Cheryl Cole Preps for Release of A Million Lights; Call My Name Out June 10th

I don't know WHAT just came over me, but I started sweating bullets for Cheryl Cole's new album, A Million Lights.  Sure, catchy lead single "Call My Name" has a sexy video, but it's all a bit too generic, isn't it?  I mean I love me some SOLO Calvin Harris but he's turning into the next David Guetta, isn't he?

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It's Official, Olly Murs Signs with Columbia Records, 'Heart Skips A Beat' Out May 22nd

A couple months after making the announcement via his own personal Twitter, UK singer/songwriter Olly Murs' U.S. label, Columbia Records confirmed the news by way of an official press release.  The label proceeded to confirm both Murs' signing as well as announcing his first U.S. single, a new version of the UK #1, "Heart Skips A Beat," featuring American hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, due May 22nd (iTunes U.S.), and debut album due out in the Fall.  Listen to "Heart Skips A Beat" BELOW.

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[Hot Video Alert] Cheryl Cole - Call My Name

Time for (possibly) the UNDERSTATEMENT of the year: Cheryl Cole is one FIERCE bitch.  OOZING sex in the JUST released video for new single, "Call My Name," Cheryl gives us all a highly caffeinated, neon-filled tutorial in FABULOSITY and I want to take it AGAIN!  

In the grimy, dirty (yet still somehow chic and classy) Anthony Mandler-directed clip Cheryl first dazzles us into submission by strutting (and posing) her way through some dank graffiti-marred reservoir tunnel whilst wearing a leopard bikini bottom, tattoos on her thighs and ass, and a brightly colored neon print jacket with matching neon peep-toe pumps. Did I miss anything?  Before the song even starts, Cheryl throws us all a massive curve ball when a seemingly out-of-place Marquis de Sade quote about TORMENT flops up onto the screen in a white stencil font. Not sure where the torment comes into play here, but who cares? Just grind and pose Cheryl. Grind and pose.

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[Review] Cheryl Cole's 'Call My Name' Hits UK Radio

Hey Americans!  I know most of you (MuuMuse-excluded) didn't stay up till 3:00 AM to catch the UK radio debut of Cheryl (Cole)'s new single, out June 10th, so I've got the rundown for you.  At 8:10 AM UK time, radio stations all over the country premiered "Call My Name," giving fans a tease of what's to come from her third album, A Million Lights, due June 18th through Polydor Records.  

From the second you hit "PLAY," you know this is a Calvin Harris joint.  The beats are eerily reminiscent of  Harris' Rihanna collaboration, the international #1 hit "We Found Love," (not to mention his NEW RiRi collab, "Where Have You Been") but "Call My Name" is not a clone. Not by any means. Hey, if you have a formula that works (and Calvin does) why not test it out on different artists, tweaking it here and there as necessary? Ryan Tedder worked it out with both Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé a number of years ago.  While by no means pop innovators here, Calvin & Cheryl know what the people want this summer and that's booty-shakin' dance-pop gold, which is exactly what they deliver on "Call My Name."  The thumping disco-ball beats are steeped in 90s house glamour from beginning to end, making it awful hard not to shake your groove thang.  

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Cheryl Cole To Release New Single and Album In June, Video Premieres May 2nd

While UK pop fans are all still shaking, hoping and praying for a Girls Aloud reunion, I may have the next best thing.  The return of Ms. Cheryl Cole.  Oh, and for the record, it's just CHERYL now.  That's right folks, Cheryl is back and she's going the MADONNA route and dropping her last name.  Cheryl's brand new single, "Call My Name" will be shipped out to UK radio on Friday April 20th, preceding the singles official release on June 10th. Get ready world!

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New UK Singles This Week...Cheryl Cole, Her Majesty & The Wolves, James Blunt

I don't know if this will be a regular thing or not but I wanted to post about some new digital UK releases this week. Most notably we have the new Cheryl Cole single, "The Flood," co-written by Priscilla Hamilton and Wayne Wilkins and produced by Wilkins and Antwoine "T-Wiz" Collins. The video (BELOW) was directed by Sophie Muller. The digital EP features the single as well as remixes from the Wideboys, Alias and Loco.  The song is only the second single released off of Cole's sophomore album, Messy Little Raindrops. While "Promise This" went all the way to the top of the UK singles charts, I'm not so sure "The Flood" deserves the same fate...but seeing how thin this week's competition is, I wouldn't be surprised if it did well.



Other singles out this week worth noting..."Stars In Your Eyes," the official debut single from Her Majesty & The Wolves, a new electro pop outfit featuring Kimberly Wyatt (formerly of the Pussycat Dolls) and Spencer Nezey (of Jupiter Rising). As of December, the duo was 70% done with their debut album, which will be released later this year via Chime Entertainment.

I really like this song and the video is FIERCE. This seems like the perfect vehicle for Wyatt, who is already being compared to Dannii Minogue.  It's nice to see that she can have a career post PCD.  After the success of her collaboration with Aggro Santos (watch the video for "Candy" HERE) I've been eagerly waiting to see what she'd do next and if the material I've heard so far from HMATW is any indication, Wyatt's about to get her much deserved spotlight.

HER MAJESTY & THE WOLVES - STARS IN YOUR EYES (Sidney Samson Club remix) by hmatw

Before you download "Stars In Your Eyes" (on UK iTunes HERE) check out this dope remix by Sidney Samson (ABOVE) and check out the video (BELOW).



The only other single worth mentioning is the new James Blunt single, called "So Far Gone" (Watch the video HERE), off his third studio album, Some Kind Of Trouble. "So Far Gone" is the follow up single to "Stay The Night," which came out at the end of October and peaked at #26 on the UK singles chart. Blunt's last single came backed with remixes by the Wideboys, Buzz Junkies and Fred Falke.  No remixes yet for "So Far Gone," which was co-written by Blunt, Steve Robson (Take That, Leona Lewis) and Ryan Tedder (Beyonce, Leona Lewis). On a scale of 1 to 10, the single is boring. Straight up.

Next Week:

Singles out next week that I'm excited slash curious about...the new Fe-Nix single, "Red Light" is out as well as Jodie Connor's debut solo single, "Now Or Never" featuring Wiley. On the other end of the spectrum we have the new Bruno Mars single "Grenade" out next week in the UK. BLAH.

Hot Video Alert: Cheryl Cole - The Flood

Despite the fact that her first album was a bit too Will.i.Am heavy, I have to say that I much prefer Cheryl Cole's 3 Words to her sophomore effort Messy Little Raindrops. At first listen, "Promise This" was just a cluster of noise (although it did grow on me) while follow up single, "The Flood" is just plain boring. The chorus is big and Cheryl's voice sounds good here but overall, the single isn't anything special.  It's just another boring, decently performed ballad.  Come on Cheryl! You're a judge on a reality series...pull out all of the stops and make an effort. I realize that she had a bit of a rough year but this album (despite the fact that it went #1) is just BLAH.  I feel like 3 Words just had more flow than this one.  I still like Cheryl Cole, I just had higher hopes. I'm inclined to agree with The Prophet on this one. Let's get Girls Aloud back together and stop all of this solo career nonsense! (Nadine - I'm talking to you as well!) "The Flood" was co-written by R&B singer and songwriter Priscilla Renea (of "Dollhouse" greatness) and Wayne Wilkins. "The Flood" will be out on January 3rd in the UK. Check out the perfectly pretty video below.

Check out Cheryl Cole on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Hot Video Alert: Cheryl Cole - Promise This

Whoever thought that there'd be a "malaria anthem" as hot as this? While it's no "Insatiable," "Promise This" is a decent return-to-form for Cheryl Cole.  "Promise This" is the first single off of Cole's forthcoming sophomore album, Messy Little Raindrops and is a nice, up-tempo dance/pop track that "celebrates her victory over malaria."  While the track was actually written months ago, the timing couldn't be more perfect to release it as a single now.  Messy Little Raindrops is shaping up to be even more "commercial" than Cole's will.I.Am-heavy debut album 3 Words, as she is rumored to be clocking studio time with the likes of Ryan Tedder, Mark Ronson, Jim Beanz, Ne-Yo and more.  While all of those guys are fine and good, I'm REALLY excited about planned collaborations with Ellie Goulding and electro producer Starsmith. FIRE!  "Promise This" is due out on October 25th and is backed by remixes from Almighty and Nu Addiction.

UK Promo Track Listing:

1. Almighty Club Mix

2. Nu Addiction Club Mix

3. Almighty Dub

4. Nu Addiction Dub

5. Almighty Radio Edit

6. Nu Addiction Radio Edit

Oh and apparently it's already been confirmed that Cole's second single will be called "The Flood." More information to follow.  Looks like Cheryl Cole is BACK! Hopefully with her reported U.S. X-Factor duties combined with UK X-Factor and her upcoming new album release, she doesn't overdo it and exhaust herself. I'm rooting for you Cheryl!  Check out the beautiful Sophie Muller-directed video below.

Check out Cheryl Cole on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

In My Stocking...

Let the post holiday spending begin! Last week I got myself a pair of the BOSE ear buds. So far so good. The sound quality is excellent and they are very comfortable. I think they are quieter than my iPod ear buds which is also a plus. I don't want anyone to tell me to turn my music down AND there's nothing I dislike more than hearing someone elses music on the train or bus.

In addition, I did a little shopping on CDWow.com. They were having a post-holiday 40% - 80% off sale for CDs, DVDs and other things, running till New Years Eve. With their free shipping and large selection of imports, I thought I'd stock up. Here's the rundown on what I got:

CHERYL COLE - 3 WORDS

I've been listening to Cheryl Cole's album non-stop since it leaked. It's really a quality pop album, if you ask me. While there is a little bit too much of will.I.Am for my liking, the tracks are all solid. I'm absolutely loving the second single, "3 Words," featuring Mr. will.I.Am. The video for that single is absolutely stunning. I also dig the forthcoming 3rd single which has been announced as "Parachute." Check out Cheryl on the cover of UK music magazine, Q, on newsstands now. Hot Tracks: "3 Words," "Parachute," "Fight For This Love," "Rain On Me," "Heaven"

ALICIA KEYS - ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

I haven't purchased an Alicia Keys album since her debut. I'm honestly not too sure why I purchased this, her fourth album. Keys is undoubtedly talented but lately her genre of music as a whole just hasn't impressed me that much. I think that given my state of mind of late, more mellow sounds are calming and relaxing to me, rather than the driving dance/electro beats that I've craved up until now. I'm always on the lookout for that next emotional ballad to unlock the waterworks in my eyes. With Keys' knack for writing emotive and passionate songs, combined with her crazy piano and vocal skills - it's pretty safe to assume that there are some cry-worthy songs on this album. Hot Tracks: "Doesn't Mean Anything," "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart," "Wait Til You See Me Smile," "Love Is My Disease," "Put It In A Love Song," "Through It All," "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down," "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"

LEONA LEWIS - ECHO

Leona Lewis' second album has been growing on me in the months since my initial review. The more I listen to Echo, the more easily I am able to connect to it. My initial complaint was that there weren't enough up-tempo numbers, with Lewis instead resorting to her standard brand of "boring" ballads. Perhaps that was unfair. There's definitely a place for big ballads. Not every artist needs to sing up-tempo Gaga-esque dance tracks. At this time in my life, I need all of the big, beautiful sad ballads I can get my hands on. I guess you can say that this purchase was an emotional one. Leona releases "I Got You" next in the States and rumor has it that "Outta My Head" will serve as the next international single. Both are stand outs in my opinion. Hot Tracks: "I Got You," "Love Letter," "Fly Here Now," "Brave," "Alive," "Outta My Head," "Broken"

WILL YOUNG - THE HITS

Will Young is one of my biggest celebrity crushes. The handsome singer/actor has struck me ever since I first heard of him back when his career was just taking off in the UK. Not only is Young a talented singer, but he's also a role model, coming out as a gay man. He also had brilliant role in Mrs. Henderson Presents..., a beautiful little British film. It's hard to believe that this young talent (only 30 years old) has had four albums out since winning Pop Idol back in 2002. His greatest hits album (titled The Hits) features 12 songs taken from his first four albums, plus two new tracks - single "Hopes & Fears," and "If It Hadn't Been For Love." Young has a reportedly brilliant collaboration with Groove Armada and is rumored to be working on a more dance/electro album for his next project. Well...we know how well that turned out for Robbie Williams (see Rudebox) but I love Will and think a dance album will really suit his voice. Hot Tracks: "Leave Right Now," "Your Game," "Friday's Child," "Switch It On," "All Time Love," "Who Am I," "Changes," "Hopes & Fears"

ALEXANDRA BURKE - OVERCOME

I think Alexandra Burke's debut album was what I was looking for in Leona Lewis' second album. There are ballads but there are also plenty of up-tempo club friendly tracks. That being said, I think there's room for both artists. As I mentioned above, I've really become attached to Leona's Echo. Alexandra's album is definitely suited for the U.S. Top 40 market and may even get some play on U.S. R&B radio stations. Leona's album is definitely more suited for adult contemporary radio stations, though it seems to be getting some play on mainstream radio as well. Regardless, I have space on my iPod for both X-Factor winners. They both do their own thing and do it well. Burke will reportedly be re-tooling her debut album for U.S. markets, but will be releasing the same videos that have already seen a UK release. U.S. audiences can expect Burke's new album to drop sometime in 2010. Hot Tracks: "Bad Boys," "Broken Heels," "Nothing But The Girl," "You Broke My Heart," "Overcome," "It's Over"

In addition, I snagged these albums:

WHITNEY HOUSTON - I LOOK TO YOU

JOSS STONE - COLOUR ME FREE

THE SATURDAYS - WORDSHAKER

THE SATURDAYS - CHASING LIGHTS

ANNIE - DON'T STOP

JAMIE CULLUM - THE PURSUIT

DAVID GUETTA - ONE LOVE

Next week (January 5th) I'll likely be picking up brand new albums by Katharine McPhee (Unbroken) and the debut album, Animal by Ke$ha. Oh and January 26th sees the release of the much anticipated album The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae. Lots of good music coming in the New Year.

Hot Video Alert: Cheryl Cole feat. Will.I.Am - 3 Words

Wow. What a BEAUTIFUL video. This song keeps growing on me. Cheryl Cole looks absolutely STUNNING. (ONCE AGAIN...it's not letting me embed the video. Check out the video over on MuuMuse.)

Massive Album Art Update - Part 2

This is a huge album artwork. So huge in fact that I couldn't put in all of the labels that I normally would have - one for each artist. Oh well! A majority of these covers came from Coverlandia. Enjoy!

"Make Me" is the new song from Janet Jackson and has been called a tribute to her brother Michael's single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and will be part of her second compilation album, the double disc, 30-track Number Ones which is due for a release on November 17th. I enjoy Janet Jackson and am excited about the new single. I wish her nothing but success. Girl definitely needs it, as her last two albums have not done well in the charts.

To be honest, I haven't really gotten into the new Gossip CD. Maybe that's because it hasn't been officially released in CD format here in the states. It came out on iTunes here in June but that's not enough for me. The only time I buy digital CDs is when there's an "exclusive" remix included...and then I go purchase the album version as well. Well...it's finally coming out here in the states on October 6th and will include a new track, "The Breakdown." Gossip is coming to Boston on Sunday October 11th and I'd love to see them. I just need to find someone to go with. "Love Long Distance" is the new single out in the UK and you can watch the video HERE.





This is the second UK single from Swedish pop star Agnes Carlsson. A follow up to "Release Me," "I Need You Now" was written by Anders Hansson and Sharon Vaughn and has been remixed for the clubs by Cahill, Almighty, Grant Nelson, Ali Payama, Kindervater and Alex K. Sounds hot! The single will be out November 16th digitally, followed by the physical CD release. Nice lineup here for the remixes. Sounds good! Check out the UK radio edit HERE.

Here's the official album and single artwork for the debut Alexandra Burke single. I'm only disappointed because she's wearing practically the same outfit that she's wearing in both the promotional photos released prior to the single. I do like the whole silver thing she's got going on but I was just hoping for a little something extra. Oh well. The song is still fun, as is the video. I'm also enjoying the Moto Blanco remixes of the track and hope that the label releases some more.

"Doesn't Mean Anything" is the new single from R&B singer, Alicia Keys. I have to admit that it's pretty damn good. I have to agree with ArjanWrites when he calls it "her poppiest work to date." Check out the single HERE and let me know if you like it. Buy it on iTunes HERE. As far as the artwork goes - it's nice. While I prefer artwork with a photo of the artits, this is quite...pretty? Anyway - good stuff here.

In Love & War: The Prelude is the album sampler preceding the upcoming 4th studio album from R&B singer Amerie. The sampler contains six tracks (some full tracks, some snippets). Not bad...Amerie looks hot and the artwork is really cool and different. I haven't really liked an Amerie song since "1 Thing" and "Talkin' To Me" but I'm willing to give her another chance. Hopefully this long-delayed album will be a smash for her. She's got talent - that's not even a question. The album drops on November 2nd in the UK and on November 3rd in the U.S.

YAWN. Don't get me wrong, like any good gay I enjoy Barbara Streisand. Love Is The Answer, her new album of jazz standards (out September 29th) just sounds like a snooze to me. Perhaps if we see some remixes here I might get into it but otherwise, I'm going to have to pass. Apparently, the album was recently promoted on QVC, including a special edition DVD. Funny - QVC definitely seems like the best way to reach her target audience these days. Anyone out there excited for new Barbara?

"Be On You" is the official 4th single off of the Flo-Rida album R.O.O.T.S. Produced by hitmakers, Stargate this new single continues in the tradition of hot collaborations that make up the entire album - this time, it's R&B stud Ne-Yo. The single will be released on October 6th. I've liked nearly every other single off of R.O.O.T.S. so I'm sure this one will be no different. Looking forward to any potential remixes as well. Should be hot.

"Fever" is the second official single off of the new Cascada album, Evacuate The Dancefloor. The single is coming out in Germany on October 2nd. I like this cover - Natalie Horler looks GOOD. She also looks HOT in the video, which you can check out HERE. Remixes come to us from Ryan Thistlebeck, Ian Carey, D.O.N.S and Mowgli/Bagheera.

Cheryl Cole (formerly Tweedy) is a member of top selling UK girl group, Girls Aloud, judge on Britain's X-Factor as well as a budding solo artist. Her first single as a solo artist is "Fight For This Love" and it's got JAM written all over it. Written by Steve Kipner, Andre Merritt and Wayne Wilkins, it's due to be released in the UK on October 19th. Off of her upcoming album on Fascination Records, Three Words (out October 26th). I'm really feeling the music video which features Cheryl singing and dancing her way into the spotlight. I hope and pray that this doesn't lead to ALL of the Girls Aloud members to release solo albums causing the group to split. That would be a sad day. Anyway, I'm loving this album and single artwork. Cheryl looks stunning. The script is a little hard to read, but other than that it's quite nice. Check out the video HERE.

"Cowboy Casanova" is the lead single off of country singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood's third album, Play On (out November 3rd). I've said before that I don't much care for country music, but I make an exception when it comes to Carrie Underwood. She's beautiful, she's talented and I think she has MASSIVE pop crossover potential. That being said, I don't think she should pull a Leann Rimes and switch genres. She should stick to her guns and keep on making country records. "Cowboy Casanova" is not pop music by any means, but it's certainly crossing over into pop territory a teeny tiny bit. It's got all of the necessary country TWANG without being TOO much. Well done Ms. Underwood. Well done. Check out the song HERE. The single is out in the U.S. now and comes out in the UK on September 27th.

AWKWARD! David Archuleta looks like a deer caught in the headlights. It looks like Archie has been watching a little too much Tyra and smiling with his eyes. Yikes. He looks awful here - pale, scared out of his wits and frankly, just creepy. Anyway, this is Archuleta's second studio album - Christmas From The Heart, out October 13th.

Fixin' To Thrill is the second full-length studio album from Canadian electro outfit, Dragonette. The band features the talents of singer/songwriter Martina Sorbara, bassist/producer Dan Kurtz, guitarist Chris Hugget and drummer Joel Stouffer. The first single is the title track, available now on iTunes with remixes from Don Diablo. I am loving the creativity here on this cover. WOW. So cool! It's like a creepy, cool collage of some kind. The album is out on September 29th.

"Admit It" is the second official single from Justin Timberlake protege, Esmée Denters. Off of her debut album, Outta Here (out January 11th in the UK) "Admit It" is the follow up to her 1st single, "Outta Here" and was written by Denters herself and was produced by Justin Timberlake and Toby Gad. The video was released on September 3rd. The single is out in the UK on December 28th. Check out the video HERE.

Like It Like That is the fifth album from Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian. Due to be released on October 23rd it's preceded by the album's title track and first single which came out August 7th in Australia. Debuting at number 6 on the ARIA singles chart, it finally hit #1 and becomes Sebastian's 4th #1 single down under. Sebastian still has plans to come back to America and release an album here. Hopefully this is the case, as we're always looking for young, fresh talent and Sebastian's blend of R&B, Soul and Jazz would be a welcome, refreshing change. On the album cover...Sebastian looks totally bad ass. I love it.

"Break Up Song" is the second single (and title of their forthcoming album) from the Boston-based girl group Jada, currently signed to Universal/Motown Records. I have to say that I quite enjoyed their debut single, "American Cowboy" (which was featured on an episode of the hit TV show House) and the fact that they are from Boston is kind of cool, given that's where I live. The girls call the song chill and mid-tempo. Hmm. "American Cowboy" was up-tempo and fun. I hope this new single is a worthy follow up.

The Pursuit is the title of the new album by English jazz crooner Jamie Cullum. Released on November 10th, this will be Cullum's 5th album. Produced by Greg Wells (Katy Perry, OneRepublic and Deftones) and preceded by first single "I'm All Over It," this could be a cool album. I enjoyed Cullum's third album, Twentysomething but could not find a memorable track on the follow up, Catching Tales. These producers have me thinking that Cullum has something going on here with the new record and I'm hoping that I'm right.

This is the new live album/DVD from American singer/songwriter Jason Mraz. Recorded in Chicago, the album officially comes out on November 10th but can be pre-ordered on Jason's official website now. If you pre-order the album now on Jason Mraz's official store you'll receive the record before it's in stores (on or around October 27th). Pretty exciting if you're a die hard Jason Mraz fan. Fun and whimsical - I love this cover - just like I love Mraz and his easy-breezy vocal style.

"Body Language" is the new single from actor/singer Jesse McCartney. Man - I can't believe that they are still milking this record for singles. It came out in May of 2008 originally, followed by a re-release in April of 2009. "Body Language" was one of the new tracks included on the re-release version of Departure, Depature: Recharged and features a guest appearence from T-Pain. Yes, Jesse McCartney is a cougar-magnet. That being said, I'd rather not see some sexy, scantily-clad silhouette on the sleeve artwork. Put a photo of the guy on the single artwork. He's too good looking to be ignored. Listen to the single HERE. Buy the single HERE.

JLS (Jack the Lad Swing) are a British boyband who made their first appearence in Britain's X-Factor Season 5, where they came in 2nd to winner Alexandra Burke. Signing to Epic Records, JLS released their debut single, "Beat Again" in the UK this past summer where it went to #1. Follow up single "Everybody In Love" will be released on November 2nd. Produced by hitmaker J.R. Rotem, the single will precede their debut self-titled album, out November 9th.

Belgian pop star Kate Ryan offered me my first taste of europop/dance music back in 2002 when I saw the music video for her fifth single "Libertine," off of the re-release of her debut album Different. French Connection has been billed as a French concept album and is due for release in Canada and France on October 13th and October 23rd respectively. The first single, "Babacar" was released in June and was a cover of France Gall's 1987 song of the same name. In looking at the tracklisting, French Connection appears to feature all French-language tracks - both new and old. I don't know if that's much of a new concept. What does excite me is that included on the album are TWO versions of both "Libertine" and "Desenchantée." The album artwork is a little cheesy with the French flag, but whatever. She looks good. I'm ready to dance.

Kris Allen is just so damn cute that you can't help but crush on him. That being said, Allison Iraheta was my favorite contestant from the last season of American Idol - hands down! I always prefer a female singer to a male singer. I don't know what it is, but girls just tend to have crazy range and better style. Sure, these are both generalizations. Honestly, I'm happy that everyone in the Top 3 received major label contracts. In listening to the lead single off of Allen's debut album, "Live Like We're Dying" and learning that it's actually a cover of a b-side by The Script, I'm left pleasantly surprised. It definitely sounds like a Script song if you ask me, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This single is actually giving me hope for Kris Allen's as yet untitled debut album. The single was released on iTunes on September 25th.

No offense to country music as an institution, but it never used to be this sexy. Female country singers today are sexin' it up to sell records and I don't know - I think it's probably working. Miranda Lambert first gained attention as a finalist on the 2003 season of Nashville Star where she came in 3rd. Signed to Epic Records/Columbia Records, Lambert is getting set to release her third album, Revolution on September 29th. Included on the album are singles "Dead Flowers" and "White Liar" along with 13 other songs. You gotta give props to an artist that writes her own stuff and Lambert co-wrote all but 3 of these tracks. Serving as co-writers on this album are boyfriend Blake Shelton, Ashley Monroe, Charles Kelley and David Haywood of Lady Antebellum.

"I Get In" is the new single from former B2K member Omarion. "I Get In" originally leaked this past summer when it featured an appearance by Lil Wayne. After the leak, Omarion asked to be released from Lil Wayne's Young Money Records and has since re-recorded the song with an appearance by Gucci Mane. It recently was announced that Omarion has left SonyBMG and signed on with EMI. His third solo album is called Ollusion and is due to be released November 24th. This single cover has BALLER written all over it. Hot. Looking forward to this.

This appears to be the official artwork for the new Joss Stone album, Colour Me Free, which I mentioned in my last album artwork update. I LOVE this artwork and hope it's for real. Color by number activities were always my favorite sort of coloring book when I was younger. This artwork is fun and creative and I can't wait to hear what the final product sounds like. It's due out on October 20th and preceded by first single "Free Me." Just a side note - that artwork that I showed in my last update wasn't official, in fact it says "Coverlandia" right there on the cover. Oops! Oversight on my part.

French artiste Sliimy (Yanis Sahraoui) released his debut album Paint Your Face on September 8th. First single "Wake Up" features an impressive line up of remixes from the likes of Eddie Amador, Digital Dog, Ian Neiman, Soul Seekerz, and Buzz Junkies. With a sound that's been compared to Prince and a look that's very similar to MIKA, Sliimy is an interesting character for sure. Signed to Perez Hilton's label Perezcious Music Sliimy's "music will make a lot of people smile," according to Hilton. The artist is currently part of Hilton's first ever concert tour performing in cities across the country. I love this album art - colorful and fun. It reminds me of Lily Allen's artwork for Alright, Still. Purchase his album now and purchase the remix EP for "Wake Up" on September 29th.

Wow. Island Records wasted no time in snapping up some cover art with the new Sugababes. Looks like the girls were snapped right there on the set of their new music video for "Get Sexy" follow up single "About A Girl." The girls do look a little trashy here but as I said before, I'm not going to discount the group quite yet. I'm going to wait until I hear what the new lineup sounds like together before I pass judgment. I've said before that I think Jade Ewen is a talented singer and I think that she should be given a shot. The album, Sweet 7 is still due to be released on November 23rd and will be preceded that same month by second single, "About A Girl."

The Killers are releasing a new live album on November 9th in the UK and on November 10th in the U.S. Live From the Royal Albert Hall was recorded in London this past July and features a DVD as well as CD, including footage from festival dates that the band headlined over the summer. The album features tracks from Hot Fuss, Sam's Town, Sawdust and Day & Age. Once again, I absolutely love the whole mosaic style that started with the whole Day & Age album era. I'm pleased to see it still going on with this live album.

The Saturdays are fast becoming one of my favorite of the imports out of the UK. While I like the title Wordshaker better than Colonial Masses, I'm still left with a big question mark in my mind...WTF is a "wordshaker?" As for the album artwork...I like it for the most part. What I'm NOT crazy about is the font color. Pale yellow does NOT pop against the beige background. They designer would have been wiser to choose a black font and it looks like I Popjustice agrees with me. The first single "Forever Is Over" will be released on October 5th, followed by the album on October 12th.

Add this album to my list of must haves this fall. Wow! I am in love with Glee. It's a quirky, cute, cheesy, fun TV show on Fox and it's all about a high school glee club. Featuring fun musical numbers and a terrifically talented cast of young people, I was thrilled when they announced that there would be a series of soundtracks released, starting with The Music, Volume 1. Due out on November 3rd, The Music Volume 1 includes 17 tracks including "Don't Stop Believing" (Journey), "Take A Bow" (Rihanna), "Alone" (Heart), "No Air" (Jordin Sparks), "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (The Supremes), "Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond) and "Defying Gravity" (from Wicked) and more. Cannot wait for this! Check out the singles available now on iTunes.

At the age of 30 (WOW), Will Young has come a long way since Pop Idol. Ready to release his first Greatest Hits album on November 16th, The Hits features 12 tracks from Young's first four albums - From Now On, Friday's Child, Keep On, and Let It Go. The album also features 2 bonus tracks, one of which - "Hopes & Fears" will serve as the first single, out on November 8th. The album will come in a standard as well as a deluxe edition, the latter which will include a bonus DVD full of videos. While I'd rather have a new album - especially since his new album is going to be dance/pop, working with Superbass, Groove Armada and Gregg Alexander - I think Young has a lot to be proud of with his career. I've always had a bit of a crush on Will and I think he looks great on both covers.