If there’s one thing that could have sunk Fox’s “Empire” faster than bad acting, it’s bad music. But ratings for the record-breaking, hip-hop drama are soaring, thanks to its addictive story line and entertaining cast, as well as its slew of catchy tunes which are now included in the “Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire.”
Jessie Ware cruises on sophomore album
Jessie Ware, "Tough Love" (Interscope)
Jessie Ware's "Tough Love" is lovely, and that's not a tepid endorsement. No, the English singer's sophomore disc is lovely in the way of a sunset or a cruise around the lazy river after a long day at the waterpark.
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Hudson lacks personal style on 3rd album
Jennifer Hudson's new album, "JHUD," would fly off the shelves if every copy included a tiny stage, complete with miniature Jennifer Hudson singing live.
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Delays don't damage Chris Brown's 'X'
Chris Brown's sixth studio album, "X," is cohesive, entertaining and not at all what one might expect of a project plagued by delays following the release of lead single "Fine China" back in March 2013.
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Trey Songz is complacent on 6th album
Trey Songz, "Trigga" (Atlantic Records)
Six albums in and making R&B hits almost seems too easy for Trey Songz.
He's got the vocals of a crooner with the swagger of a rapper, and on his latest release, "Trigga," the heartthrob once again darts between the bedroom and bottle service, sending his sweet vocals soaring over a landscape of seductive beats, beautiful melodies and lyrics that beg to be repeated.
But Songz's latest set is missing something: growth.
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Reality TV land helps Tamar Braxton get to Grammys
CHICAGO (AP) — When Tamar Braxton's "Love and War" debuted at No.2 on Billboard's 200 albums chart last September, her sisters sent their congratulations via Instagram and Twitter.
Braxton, the singer-turned-reality star-turned-singer again, had been expecting more from them, and in her signature dramatic style, she let her sisters know they'd dropped the ball. Viewers watched the confrontation unfold on the hit WEtv reality series, "Braxton Family Values."
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Despite hits, Ne-Yo feels under-appreciated
NEW YORK (AP) — Ne-Yo knows that people appreciate his music.
After all, his first two albums have gone platinum and the singer- songwriter has also helped pen some of the biggest songs of other artists' careers, including Beyonce's Grammy-nominated "Irreplaceable" and Rihanna's recent smash, "Take A Bow."
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