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Etana packs a punch on ’Better Tomorrow’

Etana
“Better Tomorrow”
(VP Records)

Etana delivers a mature and confident sound with top-notch lyrical content and unique vocals on her third studio album, “Better Tomorrow.” 

The Jamaican singer’s soulful roots are strong as she pays homage to earlier eras of reggae on tracks such as the empowering “Queen” and the infectious “Reggae.” She finds a fresh perspective on the happy song “Beautiful Day,” and “All I Need” is full of emotion and desire. 

Her strong-minded nature sees the 29-year-old go to new levels on each of the album’s songs, making “Better Tomorrow” her best album to date. 

The album opener, “Spoken Soul,” is a verbal statement speaking of her “musical journey” and need for a “better tomorrow.” It’s an expressive message that is simple, yet strong.

(AP)

Kate Nash’s 3rd album is desultory

Kate Nash
“Girl Talk”
(Have 10p Records/Fontana)

It must be tough enough going through your 20s without worrying whether the pop machinery that built you up at age 20 has spit you out completely.

Seems that way for Kate Nash, one of a number of strong young British artists to emerge in the last decade and a writer with sass, who now sings lines like “I’m a waste of space.” Courtney Love’s grungy rock provides the musical blueprint for “Girl Talk,” and a fresh romantic breakup gives Nash material to mine in her third album. The result is desultory, often tuneless, and the kind of disc that would be forgotten in a long career.

Trouble is, she may never get the chance for one.

(AP)

French group C2C has great energy on debut

C2C
“Tetra”
(Universal Republic Records)

Get ready to dance. A lot.

“Tetra,” the debut album from French foursome C2C, is a multi-genre, beat-driven adventure that feels good throughout all 14 tracks.

C2C is a turntable group made up of 20syl, DJ Greem, DJ Pfel and DJ Atom. They’ve crafted songs that feel soulful (“Happy”), energetic (“Delta,” “The Beat”) and eerie (“Give Up the Ghost”). “Because of You” is Gorillaz-esque and “Genius” is oh-so-fun, as is “Who Are You,” which samples The New Birth’s “You Don’t Have to Be Alone.”

“Le Banquet” even weaves in a speech from Ronald Reagan -- and it works.
“Tetra” is flavorful and upbeat – it’s hard not to jump around to these beats. C2C has meshed a sound that is wild, but still consistent.

Now dance.

(AP)