Jennifer Russo

I have always been an Avril fan; I think her sound is refreshing and she came out with her grungy pop sound at just the right time when I was feeling particularly angsty over some things in my life and simply related. This beautiful and talented girl has never stopped, and now with the release of her sixth studio album, she continues on her trajectory to the top.

In late 2014, Avril was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, after fighting with the illness for some time before the doctors figured out what was wrong. Diagnosed with Lyme that same summer, I can vouch that the disease is debilitating. Having barely gotten through that year before diagnosis and medication myself, I can’t imagine touring and performing feeling the way she did. Head Above Wsater is the story of her struggle and overcoming this horrible fight.

The title track, “Head Above Water”, speaks to this experience in a very real and beautiful way: just wanting to live another day and feel like yourself again and, in her case, using music as a healing tool and asking for spiritual assistance to get through. I also really like the song “Souvenir”, a cute love song that is well-written, radio-worthy and leans more toward the pop genre.

I really love “Birdie”, an anthem of freedom that speaks to breaking out of the cage and leaving behind anyone who would hold her back from her passions and potential. The song explores her full range and has a really catchy hook. My favorite track on the album, though, is “Warrior”, which starts by saying, “I’ll pick my battles cause I know I’m gonna win the war.” The song is hugely encouraging for anyone who may be struggling with illness, depression, addiction, or any other personal battle in their life.

Though the album has received some tough criticism, I applaud her for it. I think she unveils a new layer of maturity in this one and we see more of who she actually is. There is an identity here that was found through struggle, and this shines through.

There is no word of a tour just yet, but keep checking Avril’s official website at avrillavigne.com

Chaka Khan/Hello Happiness

Mike Wood

The Queen of Funk earned her title for good reason. While it’s been 12 years since her last album, the grooves and beats are back in full effect for Khan’s 22nd album, Hello Happiness. Its titular song is a groovy, feel-good, infectious ditty about the sheer power of music (“Music makes me say/Goodbye sadness/Hello happiness”). The signature song practically dares you not to jam. Setting the tone for all the songs to follow, the signature song is contemporary and cutting-edge-cool; but it’s also reminiscent of the best disco, funk, and R&B of the 70s and early 80s. All in all, the album is simply a good time whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a newcomer being introduced to Chaka Khan for the first time.

Khan can sing in multiple genres: R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, jazz…and we get samples of most of these styles here. What we’re privy to is a balance of ‘70s disco mixed with modern funk and her soulful, sultry sound — although Khan’s voice is often swapped out for an album dominated by its beats. Because it’s so groove-heavy, Hello Happiness sometimes leads a listener to believe it gives too little for Khan to do, and with only seven songs and a play time of just under 30 minutes, it’s not nearly enough to sate a diehard’s thirst. But, after nearly four decades in music, we’ll take what we can get. Hello Happiness is an album of celebration that proves Chaka Khan is at the top of her game.

For more info, please visit chakakhan.com

Lauren Ruth Ward/Well, Hell

Jason Savio

With an attention-grabbing voice and a lyrical tenacity to match it, Lauren Ruth Ward is both familiar and different at the same time. On Well, Hell, Ward tests boundaries with songs that will creep under your skin and stay there.

Ward’s solid backing band, including co-writer and guitarist Eduardo Rivera, delivers a mix of songs that is one-part modern indie rock and two parts psychedelic rock, harkening back to the genre’s 60s heyday. But the kicker is that it doesn’t sound dated; instead, it feels like a resurgence, like we’re hearing it for the first time. A lot of that has to do with Ward’s unique and memorable vocal performance. She is seductive and haunting, with just the perfect amount of sass to match her unpredictable voice stylings. In “Staff Only”, she sings, “Go on and treat me bad” over a hypnotic, melting surf, before adding “You want to throw a punch? Well, I can take a punch.” She often will set you up just to knock you back down in your place, and it fits the change of pace and tempo in the record perfectly.

Simply put, Ward keeps you on edge throughout Well, Hell. “Blue Collar Sex Kitten,” a stop-and-go rock number fit for its title, features heavy guitar fuzz and tumbling drums that fall into a murky abyss of echoing vocals and midnight drones. A build up that explodes into an explosive climax follows, making you want to listen to it again.

What exactly are we hearing on Well, Hell? It sounds an awful lot like musicians making love to their music: the most carefree and honest type of song you can ask for.

For more, visit: laurenruthwardmusic.com/