Time warp-ing

While a lot of the music today have overt references to music of the past (for example, the dabbling in ’80s electronica), it’s something else when we have the original artists creating fresh music that harkens back to the sound they gained popularity for.

Toni Braxton & Babyface: Love Marriage & Divorce (Motown/UMG Records). The Golden Age of R&B of the ’90s owed much to the hits of Toni Braxton, and the compositions and singing of Babyface, (think of Babyface as the ’90s Pharell Williams). So putting the two back together for a concept album that deals with the arc of a relationship is like entering a time travel capsule, and discovering good music works no matter when it’s created. Loved Sweat, Hurt You, and the three solo songs — all the rest of the tracks are duets. The D Word is a strong closer to the CD. And while some may bicker about how most of the tracks are “slow burn” torch songs and ballads, we have to concede that these are the strength of the two artists, and they know it!

The Fray: Helios (Epic/Sony Records). While 2006 may not be that long ago, there are kids out there who may have never heard of the TV show Grey’s Anatomy; and it was when The Fray’s song How to Save a Life was used on the show that the band really blipped on the music radar. Helios is its fourth studio album, and there’s a much stronger, muscular approach to its music, while still carrying the signature angst-driven Fray sound. The opener Hold My Hand is a comfort zone material, while the singles Love Don’t Die and Hurricane are upbeat rockers. Give It Away and Closer to Me are upbeat paeans that carry strong synth-driven ’80s influences, and they work! Nostalgia with a shot of adrenaline sums up this Fray effort.