August 2001's Best New CD's



The British/American hybrid band Balance of Power has a gift for combining soaring melodies and crunchy riffs. The cool thing about progressive music is you’ll hear everything from orchestral strings and piano along with hard rocking guitars. Every song takes you on a musical and lyrical journey through many key changes and multiple solos. Their last album was featured here about a year ago as one of the best new CDs of the month, and Perfect Balance is even better. American vocalist Lance King has a versatile and powerful voice which is used to its fullest on this CD, and the guitar work and solos are stellar. Balance of Power is progressive metal at its finest.

Web Link: http://www.balance-of-power.com

Beautiful Creatures – Beautiful Creatures

When I first listened to this CD, I thought the lead singer’s voice sounded really familiar. Beautiful Creatures are a hybrid of modern rock/metal and the sleazy glam metal of the late 80’s and early 90’s. The music rocks hard and has attitude, but is always melodic. The lead singer of Beautiful Creatures is Joe Leste, which may not ring a bell to most, but hair metal fans will recognize him as the former lead singer of Bang Tango, one of the most underrated bands of that genre. Beautiful Creatures is a stellar debut.

Web Link: http://www.beautifulcreatures.net/

Bilal – 1st Born Second

21 year old newcomer Bilal has recorded a dazzling debut CD. He incorporates soul, jazz, funk and R&B into a style all his own. His vocals glide from a smooth tenor to a falsetto reminiscent of Prince. You’ve already heard “Soul Sista” on TV commercials and on the Love & Basketball Soundtrack. It’s also featured here. The vibes of the songs range from classic jazz to Dr. Dre produced R&B. Bilal was a member of D’Angelo’s backing band, and he will follow his mentor to the top of the R&B charts, and will make some noise on the pop charts as well.

Web Link: http://www.bilal-the-man.com/

Mary J. Blige – No More Drama

The queen of hip-hop soul is sounding better than ever on her latest release. There is more of a jazz, gospel and R&B influence on this CD, and less hip-hop. It’s a little more mellow, but the songs have depth and texture and Blige’s voice reels you in. Her last release went platinum and was Grammy

The copyright of the article August 2001's Best New CD's in Pop Music is owned by Chad Bowar. Permission to republish August 2001's Best New CD's in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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