POP/ROCK
Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles, "Heart Songs" (Thirty Tigers)
For decades, acoustic guitar virtuosos Emmanuel and Knowles have dazzled with their skills, from intricate runs to coaxing unexpected sounds from their instruments. On their new instrumental album, though, the focus is on the melodies of the songs they have chosen and the gorgeous arrangements they have crafted to carry out these classics with just their two guitars.
Though "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Somewhere" have been tackled by countless artists in a wide variety of styles, they offer their own twist, as Emmanuel approaches the melodies on his guitar like a singer. On their lovely version of Billy Joel's "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)," they cleverly start with a bit of acoustic flourish before the melody begins in earnest, as if to symbolize the calm that comes with a lullaby. The first single is a sweet cover of the Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love," where Knowles' countermelody is as important as the lead that Emmanuel delivers with a mix of finesse and emotion.
With its simple, poignant style, "Heart Songs" offers a sweet, melody-driven oasis in the pounding pop world.
The duo will perform at the Dakota in Minneapolis on Jan. 25-26.
Glenn Gamboa, Newsday
R&B
The-Dream, "Ménage à Trois Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3" (Radio Killa)
"We don't need no bridge for this song," The-Dream, aka Terius Nash, sings toward the end of "You and I," from his first new release in half a decade. But, oh, yes, he does. Sly callback as it is to the "I don't need no hook" cruise control of his first single, "Shawty Is the S-!" in 2007, he could also generate hooks in his sleep in the year that he co-owned both Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and Rihanna's "Umbrella." But these songs cry out for shaping.
