Albums of the week (released 2nd December 2002) - Tiscali Music News

2002-12-02

Mariah Carey - Charmbracelet Charm Bracelet

The biggest-selling female artist of all time returns with an album that will have you instantly enchanted: 'Charmbracelet'.

Released on her own MonarC Music label, Mariah Carey's new album features the songstress writing and co-producing with such a-list names as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Jermaine Dupri among others.

Lyrically very personal, 'Charmbracelet' once again showcases Mariah's stunning voice, prolific songwriting and incredible versatility.

This isfully evident on the first single, the sweeping epic ballad, 'Through The Rain' ("I can make it through the rain/I can stand up once again on my own and I know that I'm strong enough to mend"), which is a perfect example of what Mariah does best.

"Charmbracelets have always had a personal and sentimental significance for me. Charms are like pieces of yourself that you pass on to other people...items that tell your story, and that can be shared...like a song. The bracelet represents the foundation of this album, a body of work that encompasses many feelings" - Mariah Carey

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Darius - Dive In

Hot on the heels of his debut #1 single 'Colourblind' and the smash hit follow-up 'Rushes', comes the much-anticipated debut album from 'Pop Idol' escapee Darius Danesh.

Full of bruised energy, heartfelt songs and optimistic melodies, 'Dive In' features 12 brand new recordings - produced variously by the Misfits, Mike Hedges and The Matrix - that positively brim with ear-pleasing tunefulness.

A stunning mix of cool ballads and uptempo pop, highlights include the fantastic title track, the acoustic-led 'Sliding Doors' and the gorgeous anthem-in-waiting 'I Gotta Know Tonight'.

"Overnight success is deceptive and can be dangerous, for one, it's not really earned in sweat and in blood; for two, it's not ever fully appreciated and for three, it doesn't point towards a long term career. Longevity is something important. I've got the fantastic privilege now of being able to release my own material, and express the words and melodies that have haunted me in my sleep. I'm over the moon!" - Darius

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Martine Mccutcheon - Musicality

Hot on the heels of her hugely successful run in the hit West End musical production of 'My Fair Lady', Martine McCutcheon's career has gone from strength to strength.

On 'Musicality', her third album, Martine pays homage to classic tracks from the most famous musicals of all time.

With all the charm and wit she naturally exudes as an accomplished actress, and as a person, she displays the undoubted talent of an artist who feels just at home with pop songs as well as stage musicals.

Martine's renditions of songs from such legendary shows as 'Cabaret', 'Funny Girl', 'Grease', 'Mamma Mia', 'Les Miserables', and of course, 'My Fair Lady', are infectiously catchy and above all, a whole lot of fun.

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2pac (Tupac Shakur) - Better Days: 2cd

Tupac Shakur’s legacy lives on, both in the hearts of hip-hop fans worldwide and in the treasure trove of tracks he recorded before he died.

'Better Dayz' is a double CD set that unveils a whole new selection of 'Pac tunes written between 1994-1996 and works as the perfect follow-up to the 'Until the End of Time' album from a couple of years ago.

The set features the forthcoming 'Thugz Mansionz' single produced by 7 Aurelius. Guests featured include Mya, Tyrese and The Outlawz.

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Culture Club - Box Set: 4cd

One of the most popular bands of the early 1980's, Culture Club notched up 9 top 10 hit singles, including 2 No.1's ('Karma Chamelon' is still the best-selling UK single of all time in Virgin Records history, with 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' also still in the top 10). This 4CD box set represents the definitive history of the band with many added gems such as demos, remixes, alternative versions and never-released-before songs. Lavish artwork includes a 72 pageglossy booklet, official photos, personal photos, quotes and notes from band members. All previously unreleased tracks have been newly remastered.

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Robson Green - Moment In Time

TV heartthrob and housewives favourite Robson Green returns to the microphone, this time minus side-kick Jerome Flynn, for a set of classy laid-back, late night easy listening classics.

One for all the romantics out there as Robson croons and smoulders his way thorough timeless classics such as 'Me 'n' Mrs Jones', 'I Only Have Eyes For You', 'The Air That I Breathe', 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.

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Ladytron - Light & Magic

Where Debbie Harry meets Joy Division during a Kraftwerk soundalike house party contest, Ladytron continue their electro bam-a-lam mission with renewed vigour.

Lighter to the touch than the '604' album, 'Light and Magic' is Ladytron walking a dedicated eighties neon strip with more than a few nods to the kind of dudes that started all this, whether they be Numan, the twins Thompson and even snood doctor, Nik Kershaw.

Ironic dance music for people who find post-irony too lacking in irony.

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Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra: Dean Martin: Sammy Davis Jr) - Christmas With Rat Pack

For the ultimate cool yule, it doesn't get much better than this, 21 classic tracks from the kings of cool, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Festive greetings in their own inimitable style, grace and panache.

All the classic Christmas tunes are here, 'Jingle Bells', 'Let It Snow, Let It Snow', 'Winter Wonderland' and many more. Included are two rare Frank and Dean duets from Dean's Christmas TV extravaganzas, as well as two rare Sammy tracks 'The Christmas Song' and 'Christmas Time All Over The World'.

So get your Christmas holidays swingin' with the Rat Pack!

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