Jake McKim
Staff Writer
Reviews
Mya
Mya
(Interscope Records)
**
In today's mix of producer-dominated, hip-hop driven R&B music, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between acts. Groups such as En Vogue, Total and Xscape, as well as soloists like Brandy, Usher and Monica, all spit in the face of originality and simply do what their peers in the industry are doing at the time of their next record release.
Like the aforementioned artists, 20-year-old Mya, the newest female soul singer to come along, follows the what's-popular-at-the-time formula of modern music and does her best to continue the clichéd trend.
Right from the start of Mya's self-titled debut album, you are bombarded by hip-hop tracks with Mya's vocals on top. Yes, these tracks will make you dance, but they leave you feeling like you have just heard a producer accompanied by a nameless female vocal.
The kick-off track, "What Cha Say," is a catchy, funk-laden jingle that is pleasing to listen to, but it sounds like Mya's impression of Brandy, or Monica-or Aaliyah, take your pick.
"Movin' On," the current single, tells the tale of a girl trying to get over a recently-ended relationship and will most likely be a popular tune with radio listeners. But a ludicrous sample of the already-sampled Puff Daddy track "It's All About the Benjamins" on "Keep On Lovin' Me" is comical to listen to and almost makes you want to stop the madness there.
The album does get a lift from impressive songs such as "It's All About Me," featuring Sisqo of Dru Hill, "We're Gonna Make Ya Dance" and "My First Night With You," written by Babyface and Diane Warren. While these jams allow you to temporarily forget about the other weak tracks, "Baby It's Yours," "If You Were Mine" and "Anytime You Want Me" remind you of what Mya is - a dancer attempting a singing career.
You have to give Mya and her producers credit - they are very good at biting off what everyone else in R&B music today is doing, and they will probably make plenty of money doing it. Mya certainly has the look that every record company executive seems to be searching for, and she is one hell of a dancer. But ultimately, she doesn't assert much vocal substance on the album to back it up. To fans of pure soul and creative R&B music: Be prepared to be disappointed.
Barenaked Ladies
Stunt
(Reprise Records)
****
Here's giving credit where credit is due: Barenaked Ladies' newest album, Stunt, displays a versatility and creativity that far surpasses the band's previous efforts.
Five-member band BNL started its career in Canada in 1992. Since its first release, Gordon, the band's popularity has steadily increased with the X-gens and younger audiences. Gordon spent eight weeks at the top of the Canadian charts and earned Group of the Year honors at the Juno Awards.
A few albums and a U.S. breakthrough later, BNL arrives firmly on mainstream ears. Stunt entered the Billboards charts at No. 3, the group's most successful entry ever.
"One Week," the first single and video from Stunt, is a fresh mix of hip-hop and rap and an altogether catchy tune. It's a little different from other songs in the past, but "One Week" is certainly indicative of the freestyle flow of BNL's live sets.
Three of the new songs, "Alcohol," "Call & Answer" and "I'll Be That Girl," were co-written by band member Steven Page and long-time friend and collaborator Stephen Duffy. "Alcohol" and "I'll Be That Girl" are very poppy and melodious, though the songs deal with serious issues such as rebuilding oneself and alcoholism.
Then there's "Call & Answer" and "When You Dream," which are on a slower beat that veers toward a lullaby groove. The songs bring the entire album down to a sleepy and melancholy groove.
"Never is Enough" is a personal favorite and brings Stunt back to its feet. Meanwhile, "Who Needs Sleep" definitely puts the album in a hip-hop mode, and the listener is left with a good feeling and dancing feet.
In the face of generic alt bands like Civ and Eve 6, Barenaked Ladies' Stunt is a welcome change with its medley of hip-hop, rap, country and a hint of folk all rolled into one. I enjoyed this album and strongly suggest it to those who are looking for more than flash-in-the-pan rock pretty boys.