Curveball – The Wombats – If you took the Kinks and brought them into the 21st century, you wouldn’t get the Wombats but the Wombats are the only band with a similar lyrical cleverness. However, the new album doesn’t prove that and this last song, a high harmony disaster, closes the album on a sad and sorry note – C
So Naive – Villagers – This guy has a good rep as a tasteful and intelligent folk singer and songwriter, then why is he incapable of a song strong enough to close an album: “I believe I’m part of something bigger…”? He sort of has to be – C
Okaga, Ca – Tyler, The Creator – That’s Alice Smith on a verse, and she sounds quite good on this song of love found and trip taken to end the album – B+
This Is What It Takes – Shawn Mendes – One you admit the youtube sensation is precocious and not built for you, you can’t help but think teens with angst and loneliness and daydreams could do worse – C+
Pray For Peace – Reba McEntire – Pipes of peace fade in to this dreary crap – D+
You Are Not Alone – Tony Succar, Tito Nieves, Tito Nieves Jr – Superb closer to an excellent album, works as a remembrance of Tito’s late son and as an I wanna give the world a coke – A
House On A Beach – Kristian Bush – He needs a house on the beach? So why doesn’t he buy one? – C-
Bad Dreams – Joywave – But there is no joy on this electro pop album closer – C+
Do You Wanna Dance – Jessie Baylin – If you dismissed her out of hand simply for being married to a King Of Leon, well, that’s understandable, but this dreamy cover of the old Bobby Freeman may go a long way in getting you to forgive her – A-.
Holy Holy Holy – Amy Grant – Absolutely gorgeous closer to a truly religious experience. Music can do what faith has problems with – A
