Christina Aguilera Sets Herself Free on 5th Studio Album, 'Lotus'; Shows Sense of Humor in 'Your Body' Music Video

Following the commercial FLOP that was Bionic, Christina Aguilera is in desperate need of a hit album.  No doubt, her label, RCA Records is BANKING on Aguilera's 5th studio release, Lotus, being that hit album and I hope they're right.  The album's first single, entitled "Your Body," was co-written by Max Martin, Shellback and Savan Kotecha and produced by Martin and Shellback.  The song hit radio outlets everywhere on September 14th, following it's premiere on Ryan Seacrest's radio program and was released digitally on September 17th.  While the single debuted at an impressive #10 on the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart, selling 103,000 digital copies in it's first week, "Your Body" pretty much flopped on the all important Billboard Hot 100,  peaking at a disappointing #34.  Not necessarily the best start to an album campaign.  That being said, the song fared OK on the Billboard Pop Songs Chart, peaking at a decent enough #22.  Here's hoping X-Tina can turn things around in time for the November 13th release of Lotus.

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Canadian Singer/Songwriter Esthero Signs with Universal Music Canada; First Single Due June 5th

It brings me great pleasure to announce that Canadian singer/songwriter Esthero is BACK with a new single, album AND record label.  Esthero's SNAPPY new single, entitled "Never Gonna Let You Go," was serviced to radio on May 31st and will be available to download on June 5th, along with "remixes for you to dance yer butt off to," according to the talented singer/songwriter via her Facebook page.  SCORE! I'm still jamming along to Esthero's "Fastlane" and "O.G. Bitch," so the prospect of some new bangin' mixes has me all hot and bothered!

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Ones to Watch: Selah Sue

Selah Sue, where have you been all of my life? Holy hell I'm FREAKIN' out over how talented this 23 year old singer/songwriter from Belgium is. Blending together pop, folk, soul and reggae, Selah Sue is different from anything I've heard in a while, and different is definitely a good thing.  While her self-titled debut album has been out internationally since March, she's releasing it Stateside August 21st by way of Columbia Records.  The album's soulful lead single, "Raggamuffin" was released earlier this month (iTunes US) here in America, after coming out back in June 2010 internationally.

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Maroon 5 Breaks Digital Sales Record for a Group, Besting Black Eyed Peas; New Album Out June 26th

Released on iTunes April 17th (June 18th in the UK) "Payphone" is the new Wiz Khalifa-assisted Maroon 5 single.  The LA-based fivesome debuted the song live on the hit NBC reality series The Voice prior to the single release the next day.  Following the song's release, "Payphone" debuted at #1 on the Digital Songs chart.  With nearly 500,000 downloads, "Payphone" broke the Black Eyed Peas previous record for digital sales by a group.  In addition to landing a #1 on Billboard's Digital Songs Chart, the single also managed a #3 debut on the Hot 100 chart. That's INSANE!

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Hot Video Alert: Jessie J - Domino

"Domino" is the latest single by international pop star Jessie J and it's a hot one.  Originally released as the first (and as of yet, only) single off of the re-release of her debut album, Who You Are, "Domino" was co-penned by Jessie alongside Dr. Luke, Claude Kelly, Max Martin and Henry Walter, with production brought to you by Dr. Luke and Cirkut.  With a team like that behind you, how can you not have a hit?  What "Domino" lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in fun factor.  The song is a just what we needed after hearing her depression-inducing yet emotionally stirring last UK single "Who You Are." "Domino" is bubblegum pop at it's finest.  Another thing I like about the song is how well it showcases Jessie J's vocal range.  It's easy for a a voice to get lost in the production of a song, especially an up-tempo dance/pop number like this one.  On  "Domino," Jessie J comes out the gate, chirping her way to Mariah Carey-like vocal heights.  While there are most definitely some vocal effects in play here, there's no doubt in my mind that Jessie J can hit those high notes live.  Despite what haters might say, the girl has talent for miles, and she's only 23!

While "Domino" actually came out back in August (before the November release of "Who You Are") the colorful, sexy and carefree Ray Kay-directed video (see below) only just premiered yesterday so I'm taking some liberties by calling it her "latest" single.  As far as I'm concerned, a video is a pretty major promotional tool and if it's being released now, the label (Island/Lava) still must have plans for"Domino."  Over here in the U.S., Jessie J has been taking baby steps with regards to an American career.  Officially, "Domino" is only her second single here in the States, serving as a follow up to the B.o.B.-assisted "Price Tag" which managed to peak at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last winter.  While not as successful as it's U.S. predecessor, "Domino" still managed to chart at a respectable #28 on the Hot 100 Chart, not to mention #16 on the Billboard U.S. Pop Songs chart and #39 on the U.S. Adult Pop Songs chart.  While not officially released as a single in her native England, "Domino" peaked at #54 on the Official UK Singles Chart.  Not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.  Check out some sick "Domino" remixes, done up by none other than the Jump Smokers and Hype Jones. Hot indeed.

Since making her debut in the UK with the hit single "Do It Like A Dude" back in 2010, Jessie J has been making waves.  The openly bisexual singer is a BRIT Award-winner and has been announced as one of the judges slash mentors on the UK version of the hit U.S. music reality show The Voice which is set to premiere on BBC One sometime in 2012 where she'll be joined by Tom Jones and The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue and will.i.am. Jessie's first taste at U.S. success came with the release of Miley Cyrus' "Party In The U.S.A," a song which Jessie J co-wrote with Dr. Luke and Claude Kelly (two of her collaborators on "Domino").  Her debut album, Who You Are, peaked at #2 on the UK charts when it was released last February and to date has spawned four top 10 UK singles ("Do It Like A Dude," "Price Tag," "Nobody's Perfect" and "Who You Are").  While she's certainly had more success in her native UK, Jessie J is just picking up momentum her in the U.S. and it's only a matter of time before she explodes.

Jessie J's U.S. profile received a nice, healthy boost when she earned herself a prestigious 'musical guest' spot on Saturday Night Live back in March and played 'House Band' on the MTV VMA's.  Jessie J. was all set to open for Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour, but was replaced by Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Ellie Goulding after a foot injury put her out of commission.  No matter.  When Who You Are finally came out here in November, it debuted at an impressive #11.  Well done Ms. J. Well done.  While I'd love to see Jessie release some of her other UK singles Stateside, I think it's a smart move on her label's part to release new material here.  Speaking of new material, Jessie J's rumored third U.S. single is none other than "LaserLight," a David Guetta-produced/Invisible Men-co-penned track that appears on the album's re-release.  As much as it pains me to see her hooking up with David Guetta, he does know a thing or two about making a hit record. Look for a video for "LaserLight" sometime in 2012. Right now,  you can download "Domino" on U.S. iTunes HERE and watch Jessie J perform on 'NBC's New Years Eve with Carson Daly' where she'll be joined by U.S. Voice judges Blake Shelton and Cee-Lo Green, Drake, Tony Bennett and many more.

Check out Jessie J on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Album Artwork Round Up; Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Cee-Lo, JLS, P!nk and Rihanna!

It's been a WHILE since I've posted a good old fashioned artwork update so I thought, WHY NOT...since there's so much good stuff out there. First up? Olly Murs. YUMMY! I'm really excited for Olly's debut album. Seeing how well his first single ("Please Don't Let Me Go") did on the UK charts, I anticipate that his album will do as well...if not #1 definitely landing a spot in the top 5. The album, Feel Free is due out on Epic Records/Syco Music November 29th.  The album features collaborations with John Shanks, Eg White, Roy Stride, Trevor Horn and more.  Olly's follow up single is reportedly called "Thinking Of Me" featuring British rapper Professor Green.  Love the album artwork here. Olly is looking fine (per usual) in B&W with a red font for his name.

Check out Olly Murs on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

I've been championing Pixie Lott for a while now on this blog.  I love her. I think she's different. I think she's talented, both as a singer and as a songwriter. As much as I generally frown upon an album's flashy re-release (as a means to milk an album for all it's worth) I'll take all the Pixie I can get right now.  Turn It Up Louder comes out on October 18th in the UK (via Mercury Records) and features the new single "Broken Arrow" (October 11th) plus 4 other new tracks.  Also included on the release is the supposed next single, "Coming Home" which features American R&B/popstar Jason Derulo.  Lott's debut U.S. single "Boys & Girls" is out now on iTunes.

Check out Pixie Lott on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

I don't really know what else to expect from Cee-Lo Green's new album but I expect it's going to knock my freakin' socks off. It's the other songs on the disc are even half as brilliant as "F**k You" then we're all in for a real treat. Upon it's initial release "F**k You" received over two million plays in less than a week and that was BEFORE an official music video even came out. Even though I first fell in love with Green as 1/2 of Gnarls Barkley Green has been doing his own thing for a LONG time, signed to Arista for 2 records.  The Lady Killer is out November 9th via Elektra Records. "F**k You" is out now in America and the UK.  Take my word for it and skip over the radio-friendly "Forget You."

Check out Cee-Lo Green on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube
 

A little over a year after the release of their self-titled debut album, the boys of JLS are back with their sophomore effort. Called Outta This World, JLS are releasing their follow up album November 22nd on Epic Records. Outta This World will be preceded by BBC Children In Need Charity single "Love You More," (November 15th) the album's official second release and follow up to "The Club Is Alive." The album features collaborations with Steve Mac, Lucas Secon, Chris Braide, The Runners and others. Barbadian R&B/Popstar Shontelle features on a track called "Ay Mama" (produced by The Runners) which is rumored to be a future single from the album. The boys' debut album is out now in the U.S. on Jive.

Check out JLS on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

Long unappreciated here in U.S., P!nk's star has recently become a bit brighter here in the U.S.  I wish I could pinpoint WHAT it was that boosted her profile Stateside (was it her acrobatic performance singing "Glitter In The Air" at the The Grammys?) but I'm glad that she's still releasing stuff here.  P!nk's forthcoming greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits...So Far!!! (November 16th) released on LaFace/Jive Records features 18 tracks including the INFECTIOUS new Max Martin-produced single "Raise Your Glass" (October 18th)  This is one greatest hits album I would DEFINITELY buy, whether or not I already owned all of P!nk's previous releases. SOLID.  The album will be available in both a standard edition as well as a Deluxe edition with a DVD.  Check out the tracklisting here.

Check out P!nk on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

After enduring the dark, depressing, albeit sophisticated sound on Rated R, I think Rihanna's fans are ready for something lighter, fluffier...LOUDER. Maybe her friendship with Katy Perry has influenced her musical style, because new single "Only Girl (In The World)" is JUST what the doctor ordered. The Stargate, Sandy Vee-produced single is dance-pop in it's simplest, purest form. No bells and whistles...just good pop music. The single went on to peak on the Billboard Hot 100 at #3 and is currently at #13 and #17 on the Billboard pop and dance charts respectively. Loud, due for release November 12th in the U.S. (Def Jam) and November 15th in the UK (Mercury), comes right on the heels of her previous release. I have MAD respect for Rihanna as an artist. Girl works HARD to put out quality music. After her debut album's two singles failed to ignite the charts, Rihanna got to work on her follow up album, which was released less than a year after her debut came out. Then a little over a year after that...Good Girl Gone Bad. Workaholic much? As long as it's hot she cam put out albums every year. Just don't rush it Ri Ri! Loud features collaborations with Taio Cruz, Alex da Kid, Sean Garrett, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, Timbaland, Shontelle, David Guetta and Drake...to name a few. Sounds like Rihanna's got another hit on her hands.

Check out Rihanna on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: Cee-Lo Green - F**k You

I was THRILLED to find out that a video came out already for Cee-Lo Green's new AMAZING single "F**k You." The best part? It's unedited! "Forget You" pales in comparison to the masterpiece of the original so hopefully a "Forget You" video isn't in the works. The "FU" video takes viewers on a journey from Cee-Lo's childhood, where he tried to win the affections of a pretty girl. As the video progresses, Cee-Lo and his little "heartbreaker" get older. He's still chasing after her and she's still not interested. Sad story. By the time the video ends, Cee-Lo the girl WISHES she hadn't been so superficial. The video has a very Little Shop Of Horrors feel to it...maybe that's because of the Doo-Wop girls that appear throughout...or the whole retro look it has going on. No matter...it's a fabulous video for a song that just keeps getting more awesome by the minute. Cee-Lo's new so album The Lady Killer is due out December 7th on Elektra Records.

Check out Cee-Lo Green on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube

'FU' Says Cee-Lo Green

How can you NOT like Cee-Lo Green? Whether you're listening to his solo stuff or collaborative efforts with DJ Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) or Kelis ("Lil Star") his voice is just so infectious.  "F**k You" was released August 25th via Elektra Records and INSTANTLY became a viral hit, thanks in part to a simple video featuring the song's lyrics appearing in front of a brightly colored background (watch it below).  "F**k You" is from his forthcoming solo album, The Lady Killer, due out December 7th, also through Elektra Records. GOD I love this song. What a perfect FU to the end of summer.

Check out Cee-Lo Green on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube