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
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
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
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Nelly - Just A Dream
THE comeback single?
Spyke
There are a few artists who after being at the top of their game, just continue to release material but only receive dwindling degrees of success with it (like R Kelly and Bon Jovi), Nelly seems to be one of them. Ten years ago he came out as a major player in the US with 'Country Grammar' then maintained considerable success for about 5 years, even daring to release his albums Suit and Sweat simultaneously in 2004 (and taking the top 2 spots of the Billboard 200 with them). Since topping the singles chart in that era with Over And Over and In My Place, we've heard little from him. However this could be his return to form, with the cross over appeal of this track could be quite the global smash.
The song will debut on the Hot 100 next week somewhere in the top 20, and should climb quite a bit higher as this radio friendly tune catches on. My favourite lyric has to be the line 'Tryin to get my usher over, I can let it burn'. They'd be foolish not to give this track a chance over here as it would have no problem going top 5; maybe even #1 on a quiet week, but with a busy release schedule and the X Factor live shows starting soon we're not going to have many of those coming up.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin -
Actual 8
Spyke
There are a few artists who after being at the top of their game, just continue to release material but only receive dwindling degrees of success with it (like R Kelly and Bon Jovi), Nelly seems to be one of them. Ten years ago he came out as a major player in the US with 'Country Grammar' then maintained considerable success for about 5 years, even daring to release his albums Suit and Sweat simultaneously in 2004 (and taking the top 2 spots of the Billboard 200 with them). Since topping the singles chart in that era with Over And Over and In My Place, we've heard little from him. However this could be his return to form, with the cross over appeal of this track could be quite the global smash.
The song will debut on the Hot 100 next week somewhere in the top 20, and should climb quite a bit higher as this radio friendly tune catches on. My favourite lyric has to be the line 'Tryin to get my usher over, I can let it burn'. They'd be foolish not to give this track a chance over here as it would have no problem going top 5; maybe even #1 on a quiet week, but with a busy release schedule and the X Factor live shows starting soon we're not going to have many of those coming up.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 3
McLovin -
Actual 8
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Maroon 5 - Misery & Give A Little More
Spyke reviews two in one...
Misery
So here's the first single from Maroon 5's new album 'Hands All Over' and it's like Makes Me Wonder all over again, just without the same buzz. The track has been out in America for a month now and has just about climbed into the top 20, quite the contrast from where they were flying high at the top as they launched their last album. Maybe a few factors have affected its performance: the change it the chart, the fact their sound hasn't progressed all that much since 2007 and calling a sound Misery doesn't fill me with inspiration - so I'd definitely have to listen to a clip before clicking download.
Having said that once you do start listening the track is very catchy and has a lovely summery feel, accompanied by a fun filled video which is all over the music channels currently, this still could do quite well for the guys over here.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin -
Actual 30
Give A Little More
So whilst we're on; here's the second single off the up and coming album. This track has the same level of energy as Misery. Yet again I can't help but make comparisons with 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' and the second single there was Wake Up Call which was poppy, bubbly and repetitive, and served as a good follow up. This song may surface in our charts in September when we get the album and then continue to climb as tv and radio catch up, but I don't think it has the edge to go top 10.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 33
McLovin -
Actual -
I'm quite looking forward to hearing the full album when it drops, as for me personally their moments of glory have always been their 3rd cuts. She Will Be Loved and Won't Go Home Without You are my two favourite tracks by the band and have stacked up a considerable number of play counts between them over the past few years. So lets just hope this album can deliver one just as good - if not better!
Misery
So here's the first single from Maroon 5's new album 'Hands All Over' and it's like Makes Me Wonder all over again, just without the same buzz. The track has been out in America for a month now and has just about climbed into the top 20, quite the contrast from where they were flying high at the top as they launched their last album. Maybe a few factors have affected its performance: the change it the chart, the fact their sound hasn't progressed all that much since 2007 and calling a sound Misery doesn't fill me with inspiration - so I'd definitely have to listen to a clip before clicking download.
Having said that once you do start listening the track is very catchy and has a lovely summery feel, accompanied by a fun filled video which is all over the music channels currently, this still could do quite well for the guys over here.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 4
McLovin -
Actual 30
Give A Little More
So whilst we're on; here's the second single off the up and coming album. This track has the same level of energy as Misery. Yet again I can't help but make comparisons with 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' and the second single there was Wake Up Call which was poppy, bubbly and repetitive, and served as a good follow up. This song may surface in our charts in September when we get the album and then continue to climb as tv and radio catch up, but I don't think it has the edge to go top 10.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 33
McLovin -
Actual -
I'm quite looking forward to hearing the full album when it drops, as for me personally their moments of glory have always been their 3rd cuts. She Will Be Loved and Won't Go Home Without You are my two favourite tracks by the band and have stacked up a considerable number of play counts between them over the past few years. So lets just hope this album can deliver one just as good - if not better!
Taylor Swift - Mine
(Essentially) Love Story Part II
Spyke
So Taylor Swift is back with her much anticipated 3rd album 'Speak Now' which has been completely written by Taylor herself, a feat Kelly Clarkson tried once on to little success, however I think this might be a different story. There seems to be an awful lot of goodwill towards this pop/country Princess, especially in the States where we can't see to do any wrong. Out of just 2 albums she has managed an amazing 23 top 40 hits on the Hot 100, halping making her THE biggest selling act for digital tracks with an impressive 28 million. Everytime she releases new tracks they fly up to the top of the itunes chart, creating strong enough sales to chart within the top 10 without any airplay at all; this track was no different debuting at #3 over there.
The track has the same pop cross over appeal as both of the previous lead singles Tear Drops On My Guitar and Love Story, and should fair quite well here. The track is like the modern day Love Story; rather than making reference to Romeo and Juliet it mentions 'a careless man's careful daughter' whilst keeping the same tempo and easy listening feel.
This is released in october here, and being the first cut it should manage to reach the top 5. Though with a carefully placed X Factor performance it could easily go higher, as she must be one of world's biggest stars at the moment who has yet to have a slot on one of the live shows, to plug their newest single.
Chart Predictions
Spyke 5
McLovin -
Actual 30
Spyke
So Taylor Swift is back with her much anticipated 3rd album 'Speak Now' which has been completely written by Taylor herself, a feat Kelly Clarkson tried once on to little success, however I think this might be a different story. There seems to be an awful lot of goodwill towards this pop/country Princess, especially in the States where we can't see to do any wrong. Out of just 2 albums she has managed an amazing 23 top 40 hits on the Hot 100, halping making her THE biggest selling act for digital tracks with an impressive 28 million. Everytime she releases new tracks they fly up to the top of the itunes chart, creating strong enough sales to chart within the top 10 without any airplay at all; this track was no different debuting at #3 over there.
The track has the same pop cross over appeal as both of the previous lead singles Tear Drops On My Guitar and Love Story, and should fair quite well here. The track is like the modern day Love Story; rather than making reference to Romeo and Juliet it mentions 'a careless man's careful daughter' whilst keeping the same tempo and easy listening feel.
This is released in october here, and being the first cut it should manage to reach the top 5. Though with a carefully placed X Factor performance it could easily go higher, as she must be one of world's biggest stars at the moment who has yet to have a slot on one of the live shows, to plug their newest single.
Chart Predictions
Spyke 5
McLovin -
Actual 30
Nicki Minaj - Your Love
The UK's introduction to one of the brightest hip hop stars of the year...
McLovin:
McLovin:
If you think she seems familiar, then you may recognise Nicki from Young Money’s top ten hit Bed Rock earlier in the year. Although it has been possible to buy her more aggressive song Massive Attack for the past few months, this is being presented as her
Sampling Annie Lennox’s No More I Love’s You, this mellow, soulful RnB track is incredibly hooky. Whether it’s the sample, the chorus or Nicki’s memorable flow, be warned! – this song can wrap itself inside your head and refuse to budge. Although there is some slight autotune used, an important development in hip hop’s relation to singing is developing this year, pioneered by Nicki and Drake. These two can actually sing as well as rap. Suddenly rappers who rely solely on autotune to sing are starting to sound, frankly, a bit ridiculous. A
I have high hopes of this making the top ten. Although she is not yet a household name, the colourful martial arts video, referencing the film Hero, should help her out on the music channels.
Chart Predictions:
McLovin 8
Spyke 41
Actual 71
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Lil Wayne Feat. Drake - Right Above It
Two of the hottest US rappers give us:
Spyke
This track has just grabbed my attention as it was being pushed as one of the hottest new tracks around, plus with them two big names on the track I thought I'd give it a listen; several days later it's shooting up US itunes (now perched above Taio at #1).
After reviewing a load of tracks which either have been or are on their way to the top 3 of the UK charts I thought I'd go a little less mainstream and write about a track which won't even touch the top 20 here. Despite adding the occasional rap in the midst of some huge hits (Jay Sean - Down & Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock), these two huge American stars can't seem to break through over here. With their biggest solo hits being Find Your Love #24 and Lollipop #26 by Drake and Lil Wayne respectively. However here they have teamed up, added a up and are trying again, with a backing track which has a bit more about it; slightly familiar to maino's All The Above. The track has a similar feel to that of Kano's Rock n Roller but as only managed to chart at #44 can this do any better?
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 28
McLovin -
Actual 37
Spyke
This track has just grabbed my attention as it was being pushed as one of the hottest new tracks around, plus with them two big names on the track I thought I'd give it a listen; several days later it's shooting up US itunes (now perched above Taio at #1).
After reviewing a load of tracks which either have been or are on their way to the top 3 of the UK charts I thought I'd go a little less mainstream and write about a track which won't even touch the top 20 here. Despite adding the occasional rap in the midst of some huge hits (Jay Sean - Down & Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock), these two huge American stars can't seem to break through over here. With their biggest solo hits being Find Your Love #24 and Lollipop #26 by Drake and Lil Wayne respectively. However here they have teamed up, added a up and are trying again, with a backing track which has a bit more about it; slightly familiar to maino's All The Above. The track has a similar feel to that of Kano's Rock n Roller but as only managed to chart at #44 can this do any better?
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 28
McLovin -
Actual 37
Friday, 13 August 2010
Roll Deep - Green Light
'She flashed Red, Amber, Green...'
Spyke
This is the follow up to single to Roll Deep's 'Good Times' which spent a full 3 weeks at #1 back in June. It provided the ideal going out soundtrack song for many a night out, the bass of which could regularly be heard coming from the night club we had accross the street from us. Although a few slow weeks on the charts meant it probably spent a little longer atop our charts than maybe deserved the track was high energy and gave the chavs their track for the year in the same way Casacada and Basshunter have done it previous years (not that I mean that it a negative way as I've spent many a happy hour listening to Everytime We Touch and Now You're Gone). This track maintains the high level of momentum required to get any crowd going in a club. If anything I would say that when Oli first played me the track at the end of last term I couldn't get the image of hedgehogs crossing the road out of my head, like they used to do in the road safety websites. The track throws out it's fair dosage of traffic inuendos but how far will it drive up the charts? and will it stall before it reaches the top?
As this track is released on Sunday the only two contenders it should have are Rihanna & Eminem's LTWYL which is still riding high off the new video, and Flo Rida's CCHM which with the help of Step Up 3D is currently giving The Saturdays a challenge for the top this week as they try and hold onto their midweek lead. So will it be at 1, 2 or 3 next week?
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 2
McLovin 2
Actual 1
Spyke
This is the follow up to single to Roll Deep's 'Good Times' which spent a full 3 weeks at #1 back in June. It provided the ideal going out soundtrack song for many a night out, the bass of which could regularly be heard coming from the night club we had accross the street from us. Although a few slow weeks on the charts meant it probably spent a little longer atop our charts than maybe deserved the track was high energy and gave the chavs their track for the year in the same way Casacada and Basshunter have done it previous years (not that I mean that it a negative way as I've spent many a happy hour listening to Everytime We Touch and Now You're Gone). This track maintains the high level of momentum required to get any crowd going in a club. If anything I would say that when Oli first played me the track at the end of last term I couldn't get the image of hedgehogs crossing the road out of my head, like they used to do in the road safety websites. The track throws out it's fair dosage of traffic inuendos but how far will it drive up the charts? and will it stall before it reaches the top?
As this track is released on Sunday the only two contenders it should have are Rihanna & Eminem's LTWYL which is still riding high off the new video, and Flo Rida's CCHM which with the help of Step Up 3D is currently giving The Saturdays a challenge for the top this week as they try and hold onto their midweek lead. So will it be at 1, 2 or 3 next week?
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 2
McLovin 2
Actual 1
Tinie Tempah Feat. Eric Turner - Written In The Stars
Not just a carbon copy of Pass Out...
Spyke
When I first heard Pass Out earlier this year it was when me and Oli felt obliged to listen to the track as it was heading for #1 in the mid-weeks. Upon first listen the track didn't quite seem all that, but just like 'Boom Boom Pow' grew on me last year, I was all over this track by the end of the week. This was followed by Frisky which was received as 'Pass Out Part II' but just not quite as good, and despite putting up quite a fight was held off reaching #1 by a certain football song I don't care for. However prior to listening to this track I read a comment saying that this track was different - and it is. This track has quite the distinct chorus which sets it apart from it's predecessors which I think will help the track cross over to a slightly wider mainstream audience. Whilst keeping some of the original character of Tinie Tempah's other work, as there are moment where you feel the verses could easily stray back into Pass Out or Frisky.
Timie Tempah is really coming out as this year's Tinchy Stryder. Releasing 3 singles prior to the release of his debut album 'Disc-overy', all of which head straight to the top 3 in the UK and one manages to reach the top 10 of the year (well for the majority of the year at least until the X Factor helps a few big hits knock everything down a few notches). So it'll be interesting to see how well Tinie can hold up the momentum once his albums out and has to watch his future singles climb the chart rather than getting their inital first week surges. Tinchy couldn't quite get his 4th cut in to the top 10, but only time will tell how Tinie Tempah will do in comparison.
All credit to the TT though, to reach this scale of success as it was only a short while a go that one of our close friends was attending this guy's House Raves and chatting to him on msn.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Spyke
When I first heard Pass Out earlier this year it was when me and Oli felt obliged to listen to the track as it was heading for #1 in the mid-weeks. Upon first listen the track didn't quite seem all that, but just like 'Boom Boom Pow' grew on me last year, I was all over this track by the end of the week. This was followed by Frisky which was received as 'Pass Out Part II' but just not quite as good, and despite putting up quite a fight was held off reaching #1 by a certain football song I don't care for. However prior to listening to this track I read a comment saying that this track was different - and it is. This track has quite the distinct chorus which sets it apart from it's predecessors which I think will help the track cross over to a slightly wider mainstream audience. Whilst keeping some of the original character of Tinie Tempah's other work, as there are moment where you feel the verses could easily stray back into Pass Out or Frisky.
Timie Tempah is really coming out as this year's Tinchy Stryder. Releasing 3 singles prior to the release of his debut album 'Disc-overy', all of which head straight to the top 3 in the UK and one manages to reach the top 10 of the year (well for the majority of the year at least until the X Factor helps a few big hits knock everything down a few notches). So it'll be interesting to see how well Tinie can hold up the momentum once his albums out and has to watch his future singles climb the chart rather than getting their inital first week surges. Tinchy couldn't quite get his 4th cut in to the top 10, but only time will tell how Tinie Tempah will do in comparison.
All credit to the TT though, to reach this scale of success as it was only a short while a go that one of our close friends was attending this guy's House Raves and chatting to him on msn.
Chart Predictions:
Spyke 1
McLovin 1
Actual 1
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Olly Murs - Please Don't Let Me Go
Our X Factor runner-up bring us his debut:
McLovin
Spyke
After a wonderful year for the X Factor in 2008, last year just didn't live up to its predecessor; allowing this fellow to come second, showing it was more about the viewing figures and hype than the actaul talent. At the start of the live shows I was all for backing Lucie Jones until she was robbed of progression by a certain Jedward, then for me it was about Stacey Solomon's highly amusing personality and hoping Joe would stop this guy winning. But here we are a year later with Olly Murs debut single.
The song itself is a pleasant radio friendly track that has a similar appeal to that of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours. If you'd given this track to Will Young he wouldn't have been able to get the track top 40 if it hadn't be a lead single. However it's more about giving the song to the right artist at the right time; as I doubt anyone other than Cheryl Cole would have been able to send Fight For This Love platinum last year. So based on that I feel that this will unfortunately hit that coveted #1 spot...
Chart Predictions:
McLovin 1
Spyke 1
Actual 1
McLovin
Spyke
After a wonderful year for the X Factor in 2008, last year just didn't live up to its predecessor; allowing this fellow to come second, showing it was more about the viewing figures and hype than the actaul talent. At the start of the live shows I was all for backing Lucie Jones until she was robbed of progression by a certain Jedward, then for me it was about Stacey Solomon's highly amusing personality and hoping Joe would stop this guy winning. But here we are a year later with Olly Murs debut single.
The song itself is a pleasant radio friendly track that has a similar appeal to that of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours. If you'd given this track to Will Young he wouldn't have been able to get the track top 40 if it hadn't be a lead single. However it's more about giving the song to the right artist at the right time; as I doubt anyone other than Cheryl Cole would have been able to send Fight For This Love platinum last year. So based on that I feel that this will unfortunately hit that coveted #1 spot...
Chart Predictions:
McLovin 1
Spyke 1
Actual 1
Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
Some belated love for Alicia Keys's last single.
McLovin:
I know I'm a bit late to the party here, but I thought I'd share my admiration for Alicia Keys's last single, Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart. Maybe I was put off by the title, or that I generally think of Keys as an album artist rather than a singles one. With its ominous opening and huge beat, it comes as a surprise to hear her vocals come in with such a sweet and light delivery. She could easily belt this song out, but she wants to contrast with the beat and it works beautifully. It creates the image of her lying on a bed, trying to get over her (lost) love, one night at a time. I consider this Keys's best single since her debut Fallin', way back in 2001.
Chart Prediction: Already peaked at 7.
McLovin:
I know I'm a bit late to the party here, but I thought I'd share my admiration for Alicia Keys's last single, Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart. Maybe I was put off by the title, or that I generally think of Keys as an album artist rather than a singles one. With its ominous opening and huge beat, it comes as a surprise to hear her vocals come in with such a sweet and light delivery. She could easily belt this song out, but she wants to contrast with the beat and it works beautifully. It creates the image of her lying on a bed, trying to get over her (lost) love, one night at a time. I consider this Keys's best single since her debut Fallin', way back in 2001.
Chart Prediction: Already peaked at 7.
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