Chipmunk "Transition" Album Review

FROM A BOY TO A MAN

Chipmunk first appeared on our radio's with his own Slim Shady type anthem, “Chip Diddy Chip” back in 2009 and now he's back with his brand new album, “Transition”

Preceded by his massive hit single “Champion” featuring Chris Brown, hopes for Chipmunk's second album were certainly high.

Having recruited a plethora of US superstars for the album – Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Kalenna Harper (of Diddy's Dirty Money) – the album has a definitive formula. First you get yourself a smooth radio refined beat, then you add a couple self indulgent bars and finally, call up every American RnB singer whose number you can find on your blackberry and ask them to lay down a highly infectious chorus. Successful formula, maybe, but it certainly doesn't show any growth on Chipmunks part.

It's as if he is being primed for world domination but not by standing out in his own lane. Instead, by becoming part of the “music by numbers” brigade that swamp the US billboard chart on a weekly basis.

For the most part, it sounds like he's been lyrically restrained. His cheeky rhymes and brash delivery seem to have been watered down for commercial purposes.

Gig review:Emli Sandé at King Tuts

On Monday night I went to see Emeli Sandé perform at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow. Those of you who know me will be aware that have I been obsessing over Emeli's talent since I stumbled across her myspace page a couple of years ago.

Finally I was going to see her live and its safe to say my expectations were pretty high.

We arrived bright and early at 8pm expecting a prompt start. Bad move, as it turned out she wouldn't be on stage until 10.30 pm – on a school night? I began hyperventilating at the thought of not getting my eight hours.

Almost three hours and several bottles of beer later, Ms Sandé finally took to the stage. Opening with the infectious and slightly aggressive 'Kill the Boy', she captured the crowd instantly. My heavy eyes perked up and I was ready to enjoy the show.

With a voice as powerful as some the greatest divas of our time, I found myself in awe of her talent. At only 23 she has the composure and vocal ability that would put seasoned veterans to the test.

She sings with so much conviction that you believe every word. When she asks to 'stop the clock' in a song that takes issue with the lack of time the modern woman has to spend with her significant other, you begin wishing for time to come to a standstill. Or when she sounds deflated because 'her babys got a suitcase' and is leaving, you too feel sad that it has come to this. Each of her songs tell a different story and for three of four minutes you become immersed in those stories.

Closing with what is rumoured to be her first single 'Daddy', the crowd become excited and begin to sing along. She thanks the crowd and exits the stage to a rapturous applause and some rogue hecklers requesting songs that she didn't perform.

After chants of 'one more tune' from the crowd, the surprisingly timid seeming Sandé, returned to the stage with her keyboard player to perform 'clown' as the encore. And it was during this performance that she cemented herself in what I like to call, my musical heart. Stripped back vocals and no special sound effects (like the voice-echo effects she had been using throughout the show), the performance was simply stunning. Powerful vocals counter balanced with the soft vulnerability of the song, this was definitely worth keeping me out late on a school night.

With her soulful charm, well written songs and ability to capture the audience, this diva certainly has the whole package.

Tinie Tempah Album Review

He came to cause a little chaos and to break rules.

South Londons finest Tinie Tempah, released his long awaited debut album 'Discovery' this week.
The always witty and slick lyricist has already won over the nation, with three consecutive number one singles. But those who expected the album to follow the same formula as the anthemic 'pass out' might be disspointed.

Tinie is indiscriminate when it comes to genres. Not one to be pigeon-holed he hops effortlessly between trance, pop, dubstep, hip hop and rock. Sometimes when artists try to dip into many genres on one project it doesn't come together as one piece of work. This is certainly not the case with 'Disc-Overy'.

The Kelly Rowland assisted 'Invincible' is a catchy number that will have pop fans warbling along. While the Swedish House Mafia party track 'Miami 2 Ibiza' will keep the trance heads bobbing. My personal favourite is the guitar driven 'Let Go' featuring up and coming singer Emeli Sandé, the track sees Mr Tempah approach more serious issues and gives us an insight into his love affair with his craft: 'If music needed saving i'd die for it. Musics where my heart is, im alive for it,' he states with unfaltering conviction.

The album also boasts collaborations with Ellie Goulding and Snoop Dogg. Although feature tracks dominate the disc, Tinie is sure to put his unique stamp on each track.
At only twenty-one, Tinie is innovating the face of urban music in the UK . On the album he tells us that he's 'Simply Unstopabble' and i'd have to agree.

Stand out tracks: Let Go, Miami 2 Ibiza, Illusion and Pass Out.
My verdict: 8.5/10