Radio Music Society (2012) On her first release since swiping last year's Best New Artist Grammy from poor, defenseless Justin Bieber, the singer-bassist sounds eager for a pop crossover… Esperanza Spalding Jazz Heads Up
POP CONVERT The Grammy winner combines funk, soul and pop to offer a blend of standout tracks
Image credit: Carlos Pericas
POP CONVERT The Grammy winner combines funk, soul and pop to offer a blend of standout tracks
EW's GRADE
B

Details Release Date: Mar 20, 2012; Lead Performance: Esperanza Spalding; Genre: Jazz; Production: Heads Up

On her first release since swiping last year's Best New Artist Grammy from poor, defenseless Justin Bieber, the singer-bassist sounds eager for a pop crossover — check out her funky take on Michael Jackson's ''I Can't Help It,'' and ''City of Roses,'' a soulful pair-up with Q-Tip. But Radio Music Society is no dumb-down job: Closer ''Smile Like That'' finds her brandishing sour notes (and revered sideman Jack DeJohnette on the drums) with jazz-nerd verve. B

Best Tracks:
Lustrous lead single Black Gold
Horn-enriched Radio Song
Originally posted Mar 14, 2012 Published in issue #1199 Mar 23, 2012 Order article reprints