RECORD REVIEWS
JOHNNY CASH
Album: “Out Among the Stars” (Columbia/Legacy)
Grade: B
For Johnny Cash, the 1980s are widely viewed as a lost decade. But that view is not entirely accurate — and now comes a “lost” Cash album from 1984 to help prove the point. “Out Among the Stars,” which includes new accompaniment from Marty Stuart (who played on the original) and Buddy Miller, among others, is not peak Cash, but it shows the Man in Black was still capable of powerful, stirring work before the monumental American Recordings that climaxed his career.
There are two fine duets with his wife, June: the spirited “Baby Let’s Ride” and the tender “Don’t You Think It’s Come Our Time.” There’s also a rollicking “I’m Movin’ On” with Waylon Jennings. Cash also contributes two top-flight originals, the tearjerker “Call Your Mother” and the spiritual “I Came to Believe.”
—Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer
SHAKIRA
Album: “Shakira” (RCA/Sony Latin Iberia)
Grade: B-
Perhaps Shakira’s new album is self-titled for a reason. Mostly, it disposes with the lyrical and musical twists for which she has become known, and follows a more linear muse for maximum access (or success). Sure, “Loco Por Ti” translates to “I’m Crazy for You,” but she doesn’t sound bonkers doing it. The duets — the sexy reggae-punk of “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” with Rihanna; the catchy, country-tinged “Medicine,” with “Voice” costar Blake Shelton — are straightforward and carefully arranged. “Empire” and “23” start with humble pop and cascade into firework-ed anthems. “Shakira” is less conceptual than previous albums, with more top-tier (read: homogeneous) producers, giving it an occasional facelessness. Still, it’s such a pretty face.
—A.D. Amorosi, Philadelphia Inquirer
Ledisi
Album: “The Truth” (Verve Music Group)
Grade: A
Despite multiple Grammy nominations and having a voice that is among the most beautiful you will hear today, Ledisi still hovers below the radar of music’s mainstream listeners. Her latest studio album, “The Truth,” probably isn’t going to change that, but it should: It’s a gem that deserves to be heard.
Ledisi’s voice is a multifaceted jewel that gives the album much of its sparkle: She’s bold but never brash, scats without overtrilling and can curl your toes with the bending of a single note. Even when she’s giving someone the emotional heave-ho, as on “Like This,” you’ll be more mesmerized by her performance than the pathos of the situation: If only all relationships could end with a Ledisi soundtrack.
—Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press