The end of 2008 saw the release of numerous albums from some of the biggest names in American pop music. Intended for music-loving holiday shoppers, not all of these new sets are worth their price tags. The following is a review of three such albums — each released Dec. 16 — from Jamie Foxx, Keyshia Cole and Fall Out Boy.

Intuition

Jamie Foxx

2.5/5.0

As one of America’s last true entertainers, Jamie Foxx has built his reputation on consistent performances for the big screen and comedy stage, but it is in the studio that Foxx completed his latest project, Intuition.

Featuring a number of notable guests (Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Ne-Yo, to name a few), Intuition offers a well-balanced variety of club-bangers and serenades. In “Digital Girl,” Foxx describes a fulfilling relationship shared through a laptop screen, while the lyrics to “Slow” detail his inner desires over an intoxicating beat.

Though usually an original artist, Foxx does follow current trends in the use of auto-tune on “Blame It,” featuring T-Pain. While “Blame It” is not necessarily a throwaway track, it does come off as generic and uninspired. However, Foxx hits the bull’s-eye on “Weekend Lover,” a sensual tune describing Foxx’s commitment to a woman who does not wear his ring.

After a few spins, it’s evident that Intuition serves more as quick musical relief than a lasting performance from Jamie Foxx. Most of the better tracks on Intuition include a featured artist or two, with Foxx essentially playing a supporting role on his own record.

A Different Me

Keyshia Cole

4.0/5.0

In just a little over four years, Keyshia Cole has become one of R&B’s leading songstresses. True, Cole doesn’t carry the same pop appeal as Rihanna, or the sex appeal of Beyonce, but she brings a new dynamic to a genre saturated with has-beens and wannabes. With her latest effort, A Different Me, Cole continues to provide her fans with passionate tracks that are genuine, emotional and often inspirational.

While her last album, Just Like You, consisted mostly of tracks about breakups and lost loves, A Different Me is more uplifting in theme. Take as example the anthem “You Complete Me.” Switching up the tempo to the dance-heavy grooves of “Please Don’t Stop,” Cole sings of yearning for her main squeeze.

Cole continues to show her versatility on “This is Us.” With acoustic guitar and a catchy melody, this track conveys Cole’s affection to Mr. Right. Likewise, on “Beautiful Music,” a pulsating beat complements her enticing vocals. However, it’s Cole’s stellar performance on “Brand New” that truly reflects her growth as an artist since her debut album The Way It Is. Utilizing her full range of vocals and tugging at the listener’s heartstrings, Cole paints a picture of an extremely passionate relationship.

Aside from a couple misplaced rap verses from Nas and an apparently resurrected Tupac Shakur, the flow of A Different Me is as smooth as that of any R&B album in 2008.

Folie à Deux

Fall Out Boy

3.5/5.0

As the poster boys of pop-punk, Fall Out Boy almost cannot fail. Working their indie magic on NYC-based record label Fueled by Ramen, they made it big, signed with Island Records and never looked back. On Folie à Deux, Fall Out Boy continues to produce their unique sound.

In vintage FOB fashion, “America’s Suitehearts” overflows with power chords, while the lyrics knock on celebrity self-indulgence. Frontman Patrick Stump bellows, “Let’s hear it for America’s Suitehearts / But I must confess / I’m in love with my own sins.” Switching up the vibe, hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams is welcomed on the groove-heavy track “w.a.m.s.,” and with Pete Wentz’s funky bass licks throbbing, the song is in many ways reminiscent of N.E.R.D.

However, Folie à Deux is not without mistakes. While Wentz’s lyrics on “She’s My Winona” are witty and sarcastic, the quirky metaphors on “27” are a bit too much.

When it’s all said and done, Fall Out Boy’s career may greatly influence the future of American pop rock, but for now, Folie à Deux merely represents a step in the right direction.

Reach reporter Edwin Ortiz at arts@dailyuw.com.