Appearing as the final four star rated album of this year, Shayne Ward’s newest CD Breathless
There is no denying that some of my draw to Shayne has to do with his appearance, because the boy is, how do they say, “damn fine”? However, a friend of mine recently asked me if I would still like him if he sang as amazingly as he does, but looked like Barry Manilow; and honestly, I can say that I would still love the guy. His voice is very beautiful, and he can hit high notes that I bet would make even Mariah go “wow”. He is definitely a great singer if nothing else; he too was a product of the ubiquitous “tv singing competition”, where he was plucked from obscurity on the UK’s X-Factor. Since his discovery, however, Shayne has transformed into a sexy star, who really could give Justin Timberlake a run for his money; he’s got talented producers backing him, who know what to do with his sexy, and powerful voice. On Breathless, they have given him an entire album of hits, and it really goes to show, that sometimes, pop music should be perfectly polished and produced, because that’s when you get the best stuff.
As far as this album goes, there is really only one song that I really don’t care for (which is the only reason for the 4 star rating), and that isn’t because of the occasionally trite lyrics, or the presence of down right sugary, sappy songs; both which will no doubt make many question why I chose this record for my year end best of list. Yet, here’s what I have to say to that: in order to love a record like this one, you have to go into it knowing that it will be comprised of ballads about the boy getting the girl, and sometimes un-listenable lines in otherwise great pop songs. This is not meant to be groundbreaking “indie-cred” music. It’s music that you can dance to, enjoy, and feel good about.
On Breathless,
As far as the style of the songs, and whether or not this record is for you, I would say that if you liked the songs that were chosen for him on his first record, and you too would have rather seen far less covers; then this record is for you. They also give him the opportunity to channel some retro-pop sounds from George Michael’s hay day, as well as a few sexy club numbers, which serve well in leveling out the amount of sappiness those loves songs inevitably bring with them. This is one of those records that I can listen to, and feel good about; and I will readily admit, that it doesn’t hurt to have a picture of the man in front of me when I listen, in order to increase my enjoyment of the whole package that is Shayne Ward.
Favorites from Breathless:
Breathless
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/sw-breathless.mp3]
U Got Me So
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/sw-ugotmeso.mp3]
You Make Me Wish
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/sw-youmakemewish.mp3]
No U Hang Up, and If That’s Okay With You.
Rating: 
(the album cover comes from uhlikethat.com, as it is vastly superior to the actual one.)
Nicole Atkins was an amazingly unexpected, but fantastic, discovery for me. I went to see one of my favorite girl groups, The Pipettes, in concert, and after a not-so-great opening act, they announced that the next opening act would be Nicole Atkins. I had never heard of her before that moment, but that would quickly change, and I am thankful that it did. 
in a more polished form. She has some stories to tell, and you really get the sense that she has been around and unfortunately, has had some love and loss. I think that the slight raspy quality of her voice really allows you to feel the ache that she feels. I also love how she often borders on dramatics in her vocal play, and the effect really gives you sense of drama, love, and loss; all while keeping you entertained and enthralled by her performance. All of this “depressing” nature is still, however, kept upbeat by her rock-and-roll sensibilities, and the result is one of those records that you fall for, and love throughout (as I did). Nicole is definitely a fantastic artist, and this CD stands out among the others that I have loved this year. The only reason that it didn’t land amongst the top records of the year for me, unfortunately, is because I found out about it so late in the year (it came out at the end of October), and I haven’t had enough time to truly explore and enjoy the intricate nuances of Nicole’s sound. 
Perhaps they named their new record 
because of the fact that it is technically the first record they have done with newcomer, Amelle, but whatever the motivation, the record, in my opinion, is a hit. The Sugababes, for all of you in the States that haven’t a clue who they are, are one of the most successful UK pop acts over the past nine years, and they don’t seem to be slowing up. In fact, with the release of Change, I think they have gone past having a few hits, and a few number one singles, to a bona fide girl group capable of delivering an album that demands recognition.
Propelled by a powerful, rock infused cover that identifies the record’s namesake, 
by Brandi Carlile, represents itself as what it truly is: a magnificently orchestrated album. Comparison to the Indigo Girls is unavoidable, so it’s best to get it out of the way right away. That similarity is even present on the record, where Brandi teams up with them on the song Canonball. However, despite the strong similarities, The Story is a great indication that Brandi definitely can carry herself nicely as a solo artist. Brandi brings an impassioned performance on The Story, that reverberates right through you every time her voice cracks at the height of her song’s emotion. There is no doubt, after listening to Brandi perform on this record, that she is passionate about the music she is making; it is clear and refreshing to hear in her performance. 
Initially, I was so blown away by the record 
by Jon McLaughlin, that I was quick to rank it among the other five star records for this year; and that is where I wanted it to stay… it deserves it. However, unfortunately, the more I listened to it, I managed to find a few flaws that I just couldn’t ignore. Now don’t get me wrong, the great tracks on this record (and their are MANY), are just that, GREAT; but, there are a couple that I would have seriously considered leaving off, or doing slightly differently… that’s if I were in his shoes when he was making Indiana.
“Technically” 
was released in 2006, but since it was re-released here in the states in early 2007, it can “technically” make my year end list. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I get to talk about why a potentially amazing album did not make it to a higher spot on my year end list.
Here we are at 21, with Westlife, and it should be clear by now; there is no stopping the pop on this year end list! Seriously, though, did you really expect anything else? You will find a few rock/indie albums stashed here and there, but I am a boy who loves pop, and is more than willing to embrace it and share that information with the world.
made my year end list. First of all, if there is one thing that makes me weak in the knees, is a male vocalist to swoon over, as he sings me seemingly heartfelt love songs; and with Westlife, you get four of those in one package. Secondly, I have been a fan of Westlife for as long as I have known they existed, and if there is one thing that they have, is that they can consistently bring those pop-laced love songs that I adore so much. Finally, and most importantly, this record really is a testament of them going “back home”; allow me to explain.
Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.
It is no secret that the “land down under” is full of some great surprises; for proof, just look at yesterday’s featured CD by the fabulous Kylie Minogue. Well, this next “diva” from down under found her start a little differently than Kylie; Ricki-Lee was one of the quite amazing contestants on Australian Idol. While people will continue to blast those shows for their fairly pegged vapid fluff, there is one thing that can’t be denied; these shows really do find people that can sing. Sure, there will always be the duds, but occasionally, there is a shining star in there, and occasionally, they are given the chance to shine… which is the case with Ricki-Lee. 
Ricki-Lee bursts from the marketing tool of the Young Divas, a group of fellow Idol outcasts brought together to showcase singing ability in covering old classics. However, after listening to Brand New Day, you can see why Ricki-Lee cut that cord, and moved back out on her own; she has a voice that deserves to do more than cover old songs from the 70s and 80s. Also, as my buddy Stu put it, Ricki-Lee left Young Divas because she knew she could do it on her own, and do it better; and you know what, she does.
I will start by saying that I have never considered myself a “Kylie fan”. Sure, I enjoyed some of the songs from Fever (the album with the massive hit Can’t Get You Out of My Head); but other than that, I just haven’t really paid much attention to the “cult of Kylie”. Many friends have deemed me a “bad gay”, and said that I should have a corner of my gay card torn off for not owning all of Kyle’s albums, but I have never seen the allure… that is, until now.
that really demands attention. There has been a lot of buzz around the internets praising this record, and I have to say, that I agree; it is really good. There are many different songs on here that really get you moving (like my favorite In Your Arms), and others that sound as if Janet Jackson was planning on recording them herself.