy songs about dating girls and being as silly as a frat boy on stage, Tom is clearly capable of moving, dark and gorgeous music that would fit incredibly well with a film soundtrack about space or time travel. Songs include “Valkyrie Missile,” “Distraction,” “The Adventure,” and “It Hurts.” While no Liam Gallagher, Tom’s voice fits perfectly with the band’s big sound. The experience of hearing this album from start to finish is like watching a good movie, and worth taking a listen.
4/5

Paris Hilton’s Paris (Warner Music)
We all know who Paris Hilton is; but what does she do? She created a career out of looking pretty, having famous friends and partying. We can now add ‘musician’ to her CV. Paris is kind of like the rich girl who has the best party, hires a great band to play and gets up on stage to sing along. The talent comes from the band; not the girl singing. While lacking talent and real music ability, Paris was smart enough to hire very capable musicians around her to compensate. Album collaborators include real musicians from Fat Joe to Jadakiss. Paris doesn’t really sing; it’s more like soft whispering over really great beats. The album’s best track is “Screwed” which will surely become a club favourite. But the album isn’t a disaster, and you might even find yourself singing along, just don’t tell anyone.
3.5/5

Beyonce’s B’Day (Sony/BMG)
One of today’s best artists, you don’t get more beautiful or talented than Beyonce. The definition of a star, she mixes sounds of today (hip hop) and yesterday (soul to R&B). Her latest album has some catchy highflying songs which including “déjà vu” with a stunning duet with Jay Z. The album starts off strong and ends even stronger. It’s the in between that struggles to find its inner voice. We still recommend this album because of the sick beats and great vocals.
3.5/5

George’s Believe (MapleMusic)
There’s a new name hitting the pop and R&B world. Meet the newest sensation, George. His debut album, the first album to be released on former Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough’s new label, is energetic, dancy and popish. More than another pop music pretty face, George’s first single “Talk to Me” is a sentimental love song that is already becoming popular from heavy radio play.
3/5

Stefy’s The Orange Album (Wind Up Records / Warner)
Get ready for the next big pop band this year. Meet Stefy Rae, the lead singer of the breakout new band from Orange County. Stefy’s sound is energetic, fun, dancy, poppy but not stupid. Songs to watch for include the sad and topical song “Orange County” to Paul’s personal favourite, “Orange Crush.”
4/5

Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds (Sony/BMG)
Love or despise him, it’s hard to disregard Justin’s talent and musical ability. He is a great performer, can create club anthems, and has old-fashioned charm making girls shake their bootys in clubs worldwide. With great beats and hooks, JT’s latest has a refreshing sexy futuristic sound. This album is much more mature then previous projects. With such songs as the massive hit “SexyBack,” “Sexy Ladies,” and the catchy and funky “LoveStoned,” it’s a great mix of hip hop, funk, soul and R&B, every step of the way.
4/5

Tags: telner