Well known in the Afro-Punk community, singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and rapper Santigold (formerly known as Santogold) is back in a big way with her sophomore album Master of My Make-Believe. Already out in the UK, the album will be released in the US May 1st.

Santi came onto the music scene first working as an A&R representative for Epic Records and then moved on to co-write and produce singer Res’ debut album How I Do. She later became the lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed which released two albums Sex Sells (2003) and Burned Again (2005) until she was offered a solo contract by Martin Heath of Lizard King Records.

In 2007, her initial singles “Creator” and “L.ES. Artistes” were released and received attention from the online media  Her album Santogold debuted in 2008 and was critically acclaimed. To learn about Santigold and listen to her music, visit her website, myspace, Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Master of My Make-Believe is organic and intense as it brings a fresh energy and approach with its multi-generic influences, from the reggae fused “Disparate Youth” to the electronica sounds of “Freak Like Me.” The reggae influence is heavily spread throughout the record as most of the album was recorded in Jamaica.

Drums are also featured heavily on the record. On the track “This Isn’t Our Parade” a taiko drum takes center stage and becomes the heart of the song as it booms and flows smoothly along with Santigold’s voice.

Though her style has been compared to that of M.I.A-on her last record Santogold the comparison is somewhat understandable-on this new album there’s no comparison to make, as it is completely gone. Santigold has new sound and her unique voice shines as she holds her own being the only voice on all but one of the tracks. Though Santi shares vocal duties with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O. on the track “Go!,”  Santigold’s voice is front and center.

Besides featuring a remix of “Go!” and “Disparate Youth” on the deluxe CD, Santi divulges a new song entitled “Never Enough.”

The theme of Master of My Make-Believe is all about taking control of your environment, being the ruler of your own reality and Santigold masters that beautifully. Santigold has already begun to embark on another tour. Visit her website to see which city she will be heading to next to attend one of her shows and enjoy her music.

Rating: 5/5

Image Courtesy of   Santigold

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Ever since the debut of her 2007 single, “Bubbly,” 26-year-old Colbie Caillat has identified herself with sunny vibes, laid-back rhythms, and romantic optimism. Born and raised in California, Caillat is an American pop singer-songwriter and guitarist known for pop songs with a surfer feel. This singer is back with her third album, which includes the same style of music she is always known for.

Debuting in July 2007 with Coco, placing at No. 5, she sings with a girl-next-door charm about love, romance, and everyday situations. While it may be easy to dismiss her as a girly-girl, Caillat is a master of tuneful, upbeat pop songs that become stuck in the head for days to come.

Fans are blessed with another album from this singer, All of You, released on July 12, which lives up to the promise of previous releases. The album kicks off with “Brighter Than the Sun,” along with a music video, proving that Caillat is serious about keeping her style the same. Co-written by One Republic’s Ryan Tedder, the song explodes with staccato vocals, rapid guitar strumming, hand-clapping, and a soaring chorus. Put this song on the “must listen” list of summer songs. This track stands out as effervescent, with the choice of clapping for percussion.

“I still incorporate all the styles that I love that were on Breakthrough and Coco, but it’s a new chapter,” Caillat said in a Billboard interview. “I’ve experienced more and I’ve written with new songwriters who are really talented, but it’s still my same music, feel, and sound. The songs are more up-tempo on this record, and it’s like a full-on summer album.”

Her second single, “I Do,” debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100—in February, according to Nielsen SoundScan. “I Do” jumps headfirst into the vivacious happiness of falling in love. Her inspiration for this track came from finding that person who makes you feel like you are ready for the next big step, marriage, and being unafraid to taking that step. The percussion helps set the mood with a sidewalk-skipping beat.

“Dream Life, Life” takes a look into the hopes and dreams of life and wanting to make them turn to reality. In the song, Colbie remains realistic about her wishes: “There’s no more wasting time on what I think I’m supposed to do/ My clock is standing still so I can have my dream life/Life with the ones I love playin’ all day long.”

“What if” and “Favorite Song” featuring Common, stray from Caillat’s usual sound; the former replaces acoustic guitar with electric and the latter has a hip-hop sound. The title track, “All Of You,” preaches accepting everything about your lover — the good, the bad, and the deep secrets. Featuring a mellow guitar line, the lyrics begin to sound almost like an apology.

“All of You” received an average score of 67 at Metacritic, based on five reviews, indicating “generally favorable reviews.” Entertainment Weekly’s Kyle Anderson was positive, saying that the album “proves there’s more to her than a smile and a hair toss.”
“Caillat plays with rhythmic touches (the high-spirited handclaps on “Brighter Than the Sun”) and adds a dollop of country heartbreak to both her voice and her lyrics,” says Anderson.

On the other hand, Sputnikmusic called this album “her inconsistent album, saying that she deserves some credit for trying to shake up a formula that was beginning to get stale, but unfortunately, she falters more often than she succeeds.” Sputnikmusic gave “All of You” a 2.8 out of 5.

Whatever the case may be, “All of You” is another album on the summer hit list. All the songs have a sun-kissed sound of finding summer love with upbeat tempos. So just sit back, drink a nice glass of lemonade, and blast this album and enjoy the rest of the summer sun.

Track List
1. Brighter Than the Sun
2. I Do
3. Before I Let You Go
4. Favorite Song (featuring Common)
5. What If
6. Shadow
7. Think Good Thoughts
8. Like Yesterday
9. All of You
10. Dream Life, Life
11. What Means the Most
12. Make it Rain
13. Stereo
14. Maria

Image of Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/mil8/1776643104/in/photostream/

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