Metroline Online

The record labels are pushing out stuff fast and furious for the holidays.  Here’s other high-profile music hitting stores:

Rihanna Returns

"Russian Roulette" by Rihanna
Click here to order in MP3 form from amazon.com

After what has been a tumultuous period with the allegations of abuse against Chris Brown, Rihanna has returned with her first new single since the blockbuster “Good Girl Gone Bad.”  “Russian Roulette,” the first single from upcoming album “Rated-R,” continues in the catchy line of songs that Rihanna has made her hallmark the past few years.  This time, the tempo is slowed down a bit, and has lyrics that seem to allude to her recent past.  The song is another home run from Rihanna.  She sings, “Know that I must pass this test.”  Well, you have, Rihanna, and we welcome your return.  The CD comes out later this month, and a review will appear here.

Bieber’s Biggest Bombs

"My World" by Justin Bieber
Click here to order in CD form from amazon.com

Boy, Justin Bieber’s label is really trying to make this kid stick.  After hit “One Time,” three singles have been released on iTunes teasing his upcoming album.  Unfortunately, nothing is as catchy as that original song. “One Less Lonely Girl” gives him the ability to bounce and hold up his finger in the video again, but doesn’t have much else for him to work with - it’s generic guitar R&B and the song is not nearly as catchy, with almost no chorus to speak of in the song. “Love Me” lifts the chorus from the Cardigans megahit “Lovefool” and it’s reworked into another generic R&B jam.  Finally, “Favorite Girl” spins yet another yarn about being into a girl.  The one common thread about all this is Bieber is singing and trying to woo a girl.  He’s 15, folks... it’s not all that convincing, and it wasn’t convincing a decade ago when Hanson tried to sing the same type of material (although their material was generally more catchy).  Let’s hope that as his voice deepens, so does his depth.