New CDs in stores today come from an on-the-rise electronic artist, a country superstar and a hard-rock legend.
Imogen Heap, “Speak for Yourself” (Universal). Most listeners were introduced to Imogen Heap via “Let Go,” a song that brought the film “Garden State” to a climactic close. From there, would-be fans migrated to the group Frou Frou and then her solo work. But it’s this CD that shows Heap’s potential – both as a singer and an electronic programmer – here in 2005.
Faith Hill, “Fireflies” (Warner Bros.). Hill is easily one of the biggest stars in country music, and this, her first record in three years, is an excellent example of where the Grammy winner resides as her career deepens.
Alice Cooper, “Dirty Diamonds” (New West). Cooper still has the ridiculous theatrics, copious amounts of fake blood and gobs of eyeliner, but the campy Halloween-rocker doesn’t quite pack the punch he once did. This record isn’t opening up to the best reviews. But Cooper is still touring and recording, and this album even includes his attempts at pseudo-hip-hop and faux-country.
– Ricardo Baca
