NEWS4U DECEMBER 2021 | MUSIC REVIEWS
KELLY CLARKSON When Christmas Comes Around Atlantic Records There is something so soulful and joyful about listening to a Kelly Clarkson song. Infuse that with a holiday jingle and it looks like we’re getting an extra present under the tree this year. This is actually her second collection of holiday songs after 2003's Wrapped in Red. I can just picture The Voice judge and talk show host telling the record executives, “Hey, I want to do another Christmas album!” And like the magic of Santa Claus, here we are with her ninth studio album. And she knocks it out of the house with her powerhouse vocals. I’m assuming she’s singing all of the songs she did not get a chance to her first go-around - from “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to “Santa Baby'' and “Jingle Bell Rock.” She even delivers a brand new song to cheer, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You).” We hear you, girl! Also featured on the album are fellow The Voice judge Ariana Grande with “Santa Can’t You Hear Me” and Chris Stapleton on “Glow.” I dub Clarkson the mother of Christmas. - Marisa Patwa
LANA DEL REY Blue Banisters Interscope/Polydor Records Lana Del Ray is bringing her easy, breezy vocals back to life just seven months after she released her last album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club. This eighth studio album is a welcome gift, promised by the talented singer earlier this year. And she truly delivers, connecting to the listener with every song. The album also showcases her talents as a songwriter, even addressing her pandemic experience on “Black Bathing Suit”: “Grenadine quarantine, I like you a lot/ It's LA, "Hey" on Zoom, Target parking lot/ And if this is the end, I want a boyfriend/ Someone to eat ice cream with, and watch television/ Or walk home from the mall with.” It’s like diary poetry sung by an angel. “Nectar of the Gods” drips like gold with a sweet drawl. She sings, “What sweet world is this? Honey on the vine/ School kid dreams came true then passed in the night/ I used to dream about people like you, now I don't know why/ I used to sing about people like you, now I just get high.” She makes you fall in love with her then breaks your heart. But I’d do it all over again because this album is gorgeous, transporting you to a therapy session that cleanses the soul. - Marisa Patwa
COLDPLAY Music of the Spheres Parlophone/Atlantic Records Coldplay is getting us back into our feels again thanks to their ninth studio album. With dreamy vocals from lead singer Chris Martin, listening to these musicians collaborate together just feels right. You could probably name any Coldplay song and tie it to a fan-made video detailing the ship of the rising chemistry of their favorite TV couple. And that’s because their music transcends so much and resonates with so many. The whole album concept is based off of the universe and they’re tuning into our musical candy cravings once again with lead single “Higher Power.” It puts you under a pulsating spell. The tracklist is based on a solar system straight from the band’s mind, exploring the wanderlust of musicians in this sort of space race for fame. The features on this album are also out of this world including the heartbreakingly beautiful “Let Somebody Go” with Selena Gomez, a duet about the power and beauty of mourning. The pop hit “Glow” with BTS also slaps pretty hard. This album will transport you to the stars. You don’t even need to put on your spacesuit. - Marisa Patwa
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PLUSH Self-titled Pavement Entertainment Vocalist and guitarist Moriah Formica was just 16 years old when she appeared on The Voice and turned the judges’ heads (and chairs). Now, just a few years later she fronts the tremendously talented quartet PLUSH. Social media is a-flutter with talk of their heavy, trudging riffs and melodic guitar work, killer rhythm section, and Formica’s soaring vocal range. Their talent belies their ages - all are under 21! PLUSH made their mark on YouTube and social media performing covers of Alice In Chains' “Down in a Hole” and Heart’s “Barracuda” prior to releasing their first original album comprised of 13 tracks in October. And what a debut it is! The ladies manage to blend metal, melody, pop sensibilities and slick production to create a compelling and interesting musical journey for listeners. This is an impressive first effort, and I can’t wait to hear more! Check out “Hate,” “Athena” and “Found a Way.” - Matt Alschbach
