A Joyful Noise – Gossip – Beth Ditto is probably the best disco singer of her generation, and if that's enough, this is enough. But I am less keen on her songs, anonymous disco material, less synthetic than I am used to but not quite memorable enough. Exceptions to this rule abound and "Move In The Right Direction" -well, no need to wait for the remix there – Grade: B+
Cancer 4 Cure – El P – The rapping is first rate, the rhyming magnetics, the sentiments a little obvious for a man with a reputation for being so out there, and the album misses as a whole if for no other reason than that it never actually hooks you – Grade: B+
Bring Me Home Live – Sade – From the 2011 tour, Sade eschews the hits for songs off the last album and almost rains like "Paradise". It is a spotty deal, big production numbers are a little besides the point when it comes to Sade but Arenas will be Arenas. The audience noise is a lousy distraction – Grade: B
Once Upon Another Time – Sara Barelles – This is modern pop for mid-30s adults. She is Regina Spektor without the quirkiness, a pianist playing the mainstream – Grade: B-
Not Your Kind Of People – Garbage – It took em seven years to do this? It sounds like a mediocre continuation of all the things they've ever done. A wrong minded production, somewhat overplayed, homage to Chrissie Hynde. But now ask yourself this: who would you rather homage? A bad choice for lead off single has hurt it, but the songs add up on the end – Grade: B+
Thank You Camellia – Kris Allen – There is always room for a mainstream pop star. American Idol might not have much to add to the proceedings, but it's easy going in its own harmless way – Grade: C+
Promises Promises – Jon McLaughlin – Adults need pop music too. I can't bear him but if you wanna deeply emerge yourself in the mainstream. This is well sung, tasteful, passionate. I just don't like his songs – Grade: B-