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Alicia Keys, “As I Am” (RCA)
Keys’ soul-infused third album stretches its arms toward Motown and big-band, with songwriting assistance from hitmaker Linda Perry and heartthrob John Mayer.
Celine Dion, “Taking Chances” (Sony)
This prolific, polarizing vocalist returns with her first proper album in five years, following the end of her extended stint at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, it cribs moves from every ofthe-moment artist out there in a weird attempt at an image makeover.
Duran Duran, “Red Carpet Massacre” (Epic)
What does a group of aging, ’80s-bred synth-rockers sound like with a dance-pop twist and producers Danjahandz and Timbaland at the helm? Not too shabby, as it turns out. John Wenzel
