Heard it!

SUPERHERO (BRIAN MCKNIGHT)
MCA UNIVERSAL

In the wake of the tragedy that happened in the United States, Brian McKnight couldn’t be more timely by naming his new album Superhero. Rather than focusing on the usual, "I-wear-my-underwear-outside" set, he directs his attention to the daily heroic acts of people that go unrecognized. Music-wise, Brian McKnight still casts his magic as "the" R&B guy. Fans will not be disappointed. The usual emotion-filled words and soft, mellow music are there. The title track, however, stands out, as he cites such classic heavy acts as AC/DC and Van Halen as his inspiration. "Superhero" the song, has its intense guitar riffs and is surprisingly strong for the smooth, melodious singer. Still, Brian McKnight wears this heaviness well by balancing it out with the passionate lyrics and suave falsetto he’s known for. Superhero, indeed, is an album that will not disappoint.

BINOCULAR (BINOCULAR)
WARNER MUSIC

All songs written by Binocular. All vocals, instruments and programming by Binocular. Produced and recorded by Binocular. Hair and makeup by Binocular.

Okay, so the last one was, obviously, a joke. Yes, there is a fine line between a narcissist-cum-perfectionist and a true Renaissance man. In fact, Binocular speaks of this distinction himself: "A lot of people who made albums by themselves are making albums for themselves. I made an album by myself but it’s for everybody."

With his first single, "Deep," played about a million times a day, Binocular (who absolutely refuses to divulge his real name) has certainly appealed to, well, everyone. The rest of his album is about as syrupy as the stuff you put on your pancakes. His lyrics reek of love and emotion; the accompanying music has the ubiquitous heartfelt guitar rifts. Yes, his songs already have "overplayed" written all over them. Still, as one listens to this multi-talented musician, it’s obvious that we do need the occasional sugary pop-rock album to add some sweetness in our lives.

SEMISONIC (ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY)
MCA UNIVERSAL

It must have been a strange, surreal experience for Semisonic making their new album, All About Chemistry. After all, they were no longer underdogs; they did not have "indie rocker" label stamped to their foreheads, a title to which they were accustomed. After their hit song "Closing Time" and the follow-up success of their second release "Feeling Strangely Fine," it looks like this new-found stature is something they would have to get used to.

The realization of All About Chemistry, their third release which lead singer Dan Wilson says is a step from their previous CD is more introspective. And it is. With the bouncy beats and story-telling lyrics of the title track, "All About Chemistry," the party-like scenario of "Get A Grip," the desire of "One True Love" (co-written with Carole King), the bizarre, yet-classic-sounding "She’s Got My Number," and the heartbreaking piano ballad "Act Naturally," the album is definitely a departure from their previous release. The album, is indeed, a showcase for the group’s talent, vision and creativity. Yes, it’s all about chemistry.