“Me, You, & The Music” is the debut album of American Idol Jessica Sanchez.  It’s a solid debut and introduction to what Jessica can do in the studio.  While stylistically it’s a bit generic, most of the songs are strong and Jessica’s talents are as strong as they were on television.

Sanchez melts pure pop and contemporary R&B together, and performs both ballads and upbeat dance songs. There are echoes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey.

“Tonight”, the first single, features Ne-Yo.  It’s an electro-pop number that’s well-crafted and catchy. “Right To Fall” fuses disco with modern dance elements. I like the beat and positive message of the song.  “Crazy Glue” is a ballad that reminds me of Mariah’s earlier era.  “Don’t Come Around” is a pop-R&B track with dancehall inflections.  It sounds like mid-00’s Rihanna.  “No One Compares” is an electro-pop, mid-tempo duet with Prince Royce. “Plastic Roses” is a ballad that reminds me of a Beyonce number. “Drive By” is a pure R&B jam that is co-written by Jazmine Sullivan, who Jessica covered on American Idol. 

Sadly, there are no songs as strong as “Crazy In Love, “Umbrella”, or “Vision of Love”.  No songs are good enough to reach number one or even the top ten on the charts.  So Jessica has a long way to go if she wants to be successful as Mariah, Beyonce, or Rihanna.   

Jessica included a Spanish language version of “No One Compares”. It’s nice that she hasn’t forgotten her Mexican heritage.  It would have also been nice if she included a Tagalog song for her Filipino heritage.

If you were fan of Jessica on American Idol, you’ll be satisfied with this album. 

(4 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (05.10.2013)

Paramore’s self-titled fourth album is a strong follow up to the band’s third release “Brand New Eyes”. The band’s sound has changed a bit. Not surprising, since the band’s members have changed.  Instead of a straight pop-punk sound, elements of electronic rock, retro new wave, and indie pop have been incorporated into their usual sound.  I do miss the band’s old sound a bit.  Hayley’s irresistible attitude is less present and the youthful rebellion has weaned. But bands, especially pop-punk bands, have to grow up. And their new sound works well, and they haven’t shed most of the things we’ve come to love about the band. The guitar riffs and percussion pack a punch, Hayley’s voice is still awesome, and often the songs are catchy and have great energy.  

The lyrical content isn’t as strong as their last album though.  The production of this album is their strongest, but the songwriting is a step down. “Brand New Eyes” has many reflective lyrics, but they are lacking on this album.

The opener, “Fast In My Car”, is a power-pop number the echoes girl-led 80s new wave bands.  ”Now”, the first single, is a edgy number that wouldn’t be out of place on their last album. “Part II” is one of a few tracks where get experimental.  ”Still Into You” is another power-pop number. “Anklebiters” is straight, unpolished pop-punk. “Hate To See Your Heart Break” is one of few ballads on the album. Like a few other tracks, it has an obvious influence of indie singer-songwriter Ingrid Michelson.  

(4.25 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (05.09.2013) 

Started from the bottom…

…Now we’re here.

“Pioneer”, The Band Perry’s second album, is definitely not a sophomore slump. In fact, it’s better than their first album. The first album was great, but “Pioneer” is a more a mature product. The lyrics are stronger, and the band now has a grittier sound. The band has a long career ahead of them.

Like their previous work, country is blended with pop and rock. The upbeat numbers were made to be performed for arenas and stadiums. There are huge choruses and loud guitars. The slower tracks demonstrate the band’s ability at creating beautiful harmonies. The lyrics often concern exploits in love.  They are sometimes sad, sometimes angry, and sometimes happy. There are more dark moments on the album than celebratory.  Kimberly Perry packs more of an attitude here than before.  Not as much as Miranda Lambert, but she’s not sweet as Taylor Swift. 

My favorite tracks are “Better Dig Two”, “DONE.”, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely”, “Forever Mine Nevermind”, “Mother Like Mine”, and “Chainsaw”. “Better Dig Two” is rock-flavored track that tells the story of an overly obsessive wife.  “DONE.” is a send-off anthem that introduces the world to Kim’s new attitude. “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” is a ballad about the desire not to be lonely. I believe this should be the next single.  “Forever Mine Nevermind” features Brad Paisley and mixes elements of stadium rock and country.  “Mother Like Mine” is a mid-tempo country track where Kim celebrates her mother.  “Chainsaw” is an upbeat country-pop song that’s playful and super catchy. The emotional, folky title track and “I’m A Keeper” are also strong.

 (4.25 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (03.05.2012)

“The Best Damn Thing”, Avril Lavigne’s third album, is one of the best pop-rock albums of 2007.  It’s short and sweet, at 12 tracks and 40 minutes.  The album is irresistible from start to finish.  The tunes are always lighthearted and mostly peppy. Avril’s usual feisty attitude makes them even more irresistible.  This album’s lighthearted nature is a contrast of the music on Lavigne’s (excellent) second album “Under My Skin”, which was dark and poetic.

Almost every track concerns young love.  My favorite tracks on the album are “Girlfriend”, “I Can Do Better”, “When You’re Gone”, “Hot”, “I Don’t Have To Try”, “One Of Those Girls”, and “Keep Holding On”. “Girlfriend”, “I Can Do Better”, “I Don’t Have To Try”, and “One Of Those Girls” are among the tracks that have a ‘bubblegum punk’ sound. They are fast, simple songs packed with attitude but playful, not angry.  They are as catchy as anything Britney Spears has done; as loud anything blink 182 has done. “I Can Do Better” is about not changing to meet a boyfriend’s standards.  “Girlfriend” is about the desire to be the girlfriend of someone’s who’s already taken.  “I Don’t Have To Try” is about ‘wearing the pants’ in the relationship, despite being a girl.  “One Of Those Girls” is the story of another girl who frequently jumps from one partner to the next.

“Hot” has an upbeat power-pop sound. It shows less of Avril’s attitude and expresses the joy found from a boyfriend. “When You’re Gone” and “Keep Holding On” (from the movie Eragon) are among the few melancholy moments of the album. These are beautiful ballads that show Avril’s powerful voice and ability to pour our heartfelt emotion when needed (which she does well).

“The Best Damn Thing” is a must-hear for anybody who enjoys peppy music, or pop-rock music in general.

(4.50 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (03/29/2013)

Justin Timberlake’s third album “The 20/20 Experience” has gotten rave reviews from all my music fiends on Twitter. However, I didn’t enjoy it as much as them.  Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it; I actually enjoyed much of it.  But there were many things that I hated about it.

First, the things I liked: Timberlake is a talented performer. His voice and falsetto is excellent. The whole album has a classy vibe which is pleasant to listen to.  And there is a diversity of R&B influences on the album, both modern and classic. Those include Frank Ocean, Drake, Robin Thicke, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Motown.

Now, what I hated about it. The lyrics of most of the songs are sub-par.  The Guardian’s review was correct when it described the album’s lyrics as ‘porny’ and awful.  Also, the album is bloated.  Many of the songs are 7 or 8 minutes long. For most of those songs, the long length is unnecessary. The same beat and lyrics are repeated frequently. It just makes these songs drag. 

I enjoyed half of the songs on the album, while the other half was so-so.  “Suit and Tie” makes a great first single. Like some of Timberlake’s previous work, it echoes Michael Jackson well. “Strawberry Bubblegum” effectively combines the downtempo R&B of The Weeknd or Drake with a 70s R&B sound.  “Blue Ocean Floor” echoes Frank Ocean.  It is the most creative song on the album, complete with introspective lyrics, sound effects and hazy strings.  “Pusher Love Girl” is a horn-y, upbeat late 70s-influenced track. It’s a nice track, although it just needs the first four minutes, not the whole eight.  “Mirrors” is the most modern-sounding track. It’s an excellent track that sounds like it could have been Timberlake’s previous album.  

“Spaceship Coupe” echoes Prince’s mid-80’s sound. Prince is my favorite artist (besides Michael Jackson). Personally, I found it just an okay homage to Prince. Tracks “Let The Groove In” and “Don’t Hold The Wall” have decent, ethnic influenced beats, but suffer from a poor chorus and lyrics. 

Every pop and R&B fan should check the album. Despite the various flaws, there is some excellent music here. (3.75 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (03/27/2013)

Although Britt Nicole is considered a Christian pop artist, her third album “Gold” is being marketed to the mainstream pop market as well.  So far, the attempt at crossover success has paid off – the title track “Gold” has gotten airplay on top 40 stations and Radio Disney.  I can’t remember the last time a religious artist has had success in mainstream pop.    

There are no direct references to Jesus or God on this album.  It could actually pass for a normal pop album.  It is still Christian because all of the themes present are positive – believing in yourself, trying your best, acknowledging the positive, loving those that need it.  And of course, there is no celebration of sex, drinking, or drugs, unlike much mainstream music. Britt manages to do this, without her music being preachy.

I enjoyed this album. Britt Nicole has a beautiful voice, and the songs are well crafted and well written.  And I like the positivity.  You don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy Britt Nicole’s music.  In fact, I’m not a practicing Christian myself.  Britt Nicole’s music sits comfortably alongside Demi Lovato’s, Kelly Clarkson’s, or even Rihanna’s. And those singers could easily perform a Britt Nicole song.

Some of my favorite tracks are “Still That Girl”, “Stand”, “Ready or Not” (which adds hip-hop and dubstep to Britt’s typical pop formula), “Look Like Love”, “All This Time”, and “Gold”.

Most fans of mainstream pop haven’t checked Britt Nicole out. They should check her out, Christian or not. (4.25 out of 5 stars)

—Isa R Bufano (03.15.2013)