As the summer heats up, so does the music scene. Pop-rock superstar Kelly Clarkson and the billboard-busting group Maroon 5 are releasing new records, which have been highly anticipated by international fans. But by far the summer’s greatest event for die-hard rock fans is the revival of the Smashing Pumpkins in their new album Zeitgeist. The band’s first album in seven years came out on July 10. Fans remark that the album strays away from dealing with inner conflicts, a common Pumpkin theme, and instead has explored current global situations, most notably with their single “Doomsday Clock” that criticizes people for ignoring atrocities initiated by world leaders.
Kelly Clarkson’s My December CD represents a female rock image and deals with issues such as depression, alcoholism, suicide, and other forms of betrayal. Clarkson insisted that she would write her own material despite the threat that her heavily rock-influenced album might crash in sales as compared to her multi-platinum 2004 release Breakaway. However, the first American Idol doesn’t care if she sells two million or twelve million records just as long as some people hear her most intimate and original album. The leading single “Never Again,” a typical stereotype of a woman angry with her unfaithful boyfriend, may have poorly publicized her album. Be sure to give My December a chance. Also, try lesser-known songs like the beautiful “Sober,” which delivers a soft, yet powerful testimony to people struggling with alcoholism.
Maroon 5’s newest work in five years It Won’t Be Soon Before Long is a solid album. Its hit single “Makes Me Wonder” has an innovative and catchy chorus similar to earlier Maroon 5 music. Listen only once and “… cuz I don’t believe in you anymore, anymore. I wonder if it even makes a difference to try …” will play in your head the whole day.
A new artist this year is Lily Allen, a UK charmer whose pixie-like voice highlights her witty and sarcastic lyrics. The song “Smile” is her leading single, but another hilarious hit is “Knock ‘Em Out” which advises single women on how to deter a possible suitor in a bar setting.
Other albums rising on the charts include Amy Whinehouse’s Back to Black and the White Stripes’ funky western Icky Thump. People should also keep an eye out for the new soft-pop singer Colbie Caillat’s album Coco album. Colbie Caillat is currently on tour with the Goo Goo Dolls, and she is gathering success with her soothing and simple “Bubbly.”
Also worth listening to are earlier issued 2007 singles like Avril Lavigne’s sassy “Girlfriend,” Rihanna’s upbeat “Umbrella” (featuring a rap introduction by Jay-Z), and the Plain White Ts’ soft rock “Hey There Delilah.” The Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is famous for singing/rapping for the hip-hop group, but she has released her solo album The Dutchess, that includes “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” showing off Fergie’s previously unknown ballad-like voice. These records are climbing up in the iTunes popularity list.
And where might you sample these songs? All of this music can be heard on 94.5 KBAY as well as Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Mix. The music directors of those radio stations always have ears open to new artists and innovative sounds. If you have an iPod, be sure to sample any single on iTunes. Download onto your computer’s personal iTunes library for 99 cents, and then put the new music on your iPod. You can do the same with your MP3 player and purchase music at www.rhapsody.com or at www.musicdownloads.walmart.com for 89 cents.
Catherine Connor will be a junior at Ann Sobrato High School in the fall. She writes a monthly youth column for the Morgan Hill Times. She can be reached at
ct*****@ao*.com
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