Jennifer Hudson: Jennifer Hudson

Album Review Coming Soon

Jennifer Hudson: If It Isn't Love & What's Wrong (Go Away)

This weeks song of the week is interestingly jennifer Hudson's "if It Isn't Love" off of her debut album out tuesday. the song is absolutely breathtaking, and will likely go down as my favorite ballad of the year...by far.



As a bonus, I also have, for your enjoyment, her duet with T-Pain. yes, you read right. J. Hud. T-Pain. Duet. Amazingly, the song works and their voices compliment it each very well. The note, yes...note, at the end is killer. Good stuff.

Jazmine Sullivan: After The Hurrcane

Produced by Stargate, Jazmine Sullivan's "After The Hurricane" showcases the immense talent of an amazing singer. I'm sure that her star shall shine brightly for years to come, especially if this indeed the third single.

In regard to the song, the selection tells the story of a relationship where one individual is as harmful to the relationship as a hurricane is harmful to the lives of people. With lyrics such as "Now my life is shattered and I'm left to pick up the pieces, I found a new beginning to pick the pieces back together, just like after a hurricane" the tune is a must hear.

Solange: T.O.N.Y.

"T.O.N.Y." stands for "The Other Night...Why" and is by far the standout track on her sophomore album. Co-written with Cee-Lo, the track tells the tale of a possible one night stand that has subsequently led to emotional turmoil for the singer.

Throughout the song the antagonist is simply referred to as "Tony" and she even notes that the story "would make a real good song" and how "she could have been in love right by now, if it wasn't for...T.O.N.Y."

T.I.: Paper Trail

Released on September 30, 2008, T.I.'s sixth album "Paper Trail" is a testament to trials & tribulations, as well as T.I.'s return to paper. This album of course, marks the first time that the rapper has supposedly written lyrics down while recording since his debut album.

First official single "Whatever You Like" is already marked as T.I.'s biggest hit. Having already topped the Hot 100 & Hot Rap Tracks, the track is sure to go #1 in Airplay and is almost assured the #1 spot on R&B/Hip-Hop.

I'm sure you all know that I love rap songs with catchy hooks by R&B/Pop artists, so their should be no surprise that I'm elated that the second single is the infectuous "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. Other similar tracks include the John Legend assisted "Slide Show", the Usher assisted "My Life, Your Entertainment, and the Justin Timberlake assisted "Dead & Gone."

In reference to "Dead & Gone" T.I. kills it lyrically as he pays homage to those that he has lost. "You Ain't Missin Nothin" is another track where he talks about those lost to incarceration, which is obviously an emotional subject considering T.I.'s recent run-in with the law.

Street singles "No Matter What", "Swing Ya Rag" and the superb "What's Up, What's Haapnin" have created quite a buzz for the once "underground" rapper. "Swagger Like Us" featuring Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, and Kanye West is likely to be one of the rap anthems of the year. And the Ludacris assisted track ("On Top of the World") officially squashes all thoughts of beef between my two favorite rappers. Further more with tracks like "Ready for Whatever" T.I. has definitely created a paper trail of amazing albums.

Tracklist
1. 56 Bars
2. I'm Illy
3. Ready for Whatever
4. On Top of the World
5. Live Your Life
6. Whatever You Like
7. No Matter What
8. My Life Your Entertainment
9. Porn Star
10. Swing Ya Rag
11. What's Up, What's Haapnin
12. Every Chance I Get
13. Swagger Like Us
14. Slide Show
15. You Ain't Missin' Nothin'
15. Dead & Gone

Top 3 Tracks
What's Up, What's Haapnin ~ Ready for Whatever ~ Whatever You Like

Jazmine Sullivan: Fearless

Released on September 23, 2008, Jazmine Sullivan's debut album "Fearless" is sure to make her a contender for best new R&B artist of the year. Lead single "Need You Bad" (produced by Missy Elliot) has already topped Billboard's R&B/Hop Songs chart.

Second single "Bust Your Windows" is likely to become one of the female anthems of the fall with lyrics such as "I'll bust your windows out your car, you should be lucky that is all I did." Sullivan's reggae influenced R&B and strong vocals are quite refreshing in the same ol' industry that we are in today.

Notably, "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" is one of the most sincere, heartfelt power ballads that I have heard in a long time. In the tune, Sullivan professes that she's not afraid of the "Wizard of Oz" noted creatures, but that she is is afraid of "falling in love..."

Likewise, the standout track "After the Hurricane" is so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes every time that I hear it. In fact, the album is worth a listen just for that track. Definite single material.

Tracklist
1. Bust Your Windows
2. Need You Bad
3. My Foolish Heart
4. Lions, Tigers, & Bears
5. Call Me Guilty
6. One Night Stand
7. After the Hurricane
8. Dream Big
9. Live A Lie
10. Fear
11. In Love with Another
12. Switch

Top 3 Tracks
After the Hurricane ~ Lions, Tigers, & Bears ~ Dream Big

T-Pain & Ludacris: Chopped N Screwed

T-Pain's second single featuring Ludacris "Chopped N Screwed" is a certified winner. Although it took me awhile for previous single "Can't Believe It" to grow on me, "Chopped..." was instant. The mid-tempo slow jam is sure to set the clubs on fire this Fall.

The song, produced by T-Pain himself, is an ode to men who are seduced and subsequently played by women, hence the name reference of chopped and then screwed. I'm sure that this will become another Top 10 hit for T-pain.

Ne-Yo: The Year of the Gentleman

Released on September 16, 2008, Ne-Yo's third album "The Year of the Gentleman" separates the writer-turned-crooner from the majority of his contemporaries. First single "Closer" seemed to be a huge risk at first (evident by its barely Top 20 peaking at Urban radio); however, the euro-pop, dance infused song exploded at Pop radio and has since hit the #1 spot on the Hot 100 Airplay.

However, it is second single "Miss Independent" that really holds the album together. The standout track is sure to become one of the biggest hits of Ne-Yo's career. Like the aforementioned tracks, "Year..." relies on smooth ballads, laced with even smoother, gentler beats.

Tracks suck as "Single" and "Mad" are personal favorites; however, the ingeniousness of the album somewhat gets drowned out by its repetitiveness. In fact, after track #5 ("Miss Independent") the rest of the songs seem to blend in together, though that is not necessarily a bad thing. I suppose that it is better to have similar, listenable tracks than... Of which, makes "Year..." definitely an album Ne-Yo should be proud of and that any R&B fan can simply play from start to finish.

Tracklist
1. Closer
2. Nobody
3. Single
4. Mad
5. Miss Independent
6. Why Does She Stay
7. Fade Into the Background
8. So You Can Cry
9. Part of the List
10. Back To What You Know
11. Lie To
12. Stop This World

Top 3 Tracks
Miss Independent ~ Single ~ Mad

Solange: Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams

Released on August 18, 2008, Solange Knowles' second album forever changed the way that the world will view Beyonce's little sister. First off, I have to commend her for taking the initiative and getting signed to a new label as well as for creating music that she seems to truly enjoyed making. Now, for the album.

The album was preceded by the singles "I Decided" (Pt. 1 & 2) and "Sandcastle Disco" produced by the Neptunes and Soulshock, respectively. Notably "Sandcastle..." and album track "T.O.N.Y." are absolutely breathtaking. Both co-written by Solange and Cee-Lo, the simplicity of Solange's vocals and the live instruments make for a mesmerizing listen.

Tracks like "6 O' Clock Blues" (another Soulshock production) and "Ode To Marvin" allow Solange to showcase a true 60s/70s disco-soul feel without sounding cliche. In fact, on tracks like the aforementioned "T.O.N.Y.", Solange sounds fresher than many of her past contemporaries in the genre.

"Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams" is an album for the future and I hope that it gets the recognition that it deserves. Definite kudos go to anyone, who like Solange, is willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something different. Especially, when they can pull it off like Ms. Knowles.

1. God Given Name
2. T.O.N.Y.
3. Dancing In The Dark
4. Would've Been The One
5. Sandcastle Disco
6. I Decided (Pt. 1)
7. Valentines Day
8. 6 O' Clock Blues
9. Ode to Marvin
10. I Told Yo So
11. Cosmic Journey
12. This Burd
13. I Decided (Pt. 2)

Top 3 Tracks
T.O.N.Y. ~ Sandcastle Disco ~ Would've Been The One

The Pussycat Dolls: Elevator

Starting this week, every week I will do a review of my current Zykiox "Song of the Week." This week, I have been entranced by "Elevator" track #11 on The Pussycat Dolls new album "Doll Domination" which will be released on September 23, 2008. The song, produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins is a mid-tempo featuring lead vocals by Nicole Scherzinger and Melody Thornton.

The song focuses on the literal "ups and downs" of a relationship. With lyrics such as "but you love me today, don't want me around tomorrow" and "you stuck on one, while I'm pressing three, when we get back on the fourth floor then we disagree" the song is a definite single contender.

Jesse McCartney: Departure

Released on May 20, 2008, Jesse McCartney's third album "Departure" is very interesting indeed. The first single "Leavin' is currently the #1 most played song on Pop radio and the rumored second single "It's Over" is by far one of my most admired songs of the moment.

Although he may be pushing it a bit with these hip-hop tenged beats, Jesse usually comes across sincere. After the smash that was Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" (which Jesse co-wrote), he covers the track amazingly as a bonus track on this album.

Other standout tracks include the Sean Garrett produced "Into Ya" and the J.R. Rotem produced "My Baby", both of which are definitely crossover single material. Other songs such as "Relapse" and "Freaky" are also of noteworthy mention.

Although decent, tracks such as "Runnin", "Rock You", and "Make Up" annoy me, thanks to Jesse' interesting, and somewhat uninispiring delivery of the hook. In the same vein, "Told You So" and "How Do You Sleep", although not as catchy, are great for their simplistic delivery.

Tracklist
1. Leavin
2. It's Over
3. Rock You
4. How Do You Sleep?
5. Into Ya
6. Make Up
7. My Baby
8. Told You So
9. Relapse
10. Runnin
11. Freaky
12. Not Your Enemy
13. Bleeding Love (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
It's Over ~ My Baby ~ Into Ya

Mariah Carey: I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time

As noted before, Mariah Carey's lastest studio album "E=MC²" was released this past year. With the debut of the video for the 3rd single, let's take a moment to officially premiere that "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" (Remix) featuring T.I. here on Zd5!

Lil' Wayne: Tha Carter III

Let me start by saying that I usualy only listen to Ludacirs & T.I.;however, it was literally impossible for me to go without doing a review on Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter III" released on June 10, 2008.

The album was led by the #1 single "Lollipop" which is currently being followed up by the smashing single "A Milli", a personal favorite. Having never listened to a previous Weezy album, I can only comment on what I've heard on this one.

Standout tracks include the Jaz-Z assisted "Mr. Carter", the T-Pain assisted "Got Money", the Babyface assisted "Comfortable" the Robin Thicke assisted "Tie My Hands", and of course the aforementioned "A Milli."

Although not particularly a Bobby V. fan, he does justice on "Mrs. Officer" where Lil' Wayne's flow and delivery is just insane. Speaking of instanity, Weezy's "Dr. Carter" and "Phone Home" make me wonder about him, even though both tracks are enjoyable and laughable at the same time.

Already the #1 selling album of the year in the U.S. I can't wait to hear & see where Lil' Wayne goes with this taste of mainstream celebrity.

Trackslit
1. 3 Peat
2. Mr. Carter
3. A Milli
4. Got Money
5. Comfortable
6. Dr. Carter
7. Phone Home
8. Tie My Hands
9. Mrs. Officer
10. Let The Beat Build
11. Shoot Me Down
12. Lollipop
12. LaLa
14. Playing With Fire
15. Ya'll Ain't Got Nuthin
16. Don't Get It
17. Lollipop (Remix)
18. Prostitute 2

Top 3 Tracks
Tie My Hands ~ A Milli ~ Comfortable

Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad

Keeping up with releasing an album, Rihanna re-released her third album Good Girl Gone Bad on June 17, 2008. The original album was led by the #1 worldwide single of 2007 "Umbrella" featuring Jay-Z. Rihanna followed up with the Top 10 smashes "Hate That I Love You" and "Don't Stop The Music"

The re-release was led by Rihanna's fourth worldwide #1 single "Take A Bow." The album itself, proves that Rihanna is truly talented at making hit worthy songs. Each of her albums have been better than the last and GGGB is the best of them all.

High energy tracks "Push Up On Me" and "Breakin' Dishes" are outstanding pop tunes. Simultaneously, slow jams "Rehab" and the title track prove that Rihanna can slow it down when necessary.

My personal favorite track is the mid-tempo "Say It" with its light and summer-y feel. Upcoming single "Disturbia" is equaly amazing and sure to be another bonafide hit.

My only questions, is how and is it even possible for Rihanna to top this commercially viable album, specifically in terms of potential singles as nearly every song on the album could have definitely gone Top 40, at least.

Tracklist
1. Umbrella
2. Push Up On Me
3. Don't Stop The Music
4. Breakin' Dishes
5. Shut Up & Drive
7. Say It
8. Sell Me Candy
9. Lemme Get That
10. Rehab
11. Question Exisiting
12. Good Girl Gone Bad
13. Disturbia (Re-release)
14. Take A Bow (Re-release)
15. If I Never See Your Face Again (Re-release)
16. Cry (Bonus)
17. Haunted (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Say It ~ Disturbia ~ Rehab

Chris Brown: Exclusive

Originally released on October 30, 2007, Chris Brown's sophomore album "Exclusive" was re-released on June 3, 2008. The album was preceeded by "Wall To Wall" an up-tempo number which unfortunately failed to prove as success as the singles from his previous album.

However, subsequent singles "Kiss Kiss" and "With You", which respectively reached #1 and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidified Chris Brown's return to form. Although not initially as good as his first album "Exclusive" is definitely a grower.

"Picture Perfect" and "Hold Up" are standout up-tempos, although uniquely so. Ballads "Damage", "I Wanna Be" and single "Take You Down" show a maturing side to Chris Breezy, even if two of them are a bit...detailed.

The re-release featured the Top 10 single "Forever" which is a testament to the acceptance the euro-dance scene in America. Also included is a duet with Keri Hilson "Superhuman" which is quite similar, if albeit not as good, as Chris Brown's Top 3 duet "No Air" with Jordin Sparks.

All in all, the album is pretty good. It has it's weak points including the bland "Lottery" and the pointless rap by The Game on "Nice" However, tracks like the superb "I'll Call Ya" and "You" make this an album worth purchasing. No sophomore slumb here.

Tracklist
1. Throwed
2. Kiss Kiss
3. Take You Down
4. With You
5. Picture Perfect
6. Hold Up
7. You
8. Damage
9. Wall To Wall
10. Help Me
11. I Wanna Be
12. Gimme Whatcha Got
13. I'll Call Ya
14. Lottery
15. Get At Ya (Bonus)
16. Mama (Bonus)
17. Nice (Bonus)
18. Down (Bonus)
19. Fallen Angel (Bonus)
20. Forever (Re-Release)
21. Superhuman (Re-Release)
22. Heart Ain't A Brain (Re-Release)
23. Picture Perfect (Remix) (Re-Release)

Top 3 Track
I'll Call Ya ~ Damage ~ Hold Up

Leona Lewis: Spirit

Although released worldwide in 2007, Leona Lewis' debiut album "Spirit" was released on April 8, 2008 in the United States. #1 worldwide single "Bleeding Love" has broken a plethoa of airplay and sales records all around the world.

One of the standout tracks "Better In Time" is being prepped for the second U.S. single, even though it to has done quite well in most other countries. The album is filled with old school ballads that remind me of when music was "good" in the early 90s.

Such track include the beautiful power balllad "Yesterday" which tells a tale of remembering a couple's last day together forever, no matter how far or long they are apart. "Angel" and "I'm You" are personal favorites while the up-tempo "Take A Bow" seems to be screaming for an eventual release as a single.

Released in the U.S. with a slightly altered tracklist that includes "Misses Glass" and the upcoming worldwide single "Forgive Me", Spirit shows the limitless potential of Leona Lewis. Oh, and lets not forget about her whistle-register coloratura.

Tracklist
1. Bleeding Love
2. Better In Time
3. I Will Be
4. I'm You
5. Forgive Me
6. Misses Glass
7. Angel
8. The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
9. Yesterday
10. Whatever It Takes
11. Take A Bow
12. Footprints In The Sand (Bonus)
13. Here I Am (Bonus)
14. The Best You Never Had (Bonus)
15. You Bring Me Down (Bonus)
16. Forgiveness (Bonus)
17. A Moment Likes This (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Yesterday ~ Take A Bow ~ I'm You

Keyshia Cole: Just Like You

The second album from R&B songstress Keyshia Cole, "Just Like You", was released on September 25, 2007. More polished than her first, the album proves that with a little taste of commercialism, even the most the rough stone can become a flawless gem.

The open opens with the first single, and Keyshia's first #1 hit, "Let It Go" featuring Missy Elliot & Lil' Kim. And after the street anthem "Didn't I Tell You" with Too Short, the ballads begins.

In addition to "Fallin' Out" (which must be the fifth single...), the #1 singles "I Remember" and "Heaven Sent" prove that Keyshia Cole is emerging as a truly amazing talent, artist, and a hit maker. Other standout cuts include the double-side cheating tale "Work It Out" where Keyshia admits that both she & her love interest have stepped outside the home, but they can still work it out.

My personal favorite track is the iTunes only bonus track "Trust" which is one of the few love songs on the album (Keyshia otherwise mostly talks about someone cheated...). The album also includes a duet with Anthony Hamilton and "Last Night" with Diddy.

Most importantly title-track "Just Like You" is a testament to how relatable Keyshia Cole is, which is a rare find these days in music, period.

Tracklist
1. Let It Go
2. Didn't I Tell You
3. Fallin' Out
4. Give Me More
5. I Remember
6. Shoulda Let You Go
7. Heaven Sent
8. Same Thing (Interlude)
9. Got To Get My Heart Back
10. Was It Worth It
11. Just Like You
12. Losing You
13. Work It Out
14. Last Night
15. Let It Go (Remix)
16. Trust (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Fallin' Out ~ Heaven Sent ~ I Remember
Bonus: Trust

Carrie Underwood: Carnival Ride

Carrie Underwood's sophomore album, Carnival Ride" was released on October 23, 2007. It was preceded by the #1 hit "So Small" and later produced the #1 hits "All-American Girl" and "Last Name."

Not as perfect as her debut, Carnival Ride sure does close to a second wind of perfection and includes more country twang. Album opener "Flat On The Floor" is as country as it gets. As is the up-tempo "Get Out of This Town" However, like most singers, Underwood shines on her ballads.

"I Know You Won't" is by far one of the best vocal productions of the year and tear-jerking ballad "Just A Dream" is a definite contender for the fourth single. My personal favorite "You Won't Find This" is very reminiscent of the gem "That's Where It Is" from the previous album.

Though quite pop/country, feel-good track "Twisted" is another single-contender. Even though it may be a little too pop for country radio, I'd love to see it released. Underwood also covers a classic, with "I Told You So" and her vocal control allows the remake to hold its own against the original.

All in all, Carrie Underwood is sure to find success with this album and is likely to continue that success for years to come.

Tracklist
1. Flat On The Floor
2. All-American Girl
3. So Small
4. Just A Dream
5. Get Out of This Town
6. Crazy Dreams
7. I Know You Won't
8. Last Name
9. You Won't Find This
10. I Told You So
11. The More Boys I Meet
12. Twisted
13. Wheel of The World
14. Sometimes You Leave (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Just A Dream ~ You Won't Find This ~ Twisted

Ashanti: The Declaration

Released on June 3, 2008 Ashanti's fourth album, The Declaration, is a musical representation of Ashanti freeing herself from the restraints of her career. After officially living "The Inc Records" Ashanti returns with new producers, collaborations, and a new sense of self.

First single "The Way That I Love You" was an instant hit, evident by its #2 peaking on Billboards R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The song displayed Ashanti returning to form with a powerful ballad about a women discovering that her partner is cheating. Other LT Hutton productions include the infectuous "You're Gonna Miss" and the beautiful ballad "Struggle", which must be a single.

The Darkchild produced "So Over You" is similar to recent hits by Keyshia Cole and Mary J. Blige; however, the song is so heartfelt that after the first verse everyone will remember why Ashanti is still the princess. "Things You Make Me Do" featuring Robin Thicke and "Girlfriend" are very sexual and they give me goosebumps everytime I listen to them.

"In These Streets" is a decent album cut; however, it tends to drag on after the bridge. Subseqeuently, the album itself seems very short. I appreciate Ashanti for dedicating a song to her mother ("Mother") and to those who have ever doubted themselves ("Shine");however, I doubt that they'll be tracks that most people will put on repeat.

For me, the album ends after track #10, "Body On Me" featuring Akon and Nelly, which seems like an overt attempt at a commercial hit. And even though I adore Jermaine Durpi productions, "Good Good" is a little over the top for me, even though I think that it has fourth single hit written all over it. Oh, and the title track is a must hear for anyone who has been left out to dry by someone that they trusted.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. The Way That I Love You
3. You're Gonna Miss
4. So Over You
5. Struggle
6. Girlfriend
7. Things You Make Me Do
8. In These Streets
9. Good Good
10. Body On Me/Can't Let Go*
11. Mother
12. Shine
13. The Declaration

Top 3 Tracks
So Over You ~ You're Gonna Miss ~ Struggle

Usher: Here I Stand

Released on May 27, 2008 Usher's "Here I Stand" is a testament of growth. After 2004's 10x Platinum album "Confessions", Usher returns with a solid album. My only hope is that people take the time to listen to the album itself and stop comparing it to his previous albums.

"Here I Stands" opens with the #1 hit "Love In This Club" and the album also includes the Pt.2 of "Love In This Club." However, there are a plethora of better songs on the album, including second single "Moving Mountains" were Usher's talks about dealing with the hardships of a failed relationship.

Interestingly, Usher stated that he wanted to "bring something new to R&B music"; however, many of the tracks seem instantaneously familiar, especially in terms of production. Even so, Usher brings his signature energy to the songs and makes them his own.

"Something Special", "Before I Met You", and "Love You Gently" are amazing slow jams, while "What's A Man To Do", produced by Stargate, tells a the story of being in love with two different people. Usher gets creative on "Trading Places" where he imagines literally trading places, in terms of social norms and sexual positions, with his love interest. "Appetite" is a Danja banger that absolutely screams single, as does the JD track "Best Thing" with Jay-Z where both artists confess their love for their spouses.

The album may not be "Confessions" (even though he references it often) but is a solid album that I'm enjoying more and more with each listen.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Love In This Club
3. This Ain't Sex
4. Trading Places
5. Moving Mountains
6. What's Your Name
7. Prayer For You
8. Something Special
9. Love You Gently
10. Best Thing
11. Before I Met You
12. His Mistakes
13. Appetite
14. What's A Man To Do
15. Lifetime
16. Love In This Club Pt. 2
17. Here I Stand
18. Will Work For Love (Bonus)

Top 3 Tracks
Best Thing ~ What's A Man To Do ~ Appetite