Jul 23, 2010

The Script return with "Science and Faith"!


The Script will release their sophomore album, "Science & Faith" on 10 September. The album is preceded by the first single, "For The First Time". Take a listen to the track below and let me know what you think!

Susan Boyle preps a Christmas album!


With the major success of her debut album, "I Dreamed A Dream", Susan Boyle is reportedly back in the studio recording a Christmas album. The album is said to have a release date of late October and will now compete in the fourth quarter with albums from Kelly Rowland and Taylor Swift. Let the competition begin!

Robyn preps "Body Talk Pt. 2"!



Swedish pop star Robyn will release her sixth studio album, "Body Talk Pt. 2" on 6 September. Take a look at the official cover for the album above as well as the album's tracklisting below and let me know what you think!

1. In My Eyes
2. Include Me Out
3. Hang With Me
4. Love Kills
5. We Dance To The Beat
6. Criminal Intent
7. U Should Know Better (feat. Snoop Dogg)
8. Indestructible

"Hang With Me" serves as the official first single from the album. Take a look at the single cover below, listen to the track and let me know what you think!


Kelly Rowland update!




Kelly Rowland has plans to release a third studio album later this year. With the first single "Commander" already on heavy rotation and US singles "Grown Woman" and "Rose Coloured Glasses" slowly gaining airplay many are beginning to anticipate what the former member of Destiny's Child will be serving up.

The album has now been pushed back to 24 October to allow Rowland more studio time with various producers. Kelly recently confirmed that she has entered the studio with Akon and Bangladesh to continue recording. They join the list of already named collaborators, Tricky Stewart, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, David Guetta, Ester Dean, Stargate and Dr Luke.


With the album still untitled, Kelly's team have set up a competition for fans to submit names for consideration. Submit your choice for Kelly's album name here.

Kelly has been doing a lot of radio promo in the US, take a look at some of her appearances at her fansite.

Last but not least, promo pictures have surfaced for the project. Take a look at one of the stunning pictures from the shoot and let me know what you think!


Katy Perry unveils artwork, second single leaks!


With the release of Katy Perry's sophomore album, "Teenage Dream" around the corner (24 August) more album details are starting to surface.

Take a look at the official album cover above which seems to have been heavily influenced by the "California Gurls" video.

In the meantime, the second single "Teenage Dream" has also been released. Produced by Max Martin (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson), the somewhat slower track picks up right where "California Gurls" left off and should see Perry with another top 10 hit. Take a listen to the title track below and let me know what you think!

Video Premiere: Christina Aguilera "You Lost Me"!

The official video for "You Lost Me", the second single off Christina Aguilera's latest album "Bionic" has premiered. Take a look at the Anthony Mandler directed clip here and let me know what you think!

Jul 12, 2010

Tracklisting: Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream'!


Katy Perry has already taken over the charts with her single, "California Gurls" featuring Snoop Dogg. The track is off her upcoming sophomore album, "Teenage Dream" which is due on 24 August. Take a look at the official tracklisting for the album below and let me know what you think!

1. Teenage Dream
2. Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
3. California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)
4. Firework
5. Peacock
6. Who Am I Living For?
7. The One That Got Away
8. E.T.
9. Circle The Drain
10. Pearl
11. Hummingbird Heartbeat
12. Not Like The Movies

Will you be buying a copy when it hits stores?

World Cup Closing Ceremony!


The 2010 Soccer World Cup came to an end last night with Spain winning the final against Netherlands. Global superstar Shakira was joined onstage by local stars Freshlyground to perform the World Cup Anthem, "Waka Waka" at the closing ceremony beforehand. Take a look at their performance below and let me know what you think!

Video preview: Christina's "You Lost Me"!


Take a look at a preview from Christina Aguilera's upcoming video, "You Lost Me" which will serve as the second single off her latest album, "Bionic". The clip was directed by Anthony Mandler and should premiere soon.

Gaga takes over the Today show!


Pop sensation Lady Gaga performed a four-song set on the Today show as part of their concert summer series. Take a look at the performances below which also include the premiere of a new song "You and I" and let me know what you think!






Jul 7, 2010

JoJo gives an album update!


Teen sensation JoJo has had a bit of trouble getting her third studio album, "All I Want Is Everything" released. Anyway, she recently spoke to Rap-Up about the progress of the album and it seems as though it may be hitting stores before the end of the year.

JoJo has been working with Jim Jonsin (Lil' Wayne, T.I.), Wayne Wilkins (Natasha Bedingfield, Michelle Williams), Jim Beans (Nelly Furtado, Britney Spears) and Danja (Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey) among others so the sound of the album should be impressive. We all know that she is a real artist and has one of the best voices of the younger generation so I'm really interested to see what she will be putting out.

Took a look at the interview below and let me know what you think!

Kelis performs '4th of July' on the Today show!


Kelis performed the second single, "4th of July" from her studio album, "Flesh Tone" on the 'Today' show. Peep her performance below and let me know what you think!



The performance was okay. I think Kelis came off rather badly and seemed to not really care about the performance. In my opinion, she is far better suited to urban music. She should leave the urban/dance music to Kelly Rowland. "Flesh Tone" hits stores this week!

Jul 5, 2010

Out this week!

This week sees the release of a few major albums, so I thought I'd highlight a few of them.


Kelis will release her fifth studio album, "Fleshtones" this week. The album is preceded by the singles, "Acapella" and "Fourth of July" and sees Kelis jumping on the dance trend. It features production from David Guetta, Benny Banassi, will.i.am and DJ Ammo (Ke$ha, Jordan Sparks) who all help bring the dance element to the album. So far, the first single "Acapella" has done relatively well on the charts, and has topped the US Hot Dance Club Songs.


Australian singing sensation Kylie Minogue releases her eleventh studio album, "Aphrodite" this week. The album is already being praised as one of her best and the first single, "All The Lovers" is certainly making its mark in my iTunes library. Stuart Price (Scissor Sisters, Seal, Madonna) acts as executive producer for the album and brings electronic and dance elements to the album which should have Kylie's fans dancing into all hours of the night.


Super-producer The-Dream will release his third studio album, "Love King" this week as well. The album is preceded by the singles, "Love King" and "Make Up Bag" feat. T.I. both of which are making a mark on the urban charts. As always, the album features production exclusively from The Dream with T.I. being the only featured performer.

Will you be picking up any of this week's album releases?

Janet Jackson shuts down Essence music festival!


Janet Jackson performed at the annual Essence Music Festival for the first time ever. The queen of dance treated the audience to a 20 minute set performing some of her older hits as well as material from her latest album, "Discipline". Jackson also sat down for an interview with CNN to discuss a variety of topics including why she chose to perform this year and her upcoming projects which see Janet back on the big-screen. Watch the clips below and let me know what you think.







Jason Derulo performs at T4!

Newcomer Jason Derulo continues to wow, performing "Ridin' Solo" and "In My Head" at T4 On The Beach. Peep his performances below and let me know what you think!





There were clearly a few technical issues and Derulo seemed to be out of breath for most of the performances. He is however an incredible dancer and with a little bit more work I think he could certainly start filling the gap that Chris Brown left. Jason Derulo's self-titled debut album is in stores now.

Top 5 Songs of the Moment!


These are the songs I've been listening to!

In no particular order:
1. Christina Aguilera - All I Need
2. Christina Aguilera - You Lost Me
3. Kandi - Fly Above
4. Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers
5. Kelly Rowland - Commander

Christina has really been on repeat lately. If you saw my review, I'm actually kind of enjoying the album. Kandi appears on the list because I've been watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta and just couldn't help myself. Kylie's new album comes out this week which explains 'All The Lovers' and yes, I still can't get enough of 'Commander'. Let me know what you're listening to in the comments below!

Maroon 5 preps "Hands All Over"!


Maroon 5 will return later this year with their third studio album, "Hands All Over". The album is preceded by the single "Misery" and will be released on 21 September. Take a look at the official video for the single below as well as the album artwork above and let me know what you think!

Jul 4, 2010

Review: Christina's "Bionic"!



After giving Christina Aguilera's new album, "Bionic" a listen I thought I'd give my view on the album. Initially there was a lot of bad press surrounding the album, mainly because of the comparisons between Aguilera and Lady Gaga and because of recently publicized articles claiming Christina has a very unprofessional work ethic.

Anyway, I decided to look past the bad publicity and listen to the music. The album starts off rather well and as promised goes straight into the electro-pop title track, 'Bionic'. Christina had been talking about incorporating elements of electronica and expressed her interests in making 'futuristic' type sounds. I think overall she achieved that quite well. The electro-pop vibe continues on the tracks "Elastic Love", "Desnudate", "My Girls" "Monday Morning" and "Birds of Prey" which take a while to get used to but certainly show some diversification.

I think the album's strongpoint are the ballads. Although generic, "Lift Me Up" and "You Lost Me" are great listens and could have some commercial success. I also really enjoyed, "All I Need", especially with the intro and "I Am" which is stripped down and somewhat reminiscent of "Save Me From Myself" from 2006's "Back To Basics".

My favourites:
Bionic
Desnudate
Prima Donna
Lift Me Up
All I Need (with the intro 'My Heart)
I Am
You Lost Me
Birds of Prey
Stronger Than Ever

Overall, I really don't think this album deserves the bad rap its been getting. I've actually enjoyed the album and its different direction, sometimes the best music is not commercially successful. Take a listen to the album if you get a chance and let me know what you think!

In related news, "You Lost Me" will serve as the official second single from the album with an Anthony Mandler directed video to premiere soon.

Toni selects 'Woman' as next single!


Toni Braxton has revealed that "Woman" will serve as the fourth single from her latest studio album "Pulse". Peep the promotional video for the single below and let me know what you think!



Toni sounds amazing, I hope this track picks up for her because the album has performed rather poorly so far. Tidbit: Out of some of the divas (see Whitney, and to some extents Mariah), Toni's voice has held up pretty well. Her performances for the album have been solid and consistent, it's great to hear that.

Kelly Rowland preps third studio album!

It has now been revealed that Kelly Rowland's third studio album will be self-titled and released on 21 September 2010. The album is preceded by the singles, "Commander", "Rose Coloured Glasses" and "Grown Ass Woman".

"Commander" has already been receiving major airplay reaching and serves as the first international single from the album. "Rose Coloured Glasses" has been sent to US mainstream radio while "Grown Ass Woman" has been sent to urban radio.
The official video for "Commander" also premiered a while back, take a look at it below and let me know what you think!


Rowland continues promotion for the album, performing "Commander" on the '5 O'Clock' show in the UK recently. Take a look at her performance below.


Overall, it looks like the project is off to a good start with promotion beginning early and the label putting a rather high priority on the album. I hope that the singles start to take off, especially in the US.