John Mayer's debut single off his forthcoming "Battle Studies" album finds the singer/songwriter asking a rather daring question: "Who says I can't get stoned?" This is clearly a departure for the artist, from both his radio-friendly singles and heartthrob image. "Who Says" balances Mayer's signature velvety tone with a more stripped-down, folk-inspired arrangement. The lyrics are about yearning for the freedom to define and redefine himself by, among other things, traveling solo, turning off his telephone and pursuing old flames. Mayer may not be speaking in grandiose terms about changing the world or marveling over a woman's beauty, but maybe that's the point. As the singer himself puts it, "Who says I can't be free, from all of the things that I used to be?"
ARTIST: ALEJANDRO SANZ FEATURING ALICIA KEYS
SINGLE: LOOKING FOR PARADISE
The raspy urgency of Alejandro Sanz's voice has acted as a lovely complement to female belters in the past. The Spanish singer lent heft to
Shakira's 2005 hit, "La Tortura," and this time around, his duet partner is
Alicia Keys, whose voice also suits his nicely. Kudos to Sanz and Keys for stepping out of their comfort zones and going back and forth in each other's languages. It's refreshing to hear them stretch like that, when they could've simply stuck with Spanish or English. Not that there's much more risk-taking to be found in "Looking for Paradise." The hook consists largely of Keys reprising her "uh-oh, uh-oh" chants from "No One." Like a cool drink of water on a summer day, the song's breezy acoustic guitar riffs and earnest lyrics about looking for human connection are pleasant, but their taste is easily forgotten.
ARTIST: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
SINGLE: 11TH DIMENSION
Unabashedly retro, Casio-style keyboards kick off the first single from Strokes frontman
Julian Casablancas' anticipated solo debut album, "Phrazes for the Young." Although those first notes sound like they should be playing during the opening credits of a cheesy B-movie from the '80s, Strokes fans can set aside their worst fears, because Casablancas proves that he isn't one to dive headfirst into synth-pop without a sense of irony. On "11th Dimension," the singer redirects kitschy pop into the arena of "Achtung Baby"-era
U2, implementing a Teutonic boogie under his smooth, monotone croon. He sings, "I just nod, I've never been so good at shaking hands," but with this ultra-catchy, pop-rock gem, Casablancas shows that he can get hipsters shaking on the dancefloor.
ARTIST: KE$HA
SINGLE: TIK TOK
After lending her vocals to Flo Rida's "Right Round," Ke$ha offers her own fun and frivolous ode to a wild night out. "TiK ToK" finds the 22-year-old singing teasingly about excess pleasures, from drinking ("Ain't got a care in the world but I got plenty of beer") to men ("We kick 'em to the curb unless they look like
Mick Jagger"). In case that weren't enough, Ke$ha also alludes to brushing her teeth with a bottle of Jack Daniel's and name-drops
Diddy, who provides a quick cameo for good measure. The song is a love letter to DJs everywhere, with hand claps that build to a crescendo of pure, infectious dance-pop. Ke$ha's debut album is due in late 2009, and with this first solo effort, the singer reveals a knack for getting the party started.
ARTIST: JASON CASTRO
SINGLE: LET'S JUST FALL IN LOVE AGAIN
With this year's top "American Idol" finalists nearing the release of their solo debuts, it might be easy to forget that season seven's
Jason Castro is also putting out his own on November 17. Luckily, his first single is strong enough to redirect some attention toward him. It's a sprightly folk-pop number that reminisces about the puppy-love stage of a relationship, as Castro asks his girlfriend to revisit that idyllic phase and even pokes fun at its inherent silliness. "We'll fall disgustingly fast, and we'll stop hanging out with friends/ And they'll be so offended," he sings. Those familiar with his goofy, somewhat haphazard nature on "Idol" will be happy to know that Castro has stepped up his vocal game considerably on his solo material, without losing the carefree spirit that made him such a fan favorite.
Source: Reuters
