IS YOUR MUSIC VERSED APPROVED?!

A look at newly released albums that got approved or denied!

Carl Thomas: Conquer

Release Date: 12/06/2011

Record Label: Verve Forecast

Genre: Rock/R&B

He came, he saw, and he conquered! Apparently that’s what Carl Thomas is making known with his third album that titled “Conquer”. Paving the way for the album, Thomas enlisted the help of mega producers Andre Harris, Rex-Rideout, and The Internz (just to name a few). Fans got a glimpse when he displayed “It Aint Fair” over the hot summer days which provides a deep beat over a smooth melodic sound with Thomas expressing his awe and amazement of his beautiful girl. “Don’t Kiss Me” which is swiftly climbing the charts and could possibly the next single for Thomas   offers fans which mimics a little of Al Green and a touch of other old-school icons give’s that perfect touch for the approaching holidays with that loved one. This album serves all duties for the cold months ahead providing the signature vocals Thomas most definitely knows how to lay down each time. This album gets a VERSED approved pass in my book!

Robin Thicke: Love After War

Release Date: 12/06/2011

Record Label: Interscope

Genre:R&B

Over the years, nine to be exact, we’ve grown to love this vanilla-skinned heart-throb and his many funky and mid-tempo numbers that he’s offered through out the years. Thicke returns back with his fourth album that’s filled with 17 compilations of whatever beats you’re looking to match your mood. Opening the album is “An Angel On Each Arm” which serves as an ode to the two important people in his life (his beautiful wife, actress Paula Patton, and his son). The single gives out a tough up-tempo beat that fans can rock out too if that’s their style. “All Tied Up” conveys the feeling of missing that one and only and the want of needing them to come “save” them from their loneliness (not sure if that’s desperation but whatever floats one’s boat). “I Don’t Know How It Feels To Be You” slows it down a bit with a little jackson 5-esque (Never Can Say Goodbye) mixed with Thicke’s sweet whispery voice, presumably for the ladies it seems. Nice work on this one! This album is certified VERSED approved.

Anthony Hamilton: Back to Love

Release Date: 12/13/2011

Record Label: RCA Records

Genre:R&B

There’s just something about this man’s voice right here! Anthony Hamilton is back with his much anticipated album “Back to Love”. The first opener of the album matching the title of the album shows exactly why Hamilton has been that man for these man years with his strong yet bluesy voice asking his woman to get them back to that blessed foundation they used to have. “Woo” speaks of the memory of meeting that lady that knocks you off your feet. “Pray For Me” is the emotional plea Hamilton makes for his woman to take him back without being extra sappy or dramatically depressing. The popular single that’s been hitting the charts as of recently “Never Let Go” (Ft. Kerri Hilson) is a hit collabo between these artists and their voices flow so well with one another. Love it! This album receives four stars, and a VERSED approved card!

Amy Winehouse: Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Release Date: 11/21/2011

Record Label: Universal Republic Records

Genre: R&B

Although the slain singer is no longer with us, her memory is still present with this current project. Current singles such as “Our Day Will Come” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” seem to be quite popular giving it that 60’s sound Winehouse was so famous for. Unspeakable heart-break stems from “Wake Up Alone” while she creates a sultry duet with Tony Bennett in “Body and Soul”. Giving off classic and rich sounds from each track, Amy Winehouse’s unique sound is one to never be duplicated. This album is certified VERSED approved.

Common: The Dreamer/The Believer

Release Date: 12/20/2011

Record Label: Warner Bros

Genre: Rap

Back with his 9th studio album, this triple threat of an MC/Poet/Actor we all know as Common, is set to release this 12-track album filled with much creative flow and sick lyrical rhymes set to blow of some much needed holiday cheer. Guest collaborations feauture the great Maya Angelou on “The Dreamer” while the rapper’s own pappy contributes some work in the ending track “Pop’s Belief”. While fans can appreciate the current single “Sweet”, be aware of the strong and toughning deameanor of the rapper’s un-called for outburst of people in the “game”. The single hold;s much potential as does the album, so we going to let him pass with all that “b*tch’s, sweet-a** mother-f*ckers” and so forth. I mean what’s hip-hop without a little Common right? This album has been granted a space in the VERSED approved vaut.