[rating=5]
66:35 min • Parkwood / Columbia • December 13, 2013
The surprise release from Beyoncé is probably the first time in her career that she can truly be seen as an artist. Not commercial but a soul opus.

“Beyoncé raps and purrs, and whilst her voice is in solid shape, there’s little of the vocal gymnastics we’ve come to expect from her. This album is not about booty shaking, getting to number one and showing off her vocal range. This album is about the music and the artistry.”

[rating=5]
Released March 15, 2013
Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience is, finds Little Bastard, a sonic thrill with a relatively uncommercial soundscape.

“The 20/20 Experience is probably one of the most impeccably produced albums I have ever heard. It’s not just slick, it’s intricate and beautiful, with a layer of soul that, if you scratch the surface of each song, bleeds through.”

[rating=4]
Released September 14, 2012, Mosley / Interscope

Nelly Furtado is more herself on The Spirit Indestructible and is well matched working with R’n’B legend Rodney Jerkins.

“Working with Rodney Jerkins was a smart move, as he’s allowed her songs to flourish without being drowned in style. He’s also musically innovative enough to cope with Nelly’s quirky and alternative writing style.”