Mika adds some pep to your step

Mika
“The Origin of Love”
(Universal)

The British pop singer/songwriter’s newly released third album titled “The Origin of Love,” although more basic than his previous albums, is an upbeat electronic dance record that keeps with the signature enthusiastic, electro pop-like sound that we come to expect from Mika. The title track “Celebrate” featuring Pharrell Williams hints at an ’80s punk rock/too-cool-for-school feel with an electro twist. Although this may not be the song that gets you pumped up on the dance floor, it does keep your head bobbing and foot tapping.

The majority of the songs on this album, with the combination of Mika’s vocal serenity and modern club-like beats, keeps you in a trance-like state of mind. Mika also displays his witty sense of humor with songs like “Love You When I’m Drunk,” where the chorus is just that: “I only love you when I’m drunk.” However controversial the underlying premise that these lyrics convey may be, the quick tempo and his exaggerated, high-pitched voice while yelling out the chorus is bound to make you laugh.

(juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)


‘No Doubt’ brings back playful rock

No Doubt
“Push and Shove”
(Interscope)

No Doubt fans have been waiting anxiously for the band’s sixth album for the past 11 years. In the decade after releasing “Rock Steady,” the four members have toured together, started families (separately) and pursued a few solo projects.

From the first listen one can tell it was worth the wait. “Push and Shove” returns to the group’s style of ska mixed with dancehall, electro pop and a pinch of magic, expertly dished out by producer Spike Stent. The resulting 11-track album doesn’t sound a day over 1995’s “Tragic Kingdom,” but that doesn’t make it dated. It’s that rare breed of record that carries the musicians’ touch wherever on the timeline.

No Doubt songs have a way of letting you know they’re not anyone else’s. Despite misleading beginning notes such as the light pop touch synth on “Easy” or the exotic violins of “Push and Shove” and the straight rock of “Uncover,” they all evolve into the No Doubt sound sooner or later, the type of playful rock that lulls you in with its genuine joie de vivre and lack of artifice.

Gwen Stefani, who has carved a successful career as a solo artist and fashion designer during the band’s hiatus, radiates energy and reminds us why she is the ultimate rock chick.

The lyrics of Stefani and Tony Kanal remain in the realm of the romantic, of the mundane insecurities of long-term relationships without losing the poetic edge: “Just like Venus and the morning sun/You and me got gravity.”

(AP)


Mumford & Sons bring on beautiful grit

Mumford & Sons
“Babel”
(Glassnote Records)

Mumford & Sons’ sophomore release is epic for a number of reasons: the gripping emotion, vulnerability, dark moments, the banjo -- all elements for a great musical composition. And then there is Marcus Mumford’s voice.

The songs on “Babel” are anchored by his powerful tone, which is beautifully gritty and gravely, and downright commanding. He’s got one of the best voices of our time.

On “I Will Wait,” Mumford proclaims: “But I’ll kneel down, wait for now, and I’ll kneel down, know my ground.” And on the closing track, “Not With Haste,” he sings: “And I was broke, I was on my knees, you said ‘yes’ as I said ‘please.’”

The album explores the many facets of a relationship with deep, touching lyrics that don’t sound cheesy, making for a collection of songs that feel honest and heartfelt. (Some of the songs could very well be about Mumford’s wife, Oscar-nominated actress Carey Mulligan.)

But Mumford isn’t the album’s only star. When the foursome harmonizes on songs such as “Ghosts That We Knew” and “Below My Feet,” it brings on the chills. Another star is Markus Dravs, who produced the new record as well as the band’s 2009 double platinum debut, “Sigh No More,” and Arcade Fire’s Grammy-winning “The Suburbs.”

“Babel,” with its indie folk-rock swag, is one of the year’s bests.

(AP)