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# C D REVIEWS BY RANDY WILLIAMS ONTHESHELVES Mary Blige, ‘Growing Pains’
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/c-d-r-e-v-i-e-w-s-b-y-r-a-n-d-y-w-i-l-l-i-a-m-s-ontheshelves-mary-blige-growing-pains/
- Published: 2008-02-16T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T23:14:45.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

The eighth album from the wildly popular Blige contains 16 tunes that overall are right there with her terrific release, “The Breakthrough.” Feelin’ it songs like “Work That” and “What Love Is” are emblematic of the multi-producer effort that captures so well the varied yet emotion-rich vocals enhanced by poignant lyrics that have made Ms. Mary a soulful hip-hop princess. (Geffen) MARY J BLIGE Led Zeppelin ‘Mothership’

Aretha Franklin ‘Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets With the Queen’

Two new albums, first Mary and now Aretha — that is soul royalty. Franklin shares the studio here with a pedigreed cast of vocalists for 16 tunes including one with Mary featuring the Harlem Boys Choir entitled, “Never Gonna Break My Faith.” The who’s who sharing the microphone with Aretha include: Keith Richards, Frank Sinatra, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Elton John. (Arista) One of the seminal rock bands of the ‘70s, these hall of famers have put out their first-ever comprehensive 2-CD compilation that spans their brilliant career. Twenty-four songs, painstakingly selected and re-mastered by the band members, are representative of all eight of their studio albums. Classic tunes from this 200 million record-selling band include: “Dazed and Confused,” “Kashmir,” and “Stairway to Heaven.” Forty years since they formed the song remains the same, and that is a good thing for fans of their distinctive style that knows no generation gap. (Atlantic Records) Spyro Gyra, ‘Good to Go-Go’

The long-running innovative jazz band’s 26th release expresses why they have endured going on three decades. Tight sound, rhythmic melodies with steady percussive riffing yet always bound for adventure in trying new approaches, Spyro Gyra scores yet again with this 12-tune offering. “Funkyard Dog” is perhaps emblematic of the band’s amazing track record to stay current yet go their own way. “Jam Up’ is an example of incorporating a Caribbean spice through the steady beat with Bobby B on drums and Andy Narell’s steel pans. (Heads Up) Flower Power, ‘The Music of the Love Generation’

A new anthology that captures a defining era of modern music. The five dual sets (10 CDs) are titled “Groovin’,” “The Time of the Season,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Age Of Aquarius,” and “Summer Of Love,” which is devoted exclusively to that magic year of 1967\. A brilliant array totaling 175 songs from the late 1960’s to the early 1970’s from one hit wonders to the best of the super groups like The Mamas & Papas, Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix, and The Byrds. This fine box set will instantly fill a niche in any audiophile’s library. (TimeLife) Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra, ‘Hits the Hits’

Putting his diverse flavorings on tunes by Britney Spears, Outkast, Blur, and Justin Timberlake among others, multi-instrumentalist singer Shawn Lee presents an engaging pop twist with 14 tunes altogether. Using his own unique style, Lee uses surf guitar for the cover of Missy Elliott’s “Get UR Freak On,” a bare bones funk approach to Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body” and a driving sitar spin on Spears’ “Toxic.” (Ubiquity) Buckethead, ‘Acoustic Shards’

Here is an engaging peek into the early career of Buckethead during the early 90s. It shows a raw yet talented guitarist flailing away acoustically, some full songs, some sounding out ideas. Done quite informally at a friend’s house, the pyrotechnic, metal basher is stripped away, shredding unplugged and sounding fine. From Spanish-flavored “Serape” to funky pop with hints from popular tunes like, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” this is definitely an eclectic glimpse that will offer fans a different view. (MVD) Olivia Newton-John, ‘Olivia’s Live Hits’

Performing at the historic Sydney Opera House, Olivia’s treasure trove of no. 1 hits over a career that has sold 50 million albums are the core of this package. Selections include: “Have You Never Been Mellow,” “Xanadu,” “If Not for You,” “Magic,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” (EMI) Randy Williams

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 16, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/021608.pdf?ref=smdp.com)