A toast to power women

A slew of new CDs exemplifies just how strong the year is turning out to be in terms of female recording artists. Some come from brand new emerging acts (Duffy and Sara Bareilles) and one is from a skilled hand (Mariah Carey), now ready to reclaim her throne.

ROCKFERRY — Duffy (MCA Universal). The promotional material mentioned Amy Winehouse, but Welsh singer Duffy is made of altogether different stock. It’s more like you trapped someone in the ‘60s, fed her nothing more than songs by the likes of Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield and the Supremes; but gave her a voice that at times, reminded me of Macy Gray. This is really a soulful voice and for sheer vocal artistry, listen to Syrup and Honey. Her single, Mercy, with its organ fills, is trippy ‘60s given a new vibe and feel. If anything, I felt the tracks carried on in a midtempo and ballad rotation without the much needed break of a fast number like Mercy. But I heard Warwick Avenue and Hanging On Too Long and I forgave her. Perhaps the second CD will vary the tempo more often, and she will have more consistently strong tracks. Till then, Duffy is a welcome addition to my CD player.

Little Voice  —  Sara Bareilles (Sony BMG).  Hands down, as far as I’m concerned, this is the most impressive debut of the year, so far. Pop, folk, alternative, jazz — the influences swirl through the tracks of the CD, and they all testify to just how skilled a songwriter and arranger Sara can be. She is undoubtedly one of those artists whose potential is only being hinted at with this first album, and can develop a career path similar to what Joni Mitchell achieved. The carrier single and video, Love Song, is only a portent of what’s contained in the musical gem. Vegas, One Sweet Love, Love on the Rocks and the coy and whimsical lyrics of Fairytale all point to highly-developed compositional skills. Breezy and yet filled with substance, Bareilles’ Little Voice is one CD I can recommend without reservation. The variety of her musical influences makes this a truly enjoyable musical experience.

E=MC2 — Mariah Carey (MCA Universal). As the title spells out, this is Mariah’s highly-energized effort to take us on a journey to Hitland. While without the highs of her previous CD, The Emancipation of Mimi, you can’t fault E=MC2 for the strong consistency of all the tracks. Armed with a bevy of star producers and holding back on her trademark octave jumping, this is Mariah at her savviest, with each track winging in with “potential hit” stamped on it. I especially liked Cruise Control with Damien Marley and Side Effects with Young Jeez (this is the track which acts like a bitter confessional of her life with then producer-husband Tommy Mottola). I’m That Chick, Love Story and Bye Bye are the stronger tracks, dance, midtempo and ballad, that adorn the album. This may not be her most impressive studio effort, but this is one you can just leave on the player without skipping tracks.