Music Review Roundup

Haven't had a lot of time for music reviews, as Hunter, Matt and I have all been very busy with countless other projects. So I'm gonna give you a quick rundown of albums that have been released recently you should run out and buy, listen to somehow, or skip. I'll rate it the normal style, and then assign it one of those three categories. Here we
go!

Interpol - Interpol
Interpol will always be known for one album. Turn off the Bright Lights. They will never top it. Never. But they could have at least tried. This album entirely lacks the feel of their first two discs, and that's not a good thing. Don't get me wrong, progression is a fundamental concept most bands need to adopt. But it's called PROgression for a reason. You're supposed to get better. Instead, Interpol has released what is a front runner for the most disappointing album of the year. I thoroughly did not enjoy this album, and the most disappointing thing isn't that I paid for it. It's that I expected more from Interpol, and got not much in return. The comparison to Editors needs to stop, because right now the Editors are better.
Final Score: 4.8/10 (Skip)

Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns
While Minutes to Midnight wasn't a bad Linkin Park album, it didn't live up to the hype surrounding the band after 2 great albums and a remix album with Jay-Z. Now that can be attributed to a number of things, because everyone knows that Linkin Park are good musicians. At least they were. A Thousand Suns finds Linkin Park abandoning all concept of logic and presumably thinking "Let's make a concept album about the world dealing with a nuclear fallout and the desolation and loneliness associated with such things. Except let's not use solid song structure or good lyrics". Well, as crazy as this sounds, this idea didn't exactly work. Don't get me wrong, there are good songs here. The first single The Catalyst isn't bad, and neither are songs like Blackout and Wretches and Kings. But the album takes forever to get going, contains some songs that don't sound like anything but AM radio static and nails being dropped on the floor, and the concept would have been cool only in the Cold War. I didn't have high expectations for this album initially, and I'm glad I didn't. I would have been disappointed. Linkin Park needs to either go back to Hybrid Theory, or have Mike Shinoda make another Fort Minor album. Please?
Final Grade: 6.8/10 (Worth one listen)

Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops and Hooligans
Bruno Mars, single artist. He can make a hook, but can he make an album? After the greatness of "Nothin' on You", Bruno Mars was at the top of his game. He also co-wrote "Right Round" by Flo Rida, so his penchant for catchy songs is close to unparalleled radio-wise. But Bruno Mars can sing also. His voice is great, especially on songs like "Just The Way You Are", "Grenade" and "Liquor Store Blues". He also sings with an old time feel, and makes you think that you're listening to the voice of a 1960's blues artist rather than an upstart 20-something year old on a debut album. It's a gift, and Mars shouldn't change it. The only issue I have with the album is the cheesy feel some songs have. While Mars sounds entirely genuine on most songs, songs like "First Time" fall flat due to their tired and true subject material that's been done by everyone and their cousin. However, Mars has made a name for himself that people won't soon forget. And a voice they better get used to hearing.
Final Grade: 8.5/10 (Buy it)

Lil' Wayne - I Am Not A Human Being
Free Weezy....so he can make a real album. This "album" is a collection of tracks recorded before Lil' Wayne went to jail, so it's expected that they sound a little outdated. However, they're far from bad. "Gonorrhea", despite it's god awful title, is actually a decent song. Drake is featured on 3 songs here, as well as Nicki Minaj and a few other guests. Highlights include "Gonorrhea", "With You", "I'm Single, "Right Above It" and "Bill Gates". I'm just hoping Lil' Wayne gets out in November and immediately finishes Tha Carter 4. It's what everyone wants to hear, and this helps for just a little bit.
Final Grade: 7.8/10 (Give it a listen)
Maroon 5 - Hands All Over
And finally, the album I'm most conflicted about. It's not a BAD album, but it's not GOOD. And I don't know why. I really can't pinpoint one specific reason. The songs are carefully crafted and the melodies are above mediocre, yet I can't stick with this album. I find myself having trouble listening to one song all the way through before I hit Next and move on. The highlight is definitely the closer "Out of Goodbyes" featuring Lady Antebellum. It's a great song and worth a few listens....if you can make it to the end of the album. Maroon 5 has always weighed its success on the voice of Adam Levine, and while his voice is the same here, the instrumental structure lacks significantly. It makes you finally realize the importance of a band, and that it takes everyone to make a good album.
Final Grade: 7/10 (Your call, skip or give it a listen)