"Greatest Hits Vol. II"
Gloria Estefan
..order here.
Gloria Estefan collects the biggest smashes from the last half of her career on "Greatest Hits Vol. II." Including the disco cover "Turn the Beat Around," the beautiful, sprawling ballad "Reach," and her duet with 'N Sync, "Music of My Heart," the compilation highlights Estefan's considerable flexibility as a pop vocal stylist.
"Who I Am"
Jessica Andrews
..order here.
With Jessica Andrews storming the scene, contemporary country is finding itself redefined yet again. Not a ballad belter like Faith and LeAnn or a firecracker sex symbol like Shania, Jessica drills her own groove with her youthful smarts and expressive vocals that color her narrative songs with assertive nuances uncommon in similar crossover releases.
"Essential Mix"
Boy George
..order here.
Boy George, Culture Club's cross-dressing leading man, has been flitting around the globe DJing and delighting dancers in some of the world's most notorious clubs. You can get a sample of his skills on "Essential Mix," a studio showcase of his focus on vibe and flow rather than live technique. Though not a big beat album, fans of Fatboy Slim can easily get their groove on with this predominantly house set.
"It Was All a Dream"
Dream
..order here.
"It Was All a Dream" introduces Puffy Combs's latest project on his Bad Boy Entertainment label--a gussied-up girl group called Dream. The debut single "He Loves U Not" lyrically recalls Monica and Brandy's cat fight from a while back, and the album's toy-funk melodies and studio-perfected harmonies keep the teen stream flowing mightily.
IN POP-ROCK: DAVE MATTHEWS AND MORE
The Dave Matthews Band's "Everyday" will certainly be in countless stereos this spring. You can beef up your collection with this recent release now, and pre-order other upcoming pop-rock releases from Amazon.com.
"Everyday," The Dave Matthews Band
..order here.
"Drops of Jupiter," Train
..order here.
"All About Chemistry," Semisonic
..order here.
"Spiritual Machines," Our Lady Peace
..order here.
More pop-rock releases
..order here.
FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS
A Red Hot Download
George Michael was near the peak of his popularity when he contributed "Too Funky" to 1992's Red Hot + Dance--a Red Hot benefit CD for AIDS awareness and relief. Check out a previously unreleased alternate mix titled "Too Jazzy" as an exclusive download from Amazon.com.
..order here.
More on Red Hot downloads, CDs, and AIDS awareness
..order here.
GRAMMY WINNERS
So after all the hype and big-name performances, did the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards live up to your expectations? You can check out all the nominees and winners on our Grammys page, and have music from the major nominees at your fingertips with the 2001 Grammy Nominees CD series.
Complete list of Grammy nominees and winners
..order here.
Grammy Nominees compilation series
..order here.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Forever Young
..order here.
With the exception of aging rockers who remain stuck in the decade of their heyday, there's nothing more discomforting than an aging rocker who tries to fit in with current youth culture. To pull it off is nearly unheard of, but Rod Stewart somehow accomplishes it winningly on "Human." The dense, synth-laden production on this ballad-heavy collection matches the musical stylings of groups like Destiny's Child, or even TLC. But Stewart reaches out and makes these songs his own--especially on "Don't Come Around Here," a duet with Helicopter Girl, whose feline rasp complements his own perfectly.
Go to "Human"
..order here.
OUT OF THE BOX
"Music Box [BOX SET]"
The Monkees
..order here.
Any Monkees maniac will be sated by "The Monkees: Music Box," a four-CD collection that, in addition to all their hits, includes previously unreleased tracks and outtakes. The accompanying 96-page booklet reveals the group's complete history, chart information, and rare photos encapsulating 30 years of prefab fun.
Grammy Winners 2001
One can't help but make assumptions about the demographic of the Grammy voters who gave Steely Dan three awards. The middle-aged fusion rockers beat out the teeny-popsters on several fronts, accepting awards with an affected aloofness that is also characteristic of their music. Here are the top winners of the 43rd Grammy Awards, along with our thoughts (and in some cases, our own choices).
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Winner:
"Two Against Nature"
Steely Dan
...order here.
In a misguided and ill-informed effort to make the Grammys more relevant,
Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP" received a nomination for Album of the
Year, and the entire pop music world was sucked up into a hurricane of
debate, rationalization, and outrage. But it was apparently all for
naught;
the award went to Steely Dan and any dubious hip factor the awards
ceremony
may have otherwise gained was instantly negated. After nearly 20 years of
studio dormancy, the '70s fusion duo produced an album that--to no
surprise--sounds exactly like all their other '70s fusion albums. The
middle-aged pair, who once celebrated their own notoriety for lyrics
slathered in metaphors disguising illicit drug use and sexual
indiscretion,
now seem at worst grotesque and leering, and at best, hopelessly past
their
prime.
Our Pick:
"Kid A"
Radiohead
...order here.
If Radiohead's "Kid A" is the sound of the future, we have a lot to look
forward to. Artistically, this was the most important album of the
year--important in that its intricate and unsettling composition did not
prevent it from summiting the bestseller charts. The fact that the disc
was
a commercial success bodes well for its influence on music decades from
now. Radiohead will most likely be this generation's Pink Floyd or David
Bowie, and the album deserved to be recognized for its immeasurable
stature.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Winner:
"All That You Can't Leave Behind"
U2
...order here.
"Beautiful Day": With "All That You Can't Leave Behind," U2 rebounded from
important but ultimately alienating albums that strayed too far from the
sound their fans expected. The opening single, "Beautiful Day," is a grand
return to form. Its golden crescendos peak at euphoric climaxes, the
Edge's
delay-laden guitar work rears its glorious head, and Bono's vocals, now
gravelly and aging, rise to the challenge, delivering an emotional wallop.
Our Pick:
It's a given. The song is liberating, life-affirming, and just about
perfect. Welcome back, boys!
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Winner:
"All That You Can't Leave Behind"
U2
...order here.
"Beautiful Day": This award differs from Song of the Year in that it
acknowledges the efforts of the people who made the actual recording after
the song was written. In this case, long-time U2 producers Brian Eno and
Daniel Lanois, as well as engineers Steve Lillywhite and Richard Rainey,
take home the award. The backing synthesized soundscapes that lend this
song its majesty could only be Eno and Lanois's watermark, and
Lillywhite's
engineering polishes the track but never masks it.
Our Pick:
Again, the Grammys got it right. "Beautiful Day" is a beautiful song.
BEST NEW ARTIST
Winner:
"I Am Shelby Lynne"
Shelby Lynne
...order here.
Even Shelby Lynne herself seemed a little indignant over being nominated
in
this category. She's been recording for over a decade and has released
half
a dozen albums. This isn't the first time the Grammys have defined "New
Artist" as "New Artist with a Mass Audience," nonetheless, Lynne's fiery
performance on the assertively titled "I Am Shelby Lynne" expertly melds
the best of blues, rock, country, and soul, recalling everything from
Dusty
Springfield to Aretha Franklin.
Our Pick:
Technically speaking, Jill Scott's debut, "Who Is Jill Scott?" (Lynne
tells
you who she is, Scott asks) is the best choice for New Artist this year,
but Shelby Lynne's album is so excellent, we'll let the Grammys slide.
BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Winner:
"On How Life Is"
Macy Gray
...order here.
"I Try": It's been said that Macy Gray's vocals sound like Tom Waits
sucking on helium. It's a true description, but not a detraction. Her
sandy, sultry crooning on "I Try" reveals her vulnerability, but there's
not a trace of weakness. She's eccentric but composed, and a great, great
talent.
Our Pick:
Ms. Gray, now that you are here, it's impossible to imagine life without
you. "I Try" was the right choice for this award, hands down.
BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Winner:
"A Love Affair: The Music Of Ivan Lins"
Cole
...order here.
"She Walks This Earth (Soberana Rosa)": From "A Love Affair: The Music of
Ivan Lins," Sting's rendition of the celebrated Brazilian composer's "She
Walks This Earth" features a Latin-jazz backdrop to his impeccable
performance. He masters the vocal styling with a studied accuracy; the
song
is classically tailored for his High Stingness's soul-soothing delivery.
Our Pick:
"Back At One"
Brian McKnight
...order here.
"Back at One": Sting's meticulousness is something of an irritant. We want
a vocal performance that makes us ache! Therefore, Brian McKnight's
slow-pulsed "Back at One" is our favorite. It's as emotional as it is
wakeless, and McKnight has the vocal chops Sting can only dream about.
Honorable mention goes to Robbie Williams for his performance on "Sing
When
You're Winning," which was overlooked by the Grammys entirely. He's a
megastar in the U.K., where his campy, bombastic delivery is adored by
those wry Brits, but as of yet, he's largely undiscovered by U.S.
audiences. After another four or five albums, look for the Grammys to
nominate him for Best New Artist.
BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL
Winner:
"Two Against Nature"
Steely Dan
...order here.
"Cousin Dupree": Which one of these things is not like the others? Steely
Dan have always defied pigeonholing, but somehow, this nomination for Best
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group is largely misbegotten. Their
jazz-influenced harmonies are nearly unheard-of in pop music, and while
it's not that they aren't interesting or technically difficult, they don't
belong in this category.
Our Pick:
"Maroon [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Barenaked Ladies
...order here.
"Pinch Me": The Barenaked Ladies should have received the award for "Pinch
Me." They're in a different class than their highly shellacked fellow
nominees ('N Sync, the Corrs, and the Backstreet Boys), with vocals that
go
in an entirely different direction than the flawless vocal harmony groups.
The Ladies douse the song in a hyperspeed lyrical delivery that is
balanced
by infectious melody and fleshed-out backing vocals. It's a sweet,
irrepressible song that's earnest enough not to wear thin even after a
hundred listenings.
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
Winner:
"Two Against Nature"
Steely Dan
...order here.
Do we see a trend here? Once again, you can call it a jazz album, you can
call it a funk album, you can call it a rock album, you can call it a
combination of the three, but a pop album it ain't. Does Donald Fagen have
an uncle on the Grammy voting committee? We're starting to wonder.
Our Pick:
"Music"
Madonna
...order here.
Madonna deserved this prize for "Music." Her vocals here seem less
articulated than they were on "Ray of Light," indicating an unprecedented
confidence in her singing as she relinquishes control. Further, she takes
on a number of stylistic challenges, from an R&B-lite torch burner
(Madonna-style, of course) to highly synthesized vocoder effects. While
all
the other pop vocalists are all trying to out-lung each other, Madonna, as
always, does her own thing and does it perfectly.
BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
Winner:
"Symphony No. 1"
Joe Jackson (Rock)
...order here.
Joe Jackson is a talented pop songwriter, but with "Symphony No. 1," his
ambition exceeds his gifts. This album was a cacophonous jumble of musical
misdirection, a hookless bramble of rocklike movements that leave
listeners
scratching their heads and plugging their ears.
Our Pick:
"Audio [HDCD]"
Blue Man Group
...order here.
The Grammys were oddly receptive to Eminem, but not so welcoming of blue
people. "Audio," the CD by the beloved Blue Man Group, a performance art
troupe that incorporates physical humor with rhythm-focused compositions
played on custom-made percussion instruments (built out of PVC piping), is
the winner in our book. "Audio" isn't a soundtrack to their shows, but
rather an original showcase of their unique musical prowess--a joyful
listen from a group that takes their art, but not themselves, seriously.
You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Pop
section.
...order here.
NEW AND NOTABLE
"J. Lo"
Jennifer Lopez
~ more
Having firmly established herself as a pop star with her first album,
"On the 6," and singles like "Waiting for Tonight" and "Feelin' So
Good," Jennifer Lopez continues to ride the wave with this follow-up.
"J. Lo" features more of the sleek sounds that made her debut a hit.
"O-Town"
O-Town
~ more
The five-guy group that resulted from last year's reality-TV series
"Making the Band," O-Town is very much in the vein of the Backstreet
Boys and 'N Sync. Their self-titled debut album includes the single
"Liquid Dreams." It also marks the first album for J Records, a new
label founded by legendary record-biz mogul Clive Davis.
"More"
Vitamin C
~ more
Colleen Fitzpatrick follows her debut album, which included the hits
"Smile" and "Graduation (Friends Forever)," with "More." Another
savvy twist on mainstream girl-pop, the disc splits the difference
between Blondie and Britney Spears.
"Love Songs"
Etta James
~ more
Just in time for Valentine's Day comes this sampler of James's work
for Chess Records. Included are some of her most cherished tracks:
"At Last," "My Dearest Darling," and "Trust in Me," along with the
recently discovered master "Never My Love."
ARTIST STORE: REINTRODUCING... THE BEATLES
The arrival last fall of "The Beatles Anthology" (in essence, the
autobiography of the Fab Four) and the smash "Beatles 1" CD
retrospective again casts the spotlight on the ultimate band. Check
out our Beatles Store.
~ more
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS: FISHER
After struggling in the L.A. indie music scene for years, Kathy
Fisher and group are poised to reach the larger audience they deserve
with the release of their major-label debut, "True North." Fitting in
alongside her sisters in rock--Aimee Mann, Alanis Morissette, and
Sarah McLachlan--Fisher's edgy, sadly beautiful vocals and
songwriting prowess are best sampled in the bittersweet ballad
"Miseryland," which you can download for free at Amazon.com.
~ more
EDITOR'S CHOICE: RICKY MARTIN
"Sound Loaded"
Ricky Martin
~ more
Ricky Martin broke out as one of the world's biggest stars with his
self-titled 1999 album and its ubiquitous single "Livin' la Vida
Loca." He returns with "Sound Loaded," another genre-hopping effort
that's sure to please the fans he gathered with his previous
release. Mixing uptempo dance numbers such as the first single, "She
Bangs," with full-hearted ballads, the disc should help Martin
sustain his momentum.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: MADONNA
Madonna
~ more
Madonna started 2000 with a misfire in the form of her remake of Don
McLean's "American Pie," which lacked spark. But on the ear-opening
"Music," Madonna tweaked the already-classic sound of her 1998 "Ray
of Light." Melding the electronic-underground approach of French
house music mastermind Mirwais with warm acoustic guitar tones and
often introspective lyrics, she made the record feel like yet another
reinvention. Another triumph for Madonna, "Music" was nearly perfect
music.
To find out more about "Music," visit:
~ more
To find out more about the soundtrack of "The Next Best Thing," which
features Madonna's "American Pie" and "Time Stood Still," visit:
~ more
FIVE TO WATCH IN 2001
Here are some younger, up-and-coming artists who made inroads in 2000
and who promise to make an even bigger splash in the coming year.
1. Shakira
~ more
Although this Colombian singer-songwriter already has two U.S.
platinum albums and nearly stole the Latin Grammys telecast, she has
yet to fully cross over to the pop mainstream. With an English-
language album on its way, that's sure to happen in 2001. For the
time being, fans have contented themselves with "MTV Unplugged," a
retooling of her earlier material that also gave signs of a growing
musical ambition.
2. Nelly Furtado
~ more
By filtering her Portuguese roots through the trip-hop she was weaned
on, Nelly Furtado created a hypnotic form of R&B/alternapop that at
times sounds like Fiona Apple, Macy Gray, and Gwen Stefani all rolled
into a Portishead song. Her 2000 debut made inroads with the songs
"...On the Radio" and "I'm Like a Bird," while Furtado herself won
over audiences with her vibrant live performances and striking
beauty. On the radio is just where you'll catch up with her in 2001.
3. Tara MacLean
~ more
Canadian Tara MacLean's "Passenger" is an ethereal exploration of the
singer-songwriter tradition. On tour in 2000, though, MacLean
displayed a more visceral side of her style, rearing back and belting
her lyrics like a possessed rocker. With her in-concert emphasis on
such intensity, a new rhythmic sense, and a pure, ear-catching voice,
MacLean served notice that she's one to watch.
4. Chantal Kreviazuk
~ more
Another Canadian artist looking to break further into the U.S.
market, Chantal Kreviazuk continued to grab new fans with her second
disc, "Colour Moving and Still." Traversing many moods with her
piano-heavy sound, Kreviazuk is already a star north of the border,
while touring and TV exposure have helped raise her profile in the
States. She's just a hit single away from stepping into stateside
fame.
5. Amy Correia
~ more
On her debut, "Carnival Love," Amy Correia (a tour mate of Tara
MacLean's on last summer's Girls Room outing) goes against the
ethereal grain of many current singer-songwriters. Laden with well-
observed yet poetic imagery, tracks such as "The Bike," "Daydream
Car," and "Angels Collide" also demonstrate Correia's way with a
catchy melody and her ability to put intriguing instrumental spins on
her tunes. "Carnival Love" is one of the most challenging, enjoyable
mainstream releases in a long while.
AMAZON.COM'S BEST OF 2000
Explore the year's best music across all genres by visiting
Amazon.com's Best of 2000 page. You'll find our customers' favorite
CDs, our editors' favorite CDs, Artists of the Year, and more.
Visit our page at: ~ more
reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates