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Volume 16, Spring 2004 |
Arts & Leisure
Under the (Radio) Waves
Opinions/Business & Government Editor
Once in a while, a great album comes along that falls beneath the radar. It is inevitable, given the large amount of music released every year. In the past two years, a majority of the public has overlooked some great works.
What makes an album underrated?
What makes an album underrated? It is a question that cannot be easily answered, as evidenced in this section. In an effort to find the answer and also shed some light on music many might have not been aware of, here is a list of the top five underrated albums released in 2002 and 2003. Undoubtedly, there will be discussions and disputes about the selections, but it must be kept it mind that only five could make the cut. This list covers albums from multiple genres, each with different reasons for being undervalued. Read, discuss, argue, enjoy and take notice of these artists.
Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane:
Album Description: It is hard to explain the type of music Maroon 5 throws at you on its debut album from Octone Records. With a mixture of rock, funk, R&B and hip-hop, the five boys from Los Angeles have a great thing going with Songs About Jane . The album comes as a relief to fans sick of run-of-the-mill rock music. Lead singer Adam Levine, who some have likened to Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay, strikes a chord with fans of several genres and age groups.
The group, formerly a foursome known as Kara's Flowers, had little success with its first record, The Fourth World . With four inexperienced members at just 17 years old , it was hard to find a distinct and exciting sound right away. After Levine and fellow band member Jesse Carmichael went to a New York City college, listening to all genres of music, they decided to give the group another shot under a new name. They added guitarist James Valentine, while Carmichael switched from guitar to the keyboard. This helped separate Maroon 5 and its funk rock from Kara's Flowers' punk style.
Maroon 5 has been compared to Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan, but these performers have served only as an influence in the band's style.
Maroon 5 has been compared to Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan, but these performers have served only as an influence in the band's style. Songs About Jane gives the quintet its chance to finally experiment with different types of music. Highlight songs include "This Love," "The Sun" and their first single "Harder To Breathe."
Levine gracefully paints everyday scenarios with his lyrics. From a lustful boy longing for his dream girl, to the makings of a bitter breakup, the topics on Songs About Jane are easy to relate to, especially for students, whom are the band's main fan base.
Why It's Underrated: Songs About Jane is finally beginning to earn widespread credibility, well over a year after its release. The Octone executives have relied on the group's charisma in concert to gain a strong following. After touring non-stop for over a year with artists like John Mayer, Counting Crows and Matchbox 20, Maroon 5 has gained enough of a fan base to begin pushing the album. As good as the record is, more than one reviewer will admit the group is even more astounding live. With continued video and radio airplay, Songs About Jane may no longer be under the radar as the year ends.
Album: Songs About Jane
Released: June 2002
Genre: "Funk Rock"
Best Tracks: This Love, The Sun
Craig David - Slicker Than Your Average
Album Description: While this may seem like a strange pick to those who know about Craig David, it is his success (or lack thereof) in America that warrants this album a spot on the list. This British pop sensation first burst onto the UK scene in 2000 with his debut album Born To Do It . The set sold more than seven million copies worldwide and another million in the United States .
David's world-renowned sophomore effort, Slicker Than Your Average , has only managed to earn Gold status (500,000 units sold) in the USA . To put it lightly, this is a travesty for such a talented and brilliant artist.
David blends energetic, effervescent lyrics and vocals with clever raps and "slicker than your average" production.
David's sultry and vibrant voice is showcased on almost every track, and collaboration with Sting on the song "Rise & Fall" only enhances the album's brilliance. Tracks like "You Don't Miss Your Water (Til The Well Runs Dry)," "Spanish," "Hidden Agenda" and "2 Steps" push the limits of vocal range and creativity. Throughout Slicker Than Your Average, David blends energetic, effervescent lyrics and vocals with clever raps and "slicker than your average" production.
Why It's Underrated: Despite his worldwide success, David has found it hard to break into the American market. This is due mostly to poor marketing by his American record label, Atlantic , as well as stateside fans' reluctance to embrace young, popular foreign artists.
Atlantic Records has a history of poor performance in marketing. Rockers P.O.D. and Sugar Ray, the rap group Nappy Roots, and reggae artist Wayne Wonder have all seen high-quality albums and singles fall to the side to make room for other acts. Despite some moderate success, these artists and others remain underappreciated while beneath the wing of Atlantic .
Bottom line: This CD is a must-have for any true R&B fan. America does not know what it is missing.
Album: Slicker Than Your Average
Genre: R&B
Released: November 2002
Best Tracks: Rise & Fall (feat. Sting), You Don't Miss Your Water
Stage - Stage
Album Description: Sometimes a band is best described with comparisons. Take a band like Creed and combine them with Live, the band that produced such hits as "I Alone" and "Lightning Crashes." The end result is Stage, a relatively unknown rock group from Long Island .
Lead singer Ryan Stahr's lyrics come across as dark, yet hopeful; angry, yet soothing for the soul. That is, of course, if irate hard rock can ever be considered soothing. Somehow though, Stage pulls it off. "The World Has Come Between Us," the group's first official single, sets a terrific tone for the album and Stage's vibe as a whole. On the cut, Stahr varies just six short lines into a stunning final product filled with raw emotion.
In concert, Stage's passion can be seen in full force.
In concert, Stage's passion can be seen in full force. While belting out the 11 songs on its self-titled album, Stahr throws his microphone stand into the crowd, on the ground and every which way. The music on the album reflects this passion, with every song oozing with fervor. In addition to "The World Has Come Between Us," tracks like "I Don't Know," "Perfect" and "I Will Be Something" are evidence that Stage is ready for the big time.
Why It's Underrated: Stage has not garnered much mainstream exposure, which is really the only reason for its delayed success. It is also still hard to find Stage's album in stores or online. Even the band's official website does not offer the record. However, the group has begun to gain some credibility after touring with Eve 6 over the summer. Fans of hard rock will want to keep on the lookout for Stage in the coming years.
Album: Stage
Genre: Hard Rock
Released: September 2002
Best Track: The World Has Come Between Us
Marc Broussard - Momentary Setback
The only problem with Broussard's debut is that it ends too early.
Album Description: The only problem with Broussard's debut is that it ends too early. The Louisiana native mixes his New Orleans jazz flavor with a stellar R&B voice to produce a distinctive blend. The result is Momentary Setback , eight independently produced tracks that make for some good listening.
While he fairs exceptionally well on fast-paced tracks such as the title cut or the funky "Just Like That," Broussard truly shines on the slower songs, where he can showcase his unique vocal abilities. In "My God" and "Jeremiah's Prayer," Broussard passes with flying colors, while "The Wanderer" would surely be a lasting hit with the proper marketing.
Why It's Underrated: Until this past July, Broussard's disk had only been available directly through the artist, at concert venues or online at his Web site. Now, Ripley Records has released the set to the mainstream and for a cheap price at that. Most online stores sell Momentary Setback for under $10. This could be the jumpstart Broussard is looking for.
Currently, Broussard gets most of his recognition from being included in CD samplers and compilations. Recently, he covered Bruce Springsteen's " Back In Your Arms" on the Light of Day tribute album and his song "Just Like That" was featured on the Lost Highway: Lost & Found CD Sampler. With a unique flavor and friends such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews Band, Broussard has all the indications of a star in the making.
Album: Momentary Setback
Genre: Blues, Rock
Released: July 2003 ( Official Street Date)
Best Track: The Wanderer
N.E.R.D. - In Search Of...
Album Description: The Neptunes are known mostly as the trio of producers behind many of today's top radio hits. The group, headed up by the omnipresent Pharrell Williams and his associate Chad Hugo, has worked on tracks with artists like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg and Usher.
Naturally, it came as a shock when they released In Search Of... under the moniker N.E.R.D. (No One Ever Really Dies). While not a commercial success, the album succeeded in other ways, introducing rap and R&B fans to the faces behind the music they had heard for so long. The original and innovative beats that separate The Neptunes from the rest of the pack are accounted for on the 13-track set, which turned one-year-old this October.
Williams' style and flair combined with the memorable beats on each cut make for an excellent listening experience.
While the quality of the lyrics is a little patchy at times, Williams' style and flair combined with the memorable beats on each cut make for an excellent listening experience. Although Williams has no singing ability, the duo still comes through with a strong final product. It is his combination of wit, intelligence and catchy hooks that make this album truly memorable. The single "Rock Star" showcases The Neptunes' capacity to cross genres, while the fun and amusing "Stay Together" serves as the best unreleased song. On "Lapdance," Williams even sends a political message about the greed of politicians.
In 2002, the album was awarded the Shortlist Music Prize, given to the most outstanding album with sales of under 500,000 copies at the time of nomination. In Search Of... later reached that milestone.
Why It's Underrated: The fact that In Search Of... was even nominated for the Shortlist Music Prize is evidence in itself. The new album from Pharrell and company, Neptunes Present...Clones, features the group in its ordinary role as producers, with a host of other artists flowing and rhyming over the music. This set has sold 500,000 copies in just over a month. Given the trio's success as producers, maybe audiences do not give The Neptunes credibility as artists.
Album: In Search Of...
Genre: Hip-Hop
Released: October 2002
Best Track(s): Rock Star, Stay Together
Ben Samara is a sophomore journalism major at The College of New Jersey. He is the Opinions/Business & Government editor of unbound. Samara is also currently employed by the official website of The Ivy League, www.ivyleaguesports.com.