MAMBA SPINS… ALL THE REST

FREEDOM – AKON

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

I’ve never been much of a fan of Akon but on Freedom he’s added a particularly enjoyable pop sensibility to the music he usually makes. In fact, it’s so enjoyable that all my preconceived notions about the man have flown out the window. We’ll definitely be hearing most of this album on the radio in 2009!

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GREATEST REMIXES – GOOD CHARLOTTE

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

After twelve years Good Charlotte didn’t go the traditional Greatest Hits route. Instead they took their often impressive rock sound and had it remixed to give it a decidedly interesting hip-hop flavour. While it’s brilliant in concept, it’s probably just for fans.

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HEAVY ROTATION – ANASTACIA

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

After the more substantial content of her self-titled third album from 2004, Heavy Rotation feels disappointingly light. It’s not a complete flop though, with songs like Absolutely Positively, I Can Feel You and Heavy Rotation standing out. I do, however, doubt whether it will in fact receive ‘heavy rotation’ at all.

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PASS IT AROUND – DONAVON FRANKENREITER

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Donavon Frankenreiter is not only a well-known surfer, but also a good friend of fellow-surfer/singer Jack Johnson. As such, the songs on Pass It Around have a similar laid-back sound to that of Jack Johnson; making it an easy-on-the-ear ode to summer, sun and surf.

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808’s & HEARTBREAK – KANYE WEST

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Kanye West delivers a knockout surprise with his latest album. No self-promoting raps about money, sex, girls and how brilliant he is as a musician; instead he delivers delightfully melodic, electronica-influenced love songs with oddly distorted vocals that are truly impressive.

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PROGRESSION 4 – DJ SPIRO

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Now in its fourth installment, DJ Spiro’s latest Progression compilation improves on the previous collection. Perhaps it’s just been a strong year for progressive dance music, but on Progression 4, better songs and more cohesive mixing make this CD a great party album.

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SOUL IN MIND – LIRA

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Probably one of the most beautiful singers ever to come from South Africa, Lira returns with a brand new album that builds on the phenomenal success of its predecessor Feel Good. Soul In Mind is a slow, soulful collection of songs that brings Lira’s gorgeous voice to the fore. It’s truly remarkable!

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TCHAMANTCHE – ROKIA TRAORE

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Tchamantche is Malian singer Rokia Troare’s fourth album, and one of the finest “world music” albums I’ve heard in years. Its primarily acoustic feel, combined with the lyrics sung in Bamani, make for a collection that’s soulfully sad and melancholic. It’s a rare find indeed.

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CIRCUS – BRITNEY SPEARS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Britney’s aptly-titled new album is a circus indeed, with the bulk sadly failing to impress. Out From Under stands out though (it’s a ballad), as does If You Seek Amy and Unusual You. However, Britney will have to seriously look at where she’s heading musically if she really wants that much-anticipated comeback …

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DECADE IN THE SUN: BEST OF – STEREOPHONICS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Stereophonics is not one of those bands that top the charts every second week. Instead the group has consistently delivered memorable hits and has slowly but surely built up a loyal fan base across the globe. Decade In The Sun contains 20 of their greatest hits, including Just Looking and Dakota.

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A LITTLE BIT LONGER – JONAS BROTHERS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

While the Jonas Brothers’ previous album impressed with its pop sensibility, A Little Bit Longer comes across as overly eclectic and confusing. Some songs definitely stand out but, as a whole, more could have been done to make it all much more cohesive. Try the title track and Pushing Me Away.

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INCANTO – ANDREA BOCELLI

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Not much can be said about Andrea Bocelli that hasn’t been said before. He is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest tenors and, as such, Incanto doesn’t disappoint. While it feels heavier than usual, there’s a good balance between the lighter and more dramatic repertoire.

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SAFE TRIP HOME – DIDO

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Featuring the talents of legendary producer Brian Eno and brother Rollo (of Faithless-fame), Dido delivers yet another hauntingly unforgettable collection of songs with Safe Trip Home. Similar in style to her previous efforts, it sounds immediately familiar without being predictable.

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NIGHTSHIFT – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Mixed by DJ Linda, Nightshift is a collection of super sexy dance tunes from the best local and international acts, including Lira, Goldfish, Roger Sanchez, Jill Scott and Groove Armada. Deep and groovy, this is one album that will make you want to sweat on the dance floor!

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THE PROMISE – IL DIVO

Marketed and distributed by SonyBMG Music Entertainment

Il Divo’s new album, The Promise, follows the same basic recipe that has turned these boys into a global phenomenon, and as such fans will adore it. The cover versions stand out (as usual), especially