MAMBA SPINS

21ST CENTURY BREAKDOWN – GREEN DAY

Marketed and distributed by Warner Music Gallo Africa

It’s been one of the most anticipated albums of the year, and Green Day doesn’t disappoint with 21st Century Breakdown. Continuing with the political commentary launched with American Idiot, the band remains critical of American culture, dishing out social and political commentary in a way that’s not necessarily provocative, but thought-provoking. Where American Idiot delivered in short bursts of punk brilliance, 21st Century Breakdown is even more ambitious, with relevant and magnificent lyrics and fantastic instrumentation. Green Day questions and criticises the Christian religion the American administration bases its decisions on, not merely dismissing faith for the hell of it, but pulling American Christian fundamentalists into the spotlight and demanding answers as to whether their propaganda is really Christ-centred, or just an excuse to eliminate what doesn’t fit their mould. The songs vary from slower introspective tracks (Last Night On Earth, Last of The American Girls, Restless Heart Syndrome, first single 21 Guns) to thumping punk masterpieces that incite and provoke in their execution (Know Your Enemy, Viva La Gloria, Before The Lobotomy, Christian’s Inferno, Peacemake, Horseshoes and Handgrenades). As a whole, 21st Century Breakdown delivers on its promises, not only entertaining throughout all 18 tracks, but subtly forcing you to sit up and listen. Its theme may fit in with American Idiot, but it’s generally more mature in its punk ideals. 21st Century Breakdown is one of 2009’s best.

LOVE & WAR – DANIEL MERRIWEATHER

Marketed and distributed by Sony Music SA

You may remember Daniel Merriweather from his collaboration with Mark Ronson last year, Stop Me. It was a song that catapulted (okay, maybe not quite catapulted) him from his native Australia into the musical spotlight as one of the more original and inspiring modern soul singers. Forget tagging him with that passé retro-label; this is music from the soul, with polished execution and even more polished production from Mark Ronson. As soon as opener For Your Money kicks in, you realise this is a very special record. Merriweather’s vocals haunt as he delivers a tale of inner-city life, set in New York. A simplistic yet beautiful piano melody glides while drums tremble the heart; and the standard is set very high. The hypnotic beats of Impossible then emerge as Merriweather’s vocal acrobatics create a thoroughly old school, Motown vibe. Next up is Change, with its contagious ‘la-la-la-las’, sing-song delivery and slick raps from Wale (who many believe is also set to become one of the ‘next big things’). Chainsaw again harks back to the Motown era as Merriweather questions his destructive love life. Meanwhile, gleaming, folk-infused ballad Red, featuring Sean Lennon on guitar, shows off Merriweather’s diversity. It’s undoubtedly my favourite song on the album. It is music that is inoffensive and unobtrusive, never demanding all of your attention, yet stirring you into a reflective mood with its thought-provoking lyrics. James Morrison comparisons abound, but Daniel Merriweather brings something intangibly unique to the party. Love & War is a delightful surprise.

LINES, VINES & TRYING TIMES – JONAS BROTHERS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

The Jonas Brothers certainly seem to be growing up, and it’s showing in their music. The new album is decidedly more mature than their two previous offerings, and there’s pleasantly little teenie-bopper schmaltz included. Lines, Vines and Trying Times may just be their best album yet.

MY ONE AND ONLY THRILL – MELODY GARDOT

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Compared to her debut, Melody Gardot’s new album shows subtle progressions, but what impresses most is how thoroughly consistent My One and Only Thrill is; offering another collection that is as enchanting in its sound as it is in its substance. Watch out, Diana Krall…

LA ROUX – LA ROUX

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Described by NME as the final word in the synth-pop generation, La Roux is certainly creating a stir in the world of music, thanks mainly to the delightfully catchy Bulletproof. Synthesizer beats and melodies abound throughout the album, with Elly’s layered vocals giving some texture to a sound that would otherwise be flat and monotonous. Once the dance gurus get hold of it, I’m positive we’ll be hearing loads more from La Roux.

EPIPHANY – CHRISETTE MICHELE

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

There’s more to Chrisette Michele than her killer dress sense: a sweet voice with seductive depth that’s perfectly suited to the sexily soulful R&B songs on Epiphany. The perfectly polished production work by Ne-Yo & LA Reid makes it rise above the rabble.

WILD YOUNG HEARTS – NOISETTES

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Wild Young Hearts is a fantastic collection of songs that delight with its diversity and energetic disposition. From sweet and slow to fast and funky, Noisettes surprise with every track, thanks in great part to Shingai Shoniwa’s gorgeous Erykah Badu-like vocal style.

ABNORMALLY ATTRACTED TO SIN – TORI AMOS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

On her 12th studio release, Tori Amos finds herself in full command of her expanded arsenal, creating an overall sound that’s as psychedelic as it is classic. Occasionally vague, sometimes lacking cohesion, it’s ultimately another fine example of the shining talent that is Tori Amos.

MOTOWN LOVE – VARIOUS ARTISTS

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

A brilliant three-disc compilation with the best love songs from the Motown era, sung by some of the biggest names in the industry. Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight all make an appearance on this feel-good set.

SHONTELLIGENCE – SHONTELLE

Marketed and distributed by Universal Music SA

Barbados-born Shontelle impresses with her debut release, Shontelligence. T-Shirt was a significant hit, and Stuck With Each Other with Akon seems set to follow in its footsteps. Unlike Rihanna, who’s also from Barbados, Shontelle has a well-developed voice with a significant range. She’s Whitney Houston to Rihanna’s Madonna.

MUSIC FOR MEN – GOSSIP

Marketed and distributed by Sony Music SA

Openly lesbian Beth Ditto’s unique vocals integrate remarkably well into Gossip’s electro-synth pop, creating a co