MUSIC REVIEWS

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE – MAN OF THE WOODS | Sony Once one gets past all the Brokeback Mountain jokes and actually give this album a listen, it comes as quite a pleasant surprise. The first single Filthy served as a reminder of who Justin was on his previous albums, but after that, expect to be dragged into nature. The title track is a catchy piece of country funk pop that will literally take you Outside (no George Michael references intended). Other tracks such as Flannel, Livin Off The Land and Supplies might seem like he is taking it a bit too far, but overall the album does not feel artificial. Of course, Pharrell Williams’s crisp production really adds to enhancing the overall experience. It might not win a Grammy, but as a piece of pop, it is catchy and accessible.

KYLIE MINOGUE – GOLDEN | Warner Kylie has a unique way (very much like Madonna and Cher) to reinvent herself. It might not always be fresh and new, but she knows how to nestle into a genre that fits her vocals in a way that makes her shine. You might have already heard the first single Dancing with its country guitar undertones and killer catchy melody…well, the rest of the album can best be described as Nashville disco! Even Ms. Minogue herself describes it as “Dolly Parton standing on a dance floor”. Now, the concept might have been done before, but Golden is a unique experience that will get any party going. A Lifetime To Repair is probably the one song that got me going musically, but then the lyrics just took me by surprise. This is not just dance…this is slices of life with twang!

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER – UNMASKED | Universal One cannot ignore the effect that Mr. Webber has had on theatre and the musical industry. With musicals such as Phantom, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Aspects of Love, he has literally written some of the best-loved songs of all time. This album plays tribute to some of his best hits but also some fresh takes on older ones. The classics are there, such as Sarah Brightman (Phantom of The Opera), Michael (Love Changes Everything) and Boyzone (No Matter What), but the biggest surprise has to be the Lana Del Rey cover of Madonna’s You Must Love Me (Evita). There is also an amazing version of Memory (from Cats) by Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls). Even the Glee cast makes an appearance. Somehow it all feels exceptionally and fabulously gay!

NAKHANE – YOU WILL NOT DIE | Warner Our favourite gay Xhosa is back with his sophomore album. Nakhane has been featuring quite extensively in the news lately due to his role in the movie Inxeba, which openly addresses the traditional ritual of ukwaluka (a Xhosa tradition into manhood which includes circumcision), but also sexual identity in the form of a gay love story. Since the release of his debut album, he has been unashamed about his sexuality and on the first single from the new album Clairvoyant, he takes his sexuality into visual media. Nakhane is an excellent guitar player and his haunting melodies cascade beautifully around the more serious lyrical content. It’s drama, it’s sex, it’s daring…and it is highly contagious.

REVAMP/RESTORATION: A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN | Universal I have never been a fan of Elton’s voice, so when other artists cover his music, I get very excited. In the early nineties we had Two Rooms as a tribute album which was an impressive collection. Now more than twenty years later, we have two separate albums, Revamp and Restoration, paying tribute to the songs of Elton and co-writer Bernie Taupin. Revamp is a pop-rock tribute and shines with the likes of Lady Gaga (Your Song), Sam Smith (Daniel) and Ed Sheeran (Candle In The Wind). Restoration is a country affair and features Miley Cyrus (The Bitch is Back), Willie Nelson (Border Song) and Little Big Town (Rocket Man). The albums also feature Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, The Killers and Emmylou Harris. A must for any collection!

GEORGE EZRA – STAYING AT TAMARA’S | Sony Pretty boy George rose to fame with his catchy single Budapest and equally successful debut album Wanted on Voyage. With his second album, he continues his diary-manner of writing songs, based on his journeys and experiences. Lyrically the album is like a great pep talk by someone who is learning on the fly: “You can run, you can jump, might fuck it up / But you can’t blame yourself, no, you’re just human”. Musically the album feels a bit like barbeques, beaches and sundowners in far off places, but it also shows an artist who has grown more mature. By the way, the album is named after his AirBnB host whilst staying in Barcelona.