[NEW RELEASES] KE$HA

Don‘t hate me, but this new Ke$ha album is good. Kind of really good.

“Warrior,” the 25-year-old’s sophomore release, is entertaining from top to bottom. Ke$ha - along with hit maker Dr. Luke - has a knack for creating carefree and upbeat electro-pop songs that make you want to have a good time. It’s pure fun.

Yes, some of her lyrics are vapid and need work, but melodically she’s got a winner, especially on the hooks throughout “Warrior.” The will.i.am-assisted “Crazy Kids,” which kicks off with whistling, is anthemic; “C’mon” is oh-so-fun; and “Thinking of You,” about an ex, transitions pleasantly from its thumping verse to its groovy hook. The lead single, “Die Young,” is just as addictive and was co-written with Nate Ruess of fun.

While Ke$ha deserves credit for putting together a nearly great album, she’s still Ke$ha. Therefore, she has her limitations. The songwriting on “Warrior” - which includes contributions from her mother, Pebe - can be ridiculous. On “C’mon,” she rhymes “saber tooth tiger” with “warm Budweiser.”

But all in all, “Warrior” is much better than Ke$ha’s other releases. AP

KE$HA

“Warrior”

Label: Sony Music

Genre: Dance