Thursday, January 14, 1999
Sound bites
Jewel, "Spirit"
In the past three years, what artist has sold ten million copies
of their debut album and followed it up by publishing a collection
of poems which reached the N.Y. Times best-seller list? Love her or
hate her, the baby-faced Jewel is back with her sophomore project,
"Spirit."
Appearing on late-night shows such as Leno, Letterman and
Saturday Night Live, it has been virtually impossible to not have
heard or seen Jewel within the last month. Trying to utilize more
than just her rich, gentle voice, the new album is an attempt to
develop her abilities as a songwriter.
Wisely choosing to not overhaul her musical formula, Jewel
relies once again on acoustic folk ballads and light-hearted
pop.
Representing a change in her life and the world, it reflects
upon the struggles of humanity to enrich every-day life. From the
overly played and optimistic "Hands" to the mother-daughter duet
"Little Bird," each song fits the atmosphere of a quiet coffeehouse
or a sappy episode of "Dawson’s Creek."
Oddly enough, the subtle and methodical track, "What’s Simple Is
True" indescribably holds as the most adoring song and irritating
cut on the CD (think Hanson’s "Mmmbop"). Crooning over the process
of growing up, the Alaskan native remarks about life, with lyrics
like "The more I live/the more I know". Whether or not she is
utterly idealistic remains to be seen, but it is nonetheless an
intriguing prospect.
More mature than "Pieces of You," this album finds a greater
range of opportunities for Jewel to showcase her beautiful vocals
and guitar background. But the final result can be too much for one
sitting, so enjoy her album in small doses.
Teron Hide
Rating: 7
George Michael, "Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George
Michael"
The album couldn’t have come at a better time. George Michael
was smart to immortalize his sexy mystique along with his greatest
hits before he went down in gossip-show infamy.
And the two-disc collection is a worthy send-off for the
sensuous father-figure. Scandals aside, few can deny his liquid
voice and pop ingenuity. From Wham-dated classics to recent dance
hits, "Ladies and Gentlemen" reminds listeners of a hit-filled
viability that has been overshadowed by Michael’s tumultuous
relationship with the media.
The first disc, "For the Heart," is a soothing compilation of
lush ballads that sent a generation of girls’ hearts fluttering and
schoolmarms blushing. It includes the lone Wham favorite, "Careless
Whisper," leaving fans wondering why this solo-focused album chose
that song over "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." The newest tracks are
forgettable, taking a backseat to the timelessly orgasmic "Father
Figure" and his moving duet with Elton John, "Don’t Let the Sun Go
Down on Me." The line-up also jogs memories of less noted but
equally noteworthy tunes, such as "Jesus To A Child" and "One More
Try."
Listeners enter a European discotheque with the second disc,
"For the Feet." George Michael’s latest release "Outside" opens the
playlist; it’s groovy disco-cool is a satisfying lead-in for his
extensive crop of dance hits. "Fastlove" and "Too Funky" crave hot
pants and a strobe light, as listeners are slowly taken backwards
in time, through an alternate version of "I Want Your Sex" and an
inspiring partnership with Aretha Franklin on "I Knew You Were
Waiting (For Me)" begs for a sing-a-long.
And no greatest hits album would be complete without "Faith."
Its frantic guitar-strumming and pure simplicity defined this MTV
regular. The image of his behind, wiggling flirtatiously, is
forever ingrained in the minds of Americans. At least there was a
time when it was legal.
Louise Chu Rating: 8
Faith Evans, "Keep the Faith"
Puff Daddy is now reaching pop-idol status and has brought along
an entourage of talents that is the Bad Boy family. The tight-knit
hip-hop and R&B group, which includes Mase, Lil’ Kim, Total and
112, consistently support one another with guest vocals on their
respective albums, even strategically scheduling release dates.
Next up in the spotlight is Bad Boy matriarch Faith Evans.
Her latest effort is her first under the intense beam (placed
after multi-platinum success with "I’ll Be Missing You"), and she
has already come out of the blocks with a solid hit – "Love Like
This." The sampled ’80s beat is catchy and replayable – a definite
staple of every 102.7 KIIS FM hour. But like her forgettable debut
single, "Keep the Faith" is standard and unexciting – a product of
a stagnant R&B scene that desperately needs some original
talent.
Even industry geniuses can’t save listeners from 60 minutes of
stale formulas and grade-school lyrics ("All Night Long"
enthusiastically chants, "We can dance, dance, dance / Clap your
hands, hands, hands."). Babyface’s "Never Gonna Let You Go" sounds
like a burnt-out rehash of his exhaustive repertoire of slow
jams.
And listeners can only cringe at "Caramel Kisses," which plays
out as nauseatingly as its title.
Evans’ voice – as sweet and soulful as it is – brings little to
the tracks. Her uninspiring work suggests that she’s just another
singer with just another album.
All the samples and guest vocals in the world can’t save "Keep
the Faith." Next!
Louise Chu
Rating: 4Jewel "Spirit"
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