Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: Justice, Wale, Florence and the Machine & More

Album reviews in 30 seconds or less.

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Nov. 9, 2011

Ambition

(Maybach/Warner Brothers)

Sounds Like: One of the biggest disappointments of my adult life—D.C.’s Wale—turns in an ill-conceived, poorly-executed sophomore hip-hop album with no discernible hits.

Free Association: Virtually devoid of the joy, spirit and musical diversity of his debut.

For Fans Of: D.C.? Meek Mill x Rick Ross, Lupe + weak Young Chris, monotone rap.

Jane’s Addiction

The Great Escape Artist

(Capitol)

Sounds Like: Well, well, the reunion happy band that started more than 25 years ago last put out a crap LP in 2003. It took eight years and TV On the Radio’s Dave Sitek to do it again.

Free Association: It’s like a supergroup made of supergroups on an assignment.

For Fans Of: Lu Lu x Velvet Revolver, Audioslave, Supernova (that band ROCKS).

Florence + the Machine

Ceremonials

(Universal)

Sounds Like: The South London wailer’s got some soul, and on her second, much-anticipated LP she nails it with a smart producer, huge choir and listenable melodrama.

Free Association: Her debut got played out and this one will too—dig it while you can.

For Fans Of: KateBushAmyWinehouseLilyAllenDuffyAdele, pop and rock.

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