New music releases offer something for everyone

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jan 18, 2005 | by Deseret Morning News Pulse-team

The new year is a good time to check out some new tunes. Here are some Pulse-team writer reviews of recently released albums.

THE LETTER KILLS; "The Bridge" (Island Records)**

The music scene as of late seems to be dominated by a sundry throng of angst-ridden rock bands that all sound alike in their hopeless ditties of unrequited love and heartbreak. Well, add yet another band to that long, generic list, because The Letter Kills has just released its debut album, "The Bridge."

With their tragic lyrics, woe-laced with livid screams and abrasive guitars, members of The Letter Kills manage to throw themselves into the endless cesspool of generic rock that is plaguing America's airwaves today.

Don't get me wrong, the album isn't all that bad; it definitely has its moments. The first single, "Don't Believe," is delightfully catchy and sure to be a toe-tapping hit with radio listeners everywhere. The energetic "Lights Out," with its rousing chorus, inspires independence and a spirit of teenage rebellion. The energy continues with "Brand New Man," as it delivers a spunky drumbeat and sing-along chorus.

The next couple of tracks, however, squander the musical magic with their serious lack of originality and listening appeal. The songs all begin to sound similar and interest quickly wanes.

But before all is lost, a delicious surprise is found in "Hold My Heart (Part Two)," a scrumptious ballad filled with harmonies and lyrics that are a treat for weary ears. The monotony manages to return momentarily but is broken by "Radio Up" and its rancorous lyrics. After enduring eight heart-wrenching songs about lost loves and hurt feelings, it's refreshing to hear a song about finally getting over that tough breakup.

"The Bridge" is a decent debut album, and The Letter Kills has managed to show the world its talent and gusto for music. However, the band's flair just gets a little lost in the ever-growing tide of its genre.

But ultimately, if you're a fan of The Used, Finch or Story of the Year, and don't mind a little redundancy in your music collection, then "The Bridge" is definitely an album to pick up this season.

-- Amy Sullivan

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Aladdin Special Edition Soundtrack" (Walt Disney Records) ****

Old and new songs alike are brilliant on this album. The old popular song "A Whole New World" is still as sweet and wonderful as when it was first heard. You can follow the story along with the music if you know the movie "Aladdin."

However, I have only one complaint: the new song "High Adventure," which was not in the original movie. Yes, it is a good song, but I feel

personally it has nothing to do with the movie. Some of the lyrics actually contradict the movie's message.

Yet there is another new song with words like "proud of your boy," which works well. It's an adorable song that shows not only Aladdin trying to make his parents proud, but also applies to real life. (Some kids are constantly trying to prove themselves; I am sure many can relate to the song.)

All in all, the "Aladdin" special-edition soundtrack is a very good CD for both young and old.

-- Emily Coon

LHASA; "The Living Road" (Nettwerk)*** 1/2

"The Living Road" is Lhasa De Sela's second album. Her first album, "La Llorona," came out in 1997. "The Living Road" has very exotic and interesting songs. Three different languages are compiled together on this CD: French, English and Spanish. Since I have been taking French at school, it was interesting to hear the several songs that were sung in French.

I have never heard a CD quite as original and out of the ordinary as this one. De Sela's deep voice is quite soothing and sounds nothing like the other soloists out in the music industry. The lyrics written by De Sela are beautiful and unique.

The very first song, "Con Toda Palabra" ("With All Words"), had me listening. My favorites on the CD include "J'Arrive La Ville" ("I Come to the City"), "La Maree Haute" ("The High Tide") and "Con Toda Palabra".

-- Coryn Cope

LYFE JENNINGS; "Lyfe 268-192" (Sony Urban)**

In Jennings' first major-label effort, he shows the great talents of a wise musician. Combining smooth old-school R&B dynamics with street-wise precision, Chester "Lyfe" Jennings takes his listeners through a tormented and discovery-laden storyline from start to finish.

It is this linear story that sets "Lyfe 268-192" apart from all the rest. Before every song he tells a little snippet of his life that accompanies his lyrics quite well. These little vignettes bring a certain life and perk to the disk. The positive attitude in most of the songs also brings a much-needed spunk to the CD. The Toledo, Ohio, native speaks about becoming a better father and person, which is a much more mature take on life than most of his contemporaries have taken.

However, the themes, although autobiographical in nature, are all played out and stale in a post-hip-hop sense. Singing about theft, prison and baby-mommas can only get you so far. The way the music is put across, though, brings these subjects to a much more tolerable level. Acoustic guitars, soulful pianos and beautiful orchestral arrangements supplement the beautiful voice that reflects Lyfe's tortured soul and add depth to the album.