The come-from-nowhere success of Shania Twain's previous album, The Woman in Me, proved that the world was ready for a combination of traditional instruments, girl-power themes, and dance-pop dynamics. Whether Twain is a modern-day Dolly Parton or a country music Spice Girl is a matter of perspective. But with her third album, she accentuates the sing-along choruses and simple dance rhythms while downplaying the country elements. As a pop move, it works wonderfully for her, earning Twain a valued spot on MTV, VH-1, and pop radio. The emphasis is on fun rather than depth, of course. But no one can accuse her of being stingy: she and her Svengali-like producer/husband, slick-rock king Robert "Mutt" Lange (Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, AC/DC), load down the album with 16 songs, all of them quite radio-friendly. --Michael McCall ... Read more

Asin: B000001EW3
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Canada    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Pop    6. United States of America   

Her intensely personal lyrics grabbed the headlines, but the bravest departure here is the way Morissette's unique vocals stand naked in the mix--a technique that drives home the painful honesty of tracks like "Right Through You," "Forgiven," and "All I Really Want."Sheryl Crow or an earthier Tori Amos are fair analogies, but Morissette is a genuine original with a rare ability to make listeners care, think, and question.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Asin: B000002MY3
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Post-Grunge    7. Rock   

For their hard-core under-18 fans, of course, the Backstreet Boys are all that, and a bag of chips and free soda to boot. Millennium, the follow-up to the quintet's umpteen-million-selling debut, offers more reasons why so many of the rest of us have found a place for them in our hearts. The Boys' ultrapackaged look and up-to-date production underscore the quality of their best tracks; only a churl could deny that "I Want It That Way" is one fine radio-aimed declaration of love, or that "Larger Than Life" makes the most of its Daft Punk sample and double-edged acknowledgment of Backstreet followers' loyalty. And who can resist an album-closer like "The Perfect Fan," Brian Littrell's ode to his mom? --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Asin: B00000IOOE
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance    3. Dance-Pop    4. Euro-Dance    5. Euro-Pop    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Teen Pop   

At the time of its release, this was the watershed for soundtracks, selling a kazillion copies. It documents Whitney Houston's character in the Kevin Costner movie, which required Houston to play only herself (although one hopes she wouldn't end up with someone as smarmy as Costner). The album is as much a testament to the production of Babyface who, through the mid-1990s, actually was the mainstream of contemporary hit music. Houston's singing is much better than her acting, and almost every song enjoyed a long tenure at the top of all the charts. Along with "I Will Always Love You" and five other Houston songs, the soundtrack also features Lisa Stansfield, Kenny G with Aaron Neville, and Joe Cocker with Sass Jordan. --Scott Wilson ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Asin: B000002VMD
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Quiet Storm    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Urban   

The Arista debut of Carlos Santana and band gives fans of the soulful guitar vet two albums in one, but it's a decidedly good-news, bad-news proposition. First, there's a fine collection of late-'90s-model Santana--tastefully tooled songs driven by Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms ("[Da Le] Taleo," "Africa Bamba," "Migra," "Primavera," and the emotionally charged instrumental "El Farol") that allow Carlos plenty of elbowroom for his passionate soloing. Then there's the collection of tracks featuring a lineup of de rigueur alternative and hip-hop stars, including Dave Matthews, Everlast, Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Eagle Eye Cherry. To their credit, Matthews ("Love of My Life") and Eagle Eye Cherry ("Wishing It Was") muster enough chemistry to make the fusion work. But the rest of the collaborations feel like an unnecessary stretch to reach out to a younger demographic that El Jefe has little trouble attracting on his own terms. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Asin: B00000J7J4
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Latin Rock    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Despite millions of album sales, 'N Sync are an obvious No. 2 to label mates the Backstreet Boys. Fittingly, they try harder--too hard, in fact--through most of their second non-Christmas disc, No Strings Attached. The quintet and Strings' dozen-plus producers fill these 47 minutes with bland ballads by Diane Warren and Richard Marx, mildly funky workouts like a cover of Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid" and the muddled "Space Cowboy," and gimmicks such as "Digital Get Down" that hardly lend credence to whatever career-longevity claims they might want to lodge. This is a guaranteed smash, but judged on the merits of its weak material and less than compelling vocal performances, No Strings Attached should be long forgotten by the time the Backstreeters' next CD arrives. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Asin: B00004NRPZ
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Euro-Dance    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Teen Pop   

Creed burst out of Florida with 1997's My Own Prison, a dark but commercial debut reminiscent of the early-'90s Seattle sound. Creed's moody guitar grunge and ardent lyrics, coupled with singer Scott Stapp's passionate vocals, helped My Own Prison sell millions. Human Clay demonstrates that this likable quartet hasn't messed with success; they turn in a sophomore outing rife with evocative moodiness, soaring guitars, and a dark, roiling, intense vibe. "Beautiful" is but one of the winners on this strong 11-song CD. Haunting and indeed beautiful, the track is more delicate and seductive than most heard here, as is another lilting and mysterious entry, "Never Die," which boasts some Middle Eastern accents. "Higher" is typical Creed--safe, emotive guitar rock for the masses, but with a slight edge. Memorable hooks, Soundgarden-like guitars, and Vedder-like vocals make Human Clay at once compelling and effectively redundant. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Asin: B00001NFCY
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Post-Grunge    3. Rock   

... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Asin: B00000G1IL
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Teen Pop   

Horner's combination of synths, chorale, and orchestra perfectly underscores the action in director James Cameron's 20th-century melodrama. It's a finely honed piece of Hollywood craftsmanship from a composer who has tackled more musically adventuresome projects in his career. FYI: Horner's follow-up to Titanic was the score for a different disaster: Deep Impact. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Asin: B0000029YC
Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Original Score    3. Pop    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Canadian thrush Celine Dion is primarily a singles artist, which is a good thing, because the soaring, epic style she brings to nearly all of her material is thrilling in four-minute bursts, but nearly overwhelming at album length. Falling into You is Dion's finest attempt to temper that approach--mixing low-key love songs and dance pop between showstoppers such as "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" and the Up Close and Personal movie theme, "Because You Loved Me." Dion's take on Tina Turner's Phil Spector experiment "River Deep, Mountain High" is game, but there's little doubt which singer hails from the Great White North and which one is from Nutbush, Tennessee.--Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Asin: B000002BHE
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Canada    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals   

Backstreet Boys [ENHANCED CD]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 August, 1997)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The world may be divided into two camps when it comes to the Orlando-based Backstreet Boys--detractors and hard-core fans--but no one can deny the fact that the boys produce perfectly polished pop that sells. The hits on this album speak for themselves: "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," "As Long as You Love Me," and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." If you're not one of the disciples, however, you may want to steer clear: lackluster attempts at R&B, saccharine ballads, and a murderous remake of PM Dawn's "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" make this a slick production but little more. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (297)

This is a good Cd
I got this cd for my birthday. And this is a must for music fans. I think that every one will love this cd. They should also buy more music by this artist. They are the best and will always be the best. This music is good for any age, boy or girl it does not matter. You will love this cd, So go to the store and buy this cd its the best cd and group around.

Their best album!
This is their best album because there's their only good song...and that's Backsteet's back Everybody... others are just boring!

sweet songs!
Backstreet's debut album had some great hits and harmonies. It's better than 2000s black and blue, but millenium still tops this one. As far as the tracks:
As Long As You Love Me, Quit Playing Games - the two crucial hits. Pure pop, smooth and catchy. 10/10.
Everybody was one of the first songs I heard, but not as good. 8/10
We've Got It Goin' On, Get Down are very danceable uptempos. 9.5/10.
Darlin' and Anywhere for You - great non-hit ballads. Darlin' is more R&B, chorus is repetitive sometimes but nonetheless I still enjoy it. 10/10. Anywhere For You is just sweet but slow. 10/10. Brian sounds awesome in this song. they should definitely do more R&B.
The remaining songs are drawbacks. I'll Never Break Your Heart drags, If you want it to be good girl could have been a great song if it had undergone MAJOR lyric changes. Never got the hang of Set Adrift, kinda stale, lacks beat. and Hey Mr. DJ I absolutely cannot STAND because it has an annoying beat in the background.
But none the less, 4 stars for all the GOOD songs on here. ... Read more

Asin: B00000053X
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Euro-Dance    4. Euro-Pop    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Teen Pop   

Cracked Rear View
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 July, 1994)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Cracked Rear View marks the commercial debutof these college buddies from South Carolina, and it sold anastonishing 13 million copies in its first year of release.WithDarius Rucker's ringing baritone and Mark Bryan's muscular guitarframing Jim Sonefeld'sbluesy, energetic southern folk rock tunes,it's easy to understand its success: It's the kind of thoroughlylikable album people sing along with on the car radio.When Ruckerdemands, "Stand up and let me see you smile," there's something thatfeels real and convincing behind it; sure, it's a formula, but asincere one, and it works over and over again.Songs like "Let HerCry," "Hold My Hand," and "Running from an Angel" lay down the rhythmfor a cohesive, feel-good collection.There may not be a lot ofvirtuosity behind it, but there's plenty of fun. --Barrie Trinkle ... Read more

Reviews (99)

Of the 16 Million Sold...
I must say, I was blown away when I noticed this album is currently #11 on the all-time best sellers list with 16 million sold. How did that happen? This record is basically senseless mainstream tripe with absolutely nothing spectacular or extraordinary on it whatsoever.

Then, I came to Anazon and it dawned on me how it sold so many. Why, you can get this brainless record for just a penny! And apparently, 16 million people have jumped on this bargain.

I also noticed that the other 2 tripe albums that fall under the "Clear Channel mass appeal to brainless American society" category, Shania Twain & The Bodyguard Soundtrack, are also available for about a dime.

Sure they'll sell more albums because the population has significantly increased since Led Zeppelin IV first embarked. And truthfully, this is about the best of what Clear Channel offers in their questionable playlists, which is pretty much a listing of which records out there are currently getting the worst reviews. So, should we really be considering these unremarkable tripe albums to be the greatest masterpieces in history? Or, is it time to declare a full scale war on Clear Channel Entertainment?

I liked it so much I bought it Twice!
One of my favorite easy listening CD's.I bought it a second time, only to discover that I had it already and misplaced it.The album covers the range of experiences with love, from being with someone that just isn't good for you to break-ups due to family issues.Darius has such an expressive voice that it reminds me of some of other legendary vocalists such as Paul McCartney and Ray Charles.If you don't experience an emotional connection to at least a few of the songs, call the doctor because you must be dead.

does korny POProck get any better?
hootie and the blowfish-from south carolina no less!!!who woulda thought these down home country boys from coumbia and charleston, sc would create an album that would craft several hits and sell over 16 million copies?darius has a voice that can soothe and the rest of the band complete an elixir-like rhythmic section."hannah jane" is a nice and quick upbeat track to open the album."hold my hand" was the song that got them on the map and it still stands as one of poprock's best anthems."let her cry" is the depressing and somber tune that was catchy enough to become a smash."only wanna be with you" is the lighthearted and fun track with the cool video."time" is another hit track that didnt garner as much success as the aforementioned songs, but still made an impact and fell in the wake of "let her cry".these guys still tour and play their music throughout, even though their popularity has all but dissipated.they are all very modest, as the guitarist of hootie is humble enough to take lessons from a local guitar guru that i know.this album is a staple in a collection of sleek and glossy fun rock, and should be a member of any person's collection.
... Read more

Asin: B000002IZC
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Let's Talk About Love [ENHANCED CD]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 November, 1997)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Dion has released a lot of music in the last four years, which in lesser talents could generate a "got the last one, don't need this" yawn from the public. Every conceivable base is covered here--"Tell Me" is the iconic pop adult smash, "Treat Her Like a Lady" has sewn up Contemporary Hits Radio, and there are a half-dozen others to keep the party going till 1999. The inclusion of the theme song to Titanic ("My Heart Will Go On") proves that nothing is likely to scuttle the unsinkable Ms. Dion.--Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (296)

Let's Talk About...
Hmmm. Celine Dion and lengthy list of collaborators from different genres of the music spectrum is what this album promises to listeners. What we get is something that has diverse and creative stamped across it and we get the bonus perc of hearing Mrs Dion tear it up and be the power diva she is.

"Reason" is great. carole King provides back up vocals for this song and her smokey vocals accent Dions nicely. (note: Dion sings backup on this song for Kings album, which came out shortly after this one)

"Immortality" The Bee Gee's offer their vocals, yet they do not stand so tall beside the power horse of singing loud. Still, when they sing together, it produces a nice, overall effect.

"Treat Her Like A Lady" features not only Diana King, the phenominal artist who sang "Shy Guy" for Bad Boys, but also Brownstone offering their rousing gospel tinged vocals to make this one of the meatier dance songs to hit the pop scene. Celine does great getting down...

"Why Oh Why" has Toni Brazton all over it and she does a wonderful job singing it in such a sultry mode.

"Tell Him" is a lovely duet with Striesand, but the song is a bit over rated. Pretty, but over rated.

"Where Is The Love" is my favorite song on this album. Cory Hart wrote it for her and it is the most poetic song on this disc. Also, Cory Hart opened her concert for her and he is alos a good singe. These two need to do a duet.

"Us" well, if anyone wondered how Celine Dion would sound doing country, this song offers a close indication. She sings this song so beautifully... and it has such a powerful message.

The rest of the songs on this album are great as well, just not as mentionable as these. She does a duet with Pavorotti and while their voices are great together, the song does them an injustice. The use of the childrens chorus on the title track adds a nice touch to an album that could very well be played with the children at home without worry of obcenity.

Overall, this is her best album to date. I love her newer albums, but not even "One Heart" can measure up to the callibre of this CD. This is the one that should have won the Grammy!!!

Her most artistic to date of her albums
I still this that Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love was her most artistic and stylistic album to date.She took more chances with stretching her voice on different songs.I still like the funky Treat Her Like a Lady, where Celine really tears it up on a faster song!It just got her off the ballad overkill a bit, the way Misled did on her '93 album. But I love songs like the P Diddy-beats-sounding Why oh Why, Immortality, the darker songs Miles To Go and Us, and To Love You More.Tell Him with Barbara Streisand--true diva event as if there was one! Both singers sound beautiful on here. I like her I Hate You then I Love You with Pavarotti.Her songs that Corey Hart produced are very good.So I'll save this part for last--her "My Heart Will Go On" is easily her best sung song of her career--the drama, emotion and range that she brings to it makes it one of the best '90s pop records.While some people don't like it, you have to admit that it is a beautiful power ballad in the greatest sense. In conclusion, a very artistic and well done pop album from Celine with all that incredible talent involved on it.

Warning, do not use in your PC!
If you love Celine Dion, fine, by all means, this is an album you're going to want, but if you don't want adware and spyware installed on your PC, ONLY use this in your stereo.This CD will install AOL adware on your PC, and you may not be able to enjoy Celine's music unless you follow a series of clicks.Failing that, before you stick it into your computer, turn off the autorun function, holding down the shift key may not help you.

Alternately, you can complain to SONY about this at cd_extra@sonymusic.com ... Read more

Asin: B000002C4J
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals   

Oops!... I Did It Again
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 May, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Yes, she did. Even if the title track's chorus is a blatant rip-off of the Barbra Streisand/Barry Gibb duet, "Woman in Love," it's still darn catchy--much more than anything from 1999's ...Baby One More Time (save the album's fab title tune, of course). With the rest of the 12 songs here, the teen queen pretty much delivers a remake of her last album. Songs like "What U See (Is What U Get)" and "Stronger" show Swedish songwriter-producer Max Martin in his element, churning out another and yet another slick smash with staccato synth beats and heavily overproduced melodies. But even at his strongest points, he can't bury Britney's voice far enough below the virtual guitars--and it's obvious this girl ain't no Celine. Except for the horrendous ballads, however, that doesn't make a stitch of a difference. The pop songs have all the qualities of memorable tunes--the choruses are clear and catchy, the beats are bouncy enough to make you shake your bonbon, and the singer is about as randy for love as Austin Powers is for a shag. Edit out the low-water mark--when Britney mutilates the Rolling Stones' misogynist anthem, "Satisfaction," by oversexualizing it with inserted "uh"s ("I can't get no, uh, satisfaction")--and you've got a hit-packed album that's as guilty a pleasure as reruns of Beverly Hills 90210. --Heidi Sherman ... Read more

Reviews (1405)

Oops! I made the same album again!
After the huge succes of her debut album ...Baby One More Time Britney already with the title sais what this album is about: It's more of the same. More teen pop. You actually could stick BOMT and OIDIA to eachother and you wouldn't even notice it were 2 different albums. Her first album had more variation of songs then this one. Most ballads are at the end of the album, because Britney is so bad at ballads. That was a smart choice. The songs are pretty short and the lyrics are all the time about love, letting down and dancing. The order of the songs is often the same an the bridge is often the melody sung with a different melody. However, the melodies are often great and the beats too. The album includes 3 phonecalls of Britney!

The titel track is danceable and has weird lyrics. The melody is one of the best of the album. The bridge is original. It features a talking scene between Britney and some guy. Stronger has good lyrics. britney sais she is independent and is the opposite of Baby One More Time. It is a more tougher Britney. In Where Are You Now britney proves she can sing, it features a scream of Brit that lasts long. But the ballad gets boring soon.
britney hasen't really got a voice to sing Dear Diary, a cute lovesong. It's at the end of the album and is a calm song. The album features a cover: I Can't Get No SatisFaction. The song starts slow but soon the beats join Britney. There isn't a lot different then the original version, a useless cover.

Lucky is about a girl that is famous and rich, she has everything but still she cries. It's a very kiddish song. What You See Is What You Get looks A LOT like OIDIA and BOMT, you could make 1 song of these 3 songs! They have excactly the same beats! Can't Make You Love Me is a good faster song with the best beats of the whole album and also one of the best melodies. Girl In The Mirror, Don't let Me be The Last To Know and When Your Eyes say it are not bad ballads. The problem is they can easially get boring. That is the problem of this album, you can listen to it a couple of times and really like it. But because the songs look a lot like eachother and the songs are simple, it soon gets boring.

Warning: The melodies stay in your head, which is the strongest point of this album.

exile britney from the music buisness
oops i did it again is one of the lousiest albums ever made.this awful babe mimes at concerts,does not write her songs and her awful voice is enhanced in the studio.DONT BUY THIS HORRIBLE ALBUM AND MAKE HER RICHER.MOST CERTAINLY AVOIDABLE.get SLOW MOTION FROM SUPERTRAMP instead.zero stars for this crap.

Oops!....I Did It Again
I remember this album when I was in the 7th grade. I love this album and it is funkier like her acclaimed debut album. This album shows the progress from phenomenon to artist. A bit wiser and more confident and self-assured. This album is Britney Spears as you have never heard her:sexy,sassy,and solidly in control. This album is maturity. One listen to this album and she will make a believer out of you-one more time. This album has been certified 10x Platinum. Remember,this was 2000-2001. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SCX6
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Teen Pop   

The Marshall Mathers LP
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up? On Eminem's sophomore album, he can't decide who he wants to be: the deranged pseudo-psycho of the Slim Shady LP, or a nice guy who just likes to rhyme about slicing and dicing his girlfriend ("Kim"). Of course, according to Eminem, he's just kidding. He refuses to take responsibility for the misogynistic, homophobic bile he spews, whining that he's the victim of people who don't get his unique sense of humor. It's good old America's fault if the kids aren't alright (Eminem blames bad parenting), and he's just capitalizing on Uncle Sam's dark side. On the Marshall Mathers LP, he's ambivalent about his fame, angry at his life, pissed off that people take him seriously, and fightin' mad at boy bands--and a lot of other white people. But the blue-eyed brat is acutely aware of his status as rap's resident alien: he has the most offensive mouth running, but never uses the "N" word. He gives lyrical love to tragic (black) legends like Tupac and Biggie while dissing white rappers hard. Even sitting duck Puffy gets the kid-gloves treatment. Of course, Eminem is an interesting, witty rapper, and there's some nice production on this CD, courtesy of Dr. Dre and others. But the hatred in Eminem's rhymes makes the album rotten at its core. And his protests that Slim Shady is just a persona become less convincing with each arrest. Then again, Eminem's got it hard: he's rich, famous, white, and male. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (915)

A very Controversial CD
This cd is of course very controversial.If your a huge EMinem fan then this is the cd TO HAVE.If you hate Eminem(which i cant understand y)and his harsh lyrics which is only him being brutally honest on what he feels then DONT BUY THIS CD.
This cd contains songs in which EMinem trashes many ppl but of course that is him, and in a way these songs are enjoyable and we become infactuated with it. But on this cd are so many other songs tat show such a greater side of who Eminem is. This cd closes with a song in which Eminem says
A lot of people ask me.. stupid f***** questions
A lot of people think that.. what I say on records
or what I talk about on a record, that I actually do in real life
or that I believe in it
Or if I say that, I wanna kill somebody, that..
I'm actually gonna do it
or that I believe in it
Well, s***.. if you believe that
then I'll kill you
You know why?
Cuz I'm a

CRIMINAL
----------------This song to me was definately a great song to close with. It just shows tat Eminem is just making a living trying to just make ends meat.Just because he says something doesnt mean thats what he does or wat he's going to do.Music is just a matter of free speech.THIS IS DEFINATELY THE CD FOR EMINEM FANS.

SHOCK VALUE--AT WHAT COST?
THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP is Eminem's best album, which, in a weird way, is quite hard to defend.On one hand, it contains brilliant songs, some of which rank among hip-hop's most creative and introspective; Em's trademark complex and captivating rhyming scheme and delivery; and rock-solid production, some of which comes from Dr. Dre himself.There's "Who Knew," in which he points to the hypocrisy of parents and lambasts them for solely blaming their parenting failures on "bad" influences like him.There's "The Way I Am," in which he craves for a sense of normalcy even with his fame and wealth as a rap superstar.And of course there's the seven-minute masterpiece "Stan," the chilling story of an obsessed fan.Backed by the marvelous production of Mark the 45 King (who, after plugging in production work for Queen Latifah in the late 80s, seemed to have disappeared forever), he changes the pitch and tone of his voice with each verse to match the crazed fan's mood swings, as well as return to his normal voice when he finally writes to Stan at the last verse.Other songs worthy of note are the sparse beat-driven "Kill You," and "Bitch Please II," in which he clearly outshines Dre, Snoop AND Xzibit.

On the other hand, there is a pervasive feel of insecurity and lack of confidence in his pure technical skill, relying more on shock value and third-grade humor.At least at this point, it was not as unbearable as it would become with his disastrous fourth album ENCORE, but this could have easily become a classic.Creatively, he could have done without the first single "The Real Slim Shady"; obviously the song was made to sell records, but with its cartoonish beat (one of the few-ever Dre disappointments) and pointless subject matter, it was included at an artistic cost.D12 show up to mar an otherwise okay song ("Under the Influence").Once again Eminem yaps on and on about how much he hates his wife--and kills her a second time ("Kim").And easy targets for ridicule--Britney Spears, N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, and even Will Smith (who undeservedly does not get enough credit for helping rap break through the mainstream)--show up throughout the 18 tracks. And then there is the "homophobic" controversy; true, Eminem is not the first MC to yell anti-gay slurs on record, but not in recent memory have there been so many of them hurled in one sitting.It also does not help that he answers to any would-be charges, "Homophobic? Naw, you're just heterophobic!" in "Criminal," making it easier to conclude that he was indeed using the slurs for gays, and not wimps.

Such is the paradox of THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP.Granted, it is a very good album, better than most of the rap albums that were coming out circa 2000, or even in the last ten years.But you'll never see a lot of hip-hop fans herald it as a classic, in the same breath as Nas' ILLMATIC, Biggie's READY TO DIE, Jay-Z's REASONABLE DOUBT or Public Enemy's IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK.Perhaps it is because he relied--or had more faith--in gimmickry than raw skill.Beneath all the silliness shines lyrics that stand up with the best lines ever uttered from the rap greats.Yes, in a sense, it's frustrating...and sad, because it is possible to realize that Eminem is yet to make that classic album he is most certainly capable of.

UHH!
This guy is fu**ing s****d! Why make this kind of s****d lyrics! And he can't make music either! Don't waste your time and money! ... Read more

Asin: B00004T9UF
Subjects:  1. Hardcore Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Pop    4. Rap & Hip-Hop    5. United States of America   

Ropin' the Wind [Bonus Track]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 November, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Brooks's third album, 1991's Ropin' the Wind, found him distancing himself further from the new-traditionalist hat-pack. The album's centerpiece was an all-stops-out Southern-rock cover of Billy Joel's "Shameless." Another hit single, "Rodeo," boasted a slinky Creedence-style groove. Brooks's propensity for sentimental folk-pop clichés surfaced on the ballads "What She's Doing Now" and "The River." But "We Bury the Hatchet" and "Papa Loved Mama" were tongue-in-cheek attempts at honky-tonk and truck-drivin' boogie. While Brooks subsequently has been criticized for putting a cowboy hat atop rock & roll and calling it country, these tracks sound more like vintage Ernest Tubb next to some of today's Nashville Pop-tarts. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Exploded country back into the mainstream
Enthusiasts of country music certainly have the right to complain about what Nashville has done to the legacy of country with many of the current artists whose only ties to the music of Hank Sr., Buck Owens, and Willie Nelson are a predeliction for cowboy hats and boots. But while they have a point, that's not to say that everything from the 1980s on is nothing but glossed over pop. This album could be one of those arguments.

Even as Garth made his first pop crossover (with Billy Joel's "Shameless", an album track from "Storm Front"), he was still including plenty of material that showed he'd done his homework on traditional country. Murder anthems and prison songs ("Papa Loved Mama"), sentimental broken heart weepers ("What She's Doing Now"), and trucker odes ("Cold Shoulder"). While I'd not be so foolhardy as to say Garth is on the level of Cash, Willie, or even Conway, he's far removed from the likes of Faith Hill, Shania, and Lonestar.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"What She's Doing Now" is a wonderfully sentimental ode to an old flame from Pat Alger and Garth himself that stops short of becoming maudlin. ("Just for laughs, I dialed her old number/But no one knew her name/Hung up the phone, sat there and wondered/If she'd ever done the same"). It comes from the same place as Frank Sinatra's "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning". "Papa Loved Mama" is the tale of a jealous trucker who kills his wayward wife by crashing his rig into a hotel where she's having a dalliance. The phrase "Mama's in the graveyard/Papa's in the pen" is classic country. "Shameless" rescues a great song Billy Joel let lie waste on his album. Brooks invests it with the needed passion and turns it into a winner. "In Lonesome Dove" is a great gunslinger saga set in the old West with a twist..it's the 'little filly' who has the last laugh in this one. "The River" is a little too overproduced, but it's still a winning optimism anthem.

LOWS:
"We Bury the Hatchet" finds Garth pushing far too hard with the vocal twangs. Instead of sounding authentic, he sounds phony. "Burning Bridges" story of a ne'er-do-well that can't commit has been done many times before in country and with better writing.

BOTTOM LINE:
Traditional country fans should still find plenty to love here, though new country fans will probably be bigger supporters. Love him or hate him, he's probably caused more pop-rock fans to at least give country a second look than anyone before him (or likely after). The album was #1 for 18 weeks on the POP charts at time of release..and the first country album to claim the #1 spot pop in its opening week. This is one of his better outings.

3 1/2 stars

My First online Purchase
The fist thing I ever bought online was this CD. I LOVE IT! Brings back good 'ol memories.

Ropin' the Cash
It's interesting that Mr. Brooks used to be in advertising. Because he has done for country music what the Saatchi brothers did for the advertising industry. And that is to make it big business.

And while county fairs, not stadiums, are the true venue of country music, you can't deny how he's transformed the industry.

In recent years George Jones, the most colossal talent in country music, has befriended Brooks. Maybe Garth will start doing more country shows and fewer rock concerts. ... Read more

Asin: B00005176B
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop   

N Sync
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 March, 1998)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Yes, it's another group of five young white boys making dance-influenced pop that makes the girls scream. Not only is the makeup of this group familiar, their sound is almost a clone of fellow teenybopper dreams the Backstreet Boys. It's probably not surprising, considering that they share the same manager (who had all five members of '80s preteen scream machine New Kids on the Block as the best men at his wedding, natch). The resemblance is a little too close for comfort, however, with almost every track here mirroring one on the Backstreet Boys album. From the radio hit "I Want You Back" and the sugary harmonizing on ballads like "God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You" to the one step forward, two steps back approach to sex appeal on "Giddy Up," 'N Sync--or their producers--have crafted the perfect balance of catchy pop ditties and swoon-inducing slow jams. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

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• Enhanced

Reviews (1195)

Giddy Up...Away from this CD.
N*sync is the possibly most overrated group of all time. True they have legions of fans all over the world, but can you imagine when those horney young pre-teen girls grew up and found this CD in a box in their attic? They were probably asking themselves, "Why the hell did I buy this crap?" Those girls are now calling the boys they once loved, the boys that love eachother. However, I won't go on complaining that N*sync is gay, because you can't really prove that. Other than the fact that they're all guys that spend...a lot of time together. But Justin got his d**k sucked by Brittney Spears! I recomend this CD for 90's nostalgia sake. See U in the Future...

boring...
this is just piece of sh**! Listen to great bands like Led zeppelin and black sabbath...

NSYNC's Debut
I remember this album when I was in the 5th grade. I love this album and in fact it was my 3rd pop music album. I fell in love with every song. 'N Sync are not your flash-in-the-pan teen idol act. The group are accomplished singers and dancers. They also show versatility. This album has been certified 10x Platinum. Remember,this was 1998. ... Read more

Asin: B00000638D
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Euro-Dance    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Teen Pop    7. Urban   

II
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 August, 1994)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Already big stars courtesy of their debut, Cooleyhighharmony, the Boyz blasted off into superstar orbit on this CD. Of course those lush harmonies had a little something to wrap themselves around; namely the magnificent ballads "I'll Make Love to You"(which broke the chart record of the earlier "End of the Road" ) and "On Bended Knee." Corny? Si. Wholesome? And how. Obviously that didn't stop the biggest male vocal act of the '90s from crooning all the way to the bank, several million times over. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (52)

A very good collection..more than just the 4 singles
Boyz II Men made it huge in the 90s by pairing up their tight harmonies recalling classic Motown groups (Temps and Tops) with more up-to-date rhythmic tracks incorporating samples and other hip-hop stylings. This album broke them into superstardom as their followup to "Cooleyhighharmony", placing 4 songs into the charts for the Philadelphia group.

HIGHLIGHTS:
This album pretty much divides into 2 'sides': The uptempo side (before "Khalil") and the ballads afterwards. Most of the biggest chart tunes fall in the 2nd half.

Part 1 has "Thank You" (the only up-tempo chart hit), an infectious number riding a Doug E. Fresh sample. "Vibin'" is a nice midtempo groove though the lyric'spretty lightweight (We're just vibin'/dancin' the night away/Groovin'/Vibin'/non-stop until the break of day). "I Sit Away" is a Tony Rich tune about drowning in self pity that stops short of being maudlin. (This and "Nobody Knows"..is Rich clinically depressed or what?)

In the "slow side", Babyface's "I'll Make Love to you" set a record for the length of time at #1. "On Bended Knee" (from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) and "Water Runs Dry" (another Babyface composition) also made some chart action. The group shows off their sterling harmonies on the Beatles classic "Yesterday" and they pull off the true feat of not embarrassing themselves on a rock classic. It's a wonderful rendition.

LOWS:
"All Around the World" is Boyz II Men's rewrite of Ricky Nelson's "Travelin' Man" more or less, but not nearly as memorable. Considering how pivotal it is to the album, "Khalil" is a pretty blah track. "Jezzebel" is a dull overlong affair. "50 Candles" includes the lyric "Holding your body like a plastic molding"....'nuff said.

BOTTOM LINE:
There are enough hits to make this a mini-greatest hits all by itself, but the extras like "I Sit By" and "Yesterday" make this one worth owning. Recommended for R&B fans.

Bestalbum!
Boyz II Men were at their best with this album!Excellent songs with I'll Make Love To You, On Bended Knee, Water Runs Dry and some others.They tear it up on the funky songs of the first half such as Vibin', I Sit Away, Thank You, Jezabel, and All Around The World. Loved their remake of the Beatles' Yesterday. This is an album that gave them many awards and multiplatinum success for the music and the harmonies alone.And people like Babyface, Jam and Lewis, Brian McKnight and others produced some fabulous stuff here! A dynamic R&B effort with pop leanings that still holds up 10 years later!

so sexy, soulful and thoroughly enjoyable....
This CD is a throwback to my youth.I was about twelve years old when it came out--back when Boyz 2 Men was trulya hot commodity.They have a wonderful "old school" flavor reminiscent of the old doowop guy groups of 1960s.This is especially evident in the four part harmonies, the smooth and romantic lyrics and the original interpretations of old standards ("Yesterday").

Where do I begin to describe the mood of this wonderful and innovative R&B album?There is something for everyone on this CD.We have the funky, catchy "Thank You" that samples from "La-Di-Da-Di" performed by Doug E. Fresh.The hook is infectious!We have "All Around the World" to get you up and dancing, no doubt.One of my personal favorites is "I Sit Away," written by Tony Rich (of the Tony Rich Project fame).It has a haunting hook and a beautiful, introspective feel.Truly an ode to solitude.There are also a couple of songs on this album that became huge hits for the fellas back in the early 1990s.They include "I'll Make Love to You" (on those songs to get you in the mood), and "Water Runs Dry."

One of the strongest points of this album is the luscious arrangements and fine tuning of production on each of the cuts.Even my least favorite of the songs--"50 Candles"--has a very sexy, clean and catchy arrangment.

Check this out!And all of you young ones out there, don't write the Boyz as just another R&B band from the 1990s.They were truly in a class by themselves. ... Read more

Asin: B000001A6L
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. R&B   

Christina Aguilera
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 August, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Like fellow former Mickey Mouse clubber Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera kicks off her debut album with a teen-lust nugget--in this case, the No. 1 single "Genie in a Bottle"--that the rest of the disc can't possibly live up to. Aguilera has a strong voice, but patterns herself after iffy role models such as Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Aside from "Genie," most of this music is straight from the cookie cutter, like the less than successfully sultry "When You Put Your Hands on Me" and the Mulan ballad showpiece "Reflection." In chart terms, though, there'll be no stopping her--at least for a while.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Features

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Reviews (919)

Warning!
Attention! Attention! If you are looking at this review, it is highly likely that you have chronic Bad Taste In Music. Please seek help immediately. Know this: It is not your fault. Recent studies prove that 94.9 percent of all preteens and teenagers suffer from Bad Taste In Music. 5.9 percent have no taste at all. Only 1 tenth of one percent of preteens and teenagers have Good Taste In Music!What do these studies mean? You should not be embarrassed that you have Bad Taste In Music. Only six out of one hundred of your peers does not suffer from Bad Taste In Music. You are a MAJORITY. If you are over 20, you should only be here to laugh and ridicule. That is the only acceptable reason. Do you sleep with twelve year olds? Then why do you listen to their music? The problem here is that you buy this music, and it ends up in the Super Bowl half time show. Well then, what can be done? The first step is to not buy this CD. Supporting Christina Aguilera will only enhance your Bad Taste In Music. Second: stop listening to Bad Music. Bad Music is directly proportionate to Bad Taste. This is a Scientific fact! Third: turn off your radio and television. In 2004, 98 percent of all radio stations in the United States (including Porto Rico) played Bad Music regularly. An average of 114.2 bad music selections a day constituted the definition of 'Regularly'. 100% of television music stations play bad music regularly! Shocking, I know. But there is hope! Simply follow the steps I have laid out for you today and you can effect a change now! I wrote this review for your benefit.

***
Now I am going to go listen to Bad Religion or Say Hi To Your Mom and forget this horrible atrocity on the human ear.


(Note: approximately 100% of above statistics were partially or entirely concocted by the writer, based on personal opinion and observation. The studies mentioned were performed by the writer on his spare time.)

Christina is really talented!
This girl can really sing for a white girl. She has a good voice and a strong one too, and she has real talent, and is the only pop star with a real voice. The best songs are #1,2, 4,5, and especially 7. Though she tries too hard to be like Mariah and Whitney Houston, her role models, she can really sing. I am going to get her second album because I know that I will enjoy it. Go Christina!

Christina Aguilera's Debut Album
I remember this album when I was in the 7th grade. I fell in love with this album instantly. I played it over and over. Her voice is as strong as any other diva. This album has songs that speaks about relationships. With this album,Christina is continuing to define herself and showcase her special voice. Her powerful voice intertwines the themes of finding your own identity with the uncertainties of growing up. This album has been certified 8x Platinum. Remember,this was 1999-2000. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JY9M
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Teen Pop   

Metallica
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 August, 1991)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Called "the Black Album" by many (due to its monochrome cover), Metallica marks the group's entrance into the mainstream, with shorter songs, simpler song structures, and slower tempos overall. That said, this is an excellent album, featuring some of the best songwriting Metallica has ever done. "Enter Sandman," "Wherever I May Roam," and "God That Failed," despite being slower and more groove-oriented than the band's earlier work, feature the same heavy riffs and heavier rhythms that have always been a feature of Metallica's music. The band goes introspective with "Unforgiven," and proves that they can write a ballad with "Nothing Else Matters," which succeeds better than one might expect. Overall, this is a high-energy album despite its laid-back approach, and is in many ways superior to the previous . . . And Justice for All, which was weakened by overly complicated song structures and mediocre production. -- Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (957)

4.5 STARS, Metallica Ends Their Career With A Bang
with this album metallica got lured in to pop commercial success. Many people call this album a sell out and label it among metallicas work post this album, but it is in fact still metal just only commerciallized. Sure you could call that selling out but whatever, all that matters is that the music on the album is still good (although not as good as their previous albums). This is Metallica's final album before they sold out and turned crappy. Heres what I think of the songs.

1.Enter Sandman (10/10)- a great song but I hate how most people know Metallica by this song, they have much better songs than this
2.Sad But True (10/10)- My second favorite song on the album, an awesome heavy riff
3.Holier Than Thou (8/10)- an okay song
4.The Unforgiven (10/10)- great ballad song about slavery
5.Wherever I May Roam (10/10)- awesome riff
6.Dont Tread On Me (10/10)-My favorite song on the album, really catchy song about a rattlesnake
7.Through The Never (9/10)- good riff reminiscent of Master Of Puppets
8.Nothing Else Matters (6/10)- a total pop sell out, I cant stand this song, this song is even too cheesy for Air Supply
9.Of Wolf And Man (8/10)- okay song about a werewolf if you havent already guessed
10.The God That Failed (7.5/10)- nothing special, annoying main riff
11.My Friend Of Misery (7/10)- too slow, I hate the opening bassline it kills the song for me
12.The Struggle Within (8/10)- pretty good

If you like softer metal, or hard rock than buy this album.

If you liked this album youll probably also like:
Megadeth- Countdown To Extinction
Soundgarden- Superunknown
Nirvana- Nevermind
Helmet- Meantime
Alice In Chains- Dirt

The swansong album
Sure it's a classic rock album no doubt about it.But it's nowhere near the band's best work and its success was just as much a matter of "right place, right time" as it was quality.There are a few solid Metallica tracks on TBA, but some filler material as well, which knocks this release down a notch IMO.It was their last listenable album, everything since then has been total garbage.

Awesome Album
I know everyone's going to have their own opinion, and I'm not going to be like other people and try and force my opinion onto you. However, I really love this album. It's what got me into Metallica in the first place. My friend had the album and played me some of the songs, and a couple of years later I heard them again and absolutely HAD to have it! I was so excited when I got the album, it's one of my favorites. Every song on it is full of so much artistic quality, I could listen to it all day over and over again!! Buy this album! ... Read more

Asin: B000002H97
Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Speed Metal    6. Thrash    7. United States of America