Keri Hilson- In a Perfect World

Who is Keri Hilson? That’s what I said. Then I figured out that she’s the girl singing in Timbaland’s hit “The Way I Are.” Ooh, I like that song, so I thought I’d probably like Keri’s new album, In a Perfect World. Mmm not so much. Honestly, I don’t think people are buying the album because of HER. I think they’re buying it because of all the awesome people she has featured on it. Most of the album was pretty blah to me; typical R&B and nothing she sang alone really stuck in my head. But all of the tracks that featured another star were the songs I kept going back to. I have a general theory that anything the Timbaland produces will be successful, and In a Perfect World just proves me even more right. I’m sure Timbaland’s pull has a lot to do with all the cameos on the album. One of my favorite tracks is “Knock You Down,” which features both Kanye West and Ne-Yo and has more singing from them than from Keri. I’m generally not the biggest Akon fan, but I found myself dancing along to “Change Me,” in which he also seems to play the main role. Other notable features on the album include Keyshia Cole, Trina, Lil’ Wayne, and Timbaland of course.  I might be deleting Keri’s solo tracks from my music library, but I know I’ll be listening to her duets again and again. Stick to the collaborations, Keri.

The Decemberists- The Hazards of Love

The Decemberists are one of those bands I’ve always meant to listen to, but just never got around to. Well, I finally did with their new album, Hazards of Love, and I’m so psyched that I already love them as much as I do. I would definitely describe this album as being a bit different….weird if you will, but in a super good way. Even the song names are a bit strange, with titles like “The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)” and “The Abduction of Margaret.”  And then I realized the album is a “rock opera,” meaning all of the dialogue of the show is being sung and the entire album makes a complete story. If you didn’t know better, you might discount the album at that; but don’t. No matter if you pay attention to the story’s plot or if you listen to the album on shuffle, it is enjoyable. I’m a big fan of the voice of lead singer Colin Meloy and it works perfectly with guest singers Becky Stark and Shara Worden. I particularly enjoyed “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid” and “Isn’t it a Lovely Night.” I’m not sure if the rest of The Decemberists’ albums are so quirky, but I’m definitely going to find out.

Martina McBride- Shine

I think it’s pretty impossible not to like Martina McBride. OK, so lots of people don’t love country, but seriously? “This One’s for the Girls” is such an incredibly uplifting and bright song, how can anyone resist? I feel the same way about “Ride,” the first single on Martina’s new album, Shine.  It’s the kind of song you listen to whenever you need a little sunshine in your life (get it? Shine?). “Shine while you have the chance to shine/Laugh even when you want to cry/Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride.” The songs are fairly simple as most country songs are, but the lyrics all tell us the kinds of things we need to hear from time to time. One of my favorite messages on the album is in the song, “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,” where Martina sings, “But if you think you’ll never move on/You’re wrong baby wrong.” Some of the other lyrics on Martina’s new album include, “today everything is so sunny side up,” “If you got love you don’t need money,” and “Everyone calls you amazing/I just call you mine.” As you can see, if you need some cheering up, all you need to do is pop Shine in your CD player (or pop it in your computer, or open it on your iTunes, or play it on your iPod). It’s impossible to still be sad after listening to Martina’s 9th studio album.

I have to confess that I’m a sucker for talent. I mean, who isn’t? If all these dancing/singing/acting/yadda yadda reality shows are doing so well, then the American public is certainly thirsty for some grade-A pizzazz. But while the hometown hotties on such shows are nice, what’s really effable is someone who’s taken time to hone their skills and grow into the limelight. A self-made man. And who’s a better example of that than Mos Def?

This week, he’s totally tops on my effable charts.

The Brooklyn hip-hop lyricist, born Dante Terrell Smith, first started recording music alongside his brother and sister as part of a group called Urban Thermal Dynamics. He has since broken off as a solo artist, and his 1999 album Black on Both Sides was his breakout achievement. He has also collaborated with such big names as Talib Kweli, Kanye West, and Common. And his slick, sexy, introspective side acquired a lot of recognition for his work on Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry on HBO. Confidence + smooth delivery= ultra-effability.

But that’s not all. He’s a respected actor whose Hollywood resume includes roles on The Chappelle Show, The Italian Job, and the newest Michel Gondry flick, Be Kind Rewind. Mos Def has been nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammys. Yeah, you could say he knows his way around the entertainment industry. Meow!

Mos Def’s newest film, Cadillac Records, opens today. How am I excited? Let me count the ways: 1) It’s a ’50s period piece (retro movies are always fun), 2) there’s sure to be a great soundtrack (it’s about a recording studio!) and 3) Mos Def plays Chuck Berry, the dynamic early rock-n-roll star. So while my man will be singing “Johnny B. Goode,” I’ll be thinking: Mos Def, be good to me tonight!

There’s nothing like a classic Christmas jam to really make you feel in the holiday spirit. Check out “Christmas in Hollis” and get in the mood!