ITunes Roundup. 28.11.09.

I have decided to introduce a new weekly post to my blog called the Itunes Roundup- I am hoping to post this every Saturday. Basically, I will partially review each song on the Top Ten Singles list, and give my thoughts and opinions on the chart performance and placing.

10: X Factor Finalists ~ You Are Not Alone D-

Having already allowed myself to stay awake long enough to review Hero Part II- NO sorry "You Are Not Alone" (here)- I don't think that I can put myself through the pain again. Alright, it's fair to say that their voices sound above-average, but the production is lazy and it was probably put together in 5 minutes. The single has been 'collecting-dust' in my ITunes library ever since I bought it, and I doubt it will ever be dusted. Nevertheless it is all for a good cause, and I'm glad that the single went to #1 last week.


9: JLS ~ Everybody In Love B

Following "Beat Again" as JLS's second #1, "Everybody In Love" manages to create a simple hook with the right amount of cheesiness to please all those girly fans out there. Having already expressed my feelings on this impressive single here, there isn't much else I can say. I still find this song mildly entertaining, and I still hate "Beat Again". I'm glad this track got its own moment to shine.


8: Cheryl Cole ~ Fight For This Love B-
What can I say? After reviewing "3 Words", it's very clear that FFTL is the best song on her debut album, although that isn't saying much. Her vocals are still childish, and nasally with no uniqueness or emotion. This is the only track that is worthy of becoming a single, apart from "Happy Hour", which isn't even that good. Cheryl needs to invest more of her time into singing lessons, than attempting to mentor two boys who would probably benefit more if you stayed out the way. Not surprised this was a #1 a few weeks back.


7: Leona Lewis ~ Happy B
After failing to grab the #1 spot two weeks ago, Leona Lewis has failed to impress me lately. Sure, this single is pretty decent with her epic vocals, and wonderful arrangement, but Echo was such a bore I turned it off before the end. I realise that Lewis wanted to challenge herself with a new direction, but where is the "Bleeding Love" diva that we fell in love with not that long ago. Not surprisingly Echo rocketed to Number 1 in the UK, however the Americans came to their senses and "Happy" flopped. Badly!


6: Susan Boyle ~ Wild Horses C
Yes, yes. I know she has a nice voice, but that's about it. I am terribly bored with Susie, she reminds me of a Leona Lewis O.A.P. With all the resources that have been invested into Susan, I'm not really sure why she hasn't released an original- let alone choosing a Rolling Stones song to cover. Emotions, and feelings are expressed beautifully, but it's not really my cup of tea. Number One album tomorrow I predict.


5: Lady Gaga ~ Bad Romance A-
Easily one of the best songs of 2009- how has this not been #1 yet? My favourite Gaga tune. The eccentric riffs complement Gaga versatile voice to the very core. This single hasn't got the credit it deserves, and I can't believe that it has only just peaked inside the Top Ten, after being released a few weeks ago. My "Fame Monster" review here. Absolutely Gaga-tastic!


4: Ke$ha ~ Tik Tok B
This year has been fantastic for the upcoming singer-songwriter Ke$sha. After featuring on two of Flo Rida's tracks- "Right Round" and "Touch Me"- the first being a record breaking #1, things could have only gone up with her debut album. First single "Tik Tok" is extremely successful it what it sets out to achieve- naughtiness, rebelliousness, and having fun- a perfect remedy for a modern pop song. Although it's a tad repetitive.


3: Rihanna ~ Russian Roulette A-
The only single here that I believe is capable of competing with the genius that is "Bad Romance". Undeniably great, this emotion-driven first single shows the rest of the world how to produce a proper ballad with feelings. My full review here. A true classic.


2: Black Eyed Peas ~ Meet Me Halfway C
How is this still here?


1: Jason Derulo ~ Watcha Say B+


'Borrowing' a sample from Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek". Jason cries his name in true American R'n'B fashion, and declared he's been wrong. I would of scored this great track higher, but I can't help to think the whole concept was built around the sample. Nevertheless this is easy to forget as the fresh vibes complement his smooth, slightly computerized vocals. I am eager to hear more songs from this new 'man-of-R'n'B', as I believe his writes his own material and has also written the smash "Replay" sung by Iyaz. A worthy #1, and I'm glad it has finally reached the top spot on the ITunes chart.

Note: All positions are correct to 17:10 GMT on ITunes Chart.

Cheryl Cole. Three Words. New Video

Diabolical Single. Diabolical Video. One of the worst songs of 2009.

Adam Lambert. For Your Entertainment. New Video.

Here is Adam Lamberts- the American Idol Season 8 runner up- debut single video. I'm really not that fussed by the new single, although both the video and the vocals suit him enormously.

Rihanna. Rated R. Review.

Rihanna has carefully stayed under the radar since the whole Chris Brown 'incident'. She has only just started giving interviews to promote her album, and hadn't performed live for months. There is no doubt that this album- even if she will or won't admit it- is about the terrible domestic abuse committed against her, and how she is overcoming the struggle to face the world again. The startling black and white cover gives some inclination into how the album will pan out, but nothing could prepare you for this. My thoughts...
The album opener starts with a haunting, chilling speech that sounds like it come straight from the circus. If "Mad House" is anything to go by this album is going to be emotion-driven, and as far away from Good Girl Gone Bad as possible.
The first 'official' track- "Wait Your Turn"- which I have reviewed here, is still as edgy as ever, but I don't believe this 'ball of fire' is a grower, and the song can become tiresome after the tenth-or-so listen, but only die-hard fans will listen to it that much, but they won't care!
Preceding "Russian Roulette", is the second single "Hard"- an authentic piece of work that definitely doesn't disappoint. Rihanna's voice is perfectly suited to this chilled music that I believe reflects her resistance to Chris Brown. Is that a slight Jamaican influence I hear?..
A re-vamped, faster version of "Take a Bow" is the fourth track: "Stupid in Love". Although I prefer TaB, this song could easily be a single, and with the right promotion, Rihanna may have another top-five ht on her hands. I love the continuous clicks, and synthesised drums that don't drop the new emotional and sincere pretence.
To prove that Rihanna has finally gone to the 'dark-side' her record company have plonked Slash (!!) into "Rockstar 101" even though it's already incredibly strong and doesn't actually need him, but the guitar he adds is pretty spectacular. The stripped-down beat suits her voice perfectly, and shows off how much it has matured over the years. The collaboration will probably mean that this track is a single, which isn't a bad move. Love it.
Next is one of my favourite singles of this year, and is by far the most superior track on the album. "Russian Roulette" is written from the heart, and is the most deep and emotional song from the album. Ne-Yo works his magic. Again. And creates another masterpiece- my review here.
The glitchy, shaky beginning leads into "Fire Bomb". This is perhaps the greatest use of Rihanna's experienced, rough voice throughout the album. I prefer this track to "Stupid in Love", and I would must rather this was a single. The crazy, jittery riff introduces a new way to present a ballad. I love the burning city ending.
Moving swiftly into a electro-synthy vibe is "Rude Boy". This is the closest Rated R gets to Good Girl Gone Bad. Rihanna creates a sweet edge to her voice, and this complements the experimental lyrics and bouncy beats. Not my favourite, but still pretty nice. Not what I would expect from a track called "Rude Boy".
Another star-studded track is "Photographs" featuring BEP singer Will.I.Am. The lyrics and slow beat remind me instantly of "Cry". Will's voice blends instantly to RiRi's, but I'm not sure if this is natural. A track to please her fans at concerts. Sound like something Cheryl Cole would record-dare I say it- but a lot better. The album's weakest point, I believe.
As the album progresses I feel that we slightly lose the roughness, which I adore so much. "G4L"- a strange name- is again full of electro vibes. The track with the most 'Parental-Advisory', Rihanna is not afraid to experiment, and set the bar with this funky number.
The only leaked track that made the album is "Te Amo", and shows Rihanna stripped down to her bare emotions. A sweet, strong consistent song, with a great drum-line pulsating through the potential-single. Slightly Brazilian?
Penultimately is "Cold Case Love" beginning with haunting, echoing spurt of vocals that send a chill through you spine. The song doesn't pick up speed, and is the slowest of all thirteen- an haunting number? It's fresh and nearly sounds live with the heavy bongos.
To finish this one hell of an album, Rihanna presents "The Last Song"- ironic huh? It follows suit of the track before. It's soft, and therefore making it hard to escape Rihanna not-so-subtle hints of domestic abuse. A perfect ending, that shows off her adaptable voice with ease.

Wow, this is possibly the best album of the year. I would never of thought four years ago that the cheesy "SOS" star could ever be capable of anything like this. Granted, that she had an army of producers and writers to assist her, but there is no doubt Rihanna has a rare, raw talent.

A

Lady Gaga. The Fame Monster. Review.

Originally intended by her record company to be a re-release of the multi-platinum album "The Fame", once again the genius that is Gaga stepped in and decided it would also be released as a stand-alone, as the eight tracks could stand on their own 'two feet'. "The Fame Monster" was produced with Lady Gaga's dark-side in mind, as opposed to her attention-grabbing, and shout-out to fame that was her last album.
This album is eagerly awaited, and everyone is expecting big things from the "Just Dance" star. Does she live up to these expectations, or will it be just another 'poker-face'?- see what I did there. Here is my in-depth review...
Kicking of this re-release is the spanking, spectacular, super "Bad Romance". I have to admit that the demo didn't sound promising- she sounded pretty drunk, but sobering up I have fallen in love with this timeless classic. My favourite part has to be the "Ra, ra, ra"- quirky, fun and so Gaga. Best song on the album. Fact.
Attempting to follow one of the best pop tracks of the year is the authentic, emotional "Alejandro". Throwing in as many accents, and club-beats as possible Lady Gaga creates a partial success. As said before, the song is ever so slightly Eurovision- something I thought I would never speak of involving Gaga until now. The song dips in places, but is on-average pretty good. Not single material.
The metaphor-cramped "Monster" is both disturbing as it is deep. Gaga cries: "That boy is a Monster.... He ate my heart, and then he ate my brain."- lyrics that aren't usually popular in normal pop circumstances, but who can expect Gaga to stick to the rules. It's nothing special, but certainly listenable.
The very "Again, Again" sounding "Speechless" is supposedly the 'best song Lady Gaga has ever written'- yeah right! Not to say that it's rubbish, but "Speechless" is the closest the album gets to a filler, although it is far from one. I prefer this track to her other 'ballads', but she should stick to upbeat, eccentric songs. Nevertheless it's nice to have a change.
After already reviewing "Dance in the Dark" here, there isn't much else I can say. The song still sounds as fresh and vibrant as the first time I listened to it. If there's one word you won't use to describe this album, it's boring. One of the best tracks.
My second favourite track on the album- "Telephone"- is the only collaboration, but who better to collaborate with than Beyonce? I've also reviewed this track here, and it's safe to say this track is amazing, and is almost as good as "Bad Romance" with it's phone metaphors, and strong vocals.
"So Happy I Could Die" is the penultimate track, and it's probably my least favourite. There is no immediate Gaga hook, and even though the wacky vocals and lyrics: "I touch myself and it's alright" don't sound out of place, the track isn't really anything to rave about, and doesn't achieve anything new.
"Teeth" is the strangest track to pick for the finale, although everyone knows Gaga likes to go out with a bang! Continuous chants of "Show me your teeth" pulsate throughout, and add an extra layer to the song. It's pretty meaningless, but who cares! The drums are quite often over-powering, but Gaga shows them who's boss with her ever-improving vocal capability that didn't get shown off enough times in her debut.
Although no tracks could live up to the explosion that is "Bad Romance", this album is certainly far from a disappointment. The new Lady of Pop refuses to drop her energy throughout, and I believe the album will be a commercial success.

Energetic, new, experimental. B+

Rihanna. An Overview Review. 2005-2009

To think that once every one's favourite pop-star that is now a fashion icon with over 12 million records sold, was once a long-haired, kind of bland, Beyonce-wannabe, with a maximum 2 years of success in the music industry.

To celebrate the release of Rihanna's highly anticipated, latest album: Rated R, which is released tommorow (UK). UpdateTheBeat has written a quick overview of each and everyone one of Rihanna's previous three albums...

Music of The Sun. C

Rihanna appeared in the year of 2005 out of nowhere and immediately hit radio and TV faster than you can say "DefJam", probably due to her Ashanti-esque vocals and lyrics, and her friendly Barbadian face.

"Music of the Sun" opens with the great, smash hit "Pon de Replay"- a fun, base-influenced club single. Rihanna's young voice copes well with the uptempo UK #2, and I feel her voice should be left for these sort of songs. Second single "If It's Lovin' That You Want" is okay, but nothing special and is actually quite sleep-inducing. The rest of the album is so samey, I would just be writing the equivalent review over and over if I was to scrutinise each song. Each song has a very strong Reggae-influence which I feel is a great advantage when used in the more uptempo songs.

However amongst the strong accent, and childish lyrics there are some a few gems; "That's La, La, La" is a welcome surprise with it's hip-shaking bass line, and no meaning, and the unreleased third single "Let Me" although sounding slightly too "Pon de Replay" is successful in becoming probably the most danceable song on the whole album with it's head-nodding beat, and pleasing vocals produced with ease from Rihanna. "Rush" is pretty good too.

Highlight: "Pon de Replay"

A Girl Like Me B-

Rihanna's sophomore album- "A Girl Like Me"- commences with her first Billboard Number #1, and club-stomper "SOS". It's a sort of revamped, new, unique way of thinking about "Pon de Replay" and again it's as catchy as hell. Her voice had definitely matured since her last album, or maybe it's just that more effort has been put into the production. No. It's surely the more established vocals that make this album more successful.

The Caribbean influence is still present, but is not featured in all the songs. In the Reggae-overloaded "Kisses Don't Lie" Rihanna shows her native side, and the more relaxed third single "We Ride" talks about a painful relationship which surprisingly the Barbadian Princess pulls off well, although I'm not sure if it's single material.

Second single, "Unfaithful" is one of my favourites from the album although receiving mixed reviews. The secretly dark ballad cleverly uses multiple metaphors to talk about an affair she is having. However I agree that her voice sounds strained and under-experienced in some areas, but this is easy to overlook.

The least successful songs on the album, are the tracks that follow in the footsteps of "Music of the Sun" like "Dem Haters" which embarrassingly uses text language to appeal to a more R'n'B audience. Several forgettable songs follow: "Final Goodbye", "Selfish Girl", and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Sean Paul collab "Break It Off" is fun, with a nice synth beat and cheeky lyrics that is forgettable fun- think a cheap "Baby Boy" (Beyonce).

Highlights: SOS, Unfaithful.

Good Girl Gone Bad A-

By now, Rihanna had established her rightful place in the music industry. She worked with some amazing people on "Good Girl Gone Bad" like Ne-Yo, and Jay-Z, to make sure she had more than one Number 1 this time round.
Gone are the Jamaican vibes, and childish lyrics. Rihanna's third album- as the title suggests- is about a new grown-up 'bad girl' RiRi who is now prepared to sing about sex "Shut up and Drive", and rebellion.
Kicking off this ace album is the lead single "Umbrella" featuring Jay-Z. The perfect single for Rihanna. I love the quirky hi-hat, and floundering bass line, but best of all who could forget the amazingly, annoyingly catchy tag line. Every time somebody says Umbrella it's automatically followed by "Ella, Ella, Ella!"- amazing! The song stayed at Number in the UK for a staggering 10 weeks!
"Push Up On Me" follows with it's strange 90's synthy beats and it sounds like a "SOS" demo- not finished- totally forgettable. Every one's favourite dance club number "Don't Stop The Music"- the fourth single- is very trance-y and fun and is a timeless classic in clubs across the country, although it can become slightly repetitive. "Shut Up and Drive" and "Breakin' Dishes" share a lot of similarities. They are both rebellious, upbeat, and sexy. Perhaps SUaD is a lot more erotic; everybody knows what it's about. I prefer BD although I would gladly listen to either.
"Hate That I Love You" is the first ballad on the album, and it features musical-mastermind: Ne-Yo. As RiRi says herself it's incredibly "deep" song, but I much prefer "Unfaithful".
"Say It" and "Sell Me Candy" aren't actually that good, they're very forgettable- fillers. I love the continuous, slightly over-powering drums in "Lemme Get That". It reminds me of Breakin' Dishes- this is the direction she should be heading in.
In the re-release version- Reloaded- "Rehab" follows. The simplicity of the track is its main appeal, not to mention the fact it was written by Justin Timberlake. It's one of my favourites not only on Reloaded, but overall. It didn't get the attention it deserves.
"Question Existing" is nothing special, along with the title track. The Unfaithful type ballad "Cry" is successful, but is shadowed by the greatness of "Take a Bow". Again using a simple idea TaB becomes absolutely amazing: one of the best pop ballads of the year. Ending this brilliant is "Disturbia" and "If I Never See Your Face Again"- a Maroon 5 remix of their original song. Both-again- are a pop-lovers dream. Disturbia with it's freaky, wacky "Bum, Bum, Bum" and IINSYFA (!!) with it's bouncy beats and energetic vocals.

Highlights: Umbrella, Breakin' Dishes, Rehab, Take a Bow, Disturbia, If I Never See You Face Again.

So there we have it. My extensive review of everything Rihanna has released (album wise). Hope you enjoyed. Can't wait for "Rated R" now!

Russian Roulette.

Jennifer Lopez. Louboutins. Review

American pop princess Jennifer Lopez, has just released her first single from her seventh, yes SEVENTH album, but don't expect it to involve a more mature and adult side to JLO- it's about an expensive brand of shoes. Can't say it sounds great on paper, but let's give it a spin. Here are my thoughts...

I do really love the synthy beginning followed by a quick spurt of trumpet hoots that should have stayed a lot longer- it really would of been a great feature throughout the song. Everything is going well until about seven seconds in, and she starts singing "Taking back my love,". There's nothing wrong with this until you realise she has sang it a staggering EIGHT(??!) times, which is crazily annoying and repetitive.

Then we get to the chorus...

There three words in the chorus repeated over and over and over and over.... (you get the point!) The synthy beats are boring by now, and once I actually checked the video to see if it was stuck on repeat, it was so repetitive.

There's nothing unique about this song, and if this is supposed to mark JLO's comeback to the music industry then I'm afraid to say: you failed. It sounds like a "Licky" (Shontelle) cousin, and her vocals are questionable throughout the track. Everything just goes downhill after the chorus...

Annoying. Repetitive. D+

Listen here.

The Saturdays. Ego. Review.

The Sats (left to right: Mollie, Una, Rochelle, Vanessa, Frankie)

After "Forever is Over" failed to debut at number-one, The Sats have decided to place their bets with second single "Ego" a raunchy, upbeat, women-empowerment number that they are hoping will become their first ever #1. Here are my thoughts and opinions...

The heavy beat is the first thing to strike you, as the girls warble away chanting: "You need to have a sit down with your ego!" If I was to describe the song in one word it would have to be- confident. Confident. CONFIDENT- oh that was three... The girls have clearly matured and become more willing to be more deep in their songs, and have even co-written a track incidentally called "Deeper". All their voices have progressed, and Vanessa steals the song with her great, power-house vocals.

Back to "Ego". The girls sound much fiercer in this track than many other on the album, and I love the arrogance that is portrayed in the lyrics and electro-vibes that pulsate through the chorus. "Ego" is definitely a stand-out track on their sophomore album: Wordshaker (cover above), and I am glad this is the second single. I love the new edge and sound- I would even go as far as saying it sounded slightly pop-rocky a hurdle I never thought the girls would jump even with the army of producers and writers they have.

So there you have. It's actually pretty good. B+

Here's the video.

Shakira. Give It Up To Me. Video Premiere.

"Give It Up To Me" features Lil' Wayne and is the second single in the US from Shakira's newest album "She Wolf", but strangely it doesn't appear on the international edition. Enjoy!

Beyonce feat Lady Gaga. Video Phone. Video Premiere.

Well haven't we been treated with some nice videos lately?- "Bad Romance", "Russian Roulette"- and now we have this to add to the collection of 'epics'. I don't get the toy guns though... but I love when Beyonce dances with Lady Gaga in the white- some great choreography. The video ties in nicely to the all the others from "I Am..." especially "Single Ladies". It's pretty much a futuristic, colourful "Single Ladies". Well enjoy!..

X Factor Finalists. You Are Not Alone. Review.

Another year. Another X Factor charity single. Oh dear... Here are my thoughts..
First impressions are not good. It sounds like "Hero" part II, and Hero was awful. "You Are Not Alone" is droney, cheesy, boring and everything else you would expect from twelve average, inexperienced singers 'hand-picked' by Simon Cowell, boy-band picker, I'm-not-as-good-as-my-sister Dannii, and Chezza.
The whole song is extremely over-produced, and I find it very hard to tell the difference between each singer. None of the contestants shine, but I'm surprised to say that I enjoyed Rachel's husky, but short piece.
The song hasn't really achieved anything, but it's all for a good cause, so I encourage everyone to buy the single even if you don't force yourself to sit through it. Actually, it has achieved something- with little effort it has managed to be a lot better than Cheryl's album.

*Yawn* D-

The 'live' performance

PLEASE BUY IT!

Beyonce feat Lady Gaga. Video Phone. Review.

stills from the video

In just one day, we were delivered not one but two(!!) Lady Gaga/Beyonce collaborations through the magic of youtube, and I know this review is rather late, but it's better now than no time at all. Anyway, this is going to be a sure hit for the 'divas' around the world, mainly because of all the hype surrounding this collab and "Telephone". Here are my opinions on Beyonce's whopping eighth single!

Firstly, I love the vibe and groove that vibrates through the song. Beyonce's 'swagger' is strong throughout the song, and this is something Lady Gaga can only dream of having. Although, the "Uh, Uh"s annoy me slightly- they're just to constant and repetitive.

Then comes Lady Gaga's part- which I have to say is amazing- obviously not as good as Beyonce though. Gaga sings "Hubba Hubba" seductively and convincingly, and her voice sounds very convincing and genuine- a quality that most of her songs lack.

To finish "Video Phone" Beyonce concludes with a short harmony, and the couple join again to sing orgasmic "Uh Uh"s- a downfall if you ask me.

How could they go wrong? A-

New Video. Russian Roulette. Rihanna.

Beautiful Song. Beautiful Video. Better than "Bad Romance"? I think so.

Lady Gaga feat Beyonce. Telephone. Review.

Finally, this song has leaked- about time! Two of the most popular diva's in pop music today have teamed up to make possibly one of the biggest collaborations of the year. Not only are Lady Gaga and Beyonce (!!!) featured on the track, Dark Child (a.k.a Rodney Jerkins)- who has worked with the likes of Brandy, Whitney, Destiny's Child, and Spice Girls- produces this awesome track. Here are my opinions...
First of all, there's no doubt either of these superstars have a colossal amount of talent, but I was concerned that this might hinder the producing and writing of the track, but I needn't have worried. The soft, and subtle beginning gives no indication of how the track will pan out, and unlike "Poker Face" and "Just Dance" the song isn't an immediate hook.
However, "Telephone" grows on you like every other Gaga track, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Gaga's voice not drowned out by synthesisers and auto-tune this time. I especially love the part when Beyonce 'crashes' into the song that a forceful tornado, and instantly grabs the attention form Lady Gaga, with her amazing vocals that remind me slightly of "Diva". Although this doesn't last for long when the Gaga shows off her beautiful voice in the chorus- which I adore.

Overall, this song is EPIC and will be big (hopefully). Darkchild's producing skills are showed off alongside Lady Gaga and Beyonce's spectacular vocals. A-

Chris Brown. I Can Transform Ya. Review

Chris Brown- the girlfriend beater- premiered his first single from his new album "Graffiti (which will hit stores December 15th) a couple of weeks ago, and it's called "I Can Transform Ya" Ironic huh? I have only just decided to review this as I am no longer supporting Brown after the whole incident with Rihanna, but I wanted to review the song and forget about him. Anyway, here are my thoughts...
The heavy beat is the first thing to hit you, and I actually like it. The drums are consistent throughout the song, and don't even soften during the chorus. ICTY features both Lil' Wayne and Swizz Beatz- who also produces the track. There is no doubt Chris can sing, even though his voice is slightly auto-tuned and heavily computerized, but this just adds the modern theme that Swizz has obviously worked hard to achieve.
Although there are better songs from Chris ("With You" and "Forever") I have to admit that I think this song is actually half-decent- although I was apprehensive at first- his voice suits the tempo of the track, and I believe it will be a hit in the UK.

Although I won't be buying the track, it's unfortunately, actually quite good. B-

Lady Gaga. Dance In The Dark. Review.

Somebody please tell me: what is wrong with this woman? Or is it man/woman- I'm not taking sides! First- a couple of months back- she cancels a tour with Kayne West to tour solo, and then she cancels the release of her highly anticipated re-release album The Fame: Monster, because of arguments with her record company(!!??)- I don't know?
Nonetheless, we still have a second single that will be released shortly in the United Kingdom, and has already been released in Ireland. There hasn't been much hype surrounding "Bad Romance", but hopefully this single with get the attention it deserves. Here are my thoughts...
Firstly, I think it sounds a bit like a Bad Romance clone, and again a slight bit too repetitive, even if this is Lady Gaga's style; I'm not too keen.
However, the new single is so incredibly catchy it's easy to forget any flaw the song may have. "Dance in the Dark" is another gem written by Gaga and produced by Fernando Garibay. Lady Gaga sings my favourite part, the "She's a mess" part with such conviction that I think she is the only artist that could of pulled this off. Although in some parts I think her voice in drowned out by the backing track too much.
Whatever you may think of her, Gaga proves once again that has music is irresistibly danceable, and I was grooving in my chair before the first minute. This is another major grower, and I feel she has another top-ten hit on her hands. Gotta love that Gaga charm. B

Sugababes. About A Girl. Review.

So, so, so. Here we have it. Sugababes 4.0. At least I think this is the most recent line up- it's probably changed at least twice since I started typing. Okay I admit: this may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. At time of writing the 'Babes consist of (left to right) Jade Ewen, Heidi Range, and Amelle Berrabah. The second single from the horrifically named seventh album "Sweet 7" is the first single to be released with the most recent Babe Jade Ewen- from Eurovision fame. I wasn't too optimistic after having heard "Get Sexy", but here are my views.

"About a Girl" kicks off with Ewen singing "RedOne"- the producers trademark- followed by "Sugababes" . How ironic is it that she sings this after being in the band for less than five minutes! I must admit that I love the beginning and this feeling continues throughout the whole of this club-banger.

The chorus is so incredibly catchy, and firmly cements itself into your head- I have come to expect this from every RedOne song. I believe this is the perfect second single for Babes. It's fresh, exciting, ambitious, and positively amazing! This hit is going to spread through the country faster than an epidemic, and will be played in every club across the capital for months.

My only criticism of this awesome song would be that-again- it sounds a tad American, I mean Amelle does sing "Y'all" rather a lot, but who doesn't love a bit of American slang? It's a shame Keisha Buchanan couldn't be a part of this wonderful song, but at least the United Kingdom's favourite Eurovision entry could join in. One of my favourite songs and it is an immediate grower.

Here's the video. It's Young, fun, vibrant. Much better than "Get Sexy". B++

JLS. Everybody In Love. Review.

JLS- the runner-up- of X Factor 2008- have just released their second single from their debut, self-titled album. They are rapidly becoming Britain's most loved boy band, and I wouldn't be surprised if they overtook Westlife sometime in the near future.

When I first Beat Again I wasn't that impressed, but I knew that the single would do extremely well because of a little, unknown show called the X Factor and the "OH MY GOD it's JLS- let's go run and scream at them" girls.

When I first heard Everybody in Love I was pleasantly surprised. The chorus has an undeniably excellent production for the targeted audience- I wonder who they are(!?)- with an amazingly, annoyingly, and crazily catchy chorus that refuses to exit your brain all week- that's right! My only criticism would be that this sure-for-number-one-hit song sounds a little too polished and perfected, but what else should I expect from the "One and Only"-Pah!- JLS. And not to worry there are plenty of good 'ole X Factor warbles, that are actually quite pleasing and decent. Despite what you may think; these guys can actually sing.

Anyway, how could a song go wrong when it starts with synthesised horns and a Westilfe-inspired single cover? Better than the debut.

Here is the video. Cheese, anyone?
B

Rihanna. Wait Your Turn (The Wait is Ova). Single Review

Not surprisingly the second single- "Wait Your Turn"- from the Barbadian star Rihanna's latest album "Rated R" has leaked. I jumped at the chance to listen to this track, because "Russian Roulette" was so excellent. "Wait Your Turn" is certainly edgy and intriguing, but does it live up to RR's standard? Here are my thoughts on the song...

The first thing that comes to mind is that WYT sounds a lot more like her older stuff. It reminds me slightly of "Umbrella"- her 2007, breakthrough single. Although it sounds a lot edgier, and darker- probably inspired by the incident with Chris Brown earlier on in the year. However it's certainly not as dark as "Russian Roulette" which slightly disappointed me. It's incredibly catchy and "The Wait is Ova" part pulses through your brain all day.

Overall, it's definitely not as good as Russian Roulette: it just lacks the charm of the first single, and sounds slightly over-polished. Bit disappointing, but still infectious. B-

listen here