Reviews

Mar
22
Review Roundup: Chris Brown – ‘F.A.M.E.’

F.A.M.E.

The last two years have been anything but breezy for Chris Brown as he worked to repair his tarnished image and regain his following. After 2009’s underwhelming Graffiti, the R&B star bounced back to the top last summer with singles “Deuces” and “No BS.” Now he faces his critics once again with his fourth album F.A.M.E. (Forgiving All My Enemies), available now. Did they raise him up or tear him down? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mar
21
Review Roundup: Jennifer Hudson – ‘I Remember Me’

I Remember Me

A lot has changed since Jennifer Hudson released her self-titled debut in 2008. The Dreamgirl tragically lost her mother, brother, and nephew, wed WWE wrestler David Otunga, gave birth to her son, and shed 80 pounds, but one thing that remains constant is her powerful pipes. The Oscar winner triumphantly reemerges with her sophomore album I Remember Me, in stores Tuesday. Did the critics welcome J-Hud’s return to music? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Mar
8
Review Roundup: Lupe Fiasco – ‘Lasers’

Lasers

Following a very public battle with his record label, which culminated in a fan protest, Lupe Fiasco emerges to release his first album in over three years, Lasers. The Chicago rapper describes his third effort as “more of a popular record.” So did the critics beam praise on Lupe’s latest? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
21
Review Roundup: Keri Hilson – ‘No Boys Allowed’

No Boys Allowed

Keri Hilson is only looking for men on her sophomore album No Boys Allowed, recruiting an all-male cast including J. Cole, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Rick Ross, and Nelly. After capturing viewers’ attention with her confidence booster “Pretty Girl Rock” and arresting video for “The Way You Love Me,” Miss Keri is ready to reclaim the spotlight. How did she stack up with the critics the second time around? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
15
Review Roundup: R. Kelly – ‘Love Letter’

Love Letter

R. Kelly tones down the raunchiness in favor of making sweet tender love on his Motown-inspired album Love Letter. The R&B lothario reminds listeners that he’s still got it with the soaring singles “When a Woman Loves” and “Love Letter,” plus its accompanying remix “A Love Letter Christmas.” But did Kellz have the critics singing his praises? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
14
Review Roundup: Ciara – ‘Basic Instinct’

Basic Instinct

Ciara follows her Basic Instinct on her fourth album, in stores today. Executive produced by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, the disc marks a return to her roots, with the sensual “Ride” and dance floor-pounding “Gimmie Dat.” Now the R&B chanteuse faces her critics. Find out what they thought below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
7
Review Roundup: T.I. – ‘No Mercy’

No Mercy

T.I. turns somber on his seventh album No Mercy, reflecting on his roller coaster ride of the past year. Kanye West, Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and more lend their troubled friend a hand during his tough times. While the incarcerated rapper seeks redemption, the critics have offered their ruling on his latest work. Find out how he fared.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nov
30
Review Roundup: Black Eyed Peas – ‘The Beginning’

The Beginning

The Black Eyed Peas keep the party going with The Beginning, the follow-up to last year’s hit parade The E.N.D. Fergie, will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap serve up more funky beats and catchy hooks that are bound to keeping rocking well into 2011. Did next year’s Super Bowl halftime performers score a touchdown with critics? Find out below.

Read the rest of this entry »