Bruno Mars "Unorthodox Jukebox"

He might have intended for these songs to be played on an Unorthodox Jukebox, but there are traces of artists who may even be prominent on traditional ones; not just the artists you expect either.  

Neil Young/Crazy Horse "Americana"

In true Young fashion would he label his record Americana, and include old-fashioned R&B as well as livelier, or slightly obscure covers. You may recognize the majority of the titles, but not exactly the sound of these traditional folk and pop standards. I appreciate his approach; some may say it is disrespectful, but credit is given where it is due, and not everyone enjoys another’s point of view.     

Bobby Womack "The Bravest Man in the Universe"

Bobby Womack may just be The Bravest Man in the Universe making a comeback after 18 years; when it comes to an album of all-original material. Sixties’ soul with modern-day touches? Sounds risky.  He has worked with Albarn before, such as on the mystifying stylo. The title track sets the tone for what follows, and what ensues sounds like its’ accompaniment recalls sounds of the Beatles, but if not “Please Forgive My Heart,” and ignore my idiocy. The acoustic “Deep River” may not seem very poignant, but it is a short rush with more meaning than one can assume. The female vocalist of the past year, who sounds like she originated in the wrong decade, assists Womack in some “Dayglo Reflection.”                                                      The next cut sounds like pure magic, but at the same time reminds me of bands like REO and Styx (among others); it causes me to ask “What Happened To The Times” when music like that was being made? There is still great music among us! It may take a little bit more effort, or might be right in front of you, but you must be willing to listen with an open mind! Russel’s previous producer gig with Gil-Scot Heron led to what may be a “Stupid Introlude” to the next cut, but in those 21 seconds all your attention is focused on some of his last words, and they’re not basic. This may be a “Stupid” comparison, but I think of Stevie Wonder when he was looking for higher ground; it could have been simply the first line, but there are absolute differences (from the vocals to the percussion). The production of “If There Wasn’t Something There” could have even been an upcoming Timbaland track. The duet with Fatoumata Diawara is both a lesson and a blessing, or maybe that is just who the song is directed towards. The final song’s bloopy production and chugging beat is married to a melody over 170 years old! “Jubilee (Don’t Let No One Turn You Around)” turn you around, turn you around, don’t let no one turn… angsty, not profound?

Wiz Khalifa "O.N.I.F.C."

He’s still a Wiz, but now he seems more focused on “The Plan.” Just what is the plan? To become the O.N.I.F.C , and maybe even assist his pockets in gaining a lot of muscle. The verses can become tedious because of the sole ambition to stack cheese on cheese, and smoke some weed; some can say that it will only make the music suffer, but there’s more than meets the ears and more than that to offer. There are a lot of hooks, and beats that may cause you to “Fall Asleep,” but not because they lack solid songcraft; it is just the state they sometimes bring you to.  They might even be the saving grace; the formula causes this record to be very cohesive. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “Intro” was produced in a Dream he might have had, while it seques nicely into a song documenting his “Paperbond.”                                                              While track three seemed to be more about braggin’ while commentary arose on rivals “Bluffin,” I had to say that the outro took me by surprise. To top it off, he even faces “The Bluff,” but one good line is never enough (“Now point that camera at my pockets cause they saying ‘cheese," and there’s more, not just one, so roll those eyes at my fun; yes, it’s lame, and I know I’m done).                                                                                                      The first single is also his motto, and he makes more in a day then he would, by chance, in a lotto. “Make sure you do whatever is that you gotta do, that's your job/And n***** gon' hate, but that's no prob'/So hey f*** 'em, don't need nothing from 'em/Some n***** talking but the s*** they claiming don't mean nothing.” Well said Wiz. Another one of the best songs “Got Everything” I need, and he doesn’t even waste one line about weed. Courtney Noelle handles singing the infectious chorus well, and it’s absolutely about Amber Rose (I can tell). Success not only brings out the fakes, and the bluffs, but those who hate them for having all that stuff; “Cause jealousy and envy that's a trait for mostly b******/Not a man, so, you ain't one if you letting it show.”  The track featuring the line, and song four urge you to “Rise Above” the haters, and the negativity? “Let it Go.” I favor the latter because it is more relatable to myself; I don’t have that much cash, but that doesn’t mean I hate.                                                                                                                   As for some of the features? I skipped the 2 Chainz cut like “It’s Nothin,” and I have much respect for what he achieved in his life so far; I’m not just talking music. Lola Monroe is part of the Taylor “Initiation,” and is accepted, for her Minaj impersonation. The last verse features a phone message from Amber Rose, and while the song that follows is not a feature; it is one of the best sex anthems (or slow jams) to get “Up In It.” Juicy J wowed enough to be featured on, not one, but two. The catchiest collab is hard to forget, much easier to “Remember You.” The latter is about giving a groupie a chance to audition for a dream “job,” or one night stand; it all depends on how she works it. Best: Let It Go, Work Hard, Play Hard,  Got Everything, Fall Asleep, Time, Up In It, The Plan, Remember You, and Medicated.