This time around, our fingers-on-the-pulse reviewers have focused exclusively on music, and for the most part, they like what they've heard. From feeling the funk with the Red Hot Chili Peppers to sweet storytelling from Lady Antebellum, there's a sound for everyone here.
The Rip Tide, Beirut (Pompeii Records)
Beirut's latest album, The Rip Tide, made its debut in the in the U.K. before coming to the United States. The well-known indie band made its mark with the 2007 album The Flying Club Cup. The Rip Tide features only nine songs, the equivalent of 33 minutes, and this defiantly small effort can easily go unnoticed. Listeners will sense Zach Condon's talent behind the compositions, but many tracks feel melancholy and at times sentimental. The two tracks that most reflect Beirut's very distinct sound, complete with fading horns and background acoustics, are "East Harlem" and "The Peacock." Other tracks to check out are "Santa Fe," "Goshen," and "Port of Call." Although at least one reviewer has said the album possesses a "sunny" tone, to my ears, it was more bittersweet than jovial.—Frecelyn D., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Own the Night, Lady Antebellum (Capital Nashville)
Lady Antebellum's latest album, Own the Night, shows how the country music group has continued to grow as both songwriters and performers. Their life experiences are reflected in these 12 tender, wistful tunes about love and romance. Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott's duel vocals have always been the group's ace in the hole, and this album is no exception. With little extras, like a mandolin, a B3 organ riff, and an arena-rock ballad, Lady A delivers hit after hit. Don't-miss tracks include "Cold as Stone," "We Owned the Night," "Singing Me Home," and "Dancin' Away with My Heart." There's no question that Lady A's fans will enjoy everything this recording has to offer.—Rachel L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
I'm With You, Red Hot Chili Peppers (Warner)
I'm With You is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 10th studio album, and its first in about five years. New guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is a breath of fresh air for a band that has had such a long career. Unfortunately, Klinghoffer isn't featured enough here and hopefully will play a bigger role in future releases. His presence gives some new depth to the Peppers with his numerous musical styles. The result is a funky album that doesn't totally depart from RHCP's classic punk sound. Tracks to check out include "Did I Let You Know," "Happiness Loves Company," "Monarchy of Roses," and the inspiring "Brendan's Death Song."—Bianka N., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.
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