MuchMusic.com | Blog

Britney’s back - and I oddly like it. The first time I heard Blackout, I was almost instantly poo-pooing it. I mean, how can one listen to this album objectively? It’s almost impossible to separate her much-publicized personal downward spiral from this latest musical effort. But upon another listen or two, it becomes apparent that this album is a “grower, not a show-er.”

With its 80s-inspired synth-heavy beats, Blackout is so utterly dance-able and (dare I say) Euro. Definitely taking a cue from Kylie Minoque and Madonna’s latest Confessions album, Britney just wants to have fun. And going out and partying is much more important than meeting with your court-appointed parenting coach, right? Right? Obviously I’m just being facetious, however, in all honesty, Blackout succeeds purely due to its simple party mentality. This is the Britney that we have loved all along: all production, no substance.

And the production on Blackout is top-notch. Stand out tracks include Get Naked (I Got A Plan), Toy Soldier and Ooh Ooh Baby. As predicted, everything sounds so clean, so interesting, and so toe-tappin’ - so much so that the production actually over-shadows Britney herself! I mean, with the playing-it-safe range and multi-layered vocals, this could be anyone. And we learned last year that all one needs is a good producer to release a decent dance album (Paris Hilton, anyone?).

And therein lies the album’s flaw: Blackout does not showcase Britney’s talent. Now don’t laugh - the girl can actually sing (even though she rarely does) and sadly if she wasn’t such a mess lately and had her act together, this album could have been great. See, Britney’s albums usually don’t stand-up based on their musical merits alone; they must be accompanied by knockout spectacle performances (thumbs down, MTV VMAs) and crazy over-the-top dance videos (thumbs down, Gimme More vid). With Blackout, she has so far only delivered the danceable hits. Here’s hoping she’s in the right mind to bring the rest.

Grade: B

I ain’t gonna lie, I’ve def. got a big ol’ soft spot for some good ol’ fashioned R&B. We ain’t talking about Otis or Marvin - though those two guys happen to be on heavy rotation on my ipod - we’re talking about the new generation of R&B singers, the Chris Browns, the Ushers and the Ne-Yos, that have got 14-year-old girls in hysterics … Ah yes, their sweet soulful harmonies, their infectious hooks, and their overproduced beats is like a drug that I can’t kick - I just want more, more, more! For once in my life, I can empathize with LiLo.

Now this brings me to Chris Brown’s latest release Exclusive which we’re currently spinning a week in advance of its release date (yeah, shameless plug). Do I like it? NO, I LOVE IT! CB’s collaboration with Big Boi on the track Hold Up is quite simply off the hook. I can’t help but bounce a little when I listen to it .. And what about the Ne-Yo inspired track With You? Le sigh. I’m actually curious about whether or not Ne-Yo contributed any of his songs to this record .. Does anyone know?

Other standout tracks include:

Down - Mr.Brown’s collaboration with the ridiculously talented Kanye West.
Kiss Kiss - His second single is da bomba.

But seriously folks, I can’t deny the love that I’ve got for overproduced R&B and I really think you guys should give it a listen… Just give it a try and tell me if you think I’m completely whack…

P.S. If you think I’m completely insane for professing my love for Chris Brown then perhaps you should watch his killer performance at this year’s VMAs. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea but he’s sure got talent - Hell, even JT thinks so and anything that JT says goes, right? Heh.

Mondays generally suck. Actually, it’s a known fact that productivity on Mondays is relatively low compared to the other days of the week. OK, I don’t know if that’s true but I think you guys get my drift…Anyways, starting on Mondays you can look forward to my weekly Video Roundup… Every week I’ll be giving you the 411 on all the new videos on MuchAXS. I’ll tell if a video is a piece of crap or righteously awesome, and you tell me if you agree or disagree. Cool? Cool.

Now let’s begin.

Warning: This is my opinion. The only opinion that matters. Heh.

Big Buzz-worthy Videos That May or May Not Be Worth Your Time:
Celine Dion - Taking Chances

This is Celine’s big comeback video and it’s a….SNOOZE…Is it just me or is this video stylized like it was from the late 90s/early millenium? Remember the time when everyone was obsessed with making ‘futuristic’ videos (please see Jennifer Lopez’ If You Had My Love or even Say You’ll Be There by the Spice Girls), well apparently no one told Celine that, that trend is ovah. I’ll give Celine props for recording another A/C hit that’ll be on heavy rotation on office hold systems across North America…

Grade: D for Disappointment.

Fergie - Clumsy
There are some people on our team that are absolutely in LOVE with this video. What do I think? I think it’s great that Fergie decided to recycle other peoples’ ideas (see HP commercials) and make it her own. Oh wait, Fergie’s is infamous for being this century’s creative thief(see Gwen Stefani’s career/ M.I.A’s music). I would love to say I hate it but I do enjoy the fact that a big named artist has decided to push the boundaries (even though the ideas are stolen)in a world of lack lustre music videos…

Grade: B for Bright and Bodacious (it pains me to think that Fergie is deserving of a B rating)

Video Of The Week:

Marie-Mai - Qui Prendra Ma Place

When I was in Montreal this video was EVERYWHERE. Seriously, I couldn’t get away from Marie-Mai even if I tried…What’s sooo shocking is the fact that Ms.Mai is a direct rip off of Pop-Punk Princess Avril Lavigne. I kid you not.

Visual Proof:

Watch and be amazed!

And that’s not all… There’s also a French Ashlee Simpson knock-off…Her name is Emily and the video is Laissez-Moi Danser.

Videos That Make Me Go Ga-Ga:

Shitdisco - Ok
Awesome. There are no ifs and buts on this one.

Grade: A for Awe-worthy

That’s it for this week…

It’s about time they set a US date (and by default, Canadian) for Swedish popstar, Robyn’s CD release… So when’s the big day? Sometime in 2008.. Ok, that’s not so much a date as it is a year but at least it’s something to look forward to! A three year wait is nothing when there’s word that she maybe touring!!!! Mmmhmm… pitchforkmedia.com is reporting that Robyn will be making a few U.S. pitstops in the new year.. Wohoo! I’m sure she’ll slip a few Canadian dates in there because she ain’t cruel like Morrissey.

So you ready to show Robyn some love? We sure are.