Alfie

It's always wonderful when shuffle on the iPod throws out a classic, today the song that transported me was Alfie; the instrumental Stevie Wonder version. Of course instrumentals have a power to take you further away than songs with vocals and this one does so magically. Of course after listening to the song I had to delve into Joss Stone's version and per usual her vocals poured over the track like hot gravy to mashed potatoes; soulfully (get it *wink*). On beautiful summer day like today I recommend both records on the same playlist and a nice walk outside. Let the soul fill your soul and enjoy!

Omarion "The Awakening" mixtape

Omarion's "The Awakening" mixtape is quite a pleasant surprise. And honestly it shouldn't be a surprise... why does this dude have such a bad rap with critics? Omarion's work has been consistent since his first solo album. This mixtape might be one of his best works to date. He samples old greats like Jodeci and pays homage to the late, great Aaliyah. I don't know what else O needs to do to get back on top but if he continues putting out hotness like "The Awakening" he's well on his way.

Frank Ocean - Nostalgia

Frank Ocean's "Nostalgia" mixtape is the best mixtape since Trey Songz "Anticipation" (see my post on Anticipation in the archive). I elect Ocean to be the voice of our generation. This mixtape is full of affirmations and believing in yourself and experiencing life; all things I believe will uplift our troubled generation. Ocean's music is the most socially responsible I've heard since John Legend's "Wake Up". Its great to have a fresh new voice with a fresh new sound that's optimistic and sexy at the same time. Frank Ocean is the future and beyond. I look forward to hearing more from him.

Underrated Albums.

This post is actually about two of my favorite female artists which absolutely shocks me. They are two of the very few women in the game who actually have vocal talent. It saddens me to write that Beyonce and Christina Aguilera have the most underrated albums. Aguilera's "Bionic" was released last year in June and had the most beautiful ballads (Life Me Up, All I Need, I Am & You Lost Me) I'd heard in years and possibly the best "getting ready for the club"(Glam & Vanity) anthems ever but didn't receive commercial success. It blows my mind that an album as great as "Bionic" slid under the radar especially being released by a superstar such as Aguilera.

Following in "Bionic's" footsteps it seems Beyonce's "4" will also not receive the commercial success it deserves. So far the Pop Queen has released three great singles Run the World (Girls), 1+1 & Best Thing I Never Had; all equally uplifting. Instead of hating on each other Run the World (Girls) is uplifting and empowering women. 1+1 could have love's greatest cynic falling head over heels and Best Thing I Never Had is about dodging a bullet (blessing in disguise, who hasn't been there?). A couple nights ago the entire album was leaked (never a good sign; refer to my R.Kelly 12th Play Fourth Quarter post) and "4" is just as amazing as any other Beyonce album. It saddens me to think that society no longer embraces real vocalists as they should. Please don't believe the hype and check out both "Bionic" and "4".