Our music reviewers are giving us a varied earful—everything from Susan Boyle belting out the classics to Florence + the Machine proving that their style has staying power to the soundtrack from Breaking Dawn Part I, which features tasty tunes from hot acts like Bruno Mars and Belle Brigade. Got some hoops fans in the house? Look no further than NBA 2K12 for the top stars, old and new, and fantastic game-playing features.
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Soundtrack (Atlantic Records)
Whether or not you're a fan of the "Twilight Saga" movies, most listeners agree that the movie soundtracks have been rock solid. Breaking Dawn is definitely no exception. This well-crafted mix of songs reveals the romantic depth of the film. It has an edgier indie vibe that reflects the intensity of Bella and Edward's relationship and the commitment of the Cullen's and Jacob to their situation. In past soundtracks bands like Muse and Paramore were involved—this time around, it's artists like Theophilus London, Julia & Angus Stone, Bruno Mars, and Iron & Wine. Most of the songs revolve around love, but the album has something for everyone, offering a good balance between soft ballads and alternative rock. Albums highlights are the big ballads "Turning Page" and "A Thousand Years." Others are the haunting title track "It Will Rain" by Mars, "Cold" by Aqualung & Schwartz, Iron & Wine's "Flightless Bird," and Belle Brigade's "I Didn't Mean It."—Bianka N., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Ceremonials, Florence + the Machine (Universal Records)
After the success of Florence + the Machine's album Lungs, it is hard to imagine that anything could top it. With the recent release of Ceremonials, the band does just that. Ceremonials offers a striking contrast from the last album, but it continues to have the elements that make the band unique. This album has a more mature and darker sound than the band's previous works. The songs are more haunting, slower with an accelerating build-up, and they carry an ominous undertone. It's very rare to fall in love with all the tracks on an album, but this is possible on Ceremonials. From the moment you hear the opening track, "Only If for a Night," you know this will be an incredible experience. Each song appeals to the listener in a personal way that's almost magical. "Shake It Out" exclaims a sense of liberation from basically anything that hinders a person from gratification or satisfaction with lyrics like "...it's hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake him off." Tracks like "What the Water Gave Me" and "Never Let Me Go" are mellow but surprise you with a powerful chorus. The majority of the lyrics are open to various interpretations which is what lures the listener in. Definitely topnotch-it is exciting to think what Florence + the Machine will decide to do next.—Frecelyn D.,grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Someone to Watch Over Me, Susan Boyle (Columbia)
This is Susan Boyle's third album since her debut on America's Got Talent. Someone to Watch Over Me has a wonderful mix of music that'll be a hit with all generations. Boyle chose songs based on life stories and the thoughts of fans from around the world. Boyle belts out top-of-the-line renditions of "Both Sides Now" and "Unchained Melody." Her interpretations of "Mad World" and "Enjoy the Silence" are phenomenal and like a breath of fresh air. Her original work represents the emotions expressed by fans such as grief, happiness, romance, and anger and tenderness. Check out "You Have to Be There," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Lilac Wine."—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
NBA 2K12 (2K Sports)
This awesome basketball franchise just keeps reinventing itself. This year's version has an all new "Greatest" mode as well as an improved "My Player" mode, animation, and commentary. The My Player mode is made more accessible by cutting out the developmental games that were needed in previous versions for your player to make it to the big league. Now, you play an exhibition game, get drafted, and get to show off your technique right away, which lets players get into the Hall of Fame that much faster. The Greatest mode features 30 complete teams and 15 of the NBA's all-time, top players, including Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. No matter which era you decide to play in, the graphics are flawless and reflect the look and feel of the time. The best part of Greatest mode is that once you win a game, you can set up games between players from the past and present—that's definitively a plus which provides hours of exciting basketball. I'd say NBA 2K12 is the best basketball game out there, especially for diehard fans. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3. Rating: E for Everyone.—James M, grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
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