Authentic. If there’s a single word that accurately describes Pariah, the first film from writer/director Dee Rees, it’s authentic. Pariah, which is based in part on Rees’ own experiences coming out, tells the story of Alike (pronounced “ah-lee-kay”), a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn quietly coming to terms with her sexuality while trying to keep it a secret… Read More Film Review: Pariah
Indie dance-pop artist Simon Curtis became an Internet sensation last year when he released his debut album, 8Bit Heart, for free through his website. The album’s success brought Curtis buzz everywhere from pop-focused websites to Billboard. R∆, which derives its name from Curtis’ fanbase, the “Robot Army,” builds on the heavy electronic brand of dance music… Read More Review: ‘R∆’ by Simon Curtis
It’s difficult enough to follow up a promising debut album, whether it’s commercially or critically successful. When the debut album in question is not only critically and commercially successful, but was one of the biggest-selling albums of the year for the past two years, the pressure to follow through with a successful follow-up is unquestionably… Read More Review: ‘Born This Way’ by Lady Gaga
What a difference a year makes. A year ago, Jennifer Lopez was dealing with a number of career setbacks. The lead single from her upcoming album, “Louboutins,” was an undeniable flop (literally – she even fell on her well-known derriere during an American Music Awards performance of the song), which led her long-time record label,… Read More Review: ‘Love?’ by Jennifer Lopez
More than a decade into the career of Britney Spears, any expectations for artistic growth should be thrown aside. It’s clear that, unlike her pop diva predecessors Madonna and Janet Jackson, any attempts at lyrical profundity are ignored. With that in mind, Femme Fatale, the seventh studio album from Spears, should be viewed in the… Read More Review: ‘Femme Fatale’ by Britney Spears
If you’re a fan of country, folk, or indie music, and you haven’t heard of The Civil Wars yet, take note. This duo, consisting of singer Joy Williams and songwriter John Paul White, has an electric chemistry that belies the minimalistic sound found on their debut LP, Barton Hollow. The album opens with “20 Years,”… Read More Review: ‘Barton Hollow’ by The Civil Wars
After a year of promoting his debut album, For Your Entertainment, Adam Lambert ekes out the last bit of promotion for the album with Acoustic Live!, an EP of songs from his debut taken from in-studio live concert performances. While limited to five songs, the EP does a nice job of balancing the glossy… Read More Review: ‘Acoustic Live!’ by Adam Lambert
Actor/singer Darren Criss recently propelled into the spotlight with an acclaimed turn as Blaine on Fox’s hit series Glee, boosted by a show-stealing cover of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” On Human, an EP released by the singer earlier this year, the singer presents a selection of self-penned songs. The quality of the album is low-key… Read More Review: ‘Human (EP)’ by Darren Criss
It’s hard these days to become — and remain — a truly viable pop singer. For every artist like Beyoncé, who can create a media frenzy when releasing a new album, there are scores more like Ciara, who has lost almost all of the buzz she held five years ago. Attempting to remain viable may… Read More Review: ‘Loud’ by Rihanna
After taking over three years to roll out her self-titled 2005 album, which included the addition of new tracks in various markets and only made its way to the States in 2008, Swedish pop artist Robyn decided that her follow-up project would be best made in pieces throughout 2010. June saw the release of Body… Read More Review: ‘Body Talk, Pt. 2’ by Robyn
Elijah Sarkesian 