The introduction of two of 2010's biggest breakthrough stars.
Spyke
The thing about this track is that it has been completely overshadowed by both artists' follow up singles. By the time it hit #1 in the UK all the hype around B.o.b was surrounding his second single Airplanes. This track seems like quite a non-event in comparison to the Hayley Williams duet which was to follow. With questionably romantic lyrics 'you the whole package plus you pay your taxes' this won the hearts of some of our nation back in May.
Bruno Mars has exceeded all my expectations this year in the charts. Following this #1 he featured on Billionaire with Travie McCoy and sold another 400k. Then we got the beautiful Just The Way You Are - a sincere ballad which looked liked it was set to stall around #24 on US itunes but bizarrely it took off. Turning transatlantic #1 and just being robbed of becoming the 2nd biggest seller of the year by Matt Cardle, it turned into a phenomenal success. Bruno then went on to get 7 Grammy nominations, write Forget You and then get arrested for Cocaine possession.
Overall it's a nice song but the hype around it was almost over before it began. I'm glad both artists have provided us with better singles this year.
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Roll Deep Feat. Jodie Connor - Good Times
Late night shopping, high street bopping!
McLovin
Godfathers of Grime Roll Deep hit the top spot last May, spending a rather impressive 3 weeks at number one. An optimistic shiny sort of record, Good Times builds on the work achieved by former members Dizzee and Tinchy, reaching the mainstream with an enjoyable squelchy synth anthem dedicated to partying and late night shopping. Jodie Connor's vocals on the chorus are strong enough to carry the song on its own, while the rapped verses are light and breezy which helps keep the momentum going throughout.
I really enjoyed Good Times when it came out, but feel that the song has now served its purpose - to give Roll Deep that big push into the charts. It's just a shame that despite their singles' success this year, their album Winner Stays On sunk without a trace.
Friday, 24 December 2010
Diana Vickers - Once
Once is enough
It has an effective video and owes its #1 status to a certain Cathy Dennis - who is quite possibly one of the best pop writers this country has seen over the past decade. Responsible for pop classics such as Can't Get You Out Of My Head, About You Now, Toxic and I Kissed A Girl, she is a tour de force to be reckoned with. Cathy provides the track with a killer chorus which allows everyone to understand what Diana is saying for once. Whilst listening through the album I found it a novelty when I understood a full line she was singing, the rest digresses to a mumbling blur.
I think this highlights how fantastic the fifth series of The X Factor was. Diana came fourth and got herself a record contract and this #1 single, fifth place went to Ruth Lorenzo whose vocal was sampled in the infamous Boom Boom Pow, then little Irish Eoghan Quigg came third and also released a (flop) album along with his 28,000 friends. For Oli's sake I feel that Laura White may need a mention here, as she was the early shock exit of the series and released a single too. Both Lucie Jones and the beautiful Aiden Grimshaw have experience similar early exits in the past two series. And then there were those top two acts - JLS and Alexandra Burke if they ring any bells.
Apparently all of this year's final five have been offered recording contracts so you might want to watch this space.
Spyke
It has an effective video and owes its #1 status to a certain Cathy Dennis - who is quite possibly one of the best pop writers this country has seen over the past decade. Responsible for pop classics such as Can't Get You Out Of My Head, About You Now, Toxic and I Kissed A Girl, she is a tour de force to be reckoned with. Cathy provides the track with a killer chorus which allows everyone to understand what Diana is saying for once. Whilst listening through the album I found it a novelty when I understood a full line she was singing, the rest digresses to a mumbling blur.
I think this highlights how fantastic the fifth series of The X Factor was. Diana came fourth and got herself a record contract and this #1 single, fifth place went to Ruth Lorenzo whose vocal was sampled in the infamous Boom Boom Pow, then little Irish Eoghan Quigg came third and also released a (flop) album along with his 28,000 friends. For Oli's sake I feel that Laura White may need a mention here, as she was the early shock exit of the series and released a single too. Both Lucie Jones and the beautiful Aiden Grimshaw have experience similar early exits in the past two series. And then there were those top two acts - JLS and Alexandra Burke if they ring any bells.
Apparently all of this year's final five have been offered recording contracts so you might want to watch this space.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Usher Feat. Will.i.am - OMG
Making Usher the first artist to have number one singles in the 90s, 00s and 10s!
McLovin
Back in spring 2004, my family decided to get freeview. This meant I could finally watch music videos all day long (before YouTube came to the rescue). That summer I must have watched Usher's Burn at least three times a day for a month - that song and particularly the video will always remind me of being a sixteen year old, free of G.C.S.E exams. For that reason, I always judge new Usher singles on the video first before the song. As I wasn't particularly impressed with the promo, I initially disliked OMG. But within a week, I was hooked.
There are so many reasons why I shouldn't like this. Will.i.am's horrible 'Let the beat drop' intro taken from Boom Boom Pow (there is one champion of the Black Eyed Peas on these pages, and I'm not it). The football stadium background chanting. Usher singing 'Honey got some boobies like wow oh wow', possibly the most embarrassing lyrics a 32 year old man has ever sung. DESPITE all these legitimate reasons, I obsessed over the song during its one week reign at the top. One of my friends did the same, but feels physically sick if she hears it now. Luckily OMG doesn't have that overkill effect for me, and I still really enjoy listening to it. Plus, it's a nice treat to have a chart topper that spells out your initials.
EDIT: Just found this and I can't quite believe it - Usher's offending lyric might have been inspired/plagiarised from Mr. Homer J. Simpson himself! A beautiful mashup.
Scouting For Girls - This Ain't A Love Song
This Ain't Too Spectacular
Spyke
As far as SFG songs go this is as good as the rest. The difference is that this topped the charts for two weeks whereas the others reached the lower echelons of the top 10. With radio friendly songs and a successful self-titled album preceding it, this track received a massive boost from being a pre-album lead single. Similar scenarios awarded Fallout Boy and Lost Prophets #3 hits with This Ain't A Scene and Last Train Home respectively.
I saw them live at V Festival in 2008 and was thoroughly impressed with their set. But after a friend persisted to sing the lyrics to She's So Lovely over all the album tracks they performed, it illustrated how similar all their songs were and the new album doesn't offer anything different. The second single Famous has been the only other offering to trouble the top 40 this year, reaching the dizzying heights of #37.
Spyke
As far as SFG songs go this is as good as the rest. The difference is that this topped the charts for two weeks whereas the others reached the lower echelons of the top 10. With radio friendly songs and a successful self-titled album preceding it, this track received a massive boost from being a pre-album lead single. Similar scenarios awarded Fallout Boy and Lost Prophets #3 hits with This Ain't A Scene and Last Train Home respectively.
I saw them live at V Festival in 2008 and was thoroughly impressed with their set. But after a friend persisted to sing the lyrics to She's So Lovely over all the album tracks they performed, it illustrated how similar all their songs were and the new album doesn't offer anything different. The second single Famous has been the only other offering to trouble the top 40 this year, reaching the dizzying heights of #37.
Lady Gaga Feat. Beyonce - Telephone
What an event of a video premiere!
Spyke
If you wanted to launch a comeback buzz single then this would be how you would do it in style! Doing this for a second cut was possibly too much - well, it would have been for any other artist but we are talking about Lady Gaga here. A nine minute video with some shameless advertising helped this to the top. When you've covered issues of murder and prostitution, been paralysed and kissed a girl in your last three videos where do you go next? Mass Genocide is where! It's an effective mini film but the shorter video edit is just a mess.
Telephone was one of the last tracks I discovered from 'Monster' much preferring the other tracks like Dance In The Dark, Monster and No Way (which didn't even make the cut). With the release of the single I got a little obsessed, having the remix EP on repeat for about a week. Then I was over it and now the song just gives me a bit of a headache.
Spyke
If you wanted to launch a comeback buzz single then this would be how you would do it in style! Doing this for a second cut was possibly too much - well, it would have been for any other artist but we are talking about Lady Gaga here. A nine minute video with some shameless advertising helped this to the top. When you've covered issues of murder and prostitution, been paralysed and kissed a girl in your last three videos where do you go next? Mass Genocide is where! It's an effective mini film but the shorter video edit is just a mess.
Telephone was one of the last tracks I discovered from 'Monster' much preferring the other tracks like Dance In The Dark, Monster and No Way (which didn't even make the cut). With the release of the single I got a little obsessed, having the remix EP on repeat for about a week. Then I was over it and now the song just gives me a bit of a headache.
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Tinie Tempah - Pass Out
I've got so many clothes I keep some in my Aunt's house...
McLovin
When Craig and I saw this racing up the itunes chart the week it was released, we were both shocked as we didn't have a clue who he was. We then listened to the song together and were immediately unsure of it. It was either going to be a song that neither of us would get into, or a song so good that you need to hear it several times before it makes any sense. Thankfully it was the latter.
Pass Out is a stunning debut single, a mix of rap, electro, ska and an extraordinary drum and bass finale. Over ten months later it still sounds relevant and exciting, a testament to Labrinth's production and Tinie's memorable and vivid lyrics. As far as introductions go to a new talent, I had no idea how he was ever going to follow it up. But by achieving a hat trick of successes with Frisky and Written In The Stars (a quadruple if you count Miami 2 Ibiza!) Tinie set the benchmark for all UK artists in 2010, matching and quite possibly outdoing Tinchy Stryder's 2009 breakthrough year. If I were to nominate a number one single that defined this year, it would certainly be Pass Out.
McLovin
When Craig and I saw this racing up the itunes chart the week it was released, we were both shocked as we didn't have a clue who he was. We then listened to the song together and were immediately unsure of it. It was either going to be a song that neither of us would get into, or a song so good that you need to hear it several times before it makes any sense. Thankfully it was the latter.
Pass Out is a stunning debut single, a mix of rap, electro, ska and an extraordinary drum and bass finale. Over ten months later it still sounds relevant and exciting, a testament to Labrinth's production and Tinie's memorable and vivid lyrics. As far as introductions go to a new talent, I had no idea how he was ever going to follow it up. But by achieving a hat trick of successes with Frisky and Written In The Stars (a quadruple if you count Miami 2 Ibiza!) Tinie set the benchmark for all UK artists in 2010, matching and quite possibly outdoing Tinchy Stryder's 2009 breakthrough year. If I were to nominate a number one single that defined this year, it would certainly be Pass Out.
Jason Derulo - In My Head
The second of 3 great pop songs in a row from Jason Derulo
Spyke
If you are looking for a consistently good, male vocal, pop album to purchase then I'd thoroughly recommend Akon's Freedom, then as a second choice I'd send you to Jason Derulo's self-titled debut. Despite being only nine tracks long (look out for the fantastic bonus track Strobelight) the album maintains the high energy initiated by Whatcha Say, whilst fitting in several ballads which are all as good as What If.
This was the second cut from the self-penned album and managed to top the UK charts back in March. It's a great up-tempo pop track which went down really well in the clubs but I really find the 'Jason Derulo, Beluga Heights J.. J.. J.. JR' at the start of the song unnecessary and annoying. There was a point where Sting was the only artist to ever sing his own name on a #1 record (as part of Band Aid) but since R&B acts have spoilt that pop fact by plugging their own and producers names at the start of tracks.
I have included a Djs From Mars Remix as they do some fantastic mash-ups and are worth a listen.
Spyke
If you are looking for a consistently good, male vocal, pop album to purchase then I'd thoroughly recommend Akon's Freedom, then as a second choice I'd send you to Jason Derulo's self-titled debut. Despite being only nine tracks long (look out for the fantastic bonus track Strobelight) the album maintains the high energy initiated by Whatcha Say, whilst fitting in several ballads which are all as good as What If.
This was the second cut from the self-penned album and managed to top the UK charts back in March. It's a great up-tempo pop track which went down really well in the clubs but I really find the 'Jason Derulo, Beluga Heights J.. J.. J.. JR' at the start of the song unnecessary and annoying. There was a point where Sting was the only artist to ever sing his own name on a #1 record (as part of Band Aid) but since R&B acts have spoilt that pop fact by plugging their own and producers names at the start of tracks.
I have included a Djs From Mars Remix as they do some fantastic mash-ups and are worth a listen.
Monday, 20 December 2010
Helping Haiti - Everybody Hurts
Charity singalong times!
McLovin
This rush release charity cover of REM's Everybody Hurts was in aid of the tragic earthquake which struck Haiti. Group charity songs are difficult beasts to discuss. On the one hand, the positive intention of the cause need not be criticised. On the other hand, the vocal performances can be separated from the cause, and judged accordingly. As most of the artists sing one line, I will give a brief one line review for each contributing performer.
Leona Lewis: Great singer to open proceedings, shame she didn't get the whole song.
Rod Stewart (!): Bizarre old school second act who last had a top ten hit in 1993.
Mariah Carey: Typically solid vocals, cheesy rose holding and (fake?) tears in the video.
Cheryl Cole: Bit of task following Mariah, but holds her own admirably.
Mika: Just a ghastly contribution, which he himself has openly criticised.
Michael Buble: Blustering honk which is over before it begins.
Joe McElderry: Two words over and over again ('hold on'), but sweetly done.
Miley Cyrus: Adds a nice husky country twang to the mix.
James Blunt: Extremely earnest rendition, quite surprised he got two lines.
Gary Barlow: My personal favourite contribution, wonderful performance.
Mark Owen: Says 'friends' a bit strangely, pretty nasal vocals.
Jon Bon Jovi: Exactly how you'd expect him to sound.
James Morrison: Awkward match after Bon Jovi, wears silly hat in video.
Alexandra/Jason Orange: Both their voices get lost a bit after Morrision's.
Susan Boyle: Soothing Susan helps things back on track.
Aston/Marvin: Stella job by the JLS lads.
Shane/Mark: Dependable Shane gives his all, Mark comes in for the harmony.
Kylie Minogue: I love Kylie, so always happy to see her on a number one single.
Robbie Williams: I love Robbie, see above.
Then it becomes a horrible group ad-libbing-hey jude-type monstrosity, but it is thankfully over soon after.
Owl City - Fireflies
I'd like to make myself believe...
Spyke
The success of this track still puzzles me; after topping the Hot 100 last year, this and Replay were shifting some serious numbers as clearly a lot of people had their Christmas itunes vouchers to spend. It's soothing inoffensive pop with quite a quaint charm, and a simple enough vocal for even Cheryl Cole to attempt on the live lounge.
This actually ties with Roll Deep's Good Times as the longest running #1 of 2010 with just 3 weeks! After several weeks of strong sales this track eventually hit platinum status and became the year's biggest seller after it's trickling sales allowed it to overtake Helping Haiti (see the next post) but it wasn't to last for long with a certain mega-star duo claiming that title later in the summer. The album provides some easy listening with tracks like Vanilla Twilight, Umbrella Beach and now Peppermint Winter; each of which have been rumoured to be follow up singles but to no avail.
Who'd have thought the download era would create such one hit wonders? The record companies are still to crack how to release post album singles effectively (Roll Deep seem to have suffered seriously with this).
Spyke
The success of this track still puzzles me; after topping the Hot 100 last year, this and Replay were shifting some serious numbers as clearly a lot of people had their Christmas itunes vouchers to spend. It's soothing inoffensive pop with quite a quaint charm, and a simple enough vocal for even Cheryl Cole to attempt on the live lounge.
This actually ties with Roll Deep's Good Times as the longest running #1 of 2010 with just 3 weeks! After several weeks of strong sales this track eventually hit platinum status and became the year's biggest seller after it's trickling sales allowed it to overtake Helping Haiti (see the next post) but it wasn't to last for long with a certain mega-star duo claiming that title later in the summer. The album provides some easy listening with tracks like Vanilla Twilight, Umbrella Beach and now Peppermint Winter; each of which have been rumoured to be follow up singles but to no avail.
Who'd have thought the download era would create such one hit wonders? The record companies are still to crack how to release post album singles effectively (Roll Deep seem to have suffered seriously with this).
Iyaz - Replay
Like my iPod's stuck on replay, replay!
McLovin
When this hit the top last January, it was like a summer tune defiantly taking hold for two weeks in winter. Listening back in December, my feelings for the song haven't changed all that much. It's pleasant, sweet and enjoyable, but that's about it. I could never love this song, though I like it very much. But I'm writing this whilst thick snow has settled outside, maybe I'm just listening to it in the wrong season! Iyaz followed it up with his number 3 hit Solo in June, which completely past me by - I was getting into Jason Derülo's Ridin' Solo at the time, and obviously couldn't deal with two different songs with solo in the title. I'm not convinced that Iyaz has really established himself in 2010 - he's an artist who will have to be followed on a track by track basic.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
Climbing back to #1 in 2010
Spyke
There are some singles which are just incredible pop songs and truly deserve that #1 spot and this is one of them (Take That's The Flood being a prime example which unjustly didn't make it). Having already sold 2 million singles from 'The Fame' Lady Gaga unleashed her 'Monster' on the globe. After gradually climbing up the chart Bad Romance hit the top spot following an X Factor performance, several weeks after Joe and RATM had had their little spat this track rose back to the summit.
After being dubious as to whether she'd ever match the success of Just Dance or Poker Face she proved us all wrong, I just hope 'Born This Way' offers a fraction of anything as good. With over 320 million views on youtube it is the 2nd most viewed ever (behind Bieber's Baby) and it's showing its longevity with sales of 400k this year to give a total of over 800k. The track should eventually trickle over that million mark like Poker Face did earlier this year.
It is Fantastic!
Spyke
There are some singles which are just incredible pop songs and truly deserve that #1 spot and this is one of them (Take That's The Flood being a prime example which unjustly didn't make it). Having already sold 2 million singles from 'The Fame' Lady Gaga unleashed her 'Monster' on the globe. After gradually climbing up the chart Bad Romance hit the top spot following an X Factor performance, several weeks after Joe and RATM had had their little spat this track rose back to the summit.
After being dubious as to whether she'd ever match the success of Just Dance or Poker Face she proved us all wrong, I just hope 'Born This Way' offers a fraction of anything as good. With over 320 million views on youtube it is the 2nd most viewed ever (behind Bieber's Baby) and it's showing its longevity with sales of 400k this year to give a total of over 800k. The track should eventually trickle over that million mark like Poker Face did earlier this year.
It is Fantastic!
Friday, 10 December 2010
Joe McElderry - The Climb
Our review of all the number ones of 2010 starts here!
McLovin:
In all the excitement of Rage Against the Machine's Killing In the Name beating the X Factor winner's single last Christmas, most people have forgotten that Mr. McElderry actually got there a week later! In hindsight, The Climb is a perfectly acceptable winner's single - Miley Cyrus's version didn't make a huge impact, reaching number 11 eight months previous to this release. However, after the disappointing chart position for Ambitions (peaking at 6), Joe's career seems to be floundering a little as we approach 2011. Even releasing the official single for the latest Narnia film, Someone Wake Me Up (and the B side There's A Place For Us), doesn't seem to be making any sort of impact. I genuinely hope I'm wrong and that Joe's fledgling pop career receives a much needed boost. Otherwise he could unjustly be joining that group of failed male X Factor winners (Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward and Leon Jackson) when he's clearly a cut above all of them.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
A Trio of Rihanna features
As if conquering the globe with Loud wasn't enough!
With 'Loud' charting top 3 all over the globe and Only Girl (In The World) and What's My Name? topping charts, that's not all Rihanna's been up to. Here are three tracks which have all been scaling US itunes today due to the release of their parents albums.
Kanye West - All Of The Lights
After causing controversy with Taylor Swift last year at the VMAs Kanye was always going to be up against it when attempting to launch his next album. Having experienced a similar backlash to that of Chris Brown's what he really needed was some material to recapture his fans. Unfortunately Power was not the track to do that with, as it struggled top 40 both here and in the US. Having said that 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is still aiming at 400k during Black Friday week in America!
All Of The Lights is a blatant attempt to recreate the success of Run This Town, and it's better in my opinion. I didn't warm to that track too well as I felt Rihanna was being under used, but the subtlety here actually adds to the track. You can imagine the video featuring the pair in the midst of a marching procession; it would be so apt with the drums and trumpets backing the track. Towards the end there seems to be an overload of artists making their input which I really don't think was necessary.
David Guetta - Who's That Chick?
This track has been around for a while acting as a advertisement campaign by Doritos and has two videos - both a day and night version. There was initially some confusion as to whether this would be the lead single from 'Loud' in preference to Only Girl of which I'm relieved they made the right decision. Rather surprisingly, it hasn't even been included as a bonus track on 'Loud' despite being released next Monday.
The song has a high energy and is fun. It helps create a complete transformation from the darker Rated R and LTWYL back to the fun loving girl we all fell in love with during those 'GGGB' days. I'm glad the track is being released under Guetta's name as the sound is so typical of his that it could come across as though RiRi was selling out in the same way other acts are jumping on the Red One band wagon (Sugababes, Backstreet Boys, Enrique, Sean Kingston...need I say more) to varying degrees of success.
Nicki Minaj - Fly
First off, I really don't see Nicki's appeal. She recently featured on Rihanna's album on Raining Men - I'm not sure if there's any correlation between her appearance and the fact it's my least favourite track off 'Loud', but oh well! However I downloaded this blindly off Play.com recently as part of the Becks deal to give out free music, and I'm quite impressed. The chorus is beautiful and inspirational - it's just a shame we have to have Minaj interrupting so often!
Nicki's had limited success so far with singles Your Love, Check It Out (Feat. Will.i.am) and Right Thru Me but this one could really break that pattern. She seems like one of those acts where the music industry just tries too hard to make happen (Hello Duffy & Adele). With a list of features longer than most artist's entire back catalogue it's like they are latching her on to any success she can get. Though it may pay off as the HDD predictions for next week are pitching her album 'Pink Friday' to challenge Kanye for the top of the Billboard 200 by clearing sales of 400k! Good luck with that anyway - Rihanna brings a really uplifting element to this song and I hope it gets a release for her sake.
(Sorry for any poor quality versions, youtube really isn't what it used to be).
With 'Loud' charting top 3 all over the globe and Only Girl (In The World) and What's My Name? topping charts, that's not all Rihanna's been up to. Here are three tracks which have all been scaling US itunes today due to the release of their parents albums.
Kanye West - All Of The Lights
After causing controversy with Taylor Swift last year at the VMAs Kanye was always going to be up against it when attempting to launch his next album. Having experienced a similar backlash to that of Chris Brown's what he really needed was some material to recapture his fans. Unfortunately Power was not the track to do that with, as it struggled top 40 both here and in the US. Having said that 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is still aiming at 400k during Black Friday week in America!
All Of The Lights is a blatant attempt to recreate the success of Run This Town, and it's better in my opinion. I didn't warm to that track too well as I felt Rihanna was being under used, but the subtlety here actually adds to the track. You can imagine the video featuring the pair in the midst of a marching procession; it would be so apt with the drums and trumpets backing the track. Towards the end there seems to be an overload of artists making their input which I really don't think was necessary.
David Guetta - Who's That Chick?
This track has been around for a while acting as a advertisement campaign by Doritos and has two videos - both a day and night version. There was initially some confusion as to whether this would be the lead single from 'Loud' in preference to Only Girl of which I'm relieved they made the right decision. Rather surprisingly, it hasn't even been included as a bonus track on 'Loud' despite being released next Monday.
The song has a high energy and is fun. It helps create a complete transformation from the darker Rated R and LTWYL back to the fun loving girl we all fell in love with during those 'GGGB' days. I'm glad the track is being released under Guetta's name as the sound is so typical of his that it could come across as though RiRi was selling out in the same way other acts are jumping on the Red One band wagon (Sugababes, Backstreet Boys, Enrique, Sean Kingston...need I say more) to varying degrees of success.
Nicki Minaj - Fly
First off, I really don't see Nicki's appeal. She recently featured on Rihanna's album on Raining Men - I'm not sure if there's any correlation between her appearance and the fact it's my least favourite track off 'Loud', but oh well! However I downloaded this blindly off Play.com recently as part of the Becks deal to give out free music, and I'm quite impressed. The chorus is beautiful and inspirational - it's just a shame we have to have Minaj interrupting so often!
Nicki's had limited success so far with singles Your Love, Check It Out (Feat. Will.i.am) and Right Thru Me but this one could really break that pattern. She seems like one of those acts where the music industry just tries too hard to make happen (Hello Duffy & Adele). With a list of features longer than most artist's entire back catalogue it's like they are latching her on to any success she can get. Though it may pay off as the HDD predictions for next week are pitching her album 'Pink Friday' to challenge Kanye for the top of the Billboard 200 by clearing sales of 400k! Good luck with that anyway - Rihanna brings a really uplifting element to this song and I hope it gets a release for her sake.
(Sorry for any poor quality versions, youtube really isn't what it used to be).
Friday, 19 November 2010
Taylor Swift - Haunted
From her US million selling 'Speak Now'
Spyke
In the same way that Behind These Hazel Eyes gave us a slightly darker and rockier sound from Kelly Clarkson, this track offers us something different from Taylor Swift.
Whereas the majority of 'Speak Now' is very much a country album, this song is the main exception. There is more production with drums and violins kicking in from the word go, giving it plenty of momentum. Once the mood of the song is set, Taylor breaks in sounding both vulnerable and scared. A lot of Taylor's releases get branded as poor attempts to recreate Love Story but this track doesn't try and is all the better for it. Going through the emotions of a break up this track really captures the pain and grievances involved. As she sings the chorus 'Come on, come on don't leave me like this' you can see Taylor begging to have her ex return to her.
I think this would provide the ideal second single from the album here in the UK; the mix of strong emotions and poppy feel would provide a much more successful crossover hit than anything else on the album.
Spyke
In the same way that Behind These Hazel Eyes gave us a slightly darker and rockier sound from Kelly Clarkson, this track offers us something different from Taylor Swift.
Whereas the majority of 'Speak Now' is very much a country album, this song is the main exception. There is more production with drums and violins kicking in from the word go, giving it plenty of momentum. Once the mood of the song is set, Taylor breaks in sounding both vulnerable and scared. A lot of Taylor's releases get branded as poor attempts to recreate Love Story but this track doesn't try and is all the better for it. Going through the emotions of a break up this track really captures the pain and grievances involved. As she sings the chorus 'Come on, come on don't leave me like this' you can see Taylor begging to have her ex return to her.
I think this would provide the ideal second single from the album here in the UK; the mix of strong emotions and poppy feel would provide a much more successful crossover hit than anything else on the album.
Bruno Mars - Grenade
The follow up to Just The Way You Are
Spyke
When I first heard Just The Way You Are earlier this year I had no idea how massive the track would become. The lovely ballad has really struck a chord with the public and is scaling the 2010 Year To Date chart. Having sold 580,000 copies it currently stands as the 8th biggest seller of the year. With six weeks before the year is out it's too early to call whether it will be able to close the 200k gap between itself and the current leader - Rihanna & Eminem with Love The Way You Lie. If we see Matt Cardle perform it again in the X Factor final then it could well be a possibility.
This track leaked around the same time as the latter and I think its fantastic, so much so that it held the title of my most played song on itunes until Katy Perry's Firework and various new Rihanna songs which have knocked it down to 4th. The song features Bruno's distinct vocals backed by a throbbing drum beat which keeps the track marching along. Grenade is going to serve as Bruno Mars' second solo single and will precede the release of his album 'Doo-wops & Hooligans' in January.
There's no way this track could live up to the same levels of success as its predecessor but it should comfortably chart top 10 both here and in the US. Having just seen the video this morning I was a little disappointed -with a song like this there is so much potential to make an epic production. But it would appear they opted for him just to be pulling a piano around town.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin -
Actual 1
Spyke
When I first heard Just The Way You Are earlier this year I had no idea how massive the track would become. The lovely ballad has really struck a chord with the public and is scaling the 2010 Year To Date chart. Having sold 580,000 copies it currently stands as the 8th biggest seller of the year. With six weeks before the year is out it's too early to call whether it will be able to close the 200k gap between itself and the current leader - Rihanna & Eminem with Love The Way You Lie. If we see Matt Cardle perform it again in the X Factor final then it could well be a possibility.
This track leaked around the same time as the latter and I think its fantastic, so much so that it held the title of my most played song on itunes until Katy Perry's Firework and various new Rihanna songs which have knocked it down to 4th. The song features Bruno's distinct vocals backed by a throbbing drum beat which keeps the track marching along. Grenade is going to serve as Bruno Mars' second solo single and will precede the release of his album 'Doo-wops & Hooligans' in January.
There's no way this track could live up to the same levels of success as its predecessor but it should comfortably chart top 10 both here and in the US. Having just seen the video this morning I was a little disappointed -with a song like this there is so much potential to make an epic production. But it would appear they opted for him just to be pulling a piano around town.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin -
Actual 1
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
David Guetta Featuring Taio Cruz & Ludacris - Little Bad Girl
The Sexy Bitch from the new album?
Spyke
With Who's That Chick featuring Rihanna all set to be David Guetta's next single, I'm not sure where this fits in; it might be for the re-release of 'One Love', his next album or just a demo. Either way I just had to share it with you.
Swedish House Mafia's One springs to mind when the intro first kicks in. From there it builds up into an epic clubbing track which will be filling dance floors sometime soon. The track features Taio Cruz who brings just as much of his swagger to this track, as you've seen in both of his massive number ones.
I'm not sure if this leak is the final version as at times it sounds a little bare, which could soon be patched up with a bit of extra production - mainly in the latter part of the song. Guetta seems to be using his magic formula very successfully at the moment producing some of the biggest hits of 2009/10. Like Sexy Bitch, this is the sort of track where I could actually just sit and listen to the instrumental version, as that's what it's all about! As much as I appreciate Taio's input it sounds about as necessary as Akon's in the aforementioned track. Let's face it, 'Go little bad girl, little bad girl' aren't going to win this any awards for lyrics of the year.
If this is released pre-album then it could easily go top 5. Leaving it until after an album's release may give the song the same unfortunate fate as Taio's No other One or to some extent Guetta's Memories.
Spyke
With Who's That Chick featuring Rihanna all set to be David Guetta's next single, I'm not sure where this fits in; it might be for the re-release of 'One Love', his next album or just a demo. Either way I just had to share it with you.
Swedish House Mafia's One springs to mind when the intro first kicks in. From there it builds up into an epic clubbing track which will be filling dance floors sometime soon. The track features Taio Cruz who brings just as much of his swagger to this track, as you've seen in both of his massive number ones.
I'm not sure if this leak is the final version as at times it sounds a little bare, which could soon be patched up with a bit of extra production - mainly in the latter part of the song. Guetta seems to be using his magic formula very successfully at the moment producing some of the biggest hits of 2009/10. Like Sexy Bitch, this is the sort of track where I could actually just sit and listen to the instrumental version, as that's what it's all about! As much as I appreciate Taio's input it sounds about as necessary as Akon's in the aforementioned track. Let's face it, 'Go little bad girl, little bad girl' aren't going to win this any awards for lyrics of the year.
If this is released pre-album then it could easily go top 5. Leaving it until after an album's release may give the song the same unfortunate fate as Taio's No other One or to some extent Guetta's Memories.
Friday, 12 November 2010
THE Chart Battle of the year....
More exciting than the Christmas #1 used to be.
Spyke
Next week's charts are going to be brimming with new entries and competition for that top spot. With Westlife, JLS and Take That all getting that coveted X Factor slot on Sunday, The Black Eyed Peas and Far East Movement getting their first full week of sales and then of course Rihanna holding firm at the top, there's so much going on. Considering I've done posts on The Flood, The Time, Love You More, Like A G6 and Only Girl it's interesting that the only one of these I didn't predict to top the charts is currently doing just that. So here's my run down on what might happen:
1 Far East Movement - Like A G6
Having topped the US Hot 100 last month, this track has picked up some serious momentum over the past few weeks. Despite being hindered by a lack of X Factor exposure, there has been a cover version of this track creeping up into the itunes top 20 for some time now - this usually bodes well for a track (see Just The Way You Are, Only Girl or California Gurls). This might just surprise a lot of people next week.
2 JLS - Love You More
Like previous single The Club Is Alive, this leaked too early prior to release. However, as I've refrained from downloading it too early, the song has retained its original charm and not suffered from overplay. This should be able to secure some strong sales off the back of Sunday but I just hope it can hold up through the week. That it is the official Children in Need single should give it a charity-fuelled boost.
3 Take That - The Flood
This week I was really surprised that The Flood never quite managed to topple Rihanna from the top of itunes. Despite a promising start (probably due to physicals) this track is losing serious ground - I just hope it can hold on to the #2 spot. The song is the anthem which would be magical on a stadium tour (or a Sunday night X Factor). However with the release of the album next week which'll do serious numbers, its chart placing may suffer unfortunately.See the review
4 Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
I'm ashamed of my lack of faith in Rihanna by only predicting this would peak at #2. The song is turning out to be massive - clearing 100k on it's first two weeks and looking to come close again for the third week (which hasn't happened for a long time). I can see this holding quite strong next week, but you've got to consider it is already creeping into the top 20 of the year.
5 The Black Eyed Peas - The Time (The Dirty Bit)
I didn't realise that this was released on Monday - neither did many people as it took its time to climb itunes but it is currently sitting at #2. I was expecting this to hit the charts in few week once it had a video and more airplay. So this so is a long way off its peak....
6 Westlife - Safe
For once Westlife aren't going for the easy option and releasing a cover as the first cut for the new album. The track won't win over many new fans as it's pretty representative of all their other stuff. Last year they managed to clear 70k after their X Factor performance of What About Now - but there was a lot of love and exposure for their version. Could this be Westlife's lowest charting lead single? Thought I'd put the video in there, for anyone who hasn't seen it.
Also watch out for a few album tracks charting next week! In particular new album releases from a whole host of artists: Glee Cast, Mariah Carey, McFly, Nelly, P!nk, Rihanna, Russell Watson, Shayne Ward, Tinchy Stryder and of course Take That! Next week will be THE biggest week of the year for albums so far. However you should be under no illusion as to who'll take the top of the chart by storm. Take That should be looking to easily clear 300k (and by that I wouldn't be surprised if they clear half a million) with hopefully Rihanna coming second.
From Rihanna's album I can see any of the potential four next singles charting. S&M and What's My Name should make the top 75. As Who's That Chick is David Guetta's new single to be released on the 22nd Nov it could enter the top 40. Then there is Love The Way You Lie Part 2 which could do all sorts of wonders off the back of the year's biggest seller and the success of ESOM Part 2 - so watch this space (http://mcspymusic.blogspot.com/2010/11/rihanna-feat-eminem-love-way-you-lie.html).
The Result:
1. LOVE YOU MORE (JLS)
2. THE FLOOD (Take That)
3. YOUR SONG (Ellie Goulding)
4. ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD) (Rihanna)
6. LIKE A G6 (Far East Movement feat Cataracts & Dev)
7. THE TIME (DIRTY BIT) (The Black Eyed Peas)
10.SAFE (Westlife)
Well after an intense week of sales (with all of the top 6 clearing 50k) it seems I over estimated the love for Like A G6 which only made it as high as #6 this week. The rest of my predictions were in order though as JLS claimed their 4th UK #1 with sales of 118k. Take That managed to hold on to their #2 by just a few thousand over the surprise entry at #3 - Ellie Goulding (84k) has recently released her cover of Elton John's 1971 hit Your Song which is receiving a boost in sales thanks to being featured on the John Lewis Christmas advert.
Rihanna only slipped to #4 by selling 74k helping her break into the top 20 of the year! The Black Eyed Peas rather disappointingly only made it to #7 this week whilst Westlife claimed their lowest peaking single ever but their 25th top ten hit (14 of which hit #1).
Spyke
Next week's charts are going to be brimming with new entries and competition for that top spot. With Westlife, JLS and Take That all getting that coveted X Factor slot on Sunday, The Black Eyed Peas and Far East Movement getting their first full week of sales and then of course Rihanna holding firm at the top, there's so much going on. Considering I've done posts on The Flood, The Time, Love You More, Like A G6 and Only Girl it's interesting that the only one of these I didn't predict to top the charts is currently doing just that. So here's my run down on what might happen:
1 Far East Movement - Like A G6
Having topped the US Hot 100 last month, this track has picked up some serious momentum over the past few weeks. Despite being hindered by a lack of X Factor exposure, there has been a cover version of this track creeping up into the itunes top 20 for some time now - this usually bodes well for a track (see Just The Way You Are, Only Girl or California Gurls). This might just surprise a lot of people next week.
2 JLS - Love You More
Like previous single The Club Is Alive, this leaked too early prior to release. However, as I've refrained from downloading it too early, the song has retained its original charm and not suffered from overplay. This should be able to secure some strong sales off the back of Sunday but I just hope it can hold up through the week. That it is the official Children in Need single should give it a charity-fuelled boost.
3 Take That - The Flood
This week I was really surprised that The Flood never quite managed to topple Rihanna from the top of itunes. Despite a promising start (probably due to physicals) this track is losing serious ground - I just hope it can hold on to the #2 spot. The song is the anthem which would be magical on a stadium tour (or a Sunday night X Factor). However with the release of the album next week which'll do serious numbers, its chart placing may suffer unfortunately.See the review
4 Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
I'm ashamed of my lack of faith in Rihanna by only predicting this would peak at #2. The song is turning out to be massive - clearing 100k on it's first two weeks and looking to come close again for the third week (which hasn't happened for a long time). I can see this holding quite strong next week, but you've got to consider it is already creeping into the top 20 of the year.
5 The Black Eyed Peas - The Time (The Dirty Bit)
I didn't realise that this was released on Monday - neither did many people as it took its time to climb itunes but it is currently sitting at #2. I was expecting this to hit the charts in few week once it had a video and more airplay. So this so is a long way off its peak....
6 Westlife - Safe
For once Westlife aren't going for the easy option and releasing a cover as the first cut for the new album. The track won't win over many new fans as it's pretty representative of all their other stuff. Last year they managed to clear 70k after their X Factor performance of What About Now - but there was a lot of love and exposure for their version. Could this be Westlife's lowest charting lead single? Thought I'd put the video in there, for anyone who hasn't seen it.
Also watch out for a few album tracks charting next week! In particular new album releases from a whole host of artists: Glee Cast, Mariah Carey, McFly, Nelly, P!nk, Rihanna, Russell Watson, Shayne Ward, Tinchy Stryder and of course Take That! Next week will be THE biggest week of the year for albums so far. However you should be under no illusion as to who'll take the top of the chart by storm. Take That should be looking to easily clear 300k (and by that I wouldn't be surprised if they clear half a million) with hopefully Rihanna coming second.
From Rihanna's album I can see any of the potential four next singles charting. S&M and What's My Name should make the top 75. As Who's That Chick is David Guetta's new single to be released on the 22nd Nov it could enter the top 40. Then there is Love The Way You Lie Part 2 which could do all sorts of wonders off the back of the year's biggest seller and the success of ESOM Part 2 - so watch this space (http://mcspymusic.blogspot.com/2010/11/rihanna-feat-eminem-love-way-you-lie.html).
The Result:
1. LOVE YOU MORE (JLS)
2. THE FLOOD (Take That)
3. YOUR SONG (Ellie Goulding)
4. ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD) (Rihanna)
6. LIKE A G6 (Far East Movement feat Cataracts & Dev)
7. THE TIME (DIRTY BIT) (The Black Eyed Peas)
10.SAFE (Westlife)
Well after an intense week of sales (with all of the top 6 clearing 50k) it seems I over estimated the love for Like A G6 which only made it as high as #6 this week. The rest of my predictions were in order though as JLS claimed their 4th UK #1 with sales of 118k. Take That managed to hold on to their #2 by just a few thousand over the surprise entry at #3 - Ellie Goulding (84k) has recently released her cover of Elton John's 1971 hit Your Song which is receiving a boost in sales thanks to being featured on the John Lewis Christmas advert.
Rihanna only slipped to #4 by selling 74k helping her break into the top 20 of the year! The Black Eyed Peas rather disappointingly only made it to #7 this week whilst Westlife claimed their lowest peaking single ever but their 25th top ten hit (14 of which hit #1).
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Lady Gaga - Second Time Around
An old demo that might have escaped your notice...
McLovin
2011 sees the release of Lady Gaga's eagerly awaited album, Born This Way. If Bad Romance has broken your playcount record or you can recite the Telephone video word perfect ('mmm-hmm Honey B!') you might want to check out this unreleased demo from 2008. My little monster friends recently tracked down Second Time Around along with Earthquake (Then You'll Love Me). While the latter definitely feels like a work in progress, Second Time Around is a really lovely find.
Opening with a piano-led hook, the unpolished quality actually enchances the track. It allows Gaga's vocals to stand out more, demonstrating once again what a fantastic voice she has. To me it feels like the blueprint to some of the songs on The Fame, particular Paper Gangsta (that might just be because of the prominent use of pianos in both, but in any case it reminded me how good that song is!).
Written for another artist but never taken any further, it seems a shame that the song seems destined for relative obscurity. Some fans are hoping there will be some sort of 2.0-type version on the new album, but I doubt there will be. I'm treating it more as a nice surprise appetiser before the main monster Gaga-feast that will be Born This Way.
McLovin
2011 sees the release of Lady Gaga's eagerly awaited album, Born This Way. If Bad Romance has broken your playcount record or you can recite the Telephone video word perfect ('mmm-hmm Honey B!') you might want to check out this unreleased demo from 2008. My little monster friends recently tracked down Second Time Around along with Earthquake (Then You'll Love Me). While the latter definitely feels like a work in progress, Second Time Around is a really lovely find.
Opening with a piano-led hook, the unpolished quality actually enchances the track. It allows Gaga's vocals to stand out more, demonstrating once again what a fantastic voice she has. To me it feels like the blueprint to some of the songs on The Fame, particular Paper Gangsta (that might just be because of the prominent use of pianos in both, but in any case it reminded me how good that song is!).
Written for another artist but never taken any further, it seems a shame that the song seems destined for relative obscurity. Some fans are hoping there will be some sort of 2.0-type version on the new album, but I doubt there will be. I'm treating it more as a nice surprise appetiser before the main monster Gaga-feast that will be Born This Way.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
The Wanted - Replace Your Heart
Standout album track
McLovin
I've no idea if this is going to be released as a single, but I hope it is. All Time Low has slowly become one of my favourite number ones of the year, but when Heart Vacancy didn't do all that much for me I thought that might be it for my relationship with The Wanted. Yet when I recently had a dream in which I was a member of the band (not the first time I've woken up and realised I'm not ACTUALLY in a boyband), I was drawn to their work a bit more.
Replace Your Heart is a mature-sounding ballad, lyrically in same vein as their first two singles. I really like the chorus, particularly the warm sounding harmonies when the group sing the line 'looking for someone to replace your heart'. It has a Backstreet Boys quality to it, a very good thing in my book. I'm seeing the band perform a small set in a couple of weeks, so it'll be interesting to see if they sing this song. If they do, it'll be a clear indication that it will be released as a single. Best case scenario - they're desperately looking for a sixth member and see a certain someone in the crowd singing all the words back at them...
McLovin
I've no idea if this is going to be released as a single, but I hope it is. All Time Low has slowly become one of my favourite number ones of the year, but when Heart Vacancy didn't do all that much for me I thought that might be it for my relationship with The Wanted. Yet when I recently had a dream in which I was a member of the band (not the first time I've woken up and realised I'm not ACTUALLY in a boyband), I was drawn to their work a bit more.
Replace Your Heart is a mature-sounding ballad, lyrically in same vein as their first two singles. I really like the chorus, particularly the warm sounding harmonies when the group sing the line 'looking for someone to replace your heart'. It has a Backstreet Boys quality to it, a very good thing in my book. I'm seeing the band perform a small set in a couple of weeks, so it'll be interesting to see if they sing this song. If they do, it'll be a clear indication that it will be released as a single. Best case scenario - they're desperately looking for a sixth member and see a certain someone in the crowd singing all the words back at them...
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Alexis Jordan - Happiness
Massive debut single for potential star?
McLovin
Looking set to chart in the top three on Sunday is the debut single from 18 year old American Alexis Jordan. Although she will be unfamiliar to a UK audience, she came to prominence in the US way back in 2006. Appearing on America's Got Talent, 14 year old Alexis wowed the judges with her rendition of the Whitney Houston juggernaut I Have Nothing, before exiting at the semi-finals stage. Bubbling under the radar for the pass few years whilst singing cover versions on YouTube, she was recently signed to new label StarRoc. This label is a merger between Jay-Z's RocNation and the Norwegian powerhouse writing team Stargate (responsible for many of Ne-Yo and Rihanna's hits). When you've got the most successful rapper alive and (in my opinion) the best current songwriters both wanting to sign you, you know you're onto a winner! However, it does put a lot of pressure on the first single. Does Happiness stand up to it?
The song is based entirely around the Deadmau5 track Brazil (Second Edit). I must admit I am no dance music connoisseur, but to my ears their song is wonderful. Why bother putting a vocal melody over it? Is piggybacking onto an established act's song really the best way to launch Alexis to the world at large?
As it turns out, yes! Happiness is one of those rare songs that builds on its original sample to create something entirely new and unexpected. 'I gotta turn this car around, I never should have left you there'. Right from the off, the listener is drawn into song - why has she changed her mind? Who is she going back to? As it progresses to the chorus, the song's meaning becomes clearer. 'Through strength I found love, in time I found myself in happiness with you'. What I find interesting is the use of the word strength. Love isn't being presented as something simple and easy. It is tough, something you need to work at - that's why at the beginning of the song she is on her way out of the relationship. Happiness is about her change of heart, the realisation that she has a good thing going on and she's willing to give it another go. It's not about finding somebody new, it's about having already found that somebody who is going to make it all worthwhile.
The repeated vocal hook of 'Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm' perfectly captures her contentment, while the light, floaty way in which she first sings the word 'happiness' blissfully conveys the temporality of that feeling. Alexis can really belt out a song (check out her cover of Fight For This Love where she maxes out the video camera speakers!). But here it is restrained, and all the more powerful for it. The ease of her vocals gives the song its balanced tone. After all, you can never really force yourself to be happy, can you? And if she does start giving it a bit more welly towards the end, it is only in line with the song's progression.
While some naysayers might never give Happiness a chance due to its sampled origins, they'd be missing the point. Using the Deadmau5 track as a starting point, Happiness takes flight to become one of the standout tracks of the year. I for one am very excited about what comes next for her.
Chart Predictions
McLovin: 3
Spyke: 3
Actual: 3
McLovin
Looking set to chart in the top three on Sunday is the debut single from 18 year old American Alexis Jordan. Although she will be unfamiliar to a UK audience, she came to prominence in the US way back in 2006. Appearing on America's Got Talent, 14 year old Alexis wowed the judges with her rendition of the Whitney Houston juggernaut I Have Nothing, before exiting at the semi-finals stage. Bubbling under the radar for the pass few years whilst singing cover versions on YouTube, she was recently signed to new label StarRoc. This label is a merger between Jay-Z's RocNation and the Norwegian powerhouse writing team Stargate (responsible for many of Ne-Yo and Rihanna's hits). When you've got the most successful rapper alive and (in my opinion) the best current songwriters both wanting to sign you, you know you're onto a winner! However, it does put a lot of pressure on the first single. Does Happiness stand up to it?
The song is based entirely around the Deadmau5 track Brazil (Second Edit). I must admit I am no dance music connoisseur, but to my ears their song is wonderful. Why bother putting a vocal melody over it? Is piggybacking onto an established act's song really the best way to launch Alexis to the world at large?
As it turns out, yes! Happiness is one of those rare songs that builds on its original sample to create something entirely new and unexpected. 'I gotta turn this car around, I never should have left you there'. Right from the off, the listener is drawn into song - why has she changed her mind? Who is she going back to? As it progresses to the chorus, the song's meaning becomes clearer. 'Through strength I found love, in time I found myself in happiness with you'. What I find interesting is the use of the word strength. Love isn't being presented as something simple and easy. It is tough, something you need to work at - that's why at the beginning of the song she is on her way out of the relationship. Happiness is about her change of heart, the realisation that she has a good thing going on and she's willing to give it another go. It's not about finding somebody new, it's about having already found that somebody who is going to make it all worthwhile.
The repeated vocal hook of 'Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm' perfectly captures her contentment, while the light, floaty way in which she first sings the word 'happiness' blissfully conveys the temporality of that feeling. Alexis can really belt out a song (check out her cover of Fight For This Love where she maxes out the video camera speakers!). But here it is restrained, and all the more powerful for it. The ease of her vocals gives the song its balanced tone. After all, you can never really force yourself to be happy, can you? And if she does start giving it a bit more welly towards the end, it is only in line with the song's progression.
While some naysayers might never give Happiness a chance due to its sampled origins, they'd be missing the point. Using the Deadmau5 track as a starting point, Happiness takes flight to become one of the standout tracks of the year. I for one am very excited about what comes next for her.
Chart Predictions
McLovin: 3
Spyke: 3
Actual: 3
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Rihanna Feat. Eminem - Love The Way You Lie Part II
Better than the original?
Spyke
It's Incredible!
Rihanna's Rated R received great critical praise but slightly under performed commercially (only managing to peak at #9 here). Despite having the singles to do well the project was a bit miss handled - not releasing Hard here, trying to release Rockstar 101 in America and leaving the impeccable Firebomb as just an album track. This has still been Rihanna's year: with Rude Boy, Te Amo and Love The Way You Lie she has come back as a front runner in the global charts. She'll even be the biggest selling singles artist of the year here in the UK (currently with 1.7 million sales).
When I heard she was releasing another album two months before Christmas just a year later I thought it might have been a rushed effort to get back on commercial ground. But it seems I was wrong, so far 'Loud' looks to have as much potential as 'GGGB'. Last week Rihanna sold the highest weekly total for a #2 (non Christmas related) single since Westlife's Uptown Girl in 2001 with Only Girl (In The World). After a brilliant performance on Sunday's X Factor she looks set to build on those sales and take the top spot! In the US she's starring in commercials for Kodak and Dorritos (see I'm That Chick) and currently sits at #3 on the Hot 100 with Only Girl, and #2 on itunes with What's My Name?. It couldn't be going better.
Then this track drops. The original version currently stands as the biggest seller of the year with sales over 750k. This version is very much more subdued, with the backing track stripped right down to little more than a piano and drum beat, bringing more focus to the haunting vocal from Rihanna and rap from Eminem. Like Rihanna's middle eight in Live Your Life creating a different aspect to that track, the opening verse brings out the deeply emotional side of the story from the woman's perspective. With humbling lyrics such as 'Even angels have their wicked schemes and you take death to new extremes. But you’ll always be my hero, even though you lost your mind', this track hits a chord as much as the first part did.
I would love this to get a release as it is fantastic. But with the current release schedule looking like; Only Girl (In The World), What's My Name? then S&M with David Guetta releasing Who's That Chick in November it might be a while until we get it.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin 3
Actual -
Spyke
It's Incredible!
Rihanna's Rated R received great critical praise but slightly under performed commercially (only managing to peak at #9 here). Despite having the singles to do well the project was a bit miss handled - not releasing Hard here, trying to release Rockstar 101 in America and leaving the impeccable Firebomb as just an album track. This has still been Rihanna's year: with Rude Boy, Te Amo and Love The Way You Lie she has come back as a front runner in the global charts. She'll even be the biggest selling singles artist of the year here in the UK (currently with 1.7 million sales).
When I heard she was releasing another album two months before Christmas just a year later I thought it might have been a rushed effort to get back on commercial ground. But it seems I was wrong, so far 'Loud' looks to have as much potential as 'GGGB'. Last week Rihanna sold the highest weekly total for a #2 (non Christmas related) single since Westlife's Uptown Girl in 2001 with Only Girl (In The World). After a brilliant performance on Sunday's X Factor she looks set to build on those sales and take the top spot! In the US she's starring in commercials for Kodak and Dorritos (see I'm That Chick) and currently sits at #3 on the Hot 100 with Only Girl, and #2 on itunes with What's My Name?. It couldn't be going better.
Then this track drops. The original version currently stands as the biggest seller of the year with sales over 750k. This version is very much more subdued, with the backing track stripped right down to little more than a piano and drum beat, bringing more focus to the haunting vocal from Rihanna and rap from Eminem. Like Rihanna's middle eight in Live Your Life creating a different aspect to that track, the opening verse brings out the deeply emotional side of the story from the woman's perspective. With humbling lyrics such as 'Even angels have their wicked schemes and you take death to new extremes. But you’ll always be my hero, even though you lost your mind', this track hits a chord as much as the first part did.
I would love this to get a release as it is fantastic. But with the current release schedule looking like; Only Girl (In The World), What's My Name? then S&M with David Guetta releasing Who's That Chick in November it might be a while until we get it.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin 3
Actual -
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Punk Goes . . . Pop 3
Punk Rock covers of classic pop songs.
Spyke
I thought I'd post something different relating to my other music love (besides pop) American Punk Rock bands. Each year the Fearless Records 'Punk Goes...' franchise releases a new LP which usually consists of covers or acoustic sets. In the past there's been Punk Goes... Pop, Crunk, Classic Rock, 90's and Acoustic. The most commercially successful being Punk Goes Pop 2 which reached #15 on the Billboard top 200 when it was released last March.
This release sees the return of my favourite band Mayday Parade as well as Artist Vs. Poet and Breathe Carolina. The track list features hot releases from the past few years from the likes of Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo and B.o.b. In the past bands have tried to do too much with the tracks; this edition is more like a radio 1 live lounge session with added drums and guitars.
Here are a few of my personal highlights:
Mayday Parade - In My Head (Jason Derulo)
With Mayday Parade being my second most played artist ever (behind Rihanna) I was always going to love this. However they manage to capture the same essence as the original - even with the silly shout out at the start of the track. Especially love the piano break down towards the end of the song.
Cute Is What We Aim For - Dead And Gone (T.I. Feat. Justin Timberlake)
This song became one of my most played tracks of 2008, unfortunately the song only managed to chart at #4 when it got released here a year later. Nothing could ever beat the original with it's intense aggressive lyrics, JT's harmonies and picturesque video. However I'd love to sit and listen to someone perform this acoustically any day.
Breathe Carolina - Down (Jay Sean Feat. Lil Wayne)
I imagine this song got played over a 1,000 times in our flat year; I loved it, Oli loved it and then our house-mate who was trapped in the middle of us continued to play it. It's the sort of song that you can love to the point of over kill by having on repeat. I did twice - with the original then once again when I discovered the remixes. How a UK act can top the US Hot 100 and only achieve a #3 hit here is beyond me; at least when Bleeding Love, Viva La Vida and Break Your Heart recently topped the chart across the pond they'd reached the summit here. Despite Breathe Carolina being usually screaming enough to warrant being deleted from my itunes they stay quite reserved on the track. Going for a Metro Station sound up to the rap where they let lose a bit, this song has been nicely revitalised for me.
'Pop Goes...Pop 3' was released in the US today and is definitely worth a look in for different takes on the classic pop hits of the past couple of years. I've put the full track listing below in case you fancy getting on youtube later. Enjoy!
1. Breathe Carolina - Down (Jay Sean)
2. Woe Is Me - Hot N Cold (Katy Perry)
3. Artist Vs Poet - Bad Romance (Lady Gaga)
4. Mayday Parade - In My Head(Jason Derulo)
5. Asking Alexandria - Right Now (Akon)
6.This Century - Paper Planes (MIA)
7. The Word Alive - Heartless (Kanye West)
8. Family Force 5 - Bulletproof (La Roux)
9. Of Mice and Men - Blame It (Jamie Foxx)
10. Miss May I - Run This Town (Jay Z)
11. The Ready Set - Airplanes (B.O.B)
12. Cute Is What We Aim For - Dead and Gone (TI)
13. Sparks the Rescue - Need You Now (Lady Antebellum)
14. We Came As Romans - My Love (Justin Timberlake)
Spyke
I thought I'd post something different relating to my other music love (besides pop) American Punk Rock bands. Each year the Fearless Records 'Punk Goes...' franchise releases a new LP which usually consists of covers or acoustic sets. In the past there's been Punk Goes... Pop, Crunk, Classic Rock, 90's and Acoustic. The most commercially successful being Punk Goes Pop 2 which reached #15 on the Billboard top 200 when it was released last March.
This release sees the return of my favourite band Mayday Parade as well as Artist Vs. Poet and Breathe Carolina. The track list features hot releases from the past few years from the likes of Lady Gaga, Jason Derulo and B.o.b. In the past bands have tried to do too much with the tracks; this edition is more like a radio 1 live lounge session with added drums and guitars.
Here are a few of my personal highlights:
Mayday Parade - In My Head (Jason Derulo)
With Mayday Parade being my second most played artist ever (behind Rihanna) I was always going to love this. However they manage to capture the same essence as the original - even with the silly shout out at the start of the track. Especially love the piano break down towards the end of the song.
Cute Is What We Aim For - Dead And Gone (T.I. Feat. Justin Timberlake)
This song became one of my most played tracks of 2008, unfortunately the song only managed to chart at #4 when it got released here a year later. Nothing could ever beat the original with it's intense aggressive lyrics, JT's harmonies and picturesque video. However I'd love to sit and listen to someone perform this acoustically any day.
Breathe Carolina - Down (Jay Sean Feat. Lil Wayne)
I imagine this song got played over a 1,000 times in our flat year; I loved it, Oli loved it and then our house-mate who was trapped in the middle of us continued to play it. It's the sort of song that you can love to the point of over kill by having on repeat. I did twice - with the original then once again when I discovered the remixes. How a UK act can top the US Hot 100 and only achieve a #3 hit here is beyond me; at least when Bleeding Love, Viva La Vida and Break Your Heart recently topped the chart across the pond they'd reached the summit here. Despite Breathe Carolina being usually screaming enough to warrant being deleted from my itunes they stay quite reserved on the track. Going for a Metro Station sound up to the rap where they let lose a bit, this song has been nicely revitalised for me.
'Pop Goes...Pop 3' was released in the US today and is definitely worth a look in for different takes on the classic pop hits of the past couple of years. I've put the full track listing below in case you fancy getting on youtube later. Enjoy!
1. Breathe Carolina - Down (Jay Sean)
2. Woe Is Me - Hot N Cold (Katy Perry)
3. Artist Vs Poet - Bad Romance (Lady Gaga)
4. Mayday Parade - In My Head(Jason Derulo)
5. Asking Alexandria - Right Now (Akon)
6.This Century - Paper Planes (MIA)
7. The Word Alive - Heartless (Kanye West)
8. Family Force 5 - Bulletproof (La Roux)
9. Of Mice and Men - Blame It (Jamie Foxx)
10. Miss May I - Run This Town (Jay Z)
11. The Ready Set - Airplanes (B.O.B)
12. Cute Is What We Aim For - Dead and Gone (TI)
13. Sparks the Rescue - Need You Now (Lady Antebellum)
14. We Came As Romans - My Love (Justin Timberlake)
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Willow Smith - Whip My Hair
She's only nine years old!
Spyke
When you've got a mega-star father such as Will Smith, why not release your debut single at the young age of just nine? Having such high powered parents can provide you with the ideal platform to launch yourself into the world of media. Miley Cyrus was only 12 when she gained the role as Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, and she's gone from strength to strength since.
The chorus is pretty infectious, if a bit annoying after a while. With the constant repetition of 'whip my hair back and forth' leaving this song on repeat would surely wind up your neighbours. However I think the verses are great, loaded with swagger and attitude, Willow delivers a good vocal showing maturity beyond her age. With a nice break down in the middle and an under tone similar to that of early Rihanna you can see there's potential here.
But she's only nine! There's a slight issue as to whether it's morally right to put children into the spot light at such a young age. The pressures involved must be intense and we've seen stars in the past take the strain for that (see Britney or Michael Jackson). It seems a bit bizarre when you think that you're listening on itunes to someone that hasn't left primary school yet. Having just got to the point where it's almost acceptable for a 21 year old guy to listen to Miley Cyrus I'm not 100% sure where I stand on this.
Despite that I must say she seems a lot more mature than her age. Watching her in the video and hearing her sing, she has got more swagger than Cher Lloyd could ever dream of. The styling and production is top quality on this track. It could be the introduction to one of the worlds newest pop stars but I can't help feeling the track might have been have been more suited to someone slightly older. I don't think the lyrics 'I gets it in mmmm yea I go hard, when they see me pull up I whip it real hard' are all too relevant for a nine year old to be singing.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin 1
Actual 2
Spyke
When you've got a mega-star father such as Will Smith, why not release your debut single at the young age of just nine? Having such high powered parents can provide you with the ideal platform to launch yourself into the world of media. Miley Cyrus was only 12 when she gained the role as Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, and she's gone from strength to strength since.
The chorus is pretty infectious, if a bit annoying after a while. With the constant repetition of 'whip my hair back and forth' leaving this song on repeat would surely wind up your neighbours. However I think the verses are great, loaded with swagger and attitude, Willow delivers a good vocal showing maturity beyond her age. With a nice break down in the middle and an under tone similar to that of early Rihanna you can see there's potential here.
But she's only nine! There's a slight issue as to whether it's morally right to put children into the spot light at such a young age. The pressures involved must be intense and we've seen stars in the past take the strain for that (see Britney or Michael Jackson). It seems a bit bizarre when you think that you're listening on itunes to someone that hasn't left primary school yet. Having just got to the point where it's almost acceptable for a 21 year old guy to listen to Miley Cyrus I'm not 100% sure where I stand on this.
Despite that I must say she seems a lot more mature than her age. Watching her in the video and hearing her sing, she has got more swagger than Cher Lloyd could ever dream of. The styling and production is top quality on this track. It could be the introduction to one of the worlds newest pop stars but I can't help feeling the track might have been have been more suited to someone slightly older. I don't think the lyrics 'I gets it in mmmm yea I go hard, when they see me pull up I whip it real hard' are all too relevant for a nine year old to be singing.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin 1
Actual 2
Ke$ha - We R Who We R
The sequel to Tik Tok in all the right ways...
McLovin
Ke$ha exploded onto the pop scene in 2009 with the mammoth single Tik Tok. Staying on top of the US hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, it even stopped the We Are The World 25 for Haiti campaign reaching the summit. Culturally, the song took on a life of its own, from The Midnight Beast's parody launching their own career, to (possibly the highest accolade ever) being used in the opening credits of a Simpsons episode.
It may come as a surprise then, that Tik Tok only reached number 4 in the UK charts. Since then, she's had a strong run of top twenty hits, including Blah Blah Blah (11), Your Love Is My Drug (13) and Take It Off (15). She also featured prominently in 30h!3's My First Kiss (7) and Taio Cruz's Dirty Picture (6). With the new single We R Who We R, it launches the eight track EP Cannibal, the sequel to her debut album Animal. In this way, it follows the enormously successful model of Lady Gaga's The Fame/The Fame Monster combo.
While We R Who We R is certainly no Bad Romance (what is!?), it should help Ke$ha move away from Tik Tok and establish her credentials as a great party anthem singer. Still keeping with her valley girl speak-singing/rapping for the verses, We R Who We R isn't afraid of being slightly ridiculous. With lyrics like 'Stockings ripped all up the side' and 'Looking sick and sexified!', it builds on Ke$ha's party animal/drunk and wasted image. But there's something very enjoyable about a song confident enough to include lyrics in the chorus like 'We're dancing like we're Dumb-Dumb-Du-Du-Du-Dumb!'.
In many ways, this line sums up the appeal of Ke$ha. Despite being a massive pop star, her whole persona is based on the idea of 'Hey! Look at me! I get drunk and throw up like you guys too!'. Yes, she's brash. Yes, she looks like she might need to wash a bit more regularly. But when I hear We R Who We R next time I go out, I will certainly be looking dumb dancing to it, and I will be completely loving it.
Chart Predictions:
McLovin: 3
Spyke: 5
Actual: 1
McLovin
Ke$ha exploded onto the pop scene in 2009 with the mammoth single Tik Tok. Staying on top of the US hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, it even stopped the We Are The World 25 for Haiti campaign reaching the summit. Culturally, the song took on a life of its own, from The Midnight Beast's parody launching their own career, to (possibly the highest accolade ever) being used in the opening credits of a Simpsons episode.
It may come as a surprise then, that Tik Tok only reached number 4 in the UK charts. Since then, she's had a strong run of top twenty hits, including Blah Blah Blah (11), Your Love Is My Drug (13) and Take It Off (15). She also featured prominently in 30h!3's My First Kiss (7) and Taio Cruz's Dirty Picture (6). With the new single We R Who We R, it launches the eight track EP Cannibal, the sequel to her debut album Animal. In this way, it follows the enormously successful model of Lady Gaga's The Fame/The Fame Monster combo.
While We R Who We R is certainly no Bad Romance (what is!?), it should help Ke$ha move away from Tik Tok and establish her credentials as a great party anthem singer. Still keeping with her valley girl speak-singing/rapping for the verses, We R Who We R isn't afraid of being slightly ridiculous. With lyrics like 'Stockings ripped all up the side' and 'Looking sick and sexified!', it builds on Ke$ha's party animal/drunk and wasted image. But there's something very enjoyable about a song confident enough to include lyrics in the chorus like 'We're dancing like we're Dumb-Dumb-Du-Du-Du-Dumb!'.
In many ways, this line sums up the appeal of Ke$ha. Despite being a massive pop star, her whole persona is based on the idea of 'Hey! Look at me! I get drunk and throw up like you guys too!'. Yes, she's brash. Yes, she looks like she might need to wash a bit more regularly. But when I hear We R Who We R next time I go out, I will certainly be looking dumb dancing to it, and I will be completely loving it.
Chart Predictions:
McLovin: 3
Spyke: 5
Actual: 1
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Alexandra Burke - The Silence
I thought this was going to get forgotten as just an album track.
Spyke
Last year saw the launch of the X Factor's own Alexandra Burke with the up-tempo number Bad Boys. Whilst her album did seem like half filler, low and behold it held this little gem. Following the release of Broken Heels and All Night Long it seemed like the project was over with the announcement of Start Without You (No comment). It turns out we're getting a re-release of 'Overcome' this Autumn with a few additional tracks on there. It's like when Rihanna went back to an original album track with Rehab once the deluxe tracks had been put out there - some tracks are just too good to miss.
This is what Leona needed to launch her second album (well this or Halo). It seemed like the record company were trying to distinguish the shows two biggest solo winners, giving Leona the ballads and Alexandra the floor fillers. Now with that coveted Sunday performance slot on the country's most influential entertainment show, this song will finally get it's moment to shine! This emotional ballad gives Alexandra the chance to demonstrate her true vocal ability, for possibly the first time since she sang Listen with Beyoncé. This epic track comes fully accompanied with a black and white video, so with a bit of momentum before her X Factor performance this track could do wonders for itself and the album's re-release.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin 8
Actual 16
There's a rumour that the follow up single is a duet with Bruno Mars, so lets hope it's this wonderful track:
Spyke
Last year saw the launch of the X Factor's own Alexandra Burke with the up-tempo number Bad Boys. Whilst her album did seem like half filler, low and behold it held this little gem. Following the release of Broken Heels and All Night Long it seemed like the project was over with the announcement of Start Without You (No comment). It turns out we're getting a re-release of 'Overcome' this Autumn with a few additional tracks on there. It's like when Rihanna went back to an original album track with Rehab once the deluxe tracks had been put out there - some tracks are just too good to miss.
This is what Leona needed to launch her second album (well this or Halo). It seemed like the record company were trying to distinguish the shows two biggest solo winners, giving Leona the ballads and Alexandra the floor fillers. Now with that coveted Sunday performance slot on the country's most influential entertainment show, this song will finally get it's moment to shine! This emotional ballad gives Alexandra the chance to demonstrate her true vocal ability, for possibly the first time since she sang Listen with Beyoncé. This epic track comes fully accompanied with a black and white video, so with a bit of momentum before her X Factor performance this track could do wonders for itself and the album's re-release.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin 8
Actual 16
There's a rumour that the follow up single is a duet with Bruno Mars, so lets hope it's this wonderful track:
Thursday, 21 October 2010
The Black Eyed Peas - The Time (The Dirty Bit)
From the beginning:
Spare link: http://dipdive.com/member/iamwill/media/152490
Spyke
Watch out as the most over played song for this Christmas party season has just dropped. With I Gotta Feeling still in the itunes top 100 all across the globe it seems about time for a new party song. The clubs will be playing this song to fill the dance floor and then putting it back on to conclude the night. Featuring one of the most recognisable samples I've heard in years; taken from the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing (I've Had) The Time Of My Life. The song itself managed to peak at #6 here in the UK back in 1987 then re-charted back at #8 three years later with the debut TV broadcast of the film. I've got a feeling it may chart a little higher this time around.
The track begins with an epic intro which builds up momentum for when Will.i.am comes in with that all too famous chorus accompanied by Fergie. It's from here on in that the Peas put their original stamp on the song, with the electro feel that has become so prominent for the band during their latest project 'The E.N.D'. Between the distinct choruses the song sounds like a cross between Imma Be and one of David Guetta's FMIF remixes. When they played The Time Of My Life at the end of our Graduation Ball last year it seemed awfully cheesy so using the sample would look more risky on paper than JLS sampling The Sound Of Music for their #1 earlier this year, but it works!
As all three of the Black Eyed Peas #1s last year managed weeks of clearing 100k to top the charts I could see this doing exactly the same. If you wanted a song with the force to genuinely challenge the X Factor winner for that Christmas #1 this is the sort of one that could do it. I even have the suspicion that the song could hit the top then actually climb back there for the first week in January like Bad Romance did this year.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1 (grudgingly)
Actual 1
Spare link: http://dipdive.com/member/iamwill/media/152490
Spyke
Watch out as the most over played song for this Christmas party season has just dropped. With I Gotta Feeling still in the itunes top 100 all across the globe it seems about time for a new party song. The clubs will be playing this song to fill the dance floor and then putting it back on to conclude the night. Featuring one of the most recognisable samples I've heard in years; taken from the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing (I've Had) The Time Of My Life. The song itself managed to peak at #6 here in the UK back in 1987 then re-charted back at #8 three years later with the debut TV broadcast of the film. I've got a feeling it may chart a little higher this time around.
The track begins with an epic intro which builds up momentum for when Will.i.am comes in with that all too famous chorus accompanied by Fergie. It's from here on in that the Peas put their original stamp on the song, with the electro feel that has become so prominent for the band during their latest project 'The E.N.D'. Between the distinct choruses the song sounds like a cross between Imma Be and one of David Guetta's FMIF remixes. When they played The Time Of My Life at the end of our Graduation Ball last year it seemed awfully cheesy so using the sample would look more risky on paper than JLS sampling The Sound Of Music for their #1 earlier this year, but it works!
As all three of the Black Eyed Peas #1s last year managed weeks of clearing 100k to top the charts I could see this doing exactly the same. If you wanted a song with the force to genuinely challenge the X Factor winner for that Christmas #1 this is the sort of one that could do it. I even have the suspicion that the song could hit the top then actually climb back there for the first week in January like Bad Romance did this year.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1 (grudgingly)
Actual 1
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Pixie Lott - Broken Arrow
Pixie's lovely new single
McLovin
I did not seek out Pixie Lott's new song - it came to me through the stealth tactic of playing in my local Co-Op's tannoy. Walking down one of aisles looking for pasta sauce, I stopped to listen closer, wondering what this song was.
Broken Arrow gets more interesting with each listen. At first, it seems like a pretty standard heartbroken lament (perhaps taking the arrow metaphor a bit too far with lines like 'He's the thorn in my flesh'). However, what makes the track stand out is who it is addressed to - she isn't singing this to the heartbreaker, but to the rebound guy! 'And you're sitting in the front row, wanna be first in line'. She clearly wants to move on, but can't stop thinking about her past love. Rebound guy sounds great ('You could be my hero'), but his presence underlies the difficulties of getting over a previous relationship.
A lot of credit has to be given to Pixie's vocals. Whereas in previous singles such as Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh), her husky tone has been used in a sort of sex kitten-ish way, here it creates the right amount of anguish needed to lift the song to another level (especially in her 'oh's!' before the chorus hits). Put simply, I find her performance completely believable.
I'm not sure how this single fits in with her new album campaign (I assumed it was another cut from her debut album, Turn It Up). It doesn't look like it's going to set the charts alight this Sunday, but I hope it hangs around for a while and gets the audience it deserves.
Chart Predictions
McLovin: 9
Spyke: 10
Actual: 12
McLovin
I did not seek out Pixie Lott's new song - it came to me through the stealth tactic of playing in my local Co-Op's tannoy. Walking down one of aisles looking for pasta sauce, I stopped to listen closer, wondering what this song was.
Broken Arrow gets more interesting with each listen. At first, it seems like a pretty standard heartbroken lament (perhaps taking the arrow metaphor a bit too far with lines like 'He's the thorn in my flesh'). However, what makes the track stand out is who it is addressed to - she isn't singing this to the heartbreaker, but to the rebound guy! 'And you're sitting in the front row, wanna be first in line'. She clearly wants to move on, but can't stop thinking about her past love. Rebound guy sounds great ('You could be my hero'), but his presence underlies the difficulties of getting over a previous relationship.
A lot of credit has to be given to Pixie's vocals. Whereas in previous singles such as Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh), her husky tone has been used in a sort of sex kitten-ish way, here it creates the right amount of anguish needed to lift the song to another level (especially in her 'oh's!' before the chorus hits). Put simply, I find her performance completely believable.
I'm not sure how this single fits in with her new album campaign (I assumed it was another cut from her debut album, Turn It Up). It doesn't look like it's going to set the charts alight this Sunday, but I hope it hangs around for a while and gets the audience it deserves.
Chart Predictions
McLovin: 9
Spyke: 10
Actual: 12
Friday, 8 October 2010
Take That - The Flood
This will be MASSIVE...
Spyke
It looks as though there might be a little bit of an upset in this week's chart as Robbie and Gary's duet Shame will be held off the top by Cee-Lo Green. However, the song will clear 100k and give them the biggest one week sales for a #2 of the year. I do love a good chart battle and when you have a fan base the size of Take That you'd think the guys would be able to come out trumps but it's not always the case. The amazing Rule The World put up a good fight but flailed in comparison to Leona's opening sales for Bleeding Love; on the 15th November the guys take on another X Factor force - JLS. That week Nelly's Just A Dream, Katy Perry's Firework and JLS's Love You More all get their main physical release alongside The Flood. The latter two will both be searching for the big opening numbers but I reckon this could come out on top.
Despite sounding like Robbie Williams featuring Take That as he dominates the vocals, this is spectacular! If we hadn't had the mediocre Shame this would have been quite the epic comeback - with all the hype around the full re-union this song doesn't disappoint. Beginning with Robbie's solo vocals the song continues to build up momentum when Take That join in with a epic and momentously catchy chorus which you'll be joining in with by the end. 'Although no one understood, we were holding back the flood'. The bold vocals from the band and thundering backing beat makes this track an anthem that people won't forget about in a hurry. It's almost as though the song was written specifically for the massive arena tour that will follow the album. Renown for Knebworth and The Circus, both sides of the re-union can pack out any stadium and put on an unforgettable show.
With this preceding the album, I have a suspicion that the album 'Progress' could be able to sell a million copies quicker than The Circus did (only 19 days), a fair challenge for the guys but easily giving them the biggest album of the year overtaking The Fame which is currently leading the way with 900k this year alone.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 2
Spyke
It looks as though there might be a little bit of an upset in this week's chart as Robbie and Gary's duet Shame will be held off the top by Cee-Lo Green. However, the song will clear 100k and give them the biggest one week sales for a #2 of the year. I do love a good chart battle and when you have a fan base the size of Take That you'd think the guys would be able to come out trumps but it's not always the case. The amazing Rule The World put up a good fight but flailed in comparison to Leona's opening sales for Bleeding Love; on the 15th November the guys take on another X Factor force - JLS. That week Nelly's Just A Dream, Katy Perry's Firework and JLS's Love You More all get their main physical release alongside The Flood. The latter two will both be searching for the big opening numbers but I reckon this could come out on top.
Despite sounding like Robbie Williams featuring Take That as he dominates the vocals, this is spectacular! If we hadn't had the mediocre Shame this would have been quite the epic comeback - with all the hype around the full re-union this song doesn't disappoint. Beginning with Robbie's solo vocals the song continues to build up momentum when Take That join in with a epic and momentously catchy chorus which you'll be joining in with by the end. 'Although no one understood, we were holding back the flood'. The bold vocals from the band and thundering backing beat makes this track an anthem that people won't forget about in a hurry. It's almost as though the song was written specifically for the massive arena tour that will follow the album. Renown for Knebworth and The Circus, both sides of the re-union can pack out any stadium and put on an unforgettable show.
With this preceding the album, I have a suspicion that the album 'Progress' could be able to sell a million copies quicker than The Circus did (only 19 days), a fair challenge for the guys but easily giving them the biggest album of the year overtaking The Fame which is currently leading the way with 900k this year alone.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 2
Friday, 1 October 2010
JLS - Love You More
Battle of the boy band ballads
Spyke
After reviewing the second single from The Wanted yesterday, today we have the second single from the sophomore album by JLS. After these lads went to #1 earlier this summer with The Club Is Alive we have a much more subdued effort. The track actually very reminiscent of Take That back in the mid 90s; with the black and white video similar to Back For Good and an ice cold vocal which is almost spoken at times like Babe: both of which made it to the top of our charts.
Being the Children In Need single this year and having an almost guaranteed slot on the X Factor live shows this song isn't going to lack the promotion it needs. The track itself does show a bit of maturity and development from the band but I find the song itself lacks the spark to give it longevity. Having said that I'm sure it will do the business, reaching #1 and setting the album 'Outta This World' in perfect stance to repeat the opening numbers they managed last year leaving Robbie Williams to claim his first #2 album of his career.
Out of the two ballads I prefer The Wanted's Heart Vacancy but suspect Love You More will have the bigger hype and perform better out of the two unfortunately.
Now with Take That moving the release of The Flood a week earlier to avoid a chart battle this has every chance of hitting that top spot!
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Spyke
After reviewing the second single from The Wanted yesterday, today we have the second single from the sophomore album by JLS. After these lads went to #1 earlier this summer with The Club Is Alive we have a much more subdued effort. The track actually very reminiscent of Take That back in the mid 90s; with the black and white video similar to Back For Good and an ice cold vocal which is almost spoken at times like Babe: both of which made it to the top of our charts.
Being the Children In Need single this year and having an almost guaranteed slot on the X Factor live shows this song isn't going to lack the promotion it needs. The track itself does show a bit of maturity and development from the band but I find the song itself lacks the spark to give it longevity. Having said that I'm sure it will do the business, reaching #1 and setting the album 'Outta This World' in perfect stance to repeat the opening numbers they managed last year leaving Robbie Williams to claim his first #2 album of his career.
Out of the two ballads I prefer The Wanted's Heart Vacancy but suspect Love You More will have the bigger hype and perform better out of the two unfortunately.
Now with Take That moving the release of The Flood a week earlier to avoid a chart battle this has every chance of hitting that top spot!
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Thursday, 30 September 2010
The Wanted - Heart Vacancy
The follow up to the #1 All Time Low
Spyke
When a new boyband hits the scenes it's only a matter of time to see how well they'll succeed; when I first heard The Wanted's debut single All Time Low I couldn't tell which way it would go: would they sneak top 30 like Point Break, top 10 like Phixx or make similar impact to Busted and make top 3. You can imagine my surprise when they went straight to the top.
This is the follow up ballad and as far as they go it's pretty good. It's no All Or Nothing as given to us by O-Town but it does trump JLS' Everybody in Love. The lads are set to tour with the Saturdays and release their upcoming album on the 25th October. With an intense release schedule coming up, this song will have one chance to reach the summit between Joe's Ambitions and Cheryl's Promise This.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin -
Actual 2
Spyke
When a new boyband hits the scenes it's only a matter of time to see how well they'll succeed; when I first heard The Wanted's debut single All Time Low I couldn't tell which way it would go: would they sneak top 30 like Point Break, top 10 like Phixx or make similar impact to Busted and make top 3. You can imagine my surprise when they went straight to the top.
This is the follow up ballad and as far as they go it's pretty good. It's no All Or Nothing as given to us by O-Town but it does trump JLS' Everybody in Love. The lads are set to tour with the Saturdays and release their upcoming album on the 25th October. With an intense release schedule coming up, this song will have one chance to reach the summit between Joe's Ambitions and Cheryl's Promise This.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin -
Actual 2
Far East Movement feat. The Cataracs - Like A G6
Something different...
Spyke
The Far East Movement formed back in 2003 to rap, write and produce tracks. Up to now the four guys have failed to hit the commercial stage but this track looks set to change all that! With a chorus which actually samples lines from Booty Bounce by Dev and makes reference to the new Gulfstream G650.
With a track which is just so infectious this track has the potential to be massive on the club scene. When I first heard the track I had the same reaction I had to Boom Boom Pow and I just didn't get it but a few listens later I had it stuck on repeat. This track managed to top the Hot 100 in the US and I can see it having similar success here.
Chart Predictions
Spyke 1 (originally 6 but this is really shaping up to be massive)
McLovin 2
Actual 5
Spyke
The Far East Movement formed back in 2003 to rap, write and produce tracks. Up to now the four guys have failed to hit the commercial stage but this track looks set to change all that! With a chorus which actually samples lines from Booty Bounce by Dev and makes reference to the new Gulfstream G650.
With a track which is just so infectious this track has the potential to be massive on the club scene. When I first heard the track I had the same reaction I had to Boom Boom Pow and I just didn't get it but a few listens later I had it stuck on repeat. This track managed to top the Hot 100 in the US and I can see it having similar success here.
Chart Predictions
Spyke 1 (originally 6 but this is really shaping up to be massive)
McLovin 2
Actual 5
Friday, 24 September 2010
Cheryl Cole V Nadine Coyle
With Girls Aloud being on a temporary hiatus: Nadine & Cheryl take for the top
It was in the earlier half of last year when we heard the news that Girls Aloud were taking a break after their successful 'Out Of Control' campaign. With that the girls took to their separate ways. Nicola launched a make up range, Sarah featured in the second instalment of 'St. Trinians', Kimberly went in to low budget presenting with Suck My Pop, Nadine opened her Irish Mist in the US and Cheryl stole the nations heart. After a multi platinum album, three successful hits, a divorce and Malaria; Cheryl is back on the X Factor and ready to launch into her sophomore project with the lead Promise This. After disappearing to the US Nadine is back and is making her own attempt at solo chart success. It's like Geri V Emma all over again, with a touch more predictability, but here we go...
Nadine Coyle - Insatiable
The quality of reality star contestants has really increased over the past decade, back in 2002 it was a different story as then 4 of the 5 members of the winning band in Pop-stars The Rivals were distinctly average. In the early days of Girls Aloud it was very apparent that Nadine was the one supporting the group vocally so it would seem fair to expect her to be the one with the follow up solo career.
After contributing to a horrendous cover of Back For Good with Boys II Men here we have Nadine with her first piece of original material. It's strong, sassy and shows off the strength in her voice; but not that too big a detour from the latter Girls Aloud material. The video for the song just features her singing behind a microphone stand; which is about as exciting as it sounds. I'm just not sure how much good will there is towards her in the UK, the general perception seems to be that she was very much an outside of the band by the latter days preferring to spend her days state side with Jesse McCafferty and Jason Bell; it might be time to get pally again with Cheryl to get that lucrative X Factor slot.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 5
McLovin 11
Actual 26
Cheryl Cole - Promise This
Getting that seat on the judging panel of the X Factor changed it all for our nation's sweet heart. Being watched by 13 million people every weekend gave Cheryl the perfect platform to show her vulnerability, charm and fashion styles. The Cheryl mania reflected in Girls Aloud raised profile before they took their break, then she came out on top with Fight For This Love, which a year on still has its longevity. Initially I couldn't understand why she'd turn down Taio's Break Your Heart but upon reflection it didn't match her image. Each of the singles FFTL, 3 Words and Parachute all portray messages of love and hope; then with Ashley cheating and their very public divorce Cheryl won over any dwindling fans. Even catching malaria kept that ray of light on our golden girl, its like she can do no wrong, I just hope that Cheryl will stay loyal to her country and let Nicole have that seat on the US X Factor judging panel.
Promise This is a nice up tempo piece of pop, the song itself would have been enough to top the chart but just in case it wasn't catchy enough there's a French overlay to get those chavs on board, the song has something for everyone including a very well done video. Combine this with the hype surrounding Cheryl and a guaranteed X Factor performance this song can't go anywhere except to #1 (unfortunately for Rihanna who releases the same day). I don't think it will be able to repeat the success of Fight For This Love but it could well go platinum and provide a good start to the 'Messy Little Raindrops' campaign.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Out of the two tracks I prefer the Cheryl one, but I can imagine Insatiable being played on Radio 2 for years to come. As there's two weeks between the releases it's not exactly a clash for the top (though we know who'd win) but the question will be whether Nadine will be able to dethrone her band mate when the time comes.
It was in the earlier half of last year when we heard the news that Girls Aloud were taking a break after their successful 'Out Of Control' campaign. With that the girls took to their separate ways. Nicola launched a make up range, Sarah featured in the second instalment of 'St. Trinians', Kimberly went in to low budget presenting with Suck My Pop, Nadine opened her Irish Mist in the US and Cheryl stole the nations heart. After a multi platinum album, three successful hits, a divorce and Malaria; Cheryl is back on the X Factor and ready to launch into her sophomore project with the lead Promise This. After disappearing to the US Nadine is back and is making her own attempt at solo chart success. It's like Geri V Emma all over again, with a touch more predictability, but here we go...
Nadine Coyle - Insatiable
The quality of reality star contestants has really increased over the past decade, back in 2002 it was a different story as then 4 of the 5 members of the winning band in Pop-stars The Rivals were distinctly average. In the early days of Girls Aloud it was very apparent that Nadine was the one supporting the group vocally so it would seem fair to expect her to be the one with the follow up solo career.
After contributing to a horrendous cover of Back For Good with Boys II Men here we have Nadine with her first piece of original material. It's strong, sassy and shows off the strength in her voice; but not that too big a detour from the latter Girls Aloud material. The video for the song just features her singing behind a microphone stand; which is about as exciting as it sounds. I'm just not sure how much good will there is towards her in the UK, the general perception seems to be that she was very much an outside of the band by the latter days preferring to spend her days state side with Jesse McCafferty and Jason Bell; it might be time to get pally again with Cheryl to get that lucrative X Factor slot.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 5
McLovin 11
Actual 26
Cheryl Cole - Promise This
Getting that seat on the judging panel of the X Factor changed it all for our nation's sweet heart. Being watched by 13 million people every weekend gave Cheryl the perfect platform to show her vulnerability, charm and fashion styles. The Cheryl mania reflected in Girls Aloud raised profile before they took their break, then she came out on top with Fight For This Love, which a year on still has its longevity. Initially I couldn't understand why she'd turn down Taio's Break Your Heart but upon reflection it didn't match her image. Each of the singles FFTL, 3 Words and Parachute all portray messages of love and hope; then with Ashley cheating and their very public divorce Cheryl won over any dwindling fans. Even catching malaria kept that ray of light on our golden girl, its like she can do no wrong, I just hope that Cheryl will stay loyal to her country and let Nicole have that seat on the US X Factor judging panel.
Promise This is a nice up tempo piece of pop, the song itself would have been enough to top the chart but just in case it wasn't catchy enough there's a French overlay to get those chavs on board, the song has something for everyone including a very well done video. Combine this with the hype surrounding Cheryl and a guaranteed X Factor performance this song can't go anywhere except to #1 (unfortunately for Rihanna who releases the same day). I don't think it will be able to repeat the success of Fight For This Love but it could well go platinum and provide a good start to the 'Messy Little Raindrops' campaign.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Out of the two tracks I prefer the Cheryl one, but I can imagine Insatiable being played on Radio 2 for years to come. As there's two weeks between the releases it's not exactly a clash for the top (though we know who'd win) but the question will be whether Nadine will be able to dethrone her band mate when the time comes.
Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow - Shame
What a chart topping duo - just a shame about the song...
Spyke
Fifteen years ago pop music experienced one of the biggest break ups of 90s as Robbie Williams left Take That. The four piece continued for another year before calling it a day only to re-unite ten years later with the 'Beautiful World'. In the absence of the band Robbie took over the lime light with a million seller, 6 of the UK's biggest albums ever and a little thing at Knebworth. Since then we've witnessed one of the greatest comebacks ever with Patience, Shine, Greatest Day and the incredible Rule The World. Then whilst touring Europe this summer I heard the news that the band were finally re-uniting as a five piece. Watch out for a post on their first single The Flood when it drops later this year.
In the meantime we have this offering as the two powerhouses of Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow join forces to give us . . . a nice ballad. As the lead from Robbie's upcoming greatest hits it's quite clear this is the track to complete the cycle and show the transition back to re-joining the band. There's some enjoyable harmonising between the two pre-chorus but when my Nanna quoted the song 'Words come easy when they're true' this morning; it just made me think how much of an easy listening radio 2 track the song is. Lets just hope there's better to come from this project.
Then there's the music video: a depiction of Williams and Barlow coming together again which goes a little bit too Broke-back Mountain for my liking.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin -
Actual 2
Spyke
Fifteen years ago pop music experienced one of the biggest break ups of 90s as Robbie Williams left Take That. The four piece continued for another year before calling it a day only to re-unite ten years later with the 'Beautiful World'. In the absence of the band Robbie took over the lime light with a million seller, 6 of the UK's biggest albums ever and a little thing at Knebworth. Since then we've witnessed one of the greatest comebacks ever with Patience, Shine, Greatest Day and the incredible Rule The World. Then whilst touring Europe this summer I heard the news that the band were finally re-uniting as a five piece. Watch out for a post on their first single The Flood when it drops later this year.
In the meantime we have this offering as the two powerhouses of Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow join forces to give us . . . a nice ballad. As the lead from Robbie's upcoming greatest hits it's quite clear this is the track to complete the cycle and show the transition back to re-joining the band. There's some enjoyable harmonising between the two pre-chorus but when my Nanna quoted the song 'Words come easy when they're true' this morning; it just made me think how much of an easy listening radio 2 track the song is. Lets just hope there's better to come from this project.
Then there's the music video: a depiction of Williams and Barlow coming together again which goes a little bit too Broke-back Mountain for my liking.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin -
Actual 2
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
The lead single from 'Loud'
Spyke
Well here it is the eagerly awaitied new single from Rihanna's up and coming album 'Loud'. After the sensational pop album which was 'Good Girl Gone Bad' which was brimming with pop hits (8 of which were singles) Rihanna went for a more mature and darker tone with her last effort 'Rated R'. Despite being an incredible record the album didn't quite gather the mainstream success it deserved so after only 3 (great) singles in the UK we're on to the next project. This album is being described as 'Strong, Sassy and Powerful' and promises to deliver tune after tune as GGGB did.
Only Girl (In The World) is another Stargate production and you can tell they've attempted to recreate a Don't Stop The Music type of track - a great pop hit and club tune. On some levels the track has managed that: it maintains the same high energy and momentum throughout, distinct chorus and epic riffs. After alot of internet hype yesterday as the track premiered globally the track is being hailed as a comeback of sorts (LA Times), returning Rihanna to being a top notch singles artist.
As good as it is this is nothing new, the track could easily be mistaken for a David Guetta product, in particular Kelly Rowland's Commander. Instead of setting the trends Rihanna could now find herself catching the tail end of it: Timbaland had his moment in 2007, Red One whored himself out at the end of last year and now Guetta is dangerously close to sounding monotonous after a string of #1s with Akon, Kelly Rowland, Fergie and Flo Rida.
Rihanna has already had 2 of the biggest hits of the year with Rude Boy and LTWYL which have both sold over half a million and in the top 10 sellers of the year so far, the latter is only a few weeks off being the biggest of the year. However neither of them managed to land her that coveted top spot, will this track have the momentum to get her there or will she stall to give her her 8th #2? I reckon the latter being held off by Cheryl's Promise This
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 2
McLovin 2
Actual 1
Spyke
Well here it is the eagerly awaitied new single from Rihanna's up and coming album 'Loud'. After the sensational pop album which was 'Good Girl Gone Bad' which was brimming with pop hits (8 of which were singles) Rihanna went for a more mature and darker tone with her last effort 'Rated R'. Despite being an incredible record the album didn't quite gather the mainstream success it deserved so after only 3 (great) singles in the UK we're on to the next project. This album is being described as 'Strong, Sassy and Powerful' and promises to deliver tune after tune as GGGB did.
Only Girl (In The World) is another Stargate production and you can tell they've attempted to recreate a Don't Stop The Music type of track - a great pop hit and club tune. On some levels the track has managed that: it maintains the same high energy and momentum throughout, distinct chorus and epic riffs. After alot of internet hype yesterday as the track premiered globally the track is being hailed as a comeback of sorts (LA Times), returning Rihanna to being a top notch singles artist.
As good as it is this is nothing new, the track could easily be mistaken for a David Guetta product, in particular Kelly Rowland's Commander. Instead of setting the trends Rihanna could now find herself catching the tail end of it: Timbaland had his moment in 2007, Red One whored himself out at the end of last year and now Guetta is dangerously close to sounding monotonous after a string of #1s with Akon, Kelly Rowland, Fergie and Flo Rida.
Rihanna has already had 2 of the biggest hits of the year with Rude Boy and LTWYL which have both sold over half a million and in the top 10 sellers of the year so far, the latter is only a few weeks off being the biggest of the year. However neither of them managed to land her that coveted top spot, will this track have the momentum to get her there or will she stall to give her her 8th #2? I reckon the latter being held off by Cheryl's Promise This
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 2
McLovin 2
Actual 1
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Joe McElderry - Ambitions
X Factor winner's debut single (proper) is a stunner
McLovin:
Where did this come from? Nice guy Joe from X Factor 2009, he of toothy grin and geordie accent? His official debut (ignoring the winner's anthem, The Climb) is an absolute beaut. What hits you first is his falsetto singing. It sounds more like a Scissor Sisters song than a Luther Vandross cover (Dance With My Father), which I for one, am entirely in favour of. With a pulsating synthy bassline, the power of the chorus hit you quite unexpectedly. This is a real tingle-down-the-spine song, somehow melancholy and uplifting all at the same time.
Originally a song for Norwegian group Donkeyboy last year, I actually prefer what has been done here, the chorus given added force. Perhaps the lyrics get lost in the mix a bit, but after the inevitable (and deserved) repeated airplay this will get, I'm sure they will soon lodge into everybody's head.
Joe was always going to get a number one single with whatever debut he released: that it's such a great song is a very pleasant surprise.
Chart Predictions:
McLovin: 1
Spyke: 1
Actual:6
McLovin:
Where did this come from? Nice guy Joe from X Factor 2009, he of toothy grin and geordie accent? His official debut (ignoring the winner's anthem, The Climb) is an absolute beaut. What hits you first is his falsetto singing. It sounds more like a Scissor Sisters song than a Luther Vandross cover (Dance With My Father), which I for one, am entirely in favour of. With a pulsating synthy bassline, the power of the chorus hit you quite unexpectedly. This is a real tingle-down-the-spine song, somehow melancholy and uplifting all at the same time.
Originally a song for Norwegian group Donkeyboy last year, I actually prefer what has been done here, the chorus given added force. Perhaps the lyrics get lost in the mix a bit, but after the inevitable (and deserved) repeated airplay this will get, I'm sure they will soon lodge into everybody's head.
Joe was always going to get a number one single with whatever debut he released: that it's such a great song is a very pleasant surprise.
Chart Predictions:
McLovin: 1
Spyke: 1
Actual:6
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Rihanna - Goodbye
Another leak I've stumbled upon...
Spyke
With Rihanna's new album just around the corner, and new single Only Girl (In The World) about to released to radio any day now I've found this new ballad from my favourite artist. Bar her debut, each of her last album has had an epic and emotional ballad; Unfaithful from 'A Girl Like Me', Cry a bonus track on 'GGGB', Take A Bow from the re-release and then we had the great Te Amo and Russian Roulette from the darker 'Rated R'. All of which have racked up impressive playcounts of over 400 each with me!
This track follows the same formula so I wouldn't be suprised if Ne-Yo also wrote this. It begins with a basic piano riff in the background with Rihanna's ice cold tone over the top. It steps up an extra level with the roaring drums building throughout the song before crashing back down to the lone vocal and piano.
I'm not sure if this will feature on her new album which is set for release on the 2nd November, but it would be a nice inclusion as I've had it on repeat all morning.
Spyke
With Rihanna's new album just around the corner, and new single Only Girl (In The World) about to released to radio any day now I've found this new ballad from my favourite artist. Bar her debut, each of her last album has had an epic and emotional ballad; Unfaithful from 'A Girl Like Me', Cry a bonus track on 'GGGB', Take A Bow from the re-release and then we had the great Te Amo and Russian Roulette from the darker 'Rated R'. All of which have racked up impressive playcounts of over 400 each with me!
This track follows the same formula so I wouldn't be suprised if Ne-Yo also wrote this. It begins with a basic piano riff in the background with Rihanna's ice cold tone over the top. It steps up an extra level with the roaring drums building throughout the song before crashing back down to the lone vocal and piano.
I'm not sure if this will feature on her new album which is set for release on the 2nd November, but it would be a nice inclusion as I've had it on repeat all morning.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Katy Perry - Firework
Single number 3 from Teenage Dream? - it should be!
Spyke
With 'Teenage Dream' about to be unleashed all over the world, I've got to say that the album is a much better effort than 'One Of The Boys'. I'd be quite suprised if anyone hasn't heard either of THE first two singles: California Gurls or Teenage Dream as they are having bigger global success than I Kissed A Girl and Hot N Cold did - who knew! Now with the album fully leaked I had to have a listen for the next little gem, and here it is!
With a distinct chorus, very uptempo pace and Miss Perry showing off a little more of her vocal ability this track has potential to be massive. In two months time when the days are getting shorter and we've exhausted Teenage Dream, this could be the one to watch over Bonfire Night (well in the UK at least).
Plus with Katy appearing as one of the guest judges on an up and coming episode of the X Factor, and giving a wider audience a glance at her fun personality, I imagine she'll be invited back to perform on the live shows. Hence giving which ever choice of song, a lovely boost in the charts. However this track could easily digress into a hot mess if not done properly so she may stick to a safer option to perform.
As for other contenders for possible single from the rest of the album we have:
Peacock - purely for the gimmick of repeating 'cock' about a 100 times in 3 minutes.
Last Friday Night - track #2 on the album, personally doesn't do much for me.
Not Like The Movies - Katy's best ballad to date (which isn't hard).
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin 6
Actual 3
Spyke
With 'Teenage Dream' about to be unleashed all over the world, I've got to say that the album is a much better effort than 'One Of The Boys'. I'd be quite suprised if anyone hasn't heard either of THE first two singles: California Gurls or Teenage Dream as they are having bigger global success than I Kissed A Girl and Hot N Cold did - who knew! Now with the album fully leaked I had to have a listen for the next little gem, and here it is!
With a distinct chorus, very uptempo pace and Miss Perry showing off a little more of her vocal ability this track has potential to be massive. In two months time when the days are getting shorter and we've exhausted Teenage Dream, this could be the one to watch over Bonfire Night (well in the UK at least).
Plus with Katy appearing as one of the guest judges on an up and coming episode of the X Factor, and giving a wider audience a glance at her fun personality, I imagine she'll be invited back to perform on the live shows. Hence giving which ever choice of song, a lovely boost in the charts. However this track could easily digress into a hot mess if not done properly so she may stick to a safer option to perform.
As for other contenders for possible single from the rest of the album we have:
Peacock - purely for the gimmick of repeating 'cock' about a 100 times in 3 minutes.
Last Friday Night - track #2 on the album, personally doesn't do much for me.
Not Like The Movies - Katy's best ballad to date (which isn't hard).
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin 6
Actual 3
Monday, 23 August 2010
Swedish House Mafia vs. Tinie Tempah - Miami 2 Ibiza
Tinie strikes again...
Spyke
So this could be the follow up to Swedish House Mafia's #7 hit One, although I wasn't too keen on their previous effort I am loving this track. In my opinion the track is a cross between Pass Out and Calvin Harris' You're Not Alone and should go down really well in all the clubs.
The track is set to feature on Tinie Tempah's new album 'Disc-Overy' which would imply that it would be a strong favourite to be the 4th cut, and I'm sure SHM wouldn't want to pass this opportunity of a second top ten hit. If rotation for this track starts soon then I can see it charting as soon as the album drops on the 4th October (a week after Written In The Stars).
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 7
McLovin 11
Actual 5
Spyke
So this could be the follow up to Swedish House Mafia's #7 hit One, although I wasn't too keen on their previous effort I am loving this track. In my opinion the track is a cross between Pass Out and Calvin Harris' You're Not Alone and should go down really well in all the clubs.
The track is set to feature on Tinie Tempah's new album 'Disc-Overy' which would imply that it would be a strong favourite to be the 4th cut, and I'm sure SHM wouldn't want to pass this opportunity of a second top ten hit. If rotation for this track starts soon then I can see it charting as soon as the album drops on the 4th October (a week after Written In The Stars).
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 7
McLovin 11
Actual 5
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