record reviews

Madonna

Album: “MDNA” (Interscope Records/Live Nation)

Grade: B

Madonna says it best on the opening track of her twelfth album: “No one can put out my fire.” At 53, she’s still got it going on.

And thankfully so.

Her newest release, “MDNA” — her first apart from her longtime label, Warner Bros. — is full of upbeat dance jams and simmering slow grooves, and it delivers for the most part. True, it’s not nearly as top-notch as past records from the pop icon; the songs on “MDNA,” despite some risque language, are much safer and tread familiar ground. Still, there are some standouts.

“Girl Gone Wild,” produced by Benny and Alle Benassi (Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People”), starts things off nicely with its European flavor and addictive hook. Then there’s “I Don’t Give A,” the second track on the album to feature Nicki Minaj, and the better one (first single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” sounds like a Gwen Stefani demo circa 2004, and that’s not a compliment).

The album’s best song is “Love Spent,” with its Bollywood beat. It finds Madonna calling out a lover with lyrics like: “You had all of me; you wanted more; would you have married me if I were poor?” It’s worth noting that the album is Madonna’s first collection of new songs since she divorced director Guy Ritchie in 2008. Bitter much?

The dance sound dominates most of the 12-track set, but Madonna sometimes trips over on her own disco ball. “Gang Bang” is a complete mess, “I’m Addicted” sounds overproduced, and “I’m a Sinner” is mediocre.

She shines brightest when she brings down the pace. “Falling Free” is soothing, the Golden Globe-winning “Masterpiece” from her film “W.E.” is soft and classic and “I [Expletive] Up” sounds like a raw and honest apology to an ex (perhaps another ode to Ritchie).

On “MDNA,” Madonna has a wide array of helpers: Singer Priscilla Renea, who has written for Rihanna and Selena Gomez, co-wrote two tracks; Alain Whyte, the main songwriting partner to Morrissey, co-wrote a song; and Klas Ahlund, the producer behind Swedish dance singer Robyn, co-produced a tune. The CD also has assists from producer Jean-Baptiste (Chris Brown, Black Eyed Peas, Kelis); British singer-songwriter Mika; and French DJ-producer Martin Solveig. Then there’s usual suspect William Orbit, who produced Madonna’s “Ray of Light.”

It’s a bit of a mash-up and may be the reason why “MDNA” is good, but not great.

—Mesfin Fekadu, Associated Press

Lionel Richie

Album: “Tuskegee” (Mercury Nashville)

Grade: B

Lionel Richie named his new album “Tuskegee” for his Alabama hometown, a subtle reference to his southern roots. By remaking his hits with such country stars as Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson and Shania Twain, he makes those ties explicit.

“Tuskegee” may play on a well-worn concept — a legendary singer pairing with younger artists on classic tunes. But, with few exceptions, these recordings come off as carefully considered, with fresh arrangements that highlight the strengths of the material and the talents involved.

Richie’s voice sounds as smooth and rich as ever, adding new wrinkles to his phrasing. Of the guests, those rising to the occasion include Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who performs a dramatically beautiful “Hello”; country rocker Jason Aldean, who shows he’s a fine balladeer on “Say You, Say Me;” and Kenny Chesney, whose intimate tones work well on the romantic “My Love.” Only a couple of songs don’t work: Jimmy Buffett, for one, turns “All Night Long” into a steel-drum workout that sounds stiff instead of joyous.

All in all, Richie proves his middle-of-the-road pop has more in common these days with contemporary country than with modern pop. The album also underscores that country music, or any genre, benefits from strong melodies and powerful performances.

—Michael McCall, Associated Press

Macy Gray

Album: “Covered” (429 Records)

Grade: A

Making an album of covers is always a tricky proposition. An artist tackling another act’s song has the challenge of making a well-known tune their own while keeping at least some of the DNA of the original version.

It’s a delicate task, but Macy Gray succeeds with “Covered,” as the raspy-sounding singer returns with an impressive collection of remakes.

The handpicked songs, some of which will be familiar to her fans as she’s been performing them live over the years, include Radiohead’s “Creep” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.”

Gray leads off the album with a version of the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes The Rain Again” followed by Radiohead’s “Creep”: It’s a clever choice on her part, and she effortlessly introduces huge songs from artists of a different genre to a completely new fan base.

Gray continues to unleash her creativity with her take on “Teenagers.” The song by My Chemical Romance, where angry teens rage against a two-faced cruel world, is completely revamped and turned on its head as Gray switches the lyrics to take on the point of view of a parent.

Also included are short skits featuring Nicole Scherzinger and MC Lyte that show Gray’s witty side, a quirky collaboration with actor Idris Elba on Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly,” and a flash of love to Kanye West with “Love Lockdown/Buck.”

Overall, this album is a further extension of Gray’s wild and random side. The album is full-bodied, colorful and shows that she’s still willing and able to push the boundaries without compromising herself or her talent.

—Bianca Roach, Associated Press