Hidden Gems: Album Review

While breezing thru my play list while I traveled during Thanksgiving I forgot about these few artist that laced us with their studio albums. Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson, and Big Sean did not disappoint their fans and deserve recognition for their latest masterpieces!

Florence + The Machine |  Ceremonials (11/28/2011)

I managed to purchase this album during Black Friday for a Stella price. I have been following this particular group since 2009 but only recently started to take them seriously after being sucked into hearing: “Heavy in Your Arms” (The Soundtrack The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) constantly on the radio. Florence Welch’s voice is so powerful its tranquilizing and turns the song into a portrait almost instantly. “It’s a shot in the dark and right at my throat | Looking for heaven, for the devil in me” (“Shake It Out”). Talk about a chilling horror flick, eh? At times it’s hard to imagine the lyrics and vocals are coming from a singer not even 30 years old?  Best-Bet Picks: “What The Water Gave Me”, “Shake It Out”, “Leave My Body” and “No Light, No Light”.

  

Kelly Clarkson | Stronger (10/21/2011)

“Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone | What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter” (“What Doesn’t Kill You”). The vocals and maturity on Kelly’s fifth studio album is one of her best thus far (to fans as well as me anyway). Forget a “self-help” book and pop this mama jammer in on your next road trip this album has surpass Taylor Swift’s: “Fearless” and has become the theme album for feminist all over to unite under! Best-Bet Picks: “What Doesn’t Kill You”, “Honestly”, and “Mr. Know It All”.

  

Big Sean | Finally Famous (06/28/2011)

Executively produced by the hit maker himself: Kanye West, and not to mention No I.D. your boy Big Sean is FINALLY FAMOUS! The freshman collaborated with rap heavy weighs such as, Souja Boy, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Eminem, Pusha T and more. “… I need Diddy percent! | Got a million on line 1, and another mil dialing in..” (“Get it (DT)”), the album provides a comical rap that I am sure even the driest sense of humor will enjoy Best-Bet Picks: “My Last”, “Marvin & Chardonnay”, “Dance (A$$)” and “Wait For Me”.