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Uncle B
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N-Dubz;
UMTV;
2008-11-17;
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Usually dispatched within 5 to 7 days
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Amazon: £8.98
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more money obviously. I'd be surprised if he did anymore albums like this but it's good to see some experimentation.
:( what has he done?, 18 Nov 2008
Kanye wests latest album is officially his worse.
He has moved away from what he is good at, rapping, and gone to something that is really not his scene, singing.
I am really disappointed with this.
Kanyes change is rubbish.
Innovative, 12 Nov 2008
I have a great respect for artists who choose to follow their gut when creating, and that is exactly what Kanye has done with this new record '808's and Heartbreak '
He has left his old style behind, that being the hip hop genre and moved on to a more R&B, pop style, which if your an old school Kanye fan can mean bad news.
Love lockdown is the first single from the new album and took everyone by suprise, the single upon relase recived mixed reviews, but has gradually become accepted by many fans, but is still hated by few. The main reason for all the controversey is Kanye 'singing' in auto-tune, an effect which allows you to sing in tune while putting a robotic effect on your voice, this is an effect that dominates the record.
Heartless is the second single, and is my second favourite on the album, the first being ' Coldest Winter'. The song is sung by Kanye in auto-tune with some light rap thrown in.
The most impressive thing about 808s & Heartbreak is how all tracks were produced and written by Kanye, something we don't see a lot of these days by other artists. All the tracks are very impressive, 'Robocop' and 'amazing' stand out, the only low point is "See You in My Nightmares" simply because Lil Wayne is on the cut.
Hardcore Kanye fans will love it or hate it this album, while us casusal listeners can just enjoy something fresh and unique sounding.
Kanye West New Change, 27 Oct 2008
Listening to a few of his new song release of love lockdown, coldest winter which is for his mother who turn away and heartless this album kanye change to a mixture of a soul singer and rapper which you really get to your head and make you think. Kanye once again have reach his expectation
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The Alesha Show
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Alesha Dixon;
Asylum;
2008-11-24;
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Not yet released
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Amazon: £8.98
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Evolver
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John Legend;
Columbia;
2008-10-20;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days *Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.02
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more money obviously. I'd be surprised if he did anymore albums like this but it's good to see some experimentation.
:( what has he done?, 18 Nov 2008
Kanye wests latest album is officially his worse.
He has moved away from what he is good at, rapping, and gone to something that is really not his scene, singing.
I am really disappointed with this.
Kanyes change is rubbish.
Innovative, 12 Nov 2008
I have a great respect for artists who choose to follow their gut when creating, and that is exactly what Kanye has done with this new record '808's and Heartbreak '
He has left his old style behind, that being the hip hop genre and moved on to a more R&B, pop style, which if your an old school Kanye fan can mean bad news.
Love lockdown is the first single from the new album and took everyone by suprise, the single upon relase recived mixed reviews, but has gradually become accepted by many fans, but is still hated by few. The main reason for all the controversey is Kanye 'singing' in auto-tune, an effect which allows you to sing in tune while putting a robotic effect on your voice, this is an effect that dominates the record.
Heartless is the second single, and is my second favourite on the album, the first being ' Coldest Winter'. The song is sung by Kanye in auto-tune with some light rap thrown in.
The most impressive thing about 808s & Heartbreak is how all tracks were produced and written by Kanye, something we don't see a lot of these days by other artists. All the tracks are very impressive, 'Robocop' and 'amazing' stand out, the only low point is "See You in My Nightmares" simply because Lil Wayne is on the cut.
Hardcore Kanye fans will love it or hate it this album, while us casusal listeners can just enjoy something fresh and unique sounding.
Kanye West New Change, 27 Oct 2008
Listening to a few of his new song release of love lockdown, coldest winter which is for his mother who turn away and heartless this album kanye change to a mixture of a soul singer and rapper which you really get to your head and make you think. Kanye once again have reach his expectation
it's growing on me!, 19 Nov 2008
It only arrived yesterday, and its growing on me!
I agree with another review I read that a couple of the tracks are similar in style to the Once Again album - which I loved! The others are quite different in style, and Track 1 is a nice change! Its good - buy it!
Strength to Strength, 19 Nov 2008
This is a fantastic return to form for John Legend. His last two albums have been great but both were very similar. This however, shows a change in tack from John Legend.
Tracks such as "Green Light" and "It's Over" will appeal to newer fans who favour Hip-Hop over R&B and those fans who want more up tempo songs. However, tracks such as "This Time" and "I Love, You Love" will appeal to the more traditional fans and those who like him for his tender and soft R&B songs.
From start to finish it is an outstanding album! My only criticism would be the dominance of Kanye West's influence. Some tracks would have been better without the use of Synthesisers on John Legends voice and some of the cheap 80's electro sounds which Kanye was trying to put in most of the tracks. However, John Legends soulfulness manages to overcome this.
Fantastic.
Disappointing for someone I rate so highly, 26 Oct 2008
I loved his 1st album pretty much from the first listen. I then went to see him perform it live in Manchester and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I picked up his second album as soon as it was released and, at first, didn't think it quite matched his first, but it grew on me massively and it became one of my most listened to albums. I think he really achieved a unique sound on Once Again. After 2 listens of this new album I am saddened to say that I have to agree with a review I read in a London freesheet (a review to which I originally reacted with outrage, especially as the reviewer called it his '2nd album'!), it is too 'smaltzy'. I don't really enjoy the use of 80s-style synthesisers and think John Legend's amazing voice is better suited to a more organic Donny Hathaway/Stevie Wonder-type sound. Although Kanye West served him well on his 1st album, I think Mr Legend should stray away from obvious big hit makers like Will.i.am, Andre 3000 etc. and get someone like Raphael Saadiq to produce his next album.
cool, 23 Oct 2008
Album no 3 for john legend is a mixture of uptempo rnb songs mixed with the usual ballads. This is a solid album and is only mared by the poor last 3 tracks which has made me knock a star off. The single Green Light is excellent and is prob the albums best tracks but there lots of other cool tracks. Some of the ballads arent as strong as some of his previous ones but are still good and all the uptempo numbers are excellent. John even dabbles with reggae on 2 tracks and 1 has co-vocals by Estelle to great effect and the track turns out to be an album highlight!
One of the better rnb albums iv'e heard this year.
Much better than his last album (4.5 stars), 21 Oct 2008
John Legend is one of my favourite R&B singers without a doubt. He really reminds me of what is right with the genre and that once upon a time we had people like Sam Cooke. His albums are quality first and this is no exception. This album for the most part is far more up tempo than his last album Once Again. The lead single with Andre 3000 (Green Light) is evidence of that. The album has a few features peppered in (Andre 3000, Brandy, Kanye West, Estelle) but they are not overwhelming. The tempo calms down towards the end of the album and there are two songs where Legend continues to dable in reggae. I saw him live in Brixton where he remixed Used to Love U from his first album into a reggae remix and there are those features on Estelle's album Shine where there was a reggae sound. It does really suit his voice and it doesn't sound gimicky like some other R&B artists (Mariah Carey). Here is a brief look at some stand out tracks
Good Morning Intro/Green Light ft. Andre 3000 - the up-tempo track is very Outkast reminiscent which is nice for a group I haven't hread from in a while. There isn't an obvious piano track on here so I like to hear John doing different things. 5/5
It's Over ft. Kanye West - this track about someone who just doesn't get it when you've broken up, is brassy with horns and again a slightly modern drum and electric sound. There is a lingering female vocal as well. Kanye's rap is all right again with the vocoder (think T Pain). 4/5
Everybody Knows - this is almost countryish in its start with just an acoustic guitar and a simple drum line. John's voice stands out and the lyrics are very well written. The song is about your ex finding someone new which works well flowing from the first song. This song is subtle and is an easy listen. Rather addictive.
Quickly ft Brandy - pulsing almost flashing lights tempo with stand out bass. This is a BEAUTIFUL song and it is great to hear from Brandy again. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album for sure. Well worth downloading on its own if you don't want to buy the whole album at first. 5/5
Cross the Line - again this sounds very Andre 3000/Outkast. It is about 'crossing the line' with a friend. The production is below John's voice and the production never really takes off but stays nicely low key. Excellent track. 4/5
No Other Love ft. Estelle - 4/5 - Reggae style track. Estelle really shines on this track with John and these two I hope continue to work together on tracks. They compliment each other really well with John's raspy voice. This track is very listenable and John sounds comfortable in the genre.
This Time - 4/5 - this is a little higher production with rich strings and a piano (first time I've noticed a piano in the entire album to memory).
I Love, You Love / Good Morning - If you really loved Once Again, you will love where the rest of this album is going and these two tracks epitomise this best. More mellow, John's voice, a single electric guitar on I love, you love (think mellow dire straits). Good Morning is very mellow again and rich in john's vocal being the focus.
If You're Out There - campaign song written for Barack Obama which is very production rich and uplifting which is obviously meant to be the direction of the song. I think that the song is somewhat out of place on the album but I understand that he would put it on his next album as the song is popular with many in the campaign. 3/5
Can't be My Lover - LOVE THIS TRACK - sounds like Buju Banton is on the track and again I think John must genuinely love reggae music cuz he sounds very comfortable on this track. I can't wait to hear this live. 5/5
Buy this album. A lot of albums will come out over this Christmas run up and this is one of them that is a must to buy. I normall say download individual tracks and if you are going to do that, chose the ones that I have spoken about on here, but if you notice. That's probably about 80% of the album. I cannot speak more highly of this album.
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more money obviously. I'd be surprised if he did anymore albums like this but it's good to see some experimentation.
:( what has he done?, 18 Nov 2008
Kanye wests latest album is officially his worse.
He has moved away from what he is good at, rapping, and gone to something that is really not his scene, singing.
I am really disappointed with this.
Kanyes change is rubbish.
Innovative, 12 Nov 2008
I have a great respect for artists who choose to follow their gut when creating, and that is exactly what Kanye has done with this new record '808's and Heartbreak '
He has left his old style behind, that being the hip hop genre and moved on to a more R&B, pop style, which if your an old school Kanye fan can mean bad news.
Love lockdown is the first single from the new album and took everyone by suprise, the single upon relase recived mixed reviews, but has gradually become accepted by many fans, but is still hated by few. The main reason for all the controversey is Kanye 'singing' in auto-tune, an effect which allows you to sing in tune while putting a robotic effect on your voice, this is an effect that dominates the record.
Heartless is the second single, and is my second favourite on the album, the first being ' Coldest Winter'. The song is sung by Kanye in auto-tune with some light rap thrown in.
The most impressive thing about 808s & Heartbreak is how all tracks were produced and written by Kanye, something we don't see a lot of these days by other artists. All the tracks are very impressive, 'Robocop' and 'amazing' stand out, the only low point is "See You in My Nightmares" simply because Lil Wayne is on the cut.
Hardcore Kanye fans will love it or hate it this album, while us casusal listeners can just enjoy something fresh and unique sounding.
Kanye West New Change, 27 Oct 2008
Listening to a few of his new song release of love lockdown, coldest winter which is for his mother who turn away and heartless this album kanye change to a mixture of a soul singer and rapper which you really get to your head and make you think. Kanye once again have reach his expectation
it's growing on me!, 19 Nov 2008
It only arrived yesterday, and its growing on me!
I agree with another review I read that a couple of the tracks are similar in style to the Once Again album - which I loved! The others are quite different in style, and Track 1 is a nice change! Its good - buy it!
Strength to Strength, 19 Nov 2008
This is a fantastic return to form for John Legend. His last two albums have been great but both were very similar. This however, shows a change in tack from John Legend.
Tracks such as "Green Light" and "It's Over" will appeal to newer fans who favour Hip-Hop over R&B and those fans who want more up tempo songs. However, tracks such as "This Time" and "I Love, You Love" will appeal to the more traditional fans and those who like him for his tender and soft R&B songs.
From start to finish it is an outstanding album! My only criticism would be the dominance of Kanye West's influence. Some tracks would have been better without the use of Synthesisers on John Legends voice and some of the cheap 80's electro sounds which Kanye was trying to put in most of the tracks. However, John Legends soulfulness manages to overcome this.
Fantastic.
Disappointing for someone I rate so highly, 26 Oct 2008
I loved his 1st album pretty much from the first listen. I then went to see him perform it live in Manchester and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I picked up his second album as soon as it was released and, at first, didn't think it quite matched his first, but it grew on me massively and it became one of my most listened to albums. I think he really achieved a unique sound on Once Again. After 2 listens of this new album I am saddened to say that I have to agree with a review I read in a London freesheet (a review to which I originally reacted with outrage, especially as the reviewer called it his '2nd album'!), it is too 'smaltzy'. I don't really enjoy the use of 80s-style synthesisers and think John Legend's amazing voice is better suited to a more organic Donny Hathaway/Stevie Wonder-type sound. Although Kanye West served him well on his 1st album, I think Mr Legend should stray away from obvious big hit makers like Will.i.am, Andre 3000 etc. and get someone like Raphael Saadiq to produce his next album.
cool, 23 Oct 2008
Album no 3 for john legend is a mixture of uptempo rnb songs mixed with the usual ballads. This is a solid album and is only mared by the poor last 3 tracks which has made me knock a star off. The single Green Light is excellent and is prob the albums best tracks but there lots of other cool tracks. Some of the ballads arent as strong as some of his previous ones but are still good and all the uptempo numbers are excellent. John even dabbles with reggae on 2 tracks and 1 has co-vocals by Estelle to great effect and the track turns out to be an album highlight!
One of the better rnb albums iv'e heard this year.
Much better than his last album (4.5 stars), 21 Oct 2008
John Legend is one of my favourite R&B singers without a doubt. He really reminds me of what is right with the genre and that once upon a time we had people like Sam Cooke. His albums are quality first and this is no exception. This album for the most part is far more up tempo than his last album Once Again. The lead single with Andre 3000 (Green Light) is evidence of that. The album has a few features peppered in (Andre 3000, Brandy, Kanye West, Estelle) but they are not overwhelming. The tempo calms down towards the end of the album and there are two songs where Legend continues to dable in reggae. I saw him live in Brixton where he remixed Used to Love U from his first album into a reggae remix and there are those features on Estelle's album Shine where there was a reggae sound. It does really suit his voice and it doesn't sound gimicky like some other R&B artists (Mariah Carey). Here is a brief look at some stand out tracks
Good Morning Intro/Green Light ft. Andre 3000 - the up-tempo track is very Outkast reminiscent which is nice for a group I haven't hread from in a while. There isn't an obvious piano track on here so I like to hear John doing different things. 5/5
It's Over ft. Kanye West - this track about someone who just doesn't get it when you've broken up, is brassy with horns and again a slightly modern drum and electric sound. There is a lingering female vocal as well. Kanye's rap is all right again with the vocoder (think T Pain). 4/5
Everybody Knows - this is almost countryish in its start with just an acoustic guitar and a simple drum line. John's voice stands out and the lyrics are very well written. The song is about your ex finding someone new which works well flowing from the first song. This song is subtle and is an easy listen. Rather addictive.
Quickly ft Brandy - pulsing almost flashing lights tempo with stand out bass. This is a BEAUTIFUL song and it is great to hear from Brandy again. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album for sure. Well worth downloading on its own if you don't want to buy the whole album at first. 5/5
Cross the Line - again this sounds very Andre 3000/Outkast. It is about 'crossing the line' with a friend. The production is below John's voice and the production never really takes off but stays nicely low key. Excellent track. 4/5
No Other Love ft. Estelle - 4/5 - Reggae style track. Estelle really shines on this track with John and these two I hope continue to work together on tracks. They compliment each other really well with John's raspy voice. This track is very listenable and John sounds comfortable in the genre.
This Time - 4/5 - this is a little higher production with rich strings and a piano (first time I've noticed a piano in the entire album to memory).
I Love, You Love / Good Morning - If you really loved Once Again, you will love where the rest of this album is going and these two tracks epitomise this best. More mellow, John's voice, a single electric guitar on I love, you love (think mellow dire straits). Good Morning is very mellow again and rich in john's vocal being the focus.
If You're Out There - campaign song written for Barack Obama which is very production rich and uplifting which is obviously meant to be the direction of the song. I think that the song is somewhat out of place on the album but I understand that he would put it on his next album as the song is popular with many in the campaign. 3/5
Can't be My Lover - LOVE THIS TRACK - sounds like Buju Banton is on the track and again I think John must genuinely love reggae music cuz he sounds very comfortable on this track. I can't wait to hear this live. 5/5
Buy this album. A lot of albums will come out over this Christmas run up and this is one of them that is a must to buy. I normall say download individual tracks and if you are going to do that, chose the ones that I have spoken about on here, but if you notice. That's probably about 80% of the album. I cannot speak more highly of this album.
Party !, 13 Nov 2008
What a great party track - just makes you want to get up and dance. Alesha's performance of this on Strictly Come Dancing was also hot - the place was cookin' !!!
Let's do the Cha Cha!!! lol, 05 Nov 2008
I really like this song, It remind's me of the "Mambo No.5" sort of song's
I'm not sure what the Album will be like, I liked Mis-Teeq but we probably wont ever see them together again!
but this is a great song! not sure if it will be a Hit!!! but if it does then great. The Video is great :)
Bopping all around the house!, 31 Oct 2008
What a triumph - Alesha's dancing has obviously infected her music making. This new number is a great crossover between mambo, big band and rap. It is highly infectious and renders the listener unable to concentrate on anything else apart from this boy with two left feet who does nothing!
Fun and fabulous: like Alesha herself, 26 Oct 2008
I love this song: it's good fun and a really dance number.
Take it for what it is, cheesy pop at its very best!
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start., 26 Oct 2008
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start. Her lyrics were so meaningful and special whilst she was in Miss-Teeq but now its all gone topsy-turvy. Did you have a dirty husband? adrian chiles asked her on the one show and she said no i just did it for fun that never used to be her attitude!!
The lyrics are confusing, they don't make any sense, I'm sure they baffle the listener like it baffled me:
"Does he wash up? No he never washed up.
Does he clean up? No he never cleans up.
Does he brush up? No he never brushed up.
He does nothing, the boy does nothing!"
The 'does he wash up, does he clean up, does he brush up' part sounds like part of a CBeebies jingle. Alesha, if your next single is like this, and your album thats released soon its all over for you!!
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The Renaissance
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Q-Tip;
Universal / Island;
2008-11-03;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days *Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.97
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more money obviously. I'd be surprised if he did anymore albums like this but it's good to see some experimentation.
:( what has he done?, 18 Nov 2008
Kanye wests latest album is officially his worse.
He has moved away from what he is good at, rapping, and gone to something that is really not his scene, singing.
I am really disappointed with this.
Kanyes change is rubbish.
Innovative, 12 Nov 2008
I have a great respect for artists who choose to follow their gut when creating, and that is exactly what Kanye has done with this new record '808's and Heartbreak '
He has left his old style behind, that being the hip hop genre and moved on to a more R&B, pop style, which if your an old school Kanye fan can mean bad news.
Love lockdown is the first single from the new album and took everyone by suprise, the single upon relase recived mixed reviews, but has gradually become accepted by many fans, but is still hated by few. The main reason for all the controversey is Kanye 'singing' in auto-tune, an effect which allows you to sing in tune while putting a robotic effect on your voice, this is an effect that dominates the record.
Heartless is the second single, and is my second favourite on the album, the first being ' Coldest Winter'. The song is sung by Kanye in auto-tune with some light rap thrown in.
The most impressive thing about 808s & Heartbreak is how all tracks were produced and written by Kanye, something we don't see a lot of these days by other artists. All the tracks are very impressive, 'Robocop' and 'amazing' stand out, the only low point is "See You in My Nightmares" simply because Lil Wayne is on the cut.
Hardcore Kanye fans will love it or hate it this album, while us casusal listeners can just enjoy something fresh and unique sounding.
Kanye West New Change, 27 Oct 2008
Listening to a few of his new song release of love lockdown, coldest winter which is for his mother who turn away and heartless this album kanye change to a mixture of a soul singer and rapper which you really get to your head and make you think. Kanye once again have reach his expectation
it's growing on me!, 19 Nov 2008
It only arrived yesterday, and its growing on me!
I agree with another review I read that a couple of the tracks are similar in style to the Once Again album - which I loved! The others are quite different in style, and Track 1 is a nice change! Its good - buy it!
Strength to Strength, 19 Nov 2008
This is a fantastic return to form for John Legend. His last two albums have been great but both were very similar. This however, shows a change in tack from John Legend.
Tracks such as "Green Light" and "It's Over" will appeal to newer fans who favour Hip-Hop over R&B and those fans who want more up tempo songs. However, tracks such as "This Time" and "I Love, You Love" will appeal to the more traditional fans and those who like him for his tender and soft R&B songs.
From start to finish it is an outstanding album! My only criticism would be the dominance of Kanye West's influence. Some tracks would have been better without the use of Synthesisers on John Legends voice and some of the cheap 80's electro sounds which Kanye was trying to put in most of the tracks. However, John Legends soulfulness manages to overcome this.
Fantastic.
Disappointing for someone I rate so highly, 26 Oct 2008
I loved his 1st album pretty much from the first listen. I then went to see him perform it live in Manchester and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I picked up his second album as soon as it was released and, at first, didn't think it quite matched his first, but it grew on me massively and it became one of my most listened to albums. I think he really achieved a unique sound on Once Again. After 2 listens of this new album I am saddened to say that I have to agree with a review I read in a London freesheet (a review to which I originally reacted with outrage, especially as the reviewer called it his '2nd album'!), it is too 'smaltzy'. I don't really enjoy the use of 80s-style synthesisers and think John Legend's amazing voice is better suited to a more organic Donny Hathaway/Stevie Wonder-type sound. Although Kanye West served him well on his 1st album, I think Mr Legend should stray away from obvious big hit makers like Will.i.am, Andre 3000 etc. and get someone like Raphael Saadiq to produce his next album.
cool, 23 Oct 2008
Album no 3 for john legend is a mixture of uptempo rnb songs mixed with the usual ballads. This is a solid album and is only mared by the poor last 3 tracks which has made me knock a star off. The single Green Light is excellent and is prob the albums best tracks but there lots of other cool tracks. Some of the ballads arent as strong as some of his previous ones but are still good and all the uptempo numbers are excellent. John even dabbles with reggae on 2 tracks and 1 has co-vocals by Estelle to great effect and the track turns out to be an album highlight!
One of the better rnb albums iv'e heard this year.
Much better than his last album (4.5 stars), 21 Oct 2008
John Legend is one of my favourite R&B singers without a doubt. He really reminds me of what is right with the genre and that once upon a time we had people like Sam Cooke. His albums are quality first and this is no exception. This album for the most part is far more up tempo than his last album Once Again. The lead single with Andre 3000 (Green Light) is evidence of that. The album has a few features peppered in (Andre 3000, Brandy, Kanye West, Estelle) but they are not overwhelming. The tempo calms down towards the end of the album and there are two songs where Legend continues to dable in reggae. I saw him live in Brixton where he remixed Used to Love U from his first album into a reggae remix and there are those features on Estelle's album Shine where there was a reggae sound. It does really suit his voice and it doesn't sound gimicky like some other R&B artists (Mariah Carey). Here is a brief look at some stand out tracks
Good Morning Intro/Green Light ft. Andre 3000 - the up-tempo track is very Outkast reminiscent which is nice for a group I haven't hread from in a while. There isn't an obvious piano track on here so I like to hear John doing different things. 5/5
It's Over ft. Kanye West - this track about someone who just doesn't get it when you've broken up, is brassy with horns and again a slightly modern drum and electric sound. There is a lingering female vocal as well. Kanye's rap is all right again with the vocoder (think T Pain). 4/5
Everybody Knows - this is almost countryish in its start with just an acoustic guitar and a simple drum line. John's voice stands out and the lyrics are very well written. The song is about your ex finding someone new which works well flowing from the first song. This song is subtle and is an easy listen. Rather addictive.
Quickly ft Brandy - pulsing almost flashing lights tempo with stand out bass. This is a BEAUTIFUL song and it is great to hear from Brandy again. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album for sure. Well worth downloading on its own if you don't want to buy the whole album at first. 5/5
Cross the Line - again this sounds very Andre 3000/Outkast. It is about 'crossing the line' with a friend. The production is below John's voice and the production never really takes off but stays nicely low key. Excellent track. 4/5
No Other Love ft. Estelle - 4/5 - Reggae style track. Estelle really shines on this track with John and these two I hope continue to work together on tracks. They compliment each other really well with John's raspy voice. This track is very listenable and John sounds comfortable in the genre.
This Time - 4/5 - this is a little higher production with rich strings and a piano (first time I've noticed a piano in the entire album to memory).
I Love, You Love / Good Morning - If you really loved Once Again, you will love where the rest of this album is going and these two tracks epitomise this best. More mellow, John's voice, a single electric guitar on I love, you love (think mellow dire straits). Good Morning is very mellow again and rich in john's vocal being the focus.
If You're Out There - campaign song written for Barack Obama which is very production rich and uplifting which is obviously meant to be the direction of the song. I think that the song is somewhat out of place on the album but I understand that he would put it on his next album as the song is popular with many in the campaign. 3/5
Can't be My Lover - LOVE THIS TRACK - sounds like Buju Banton is on the track and again I think John must genuinely love reggae music cuz he sounds very comfortable on this track. I can't wait to hear this live. 5/5
Buy this album. A lot of albums will come out over this Christmas run up and this is one of them that is a must to buy. I normall say download individual tracks and if you are going to do that, chose the ones that I have spoken about on here, but if you notice. That's probably about 80% of the album. I cannot speak more highly of this album.
Party !, 13 Nov 2008
What a great party track - just makes you want to get up and dance. Alesha's performance of this on Strictly Come Dancing was also hot - the place was cookin' !!!
Let's do the Cha Cha!!! lol, 05 Nov 2008
I really like this song, It remind's me of the "Mambo No.5" sort of song's
I'm not sure what the Album will be like, I liked Mis-Teeq but we probably wont ever see them together again!
but this is a great song! not sure if it will be a Hit!!! but if it does then great. The Video is great :)
Bopping all around the house!, 31 Oct 2008
What a triumph - Alesha's dancing has obviously infected her music making. This new number is a great crossover between mambo, big band and rap. It is highly infectious and renders the listener unable to concentrate on anything else apart from this boy with two left feet who does nothing!
Fun and fabulous: like Alesha herself, 26 Oct 2008
I love this song: it's good fun and a really dance number.
Take it for what it is, cheesy pop at its very best!
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start., 26 Oct 2008
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start. Her lyrics were so meaningful and special whilst she was in Miss-Teeq but now its all gone topsy-turvy. Did you have a dirty husband? adrian chiles asked her on the one show and she said no i just did it for fun that never used to be her attitude!!
The lyrics are confusing, they don't make any sense, I'm sure they baffle the listener like it baffled me:
"Does he wash up? No he never washed up.
Does he clean up? No he never cleans up.
Does he brush up? No he never brushed up.
He does nothing, the boy does nothing!"
The 'does he wash up, does he clean up, does he brush up' part sounds like part of a CBeebies jingle. Alesha, if your next single is like this, and your album thats released soon its all over for you!!
simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL
The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE
2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.
What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.
From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!
I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.
Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.
The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.
The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.
Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...
Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.
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The R&B Yearbook 2008
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Various Artists;
Sony BMG;
2008-11-17;
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Usually dispatched within 5 to 7 days
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Amazon: £9.98
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Shine
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Estelle;
Atlantic;
2008-03-31;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days *Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £4.50
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Product Description
Award-winning British artist Estelle never got her just desserts for her 2004 debut album The 18th Day. Though the record was a critical success, it failed to make the mainstream splash many had hoped for. Her sophomore project, Shine, seems hell bent on avoiding the same fate. Backed up by a coterie of high profile US starlets--Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Mark Ronson and Kanye West--Shine has surefire commercial success written all over it; though that's not to say Estelle has sold out. Despite the high-impact American-style production, Shine remains reassuringly British. Estelle's West London twang is as sharp as ever, and even Kanye drops rhymes about "WAGS" and "London Boys" (see single "American Boy"). It's every bit as diverse as its predecessor too, featuring dancehall party jams ("Magnificent", produced by Mark Ronson and featuring Kardinal Offishall), the will.i.am produced "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" (which uses a twisted up sample from Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You") to lovers' rock ("Come Over") and, of course, some love ballads too, such as "Substitute Lover", overseen by Wyclef. A solid all-round follow up, Shine should give Estelle the commercial success she deserves. --Danny McKenna
Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more money obviously. I'd be surprised if he did anymore albums like this but it's good to see some experimentation.
:( what has he done?, 18 Nov 2008
Kanye wests latest album is officially his worse.
He has moved away from what he is good at, rapping, and gone to something that is really not his scene, singing.
I am really disappointed with this.
Kanyes change is rubbish.
Innovative, 12 Nov 2008
I have a great respect for artists who choose to follow their gut when creating, and that is exactly what Kanye has done with this new record '808's and Heartbreak '
He has left his old style behind, that being the hip hop genre and moved on to a more R&B, pop style, which if your an old school Kanye fan can mean bad news.
Love lockdown is the first single from the new album and took everyone by suprise, the single upon relase recived mixed reviews, but has gradually become accepted by many fans, but is still hated by few. The main reason for all the controversey is Kanye 'singing' in auto-tune, an effect which allows you to sing in tune while putting a robotic effect on your voice, this is an effect that dominates the record.
Heartless is the second single, and is my second favourite on the album, the first being ' Coldest Winter'. The song is sung by Kanye in auto-tune with some light rap thrown in.
The most impressive thing about 808s & Heartbreak is how all tracks were produced and written by Kanye, something we don't see a lot of these days by other artists. All the tracks are very impressive, 'Robocop' and 'amazing' stand out, the only low point is "See You in My Nightmares" simply because Lil Wayne is on the cut.
Hardcore Kanye fans will love it or hate it this album, while us casusal listeners can just enjoy something fresh and unique sounding.
Kanye West New Change, 27 Oct 2008
Listening to a few of his new song release of love lockdown, coldest winter which is for his mother who turn away and heartless this album kanye change to a mixture of a soul singer and rapper which you really get to your head and make you think. Kanye once again have reach his expectation
it's growing on me!, 19 Nov 2008
It only arrived yesterday, and its growing on me!
I agree with another review I read that a couple of the tracks are similar in style to the Once Again album - which I loved! The others are quite different in style, and Track 1 is a nice change! Its good - buy it!
Strength to Strength, 19 Nov 2008
This is a fantastic return to form for John Legend. His last two albums have been great but both were very similar. This however, shows a change in tack from John Legend.
Tracks such as "Green Light" and "It's Over" will appeal to newer fans who favour Hip-Hop over R&B and those fans who want more up tempo songs. However, tracks such as "This Time" and "I Love, You Love" will appeal to the more traditional fans and those who like him for his tender and soft R&B songs.
From start to finish it is an outstanding album! My only criticism would be the dominance of Kanye West's influence. Some tracks would have been better without the use of Synthesisers on John Legends voice and some of the cheap 80's electro sounds which Kanye was trying to put in most of the tracks. However, John Legends soulfulness manages to overcome this.
Fantastic.
Disappointing for someone I rate so highly, 26 Oct 2008
I loved his 1st album pretty much from the first listen. I then went to see him perform it live in Manchester and it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to. I picked up his second album as soon as it was released and, at first, didn't think it quite matched his first, but it grew on me massively and it became one of my most listened to albums. I think he really achieved a unique sound on Once Again. After 2 listens of this new album I am saddened to say that I have to agree with a review I read in a London freesheet (a review to which I originally reacted with outrage, especially as the reviewer called it his '2nd album'!), it is too 'smaltzy'. I don't really enjoy the use of 80s-style synthesisers and think John Legend's amazing voice is better suited to a more organic Donny Hathaway/Stevie Wonder-type sound. Although Kanye West served him well on his 1st album, I think Mr Legend should stray away from obvious big hit makers like Will.i.am, Andre 3000 etc. and get someone like Raphael Saadiq to produce his next album.
cool, 23 Oct 2008
Album no 3 for john legend is a mixture of uptempo rnb songs mixed with the usual ballads. This is a solid album and is only mared by the poor last 3 tracks which has made me knock a star off. The single Green Light is excellent and is prob the albums best tracks but there lots of other cool tracks. Some of the ballads arent as strong as some of his previous ones but are still good and all the uptempo numbers are excellent. John even dabbles with reggae on 2 tracks and 1 has co-vocals by Estelle to great effect and the track turns out to be an album highlight!
One of the better rnb albums iv'e heard this year.
Much better than his last album (4.5 stars), 21 Oct 2008
John Legend is one of my favourite R&B singers without a doubt. He really reminds me of what is right with the genre and that once upon a time we had people like Sam Cooke. His albums are quality first and this is no exception. This album for the most part is far more up tempo than his last album Once Again. The lead single with Andre 3000 (Green Light) is evidence of that. The album has a few features peppered in (Andre 3000, Brandy, Kanye West, Estelle) but they are not overwhelming. The tempo calms down towards the end of the album and there are two songs where Legend continues to dable in reggae. I saw him live in Brixton where he remixed Used to Love U from his first album into a reggae remix and there are those features on Estelle's album Shine where there was a reggae sound. It does really suit his voice and it doesn't sound gimicky like some other R&B artists (Mariah Carey). Here is a brief look at some stand out tracks
Good Morning Intro/Green Light ft. Andre 3000 - the up-tempo track is very Outkast reminiscent which is nice for a group I haven't hread from in a while. There isn't an obvious piano track on here so I like to hear John doing different things. 5/5
It's Over ft. Kanye West - this track about someone who just doesn't get it when you've broken up, is brassy with horns and again a slightly modern drum and electric sound. There is a lingering female vocal as well. Kanye's rap is all right again with the vocoder (think T Pain). 4/5
Everybody Knows - this is almost countryish in its start with just an acoustic guitar and a simple drum line. John's voice stands out and the lyrics are very well written. The song is about your ex finding someone new which works well flowing from the first song. This song is subtle and is an easy listen. Rather addictive.
Quickly ft Brandy - pulsing almost flashing lights tempo with stand out bass. This is a BEAUTIFUL song and it is great to hear from Brandy again. This is one of my favourite tracks on the album for sure. Well worth downloading on its own if you don't want to buy the whole album at first. 5/5
Cross the Line - again this sounds very Andre 3000/Outkast. It is about 'crossing the line' with a friend. The production is below John's voice and the production never really takes off but stays nicely low key. Excellent track. 4/5
No Other Love ft. Estelle - 4/5 - Reggae style track. Estelle really shines on this track with John and these two I hope continue to work together on tracks. They compliment each other really well with John's raspy voice. This track is very listenable and John sounds comfortable in the genre.
This Time - 4/5 - this is a little higher production with rich strings and a piano (first time I've noticed a piano in the entire album to memory).
I Love, You Love / Good Morning - If you really loved Once Again, you will love where the rest of this album is going and these two tracks epitomise this best. More mellow, John's voice, a single electric guitar on I love, you love (think mellow dire straits). Good Morning is very mellow again and rich in john's vocal being the focus.
If You're Out There - campaign song written for Barack Obama which is very production rich and uplifting which is obviously meant to be the direction of the song. I think that the song is somewhat out of place on the album but I understand that he would put it on his next album as the song is popular with many in the campaign. 3/5
Can't be My Lover - LOVE THIS TRACK - sounds like Buju Banton is on the track and again I think John must genuinely love reggae music cuz he sounds very comfortable on this track. I can't wait to hear this live. 5/5
Buy this album. A lot of albums will come out over this Christmas run up and this is one of them that is a must to buy. I normall say download individual tracks and if you are going to do that, chose the ones that I have spoken about on here, but if you notice. That's probably about 80% of the album. I cannot speak more highly of this album.
Party !, 13 Nov 2008
What a great party track - just makes you want to get up and dance. Alesha's performance of this on Strictly Come Dancing was also hot - the place was cookin' !!!
Let's do the Cha Cha!!! lol, 05 Nov 2008
I really like this song, It remind's me of the "Mambo No.5" sort of song's
I'm not sure what the Album will be like, I liked Mis-Teeq but we probably wont ever see them together again!
but this is a great song! not sure if it will be a Hit!!! but if it does then great. The Video is great :)
Bopping all around the house!, 31 Oct 2008
What a triumph - Alesha's dancing has obviously infected her music making. This new number is a great crossover between mambo, big band and rap. It is highly infectious and renders the listener unable to concentrate on anything else apart from this boy with two left feet who does nothing!
Fun and fabulous: like Alesha herself, 26 Oct 2008
I love this song: it's good fun and a really dance number.
Take it for what it is, cheesy pop at its very best!
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start., 26 Oct 2008
Oh dear, Alesha's solo career is off to a VERY bad start. Her lyrics were so meaningful and special whilst she was in Miss-Teeq but now its all gone topsy-turvy. Did you have a dirty husband? adrian chiles asked her on the one show and she said no i just did it for fun that never used to be her attitude!!
The lyrics are confusing, they don't make any sense, I'm sure they baffle the listener like it baffled me:
"Does he wash up? No he never washed up.
Does he clean up? No he never cleans up.
Does he brush up? No he never brushed up.
He does nothing, the boy does nothing!"
The 'does he wash up, does he clean up, does he brush up' part sounds like part of a CBeebies jingle. Alesha, if your next single is like this, and your album thats released soon its all over for you!!
simple as this....., 19 Nov 2008
Buy it!!!
NOW!!
its in instant classic and prob wont be cheap for long.
KAMAAL IS ON FORM AS USUALL.
JUST CLICK ADD 2 BASKET LOL
The abstract is back, 14 Nov 2008
Iv just got this cd today,didnt even know anything about it until it popped up while i was seving the net,im a huge hip hop junkie and so i really respect Q,iv been listening to him since i was 12 when i first bought my first Tribe album and iv been a fan ever since anyway this is a brillent album showing hip hop aint dead.its 90% produced by Q himself and two others are from the late J dilla,My favourite track is DANCE ON GLASS but the whole album is brill,a must for any hip hop head PEACE
2008 was a bad year... until now!, 13 Nov 2008
He's only gone and done it! This album is not just worth the wait, its worthy of all the praise that is getting lavished on it from reviewers all over the globe. This is a real masterclass that demonstrates to all the would-be rappers out there that even though the world and its dog are bored stiff of the gerne, with artists that don't just cater to the marketing exec's by knocking out music by numbers (you all know who I'm talking about) great hip-hop albums can still be produced.
What we have here is a mature yet fresh hip-hop/nu-soul fusion that works on so many levels its frightening! Some of the tracks are so tasty its hard to describe.
From 'Getting Up' and 'Official' to 'You' and 'Life Is Better' the residing unescapable word that comes to mind is "Class"! In a funny sort of way this is more of a follow-up to Foreign Exchange's seminal 'Connected' than even their 2008 release 'Leave It All Behind'... praise indeed!
I'm positive this album will last ages... but lets just hope we won't have to wait so long for the next installment.
Hip-Hop is NOT dead!!!, 09 Nov 2008
Now I haven't written a review on here in a long time but I really felt like people need to know how good this album really is. Two shelved albums & almost a decade after the release of "Amplified", Q-Tip is back with "The Renaissance". Amplified was an unusual album. Pure Hip-Hop songs such as "Let's Ride" were mixed in with more commercial sounding tunes such as "Breathe & Stop", which were clearly aimed at attracting a broader audience. The results were mixed. Whilst his first solo LP boasts some excellent individual tracks, the album itself feels forced & does not work. This is not a problem, however, on Tip's latest effort. Here you really get the sense that he was free to pursue whatever musical direction he wanted & the result is one of the finest Hip-Hop albums in years.
The album is almost entirely produced by Q-Tip himself. The exceptions are "Won't Trade", which is produced by Mark Ronson, & "Move", produced by the late, great J Dilla (Dilla also produced the UK bonus track "Feva"). It is worth noting that 4 of the 13 tracks - "Johnny Is Dead", "Official", "I Believe" & "Feva" - are re-workings from one of Tip's earlier shelved albums. All four tracks can be heard in there original form on his "Abstract Innovations" mixtape.
The Renaissance has an old school Hip-Hop, dare I say Tribe-esque feel to it. Best songs on the album are the first single "Gettin' Up", "Won't Trade", "Official" & the excellent "Move". But honestly the whole album is good - there are no weak tracks.
Overall, The Renaissance is a true Hip-Hop album for Hip-Hop fans. It highlights just how talented Q-Tip is, not only as an MC but also as a producer. Unfortunately it also serves as a reminder as to just how disappointing it is that this is only his second album (which was released) in almost 10 years. Support Q-Tip, support Hip-Hop & buy "The Renaissance" - you won't be disappointed! Let's hope there is a new Tribe album to come...
Good comeback., 04 Nov 2008
First studio album from Tip in eight years. It is good rather than great.
Very much got a Neo Soul vibe. Two best tracks "Move" and "Feva" are more Hip Hop flavour, both produced by late great J-Dilla. It's an album for older Hip Hop heads and well worth buying if you want something different from the normal club Hip Hop.
The most boring album of the year! Where are the hooks?, 16 Sep 2008
Estelle has a good voice no doubt about it and American Boy is one of the songs of the summer. Sadly, such elements have failed to contribute to a memorable album which feels like a rushed cash in with production values so tired, you can ever hear them yawn!
American Boy sounded really fresh with a brilliant use of horns but the rest of the album is just derivative R&B that could have been produced by any female artist within the genre. Estelle struggles to stamp her own identity on any of the tracks and she just sounds like a vocalist singing someone else's work. Generally there is little passion and soul in this, I found myself barely noticing any differences between tracks. As a result, it feels more like lounge music than anything else.
There are highlights as the first three tracks are very good and are funnily enough the ones plugged on the case promo sticker. Then we have to wait until the duet with John Legend called You Are before anything interesting of note is heard. Nothing is bad, but I have so many albums in my collection like this and those artists do it better. The whole thing left me cold and it plods along at an anaemic pace, it felt like it ran for about 3 hours!
Finest UK Female Artist Around!, 01 Jul 2008
Much like Her 2004 debut album, 'The 18th Day', Shine proves to be an outstanding contribution to the world of UK hip-hop. Featuring collaborations from Kanye West, Will.i.am, Cee-Lo & John Legend, the album had all the ingredients to be a major success. A very summer feeling on the record, and a 2008 must buy!!
Second Impression - Lacklustre, 18 Jun 2008
I gave this one some time. I really did. "Don't let first
impressions get the better of you" - That's what I told myself.
I want to like Estelle but there's something disingenuous
about this album which keeps me at arm's length.
Perhaps it's the celebrity pals. A pretty blatant US market launchpad.
Perhaps it's the uneasy slipping and sliding between West London
and American brogues...NB 'More Than Friends'.
Perhaps it's that the voice is pretty ordinary truth be told.
Lacking in dynamic variation and uncertain in tone.
Of the twelve songs in this collection only a couple rise above the middle of the road.
'Come Over' and 'Pretty Please' both possess a degree of sassy charm.
'So Much Out The Way' and title track 'Shine' however are real stinkers.
Unfocussed and disappointing.
One of the finer albums in 2008, 11 Jun 2008
This album is one of the best, solid, seamless yet diverse albums I have heard in 2008. Estelle, for me, is filling that void in the market of credible, soulful R&B/rapper which was ploughed by Lauryn Hill with her 'Miseducation' album. Estelle is no Lauryn Hill, but I am more than satisfied to listen to this until Ms. Hill chooses to return.
After her debut THE 18th DAY I thought that we probably would not hear from her again and she would another talented British artist to disappear into obscurity because of a lack of penetration into the Top 10 yet alone the Top 40. This may be due to a number of American artists churning out R&B albums. So Estelle moves State-side to sign up with John Legend. I saw Estelle in concert with John Legend in 2005 and I am not surprised that they have teamed up. "American Boy" was a tremendous will.i.am produced Kanye West featured track (Kanye rapping about WAGs and Ribena!!) and there are a number of other track which illustrate Estelle's dexterity courtesy of production by Wyclef Jean (another Fugee), Mark Ronson, Swizz Beatz, Jack Splash and others. This album is great for summer and I listen to it regularly on the tube in London.
Estelle bravely covers Bob Marley's "So Much Things To Say" (like Lauryn Hill did with Bob) and creates a George Michael inspired No Substitute Love. "Come Over" is an beautiful ballardy tune which shows off Estelle's softer side a bit more. "Wait a Minute" featuring will.i.am manages to show the I'm-nobodies-fool side of Estelle with some moving production from will.i.am.
Estelle flows between singer to rapper effortlessly in this album on a few tracks and features with artists such as Cee-Lo on "Pretty Please" -- which is the MOST genuine JACKSON 5 sounding song I have heard post Jackson 5. "You Are" features John Legend where they sing back and forth to each other. A song that manages to sound intimate like you're the only other person witnessing this exchange.
I fear that this album will not shift as many units as it should. It won't show internationally that the UK is not just Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy. I always say just to download individual tracks for albums but this one really deserves to be listened to from beginning to end as the album's mood is really a journey from beginning to end. Maybe leave off Shine with Swizz Beatz if you want to save some money. This album is the yardstick for others to follow for a while.
FAB ESTELLE !!!! :), 25 May 2008
Estelle is the singer we have all been waiting for. A singer that has talent, can sing great hip-hop, is beautiful and who actually looks a cool and down to earth girl. Her sounds on this album are very original and I am always bopping along to this. The songs are groovy, original and perfect for a summer party. This girl cheers you up just by listening to her album. I don't think the music industry has heard such a fab sound before. She is the talent we have been searching for !! All the songs are great and if you liked American Boy buy this album ):
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Tha Carter III
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Lil Wayne;
Universal / Island;
2008-06-09;
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Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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Amazon: £5.97
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Customer Reviews
Na na ni... Ha Ha... IT'S N-DUBZ N-DUBZ WHAT!, 15 Nov 2008
All Around The World Records has made a sensational album with three sensational teens; Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer.
With Dappy's catchy raps, Fazer's smoother raps and Tulisa'a powerhouse R&B style vocals, this album is the start of something great for the Dynamite Trio.
1. Intro- Dappy's explanation of the album's name.
2. Wouldn't You- A hypnotic smooth opening to the groups talent, Tulisa leads this stunner!
3. Strong Again- A catchy, uptempo and melodic piece of work, this is definately single material.
4. Don't Get Nine- One hell of a catchy track, Tulisa leads this 'Box Fresh' material, tellin all of u, that u only get one chance not nine. Includes an argument between the boy's and Tulisa.
5. I Swear- Part 1 of a relationship in danger (From the male's perspective), one of their bigger hits, fresh beats and catchy pipes carrying the song.
6. Ouch- Part 2 of a relationship in danger (From the female's perspective), Tulisa leads this chart topping belter. Any N-Dubz fan is in love with this catchy and powerful song.
7. N-Dubz Vs Naa (Ft. Big Narstie & Solo)- The first of two face offs on the album, Naa brings some heavy raps to this battle but they're no match for Dappy's chat back attitude, Fazer's taunts and Tulisa's maternal vocals. Haha
8. Public Transport (Skit)- Really this is pure randomness, 18 seconds of Fazer telling people to earn a one way ticket to jail.
9. Love For My Slum (Ft. Baker Trouble)- One of the weakest tracks, it's not memorable and it's not catchy, personally I'd skip this track.
10. Better Not Waste My Time- The N-Dubz theme, the story behind each of them, and how far they've come & of course the song that introduced us to the infamous "Na na ni" and Tulisa's haunting harmonies "Ha ha".
11. Work Work- An extremely haunting intro to this song, bongoes and violins set us up for yet another killer lead by Dappy.
12. Feva Las Vegas- Another N-Dubz classic, in a way similar to 'Better Not' and 'I Swear', well known, catchy, & pure N-Dubz
13. Defeat You (Ft. Chipmunk)- The second catchy face off between The Dynamite Trio & wannabe Chipmunk. Fresh and pounding hip hop beats.
14. Sex- The other let down of the album, I like N-Dubz because they're different, but this makes Dappy fall into the stereotype that rappers only want sex. The album could do without this!
15. Secrets- The trio deviate from their usual violins and synths and go to more traditional R&B, using a smooth guitar sound. Another stunner lead by Tulisa
16. Papa Can U Hear Me- In a way this is the title track, it is dedicated to Uncle B. The R&B shout out of Dappy stating his pain, Tulisa stating how he inspired her, and Fazer thanking him.
17. Outro- the only track i haven't heard but i can only guess, that the trio are saying goodbye to Uncle B.
<3, 03 Nov 2008
I <3 N Dubz
Great album
Includes all there old songs....but there classic's !
Brilliant <3
50 told me go ahead and switch your style up, 21 Nov 2008
After listening to the album all the way through in the car home last night and then again this morning I can honestly say this is Kanye's best album since The College Dropout, and that is a massive claim from a massive fan of his. Anyone who respected what Kanye was doing when he introduced gospel into hip hop in that album should equally respect what he does on 808s, he does rap on some of the tracks but to be honest I don't miss the rapping THAT much (and even if you do he's releasing a new rap album in june).
The point of a concept album is that it shows how an artist is feeling or a change of direction for a while, and this album is both. Brutally honest which may ring true with many people who have been in and out of love, 808s really takes full advantage of kanye's undoubted talent as a producer.
In my opinion, any hip hop fan who is so narrow minded to not buy an album just because someone's not going crazy on every track is exactly the type of person who kanye doesn't need to reach. Anyone else who wants a brilliantly produced, heartfelt, catchy, melodic and genuinely exceptional album then buy 808s and heartbreak.
stand out tracks - heartless, robocop, coldest winter, streetlights, love lockdown, paranoid
there isn't a weak track on there in my opinion if you listen to the album as a whole, to paraphrase a well known phrase - don't believe the bad hype!!
Takes some getting used to, 19 Nov 2008
At a first listen to this I dismissed it almost immediately, but after listening to it a bit more it's not such a bad album. Apparently this was just meant to be released as an LP, but having it as a regular album release is going to make more mon | | |