Janesca purrs out the music on her first CD "The Objective" (Tauber Records), but things don't really get interesting until you hear the remixes. It is not about the lack of a unique sound so much as an effort to launch the exotic-looking, sensual Janeska as a marketable singer.
This old discohead's favorite track is "What the Heart Wants" which I would use in the mix at any club. It reminds me of something the recently departed Laura Branigan would sing, but at a slightly faster beat. The title track "The Objective" drives its self-promoting message with a rhythm reminiscent of the theme to an action movie. It is the theme of her motivation to sing. The most interesting song is "Moonlight," a mystical, sexy, far-eastern sounding ballad. I resist the thinking that it's just on there to set up the uptempo remix which stands on its own viability as a dance record, but you make the call. "Highest of Pain" is the CD's last original track (the next four are radio edits and remixes), and is for the rocker in you.
Pay attention to Janeska's lyrics and you will respect her art all the more for the very open-minded and inclusive thought the obviously went into this project. I was disappointed when logged onto her website, www.janeska.com because it just didn't work when I clicked on the various icons to learn more about her. At least her pictures and poetry were available readily. Janeska is a left-coast looker who has global potential. I give her three and-a-half stars because the positive material is good even though much of her sound is fairly familiar.
