By RANDY WILLIAMS
Alicia Keys, ‘As I Am’
The singer-songwriter’s third studio album showcases her range as a musician. A classically-trained pianist, the R&B star kicks off with a more traditional piece then mixes in Motown and reggae-flavored compositions. A bit broader than her major debut, “Songs in A Minor” and the Grammy-winning chart–topper, “Diary of Alicia Keys”, “As I Am” presents Keys as a deeper, raspier vocalist still developing her immense talents. (J Records) John Fogerty, ‘Revival’
With a new perspective on his past and a renewed sense of optimism for the future, the appropriately named album reveals Fogerty’s rejuvenated musical spirit and command. At times wistful like “Don’t You Wish It Was True”, to rockabilly with “It Ain’t Right” and a personally reflective tune, “Broken Down Cowboy”, the Grammy-winner even revisits the swampy days of his old superband with “Creedence Song”. Revival is compelling work from an American music icon. (Fantasy) Stanley Clarke, ‘The Toys of Men’
One of the most enduring cutting-edge electric bass players in history and a pioneer in the jazz fusion movement, here Clarke examines the emotional sweep of war. The 13-song set spans from the dark and violent to the uplifting and transcendent. The title tune refers to the use of weapons from clubs to swords men have used to intimidate adversaries with the six-part song touching on the range of war from chaos to hope. An unusual mix of acoustic and electric, solo and ensemble pieces, Clarke stretches his notable musical reach to produce a fully-satisfying album. (Heads Up Records) Tricia Yearwood, ‘Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love’
The first female country artist to sell over a million records on their debut album, one of the genre’s treasured voices, Yearwood is back with her first studio album in two years offering a range of somber, lighthearted and rousing tunes as the title suggests on her Big Machine Records debut. (Big Machine Records) NWA, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ re-issue It has been 20 years since NWA rocketed “Straight Outta Compton” to double platinum success garnering worldwide acclaim and notoriety as rap music’s most powerful force, redefining forever the trajectory of popular music. The commemorative release adds five bonus tracks, including a live version of “Compton’s ‘N The House,” covers of “Straight Outta Compton” tracks by Snoop Dogg and C-Murder, Bone Thugs-N- Harmony, Mack 10, and WC, and a new package essay by noted music writer and author Soren Baker. (Capitol)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 21, 2007. Read the original PDF.