ALBUM
T.I., "Paperwork" (Grand Hustle/ Columbia)
The Atlanta rapper and reality-show star has produced nothing but three-star albums. His low Southern slur and compelling production have helped make him the self-proclaimed King of the South. But consistency, when it becomes sameness, can also threaten a career. So with "Paperwork," T.I. shakes things up, offering a vaguely conceptual album and an intoxicating set of noises and vocal tones. His themes and poetry haven't changed (although "New National Anthem" touches on gun control), but the actor within has opened T.I. to different voices. On "About That Money," he sounds like a Kraftwerk bug. During "Jet Fuel," he adopts a higher pitch and sloppier delivery. He has never sounded sexier or more dangerous than he does in "At Ya Own Risk."
A.D. amorosi, Philadelphia Inquirer
streaming audio
"Hollywood High," the Pagans' first album in 25 years, is classic 1970s punk, inspired by the woman who starred in the band's video nearly 40 years ago. tinyurl.com/q79v8av
Coming Tuesday: Read a review of Garth Brooks' new album in the Variety section.
