Ones to Watch: Andreas Moe

By way of Stockholm I bring you yet ANOTHER new Swedish artist worth a listen.  Andreas Moe is a talented and devilishly handsome 23 year old singer/songwriter, set to release his debut EP, Collecting Sunlight in the UK on June 25th.  Having already established himself with a substantial following in his homeland, Moe is ready to enter the notoriously difficult UK pop market.  What's more is that Andreas Moe is opting to launch himself in the UK without a record label, a brave act for a relatively unknown artist. More power to him!

Read more »

[Hot Video Alert] Cher Lloyd - Want U Back

Releasing "Want U Back" as Cher Lloyd's official first U.S. single was a smart move on the part of her U.S. label, Epic Records.  Releasing it without X-Factor's resident rapper Astro was also a smart move. Astro's addition to the UK version of the single always seemed contrived to me. Hell, it certainly didn't add anything valuable. The song's strengths lie completely in Lloyd's sassy delivery, Shellback's spunky production and Savan Kotecha's punchy, fresh lyrics.  Astro, as talented as he is, was always an after thought, a gimmick thought up by his X-Factor mentor (and chairman/CEO of Epic Records) L.A. Reid.

Read more »

Hot Video Alert: Leona Lewis & Avicci - Collide

Well, I'm glad whole Leona Lewis/Avicii hullabaloo was finally settled. Back when Leona's new single, "Collide" was first announced there was barely a mention of Swedish DJ/producer Avicii, who's track "Penguin" is used in the song. Now, in advance of the song's September 4th UK release (September 6 in the U.S.) date, the song has been turned into a collaboration between the two artists. Whatever works I guess. The song is a definite departure from the heavy, emotion-ridden balladry that the Hackney-born UK singer tends to gravitate towards, moving in a decidedly club friendly direction. I have to say, it's nice to see this different side to Lewis and it actually makes me excited for her forthcoming third album, entitled Glass Heart, released November 28th in the UK on Syco Music and December 6th in the U.S. via J Records.

Leona Lewis - Collide + The Remixes by RCA Music Group

Check out the very lovely Ethan Lader (Mariah Carey, Colbie Caillat, Dev) directed video for "Collide," which features Lewis looking stunningly beautiful per usual, but not much of anything else.  In addition to Avicii, "Collide" was co-written by Simon Jeffes, Arash Pournouri, Autumn Rowe and Sandy Vee, who also produced the track. Look out for a HOT HOT HOT remix package including mixes by Afrojack, Alex Guadino & Jason Rooney, Cahill, and Nay Ray. Check out the mixes above and check out the video below. I can finally say that I'm looking forward to new Leona Lewis music!

Check out Leona Lewis on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Leona Lewis To Debut New Single Later Today

Photo Credit: Courtesy of J Records/Syco Entertainment  

I nearly jumped out of my bed when I read about Leona Lewis' forthcoming new single. AHHHHHH! In a series of Tweets, Popjustice unveiled some details about the new single. Here's how it all went down:

 

  

So, to summarize...Leona Lewis' new single is called "Collide" and it was written by singer/songwriter Autumn Rowe (Alexis Jordan, Cher Lloyd) and produced by Sandy Vee (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Taio Cruz).  Popjustice also Tweeted a picture of some of the lyrics from the chorus, take a peek HERE if you're so inclined.  Based on Popjustice's description, the song sounds like a bit of a departure from the schmaltzy, over the top pop ballads Lewis has seemingly gravitated towards in the past.  Up-tempo, dancey and purple.  Sounds like my kinda pop song...add to the fact that there's a remix from Dutch producer/DJ Afrojack? YES PLEASE!  The single will make it's radio debut this Friday July 15th on The Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1.  Can't wait to hear it!

This news confirms past reports that Lewis would be moving in a different direction...musically.  Back in May, Lewis gave an interview to the Hackney Citizen, telling them of the album's "more progressive," and "eclectic" sound.  Lewis has reportedly been in the studio with a myriad of big name songwriters and producers including Dallas Austin, Ryan Tedder, Rico Love, Ne-Yo, Hurts, Jessie J, Emeli Sandé, and members of Blazin' Squad.

Sounds like this album, her third, might be her best yet!  Lewis' last album, 2009's Echo went straight to the top of the UK Album chart, becoming her second #1 album.  Here in the states, Echo peaked at #13 on the Billboard 200, with the album's first single, "Happy" peaking at #2 in the UK and #31 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Her debut album, 2007's Spirit was a #1 hit in nine countries, including the States.  Her debut single, "Bleeding Love" crashed onto the charts, peaking at #1 on the UK Singles chart as well as the Billboard Hot 100.  It's nice to have some new Leona Lewis music on the horizon.  "Collide" will be released on September 4th.

Check out Leona Lewis on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

U.S. Version of X-Factor to Debut in Fall 2011

AHHH! Exciting news. Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak has posted the very first promo for the upcoming U.S. version of X-Factor, the popular UK music reality competition (SLASH American Idol's downfall) that has brought us such great artists as Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Diana Vickers, Dolly Rockers, etc. While the promo (which you can see HERE) is short and sweet, my appetite is officially whetted. What about you? American Idol or X-Factor? Who do you want to joining Simon Cowell as a judge on X-Factor?

Leona Lewis Releases "I Got You" Music Video

Oh Leona Lewis. You sure do know how to make a deliciously cheesy pop video, don't you? "I Got You" continues to be one of my favorite songs off of Echo and for good reason. It follows in the footsteps of past Leona Lewis songs, in that it showcases her stunning voice with a big chorus and plenty of little riffs. The track was penned by Arnthor Birgisson, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha and is due out in the UK on February 21st and physically the following day. While I heard rumors that this would be Leona's second U.S. single as well, no word on a release here in the States. The video, directed by Dave Myers, was filmed in Los Angeles and premiered on February 12th. Check out the video and let me know what you think!

Check out Leona Lewis 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.

Leona Lewis Plays It Safe (Yet Sleek) with Echo

When Leona Lewis first appeared on TV in 2006, auditioning for Series 3 of The X-Factor with her rendition of "Over The Rainbow," she probably had little idea of how much her life was about to change. After her run on The X-Factor ended with a win, Lewis went on to hit the top of the charts in the UK with her first single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This." Well, one #1 lead to another which lead to another, with both "Bleeding Love" and Lewis' debut album Spirit going #1 in UK and U.S. Spirit went on to become Britain's fastest-selling debut album. Not only that, but Lewis was the first British artist ever to debut in the top spot on Billboard's album chart with a first album. Quite an accomplishment for such a young, previously unheard of artist. This girl is definitely going places.

As soon as I learned that Lewis was beginning work on her second album, I had immediate high hopes. While Spirit was a beautiful album, on a personal taste level, big, lush ballads don't really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, I agree that when you have a set of golden pipes like Lewis certainly does, there's no reason why vocals should take a back seat to slick production and dance beats. The voice needs to be showcased, front & center. That being said, there has to be a happy medium. Unless you're targeting an older crowd, having one ballad after another after another just a bit boring. Things were looking up when Lewis released Spirit in the U.S. (re-releasing it in the UK) with bonus tracks like the up-tempo Akon-produced club jam "Forgive Me," an indication, I hoped, of what we could expect with Echo. That was not to be, as Echo follows the same format as Spirit in terms of ballads.

According to the press release, "who could blame Lewis if...she wanted to stick to the lush balladeering that made Spirit such an extraordinary success." Fair enough. Her ballads ("Bleeding Love," and "Better In Time") did fare slightly better in the charts (#1 and #2 respectively on the UK Singles Charts) than the up-temp single "Forgive Me" (#5 on the UK Singles Charts) but come on! Lewis could have experimented a little bit more with her sound, right? I know there's something to be said for the whole "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality but I really was hoping for a bit more here.

With producers on board like Max Martin (“I Got You,” “Outta My Head”), Ryan Tedder (“Happy,” “You Don’t Care,” and “Lost Then Found”), Kevin Rudolph ("Love Letter"), and others I was hoping for a greater variety, sonically speaking. Don't get me wrong, Lewis sounds flawless in absolutely every track but that's not the point here. She has the kind of voice that suits all musical formats - from Top 40 Radio, to R&B to Dance. Echo is predominantly adult contemporary-fare and I'm left disappointed. According to the label, "Echo...finds the 24-year old expanding her palette beyond her signature ballads and seeking additional adventurous sonic territory," siting the "sleek, stylish electro-pop" found on dance floor-friendly "Outta My Head," the "synth-driven" "Fly Here Now," the "rock-driven" "Love Letter" and the "edgier" "I Got You." This is all fine and good but at the end of the day it's still an album full of ballads.

All of this aside, the album is well produced, beautifully-written and gorgeously sung. In addition to writing with some of the industry's most sought-after hitmakers (including Justin Timberlake), Lewis herself co-wrote nine tracks on the album. "I really wanted a dramatic, almost cinematic quality to the songs," says Lewis. I think to an extent, Lewis succeeded here. First single "Happy," while not as big an entrance-maker as "Bleeding Love" is pretty amazing to hear sung live. I also have to admit that I am on the verge of tears every time I see a television promo spot for that new film Precious, prominently featuring "Happy." According to Lewis, "I'm...more confident with this album than the last. I've taken more control this time and I feel more at ease with everything." I agree with this sentiment, and while it's nice that she feels more confident I'm hopeful that her third album takes that confidence and explores new territory with it. Lewis is undoubtedly talented, Echo just is just a bit safe for my tastes.


Look out for Lewis' first world tour in 2010. Echo is available now in stores. Check out the track listing below. Orange denotes my favorite/recommended tracks.

“Happy”
“I Got You”
“Love Letter”
“Can’t Breathe”
“You Don’t Care”
“Outta My Head”
“Brave”
“My Hands”
“Alive”
“Don’t Let Me Down”
“Fly Here Now”
“Broken”
“Lost Then Found” (with One Republic)

Check out Leona Lewis on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Leona Lewis Speaks Out Against Animal Cruelty

In addition to being an international pop star, Leona Lewis wants her fans to know that she's also an avid animal lover, supporting the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) in a new campaign. In a newly released video released on October 27th, Lewis pledges her support for the charity's Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare campaign, appearing in both a video as well as a photo shoot. Posing with her beloved family pet, Misty, Lewis is looking as beautiful and fresh-faced as ever in this series of photos by Anthony Upton.

According to Lewis, a long-time animal lover - "I wanted to get involved with the World Society for the Protection of Animals because I think they are doing great campaigns. " She continues "I've always been a huge advocate for any charities that are trying to help animals, because they are trying to change laws to protect animals."

Leona calls on her fans all over the world to do the right thing and back the Animals Matter campaign. Feel free to go onto Leona's WSPA page and pledge your support. "It's up to us to give these animals a voice, and put a stop to cruelty and neglect, right now," Lewis says.

WSPA is made up of over 1,000 animal welfare groups in 150 countries, each sharing a common goal - alleviate animal suffering worldwide. WSPA's partners in the States include the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The charity is fully supporting a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations, which, if passed would acknowledge that animals do feel pain, that they do suffer and that they need to be treated humanely.

Lewis has always appeared shy and considerably more reserved than some of her pop contemporaries, which to me is realistic. Her love of animals is very real and very deep and I respect her all that much more for taking a stand like this.

Leona's second album Echo will be released on November 17th via J Records/Syco Music. First single, "Happy" is out now.

Check out Leona Lewis on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Album Artwork Update

Since I need to go to bed soon, I'm just doing to post a bunch of official artwork from some of my favorite artists without any exposition. While I'd love to do a little write up on each piece...I just don't have the time. (If any of this isn't official, please leave me a comment). The majority of the artwork came from Coverlandia and Covermania - while still others came from official artist and label pages.

Nellie McKay - Normal As Blueberry Pie - A Tribute To Doris Day (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Verve Music Group

Ryan Leslie - Transition (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Universal Motown Records

Mr. Hudson - White Lies (SINGLE)

October 12, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal

Kid Cudi feat. MGMT & RATATAT - Pursuit of Happiness (SINGLE)

September 8, 2009 - GOOD Music/Universal Motown

Jack Johnson - En Concert (LIVE ALBUM/DVD)

October 27, 2009 - Everloving/Brushfire/Universal

Five For Fighting - Slice (ALBUM)

October 13, 2009 - Aware/Columbia Records

Backstreet Boys - This Is Us (ALBUM)

September 30, 2009 - Jive

Little Boots - Earthquake (SINGLE)

November 16, 2009 - Sixsevenine

50 Cent - Before I Self Destruct (ALBUM)

November 17, 2009 - Aftermath/Interscope

Ashley Tisdale - Crank It Up (SINGLE)

October 16, 2009 - Warner Brothers

Angie Stone - I Ain't Hearing U (SINGLE)

?? - Stax

P!nk - Funhouse Tour: Live In Australia (LIVE ALBUM)

October 27, 2009 - LaFace

Amerie - In Love & War (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Feenix Rising/Def Jam

Weezer - Raditude (ALBUM)

November 3, 2009 - Geffen

Wale feat. Gucci Mane - Pretty Girls (SINGLE)

?? - Allido/Interscope

Leona Lewis - Echo (ALBUM)

November 11, 2009 - Syco/J Records

Allison Iraheta - Friday I'll Be Over You (SINGLE)

October 20, 2009 - Jive