While the sun shines

Jennifer Lopez is back in the limelight thanks to a stint as American Idol judge; and it seems there’s still a lot of life left in her recording career. A new French recording artist that’s truly worth a listen, Christophe Mae, is the other CD featured today!

Jennifer Lopez — Love? (MCA Music, Inc.). Actress, fashion designer, recording artist/performer, movie producer and judge on Idol — it seems Jennifer is back on a roll and the new CD is a smart mix of dance, R&B and pop. Taking advantage of her newfound “regained” popularity, the CD may seem a tad too calculating; but one can’t deny that it works for her long-time fans and for finding a new contemporary audience. Invading My Mind and Hypnotico has Lady Gaga collaborating, while the first single had Pitbull guesting. I’m Into You has L’il Wayne; and it seems there’s no end to her tapping into the artists who are “now,” in order to make her material sound fresh and “today.”

Christophe Mae — On Trace La Route (Warner Music France). Got the CD on a recent trip to Europe and was really pleased with the acquisition. Think of a French Jason Mraz, mixed with a Paul Simon from Graceland days who would assimilate forms of world music into his brand of pop, and you’ll have a good idea of what Christophe’s music is all about. Sure I don’t understand what the lyrics are going on about, but music this accessible and exhilarating is hard to put down. Winner of NRJ Music Awards, Christophe traveled to Senegal and Dakar for the second album, and the rhythms and influences of this African trip is evident. You can order this on Amazon France! Dingue, Dingue, Dingue and J’ai Laisse are my faves.