Album review: Lorde’s vocals rich as royalty in ‘Pure Heroine’

After releasing her first single “Royals” this past summer, 16-year-old Lorde proves she can reign a little higher than a queen bee. “Pure Heroine,”…

Album review: Kings of Leon’s ‘Mechanical Bull’ provides ’80s sound

Kings of Leon assumes the throne of rock again with the release of its new album. “Mechanical Bull,” the Grammy-winning band’s sixth studio album, w…

Album review: Chvrches’ debut album, ‘The Bones of What You Believe,’ a stand-out

I was able to catch Chvrches perform in a stripped-down setting at Magnolia Thunderpussy records in anticipation of their concert later that evening on…

Album review: Jack Johnson resorts to old, relaxed tone in ‘From Here To Now To You’

Jack Johnson has been the epitome of relaxed surfer/musician since his debut in 2001 with “Brushfire Fairytales.” Tranquil, calm and unpretentious with…

Album review: MGMT channels psychedelic sounds in self-titled album

After a disappointing sophomore effort in “Congratulations,” psychedelic rockers MGMT find the same magic that made them a hit in its self-titled third…

Album review: Melancholy tracks fill new Yoko Ono album

Yoko Ono turned 80 earlier this year, but she is far from retired. This week she and her Plastic Ono Band released their album, “Take Me to the Land of…

Album review: 2 Chainz ‘B.O.A.T.S. II #MeTime’ doesn’t deliver developed lyrics

The ever popular and entertaining Def Jam Recordings’ artist Tauheed Epps, known as 2 Chainz, released his second solo album Tuesday. The rapper decide…

Album review: Arctic Monkeys’ ‘AM’ goes full circle

English indie band Arctic Monkeys returns to the airwaves with its familiar sound and always interesting song lyrics. “AM,” the band’s fifth studio …

Album review: The Weeknd’s ‘Kiss Land’ filled with dull, worn-out tracks

“Kiss Land,” the major label debut of dark R&B project The Weeknd, gave its mastermind Abel Tesfaye the ability to bolster his sound — at least in …

Album review: Ariana Grande channels Mariah Carey in release of ‘Yours Truly’

The sugary sweetness in Ariana Grande’s (Grande-Butera’s) voice is enough to give you a cavity, and her debut album, “Yours Truly,” will keep dentists …