Sam Smith
"The Thrill of It All" (Capitol)
When Sam Smith debuted on the music scene in 2014, he sang beautiful and searing songs about love lapses and loneliness. There are moments you'd feel sad for him, but then you'd remind yourself not to pity the guy too much, because, wow, he has THAT VOICE.
On his sophomore album, he's still singing emotional songs, but his growth is evident. And perfectly executed.
"The Thrill of It All" is simply that-a thrill-as Smith's piecing voice and vivid lyrics tell stories about his relationships and experiences over the last three years-the good, the bad, the sad and more.
There's not a miss on the 10-track album.
Smith co-wrote each of the 10 songs, and even recruited new collaborators to help him out. But at the core of it all, it is Smith, and that voice that emotes the lyrics so perfectly. "The Thrill of It All" is everything, and more.
-Mesfin Fekadu,
The Associated Press
Kid Rock delivers on strong 'Sweet Southern Sugar'
Kid Rock,
"Sweet Southern Sugar"
(Broken Bow/BMG/Top Dog)
The 10 strong tracks have Kid Rock's signature stew of Southern rock, rap and country, layered with expletive-laden lyrics that evoke Old Glory patriotism, Don't-Step-on-Me cockiness and a celebration of redneck culture. It's sweet all right, with just enough sour to keep it interesting.
There are satisfying arena-ready rockers along with proud Southern-fried tunes.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, never expressly discusses politics, but he clearly revels in his political incorrectness. "I'm a thrift store of filth/I was built to enrage," he sings. "I'm a mountain of fame/the last of my kind."
His rock-rap anthem "Grandpa's Jam" - yes, the Kid is now a grandpa - bizarrely name-checks Taylor Swift, J. Paul Getty, Wolfgang Puck, the Doobie Brothers, Chelsea Handler and the Yeti. You kind of have to give him props, even as you chuckle.
In that song, he gets angry at if he's called "white trash" but he also celebrates Southern cliches elsewhere.
Kid Rock also gets serious with the wistful, suicide-referencing "Back to the Otherside" and a dark cover of the Four Tops' "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch," which in his hands now seems to evoke drug addiction. Yes, Kid Rock can go deep, too.
-Mark Kennedy
The Associated Press
Maroon 5 absolutely sparkles on 'Red Pill Blues'
Maroon 5, "Red Pill Blues" (Interscope/222 Records)
"Red Pill Blues" finds Maroon 5 doing what they do best, writing well-crafted, cleverly produced pop songs that instantly nudge you to the dance floor.
Maroon 5's strong sixth studio album is co-produced by Levine, who has a hand in writing every song, and producer J Kash, who helped the band with the previous hits "Sugar" and "Cold." Aided by some inspired guests, the 10-track album sparkles without messing around too much with the band's slick, hook-driven sound.
There are potential hits all over the album, from the opening radio-ready "Best 4 You," to the flirty, dance floor-friendly "What Lovers Do," showcasing a super SZA.
Maroon 5 is firing on all cylinders with "Red Pill Blues," an album that sounds ultra-current and yet shows off enough versatility to seduce virtually anyone.
-Mark Kennedy
The Associated Press