Fame

Fame - Various Artistes Universal Music

This much-anticipated new version of the 1980s classic attempts to capture the magic of the original but none of the songs really offers listeners anything outstanding.

A pity really, considering that the original soundtrack was rather iconic during its time.

One of the biggest disappointments here is the classic title track Fame which is given an update. However, it lacks the same optimistic joy that Irene Cara gave it when she sang it with the right touch of exuberance and gusto.

Newcomer Naturi Naughton has very good vocals skills but it is the arrangement of the song which proves to be a big letdown. She does better on other tracks such as Out Here on My Own.

Asher Book, the key male singer on the album, does not have a good song to prove his talent except for maybe the cover of jazz classic Someone to Watch Over Me. The music for rap battle This is My Life is catchy but that is about it.

When the best part of the album are the classic I Put a Spell On You (Raney Shockne featuring Eddie Wakes) and the kooky You Took Advantage of Me (by comedy actress Megan Mullally), you kind of understand what I am trying to say here.


Hannah Montana 3

Mylie Cyrus Universal Music

If you are wondering why Mylie Cyrus seems to be literally coming out with an album every other day, it is because she releases them under her own name and Disney releases albums featuring songs from her hit television series Hannah Montana.

Cyrus scores both ways and her infectious pop-rock-country style comes across once again in this album. This young singer is doing well on the music charts for a reason: her songs are very listener- friendly. Whether it is the fun and peppy It’s All Right Here, exploring teenage insecurities in Mixed Up or singing about empowerment on Supergirl, Cyrus is in her element.

The catchy duet I Wanna Know You by Cyrus and American idol runner-up David Archuleta is an excellent blending of vocals.

There is also a solo version of the song by Cyrus on the album which is good but you have to admit that Archuleta does provide that extra something in the duet. Other duets do not really grab you as much.

However, I give Every Part of Me a special salute as it has the same uplifting quality her summer hit The Climb has. And as a bonus for the Malaysian market, there is a peppy track called Kejar sung by the talented Shila.