Nadine Coyle

As opposed to bandmate (Girls Aloud) Cheryl Cole’s recent vid, this vid is slightly more appealing and makes sense. Well, Cheryl’s vid for “Promise This” has a certain artistic approach for sure. Kinda like the dance too. Back to the point!!!

“Insatiable” has a big band/brass sound supporting and layered in the background of this track, making this song unlike the standard pop-syth tunes that’s on the radio nowadays. Has a hook and a decent chorus. It just lacks a little something more but definitely part of the ‘2010′ era. Modern and Current. A rather good track! Oh, and her voice is more distinctive compared to Cheryl’s btw. =X

Video

Cheryl Cole

The long awaited first single from Cheryl Cole’s still untitled sophomore album to be released in Nov, the upbeat dance-pop track got its first air-play on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2. Penned by UK producer Wayne Wilkins, who has previously written hits for Natasha Bedingfield, Pink and Kylie Minogue, this song is bound to be another hit for Cheryl (I would avoid calling her Miss Cole nowadays due to her divorce).

Having a massive hook without resorting to trashy lyrics and beats, it’s such a fun pop tune!! The song sounds like Waka Waka mashed with Shakalaka Baby!! As compared with her rather bland debut, the start of her 2nd solo LP sounds promising already!! And it ain’t fair to compare her to Nadine as both are going in different directions; Cheryl’s more to the masses, the UK sweetheart!!!

Single

Not Giving Up On Love (Single Cover)

One of the anticipated dance singles this year, “Not Giving Up on Love” is a joint venture between Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Armin van Buuren. It will be released digitally worldwide on 20 August 2010. The single was performed for the very first time acoustically by Sophie on BBC Radio 2’s show “The Dermot O’Leary Show” on July 20, 2010. The acoustic version is amazing on its own!!!

The original radio edit is a little short. The extended version would be ideally correct! Some might think Armin is selling out (ala David Guetta), but this song stays true to Armin’s aesthetic while providing an EPIC melody for Sophie to showcase her vocal.

The hook on the chorus is pretty much ‘in your head’. Everything just seems right. Do you part and make this track a hit as it deserves. =) The remixes are pretty decent too, leans more towards to trance though.

Track

Video

Ghost (Single Cover)

The lead single (2nd if you count “I Want You“) from her second (released) studio album, Joy. “Ghost” impacted mainstream radio on May 11, 2010. The track was co-written by Fefe Dobson, Kara Dioguardi and Kevin Rudolph (who also produced the track).

Loaded with killer hooks throughout the track, it’ll definitely make you sit up straight and notice Fefe’s presence. Accompanied by uncomplicated lyrics with a hint of synth, this song definitely deserves to be a hit. I like the build up from the bridge to the chorus.

Rihanna once expressed Fefe’s an influence to her, which I agree. Fefe’s sound is comparable to Kelly Clarkson with synth. She has tons of raw energy. I’m having a feeling the album (“Joy“) would be lukewarm but critically good. The album is set to be released on October 5, 2010.

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Fefe Dobson – Ghost

Video

Teenage Dream (Single Cover)

Being the title track to her upcoming second studio album of the same name, it has been decided that the song would be release as the 2nd single too.

Riding high on the success of her recent summer smash and first single, “California Gurls“, “Teenage Dream” follows that summer-pop flavour too. Produced and written by the team of Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Benny Blanco, it’s definitely a top 5 hit and above on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I totally approve of this song to be a success!

A perfect summer ‘love’ anthem for this year. Based on the concept of feeling like a teenager again, it sure appeals to everyone. I’m looking forward to this LP already! Get ready to be infected with Katy’s “Teenage Dream“!!!

(I don’t really like the single cover though, she looks like a drag queen. =X)

Track
Katy Perry – Teenage Dream

All The Lovers (Single Artwork)

I didn’t expect the single to leak this early, probably in preparation for airplay I guess. Plus, the release date (digitally) for the single would be moved up by 2 weeks to June 13!!!

The single premiered on BBC Radio 1 somewhat hours ago!!! Well, it’s not as what I’ve expected from a Kish Mauve written track. This song loops more on the syth than bass. A mid-tempo tune, it lacks a little certain oomph for a first single though. To me, this song sounds like “I Believe in You” Pt. 2. Lite Electro-pop, the song’s production top notch with quality control by Stuart Price. I got this song on repeat mode already!!! Loving this disco-ballad!!!

But I think this song is definitely gonna be an EPIC anthem with it’s very catchy and sing-a-long chorus. The remixes should be great enough to support the single (and hopefully packs in a bass) . =)

Kylie always brings a sense of sophistication to her music, I’m sure the album’s gonna be real good!!!

Track

Kylie Minogue – All The Lovers

Robyn - Body Talk Pt. 1 (Album Cover)

Here’s the official first single from Robyn’s Body Talk Pt. 1, “Dancing On My Own“. My hunch was right. This track is actually better than all of the promotional singles she hd previously released for the album.

Gone is the swagger and dancehall vibe, the moody synth background is haunting. Robyn displays an emotional delivery to the track, as she sings about dancing alone and mourning the love she’s lost (to another gal). Surprisingly, this track is not produced by Kleerup. It does sound like a sequel to “With Every Heartbeat” though. Robyn’s definitely bringing the heartbreak to dancefloor. This song feels like melancholic disco. I LIKE!!! =)

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Robyn – Dancing On My Own

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Bittersweet

Here’s the long awaited original radio edit of “Bittersweet“. First single from her upcoming album, tentatively titled “Straight To The Heart” (thanks Shan for the update), it means that “Heartbreak” is a buzz single. Whilst it’s not as clubby as the EPIC Freemasons extended (9 min long!!!) mix, it is as AWESOME if not, on par with it too.

Why so??? The song is comparable with various 80’s disco classics such as “Blue Monday” by New Order, “Strangelove” by Depeche Mode, “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics and “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive.

Written by The Freemasons, Biffco, Hannah Robinson and Sophie Ellis-Bextor herself and produced by both The Freemasons and Biffco, this song has the makings to be a classic. Every syth line cause me to be uber excited. And when that happens, you know this song is totally amazing. Not your generic anthem, it’s a proper lush and elegant disco track. And the lyrics ain’t trashy, so it’s POP-Perfection!!! Makes me have high expectations for the album already (since when was I not???!!!). A MUST HAVE!!!!

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Bittersweet

Wynter Gordon - Dirty Talk (Official Single Cover)

Scoring a hit by providing her vocals and featured on Flo Rida’s “Sugar” (which she also co-wrote) last year, Wynter Gordon is all set to release her offical debut (Like finally!!!). Actually, Wynter caught her first big break by penning the title track of ”The Breakthrough” (or Gonna Breakthrough) for Mary J. Blige in 2005!!!

Wynter has been working on her upcoming album, under the working title of “Wynter Wonderland“, since 2004. Wynter has stated that “Surveillance” was only a promo single but might appear on her debut album, but none of the other tracks will be featured on the album. Wynter has dropped many buzz/promo tracks inculding “Surveillance” back in 2008, but she never had the chance to release a full LP till now. On 27 December, 2009, Gordon’s “Surveillance” was released on iTunes and Amazon.com.

After many pushbacks, Wynter has recently confirmed that her debut album will drop summer 2010, with “Dirty Talk” leading as the official 1st single. A video is to be shot in March. The single is to be released on Amazon.com on March 2, 2010. Something to be clarified, most online music sources assumed that “Dirty Talk” is produced by David Guetta, but it ain’t. According to wyntergordon.com (which is THE official source), the song is written by Wynter herself and produced by Jupiter Ace.

Firstly, IMO, it sounds nothing like a David Guetta production, his stuff is heavier on the bass. Going with the dance route, this song is actually good. The lyrics are rather suggestive but not that sleazy and thrashy. The album should be worthy if the songs are in this direction. FYI, the single cover looks a little scary. HAHA. The full single release will include remixes from Laidback Luke, Kim Fai, Hagenaar and Albrecht. Looking forward to it. For now, enjoy the original version!!!

Wynter Gordon – Dirty Talk

Estelle - Freak (The first single from her forthcoming album "All Of Me")

Here’s a new track by Estelle. Hot on heels behind her recent single collaboration with David Guetta with “One Love“, she chose to work with David Guetta again with the first official single from her upcoming album, “All of Me“. David Guetta’s productions are everywhere now, ranging from orignially the BEP to Kelis and even Madonna (the remix to “Revolver“).

The song samples Soul II Soul’s “Back To Life” (However Do You Want Me). Featuring Kardinal Offishall, the guest rap didn’t hurt the song either. Stearing away from her Soulful R&B sound to a more electro-soul vibe, I’m loving this transition!!! A fun song to sing along, Estelle definitely doesn’t disappointment. After all, she won a grammy for “American Boy“. Enjoy!!!

Estelle feat Kardinal Offishall – Freak

“Echo” is the upcoming second single by British girl group Girls Can’t Catch from their yet-to-be-titled debut album. It will be released on January 18, 2010. Sounding quite different as compared to the demo and their live version, the finalised edit is rather listenable and likeable. This song is both fan and critics fave, garnering buzz attention to them.

As for the video, now this is what I call a beautifully-made budgeted video. It’s the directing that matters. The girls are looking good!!! Seems like Fascination is investing more on GCC instead of The Sats. I feel that The Sats screwed up with their sophomore album with their screechy vocals. GCC has more control over their vocals. If given the Sats treatment, it wouldn’t be as appealing. =( GCC is not just pure pop, it’s power-packed electro-pop with a rock edge!!!

Enjoy the vid anyways!!!

*The remixes to this song is rather EPIC (the Nu Addiction one especially) btw. Wait till I get my hands on the HQ version.* =)

Video

“Ego” is the second single from The Saturdays‘ second studio album, and will be released on 4th January 2010. It’s a fantastic follow-up single to the decent lead single, “Forever is Over“. I’m just flabbergasted with the distasteful treatment of both the video and the single cover (official!!!).

An utter boring vid, as I’ve expected a dance sequence since this song is rather uptempo and packs with a punch. I just don’t get it why the marketing team would marred this song with such horrible execution. The single cover is most probably inspired by the vid, so most likely it’s budgeted (Looks like it too!!!). Such a turn off for a great song. A pity. (And it’s no secret that I’m a BIG fan of the group)

As for the song itself, no words can describe how much I love this track. Listen to it and you’ll know why. Even the remixes are slightly inferior as compared to the original album edit.

And here we have the b-side of “Ego“, titled “Flashback“. It’s a good song, (not great) but better than some songs from their sophomore album. As usual, any b-side from The Saturdays always has a quality to it. Enjoy!!!

Track

The Saturdays – Flashback

Mademoiselle Gaga is pretty much unstoppable, in terms of her top notch quality of her music and her unmistakable presence. She’s the best thing that happen to the music industry 18 months before the current decade ends (2010 is arriving soon!!!).

“Dance in the Dark” is one of the promotional singles for The Fame Monster, along with “Alejandro” (I’m sure we’re all familar with this one already). I’ll say this song should be release as a full fledged single instead. A brillant disco stomper. Exceptionally great lyrics too. This song makes me wanna hit the dance floor immediately. The song is not really in a fast tempo, which makes this song even more epic!!! This song made my sunday and put a smile on my face. Enjoy!!! =)

Lady Gaga – Dance In The Dark

According to sources, “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” will serve as the 2nd single from Alicia’s 4th studio album, The Element of Freedom, to be released on 15th Dec 2009. This single will impact US on 10th Nov 2009.

This song is definitely soulful. A signature Alicia sound, but there are some minor detail attention on the break beats and melody. Most casual listeners would find this a bore, but I think it’s rather great. Has a very haunting after-effect too. While first single “Doesn’t Mean Anything” is meant for mainstream, this song is for the R&B charts.

Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

Here’s the world premiere of Rihanna’s first single “Russian Roulette” from her 4th studio album, titled “Rated R“.

A rhythmic, dark ballad as a first single has it’s risk. Doesn’t has the big notes I expect to hear while listening to the song. I could catch on this song pretty easily though. Shows that it succeeds in grabbing my attention. The lyrics “so just pull the trigger” reminds me of “Unfaithful“, “take a gun and put it to his head“. Maybe it’s a continuation??? As for the single cover art, most likely it’s official as it’s from Riri’s Facebook fan page. Scary’s the word to use.

The song is written by Ne-Yo and produced by drum & bass duo Chase & Status. Might be a slow gainer in airplay. Takes times to appreciate this song for the casual listeners. I do not have any bad comments for this song, just that some parts could use a high note or two. I predict that the remixes for this would be very successful though. Enjoy!!! =)

“Russian Roulette” video is to premiere on ABC-TV. Not sure when though. Stay tuned for more info to this highly anticipated album. I’ve a feeling there’ll be fantastic uptempos too.

Support her and buy her album on Monday, November 23rd.

Track

Rihanna – Russian Roulette (CD Quality)

Rihanna – Russian Roulette (Premiere Rip)

Finally we have “Bad Romance” in it’s final edit. Sounds really quite epic. Good choice for a single. Produced by RedOne and written with Gaga herself. I’ve a slight complain though, I could do without the bridge that is after the verses and before the chorus. Seems like a cool down before the explosive chorus I guess. =) Definitely another number 1!!!

As for “Alejandro“, it’s either you love or you hate it. The spanish influence is prominent, as stated by it’s title. Well, I’m neutral on this song. Sounds better compared to the other new material that leaked recently.

I just wonder why most peeps like the deluxe edition cover?? I prefer the normal edition cover art. Much more modern and definitely expresses Lady Gaga. All hail the Lady. =)

#Update 1
Replaced with the official single cover. It’s very editorial. But she sacrificed her face in the process though. Haha

Tracks
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Radio Edit)
Lady Gaga – Alejandro (Untagged Version)

This a surprise. Wasn’t expecting this to premiere on BBC Radio 1 on September 6th. “Get Sexy” is riding high by debuting at number 2 on the UK singles chart this week, now here comes the official 2nd single which is set to release in the UK on 16 November.

“About a Girl” is produced by the famed RedOne, which is a plus point to this song. The intro for the song is slightly techno-ish (includes the shoutouts to RedOne and to the girls themselves). As for the rest of the song, there’s a “summer club” feel written all over it (but it’s fall/winter now).

I have a Love/Hate relationship with this song as it’s annoyingly catchy on the hook. I’m definitely feeling this song more than “Get Sexy” though. Liked the part when Heidi referenced Louboutin in this song (she referenced Jimmy Choo on “Red Dress“).

With the first 2 singles being uptempo and has a clubbing theme going on, I have mixed feelings though, as the songs are on the verge of becoming disposable pop. Nobody would remember them in the years to come. I expected a change but not in this manner. Guess I need some time to take in the “shock”. =) I need to have a full listen to the album in order to judge it fairly. Oh, and they would have a collabo with Sean Kingston. *Cringe*

*Update*
Here’s the Jade Ewen version that the babes re-recorded with. Jade sounds okie, doesn’t showcase her voice on this song though. Amelle’s voice still irritate the hell of me. This song’s only saving grace is that it’s backed by RedOne. Oh, and the official over art is out too.

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Sugababes – About A Girl (Original Keisha Edit)
Sugababes – About A Girl (Jade Ewen Radio Edit)

“Happy” is the first single from Leona’s highly anticipated 2nd studio album, Echo. It was written by Leona, Ryan Tedder and Evan “Kidd” Bogart and produced by Ryan. The song will be release on the US iTunes on 15th September.

Well, apart from the “Ryan Tedder” beats, it’s actually really good. Better compared to “Bleeding Love” in my opinion (though “Bleeding Love” has a better hook). There’s no hint of recycling the songs that Ryan produced previously. As opposed with “Happy” being a uptempo song, it’s actually a power ballad.

The song is about a relationship breakup and moving on, as the lyrics implied (anyone could relate to it). I sense another worldwide hit for Leona. =)

Track
Leona Lewis – Happy

Finally it’s here!!! OK, it’s not really that up-tempo, more towards mid-tempo. It starts with the typical Uhhs and Ahhs. Beats are in Urban, nothing new though. Funny thing is that the chorus gets stuck in my head. This song definitely has the hooks and hype to be a mainstream success.

It’s just not ground breaking enough to be a decent lead single, but it’s definitely better compared to “Touch My Body” though. Club remixes to this song would definitely sound better given the right treatment, and would be a club hit. Awaiting the remixes and the album release. =)

Download:
Mariah Carey – Obsessed