This week's reviews: Fergie, Clay, Chingy, Elton, et al.

Pop/rock: Fergie, The Dutchess (* * 1/2 out of four)

This solo debut reveals both the charms and the limitations of the Black Eyed Peas’ sole female member. Bandmate will.i.am, who is launching his new label with this CD, pops up frequently as a producer and co-writer, lending his post-funk savvy to tracks such as the driving Voodoo Doll and the softer, sweeter Velvet. The naughty hit London Bridge and Glamorous, featuring Ludacris, also showcase Fergie’s playful appeal. But when she tries on more sober sentiments in Big Girls Don’t Cry and Finally, the singer’s efforts to prove herself more than a pretty voice and a sassy personality fall short. — Elysa Gardner

Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways (* *)

Aiken may be sporting a shaggy new hairdo and a more rumpled, raffish look, but the American Idol alum’s sound is still pure vanilla custard. This third CD is dominated by covers of adult-contemporary pop staples, from a relatively sure-footed reading of Elton John’s Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word to sappier takes on Harry Nilsson’s Without You (the single) and the Dolly Parton hit Here You Come Again. Originals include the title track, an exercise in earnest melodrama that will delight the faithful and convert no one. — Gardner

Elton John, The Captain and the Kid (* * * 1/2)

Intended as a sequel to 1975’s Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, this superb 10-track autobiography continues along the trail of Elton John and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, tracing their partnership in tales of survival, friendship, loss and struggles with success, excess and the road to gratitude. John’s voice is a tad deeper, and themes skew decidedly north of adolescence, particularly in the wistful I Must Have Lost It on the Wind and the wry and cutting Postcards From Richard Nixon. John has lost none of his melodic genius or barrelhouse-piano zest. His heartfelt delivery of Taupin’s vivid but refreshingly understated lyrics alternates from grit on the self-critical And the House Fell Down to grace on Blues Never Fade Away, a wrenching reflection on the AIDS era. The bluesy Old 67, charging rocker Just Like Noah’s Ark, wistful ballad The Bridge and pop gem Tinderbox, with its impossibly catchy chorus, illustrate stylistic breadth, no surprise from a rocket man still locked in a creative orbit. — Edna Gundersen

Barenaked Ladies, Barenaked Ladies Are Me (* * * 1/2)

The core of a bewildering bonanza of new material (including live versions of these songs, online bonus tracks and a sequel set for physical release next year), the punningly titled Barenaked Ladies Are Me is the most straightforward, melodically and harmonically rich collection of songs the Canadian popsters have come up with yet. Easy, Home, Wind It Up and many others are classic pop tunes. And although the rap experiments and some of the quirkiness of past efforts are absent, there’s no shortage of typical BNL wit (Bank Job’s tale of a robbery foiled by nuns) and slightly off-kilter wordplay: Adrift’s “Ever since we said our good-byes/The onion rings, the phone makes me cry” is a classic. — Ken Barnes

Los Lobos, The Town and the City (* * *)

Reminiscent of 1992’s excellent Kiko, this soulful new offering from the enduring East L.A. band is less psychedelic but almost as adventurous. Its 13 songs, most co-written by Louis Perez and David Hidalgo (one of the most underrated crooners around), have a magically dark spark that makes even the most moody or mournful tune inviting. The first-person accounts can be interpreted as immigrants’ laments or more universally as human struggles for family and community. Los Lobos display their usual diversity in such tunes as twangy rocker The Road to Gila Bend, neo-traditional Luna, jazzy The Town and Caribbean-flavored No Pueda Mas. In addition to songs in Spanish and English, dance tune Chuco’s Cumbia is sung in calo, a retro-Spanglish popularized by Mexican zoot-suiters. — Gundersen

Diana Krall, From This Moment On (* * * *)

A lesser artist might gloat about being half of the coolest couple in show business, and an expectant mom to boot. But on this intimate collection of pop and jazz classics, Mrs. Elvis Costello wields her personal joy with characteristic grace and class. Whether swinging through the title track, waxing playful on Exactly Like You or giving contentment a sultry spin on I Was Doing Alright, the singer/pianist remains a beacon of understated elegance. And Krall’s plaintive, gorgeous readings of Little Girl Blue and Willow Weep for Me prove that she can still summon heartbreak with the best of them. — Gardner

Rap: Chingy, Hoodstar (* * 1/2)

On his third album, Chingy sticks with the same formula that helped him hit the Jackpot in 2003. High-energy club jams and bass-fueled booty tracks are here in abundance. as the St. Louis rapper boasts about his hoodstar status. He uses his slurry, laid-back flow to good effect on mellow hit Pullin’ Me Back, with Tyrese. But more typical are tracks such as Dem Jeans, with Jermaine Dupri, and Club Getting Crowded, with Three 6 Mafia. They’ll get the party started, but bring nothing new to the table. — Steve Jones

Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor (* * * 1/2)

The Chicago rapper offers food for thought and thoughts on the hood (and beyond) without any hoodlum posturings. Instead, he weaves his tales from unusual angles — the fatherless child, the free-spirited skateboarder — while touching on subjects from crime to capitalism to personal crises. Contributors include co-executive producer Jay-Z, The Neptunes, Kanye West and Jill Scott, but it is Fiasco himself who makes this sonically and lyrically inventive set worth consuming — Jones

Gospel: Jonny Lang, Turn Around (* * *)

Youthful bluesman Lang takes a spiritual turn on his fifth album. Turn Around opens and closes with gospel organ swells, but it’s the rock-solid rhythm section of drummer Michael Bland and bassist Jim Anton that really takes this album to church. Highlights include the ’70s blue-eyed soul of Thankful, a duet with Michael McDonald, and the title track’s chain-gang-chant groove. “I hope they play this on the radio,” he sings, knowing full well how unlikely that will be. But this time Lang’s measuring success by a different standard: “If I can only reach one set of ears/I know that I’ve fulfilled my purpose here.” — Brian Mansfield

Comments

Loved your review of the Barenaked Ladies (they have the perfect combination of jokiness and maturity on Barenaked Ladies Are Me,) and I also agree with the reviews of Clay Aiken and Elton John. Clay Aiken can sing, but he's not up to these covers. Can't comment on the other reviews yet.

Critics should learn to actually listen to albums all the way to the end before they review them. It's pretty obvious from the mention of "the title track" on Clay Aiken's album that the reviewer didn't bother to listen to all the songs on the CD. The original song Ms. Gardner called "the title track" is actually called "A Thousand Days" and has nothing to do with the title of the album. Anyone who listened the entire album would be aware that the album name "A Thousand Different Ways" is actually taken from a poem used during Aiken's version of "Broken Wings," the last song on the CD.

Clay's not up to these covers, Matt? What planet are you from?? After watching him in concert over the course of 3+ years and 7 tours, and hearing every demo and studio song he's ever recorded in many different genres of music, it's clear to anyone who's actually listening that Clay can sing anything with a melody. The songs on this album could have been written for him, and had he been around in the '80s when recording artists had to actually sing to be successful, they probably would have been. As I said over on Ken Barnes' page, I've already seen this CD convert an office full of skeptics and neutral parties into Clay Aiken consumers, so I think that says a lot about the appeal of the songs, the singer and the production to the broader music-loving populace. This is a beautiful album, lovingly crafted and I'm betting the public will ignore any easy criticism that the concept will bring. Giving the tuneless, bombastic percussion of Fergie and Chingy even a half point higher rating is ludicrous. Trends come and go, but Clay will be recording and performing live to enthusiastic crowds long after the cooler kids have left the building and vanished into thin air.

I've heard the Elton album, too, and it is worthy of much of his early work. I hope it will be given its due come awards season against the insipid, arrogant panderings of Timberlake and his ilk.

Looking forward to hearing Los Lobos and Barenaked Ladies, but especially Diana Krall. Btw, I could use a new Elvis C. album right about now!

Okay, so I listened to Clay's cd. I'm a singer/songwriter and a DJ. Clay has nothing that I want. Not all artists crave fame and fortune, some are just happy making music. I say all this because last time I had something negative to say about Clay, his fans personally attacked me for being jealous. The fact is, I don't like his music. This karaoke in a recording studio. Everybody and their brother is releasing cover cds. I think that someone should be more established in the music business and have actually "paid their dues" before making a cover record. A cover record isn't about just singing other people's songs, it's about actually reinterpreting them to make them sound like your own. Clay is not up to the task. This cd is mediocre at best and certainly won't win him any more fans. I do think he has a great voice, I just don't think he's found his creative voice yet. And that's okay, he's still very young and I'm sure he'll be around a long time. This just isn't the cd that will push him over the top. I do hope he considers doing musical theatre as I think that's a genre he could really shine in. I can think of a few classic roles he could probably do quite well with. He could surely sing the hell out of Tony's part in "Westside Story" or even any of the Hammerstein musicals. Like I said, he's yound and still experimenting. And as many of us know who are a little older, all experiments don't work, but you still learn from them.

I am looking forward to Elton John's and Barenaked's CDs.

Clay Aiken's ATDW CD - won't be buying that. I've read too many bad reviews about it yet I listened to the streams to see if the bad reviews were unwarranted.

Sadly, I agree to most of the negative reviews that only the rabid Claymates would love it, that Clay's CD is just an irrelevant covers CD of old songs with uninspired arrangements and ho-hum vocal interpretation.

What happened to him? He showed some promise on AI2, yet he or the people who handle his career can't deliver a CD that would gain him mainstream acceptance.

Why did he become a niche singer of karoeke covers CD?

Thanks for reviewing the Lupe Fiasco album. I find nary a mention on any other large entertainment pages, which is disheartening considering a talented lyricist is delivering an entertaining hip-hop album devoid of the hyper-masculine posturing that has sadly become genre convention. Keep up the great work!

Ummm... Wil, you are aware that this whole covers album was Clive Davis' idea, right, & not Clay's? It was obvious Clay was going to get bashed personally as soon as the concept was announced, but to pretend that he had any real power in fighting a legend like Davis for control this early in his career is unfair. This was not his choice & he's made it very clear in all the P.R. that it was Davis' directive. I think you're right in that he's experimenting with his creative direction. He can sing the heck out of just about anything & is only just starting to write. He has a lot of interesting influences & will eventually come up with a unique pop sound combining them all, probably on the next album, since he recorded a good 30-40 more songs last year. But there are things going on behind the scenes that led to this decision by Davis & none of it was Clay's doing.

As for the album itself, if you don't like the music, fine. It's not your thing, that's cool. I have seriously eclectic taste in modern music, everything from the Killers to Paul Simon, from Eric Clapton to Jack White, from Outkast to U2, & from Beck to Clay Aiken ... yeah, Clay. Sometimes I just like to listen to a great vocalist, like Linda Ronstadt or Nat King Cole, even yes, K.D. Lang. I think Clay will end up in that company. He's young & he's finding his way, very true. If he ever did a Broadway show he would be terrific. But to push him into only that would be wrong. Just as Davis is trying to push him into an AC radio box & stick him with an album of mainly covers when he should have earned by now through his sales alone the right to look for a specific writer and/or producer that he connects with to find and/or write songs that truly reflect his musicianship & artistic direction.

This is not by any means a mediocre album. It is an album of love songs in the adult contemporary genre. If you don't like that type of music, great. But don't pretend also that you are an expect at reviewing adult contemporary love songs if by definition you dislike them. This album will be reviewed by critics whose preferences are hip-hop, rap & R&B or indie rock, metal & punk. They will bash it before they even open the cellophane, if they bother to open it. And their reviews will mean nothing because they aren't qualified to give it a fair listen.

I happen to enjoy this kind of music when I want to relax or be alone with my wife. It's not my first choice of genre, but I know when it's good. And this CD is good. "Broken Wings" & "Everything I Do" both have a haunting quality with a very appealing (to me) Celtic vibe. Nothing like the originals, hardly karaoke. "Here You Come Again" is almost a lullaby. And he's managed to turn "Because You Love Me" into a pop/rock song with a driving beat. Nothing like the originals, hardly karaoke. The single "Without You" (why is this the single, Davis?) & "When I See You Smile" are the tracks most similar to the originals, but even they have a distinctive flavor due to Clay's unique phrasing & pure vocal tone. The range & versatility displayed by Clay is more than we've ever heard on one of his recordings, going back to his teen years. I was expecting a lot worse with this album. What I got is delightful to me & my family.

Thank you thank you for reviewing Jonny Lang's album- it's not even listed as a new release at some webpages! I've been a fan since "Lie to Me" and it's amazing to see how much he's grown and matured. Though he's always been soulful, this album pushed the limits with more gospel, soul, and funk than any previous record he's released. It will definitely be in heavy rotation on my cd player for awhile! I'd also suggest the track "Bump in the Road" for musical inspiration...

I absolutly love Clays voice. But these songs do not do him justice.They are good but certainly not what he is capable of. Yes I like the albumn but I would have loved an albumn that was more unique and fresh. The songs are too mellow and fail to capture Clays soaring voice. He is capable of greatness but needs better direction in picking song for a very important second albumn. Just look at Kelly Clarkson she came back with a freah and exciting second albumn full of new fresh material, why didnt Clay follow her direction and demand new and freah material. I love this guy and I want more from his next albumn.Again dont get me wrong I like the albumn I just wanted to love the albumn.

Um, I'm living on planet Earth. It's a difference of opinion about Clay, ok? He sounds lifeless on many of these covers, and some of that might be due to the originals not being very good. But not all. It's not my thing.

I think the albumn is great but it is the music I like but I don't think anyone could have done a better job. Great job Clay

Who cares what you people have to say about Clay Aiken. He will sell this album just like the others, he is just as good today as he was three years ago when he was ripped off on AI. Thank God he was because it made him a much bigger star than even he thought. He can sing very well and at 60 years old he makes my heart flutter.

I really want to know which university this so-called "music critic" got his degree from....because if he doesn't have a university earned Music Critic Degree...then he's not qualified to judge anyone's music!

I think you left the fourth star off your
Los Lobos review.

Thanks for your review of the Jonny Lang cd turn around,He is so underrated and under played artis,I have allways loved his music as well as my kids,And there friends,both 15,Every one of his cd,s are really good and they get better,his last cd long time comeing was a great cd that nobody talk about,I really wish everyone would go back and take another listen to it,I have really been waiting a long time for this cd to come out,As a Jonny Lang fan thank you for spotting great music,John Adams

Have you listened to the tracks that are not on Clay's CD? They are absolutely amazing and should have made the CD, they are that good. Having said that, I can't STOP listening to Clay's new CD. He has made these songs NEW all over again. If you REALLY listened the CD, you would at least get the title track correct. A thousand Days isn't even the first single let alone the title track. The name of the CD is A thousand different Ways, and that comes from a softly spoken poem written by a famous poet from the south woven into the track Broken Wings or didn't you bother to listen to it? I have always believed if an artist is happy with his work, then it is up to WE the buying public if we buy it. Well, appears too many people just do not GET the fan base Clay Aiken has or you would understand he has a solid fanbase who absolutely are amazed at his vocals, much better than what is out there today, and while you can laud Elton John's new CD, I agree he can write a darn good song, his singing days are over. I watched a performance of his and it was terrible. Yes, he can write a darn good tune and play the heck out of it, but he CAN'T SING!

Not many male artists out today can match the vocal range and power Clay Aiken has. He is young and will grow into his style. Give him a chance why don't you or are you just against him for some reason. He has worked harder than any other artist you have mentioned in the last 3 years, earning his dues, touring non-stop, and trying new things. Give the guy a break here and let him grow into his own style. Good grief.

Jonny Lang's album is 4 stars in my book. I had heard of him before your review, but when I heard he had a gospel album I had to check it out. His voice cuts through so much of the cookie cutter sound in Christian music. His lyrics are rich and yet raw. I'm a new fan!

I am a HUGE Clay fan (attended 6 of the 7 concerts) and I have always loved all of his music but I must admit that I am a little disappointed with this cd. It is a good CD but I really wish Clay would have released a CD of his own songs. Why didn't he release some of the songs he sang last summer, I loved Back for More and Tears Run Dry! I feel like this cd was targeted for a very small audience, middle-aged women. I really think he needed to release a CD that appeals to a wide range of people, since his fans are all very diverse.
I also don't think this CD really showcased his voice very well. There just aren't that many glory notes that we all love and I think that his voice sounds a bit shaky at points like in the beginning of Without You. I kind if think that was due to the slowness of the songs. They could have done a better job recording this cd. I'm pretty sure he was in the studio for a good amount of time but this CD sounds like they just threw a bunch of stuff together to release a cd to get the fans off his back.
Like I said, I do like the cd but I just wish is wasn't so slow and I hate to say it... boring. This would have been a good "in-between" cd. Lets hope he plans to release another one soon! Something a little more upbeat please!

I WILLNOT BUY CLAY CD.. bad review & the songs are already been sang by other artist before. No original songs on the album Boring love songs.. heard that before.. The original are always the best.

Thanksfully I do not depend on other's opinions when buying music but it is kind a fun to read reviewer who think to much of them selves and their words.

Elton John can do no wrong in my book and I am glad. His mucial abilities after so many years still astounds me not just becasue it is prolific but because it is always that good.

Fergie who cares

Clay and covers, I think this was an album to please the powers to be not Clay though he did take what was given him and turned it into something new His voice is not given enough reign on these songs and as with Measure of a Man the music is over done. Several of these songs would have been better with just a violin or guitar and a piano. It may not be everyone's cup of tea and that is fine. I look forward to his next album with as much relish.

THE FIRST TIME I HEARD CLAY'S NEW CD, IWAS NOT IMPRESSED. BUT THE SECOND TIME ,I LOVED IT. I LOVE ALL OF IT, YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ALL OF IT, IT'S GREAT MONA

I think that Fergie is a waste of oxygen, and instead of the media making a hype about her lack of talent, you should focus on the important things.

Clay Aiken is a talent.
He has a real singing voice and got to the top with just talent, no fake stuff and no crap.

Before you completely trash his CD, how about you listen to it and judge it on his talent, not your biased view of him.

Because then the general public will see the error of their ways.