The Black Eyed Peas - Whenever

It seems just like yesterday that The Black Eyed Peas album "The End" came out. Now, less than year a later, "The Beginning" is continues where that album left off. Techno beats infused with futuristic sounds and inspirations make up the primary direction in which BEP has evolved as it relates to their music.



Another evident evolution within BEP is the presence of singer Fergie. On the track "Whenever," which was written by the songstress and produced by Will.i.am, Fergie once again proves why she is the major force within the group. Not only is the track single worthy, but it also has me anticipating another solo album from the fergalicious diva.

Back to the song, "Whenever" which features a small verse from the aforementioned producer and is a tale of dedication to one's significant other. Fergie proclaims that she'll go "wherever, whenever" with her significant other. All I know, is that "whenever, if ever" this is released, it will be a hit. Good stuff.

Jaheim - Closer

Every so often, a song will just hit you. That happened to me with Jaheim's previous single "Find My Way Back" and has occurred once again after listening to his latest album "Another Round." Honestly, I'm not a fan of expletives and what I like to call "gangster R&B" which I feel Jaheim sometimes relays through his music.

However, "Closer" is a real winner. It's a beautiful ballad about looking for a love. To be honest, Jaheim is an amazing vocalist and his impassioned tone works well on this track as he subtly pours his heart out through song.

Jazmine Sullivan - Excuse Me

"Excuse Me" is simply a breathtaking song by Jazmine Sullivan. She proclaims that we'll just have to excuse her if she's sounding or acting crazy. She has found a love that is so special and amazing that, at times, its difficult to believe that such a love exists within her reality. I'm calling this to SMASH at R&B radio in 2011. Absolute, smash, hit groove wonder!

Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed

Let me start off with one word: BOW! Keri Hilson returned this week with her sophomore effort "No Boys Allowed" (even though it contains a number of male features). I have found that many argue its not as good as her first; however, I would beg to differ. On "Boys," Ms. Hilson has found a way to infuse her style with modern beats and production that make for a most commercial and enjoyable album.

The album kicks of with the banger Buyou featuring J. Cole. Not a personal favorite; however, the cut has a similar vibe to Keri's #2 hit "Turnin' Me On" and I can see this following suit commercially.

"Pretty Girl Rock" is highly catchy, as is "The Way You Love." Interestingly, those two tracks were chosen as the first "official" single and a teaser track; however, they are no where near the strongest on the album.

Now let's move onto "Bahm Bahm." Produced by Polow Da Don, this reggae infused track is sensual and finds Keri absolutely bouncing and riding along the beat. "One Night Stand" featuring Chris Brown (their third collaboration) is an album highlight. The pair sing "You should stay another night with me, a one night stand is all I need" and the chemistry between the young artists is undeniable on record.

"Lose Control" is screaming to be released. Keri belts "Shake! Wind! And roll! Let's lose control!" The mid-tempo jam features a short (albeit unnecessary) verse from Nelly and if released, should definitely be another hit for Ms. Keri baby. Pop radio needs this track.

At this point, Keri finally slows down with the Danja produced "Toy Solider" and the Timbalad/J Roc produced "Breaking Point." The production on these tracks really help elevate their quality, as Keri's voice is layered for a surround sound-like audio experience. These two tracks are most reminiscent of her earlier work, as is the closing track "All of The Boys."

However, the party doesn't slow down long. Also produced by Timbaland/J Roc is my favorite album cut "Beautiful Mistake." This jam relays the tale of a relationship that has just sort of fizzled out. Keri singes "Wish we never crossed the line, wish I never gave you this booty" over a thumping beat. She then goes on to declare that the pair was a beautiful mistake "but it is what is it." No hard feelings, sometimes people really are better of as friends.

Nearing the end, of the standard version at least, Keri delivers that absolute best song on the LP, "Gimme What I Want." This song MUST be an Urban single. No questions about it. This is a true southern, club ANTHEM! The lyrics "I want it up, down, round and round, pull it down on me NOW," which can be found in the chorus, solidify Keri's return.

No Boys Allowed is a stunning effort by Keri Hilson that is simply a collection of amazingly well produced and crafted, single-worthy songs. I'm definitely going to have this one on repeat, well in the the new year!

CWH's Picks: Gimme What I Want, Lose Control, & Beautiful Mistake

Ciara - Basic Instinct

I hate to say it, but "Basic Instinct," the fourth studio album from Ciara, has truly grown on me. The record is actually quite solid. Thus, I hope that her label finds the time (money and energy) to properly promote it now that it's already been released.

Let's start with the low points. Although the title track is strong in that it finds Ciara venting about past misconceptions, it's definitely not something I find worth listening to on repeat. However, the album steadily improves after that. First single, "Ride" is a sexual charged jam. Most importantly, Ciara sounds confident and in control.

Similarly themed (and likewise produced by The-Dream/Tricky Stewart) "You Can Get It" is my personal favorite cut on the album. Ciara coos "you can get it, not him, not him, not him (but,) YOU can get it." If that doesn't inspire lust than I don't know what does. Taking it back to her Crunk N 'B roots, "Heavy Rotation" and "Yeah I Know," if released, are sure to set the club dance floor on fire and are the most commercial-sounding songs on the album.

Although "second" single "Gimme That" is a hot, the revamped remix is spectacular. With a new, more sensual beat and sultry vocals from Ciara, the track produced by Soundz deserves to be re-sent to radio later on. "Turn It Up" produced by T-Minus and featuring Usher is decent, although it doesn't necessarily fit the tone of the rest of the album, being a euro-pop, dance track.

As previously noted, the album does have a couple stinkers. "Girls Get Your Money" isn't nearly as infectious as the previously mentioned up-tempos. In fact, it's quite mediocre and is the only true album track that I don't recommend.

Slowing things down a bit, "Speechless" and "I Run It," both also produced by the aforementioned The-Dream/Tricky Stewart are strong mid-tempos in the vein of Ciara's previous hit "Promise." Personally, I generally prefer Ciara's up beat songs; however, all of the slow jams on "Basic Instinct" make for an enjoyable listen.

CWH's Picks: You Can Get It, Yeah I Know, & Heavy Rotation

Keyshia Cole - Take Me Away

As I predicted, Keyshia Cole has found love and her new album truly showcases that notion. Produced by Chink Santana, "Take Me Away" is a notable standout on the mostly urban adult contemporary album. In the hook, Keyshia sings "I'm so in love with you, no lie, I'm telling the truth...baby, take me away, I love my baby, I love my baby..." Vocally, Keyshia sounds amazing and confident. Definite single material.

Chris Brown + Kevin McCall - In My Zone 2 (Selections)

Let me just start by saying that I think that Chris Brown and Kevin McCall make really great music together. On My Zone 2, there are a number of interesting collaborations between the two. Aside from writing and producing the bulk of the mixtape, they vocally carry execptional tracks.

"Another You" is mostly sung by C. Breezy; however, I think I can hear K. Mac on background vocals. He sings "when God made you, he broke the mold and they'll never be another you." Hands down, best song on the 'tape.

"Life Itself" is a soultry ballad where Chris Brown singes the verses, will Mr. MccCall sings the hook which relays "I'm never ever letting go, cause I love you more than life itself." Who knew C. Breezy could make such a non-mainstream ballad where he is really emoting and sanging. Good stuff.

"All Off" takes a different turn where the duo command their significant other to "take it all off." It's a more upbeat rendition of a collabo on their previous 'tape, "No BS."

"Quits" is a highlight because K. Mac is sings lead. His voice is stronger than I originally thought. Reminiscent of Brown's "Say Goodbye" the song finds the young singers in a situation where they have to end the relation because it just isn't working.

"Talk That Shit" is my personal favorite on the mixtape, if only for the bridge, where Chris sings "I hate you, you ain't shit, but I love you." That's so real. In relationships, arguments and disagreements may arise; however, one has to remember that even the negative can turn into a positive. Notably, it's often comical when someone talks sh!t, knowing good and well that they don't really mean it.

Two thumps up.

Kanye West - All of The Lights

I'm sorry, Kanye but this song would have been so much better with just you and Rihanna; however, I digress. This is obviously the commercial standout on 'Ye's recent LP. Rihanna kills the hook and Mr. West deliver a slew of fire verse.

Apparently, Mr. West has found his former love interest with a new man. Even so, 'Ye professes to "turn on the lights" so that one can see how he fights to, at least, remain in his child's life. He professes his mistakes and fights to "do the right thing." Sounds like a hit to me.

Ciara - You Can Get It

"404, 612, hand me the phone, I'll put it in for you" is the opening line of Ciara's "You Can Get It." Produced and written by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, respectively, the song is the runaway standout cut from the songstresses fourth album "Basic Instinct."

Basically, Ciara tells the story of being in love with a man who can get "it." However, she proceeds to shut down other, apparently interested men, by singing "not him, not him, not him." The overly sensual tune reminds me of why her previous R&B #1, "Promise," was such a huge hit.

She even offers her lover, her home number "310, 412..." Although, I'm not sure if it'd be a huge hit. I'd wager releasing this as a single because I can imagine women (and subsequently men) going crazy for it in the club. I do wonder, though. Can I get "it?"

Avant - Graduated

Produced by Coop The Truth, the opening track on Avant's fifth album "The Letter" is a quite retrospective tune. It tells the tale of a young man seeing a young women whom reminds him of someone from his past. Eventually, he discovers that the woman is the "nerdy," "glasses wearing girl," who at one point "sat in the front row of the classroom."

He sings that she has "Graduated" and blossomed into a beautiful, attractive woman who is now worth his attention. Arguably, he doesn't ever seem to acknowledge that he was the blind one who didn't originally notice her inner beauty (as he obviously should have).

However, the song is an interesting take on the "ugly duckling." In this sense, it just proves that we as people should open our eyes to those who exude special and notable qualities outside of the general and common good looks. Good stuff.