Disc check

Long and winding

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is back with her latest album called Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The first thing you must know about the album is that it is quite a long album with 19 tracks in all. Secondly, the album is literally cut up into two different parts. While the first half makes use of Minaj's rap-power, the latter half is a curious mix of dance and pop songs that are a little difficult to digest at first listen. So different are the two parts of the album that it is literally impossible to distinguish between the swearing and double ententre lyrics on songs like Come on a cone and Sex in the lounge and the Madonna meets Rihanna numbers like Beautiful sinner, Fire burns and Stupid hoe in the latter half. The album opens with Roman holiday, the song Minaj performed at the Grammy Awards earlier this year. It is a sedate start compared to the songs that appear next before changing direction. Overall, the album is a mixed bag and is likely to polarise listeners. But the biggest problem with it is that Minaj is unable to carry her music and voice through the 19 tracks. There are high and low points throughout with standout tracks like Starships, Marilyn Monroe and Beez in the trap appearing at random intervals in an album that has more disappointments than hits.

Impressive debut

Battleground, The Wanted

Make no mistake about it. The Wanted is one of the best emerging pop rock bands out there. Listening to their debut album Battleground is an absolute pleasure. Starting with Glad you came that fuses pop and electro in an addictive hook, the album simply demands that you turn up the volume and hear this five-member British-Irish band. Glad you came is followed by Lightning, Warzone and Invincible that keep up the tempo. Last to know is another stunner that will have you tapping your foot even inside a crowded local. I want it all and The weekend are other standout tracks on The Wanted. Rocket and I'll be your strength are the only disappointing scores. Female fans who have waited for a worthy successor to Backstreet Boys and Westside will find refrain in The Wanted's songs. The lyrics are straight and simple throughout the album and the club friendly tracks find their groove quickly. It is only a matter of time before some of their tracks find their way to your local pub.

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