Lisa Stansfield
is back to 'Face up'
To
me when it comes to top notch singers they come no highly rated nor
regarded than Lisa Stansfield who's last self titled release
was one of the most underrated and under played albums of 97. Well
after a relocation to Ireland with hubby and partner Ian Devaney
and a 4 yr absence from the industry Lisa returns with her latest
effort called 'Face Up' (Arista)
As
well as writing and producing the set with her hubby Ian this
marks the first album that they have produced and collaborated on
without former band member/collaborator/producer Andy Morris
who has ventured out on his own 2 yrs ago ( with no hard feelings
no less). The first single 'Let's just call it love' is a true
testament to Lisa's exceptional and unique voice, you expect nothing
less from her and what a great track it is. All the elements are in
place here, strings, horns, driving bassline all shining through in
their respective areas making this one another big hit for her. The
single will be released June 4th in the UK but no street date has
been scheduled for the US. The album has a tentative street date for
mid July
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Usher gears
to release latest single 'U remind me'
Last
year was supposed to see the release of Usher's latest release
'All about you' then the album was leaked to Napster
and songs were downloaded left, right and center so Usher decided
to go back into the studio and re-recorded most songs, added some
new ones and came up with a new album, new title and new look.
The
album is called 8701, the release date coincidently enough
is Aug 7th (hense 8701). The lead off single from the set is
the catchy 'U remind me' written and produced by Edmund
Clement alongside the multi-grammy winning team of Jimmy Jam
and Terry Lewis. The song is very different from the norm Jermaine
Dupri inticed tracks that just carries to have the same flavour but
a refreshing of pace for Usher and I am sure he will lure young and
old fans alike with this one.
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Janet
'Feels so right' about her latest single
Janet
Jackson is a changed woman from a few years back. Then she was married
and was just completing the end of her world tour called 'The Velvet
Rope Tour. Now just 2 yrs later she is single (well pending her divorce)
and she is feeling great with a new album (All for you).
The
latest release off her new album is the impressive 'Feels so right'
a smoothed out RNB dance track that's tailor made for Ms. Jackson's
(if you're nasty) sultry pipes. Produced by the lads (as I call them)
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis another one that's bound to score big for
her and rightfully so. Don't overlook this one a classy dance number
here from the reigning princess of Pop/Soul.
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Ja
Rule's latest makes 'I Cry'
After
arriving on the rap scene just 2 years ago appearing in Jay Z's
'Can I get a ...' Jeff Atkins aka Ja Rule has made
some noise in the rap game with his debut album Venni, Vetti, Vecci
(which in english means He came, he saw, he conquered) that
features the hits Holla Holla, Kill 'em all and Daddy's
lil' baby.
With the
new year comes new material from Ja as he's called nowadays and his
latest album Rule: 336 is already double platinum bound, The
latest single 'I Cry' is a laid back, emotional track that borrows
both the title (though in part) and sample of The O'Jays 'Cry
together'. Harmonizing and background support is provided by Missy
Elliot proteje Nicole who gives a very strong performance
here. Rack up another hit for Ja who scored a massive hit earlier
on this year and last with 'Between me and you' featuring Christina
Milan.
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Stereo
MC's return w/Deep down and dirty
In
1992 The Stereo MC's were living large with their release 'Connected'
which gave us the hits 'Step it up' and the title track but
then the lads took a 9yr break and in that time they have kept themselves
busy while continuing to horn their craft. Now Rob B., the
Head and the rest of the band is back to get Deep down &
dirty' their latest album on their own record label (Gee Street).
The single of
the same name is the norm for the MC's who use their skills on the
turntables and borg syncs to craft another dance floor masterpiece.
The full length is due on June 12th so do your self a favour and go
get it.