Raven-Symoné Album Review

Raven's new self-titled album leaked this weekend. I'm not ashamed to say I'm a huge Raven fan. I loved her on The Cosby Show, loved-loved her on That's So Raven, and generally think she's super talented. Most people, though, aren't as eager to give her so much credit. Either way, after listening to the album, my thoughts on her as an artist are reaffirmed.

Raven-Symoné reminds me at times of a Brandy album, maybe Never Say Never or Full Moon. Though Raven and Brandy sound nothing alike (I think Raven is more vocally able), some of the songs have that same vibe. At other times, the album sounds like no one else but Raven, possessor of her own brand of funk that works for her because it sounds genuine. And throughout the album, the lyrics are inspired and the songs polished. Her sound is mature and though nothing is inappropriate, there's nothing Disney about this album.

Raven-Symoné is one of those albums that you have to urge people to give a listen, and I'm not really interested in doing that. If you can go in with an open mind about the music, then I think you'll enjoy what you hear. Love Me or Leave Me is currently on repeat, In The Pictures is a nice grower, and her cover of Double Dutch Bus is hot if you're a fan of the original. Anti-Love Song may be the standout track on the album; Raven shines at mid-tempo and the production, courtesy of Knightwritaz, is on point.

I don't think the album sounds like conventional R&B; it has a face and Raven's fingerprints are all over it. Some vibes may overlap, but I couldn't see another artist putting out this album. Or pulling it off. It probably won't get the attention it deserves with next to no promotion, but it's definitely a solid effort that shows growth from Raven's last album, 2004's This Is My Time.

It's March, B****es!!

Yay! Spring is in the offing! ...Maybe. This month, Japanese pop superstar Utada Hikaru is releasing her fifth Japanese studio album, Heart Station. Utada's literally been releasing singles from this album since 2006, and so it'll be interesting to finally listen to the finished package. Of the five singles already released, I'm a fan of Flavor of Life and Heart Station; check them out, arguably J-Pop at its finest.

I had the lovely pleasure of meeting the very hot Sean Faris earlier this week at a screening for his new, upcoming fight flick Never Back Down. Sean was super nice and very gracious and all he asked in return was to spread the word about his movie. And, spread the word I shall. Though not nearly Academy Award worthy, Never Back Down is solid entertainment for a Friday night that guys and girls will enjoy (for completely different reasons, mind you). The fighting scenes are pretty cool, Djimon Hounsou is pretty awesome, and Sean Faris reportedly broke a bone in his back from being body slammed so hard during rehearsals. And besides, he's so dreamy...

My girl Raven-Symoné has her new movie, College Road Trip with Martin Lawrence coming out next week. It looks like your run-of-the-mill comedy, but I'm giving it a mention just because Raven is one of the few comediennes with the ability to make me laugh with her face alone. Raven also has a new album in the works, which I believe is slated for a Spring release.

And, the best for last. Brawl drops in a week, and I am foaming at the mouth at this point. This is pretty much going to be the only week in March in which I can be considered among the living. After the 9th, people would be lucky to see me before April.

Happy March, everyone!