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Jamie Foxx f/Ludacris
Unpredictable
J Records
It's difficult to take Jamie Foxx seriously as a singer. He reminds me of Eddie Murphy when he tried to be a singer. The image
of Foxx's cut-ups on his own show and antics when he was on "In Living Color" are difficult to erase, even though
his recent film roles have been non-comedic. And to be real, Foxx has yet to have a hit on his own. The last track was with
Kanye West and this one is with Ludacris. However, this cut does add to his growing credibility. The languid beat, the popping
percussion and the crowd noise in the background give "Unpredictable" an old school party vibe, while his vocals
are pretty steady throughout. There's a point he stretches into the upper octaves and maintains pitch. That's a plus and says
that perhaps this time out he is taking a recording career quite serious. Then Ludacris enters without being too pervasive
or raucous. I would have liked to see Foxx bring out the hook a bit more, but "Unpredictable" is certainly entertaining
and will earn its share of callers. The track glides along at a pleasant pace and is definitely soulful, so it probably is
going to see play on urban and the hot urban AC formats.
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Anita Baker
Christmas Fantasy
EMI
Yea, yea, it's that time of year, when programmers need to think about adding holiday music. While the standards are always
attractive, radio always seems to find new tracks that can be added, too. I'm not sure what EMI is going for with Anita Baker's
"Christmas Fantasy," but she offers quite a variety on the nine-track CD. "Frosty's Rag" has a ragtime
feel with the clarinet holding the melody, perhaps something for smooth jazz. I suspect urban AC and smooth jazz will love
her rendition of "Christmas Time Is Here" with its sweet flow and images of holiday standards, such as snowflakes
and smiling faces bearing cheer. Undoubtedly, however, the track that will garner air play is "I'll Be Home For Christmas."
It's airy, midtempo and simply format friendly for urban AC. Baker also offers "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "O
Come All Ye Faithful" and "My Favorite Things," among a few other less prevalent tracks.
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