Edd’s MANtra: New Tunes

I’m back!

Sorry about the lack of posts but the past couple of weeks have been pretty busy. In fact, I just arrived back in town after a brief trip back home to Virginia.

The best thing about trips home is all the new music I encounter. Birmingham DJs must own just one CD each (which include the nauseating “LOL Smiley Face…”) because it’s one of the most repetitive radio stations I’ve ever heard. Honestly, Louisville radio was probably worse.

Hampton Roads, Va., has always seemed to present fresh songs much faster than other markets. Check out these new tracks I heard last weekend.

Well, they’re new to me, anyway.

Chris Brown featuring Swizz Beatz and Lil Wayne, I Can Transform Ya

– We knew Charlie Brown wouldn’t stay away forever. I think the beat is pretty cool but there is NO melody whatsoever, which kinda defeats the purpose of singing. Chris would be better off harmonizing in the automotive garage of Pep Boys. Give the beat to a rapper like Twista because it’s doing no favors to R&B.

Thumbs down

Amerie featuring Trey Songz, Pretty Brown Eyes

– No, this isn’t a remake of the Mint Condition track – consider it more of a homage. Now, I’m a big supporter of A but even I’ll admit that she often oversteps her bounds when it comes to maintaining her range.

That’s a nice way of saying that she often wails WAY off key.

This song is a perfect example of that. Trey Songz reins her in and stellar production hold things together. But Amerie was pushing it with this one…

Thumbs up (barely)

Alicia Keys, Doesn’t Mean Anything

– Alicia was long overdue for new material. This is her first single from her new album, set to drop in December. It’s classic Alicia – beautiful in its simplicity. It doesn’t grab the listener like “You Don’t Know My Name” but this laid-back, gentle track is exactly what radio needs right now.

Thumbs up

Mullage, Trick’n

– I thought this was T.I. at first. Ugly Southern rappers bragging about all the women they have (yeah, right) and all the money they spend (uh huh). You’ve heard this song a thousand times already.

Thumbs way down

Melanie Fiona, It Kills Me

– If my girl Deborah Cox debuted in 2009, she’d be Melanie Fiona. Like Deborah, Melanie is Canadian and boasts some impressive vocals. I’m a sucker for passionate performances and this track is just loaded with emotion. Guess I’ll have to check out her album, The Bridge.

Thumbs way up

What do you think of these songs? Are there any new tracks that I’ve missed?