Power women

The two CDs today come from female recording artists who both carry lofty reputations within the industry. Rihanna is a bona fide superstar who hails from Barbados and has thankfully, put the negative publicity surrounding her fallout with Chris Brown behind her, with this fifth studio album. As for Duffy, the British songstress expands her highly-stylized musical vision on the second studio album.

Loud — Rihanna (MCA Music Inc.). Forget the spotty Rated R CD, with Loud, Rihanna resurrects the dance and club tracks mixed with ballads and stadium-type music that made her such a favorite. It’s a sassy, brimming with confidence and attitude Rihanna on the new CD, and it works like a charm. It’s hard to resist What’s My Name (with Drake), Fading and Complicated — those three are my fave tracks. And while some prefer the reworked Love the Way You Lie (Part II) with Eminem that’s to be found on this album, I feel both versions work, and it’s just good that we have the track on Rihanna’s album as well. The best part about the CD is how almost all of the tracks are worth listening to, with a nary a filler track to be found. Good to finally have her back!

Endlessly — Duffy (MCA Music Inc.). Co-produced by Duffy herself, with renowned producer/songwriter Albert Hammond, the CD finds Duffy trying to expand and grow wings musically. The first track, My Boy, is the first sign that this is not going to be a reworking of the hugely-successful Rockferry debut CD. It’s pop and dance as only Duffy can create and while it works in this case, to be honest, there were other tracks that seemed to stray too far and left me wondering how wise a decision this was. The Motown groove, the Dusty Springfield, Connie Francis vibe of the first album was its surprise and strength. Within Endlessly, this aspect of her charm is diluted. Well, Well, Well, the title track, and Lovestruck are the choice tracks. It’s a mixed reaction from me for the CD, but I still like her!