REVIEW: Tony Lucca "Under The Influence"

Tony Lucca is not a new face in the music scene, despite his recent introduction to the pop culture world through his debut performance on the second season of NBC's "The Voice." He has released a handful of albums independently and through independent labels, and as a teen, was a member of the Mickey Mouse Club (right alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera). In 2011, Lucca released this collection of music, his first full album of cover songs. Being that he will be doing a lot of that while trying win this singing competition, its great to hear that not only has he had proven success in the past, he sure can sing. This album features Lucca at his best, not trying to impress with his own lyrics (which are awesome by themselves) but as a singer just singing great songs. The songs may or may not be familiar to everyone, but they showcase Tony Lucca as he will be on the show, as he is as a singer, and open a window into who he has been as a musician over the past decade or so. If anyone is looking for an introduction to Lucca, here is a great place to start. It's an outstanding collection of songs sung by an incredible artist. But, if anyone wants to really be wowed, listening to his previous albums of original tunes will surely show why he is probably a (very) early favorite to take the title in season 2. And, picking Adam Levine as his coach is going to help quite a bit as well.

REVIEW: Dia Frampton "Red"

Having already had a pretty successful career fronting the band Meg & Dia with her sister, Dia Frampton was a surprise to appear on NBC's "The Voice" during their first season. But it quickly became apparent that Dia Frampton is an incredibly different musician when out on her own. Her striking renditions of familiar songs on the show only proved that, despite coming in second, she was sure to showcase her unique twist on a indie-influenced pop through the release of her debut solo album. Framtpon, who cowrote every song on the album, showcases all the different edges and facets of her musical personality from start to finish. A departure, her duet with "Voice" coach Blake Shelton, is the only left field track on the album that seemingly spends its entire duration in left field. Cowriters like Foster The People's Marc Foster and rapper Kid Cudi are surprises on the disc, and their songs "Billy The Kid" and "Don't Kick The Chair" (which features a verse by Kid Cubi) are standouts on the album. Showing off her true musical self, the first single "The Broken Ones," and the songs "Isabella" and "Daniel" are deep and intimate. They showcase not only her excellent lyricism, but also her connection to her music making it emotional and personal. Frampton may have been the runner up, but her musical shops and her new solo album have proven that she has quiet star power and will always be known for her musical creation and not her triumphant successes.

REVIEW: Javier Colon "Come Through For You"

Javier Colon has been at it for quite some time, trying to make a name for himself. Never giving up is something that has kept him going and after an appearance on NBC's "The Voice" he finally got the platform he has always needed to make it all happen. His debut album (well, not really... he's self released others in the past) is a collection of pop gold. He had the help of a handful of excellent writers to put together a stunning debut that features his entire range of musical abilities. He's got a few tunes in there that are soulful R&B and a handful that are pure pop. The standout tracks include the title song, "Life Is Getting Better," and his collaboration with his "Voice" coach, Maroon 5's Adam Levine. The collaboration, a track entitled "Stand Up," Is a mix of Colon's soulfulness and Levine's funkiness, mixed with a ton of swagger that is not overdone. Colon has proven that it matters not how long you've been in the game, but the drive you put in what what and who you love. Colon is sure to ride the success of the show on the heels of this album and have an outstanding music career.