But his distinctive style is what makes him stand out.ĬHECK THIS OUT: Put on the cool “Nefertiti/Center of the Universe,” DeBarge’s pledge to his queen-to-be. Lyrically, nothing is particularly noteworthy about the singer’s content - it’s clear his addiction is loving women - whether it’s his own lady or someone else’s (check out “Tell Ur Man” featuring Joe). The album explores many sounds - there are elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz and spoken word. His biggest hit was arguably 1997’s “No Guarantees,” and that came after time behind bars and a drug addiction slowed his career.īut the 39-year-old singer is a talent that deserves a spotlight, and his latest CD, “Addiction,” might get you hooked on this underrated performer.ĭeBarge’s sixth album is a collection of cool jams that play smooth on a summer day. OLP’s lighter touch can be found on the acoustic “Signs of Life” and versatile disc closer “Paper Moon,” one of the finest tracks they’ve laid down.ĬHECK THIS TRACK OUT: “Monkey Brains” is a manic blast of energy that features a - dare I say it - Steve Harris-influenced effort by bassist Duncan Coutts.Īlthough he comes from the famous DeBarge singing clan, Chico DeBarge’s chart success has been nominal. I think Jordin looks great (and is so pretty), but the over-photoshopping on promotional shots/CD covers kind of annoys me. Often praised for their energetic live show, OLP keeps the anthemic tracks flowing with “The End Is Where We Begin,” “Escape Artist,” “Refuge” and the blistering “White Flags.” They kick off with the single “All You Did Was Save My Life,” a straightforward radio rocker with a soaring chorus, before sliding into the hope-filled “Dreamland.” Guitarist Steve Mazur offers plenty of fine lead work throughout. Lead singer Raine Maida sounds more mature than ever - mostly forsaking his once eye-popping falsetto - and brings a poetic touch to his tales of everyday struggle and hope. That may not change too much with “Burn Burn,” but the band’s first disc since 2005’s “Healthy in Paranoid Times” is a nice return to the soaring rock they made their name on. The Toronto four-piece made a splash south of the border in the 1990s with their first two efforts - 1994’s “Naveed” and 1997’s “Clumsy” - but since have fallen into relative obscurity in the States.

Jordin sparks battlefield album cover