Mann smilers special edition

Her releases since then have been prominent and respected, yet they played as explorations, with 's Lost in Space floating in the ether and 's The Forgotten Arm qualifying as an outright concept album.

Smilers , she returns to simply writing and recording songs, a back to basics that isn't quite so basic, as it finds Mann livelier and snarkier than she's been in a while. That censored profanity in the record's complete title -- it's easy to see but not say or write -- is a tip-off that Smilers has a defiant cynicism rippling throughout the record, something that's welcome after the careful craftsmanship of The Forgotten Arm and the spacy sleepiness of Lost in Space.

Although this could hardly qualify as a bold departure -- there is nothing surprising about the arrangements, which still bear the ghost of Jon Brion although he is long gone -- Smilers pops with color, something that gives it an immediacy that's rare for an artist known for songs that subtly worm their way into the subconscious.

That still happens here, of course -- one of Mann 's greatest strengths is that her songs unfold slowly, seeming indelible after a few listens -- but Smilers grabs a listener, never making him or her work at learning the record, as there are both big pop hooks and a rich sonic sheen.

At its heart it's just a collection of songs, but it's that rare thing for a songwriter: it works as a piece of writing and a sterling pop album of its own.

Smilers comes in a special package that is similar to a ledger-style bound book complete with file tabs for the liner notes and lyrics. AllMusic relies heavily on JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to use the site fully. Blues Classical Country. Electronic Folk International.

Jazz Latin New Age. Aggressive Bittersweet Druggy. Energetic Happy Hypnotic. Romantic Sad Sentimental. Sexy Trippy All Moods. Drinking Hanging Out In Love. Still, there are too many moments of musical excess and "Here I Stand" could have undoubtedly been stronger if he'd trimmed it down by about four or five songs.

But there are plenty to lock into as well, and his singing, like during the collaboration with Jay-Z on "Best Thing" proves that in many ways Usher's at the top of his game right here and now. Those who've followed her career closely can tell you that it's not a surprise that Jewel has gone country, though the jury's still out on whether the Nashville establishment is ready to accept her. After all, she sold more than 27 million records worth of folk-flavored rock, despite some career missteps, like the dance-driven album " But there's a sense of coming home heard throughout "Perfectly Clear," which features several older songs including some the seasoned writer penned when she was 18 years old.

Despite her work hosting the country reality TV show "Nashville Star" and this frequently strong spin, it's still going to be a challenge to convince folks that we're hearing the real Jewel at last. But she's got plenty of time to prove herself and has taken the right first step with this change of style. As she sings on "Everything Reminds Me of you:" "It's just gonna take a little getting used to. One of the greatest soul singers of all time, whether focusing on sacred or secular material, Al Green at 61 is sounding like a man half his age on his latest recording, "Lay It Down.

The album finds Green working with several younger collaborators, including gifted co-producer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson of The Roots and keyboardist James Poysner. But despite their presence and that of star singers such as John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Anthony Hamilton, this is no slipshod, hastily-assembled "duets" album.

Lovingly assembled, it finds the focus squarely on the Rev. Green and his passionate singing on songs like the title track, the multi-octave stunner "Too Much," and the growling, expressive soul of "I'm Wild About You. This is a must-have for Green fans and fits comfortably alongside his 's classics. Rarities and Reissues. Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Email address required. First Name. Last Name. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. The Latest. Omicron wave might be dropping off soon By Herb Scribner.

Latter-day Saints have a legacy of supporting voting rights By Robert Taber. The pros and cons of modernizing government services By Lois M. A new bill could help understand the true cost By Bridger Beal-Cvetko. Share this story Twitter Facebook.