Album Review

Viva La Vida definitely makes some departures from the Cold Play usual formula, which happens to be one of the most commercially successful rock-pop blueprints of recent years. With its soul-searching sentiments and sizzling melody, chugging lead single "Viva La Vida" is the only track that oozes mainstream appeal with its sweeping, gorgeously evocative melody that has landed it at #1 on the Billboard pop charts. Singer Chris Martin, however, has never sounded more confident in his delivery, and the band's playing skills have never been demonstrated so impressively in-studio. These four guys sound truly in-sync, and rather than burying their sound Eno smartly accentuates it, bringing out the essence of the songs.

Beyonce has amazing talent, and an amazing vocal range. One of 2008's most hotly anticipated album releases, I Am..Sasha Fierce marks the artist's first new studio collection since the Grammy-winning multi-platinum-selling B'Day debuted at #1 on charts around the world shortly after its international release on September 4, 2006. With all songs co-written and co-produced by Beyonce, the artist's third studio album is her most personal, reflective and revelatory collection to-date. 11 tracks. It is intended give a glimpse beneath the surface of her usual R&B-pop persona. Featuring recent single “If I Were a Boy", the soaring “Halo", and ballads like “Disappear", and “Ave Maria", it seems her “real" self is way more saccharine than the lady that brought us sassy pop moments like “Crazy in Love" and “Baby Boy". That side of her personality comes rushing back out on Sasha Fierce, a more rousing collection that kicks off with the infectious handclaps of “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", ventures into Euro-dance territory with “Radio", and gets surprisingly risque with the voyeuristic “Video Phone". Which part of the album you enjoy most will depend on your musical proclivities, but the new, bifurcated Beyoncé ensures there's enough diversity to satisfy the most demanding pop aficionado.