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).
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
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)
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