On The Air 2010

Miranda Cosgrove – “Sparks Fly” (2010):  Music is often over-engineered, drowning the youthful voice; however, tracks like “Kissin’ U”; “BAM”; “Hey You”; “There Will Be Tears”; “Adored” and “Beautiful Mess” make it clear this kid has talent. With a bit of experience she’ll grow into the emotional sincerity that is often missing in her voice. Grade – B

Melissa Etheridge – “Fearless Love” (2010):  Melissa Etheridge has the uncanny ability to convey such power and emotion with lyric, voice and guitar. On this album, the three are sometimes not in harmony. But, overall, tracks like “Company”; “Nervous”; “Only Love”; “To Be Loved”; and, “Gently We Row” carry her message to the listener most profoundly. Grade – A

Paul Simon - “Graceland” (2004):  Remastered to include three additional tracks, demos and unreleased versions of other included tracks, this re-released album is every bit as compelling and inspirational as it was in 1986. With every track, the listener is carried on a journey to enlightenment, carried by a wave of melody and harmony defying reason. The artist has found a profound course with which to share his visit to South African, bringing the history, struggle, faith and music of a neglected culture to the world. Grade – A+

Celtic Woman - “Songs From The Heart” (2010):  The last two albums have fallen a bit flat but I’m happy to proclaim with this album the beauty, harmony and tradition of Celtic Woman is restored! A wonder of music, voice and culture! Grade – A

Miley Cyrus - “Can’t Be Tamed” (2010):  Every track on this album is a clear, defiant, cry of independence, an artist’s statement of talent which won’t be denied! The first three tracks hit the listener like a thunder clap, demanding attention. Miley’s cover of “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” should set a new definition for the tune, a solid mark for the writers whose words and music defy conventions of musical genre. Liner notes will confirm what every listener should realize, the artist brought her own mind and spirit to this work! Grade - A

Jewel - “Sweet And Wild” (2010):  That wonderfully powerful voice! An angel sharing her heart with the world. Every track, a harmony of voice and music that can’t be ignored! Country, pop, folk - no matter - every word, every sound, the mark of a talented artist commanding an audience! Grade - A

Jewel - “Sweet And Mild” (2010):  This is the acoustic “Sweet And Wild” - and it’s even better! This is Jewel’s strength. Her voice and a guitar holding an audience in rapture! Grade - A+

26 June 2010
By Frank Jaymes