JC Chasez all sexed up with nowhere to go

JC Chasez tries a solo career with Schizophrenic but struggles to find his own style as the album brings to mind his boy band past and former *NSYNC bandmate Justin Timberlake’s Justified.

The album should probably be changed from Schizophrenic to “Multiple Personality Disorder,” considering “Come to Me” holds the same bass line as the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams,” and “Something Special” mimics the acoustic pop of George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex.” JC’s own sexual preoccupation is no secret in the song “All Day Long I Dream About Sex” which borrows from the ’80s electric rock of Blondie.

Sadly, most of the tracks lapse into repetitiveness, and JC’s occasional falsetto is nothing short of a mistake.

The album opener “Some Girls (Dance with Women)” and “Right Here (By Your Side)” may be the only signs of his own style. Bonus tracks “Blowin’ Me Up” and “Some Girls (Remix)” end the album on a positive note, but JC clearly hasn’t found himself.

For a first try, it’s acceptable. Regardless, the album is more like a mix CD of music we’ve already heard.

Grade: B

-Caleb Hawk

College Dropout has good beats, lacks flow

Kanye West, who has produced hits for Twista, Ludacris, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, finally produced his long-awaited debut The College Dropout, an album full of inspirational, introspective lyrics and soul-inspired beats.

West recorded the first single, “Through the Wire,” with his jaw wired shut two weeks after a car accident nearly took his life. The track samples Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” and reflects on his struggle to recuperate.

Dropout features guest appearances from Twista and Mos Def, but the best collaboration comes courtesy of Jay-Z, who displays his usual brilliant flow in “Never Let Me Down” as West holds his own on a melodic beat that features a head-nodding hook by J-Ivy.

The album’s highlight comes on “Spaceship,” featuring GLC and Consequence. On this track, West recalls his poverty as he channels the delivery of old jazz and blues singers.

While The College Dropout has its strengths, unnecessary skits and interludes detract from an overall flow. Tracks such as “The New Workout Plan” and “Get Em High” stray from West’s usual delivery and prove why some believe he should stick to just making beats.

Grade: B+

-Miguel Tavarez

Let in the Indigo Girls

The sound of the Indigo Girls’ ninth album, All That We Let In, is light and harmonious with lyrics that suggest a more complicated undercurrent. Whether expressed through the electric rock flavor of “Tether,” the ska foundation of “Heartache for Everyone” or the classic Indigo Girls sound of “Something Real,” the message of dissatisfaction with the present and hope for the future comes through.

Although the album is laden with songs that expose social and political problems, they emphasize love as a solution. Through the upbeat melodies and angelic harmonies of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, even “Cordova,” the saddest song on the album, doesn’t detract from the generally positive vibe.

Joan Osborne helps spice up the Indigo Girls’ generic guitar/vocal arrangements on “Rise Up,” “Heartache for Everyone” and

“Tether.” And instruments such as the congas, accordion and cello diversify the sound.

At first the new sounds may be hard to swallow, but after another listen you will let them in.

Grade: B

-Anya Zadrozny

Keb’ Mo’ spins good tales

Keb’ Mo’s latest release, Keep It Simple, offers not only an introspective look at himself but also tells a great story or two.

On the appropriately titled album, Keb’ Mo’ sticks to the same formula that he concocted on his self-titled debut. His simple lyrics tell the story and draw listeners in.

The cheerful lead track “France” is a glimpse into a relationship between a couple wanting to vacation in Paris. “I’m Amazing” is an uplifting cut with the artist at his most vulnerable while the title track expands on Keb’ Mo’s urge to leave it all and just go somewhere and “use my hands.”

Songs like “House in California” preclude Keep It Simple from being a great blues album. The collaboration with Vince Gill and Amy Grant sounds too much like typical adult contemporary music to really be blues.

Keb’ Mo’ succeeds when he does what he does best: singing, playing the guitar and spinning a good story. For a man singing the blues, Keb’ Mo’ leaves his listeners happy with Keep It Simple.

Grade: B

-Scott Hazleton