Keeping the flag flying

The two artists today have carved niches in their respective genres, and these new albums showcase why they’re suited to be at their genres’ vanguard. For Ellie Goulding, it’s cerebral, intelligent pop with an indie, poetic feel; while old hand Ne-Yo has always been about R&B, with a nod to slow burn, confessional tunes.

Ellie Goulding — Halcyon (Polydor/Universal). I’ve been a follower of Ellie's music since her debut album, folksy pop with an intelligent ear for production. With this sophomore effort, Ellie lets production take a stronger part of her musical process, with her voice becoming more “part of the texture,” her wall of sound. While artists may hate the comparisons, I would situate Ellie’s music in between Adele and Florence. Anything Could Happen, I Need Your Love (a Calvin Harris tune), the title track, the fragile beauty of Joy, there’s much to choose from on this CD. With a voice on the high soprano side, very different from Adele’s, Ellie has her own distinct voice and music.

Ne-Yo — R.E.D. (Motown/Universal). Humility has never been Ne-Yo’s forte, and even on the opener, Cracks in Mr. Perfect, it’s funny to note that while he does refer to cracks, let’s not forget that he’s calling himself Mr. Perfect in the first place. Not to be mistaken with Taylor Swift’s new album that’s also titled Red, this one refers to Realizing Every Dream. Harris is here again, on the track Let’s Go. Let Me Love You, Miss Right and Jealous are the cuts I immediately liked best. If there’s a downside to this CD, it may be that there are too many ballads, and slow raps; more upbeat tunes could have helped the mix and appeal of this CD.