On it was revealed so far Sparks had recorded 30 songs for the album but would select songs that fit well with the first single "Battlefield" since that was now also the name for the album. Writing for the album began in the middle of 2008. On the new album Sparks took her time meaning that not only could she write some of the songs but also had time to make the sound more mature or reject records which she felt unhappy with. Her debut had been recorded in approximately 20 days due to the huge appetite that fans had for her music. Sparks spoke to Billboard magazine about how the recording process was much different to that of her previous album. "To me, the title 'Battlefield' is about strength and perseverance, things can go from good to bad in an instant, it could be family, friendship or work and my favorite line in the song is, 'you better go and get your armor,' because it's telling you to be prepared for that time so that you can overcome it." Then it was announced through the official press release that the album would be named Battlefield, after the first single, because it was central to the themes and other recordings for the album. Sparks confirmed in several interviews that the album would take the themes from the first single, " Battlefield". The album sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. Upon its release, Battlefield received mixed reviews from music critics, most of whom complimented the production and Sparks' vocal performance, but criticized its lack of originality in terms of pop music.
(Let the Music Play)" (which contains a sample from Shannon's 1983 single " Let the Music Play") was released as the second single from Battlefield in August 2009, followed by " Don't Let It Go to Your Head" (a cover version of Fefe Dobson's song of the same name) as the third single in January 2010. The title track was released as the lead single from the album in May 2009, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The album debuted at number 7 in the United States, number 11 in the UK, number 34 in Australia and top 20 in many territories.Ĭontributions to the album's production came from a variety of producers, including Harvey Mason, Jr., Claude Kelly, Ryan Tedder, Dr. But his distinctive style is what makes him stand out.ĬHECK THIS OUT: Put on the cool “Nefertiti/Center of the Universe,” DeBarge’s pledge to his queen-to-be.Battlefield is the second studio album by American singer Jordin Sparks, first released on Jthrough Jive Records and 19 Recordings. Lyrically, nothing is particularly noteworthy about the singer’s content - it’s clear his addiction is loving women - whether it’s his own lady or someone else’s (check out “Tell Ur Man” featuring Joe). The album explores many sounds - there are elements of R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz and spoken word. His biggest hit was arguably 1997’s “No Guarantees,” and that came after time behind bars and a drug addiction slowed his career.īut the 39-year-old singer is a talent that deserves a spotlight, and his latest CD, “Addiction,” might get you hooked on this underrated performer.ĭeBarge’s sixth album is a collection of cool jams that play smooth on a summer day. OLP’s lighter touch can be found on the acoustic “Signs of Life” and versatile disc closer “Paper Moon,” one of the finest tracks they’ve laid down.ĬHECK THIS TRACK OUT: “Monkey Brains” is a manic blast of energy that features a - dare I say it - Steve Harris-influenced effort by bassist Duncan Coutts.Īlthough he comes from the famous DeBarge singing clan, Chico DeBarge’s chart success has been nominal. Often praised for their energetic live show, OLP keeps the anthemic tracks flowing with “The End Is Where We Begin,” “Escape Artist,” “Refuge” and the blistering “White Flags.” They kick off with the single “All You Did Was Save My Life,” a straightforward radio rocker with a soaring chorus, before sliding into the hope-filled “Dreamland.” Guitarist Steve Mazur offers plenty of fine lead work throughout. Lead singer Raine Maida sounds more mature than ever - mostly forsaking his once eye-popping falsetto - and brings a poetic touch to his tales of everyday struggle and hope.
That may not change too much with “Burn Burn,” but the band’s first disc since 2005’s “Healthy in Paranoid Times” is a nice return to the soaring rock they made their name on.
The Toronto four-piece made a splash south of the border in the 1990s with their first two efforts - 1994’s “Naveed” and 1997’s “Clumsy” - but since have fallen into relative obscurity in the States. Review: Jordin Sparks’ ‘Battlefield’ is tough to conquer – East Bay Times
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