Annie Lennox Remakes Collection Of Classics In Her Own Style On ‘Medusa’

Annie Lennox “Medusa” - Arista

Never one to make the expected move, provocative diva Annie Lennox follows up her smash 1992 debut album with a collection of covers. Whether she’s singing instantly recognizable classics (“Take Me To The River,” “Whiter Shade Of Pale’) or obscurities like first single “No More ‘I Love You’s‘ ” (a minor hit in 1986 for U.K. duo Lover Speaks), the irrepressible Lennox makes every piece her own. A left turn in the right direction.

Dave Stewart “Greetings From The Gutter” - EastWest

Anyone wondering where David Bowie went will find his ghost all over this solo debut by multitalented musician/producer/composer Dave Stewart, the other half of the Eurythmics. With a funky backing band consisting of Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, and Jerome Brailey (plus an all-star guest cast including David Sanborn, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, and Carly Simon), Stewart concocts a Ziggy-esque opus that strikes a retro note while also managing to sound current. As eclectic as one would expect from Stewart.

John Lee Hooker “Chill Out” - Pointblank/Virgin

The seminal bluesman exudes cool on a sultry new set sure to raise the gooseflesh in pure pleasure. Opening title track, co-written with Carlos Santana, finds Hooker’s impassioned vocal set against Santana’s electric licks to surprisingly handsome effect. Van Morrison (sharing vocals) and Booker T. Jones (on organ) guest on another standout, a blistering medley of “Serves Me Right To Suffer/Syndicator.”

Belly “King” - Sire/Reprise

If lovely “Star” signaled a band to watch, Belly’s brilliant follow-up marks the arrival of one that can’t be ignored.

This harder-edged album is too good; it demands attention. From the opening guitar squawk of the effervescent, sticky-sweet “Puberty” (“covered in honey, showered in beer”) to full-blown anthemic closer “Judas My Heart,” “King” is a thoroughly remarkable set, suffused with effortlessly catchy songs and endlessly quirky twists.

Tanya Donelly & Co. have remade themselves into a solid rock unit, and the new muscle shows on standouts such as first single “Now They’ll Sleep,” which mixes swirling guitars and speeding rhythms to dizzying effect; buoyant “Red,” which packs a wallop of a climax; and goth-tinged “Silverfish.” Jewel “Pieces Of You” - Atlantic

A hypnotic vocal, alluring melodies, and lyrics that seem to seep, unedited and unabashed, straight from the soul combine to create a breathtaking debut and an intriguing addition to the neo-folk/pop canon. Singer/ songwriter Jewel Kilcher is still rough around the edges, but she has a brashness that is also her strength.