Sidetracked

Artist: Kings of Leon
Song: “Sex On Fire”

Kings of Leon continue to further their sound developed on 2006’s Because of the Times, with a new single, “Sex On Fire.” However, this first track off the band’s new album Only By the Night features a more mainstream arena rock sound than anything they’ve ever produced. Vocalist Caleb Followill has expanded his vocal range and become more of a pure singer, but gone is the raw energy that once made the Kings so great.

Grade: C+
by Wes Jakacki

Artist: Lou Reed featuring Antony Hegarty
Song: “Caroline Says Pt. II”

“Caroline Says Pt. II” is the darker, less catchy sister of The Velvet Underground’s track “Stephanie Says.” This rewrite sets a forlorn tone, fit for walking the streets of New York City alone at night. The live track is the first released from a December 2006 performance of the 1973 record Berlin at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn that will serve as the soundtrack for the soon-to-be released documentary “Lou Reed’s Berlin.”  
Grade: B+
by Stefania Marghitu

Artist: T.I. featuring  Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil’  Wayne
Song: “Swagger Like Us”

The newest track leaked from rapper T.I.’s Paper Trail is one of the strongest from the genre since, well, T.I.’s last album. Featured players Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil’  Wayne all deliver strong performances. Hova has the strongest line, “You can pay for school / But you can’t buy class,” but T.I.’s appearance should have been longer. Still, if the whole album is like this, look for it to be one of the best of the year.

Grade: A
by Thomas Wachtel