More girl power from the charts

Bangerz by Miley Cyrus. It is just too bad that Miley Cyrus’ sexually provocative antics are what people remember most about the release of her latest album Bangerz. Just in case you have forgotten, these were the twerking duet with Robin Thicke at the American Music Awards, her nude self wielding a sledge hammer in the Wrecking Ball video and her largely abbreviated, nearly naked, new wardrobe. Without those, I am sure that Disney’s former Hannah Montana would have been hailed as an artist of extraordinary depth and musicality for her work on Bangerz.

Made up entirely of new originals, most of them co- written by Miley, Bangerz is a tight, exciting collection of pop rock, hip-hop and dance tunes with Miley’s strong, distinctive vocals at its very best. I do not know what Miley’s original plan for her album was. From what I have read and heard though, the contents were inspired by her traumatic break-up with Liam Hemsworth. I do not know if inspired, is the right word to use in this case, but right or not, I say, this is a great way to get over a guy. Make money out of the heartbreak. Cry all the way to the bank. And Miley is crying and making lots.

The singles Wrecking Ball and We Can’t Stop are the great buys. Also interesting are the star collabs, SMS (Bangerz) featuring Britney Spears, 4X4 feat. Nelly, My Darlin’ feat. Future, Love Money Party feat. Big Sean and FU feat. French Montana. Be warned about the language though. Miley’s mouth gets really dirty here. If you have kids who are Hannah Montana fans, I would advise you to get the clean version of the album. Also included are Adore You, Getitright, Drive, Do My Thang, Maybe You’re Right and Someone Else. The deluxe edition includes the extra cuts Rooting For My Baby, On My Own and Hands In The Air feat. Ludacris.

Britney Jean by Britney Spears. For a preview of what happens to Disney princesses when they grow up and get their hearts broken, Miley can take a cue from one of the biggest of them all, Britney Spears. It was rough going for Britney for several years, remember Justin Timberlake broke her heart. But it looks like she has now matured and is more settled. Remember all those problems and controversies, marriages, divorces, custody battles, head shaving, etc. Now 32 years old and a long way from Baby One More Time, Britney has a new album produced by will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas titled Britney Jean and is headlining a big show in Las Vegas.

Surely her best and most matured to date, Britney Jean is electronic dance music mixed smoothly with up-tempo ballads. The production is sleek and sophisticated, better suited to a pop diva now in control of her music than to the teenager dishing out bubble-gum pop from years ago. Instant standouts are the vastly appealing dance tracks that show really good work by will.i.am. Alien, Tik Tik Boom feat. T.I., Body Ache and Til It’s Gone.

The ballads also work very well with Britney’s vocals at its most natural. Thank heavens, somebody decided to tone down the autotune. Though no power singer, Britney can sing and she shows off her voice and sensitivity in cuts like Perfume and Don’t Cry. Also included are Work B**ch, It Should Be Easy feat. will.i.am, Passenger and Chillin’ With You feat. Jamie Lynn (her younger sister). And because what is available here is the deluxe edition, there are four extra tracks, Brightest Morning Star, Hold On Tite, Now That I Found You and The Dreaming Mix of Perfume.

The Truth About Love Tour by Pink live from Melbourne. And what would girl power be without Pink who is today’s most successful female rocker. I cannot think of any time when Pink shaved her head or went around in her undies but Pink is big and must be on this list. And the concert video is one that should be seen by everybody. Other female performers who rely a great deal on theatrics and special effects had better update their acts if they want to stay in top form after people have seen this mind-blowing show. It has theatrics, pyrotechnics and other effects. Pink is in her spellbinding acrobatics mode, in great vocal form and is performing all her hit songs.

 Raise Your Glass, Try, F**kin Perfect, So What and that tune you hear everywhere but cannot seem to get tired of, Just Give Me A Reason feat. Nate Ruess of fun. are all here, plus Walk Of Shame, Just Like A Pill, U + Ur Hand, Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely), Wicked Game, Trouble, Are We All We Are, How Come You’re Not Here, Saber, The Great Escape, Who Knew, Time After Time, Can’t Take Me Home Medley, Slut Like You, Blow Me and One Last Kiss.

One more thing, watch this and I am sure you will also be astounded by the excellent photography, editing and fantastic sound of Pink’s The Truth About Love Tour.