Fresh Songs: Cobra Starship, Esmée Denters, Fallbrooke, Mandy Moore, David Guetta & Kelly Rowland

Quick reviews of some fresh songs for this week...

Cobra Starship (feat. Leighton Meester) - Good Girls Go Bad: The poster boys (and girl) of hipster pop/rock in the Fueled By Ramen family are back to the scene. In preparation for the end-of-summer (August) drop of their new album Hot Mess, they are serving up a slice of sweet electro-pop pie with the help of Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester that is far from being a disaster. Who knew Blair Waldorf could sing and play the role of pop star well? Cobra's fearless leader Gabe Sapporta sounds reliably good as well. The song was apparently produced by Kara DioGuardi

Esmée Denters - Outta Here: It's quite inspiring to see someone's dream finally develop and become realized. It did for one young and beautiful Dutch singer who was one of those video recording singers on YouTube that suddenly became one of the most popular users on the site. It was Esmée's soulful renditions of modern pop songs impressed many, including a certain Justin Timberlake who 'discovered' and signed her to a development deal as his label's new star-protegé. Her album and first single of the same name, "Outta Here" dropped in her native The Netherlands and the soon will soon impact on Top 40/R&B radio in the US.

Fallbrooke - Losin' It: This South Florida-based band is the epitome of freshness as they recently dropped their latest eponymously-titled debut album on iTunes and Amazon. The first single for the song "Losin' It" is a catchy song about the very current issue of falling in love with someone over the Internet. The band's lead vocalist Eric McNeely brings an energy matched with the band's power pop sound. I have not listened to the rest of their material yet, but if this song is any indication, I will name myself a fan.

Mandy Moore - I Can Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week: I remember Mandy Moore as being a part of the original quartet of pop princesses who emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, she later denounced her earlier work and reinvented herself as an organic singer-songwriter. In the vein of her new direction is her latest, a retro-sounding and clapworthy track off her freshest LP, Amanda Leigh. In the accompanying music video, Mandy shows Ultimate Fighting champ Chuck Liddell who's got the bigger....

David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over: I am consistently amazed at the works of French DJ David Guetta as he expertly crafts pop songs backed by House/electro/Euro dance sounds. He is already a well-known name in Europe and the rest of the world, however he aims to break into the US with a new disc out in August and this surefire summer hit, in which he enlists former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland in a song of epic proportions. Her voice, arguably her strongest, soars through the ridiculous production. I wouldn't be surprised if she releases a full album of dance-pop. Amazing.

Fresh Songs: New Meg & Dia, Mat Kearney, and Jessie James

Quick reviews of some fresh pop-rock songs for this week...

Meg & Dia - Black Wedding: I gotta admit that I am not really a fan of Meg & Dia. Of sister-singing duos, I prefer the electropop-rock of The Veronicas and indie rockers Tegan & Sara. That said, I was rather surprised that I reacted very positively to their newest song and latest single off their just released Here, Here, and Here. The song is upbeat pop rock, the kind that will stick after multiple plays. The girly gravel in the half-Korean Frampton sisters works well with the song's sense of urgency. Gotta love the guitar riffs.

Mat Kearney - Closer To Love: I've been waiting for the follow-up to the earnest Nothing Left To Lose, and thankfully this one's a keeper. I love the interesting drumbeat that is consistent throughout the song, intertwined with the same simple piano notes and Mat's wistful and sweet vocal. Love song of 2009 nominee? His album City Of Black & White drops May 19.

Jessie James - Wanted: I see that this girl may be billed to be country's next big thing. However, her debut song is straight-up pop, with hints of rock and a little country twang. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter who co-penned this with Kara DioGuardi powers through this very catchy anthem. If radio embraces this, like it is meant to, Jessie will truly be the second-coming of Shania Twain. Check out her video with Erik Von Detten who attempts to pursue her like the outlaw who shares her similar namesake.

Fresh R&B: Quick takes on new Keri Hilson, Paula DeAnda, Akon, and J.Hud

You know I feature a lot of pop, rock, and pop-punk stuff, but seldom do anything on R&B, but you can guess from my Top 20/25 playlists that I do have an open ear for it. Because I am all for equal-opportunity listening, here are a few "reviews" of the freshest releases in the genre...

Keri Hilson featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West - Knock You Down: Keri Hilson finally released her debut album, which was two way-long years coming, and delivered with a song that is driven by its triumphant, pulsating beat and smooth vocals. I would categorize this song as a R&B epic -- not only for clocking in at a length of five and a half minutes, but because it also features two guest stars: male vocals by Ne-Yo (including a neat reference to his song "Miss Independent") and raps by Kanye.

Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn't Love: I didn't care much for her debut single "Spotlight" so I gave her new single a listen and the Ryan Tedder-like production and piano over R&B hooks caught my attention. This ballad is a grower, so who knows how well it'll do. Her vocal performance of the song on Idol, however, does makes it clear that this year's resident R&B diva-wannabe Lil Rounds truly pales in comparison.

Akon featuring Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful: I liked the original mix which featured only Akon, but this version is definitely better. Colby's smooth vocals and Kardinal's rap added another dimension to the song. Electro-pop FTW!

Paula DeAnda - Roll The Credits: A few years ago, an up-and-coming R&B songstress delivered a few noteworthy songs like "Walk Away" and "Doing Too Much". Now she is back with an upcoming sophomore album this summer and this slow jam that was just released a few weeks ago. Paula's sweet croon and unique usage of cinematic metaphor definitely makes this song a keeper. Hoping radio embraces this one.

Please Don't Leave P!nk

P!nk's new video for her third single off Funhouse, "Please Don't Leave Me", features actor Eric Lively as her fallen lover whose subsequent attempts to leave her house -- under which he is basically taken hostage in -- have been futile. And P!nk plays a convincing hybrid of desperate housewife and psychotic nurse from hell. The video is guided under the helm of longtime P!nk director Dave Meyers, who continues the tradition of creating memorable images for the artist.

'Cept this one's bizarre, a bit creepy, distrubing, and veiled under a very dark sense of humor. In other words, very P!nk.

I've been taken over by 'The Fear'

I am not a fan of Lily Allen.

That being said, I have fallen in aural love with her latest song, "The Fear". I love it so much, it has been on non-stop repeat on my iTunes player since my discovery yesterday. Released as the first single off her sophomore album, It's Not Me, It's You, the sassy Brit has really captured my attention with a very synth heavy, hypnotic beat and lyrics so profound and acerbic about the consequences of celebrity and wealth. It is delivered in such a blasé way -- what I usually dislike about Lily's music -- but it works so well here.

Lyrics:
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuck loads of diamonds
I heard people die while they're trying to find them
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

Life's about film stars and less about mothers
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic
And that's what makes my life so fucking fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
'Cause I'm killing 'em all on my own little mission
Now I'm not a saint, but I'm not a sinner
Now everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear?
'Cause I'm being taken over by The Fear

In addition to amusing lyrics, the video is another highlight, in which Lily starts off in a trailer in the middle of a (presumably English) field and ends up in a elegant mansion full of cupcakes, dancing presents, and male servants skipping and gliding in unison.

Fresh Video - Leona Lewis - "I Will Be"

Leona Lewis - I Will Be

I've been anxiously waiting for the music video premiere for British singer Leona Lewis's newest US single, "I Will Be" which finally premiered on the her official YouTube channel today. The video is predominantly set outdoors in New York City for the second time (first was in Times Square for "Bleeding Love"), more specifically on the Brooklyn borough side (the bridge is the backdrop for the last moments in the video.

Directed by Melina Matsoukas (Ne-Yo's "Closer", Katy Perry's "Thinking Of You" as examples of her work), the video has Leona finds herself and her love interest, Gossip Girl's obligatory male pretty face Chace Crawford, in a car with a luxury bag full of money. It is presumed that the two are participating in some kind of criminal activity as alluded in the already vague speaking intro (My guess is trespassing). How is Leona inexplicably carrying around that much dough in the first place can be anyone's best guess, though.

In much of the video, Leona leaves Chace to roam around Brooklyn's shady parking lots and creepy underground garages while she sings of admiration and devotion for her lover. The song, btw, was originally written by Avril Lavigne, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin. After loitering for a bit, Leona finally gets to running above ground while in pursuit and just as she reaches the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge, she is arrested by a police officer.

The concept is rather simplistic in its execution. Undeniably, Leona looks great here and the cinematography is spot-on in nearly every frame.

Check it out:

What do you think? Will "I Will Be" be Leona's next stateside hit?

Fresh Judgment: Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You"

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

The original American Idol is back on the music scene with a brand new album (her fourth dropping in March) titled All I Ever Wanted and arguably amusingly-titled comeback single. Kelly Clarkson goes back to her pop/pop-rock roots last heard from her Breakaway days to revive her mainstream music career since releasing the critically praised but commercially flopping My December.

The song opens with a drumbeat hook reminiscent of "Since U Been Gone" but quickly builds up to a dancey electro-pop chorus. Sure, the lyrics seem to find Clarkson falling back in love rather than love-scorened, but there are subtle hints in her delivery that indicate some unresolved aggression. As if she is begrudgingly giving in (or giving up?) to a second chance relationship with this guy. Perhaps this was a result of my initial confusion upon hearing the song for the first time. I secretly hoped she would go pop again, but also take her organic and angsty My December outlook with her. But since she takes a backseat on the songwriting this time, the result is a shiney, made-for-radio pop song. The first indication is the sing-a-long chorus and catchy hook. The second are the song's co-writers, Max Martin and Dr. Luke, who helped credit Clarkson with major chart success with "SUBG".

No doubt, this song is almost guaranteed to have chart success, thanks to the presumed record label support it (and the album) will receive, unlike the last time around when Clarkson butted heads with her label and label-head Clive Davis over the direction and content of My December. Maybe it is a stretch or over-analyzation, but a second-take on the lyrics may also indicate Clarkson eating humble pie (read: compromising) and acquiescing her creative control to those who have developed her career.

Think about it when you listen to the lines in the second verse:

Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye / Maybe I was wrong for trying to pick a fight.../ Either way, I found out I'm nothing without you.

If indeed Clarkson has found peace with the direction of her music this time around and truly has found all she ever wanted (pun intended), I hope she hasn't lost complete creative control and the rest of her new album will showcase all her strengths: originality and vulnerability, which unfortunately is lacking here, as well as the pop-rock sound she has successfully mastered.

Love At First Listen: I Nine - "Don't Wanna"

I Nine - Don't Wanna
Mmm...Starbucks

The native South Carolinian band I Nine released the infectious pop rock song "Seven Days of Lonely" last year and its current single is "If This Room Could Move". However, the one song off their debut album Heavy Weighs The King that instantly hooked me in is the track "Don't Wanna", a potential next hit. It has already received some airplay on ABC's fall show promos. The band, led by female vocalist Carmen Keigans, delivers another anthemic plea about self-respect and unwillingness to compromise or change.

And support I Nine. Their album is available for digital download on iTunes

Love At First Listen: Nada Surf - "Beautiful Beat"

Nada Surf - Beautiful Beat

I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

So I was in Starbucks a couple of weeks ago when this song first played on the store's satellite radio player and it sounded like Nada Surf. The music caught my attention immediately and lo and behold, it was Nada Surf's "Beautiful Beat" off their latest album Lucky. I have been quite a fan of the band since seeing them headline a concert at the Fillmore back in 2006. "Beautiful Beat" follows in the great tradition of catchy epic Nada Surf songs such as "Always Love" and "Concrete Bed".

On top of a hypnotic beat that trudges along in the song's entirety, the chorus is rich with strings and an instantly memorable melody of: "Beautiful beat, get my out of this mess // Beautiful beat, lift me up from distress..." The song's message is both heartbreaking, inspiring, and instantly relatable. Who hasn't had a bad day and the only thing that can console and comfort you is music? I know I've certainly had a few of those recently.

Save yourself a trip to the therapist and listen to their truly beautiful beat.

Fresh Song: Plain White T's - Natural Disaster

Releasing their hit "Hey There Delilah" last summer, The Plain White T's are currently finishing up their upcoming album currently titled Big Bad World, the anxiously awaited follow-up to 2006's Every Second Counts. The first single is a song titled "Natural Disaster". The first few seconds remind me of old-school TSL (The Starting Line) and didn't know what to make of the rest of it after my first listen. I had to play the song three more times to get the chorus into my head. Bottom line is that unlike their past singles ("Our Time Now" and "Hate...") this song lacks a really strong catchy hook. Perhaps it'll take me another ten listens to finally get it. Listen here. What do you think of the song? Comments are appreciated!

Hit The Lights go G-A-Y on a Whitney classic!

Formed in 2003, Ohio pop punk rock band Hit The Lights returned to the studio last year after their previous front-man quit the band which, in a role reversal, found bassist Nick Thompson taking lead vox. With Nick on the helm, they're sound is stronger and full of youthful energy. The band released their latest CD Skip School, Start Fights on July 7 and their current single is "Won't Stop", however if you order their CD from iTunes, you are able to get a couple of bonus tracks, including a cover of Whitney Houston's 80s hit "How Will I Know"!

So how is does the band kick up the queer factor on this song? By not changing the original song's lyrics whatsoever -- and by keeping the masculine pronouns intact, Nick sounds very gay when he croons, "There's a boy I know, he's the one I'm dreaming of". LMAO!

If you want to get a taste at how amazingly funny this cover is and how great this band is, listen for yourself, and then go buy the album on iTunes!

What do you think of the song? Comment away.

The Cab's Whisper War in stores!

Hey everyone! Blogging to let you know that I received my pre-order of The Cab's Whisper War (debut album on Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen) and it is awesome. This was one of the albums I was highly anticipating and am not disappointed. I previously saw them open for Cobra Starship earlier in the spring and was surprised to find the lead singer Alex DeLeon had really soulful vocals that go well with their rock sound. The Las Vegas-based band has been working on the CD for the past year and now it is finally out for fan consumption. I pre-ordered mine and got this autographed poster by the members of the band with it.

I must say, all the twelve songs are catchy, radio worthy, and ready for repeat plays on iTunes. "Take My Hand" and "I'll Run" sound more enhanced than their more stripped-down demo versions. Other standout tracks include: "Zzzzz" (formerly known as "Singing Myself To Sleep), "High Hopes In Velvet Ropes", "That 70s Song", "Vegas Skies" and "Risky Business".

You guys should get your copy when it hits stores tomorrow/Tuesday, April 29!

As a treat, listen to "Zzzzz" HERE. After listening to this song, you know you want to go BUY THE ALBUM!

Fresh Song: The Starting Line - Somebody's Gonna Miss Us

The Starting Line - Somebody's Gonna Miss Us

Not officially released as a single, track #10 is one of my favorite songs off of The Starting Line's 2007 album Direction. It takes on an enhanced meaning now that lead singer Kenny Vasoli and the band announced an "indefinite hiatus" from touring and creating music. Very sad. But let's just hope this is not a break-up and that they will be back very soon, unlike *coughs*blink182*coughs*. Give it a listen!

boomp3.com

Meanwhile, GET some Direction!

Fresh Song: The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel

The Rocket Summer - Do You Feel

Pop-punk band The Rocket Summer is really the mastermind of blond wunderkind Bryce Avary. Currently on the AP Tour with The Matches and co-headliners All Time Low, this song is off the latest CD of the same name. I'm loving it!

boomp3.com

Fresh Song: Landon Pigg - Magnetismo (And more!)

Landon Pigg - Magnetismo

You've probably never heard of Landon Pigg by name, but you may have stumbled upon his song and latest single "Falling In Love In A Coffee Shop" in those "A Diamond Is Forever" TV ads. Well, I stumbled upon the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter's debut album LP while browsing through new CDs in the Virgin Megastore in downtown San Francisco back in the fall of 2006. I listened through a few of his songs at a listening station and loved what I heard. Landon has a knack for writing cheery and earnest-sounding tunes. Plus the artwork on LP was drawn by the multi-talented artist himself.

Landon just released the EP Coffee Shop on iTunes and Amazon, including a reworked version of the song "Magnetism" called "Magnetismo"! I'm digging this song, not only because it is en Español, but Landon's vocal interpretation is refreshing and amazingly amusing. Enjoy! And please leave a comment and tell me what you think of Landon and his music!

DL: HERE
BUY: Coffee Shop on iTunes

---

Here's Landon's first-ever music video for the fantastic song "Can't Let Go":

Fresh Song: Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl

Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl

Gavin DeGraw is one of my favorite musicians. My first moment I was exposed to his music was way back in the summer of 2003 when he performed "Chariot" on the live-performance television show Pepsi Smash. The singer-songwriter who brought us earnest hits like "We Belong Together" and "I Don't Wanna Be" from his debut album Chariot is coming back with new material (read: new album) this May...after four long years. The new album will be self-titled and will be out on May 6, 2008.

In support of Gavin DeGraw, Gavin is currently out on an intimate club tour, including a show at The Independent in San Francisco which I will attend with my friend Rochelle on Monday night! One of the songs he will definitely perform is the first single -- "In Love With A Girl", an upbeat and soulful return to what Gavin does best. I'm doing things a bit differently this time for DLs. If you want to hear the song, you'll have to leave a comment and request it first.

The Giant Leap (Year) Post! Featuring Ferras, Ashlee, and Jon

Introducing...

Ferras - Hollywood's Not America

Ferras is a piano-playing singer-songwriter. His single "Hollwood's Not America" was chosen to be the exit song for the 2008 season of American Idol and is the first single off his debut album Aliens & Rainbows which comes out on April 1st. The song itself is a sweet, sweeping emotional ballad in the vein of its Idol exit predecessors "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter and Daughtry's "Home". It is certain that we'll be hearing this song a lot in the spring.

DL HERE
PRE-ORDER Aliens & Rainbows on Amazon.com

Watch the VIDEO:

---

Speaking of American Idol, my interest in this year's competition grew after discovering Filipino-American contestant Ramiele Malubay. The 20-year-old is a sushi restaurant worker from Miramar, Florida. She's been touted as the next Jasmine Trias. Although both are female Pinays, I think the two cannot be compared. And what was up with Ryan saying Jasmine found success in "her native Philippines"? Last time I checked, she was a first-generation Fil-Am born and raised in Hawaii. That would be like saying Carly Smithson is from "her native Ireland". Oh wait...she is from Ireland. Anyway, Ramiele would like to one-up Jasmine and become the "first Filipino American Idol". Here is her audition video followed by her performance this week for "Don't Leave Me This Way".

---

Ashlee Simpson feat. Tom Higgenson - Little Miss Obsessive

In preparation for her third album Bittersweet World, Ashlee Simpson is releasing her second single "Little Miss Obsessive" featuring Plain White T's frontman Tom Higgenson. Ashlee doesn't really prove anything vocally but it's catchy and probably has the staying power that "Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya)" failed to have.

DL HERE

---

Didn't catch the Academy Awards last Sunday? Well Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the stars of the movie Once performed and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly", trumping over the three nominated songs from Enchanted.

Here's the daper Jon McLaughlin (sans piano) during his live performance for "So Close". Being that it was his first nationally televised perforance, you could tell nerves overtook him during the first part of the song. He did, however, produce a memorable breakthrough performance.

Fresh Song: Lights - February Air

Lights - February Air

I discovered Canadian synth-pop songer Lights through a song used to promote Old Navy's new "Next" ad campaign. The song "February Air" can be heard in the new commercial for the rebranded, cost-conscious store. Lights is the stage name for cute 20-year-old Tornoto-native Valerie Poxleitner. Her distinctly airy voice is very FRESH and the song is a perfect cap for the month.

DL HERE

Watch the VIDEO:

**If u take, please leave a thank you comment!**

Fresh Song: The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
I was at the desk when our trusted DM Drew came by and asked me if I liked Rogue Wave since "Lake Michigan" was playing on my computer. Discovery #1: Didn't know at the time, but we saw the same Nada Surf & Rogue Wave show at the Fillmore back in 2005. Discovery #2: Since I liked both bands, he recommended the band The Helio Sequence, an indie rock band from Oregon which utilizes electronica-influenced sounds in their music. Last month, they released their latest album Keep Your Eyes Ahead and their first single is a song of the same name. And if you happen to like The Postal Service and/or Architecture in Helsinki, then give it a listen!

DL HERE
BUY: Keep Your Eyes Ahead

(Uploaded by me! Comments and thanks are appreciated!)

Fresh Song: Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Whether you know him as "Mr. A-Z" or "The Geek in the Pink", singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has a knack for words. I was able to see him perform live in late 2005. Nearly three years later, Jason is releasing his third album titled We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things in May. He keeps it sweet and simple for the first single, "I'm Yours", which was just released this week on iTunes. Take a listen!

DL HERE

(Uploaded by me! Comments and thanks are appreciated!)