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.
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