It's a long long way from Destiny's Child – as Beyonce comes on here with a righteous power she's never had before – much more message-oriented, and with larger agenda than the catchy pop of her youth! The album got quite a buzz before release, and definitely lives up to that promise – certainly darker, and deeper than anything we've heard before from the singer – almost her own move into some of the territory that D'Angelo hit in recent years, although with a more mainstream R&B construction to some of the tunes. The record features guest work from Jack White, Kendrick Lamarr, The Weeknd, and James Blake – but Beyonce is clearly the main focus throughout – on titles that include "Pray You Catch Me", "Daddy Lessons", "Forward", "6 Inch", "Don't Hurt Yourself", "Hold UP", "Freedom", "All Night", and "Formation". Deluxe CD includes a DVD with the Lemonade companion film! CD

One of the standout classics from BB King's legendary run at Kent – a classic album with a cool little cover to boot! Arrangements on the set are by Maxwell Davis – who has this great way of bringing out some of the jazzier currents in BB's music – almost the same Memphis blend that Bobby Blue Bland was using at the time – really showing a new level of sophistication added to the blues! BB's guitar and vocals are wonderful – with this bold, youthful power that's free from any cliche or easy modes – and titles include "Beautician Blues", "The Jungle", "5 Long Years", "Eyesight To The Blind", "Blue Shadows", "The Worst Thing In My Life", "Blues Stay Away", "Got Em Bad", and "It's A Mean World". (Blues, Soul) CD

A sweet snapping groove from War – a set that has the group picking up a bit more boogie in their bounce than before, but at a level that helps keep their funk fresh for a whole new generation! The album's a heck of a lot warmer and more live than most of their contemporaries – and while there's a bit less of the freer moments of their youth, there's still plenty of jazzy touches over the top – and that wonderful trademark blend of Latin elements, jazzy riffing, and captivating chorus vocals! Basslines take on a bit more role than before – but in a good way – and titles include "You Got The Power", "The Jungle", "Just Because", "Outlaw", "I'm About Somebody", and "Cinco De Mayo". LP, Vinyl record album