La Roux
Album: La Roux
Tracks: 12
Released: 2009
Eleanor Jackson is one of the closest things you're going to find to a British Lady Gaga. She's created a nice little niche for herself in the electropop genre, her distinct voice an easy advantage. It's definitely an attention grabber. One of her most popular songs, "Bulletproof" is a song that you won't be able to get out of your head, which makes up for it's insane repetition of the chorus, and "In For the Kill" will be stuck on your iPod's pop playlist for ages. "Colourless Colour"'s highlight is its chorus, but it still carries plenty of catchy beats. "I'm Not Your Toy" is a hidden jewel of the album, a song that stands up for independence and quite unique subject material considering her genre. "Quicksand" seems to have a heartfelt message, but comes out as another club song about love. "Tigerlily" is a very strong song, balanced out by "Cover My Eyes", where Jackson displays her versatility, singing in a softer tone, less crowded by pop's signature autotunes. In "Reflections Are Protection," Jackson creates a softer atmosphere, akin to pop of the 80s. This album is an interesting addition to the pop genre, and I'm looking foward to any future projects of the enigma that is La Roux.
Train
Album: Save Me San Francisco
Tracks: 11
Released: 2009
Train displays an early success with their title track, "Save Me San Fracisco", giving a modern day interpretation of classic rock and a hint of jazz, something that has been absent in mainstream music. "Hey Soul Sister" has shot them to the top of the music charts, and it is a catchy, feel good song, but not anymore so than many on this album, though "Hey Soul Sister" isn't the highlight song of the album. "Parachute" provides an enjoyable experience, much like "If It's Love". "This Ain't Goodbye" is an acoustic, heartfelt ballad that adds the perfect touch to the piece. "I Got You" is a funky, fun track that wouldn't be out of place in a country dance club. "Breakfast in Bed" is a more indie track, that doesn't exactly seem to match with the album. "Marry Me" is a sweet track about love, the theme of many other songs on "Save Me San Francisco", but it doesn't contain the same strength in the vocals as any of the other songs, though the guitar's prominent presence is a nice touch. Considering Train's success with "Drops of Jupiter" (on an earlier album) and their present hit "Hey, Soul Sister", these two tracks aren't the only one worthwhile to listen to. Train is a budding artist that deserves a spot in the sun.
