CD REVIEWS
'Tough Luv' on target, thanks to new generation

USA Today

"Tough Luv" by Young Gunz; Roc-A-Fella

With Jay-Z retired, Roc-A-Fella is turning to a new generation of stars. Kanye West has quickly established himself with "College Dropout," and now Philadelphia's Chris and Neef are ready for their shot at the spotlight. They prove mostly convincing, though they don't stray much from the usual street themes of parties, poverty, guns and women.

Standout tracks include the ominous "No Better Love," insightful "North of Death" and reflective "Life We Chose." A remix of previous hit "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" featuring Chingy is also here. There are plenty of other assists, mainly from labelmates such as Beanie Sigel, Juelz Santana, Cam'Ron, Freeway and Jay-Z himself. It's that family support that helps the Gunz stay on target.

"I Don't Want You Back" by Eamon; Jive

In the thank-you notes listed on his debut, Eamon expresses warm-fuzzy feelings for his mom, grandmother, sister and other female relatives. Girlfriends, alas, are another kettle of fish.

The 20-year-old singer who burst on to the pop charts last year with the tender ditty "(blankety-blank) (I Don't Want You Back)" laces his tepid hip-hop-soul morsels with lyrics that make Eminem sound like an activist for abused women. And unlike Slim Shady's rants, Eamon's bile seems unfettered by clever humor or irony.

Whoever gave this nasty little boy a record contract should have his brain washed out with soap.

"Modern Artillery" by The Living End; Warner Bros.

After hitting a seeming dead end, the Living End is rebounding with vitality to burn and the poppiest punk this side of Green Day. The Melbourne trio shut down in 2001 after a car crash sidelined singer-guitarist Chris Cheney, who used time in rehab to write his catchiest songs to date.

This third album unleashes an arsenal of punk firepower that appropriates the hyperactivity of The Ramones, the melodic thrash of Rancid and the pop crunch of Aussie brethren The Vines. The band hits the bull's-eye with the malicious humor of "Short Notice," the rockabilly romp "End of the World," the galloping "Hold Up" and the explosive snap of first single "Who's Gonna Save Us"? Striking a wily balance of art and arson, "Modern ARTillery" is a blast.

"Flutterby" by Butterfly Boucher; A&M

Aussie native Boucher is something of a throwback: a singer-songwriter who is making her label debut at the advanced age of 24 and who actually writes and produces songs — as opposed to tapping high-profile "collaborators" such as The Matrix or R. Kelly to take charge.

Accordingly, taut, catchy tunes such as "Life Is Short," "I Can't Make Me" and the more wistful "A Walk Outside" convey a sense of confidence and maturity reinforced by Boucher's refreshingly unfussy singing. And lest we've lost all perspective at a time when Britney and Beyoncé are considered old veterans, Butterfly is still very young, so who knows what heights she'll reach?