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May 3, 2007

Music Reviews

Young Singers Continue to Step Up Their Game

Miranda Lambert’s storytelling abilities leave you relating perfectly to her songs

Story by: Anthony Williams

The Shorthorn Scene editor

--Courtesy Art

Forget Carrie Underwood, it’s Miranda Lambert’s time.

Both young country singers got their biggest breaks on reality shows — “American Idol” and “Nashville Star,” respectively — but Lambert’s third-place finish has led her to create a strong sophomore album.

While it’s known that most “Idol” winners catch their groove with their second discs, since their debuts are rushed, Lambert had time after her season to put together Kerosene, a fresh sound in country. With her new release, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the Lindale native has had even more time to write and polish her songs, both modern and nostalgic.

While Lambert’s songs sometimes seem simple, they drive their point straight home, all with twang and instruments that’ll have you tapping your knees before the chorus hits.

The title track is almost campy, but still delicious, thanks to the lyrics. “I watched her for a while, but I didn’t like her walk. She came across kinda cheap to me, but, hey, how’s that my fault.” The anger is palpable.

As a native of Tyler, just south of Lambert’s hometown, “Dry Town” left me laughing — both cities are without alcohol. Hearing Lambert walk into a “Quickie Sack” to find no beer reminded me of home, but she also made me think a bit of Reba McEntire and even Kelly Clarkson. Just like them, Lambert has more than just a voice. She’s able to tell stories, which means much more.

While Underwood has had more radio-play, Lambert’s due for more popularity. She may be crazy, but she can more than hold her own.

R&B standout uses intelligence and craftsmanship to set him apart from contemporaries

Story by: Princess McDowell

The Shorthorn editor in chief

--Courtesy Art

Ne-Yo’s new album is like a cold beer, a well-placed pick-up line and a pure jump shot.

In a word, it’s smooth.

The Arkansas native manages to blend thoughtful lyrics, soft-but-enticing beats and delicate bass lines in his new release, Because Of You.

Although the album probably won’t produce any club-bangers, Ne-Yo’s sophomore effort would set a comfortable atmosphere inside an upscale establishment or poetry spot.

Ne-Yo doesn’t enlist much help on the LP, sharing writing credits on every track and only featuring two other artists. However, the people he does call on can clearly hold their own weight in the music industry.

Jay-Z lends a quick verse on “Crazy,” while Ne-Yo and Jennifer Hudson team up on “Leaving Tonight,” a duet about relationships and trust.

R&B crooner Ne-Yo fills an large void in today’s music scene by not making every song sound the same. He also puts a new spin on old relationship topics.

He professes his love in “Angel” and tries to keep the romance together with “Make It Work.”

The album takes a very sexy turn by track eight with “Sex With My Ex,” where Ne-Yo makes it clear to a past flame that no one can do it like he can. In “Say It,” he asks his lady to tell him what she wants, although he claims to already know the answer.

In today’s industry it is very hard to make yourself stand out in a large pool of artists, but Ne-Yo does just that. Because of You should sit well with fans of neo-soul and classic R&B.