Navy Commander Princess of China Robyn Rihanna Fenty has just unveiled the official clip for her soon-to-be summer smash, “Where Have You Been?” The Calvin Harris and Dr. Luke-produced jam is the fourth single to come from the Bajan beauties sixth studio album, Talk That Talk. As far as video’s go I don’t think it’s particularly special, but there are a few definite highlights, like the visual imagery that starts around the 3:30 mark, for example. I will also admit that Rihanna looks absolutely stunning decked to the nines in her barely there tribal ensembles and funkified zebra-print pants (I WANT THOSE). Plus, I do realize that the highly textured jungle sets are nothing to scoff at (howabout that nest?), but it feels like something’s missing. My guess is that a story line might’ve filled the deep void I’m experiencing. On the flip side though, we get to see Rihanna execute some choreography, which she hasn’t attempted since her 2005 single, “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want.” Is this necessarily a good thing? Eh. As Janis Ian once said: It’s kind of like seeing a dog walk on its hind legs.
Check out this flawless backstage photo from Nelly Furtado‘s music video shoot for her new single, “Big Hoops (The Bigger the Better).” Is it just me or is everybody’s favorite “Promiscuous Girl” serving up some red-hot bomber-jacket realness? Looks fresh to death as far fresh to death-ness goes, that’s for damn sure!
And For those of who don’t know, “Big Hoops (The Bigger the Better)” will appear on Nelly‘s forthcoming studio-album, The Spirit Indestructible, due June 19th.
I have to say that I’m thoroughly looking forward to some new material from the always innovative Miss Furtado even though I doubt she can match the level of epicness forged on her last English language release, Loose. But who knows, crazier shit has happened.
Also, make sure to peep the rest of the full size behind-the-scenes images after the jump, and keep an eye out for the official video on We Heart Pop, coming soon!
I don’t exactly know why, but I’ve been groovin’ to Beyonce, Michelle, and Kelly‘s rendition of this BeeGees classic all week long. I know our old girl Beyonce really goes off the deep end with the vocals a few times in addition to really butchering her acting perfromance in the music video, but it’s still one of my all time favorite Destiny’s Child songs.
After releasing the amazingly chilly slow-jam “Climax” back in February, Usher has decidedly returned to churning out cookie-cutter crap tunes with the official second single from his forthcoming album, Looking For Myself, due out June 12.
The song titled, “Scream”, is an uptempo number created by hit-makers Max Martin, Shellback, and Savan Kotecha, who were also behind the R&B veterans last barely palatable radio creation “DJ Got Us Falling In Love.” At best, “Scream” is just another formulaic attempt at rounding up the nation’s mindless sheep. It’s neither new nor exciting and falls flatly behind Usher‘s past club hits “Without You,” “More,” and “DJ…”
I will say however, that “Scream” is terribly catchy in places and that I will probably dance shamefully to it when it comes blaring out of my car speakers every quarter hour, but it’s not memorable and there’s nothing definitive about it. Well, there is the “ooh baby baby,” and that cringe-worthy 14-second high note towards the latter portion of the track, but seriously that’s about it.
With all my contempt for the crap-tastic single aside, I’m sure this one will blaze up the charts in no time. Plus, if anybody is capable of creating an exciting music video or stage performance for such a generic Top40PieceOfShit it’s undoubtedly Usher.
So without further ado, take a listen to “Without You The Dj Got Us Screaming More,” below!
Make sure you look both ways before crossing the street y’all: Brandy is back and better than ever!
Check out the 33 year-old R&B songstress’ new single “Put It Down” featuring Chris Brown. The infectious radio-killa will act as the lead single from her forthcoming studio album Two Eleven due out later this summer. Produced by Bangladesh and penned by Sean Garret the blazin’ new track boasts a scorching hot beat and some serious sass. I can always do without a verse from Bobby Brown 2.0 but I don’t blame Brandy for the feature as it gives “Put It Down” a nice cross-market appeal. Vocally, Brandy proves that she’s still got a set of the most versatile pipes in the game effectively skipping between the melodic hook, the choppy delivery of the verses, and the angelic whispers of the bridge with blatant ease.
If all goes well, I predict that “Put It Down” will be a sure-fire hit. Hopefully Brandy gets a little more recognition this time around, as her last studio releaese, Human, was sorelfy overlooked by the general music-loving population. Not only did it house over a half-dozen amazing offerings, but it also contained positive messages of soul-searching and love. With that, I can’t wait to hear what Two Eleven has to offer.
Belgian-born, Gotye (real name Wouter de Backer), confirmed that he is much more than a one-hit wonder with his electrifying show Wednesday night, April 18th at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
First to perform that evening was Gotye’s opening-act Missy Higgins, a petite porcelain vision dressed in fluid coral mini-dress. Higgins powered through a solid nine-song set that included tracks from her forthcoming album, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, due out June 1. The angel-like Higgins owned the stage with her pitch perfect voice. She especially shined with her set-opener “Where I Stood” and experimental folk-rock offering “Hello.” Before launching into her final number of the night, “Steer,” a song about choosing ones destiny, Higgins playfully announced to the crowd, “For those of you who don’t know, I’m Kimbra! Just kidding, I’m Missy Higgins.” After a momentary roar of laughter, Missy finished just as powerfully as she had begun. After which, she thanked the crowed and tip-toed off stage – a subtle exit to be remembered.
After a 15 minute break, the lights dimmed, the crowd surged forward, and the sweet smell of Bay Area bud filled the air: It was time for Gotye to take the stage. Opening with the chugging crowd pleaser, “Eyes Wide Open,” the multi-instrumentalist mesmerized the 20-something crowd as he made his way through a mix of songs from his critically acclaimed albums, Like Drawing Blood and Making Mirrors.
Just moments after the first notes flooded from Gotye‘s thin lips it became apparent that thrilling visual imagery was the theme of the night, as each song in the hour-long set was accompanied by unique footage, anime, and/or mind-boggling art that was projected on a huge 30×30 foot back-drop behind the stage. At times the displays were a little distracting, but more often than not the titillating clips added to the overall mood of the music, making for one sensational sensory experience.
In addition to stimulating visuals and strong live vocals, Gotye demonstrated his talent for playing multiple instruments. Surrounded by a square formation of drums, tambourines, and synthesizers, Gotye showcased a series of solos, percussion battles, and instrument breaks that were paired with dazzling light shows. Each instance had me nodding my head in approval and feverishly declaring to those around me, “That was bad-ass!”
Highlights of the show included the futuristic Reggae-twinged “State Of The Art,” where Gotye employed the help of a vocoder to really push the performance over the edge. “Don’t Worry We’re Watching” struck me as the moodiest most thought provoking number, forged in most part by the haunting cartoon images of dark-hooded figures being projected on the colossal back-drop. Then of course there was Gotye’s No.1 Billboard smash “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Due to Kimbra‘s absence (the song’s original collaborator), opening-act Missy Higgins filled in. Don’t tell Kimbra, but I’m pretty sure Missy would have been the more appropriate choice for the track as she and Gotye wowed the crowd with their perfect rendition of the fan favorite.
After delicately making his way through the set closer, “Bronte,” Gotye walked offstage only to reemerge minutes later for a two song encore. He blazed through the uplifting, horn-laden, “In Your Light,” before closing the show with the swingin’ 60’s tune, “Learnalilgivinanlovin.” And even though Gotye complained that his voice was fleeting him, he delivered the final moments of the show flawlessly. Shortly thereafter, he rasied a quick hand to the crowd, gently murmured “cheers,” and disappeared into the shadows behind the stage.
Gotye Set List:
Eyes Wide Open
The Only Way
Easy Way Out
Smoke and Mirrors
State of the Art
Thanks for your Time
Don’t Worry, We’ll be Watching You
Somebody that I used to Know
Save Me
Heart’s a Mess
Bronte
In Your Light
I Feel Better
Learnalilgivinanlovin
Over the past 24 hours the internet has been in quite a tizzy over Sam Sparro and his new somber summer song, “I Wish I Never Met You,” and for good reason.
Truthfully, I haven’t heard anything from Sam since the release of his awesome Pink Cloud EP back in the latter months of 2010. Apparently the 29 year-old singer songwriter has reemerged from the shadows of behind-the-scenes hitmaking with his new single, and I have to say it’s a real winner.
Lyrically the song is unmatched, packing a gut wrenching punch when the chorus drops:
“I wish I never met you / You done me so wrong,” croons Sparro. “I wish I could forget you / It’s been way too long / It’s been 16 hours and three long years / Been tryna wipe these memories and dry these tears / I wish I never met you / That’s how much I regret you.”
DEEP, right?!
Musically, the song combines the ambiance of a Miike Snow track with the sad and twinkling electronica of a delicate Robyn record. There may also be sprinkle of soulful discotheque, but overall the track wreaks of premium Swedish hit-making. There’s even a homage to the late and great Michael Jackson in the inspired “Smooth Criminal”-esque video. It’s all pretty special, except when Sam tries to dance. Leave that shit to the professionals Mr. Sparro.
Anyhow, I’m think I’m obsessed.
Check out the gangster inspired music video below.
You had me fiending like a crack head, I squeeze you out just like a black head…
Hold on to your panties y’all! Aubrey O’Day is back with a new single entitled, “Wrecking Ball.”
If you recall, Miss Day released her debut solo track “Automatic” just over a year ago to a rather lukewarm response. So lukewarm in-fact, that an album has yet to follow.
Well, I’m afraid to break it to you (incase you couldn’t have already guessed), but the temperture of the new track is tepid at best. The good news however? Aubrey sounds amazing!
Produced by Dave Hodges (Evanescence, Kelly Clarkson) and co-written by American Idol castoff Pia Toscano, “Wrecking Ball” is a familiar and dated pop-ballad that you’ve heard a million times before. Think of it as a Jordan Sparks B-side except more generic.
Vocally though, you’d never know it was Aubrey. She doesn’t do as much of that karaoke-style warbling that she’s known for, and this is probably the best she’s ever sounded, which probably means she’s getting better as an artist. Do I really care? No, but one truth remains: You just know that her more famous counterparts (JoJo, Jordin Sparks) could have taken “Wrecking Ball” to an entirely different level.
Whatever the case, Aubrey has definitely been doing her thang, especially on the current season of Celebrity Apprentice where she continues to kick some serious ass.
Now take the time to listen to Aubrey flex her newly found vocal chops, below!
”){kind=link}
