The Pulse team kept an eye out for popular album releases while the campus was on hiatus. While brave shoppers were out plowing through crowds for the best bargains on Black Friday, the Pulse team was kicking back with a new CD and a plate of leftovers. So here’s the team’s take on some recent releases.

Amy Winehouse

“Frank”

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007

Record label: Universal Republic

amywinehouse.com

Amy Winehouse’s first album made its debut in America, and what a debut it was.

With “Frank,” Winehouse comes with what you may expect of a troubled-in-matters-of-love woman – but on bluesy-alternative steroids. Her tone is a continuation of what we all love about Winehouse’s music. Yet this blend of fresh tunes sounds like cover tracks and falls just short of measuring up to her second album, which was her first album released in the U.S., “Back to Black.”

Moving forward by taking a musical step back with a retro sound works perfectly for Winehouse. The artist is trying to keep the American audience captivated by more than her style. The appreciation for classic soul singers that comes through every time she sings should be more than enough to keep listeners’ attention. Her classic influences are just as apparent on ” Frank” as they are on “Back to Black.”

This is another wonderful showing from Winehouse.

Freeway

“Free at Last”

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007

Record label: Roc-A-Fella Records

freewayatlast.com

Fans of the Roc boys are sure to be basking in the return of one of their own. Freeway dropped a banger of an album called “Free at Last” over break that may be worth checking out.

The beats and features throughout the 14 tracks help take the CD to the next level for rapper Freeway. Jay- Z, of course, blessed the album with his presence, along with Marsha Ambrosius, Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss, as well as a number of other notable artists.

As soon as the first track, “This Can’t Be Real,” starts, feelings of excitement start creeping in, and it becomes more and more difficult to not skip around to see what the rest of the album has in store.

Lyrically, Freeway is a definite contender with his Roc Boy peers, while his delivery lingers around a merely tolerable flow.

Keith Urban

“Greatest Hits”

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007

Record label: Capitol

keithurban.net

Sometimes it’s just better for artists to go with what they know.

While greatest hits albums are often just an excuse for a performer to sell a couple more albums and cash in on an already successful career, Keith Urban took the time to compile a CD worthy of its title.

“Greatest Hits” features 16 of Urban’s chart successes taken from eight years of his career. Tacked on are two new tracks, which are touching and catchy enough to sit beside their predecessors.

From early hits such as “Where The Blacktop Ends” to recent smashes such as “Better Life,” Urban picked the best of his best driving tunes and touching ballads for the compilation.

With mostly radio hits, it’s meat and potatoes for this album without all that pesky broccoli and brussels sprouts presented with shaky, not-so-good CD filler.

Anberlin

“Lost Songs”

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007

Record label: Tooth and Nail Records

anberlin.com</p>

So much for originality.

It is becoming increasingly popular for artists and bands to release B-sides albums, throwing together random remixes, demos and rarities to create a compilation only true fans of the group will listen to.

Fortunately, such is not the case with Anberlin’s B-sides album, aptly named “Lost Songs.”

The collection of acoustic versions of existing Anberlin tracks makes up the bulk of the album, with songs such as “A Day Late” and “Na’ve Orleans” offering a different, mellower spin on the hyped-up studio versions.

Covers included on the album feature When in Rome’s “The Promise” and Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.”

The average Anberlin fan will enjoy this new album, which will provide a break from listening to “Blueprints for the Black Market” and “Cities” on repeat. Diehard fans, though, have probably already found most of these rare tracks and covers on the Internet and won’t be missing anything by not purchasing it.

Jordin Sparks

“Jordin Sparks”

Release date: Nov. 20, 2007

Record label: Jive Records

jordinsparks.com

America knows what it wants.

With the almost immediate success of recent American Idol winners Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks, it’s obvious Americans know how to pick a winner.

Sparks’ self-titled debut album is composed mostly of hip-hop-pop songs, which compliment the 17-year-old singer’s style, strengths and developing musical maturity. Exceptions to the pop theme are “God Loves Ugly” and “No Air,” a duet ballad with Chris Brown.

“God Loves Ugly” is a slow, sad song most young women can relate to, giving the feel that listeners are getting a secret glimpse of Sparks’ diary.

Listeners may be familiar with “Tattoo,” a pop hit from the album that has been making the rounds on the radio and MTV.

Though the new singer still has room to mature, Sparks’ has a strong voice and a willingness to learn that will help her go far, and her debut album provides an excellent springboard from which to launch a successful career.

Seal

“System”

Release date: Nov. 13, 2007

Record label: Warner Brothers/Elektra/Atlantic

seal.com

After a four-year hiatus from the studio, Seal of “Kiss From a Rose” and “Crazy” fame has released a solid pop album infused with a dance club sound.

Featuring a touching duet with wife Heidi Klum – who actually does a pretty good job on the mic – “System” is the same smooth and raspy-voiced Seal fans have become accustomed to through the years with a little more bounce in his step.

Tracks heavy on manufactured beats and Euro-pop sounds drive the album and make it one destined to be a soundtrack for an impromptu dance party. “System” bops and taps along in a sensible and unified sound, making for a streamlined album with few surprises.

Fans will appreciate the latest studio effort from Seal, with dance tracks and a fresher sound, but casual listeners may find the best place to hear the popster is on the radio and not on an entire album.