Billboard album reviews: Young Jeezy, Eminem

NEW YORK (Billboard) - After the success of his debut album "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101," Atlanta's Young Jeezy quickly crossed over from the rap chart to the popchart.

But hip-hop fans can get testy when artists garner too much mainstream attention too fast. So while Jeezy huddled with big-name producers like Timbaland and Cool & Dre for his sophomore album, The Inspiration, he also hung on to producers Shawty Redd and Don Cannon from his debut. His lyrics have matured past coke-slinging to the drug's effect on his life. And while most contemporary MCs fail miserably at girl tracks, Jeezy tries his best with "Nigga Like Me" and doesn't fall too short of glory.

ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTISTS

ALBUM: EMINEM PRESENTS: THE RE-UP

On the title track of this Shady Records compilation, Eminem declares -- less than a year-and-a-half into his wildly overstated "retirement" -- that "this music is in us, and it's not over 'til we say it's finished." The evidence on this 22-track set indicates they're a long way from that point, too. Conceived as a mixtape, "The Re-Up" boasts bona fide star power via nine new Eminem performances, four appearances by 50 Cent and various permutations of D12 -- along with Obie Trice and Akon (with a remix of his chart-topping "Smack That"). The real point of the album, however, is to introduce new Shady MCs Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater and Ca$his. Despite meticulous production, "The Re-Up" retains some of the spare, raw feel of an underground release, its tracks comprised mostly of Dr. Dre-styled keyboards and tight, airy beats that leave plenty of room for the rappers to spit at such targets as

Mariah Carey (although 50 Cent offers props to estranged protege the Game at one point). Among the most intriguing moments are Eminem's characteristically defiant "Public Enemy" and "No Apologies," the playful 50 Cent duets "The Re-Up" and "Jimmy Crack Corn," the minute-long "Trapped" from late D12 founder Proof and Creekwater's old school-styled "There He Is."

ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTISTS

ALBUM: MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE "DREAMGIRLS"

Henry Krieger and late partner Tom Eyen's dazzling music and insightful lyrics propelled the Broadway "Dreamgirls" to six

Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for best cast album in 1982. But this soundtrack to the excellent movie version adds a more contemporary tone as production duo the Underdogs subtly inject new life into the 25-year-old songs without forfeiting their powerful substance. They coax a shivers-inducing performance from newcomer Jennifer Hudson on the show's pivotal number "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." She makes the song her own while still paying homage to original interpreter Jennifer Holiday. But it's the new songs co-written with Krieger that really add punch. Beyonce delivers on the empowerment anthem "Listen," and Hudson's sassy soul shines on "Love You I Do."

ARTIST: PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN

ALBUM: TOP OF MY LUNGS

This veteran trio continues to deliver some of the best, most relevant music of its esteemed career. Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean have always had dual careers as pastors in their local churches and singer/songwriters, and this collection serves up several songs that sound like instant church classics. "Saved the Day" is a powerful ballad about Jesus' resurrection, while "Your Name" showcases the trio's signature harmonies. The title track is a celebratory anthem, and "Because of That Blood," penned by Phillips and 4Him's Mark Harris, is a soul-drenched number with a compelling lead vocal by Phillips. The CD closes with the classic hymn " 'Tis So Sweet," delivered beautifully by some special guests -- Phillips' daughter Garland and Dean's offspring Devin and Danielle, proving they know how to carry on the family tradition.

ARTIST: REIK

ALBUM: SECUENCIA

There's something a little unconvincing about an artistic "evolution" on a young band's second studio release -- especially when the album lives up to its bland title with generic lovelorn lyrics and melodies that are nice but rarely stirring. "De Que Sirve" starts out promisingly with a funky staccato keyboard and string sample, then eschews subtle detail for a lengthy polished chorus that implodes into a trite conclusion: "I need you because without you I don't know how to live." It's a disappointing pattern that repeats too often on the album. Silky vocals and some strong hooks notwithstanding ("Me Duele Amarte," "Invierno"), this pop trio may be more fun with a lighter touch, more relatable lyrics, or perhaps down the line, a maturity that rings true.

ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTISTS

ALBUM: A BROKEDOWN MELODY

Like his hammock-rock godfather

Jimmy Buffett,

Jack Johnson's palm-trees-and-six-strings vibe obscures what has quietly become a large and successful cottage industry. This soundtrack, released on Johnson's Brushfire label, once again brings together Johnson's specialties -- surfing, surf films and surfing songs -- into a typically breezy, slow-rolling listen. Johnson contributes two new tracks, and his years of work have also resulted in a well-stocked Rolodex.

Eddie Vedder brings his ukulele for the heartbreaking "Goodbye," indie big-shot

M. Ward turns in the dusty "Transfiguration #1," and Built to Spill's Doug Martsch adds a good-natured hoedown.

Reuters/Billboard