Confession time. I've done that thing that I absolutely hate seeing other people do. I've become a music snob. After hearing about this new British male artist, being likened to Justin Bieber and Conor Maynard, I instantly ignored everything more I heard about him.
Listening to the music channel, up pops Elyar Fox. I thought I'd give it a listen, and what came after completely changed my opinion. I was wrong to make assumptions about an artist before hearing their music. His debut single "Do It All Over Again" is an incredibly solid pop song.
From the instant 'whoa-oh-oh' opening production to the brilliantly addictive "Hey girl, why you hesitate girl" hook, it's the most straight up piece of pop I've heard so far this year. Yes, some of the lyrics aren't the most mature, ground-breaking ones you'll ever hear, but what more can you expect from an 18 year old guy who's only just taking his first steps into the music industry. And with a Top 5 single now safely under his belt, he's well on his way to establishing himself.
Let's hope that he's given the time to grow as an artist, and develop his song-writing ability. I'll certainly be watching with great interest, and looking forward to plenty more Pop anthems in the future.
So I think the moral of this story, Ladies and Gentleman, is that age-old one of not judging a book by it's cover. Bring on single number 2.
PALOMA HAS DONE IT AGAIN. THE ARTWORK TO HER NEW ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE. Right, now that's out the way. I guess you should see the artwork for album #3 "A Perfect Contradiction":
So there it is. I'm going to run out of adjectives to describe how brilliant this artwork is. But I'm just speechless. She's done it time and again, with her singles, but more importantly (the area that many artists get it wrong) with her album sleeves. Here's her debut and sophomore efforts respectively:
"Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?"
"Fall To Grace"
There's just something great about an artist getting the artwork right, I'm sure you'll agree. The music can be of the highest quality, but without a good album sleeve, it'll never feel quite right.
Well done Ms. Faith.
The tracklisting was also announced as the following: 1. Can't Rely On You 2. Mouth To Mouth 3. Take Me 4. Only Love Can Hurt Like This 5. Other Woman 6. Taste My Own Tears 7. Trouble With My Baby 8. The Bigger You Love (The Harder You Fall) 9. Impossible Heart 10. Love Only Leaves You Lonely 11. It's Not The Knowing The album is due for release on March 3rd. And can be pre-ordered by clicking here.
BANGERZ is a very good album. Last year's Miley Cyrus LP got a lot of people talking, and not just because of her antics outside of the music, but because the music is good itself. She produced an album that trumped many other huge stars's own highly anticipated attempts (Gaga and Katy; I'm looking at you). It was a very solid pop effort.
That's why I'm very excited to hear some of those songs in an acoustic setting. For every crazy moment of madness from Miley of the past year, there has been an equal number of brilliant ones. She's shown that she really does live and breathe the music, co-writing much of the album. So it'll be interesting to see how she turns those Bangerz into acoustic jams.
The whole thing will be shown on MTV on Jan 29th, and if nothing else, it's provided one hell of a promotional picture. It's a thing of true beauty.
I for one can't wait to see what she comes up with, it's bound to be a spectacle.
So, this morning it was time for the new Little Mix Sport Relief single premiere. You may recall us blogging about how amazing it would be. Well, it doesn't quite live up to expectations. "Word Up", due for release on March 16th, puts in a good effort, but we can't help but feel a bit let down by the end result. It's not really of any fault of Little Mix themselves. Their vocals are on point, their harmonies are very much on point, and their personalities are more present than ever before. The song is ridiculously catchy, and yet something just doesn't quite click. Of course, it may be a grower, and it's by no means bad, but it's just not quite there yet.
That said, the vocal harmonies to open the song are a complete triumph, and show Little Mix as the force to be reckoned with that they truly are. Plus, it fits wonderfully into that throwback Little Mix sound that is beginning to become something of a trademark for them. So hopefully that missing thing that we can't quite put our finger on, we'll be wiped aside with repeated listens.
Take a listen here and let us know in the comments what you think of the cover:
So today's most exciting news comes in the form of this year's Sport Relief single, which is being done by Little Mix. Tonight they announced that they'll be covering Cameo's 80s hit 'Word Up'- which just so happens to be one of my favourite songs. It's a brilliant choice, and I'm sure the Little Mix version will bring great vocal harmonies and an abundance of sass to the table. Plus it'll fit perfectly onto their latest album 'Salute' if they choose to re-issue it. Well done everyone involved.
If you need reminding on the song, here's the brilliant Mel B cover, complete with bizarrely animated video:
And here's Jodie Prenger's iconic performance from last year's 'Let's Dance For Comic Relief':
Nicole Scherzinger
Other exciting happenings included Nicole Scherzinger confirming she's back in the studio through the means of an Instagram photo. Let's hope that she gets a move on because, quite frankly, it's been far too long since the release of her (sort of) debut album- 'Killer Love' and that was a very solid album that deserves a decent follow up. The fact that she's managed to be on The X Factor panel two years in a row without utilising it by releasing an album is truly shocking. Even Tulisa managed that one. Just about. Also, Charli xcx only went and forgot her password for Soundcloud, so she couldn't upload a new song! Luckily though, she soon remembered it, and unleashed a very shouty song indeed. So hopefully, that was just a day when she was angry and feeling experimental, rather than an indication of what her sophomore album's going to sound like. Here's a link so you can take a listen, but remember to turn down the volume a bit first.
And finally, Sophie Ellis-Bextor revealed in an interview with Digital Spy that despite her latest album (to be released on Monday) containing a whole new sound, she does feel that she'll one day return to her old dance-pop sound, which would be very nice indeed.
That's a round-up of the pop news for today. Feel free to comment below with any thoughts you may have about the stuff discussed here, or anything else for that matter.
It's always been difficult for for new girlbands to break through. Time and again there's been one girlband casualty after another. Soundgirl, Parade, Girls Can't Catch, Mini Viva and plenty more, all tried and failed to make any kind of real dent on the UK music scene, despite making good pop music. Of course, that makes it all the more difficult, as a pop music fan, to properly invest in a new girl group.
Neon Jungle
But at the end of last summer, only a matter of months after signing a deal with RCA, the 2 minutes and 33 seconds of ballsy, in-your-face pop was unleashed in the form of Neon Jungle's debut single 'Trouble'. Entering the charts at #12 and gaining support from Capital FM, as well as entering the Top 100 on the US iTunes chart. Not a bad start all things considered. A few months later and we find ourselves in 2014 with a brand new single from the girls, called 'Braveheart'. Second singles traditionally tend to be make-or-break time for most girlbands, so it'll be a tentative week seeing how the song does on the charts, after little radio support from the two biggest stations in the country. As for the song itself, well it pretty much takes off from where 'Trouble' started and doesn't look back. It's loud, it's brash and it doesn't pretend to be something it's not. The production resembles something that Example might come up with (though you shouldn't let that scare you off). Yes it is generic, but that isn't always a bad thing. The song does take a slight dip in the form of the slightly odd rap, which needn't really be there. But apart from that it's all go go go. It's got a bridge to die for, and when the 'BRAVEHEARTTTT' chorus comes in, followed by the 'show me what you got' hook, you'll soon find yourself singing along. The best moment of the song though comes in the form of Asami's counting in Japanese- 'ichi, ni, san, kaesu' before the beat drops. And it's one hell of a drop. This song is absolutely huge, and so will Neon Jungle be if they're just given a chance. ****
Ever since the release of her huge debut 'Light After Dark' in 2011 it was clear that Clare Maguire had all the ingredients of a huge star: well-crafted pop lyrics, anthemic songs, and soaring vocals. For some reason she just never caught on with the general public. 'Light After Dark' was an album with many a good pop hook, and some real gems. ('Freedom' remains one of my most-played songs of all time) So when, unannounced, a new EP appeared, I was eager to download it straight away. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting. Everything that made me fall in love with Clare's music was gone. It had been stripped of all the gloss; not a hook in sight. But somehow, it still works. I don't know if it's those instantly recognisable vocals, or the true sense of vulnerability to each song. But it does still work. The EP feels classy, moody, and honest. From my initial disappointment, I've already grown to love this hauntingly beautiful, minimalist body of work. All I want and crave now is another full-length set to fall in love with. Full of hooks, or none at all- it doesn't really matter, because Clare Maguire has proven she can pull either off. **** Download the EP here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/clare-maguire-ep/id789501884?ign-mpt=uo%3D2
So, you might have been wondering whatever happened to Pixie Lott? The girl next door that was once the face of Capital FM's TV adverts (and the only thing you'd hear if you tuned into Capital FM). Well, she's back in the form of the video for the lead single of her self-titled third album. 'Nasty' is a raunchy, throwback number, that was originally recorded by the one and only Christina Aguilera, for the film Burlesque, but for one reason or another was never used. Of course that means that comparisons will be drawn, and as expected Pixie is never going to live up to the vocal powerhouse that is Ms. Aguilera.
After today saw the release of the video for the song, perhaps the comparisons might have gone away. Unfortunately not. The rather dull 2 minutes and 53 seconds has been drawing even more comparisons to Xtina for it's similarity to her video 'Dirrty'. Except, it's just not as good. Pixie does look very nice in the video, it's polished and it's shiny, but that can't cover up the lack of personality that is needed for such a song. It should be tongue-in-cheek, it should be sexy and it should ooze charisma, but it just doesn't. That said, the song is catchy enough, and I do see another hit on its way for Ms. Lott. The video is below for your viewing pleasure.
Other Pop news today came in the form of actual Pop acts being nominated at the 'supposed-to-be-cool' NME awards. American sisters Haim are up for the most of all the pop acts, up for 6 awards, with Lily Allen, Disclosure, Chvrches and Lorde all with nominations too. Welcome news for Chvrches after their undeserved snub from the Brits.
The much sought after 'villain-of-the-year' award, will be a tough competition this year with nominations for controversial artists Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke, alongside political figures Putin and one time winner David Cameron. Plus there's a nomination for the current holder Harry Styles, whose group One Direction are also up for 'Worst Band'. Will they win it for the third year in a row?
Other exciting happenings from the world of Pop today included a slight mishap from Leona Lewis, who tweeted to inform fans that she only went and used dry shampoo in place of deodorant. What is she like?!
Finally, 'Superlove' singer Charli xcx stated that she's been recording in Stockholm, with Robyn collaborator Patrik Berger, for her second album. Claiming, in NME, to have been staying up til 5am recording in a little hut. Whatever it takes. If she can produce anything as good as her debut then we'll be very happy indeed.
Katy B. A popstar who has been
flying under the radar a bit of recent times, with her last two singles peaking
at 21 and 14 on the UK charts respectively. Positions, not to be sniffed at,
but not exactly giving the deserved recognition to the quality of the songs.
Enter'Crying For No Reason' -
the single that will lead Katy's sophomore album, and hopefully set the charts
alight too. It's a ballad. Yes, you heard me right; Katy B is releasing a
ballad. And a very well accomplished one too.
It has
everything that a ballad should have: impressive vocals, relatable lyrics and
emotion by the bucket load. With Katy admitting that she doesn’t know why she’s
breaking down, but that she’s tried her best to hold herself together. We’ve
all been there.
The piano-led intro soon evolves
into a synth-filled stadium-sized anthem, with the greatest part of the song
coming in the last minute and a half, as Katy begs for forgiveness from her
love, in a dramatic middle 8 that builds into an epic final chorus, and
thrilling climax.
It’s 4 minutes of complete pop
genius. A career-defining song that completely sets Katy apart from her peers.
I just hope that it gets the recognition it so truly deserves.
Today saw the departure from new music in Pop, that quota had seemingly been used up yesterday. Instead, it was all about Twitter today. With Take That confirming that they are back working on a new release. Q4 watch out. Howard tweeted that they will be doing their 'very best to deliver an amazing album'. Let's just hope it's a bit more like the Mark Owen solo effort of last year, rather than the Gary Barlow one. Continuing the hype that was started yesterday, the first photo surfaced from the video shoot of the 'not-too-sure-if-it's-good-or-not' latest single from Lily Allen. The video for 'Air Balloon' is being shot in Africa, and evidence of this (complete with #BeefCurtain) comes in the form of the image below, which was tweeted today by the lady herself.
Paloma's also been trying to keep the momentum going from yesterday, in the slightly unusual manner of frantically and shamelessly tweeting everyone who is anyone requesting that they watch her new video. As can be seen in the image below, celebrities from all walks of life were being targeted, and no celeb was safe. It was clearly a tedious and almost desperate, try-hard attempt at creating buzz. But you can't knock the girl for trying. So it's 10/10 for effort for Ms. Faith.
Finally, the most pressing matter of the day, which has caused a big stir amongst the handful of fans who remember they exist, was the concern that original Sugababes- Mutya Keisha Siobhan might be splitting up (again!).
Rumours were spreading due to the cryptic tweets being posted by band member Keisha Buchanan, including mysterious song lyrics and quotes, plus one seemingly angry tweet to bandmate Mutya Buena questioning why she wasn't answering her phone. This in addition to her removing the mention of her association with the girl group in her Twitter bio, plus the fact that she apparently isn't following her fellow band members' Twitter pages, and suddenly the whole fanbase was going into meltdown. Though with the multiple lineup changes of Sugababes over the years, it's hardly surprising that they may start jumping to conclusions.
However, it was all cleared up by the end of the day with Mutya and Keisha both assuring fans that there is nothing wrong. Let's just hope it was all some elaborate PR stunt to create some buzz before they drop the once highly-anticipated, but severely delayed album tomorrow morning. One can live in hope.
Oh and in case you were wondering, Mutya's phone was on silent.
So, it's been a busy couple of days in pop. With new songs being premiered left, right and centre proving that 2014 has well and truly arrived. Yesterday saw 3 big song premieres with differing reactions. Undoubtedly, the one with the biggest hype surrounding it: that elusive Shakira and Rihanna duet, 'Can't Remember To Forget You' was underwhelming to say the least, and has received a mixed response. An island-influenced song, that oozes summer from start to finish, but realistically sounds like an (admittedly very solid) Rihanna album track at best, where the biggest shock came in the form of RiRi's slick and polished vocals outshining Shakira's almost screechy ones. It's a serviceable slice of pop, but unfortunately not a lead single. If you didn't enjoy the Shakira vocal, then it's probably best you avoid the new Paloma single; 'Can't Rely On You'. The Pharrell produced lead single from the songstress' third album, which includes an albeit convincing, if slightly too forced delivery from Faith, has received almost universal comparisons to the huge hit of 2013- 'Blurred Lines' (that of course Pharrell also featured on). However, aside from the slightly repetitive cow bell beats and the divisive vocals, this really is a foot-stomper, and definitely a grower. By the time the third listen came around, all comparisons had evaporated, and i was left singing along with the 'you got that good stuff, but that don't last' hook, which was swirling around in my head for the rest of the evening. This really feels like it could go either way. It'll either be absolutely huge or a catastrophic flop. I hope it's the former. Oh and there's the very nice and aesthetically pleasing video complete with Italian spoken intro, that doesn't really fit the song at all. But you can always rely on Paloma for a good bit of unnecessary drama. The final big song premiere of the day came from the formerly retired Lily Allen, in the form of 'Air Balloon', a bouncy, almost child-like number that has hooks galore (including one very similar to that of M.I.A's Paper Planes), and very much sees Lily returning to her her breakthrough sound. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, it's undoubtedly catchy, but I can't help but feel that her comeback thus far has been a bit of a directionless mess. Hopefully the album will clear this up. So that was Monday over and there had already been more Pop news than had been seen in weeks. What more can the rest of the week possibly bring? We'll have to wait and see.
