JammnJay's Blog

Well, the ladies certainly seem to be thriving in the music world!!  From Britney, to Christina, to Beyonce, to TINA!!!

WOW!!!

First up.....I've been hearing the new tracks on Britney's new CD, "Circus", and she is definately back and better than ever!!  I especially love "Womanizer".  I love the synths and the overall attitude of the track.  And anyone who can overcome personal struggles and who can survive the way she has gets all my respect.  Not to mention she was AWESOME on "Good Morning, America"!!!  She looks beautiful, she's keeping herself together.  Good for her.  I've liked her for ten years and it's great to see how far she's come.  (Now let's hope the damn papaRATZi can stay off her back!!!)

My girl, Christina Aguilera, is still reinventing herself - both musically and image wise.  I have always been a huge fan of her music for ten years now and love how she's always daring with her image and her musical direction.  I remember listening to her song, "Beautiful", and tearing up, still getting emotional listening to it to this day.  Then a couple of years ago, she came out with "Back 2 Basics" and went in a complete different direction; old school R&B, blues and jazz.  Now, she's back with a brand new sound, more synth-driven, but still sounding great.  I love "Keeps Getting Better" because the sound is really interesting and I love what she's saying.  Christina has always been one of my favorites and she really does keep getting better.

Beyonce' is another woman who has come a really long way since her Destiny's Child days.  As a fan of Destiny's Child already, I was thrilled to see her going out there on her own and still making great music.....then getting into movies!  Her new songs, "If I Were a Boy" and "Put a Ring On It" both have great empowering messages.  "Boy" is a beautiful, soulful song and the way she sings it, you are really able to feel what she's feeling.  "Put a Ring On It" is every single woman's anthem who wants her man to commit to her.  The song has a great beat and as soon as I hear it, I immediately get up and start dancing (badly, which is why you will not be seeing it up on YouTube anytime soon!!)  "Crazy in Love" has always been my favorite Beyonce' song, but "Ring on It" is right up there as well.  I always look forward to what she has in store for us next.

Say what you want about Jessica Simpson....I love her new country album, "Do You Know".  I admire anyone who's willing to try different musical genres.  She happens to be a really good singer and it really shows in these songs.  "Come on Over" is a feel good song and I always listen to it whenever I need to relax.  This is a very talented lady.

Jennifer Hudson has my utmost respect...as an entertainer and a person.  When I first became aware of her watching "Dreamgirls", I immediately became a fan.  She is one of the best singers I've ever heard.  "Spotlight" is one of my favorite songs of the year, because of the groove and the feel of what she's singing about.  I look forward to hearing more from her, but I am also praying for her and her family.

Pink.....she endlessly amazes me!!  She's Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Madonna and Janis Joplin combined, yet she's her own person.  I first became aware of her in 1999/2000 when I heard "You Make Me Sick" and instantly loved how tough and punky she was.  I loved that she had pink hair and didn't give a toss about when anyone thought of her.  I was all about "Get This Party Started"...once again, dancing my buns off to that song, and once again NO I am not posting it on YouTube!!  Her latest song, "So What" is another work of sheer genius, and the ultimate punk anthem.  I rock out to this song everytime I'm working out, or doing housework.  She continues to be original and innovative and pushes buttons and boundaries.  She's not afraid to be herself and lets everyone know it.  This tough girl is going to be around for a very long time and she will always do something outrageous and awesome.

Alicia Keys......not enough words to describe her greatness.  I remember hearing "Falling" in 2001 and almost literally wanted to jump right out of the house and buy the entire CD.  She writes all of her own songs, sings with all her heart and stays true to herself.  I have all of her CDs, her latest, "I Am", is by far her best work to date.  Especially "Teenage Love Affair".  I love the old school feel of that track, and "Superwoman" speaks to me.  Her talent is neverending and unstoppable.

Rihanna....how can I not mention Rihanna???  She's so talented and tries all different types of music.  "Rehab" is a great song, which she sings with Justin Timberlake, and a brilliant description of how it feels to be completely in love with someone.  All of her songs have different feels to them, which is so rare these days, especially in pop music.

And finally....

TINA!!!!!  Tina Turner is MY HERO!!!!!  Another strong woman who has beaten the odds!!  I have been a fan of hers since FOREVER!!!!!  I remember being 5-years-old belting out "What's Love Got To Do With It?" and "Private Dancer"....and her version of "Let's Stay Together" is the best I've ever heard.  One of the many songs on my MP3-player.  When you think about how long she's been around and she's still doing her thing, you can't help but feel inspired by her - whether you're a woman, or a man - just to see her and those great legs cooking onstage.  What else can I say?  She's the ultimate diva of all time and a true survivor in every sense of the word.

Seeing all these women breaking barriers in the music world and being able to survive the media and personal obstacles inspires me, and so many other people.  When you think of how hard it was for women to break through in the music world in a time when it was heavily male-dominated, and now to see how all these strong and determined ladies are dominating the charts and breaking out in so many ways...are there even any words?  Not taking anything away from the guys, but speaking as a woman, it's empowering to see all these gals paving the way for so many others to follow.

This is the first of different blogs I want to do making everyone aware of what's going on in the world of music.

This week, indies!!

I've been listening to alot of different indie groups and artists from Europe (mainly the UK) as well as playing them on my shows.  There have been alot of different styles of music ranging from pop, to rock, to alternative, to hip-hop, to country.

When I first started with the indies, it was rough to find artists who were willing to get their music played due to the newness of podcasting and internet radio.  Now, I get artists contacting me left and right and sending me some of the most eclectic and brilliant music I've heard in years.  Not just straight up rock, but all different types of music that can also be played on terrestrial stations along with Matchbox Twenty, Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, The Goo Goo Dolls, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, etc. because they're that good.

I always like to hear feedback as do these artists who work really hard at their craft.

Every week, I will be doing a different music newsletter addressing different genres of music.  Feel free to respond to me and give me your insights and feedback.

Jay

I know it has been a few weeks, but I thought I'd do my very brief take on this year's VMA's.

First off...congrats to Britney.  She looked good and happy to see her finally win some MTV Awards.  Now, hopefully, the media will get off her back.

Secondly, I thought Rihanna did a great opening performance.  Sort of like a girl-power themed "Mad Max".

I thought Kid Rock and Little Wayne teaming up was brilliant.

My girls, Pink and Christina Aguilera also rocked it out! 

Pink doing her thing to the tune of her latest hit, "So What?". 

Christina A. proving that motherhood rocks with her performance of "Keeps Getting Better"...which really should be her anthem.

Finally, Kanye West closing the show with yet another one of his show-stoppers.

Alot of other great performances and outrageous moments...just too many to think of right now.

Oh, well...can't wait for The American Music Awards, The Billboard Awards and - of course -  The Grammys!!

Keep rockin'!

Jay

  I really love what I do, playing such a great variety of music on my internet shows.  It gives me an excuse to keep buying a ton of CD’s!!                                                 
       

*Hee-Hee*

I’ve been exposed to music ever since I can remember.  Of course, like most kids, I grew up listening to the radio and watching MTV, VH1, as well as all the really cool music programs like “Solid Gold”.  Did I just date myself?!  ABSOLUTELY!! 

My love for music never really stopped.  I still love all different kinds of music.  I really take my hat off to people like BLEEP Jagger, Aerosmith, Santana, U2, Billy Joel, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper…all these people who continue to make great music and are heavily influencing all the newer artists out there today. 

To see people like Michelle Branch and Rob Thomas singing alongside Carlos Santana, or Christina Aguilera singing onstage with The Rolling Stones to me shows how music continues to cross boundaries and transcends genres. 

Country music, which I’ll admit for a while I was not really too big a fan of (SHAME ON ME!!!), but now there seems to be a heavy rock influence in country music, and vice versa.  Listening to people like Carrie Underwood and how about Tim McGraw joining forces with Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi teaming up with Sugarland?! 

I even think back to when Bonnie Raitt added some kick-butt rock and blues, as well as Garth Brooks and…how can we forget Shania Twain?!  “Man I Feel Like a Woman”!  That song ROCKS!!!  And Faith Hill’s “You’re Bringing Out the Elvis in Me”! 

And don’t forget the newbies out there like Kelly Clarkson, who can collaborate with someone like Aerosmith one minute, then Reba McIntyre the next! 

Sugarland, who I mentioned earlier having made music with Bon Jovi, even took the stage with Beyonce at an awards show to add some country flavor to one of her biggest hits,

“Irreplaceable”. 

Speaking of Beyonce...how about all the R&B people like Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, the late Ray Charles and the recently departed Isaac Hayes, just to name a few?

The list is endless. 

You listen to people like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and Rihanna and you can absolutely hear a heavy influence of all the greats. 

And we cannot CANNOT abandon Mariah Carey!  Take a listen to people like Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and even Kelly Clarkson…Mariah is one of the top vocalists in music, PERIOD!  No wonder she’s been the biggest selling female artist of all time.  Her voice is one of a kind!  Definitely up there with Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Gladys Knight. 

And Whitney Houston!  Whitney is HOPEFULLY making some new music, because we all miss that voice of hers! 

And people who play by their own rules like Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne and Pink.  These gals have definitely followed in the footsteps of one of the greatest innovators in music, who continues to keep us entertained…the one and only Cyndi Lauper!  Not only is she an amazing vocalist, and not only are her songs great, but she’s also been known to have her own style and her own unique image.  How many other people out there dyed their hair bright orange? 

I can go on and on and on, but I’d better pace myself before I run into my next blog…or somebody else’s blog! 

Anyway, let me hear what y’all out there think and who some of your faves are!  And keep listening to ISIS Radio as we continue to move onward and upward! 

 One last thing…please don’t forget…be kind to animals. 

Peace. :)  Jay

First...our very first "Ladies of ISIS" has been added to the schedule. Listen tomorrow and Friday at noon. Be sure to listen every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday @ 12 noon for a great variety of entertainment, talk and music.

Second...check out our brand new show schedule!!

Last...listen to all my newly refreshed "Jam Packed", "'80s Flashback", "Sensational '70s", "Rock Steady" and "Easy on the Ears"!!

www. isisradio.net

And a brand new "State of Independence" will be recorded tomorrow evening!!

Peace,
Jay

Some of you might have heard the names Maroon 5, No Doubt and Green Day, just to mention a few.  Pretty successful bunch, wouldn’t you say?  What do they have in common, besides being successful?  They’re all indie groups! 

 What are “Indie groups”???  

     They are bands / artists who are, simply, looking to make it in music.  As we all know, it is extremely difficult to not only score a record contract, but to also find an audience…especially with all the competition out there.  At one time, they had to depend on managers and agents to do all of this for them.  But thanks to the internet, and pages like Myspace, these really hard-working performers are getting it done by themselves.  AND BOY DO THEY DESERVE A LOT OF CREDIT!!!  

         For more than two years now, I have been doing an online podcast called “State of Independence”, where I get to play music by some very talented future superstars of music.  So far, I am hearing the next Maroon 5, No Doubt and Green Day…heck, I’m even hearing the new Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and Pat Benatar!!  These people are so dedicated and hard-working, not to mention extremely talented, that I’m also featuring them on my other internet radio shows sandwiched in with all the more established artists and bands…and ya know something?  They belong there!  

       So, I’ll be doing weekly music blogs, covering other areas along with spotlighting the Indies.  And there will be NO GOSSIP!!!  I promise you!!  I could care less about who’s having a baby, or who’s getting a divorce, blah-blah-blah...to me, that has NOTHING to do WHATSOEVER with music, or with a person’s talent!  PERIOD!!

In the meantime do check out my radio shows and all other info about me and the bands I play on my websites. 

www.jammnjay.com  

www.isisradio.net 

www.clickcaster.com/jammnjay 

And feel free to contact me, leave me comments, or even make some kind of request just so I know you’re listening.  

Tah-tah! :)  

Jamm’n Jay 

            Remember back in the days when MTV and VH1 actually lived up to their names, and played music videos and other music-related programming???

It was all so exciting for me to watch all my favorite bands and artists on television anytime I wanted to.  I even enjoyed watching programs, like “Behind the Music”, to see how my favorite music acts got their start.  Nowadays, it’s funny how they still call themselves MTV (music television) and VH1 (video hits one) when they hardly ever play videos anymore!!  Now, all they play are stupid reality shows, or shows about the so-called “glamorous” life of celebrities!  The only time they do play videos is either really late at night, or really early in the morning.

On MTV, they have this show called “TRL” where they only play a few seconds of the darn video so that they can squeeze in celebrity gossip as well as a truck load of stupid commercials!

This is why I was so excited when I got VH1 Classic, because now I FINALLY was able to see nothing but music videos by my favorite artists…and videos I haven’t seen in ages!  Now, THEY have a few hours of playing music videos, and the rest of the day they turn into HBO, playing movies we can see on cable, or on DVD!!  Occasionally, they’ll play some good music programs, like “Behind the Music” and shows about classic rock albums…but what about the videos???  And when they do play videos they are constantly being interrupted by this annoying little information bubble that pops up every few minutes, usually with pointless and silly blurbs about stuff not even pertaining to the artist.

In short, I want my MTV and VH1 back!

   The Foo Fighters, No Doubt, 4 Non Blondes, Liz Phair…what do these people have in common?  Before hitting it big in the music world, they were all “Indie” acts.  There are many very talented artists and bands out there now trying to be heard, and luckily there are venues for them to get their name out there via Indie radio, or local clubs.  There’s just too much talent to be ignored, or worse yet, never heard!

   My new podcast, “State of Independence”, started in early-2007, features up-and-coming acts who gain exposure through being heard.  Listen to these bands, and it’ll feel like your listening to someone you’ve already heard of.  These people could very well be the next Maroon 5, or the next Gwen Stefani, or Sheryl Crow…possibly even the next David Bowie, or Pat Benatar…yet, all of them each have their own unique sounds and styles. 

   Nowadays, it’s rough for rising stars to be heard, with the lack of proper exposure with all of the competition, and especially with how difficult it is to get the record companies to even listen to you.  And with the media’s sudden fixation with gossip and a lack of emphasis on talent, it is growing increasingly harder for these people to get any recognition at all.  That is where my show, and shows like mine, come in.  I play an eclectic mix of music by unsigned artists who make GREAT MUSIC, putting their heart and soul into their craft.

   So, the next time you put on the radio and hear something by Green Day, or Nirvana, think about the fact that these people were just starting out at one point, and whenever you hear someone who is just starting out, think that if they are lucky, they could be the next Nirvana, or Green Day.

   If you are curious and would like to HEAR what I’m talking about, check out my podcast at www.clickcaster.com/jammnjay.

   The past few Grammy Award ceremonies have been entertaining and enjoyable…but this year’s show has been, by far, the best I’ve ever seen.  The performances were fantastic.

   Alicia Keys’ opening duet with the late Frank Sinatra.  My god…is there anything she can’t do???  She then goes on to win the Grammy for “Best Female R&B Performance” for her hit song, “No One”, rightfully deserved.  YOU GO, GIRL!

   Carrie Underwood showed she is truly an American Idol with her “Stomp”-inspired performance of “Before He Cheats”, sending out a theme of female empowerment straight to the heart.

   We even got a blast-from-the-past when ‘80s act, Morris Day and the Time, took the stage to perform their 1985 dance floor anthem, “Jungle Love”.  Soon after Morris does his trademark “mirror” routine, out comes the gorgeous and talented Rihanna who sings a little of her Grammy winning song, “Umbrella”, and then tears into her latest ‘80s-styled song, “Don’t Stop the Music”, and then closed out the set with Morris for the ending of “Jungle Love”, doing his signature dance move (I don’t really know what that step is called, but I used to do it all the time).

   And who can forget Beyonce’ and Tina Turner???  First, Beyonce’ treats us to her own unique tribute to the ladies who blazed a trail in the industry (Donna Summer, Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Kahn, Mahalia Jackson, Lena Horne, Diana Ross, ect.), which was followed by a STILL fabulous Miss Turner taking the stage to sing her signature song, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”, still doing her thing and looking as hot as ever!  Beyonce’ gets into the act with the two powerhouses doing a kick-…you know what rendition of “Proud Mary”.  WOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!

   Kanye West made us all shed a tear with his heartfelt dedication to his mother with his hit single, “Stronger”, and then his soulful ballad, “Mama”.  He went on to win four Grammys for “Best Rap Album” (“Graduation”), “Best Solo Performance” (“Stronger”), “Best Rap Song” (“Good Life”), and “Best Rap Performance By A Duo/Group” (“Southside” ft. Common).  He gave an emotionally charged acceptance speech, paying tribute to his mother and then thanking all the fans for their support.

   The Beatles are still shown to be highly influential and important in the music world as seen in the “Cirque De Sole” performance of “A Day in the Life”, and then a gospel-themed version of “Let it Be”…WOW!!!  Not to mention beating out some heavy-hitters for the Grammy for “Best Compilation Soundtrack” album for “Love”.

   Amy Winehouse won five trophies, which included “Best New Artist”, “Record of the Year” for “Back to Black”, and “Song of the Year” for “Rehab”.  She performed her hits “I’m No Good” and “Rehab” in London and you can tell she was genuinely in shock when she won.  I just think she is so talented and I hope she gets the help she needs.

   Fergie and John Legend performed her latest single, “Finally”.  Both joining musical forces is an absolute music-lovers dream, being that both are so immensely talented.

   Alicia Keys returned to the stage singing her hit, “No One”, joined onstage by the always talented John Mayer.

   Aretha Franklin and BeBe Winans took it to church bringing gospel to the Staples’ Center.

   The Foo Fighters rocked it out with their hit, “The Pretender”, being joined onstage by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, before taking home the Grammy for “Best Rock Album” for “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace”.  So many great moments…man, it is hard to name them all. 

   But, congrats go out to Herbie Hancock for winning “Album of the Year” for “River: The Joni Letters”, a full album paying tribute to Joni Mitchell.  Hancock gave the most emotional speech of the evening and you could tell he was holding back tears.

   Congratulations to all the winners of the evening, and kudos to those who rocked the Grammy stage, making us remember what music is all about.  For one night, it wasn’t about the tabloids; it was about M-U-S-I-C!!  Everyone there gave their all and a whole lot more.  I can honestly say that this has been the best Grammys presentation ever on television, and it makes me anxious to see what’s in store for next year!

(In no specific order)

"As I Am" by Alicia Keys: Once again, Alicia manages to pull off yet another masterpiece!  Her vocals are as rich as ever and her ability to write beautiful, souflul, inspiring, empowering songs is still strong.  Truly one of the most gifted young women in the world.  Alicia shows no signs of slowing down.

"Future/Sex/Love/Sounds" by Justin Timberlake: What can I say!  He has proven that young pop stars can continue to work on great music and produce hot tracks.  The songs are modern with some hints of old school funk and '80s New Wave, and a ton of hot R&B thrown in.  Justin is absolutely brilliant and he has shown he is a skillful producer, working with everyone from legends such as Duran Duran and Madonna, to today's hottest stars, such as Beyonce' Knowles and Timbaland.

"Back 2 Basics" by Christina Aguilera: Always my personal favorite of all the pop stars of her time, Christina is an absolute marvel, musically and - of course - vocally.  With "Back 2 Basics", Christina treats us once again with brilliant musical endeavors, ranging from old school jazz, to down and dirty blues, to some hot R&B and even throws in a little bit of Broadway and gospel.  All I can say is WOWOWOW!!!  She is not someone who is famous just for being in the tabloids, this gal is a true artist and a beautiful vocalist.  Of course, I don't need to tell you that this woman has the voice of an angel...but, I will anyway.  She is as gifted and talented as she is beautiful.  I cannot wait for her next CD!!

"B-Day" by Beyonce': Like all the greats before her - Janet, Whitney, Mariah, J-Lo - Beyonce' Knowles continues to sparkle in the music industry.  She is a magnificent entertainer, and with her talent as a singer, song-writer and actress, this girl is the very definition of an all-around superstar.  "B-Day" has some hot songs that have you up and dancing ("Deja Vu", "Beautiful Liar", "Keep Them Bodied") and can touch your heart ("Irreplaceable", "Listen") at the same time.  She has one of the most soulful voices in music today, as well as a great sense of writing great songs that speak to every woman.

"Red Carpet Massacre" by Duran Duran: One of my favorite bands since I was a child growing up in the '80s, and like Madonna, Prince and U2, they prove to still be relevant in the music world of today!  Listen to any record by some of today's top stars, and you can definately hear a definitive Duran Duran influence.  Yeah, I'm a woman, so I do find them sexy and attractive, but what hooks me on them is their musical genius and their stamina.  I've followed them from the '80s, through the '90s, all the way up to now and will continue to follow them.  First of all, I love the title, "Duran Duran's Red Carpet Massacre", and the overall theme of the album.  The songs are as awesome as ever, and the lyrics are as colorful as ever.  Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Nate Hills did a brilliant job producing the record, but it is really the guys themselves who continue to make magic with every song they write and every album they put out there.  Nick Rhodes is in my opinion the best keyboard-player of our time.  He makes the keys sing.  He is an artist.  Simon LeBon is an amazing vocalist and a poetic lyricist.  When he sings, you feel the song.  John Taylor is a charasmatic bass-player and rocks it out.  Roger Taylor is a passionate drummer.  He sets the skins on fire.  And Dom Brown does some pretty brilliant guitar playing.  I got to see them in concert back in April, 2005, and could not get enough.  Truly a band who can still raise the roof off an entire stadium.  Sadly, I was not able to attend any of their shows in New York last year, but I have no doubt in my mind that they managed to rock the Great White Way. 

"The Dutchess" by Fergie: Great CD!!  I love every song, but there are stand-outs, like "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Clumsy".  But every song rocks it out.  I have been a fan of Fergie's for a while, as a member of Black Eyed Peas, and she manages to hold her own as a solo singer.  You can't help but dance to every song, even the slower ones. 

"Songs About Girls" by Will.I.Am: I love this guy!  He's so cool!  You cannot sit still listening to these songs.  A must-have for any party.  I never get bored listening to any of the songs, or watcing Will.I.Am at work.

"It Won't Be Soon Before Long" by Maroon 5: When I first heard Maroon 5's "This Love" on the radio, I instantly became a fan.  It was unlike anything else out there.  So, naturally, I bought their debut CD, "Songs About Jane".  I was hooked!  Their latest CD, "It Won't Be Soon..." is another great musical outing.  I love how they incorperate soul, funk, dance and rock and manage to create their own unique sound.  I love every single one of the songs on this album, but I have to say "Makes Me Wonder" is a personal fave of mine.

"My December" by Kelly Clarkson: Okay, I'll admit it...I am not a huge fan of "American Idol", but they sure produced some great talent.  Kelly Clarkson is one of these talents.  I have all three of her CDs.  Her latest, "My December", shows how she has grown as an artist, as a vocalist and as a songwriter.  Let me just tell you this woman's got some set of pipes!!  She's Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde, Bonnie Raitt, Mariah Carey, Reba McEntire, Etta James and Patty Griffith roled into one...but she has her own sound.  She can either rock you off your chair, or she can move you to tears.  Either way, there's no denying that this woman is an icon of our time.

"Carnival Ride" by Carrie Underwood: Another "American Idol"!  And I mean that in every sense of the word.  She has an amazing, effortless voice and writes some beautiful, heartfelt songs that everyone can relate to.

"Daughtry" by Chris Daughtry: While I am thrilled to see so many female acts find success from "American Idol", I kind of felt that the guys were being given the shaft.  That is until I heard Chris Daughtry's new CD, simply titled "Daughtry".  His songs are truthful as his emotionally charged vocals make you feel as though you know exactly what he is singing about.

"Continuum" by John Mayer: As a huge fan of John's for several years, this CD makes me an even bigger fan of his.  He mixes blues, R&B and rock to make a statement and he gets right to the heart of what the world is going through.

"I'm Not Dead" by Pink: I've always said it...DON'T MESS WITH PINK!!  She's just so fierce and fearless.  I love that about her.  And I love every single song on this CD.  She uses humor, straight-to-the-point lyrics and her kick-*** vocals to get her message across, and you feel empowered just by listening to her.

"Best Damn Thing" by Avril Lavigne: How many of us have fawned over someone who already had a girlfriend???  And how many of us felt like we were at a loss for hope???  This is one of the many reasons I'm such a huge fan of Avril Lavigne, because from "Complicated" all the way up to "Hot", every one of her songs speaks to us.  She is so diverse with all of her songs on every CD, on this one especially, and she manages to get to the heart of what we are all feeling.

"The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani: I have been a die-hard fan of Gwen's since I first heard "Don't Speak" and "Just A Girl".  She is truly a pioneer in terms of being a prominant rock and roll front woman and then managing to carve out a successful solo career.  First, with "Love.Angel.Music.Baby" (which I wore out from playing so many times) and now with "Sweet Escape" (which I can't stop listening to).  She's adorable to watch and fun to listen to.  And, along with Madonna, Debbie Harry and Cyndi Lauper...a true innovator.

"Dreamgirls" soundtrack: I absolutely fell in love with "Dreamgirls".  The music is true R&B and soul.  Jennifer Hudson...this woman is going to go far.  I cried my eyes out when she sang "I Am Telling You", just because she sings with all of her heart and soul.  Every song she sings brings a tear to your eye.  Beyonce'...man, what a talent!  Eddie Murphy and Jaime Foxx amaze me!!

**I know I'm long-winded, but I just had to give props to all these artists.  I highly recommend all these albums.**