The Ugly: Lady Gaga "The Fame Monster"

Lady Gaga has people of all ages getting up out of their seats. Her music is fresh and full of "dance-to" beats. Lady Gaga's number one hit "Just Dance" was a huge success. It has a catchy tempo that makes you want to sing along and... well, just dance. Her voice is stunning and she knows how to use it. But what is with her style? I guess I will give her credit for being unique, which separates her from the rest.

The title of her album, "The Fame Monster" says it all. Off the stage her style is natural and normal. On the stage she creates an ensemble of costumes that are hideous but are an essential component to the success of her performances. Lady Gaga brings a new name to the music industry, which was much needed. Her performances are definitely unusual and bizarre, but because it grabs everyone's attention and all eyes are on her, it works. Her passion for fashion brings everything together and is the definition of performance art. Her image is so strong that it tells a story and makes fans want to come back for more. It is said that she is inspired by glam rockers and pop singers, such as Queen and Madonna. And she does a fantastic job incorporating the two.





Despite the Hollywood gossip regarding Lady Gaga being a hermaphrodite, she doesn't let it affect who she is. Say what you will about her, but she never does a half-ass job of anything. I give Lady Gaga a 6 out of 10.

The Bad: Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

I'm pretty sure Amy Winehouse created this album while still being drunk in rehab. Back to Black is Amy's second studio album released in 2006. I'm not sure how, but Amy won 5 awards at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. Tying for the most ever one in a single award ceremony by a female artist. Don't get me wrong, her voice is incredible. But i'm struggling to understand how people can still listen to her music after seeing her perform. The artist as a whole is what makes music. Not just their voice. Being able to carry yourself and perform is what makes an artist. Something Amy lacks.



In Amy Winehouse's new single "You know I'm no good," she states "I told you I was trouble." Fair enough. If people can look past her lack of public morality, then so be it. But I personally think it's disgusting and makes me not want to listen to her music. Her never should have made it hit single "Rehab" was unfortunately a success. The song began, "they tried to make me go to rehab but i said no, no, no." The song was funky and catchy. That's it. Because the song has a jazz feeling to it, Amy is considered a "soul singer." I beg to differ. The only thing i see remotely related to "soul singing" is her voice being vocally explosive.

I give Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" a 4 out of 10.

The Good: Jay-Z "The Blueprint 3"

The Blueprint (2001), pretty good. The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002), not so good. The Blueprint 3 (2009), most played album on my iPod. Whoever said sequels can't make it back to the top of the charts was proved wrong. Jay-Z made a successful comeback with The Blueprint 3 after trying too hard with The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse album, which might i add never made the listings in 2002. There really must have been a curse. After being hyped up with the success of his sixth album release The Blueprint, Jay-Z was anxious and quick to release a sequel, which turned out to be a huge disappointment. By taking some time off, Jay-Z was able to hit it hard and make his way back to the top with The Black Album in 2003 and Kingdom Come in 2006.

The Blueprint 3 is the eleventh studio album by Jay-Z, released in Septemeber 2009. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album charts, selling over 476,000 albums in the first week. Rappers Drake and Kid cudi, and singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna made guest appearances on the official tracklist. The song "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys was not only the best single on the album but also made over 15 million views on YouTube (click the link to the right to watch the video via YouTube). It's a must see.



The song reflects Jay-Z and Keys's native New York City lives. They performed the song at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards and in Yankee Stadium before game 2 of the 2009 World Series. Jay-Z commented that "I make the Yankee hat more famous than the Yankee game." Agreed!! The song was a major hit that made everyone want to drop what they were doing, throw on some all black and a Yankee hat, and hit the dance floor. This is the song that Jay-Z needed to make his return to the top.



Jay-Z made a thriving return with The Blueprint sequel after taking a few years off. All it took was a little time. I give the album an 8 out of 10 and two thumbs up.