Hot Video Alert: Sugababes - Freedom

UGH! I'm just so bored with the Sugababes nowadays. I just don't know what happened...

Wait a minute. Yes I do. Keisha Buchanan left the group.

Ever since that fateful day, my love affair with the Sugababes has spiraled into blase indifference.  Whether I would have liked the girls' seventh studio album, Sweet 7 with Buchanan's name and voice still attached...I'll never know.  What I do know is Sweet 7 was a big fat dud.  The album was a complete unoriginal mix and match of pop garbage that almost any group could have put out (and has).  Let the record show, I harbor no ill feelings towards newbie, Jade Ewen, Heidi Range or Amelle (and wish them all the best on their solo careers)...I just wish things had turned out differently for the girl group that first caught my attention all those years ago for their original sound and fresh take on girl group pop music.  Now that Keisha is gone, there really is nothing left of the original lineup, is there?  What the hell is the point then?  I'm all for reinvention and lineup changes but the Sugababes just aren't the Sugababes anymore and their new single, "Freedom" isn't going to change any one's mind.

"Freedom" is the official first single for the Sugababes since leaving Island Records, the band's home for 10 years, and joining RCA.  Due for UK release on September 25th, the single was produced by The Invisible Men and Parker & James and co-written by (*BIG BREATH*) Jason Pebworth, Jon Shave, George Astasio, Kyle Abrahams, Peter Ighile, Mariah Young-Jones & Rowan Martin. PHEW! Exhausting, typing out all of those names.  I'd love to know which one of those people were responsible for the bit in the chorus that goes..."Dumb Dumb Dumb Dumb..." because that basically sums up everything I'm feeling about the song right now.  The issue I have with the song (SURPRISINGLY) isn't the lyrics...it's the beat. It's a generic pop song, nothing more.  There's really very few redeeming qualities about the song.  If this is what we have to look forward to off the new album then I think the Sugababes might be in trouble.  At least we have the music video to look forward to...oh wait. That's a bore as well.  Directed by Sean De Sparengo, the "Freedom" video is essentially a re-hash of the video for their 2008 single, "Girls," you're average club scene video featuring the girls dancing up on some gentlemen and shaking their bodies.  At least deliver a sick video if the song is this boring. Come on Sugababes!  Get it together! My patience is wearing thin.

Download the single (currently being used in an advertisement for Nokia at home in England) September 25th if you like what you hear and look out for remixes from 7th Heaven, Kris De Angelis, Benny Page, Friends Electric, Johnson Somerset, Thundercatz and Tom Dick & Harry.  The single also features a B-Side, a cover of "Standing In The Way of Control" by Gossip.

 Check out the Sugababes on the web: 

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

The Saturdays Reveal 'New' Album Details, Cover Art

Boys and girls! The number of UK girl groups is DWINDLING down to near nothing and I don't like it one bit.  Back in the day it used to be girl power to the max, with the Sugababes and Girls Aloud ruling the UK charts.  This is the case no more.  The Sugababes last album and subsequent singles didn't really impress anyone (or make any significant chart moves) and with Girls Aloud on an indefinite "hiatus" the record labels are scrambling to put together the next IT girl group.  With the creation of groups like Girls Can't Catch, the Dolly Rockers and The Saturdays, I started to have faith...faith in the future of girl groups...but sadly I am feeling no better.

With the recent news of Girls Can't Catch being dropped by their label (Polydor/Fascination), likely due to poor single sales, I can't help but be a little fearful for the future of British girl groups.  While The Saturdays seem to be making an effort at remaining relevant and PRESENT in an over-crowded pop market, I question the upcoming release of "new album," Headlines.  The 8-track "mini album,"  Headlines, comes out on August 16th and features two previously released singles from the girls' last album, Wordshaker - "Ego" and "Forever Is Over."  Why? We know those songs.  Both singles peaked within the Top 10, with "Forever Is Over" even going all the way to the #2 spot.



It looks like The Saturdays are following in the footsteps of Lady Gaga's the Fame Monster.  The only difference HERE is that Gaga's Fame Monster was a mini-masterpiece in and of itself.  While I can't say for sure that The Saturdays' new release isn't, I highly doubt every single track is OMG-to-die-for pop music.  I will reserve final judgement for August 16th but I'm just putting it out there now that I'm skeptical.  First single "Missing You" is released on August 8th and features remixes by Cahill and Steve Smart & Westfunk.

Tracklisting:

1. Missing You

2. Ego

3. Higher

4. Forever Is Over

5. Died In Your Eyes

6. Karma

7. Puppet

8. One Shot (Starsmith Mix)

Check out The Saturdays on the web:

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

What's In Jamie's Shopping Cart?

One day I will become fiscally responsible. One day...maybe before I'm 30 (which is coming up pretty quickly). Until that day, I will continue to support artists that I love, as well as new artists that intrigue me.  Case in point, I've spent quite a bit of money on CDs over the past week. Here's what's in my goodie bag:

Sugababes - Sweet 7: Still not sure if I'm 100% on board with Sugababes 3.0 but there are a few catchy, single-worth tracks on the album.  Favorites? "About A Girl," 'Wait For You," "Thanks For The Heartbreak," and "Sweet & Amazing (Make It The Best)."

Delphic - Acolyte: Delphic are a alterna-tronic English band and I'll be honest. I haven't listened to their album yet.  I read some good stuff about them over on Popjustice and read some other good reviews and just decided to take a chance. First single "The Momentary" is pretty impressive, I gotta say so chances are good that I'm going to like these guys.

Diana Vickers - Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree: This is by far one of my favorite pop albums of the Spring. Diana Vickers from X-Factor fame released her debut album earlier this month, taking it straight to the top of the UK Charts.  The album features songwriting assistance from greats like Cathy Dennis, Eg White, Ellie Goulding, Guy Sigsworth, Nerina Pallot, Starsmith and Björk!  First single "Once" topped the UK singles charts and second confirmed single, "The Boy Who Murdered Love," I'm sure will do well too. Favorites? "Once," "The Boy Who Murdered Love," "Four Leaf Clover," "Put It Together," "You'll Never Get To Heaven," "My Hip," and "Hit."

Marina & The Diamonds - Family Jewels: Perez Hilton's had been raving about Welsh singer/songwriter Marina & The Diamonds for months before I finally checked her out.  I don't know what I was waiting for!  Contrary to what one might assume, Marina &The Diamonds is a one-act show...not a band.  The "Diamonds" are her fans (her last name, Diamandis, translated from Greek) and she loves them!  "I am Marina, you are the diamonds" she says on her MySpace page.  I bought her album (which peaked at #5 in the UK Charts) The Family Jewels as an import because I couldn't wait for the U.S. release (on May 25th via Chop Shop Records).  Featuring production from Greg Kurstin, Ash Howes, Starsmith and others, the album is a good mix of up-tempo, and balladry.  At times her vocals remind me of Regina Spektor but she's definitely got her own unique style.  Her fourth UK single, "Shampain," will be released on June 28th. Favorites? "Shampain," "I Am Not A Robot," "Mowgli's Road," "Hollywood," "Hermit The Frog," "Oh No!," and "Numb."

Gabriella Cilmi - Ten: When I first heard that Aussie popstar Gabriella Cilmi was going "DISCO" for her new album Ten, I have to admit I was excited!  As much as I loved her debut Lessons To Be Learned, dance pop is more my bag.  With production from the likes of Xenomania, The Invisible Men, Dallas Austin and songwriting help from Greg Kurstin, Ellie Goulding, Luciana and Ian Masterson, I was practically salivating.  However, upon my first listen, the young singer's new album disappointed.  I don't know what I was expecting...but it wasn't this.  Initially all I heard was one or two possible hit singles and the rest was filler.  However, after a few more listens, I think I've gone and had a change of heart.  What can I say..."hearts don't lie." In a recent interview Cilmi tells Digital Spy that while nothing has been decided yet about a third single, "there's definitely a 'Defender' vibe going on at the moment." Favorites? "On A Mission," "Hearts Don't Lie," "Love Me Cos You Want To," "Robots," "Superhot," "Glue," and "Sweet About Me (Twenty Ten Version)."

Ellie Goulding - Lights: Ellie Goulding is a talented singer/songwriter (actually lending her talent to of my purchases above - Gabriella Cilmi and Diana Vickers).  I'm so glad that she decided to release her own album, as it's fast becoming one of my favorites.  I started hearing rumbling about Goulding when "Under The Sheets" was released and the hype started mounting. I started reading articles questioning whether or not the hype surrounding this talented artist was actually founded.  Turns out, it was...her debut album managed to reach the top of the UK charts.  Lights features songwriting from Goulding and production from Starsmith, Mark "Spike" Stent, Frankmusik, Fraser T. Smith and more.  The third single, "Guns and Horses" will be released this Monday, May 17th in the UK.  Here's hoping Goulding attempts a crack at the States later this year. Oh...and listen to the lyrics. I love her lyrics! Favorites? "Guns and Horses," "Starry Eyed," "This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)," "Under The Sheets," "The Writer," "Every Time You Go," "You're Biggest Mistake," and "Salt Skin."

Pixie Lott - Turn It Up: A 19 year old triple-threat, singer/songwriter/actress, Pixie Lott is someone to look out for here in the States.  Her debut album (via Mercury Records), Turn It Up peaked at #6 on the UK charts, and her first two singles ("Mama Do," & "Boys and Girls") topped the UK Singles Chart. Not bad for a young artist!  Featuring the songwriting talents of Toby Gad, RedOne, and production from Cutfather, Fraser T. Smith, RedOne and Gad, there's not a lot room for filler on her debut album. Her songs are a little bit pop, a little bit soul/R&B and a lot of fun.  She actually kind of reminds me of a younger Natasha Bedingfield.  Like Bedingfield, she's got a big voice and she's absolutely stunning.  What's more? Lott is planning on releasing her debut album here in the States via Interscope Records.  According to Digital Spy, the artist may be working on a collaboration with Timbaland, who reportedly was impressed by what he heard while Lott was recording in Los Angeles.  Apparently Pixie Lott is THE hot ticket right now, evidenced by her first movie role in a movie called Fred, so the U.S. might have to wait. I think I can be patient. She's worth the wait. Favorites? "Mama Do," "Cry Me Out," "Turn It Up," "Boys and Girls," "Gravity," "My Love," "Jack," "Here We Go Again," "The Way The World Works," and "Hold Me In Your Arms."

Erik Hassle - Pieces": Erik Hassle is the latest in a long run of Swedish pop stars to catch my attention.  We've had Robyn, Annie...no wait...she's from Norway. Shit! Whatever. I LOVE Erik Hassle! He's got a unique look about him...and he's got a fabulous voice to boot!  It's really a shame that his album Pieces failed to chart in the UK back when it was released on February 22nd.  Debut UK single "Hurtful" managed to only peak at #59 on the UK Singles Charts. That's not too good!  When the single was released in his native Sweden, it managed to peak at #11.  Here in the States, (where his album was released digitally the same day as in the UK) the single managed to peak at #30 on the Billboard's Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks Chart. Still - not an impressive showing! I hope and pray that his label (Universal/Island) has some kind of a re-launch in the works as I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to this talented guy.  Sharing songwriting credit with the 21 year old Hassle we have Max Martin, Grizzly, Tommy Tysper and more.  Favorites? "Bump In The Road," "Hurtful," "Don't Bring Flowers," "Isn't It Obvious," "The Thanks I Get," "Bitter End," "First Time," "Love Me To Pieces," and "Amelia."

Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On: Yikes. Don't know what came over me! I've always kept my love of female country artists in check...well...almost always. There was that time that I bought a Dixie Chicks album...and reviewed one of Allison Moorer's CDs for my college paper...and those times I jammed out to Faith Hill and Shania Twain in high school...but besides those instances, I firmly DENIED liking country music.  Then Carrie Underwood comes along and be still my heart...I couldn't resist!  Admittedly I didn't watch American Idol the season Underwood one but she's always been on my radar. I think she's one of the those female country artists I keep secretly hoping will cross over into pop territory.  The trigger for me was watching her video for her third single, "Undo It," off of her third album, Play On. Wow. The video was shot at a live show but still has a real music video feel to it. Her voice...undeniably...is the epitome of power house...combined with the fact that she's absolutely stunning...I was powerless...and proceeded to purchase all 3 of her albums via Amazon.  In my defense, Play On is her LEAST country country album of the three. While not pop, Underwood did work with traditionally-pop songwriters like Mike Elizondo, Max Martin, Kara DioGuardi, and Chantal Kreviazuk.  It was only a matter of time before I became a full on Carrie Underwood fan. Favorites? "Jesus, Take The Wheel," "Before He Cheats," "Wasted," "So Small," "Last Name," "Cowboy Casanova," and "Undo It."


Jewel - Lullaby, Sweet & Wild: Jewel is one of the few artists whom I will support and love unconditionally, no matter which musical direction she goes in.  When I first heard that she was "going country" after the commercial failure that was 0304, I was devastated.  Sure, This Way was a touch country, but it had a bit more ROCK to it than what I thought of as traditional country music.  0304 wasn't necessarily my favorite Jewel album, it's just that it was her first purely up-tempo pop album, where every track was practically BEGGING to be remixed (and "Intuition," & "Stand" were!) and that's the music I LOVE.  The one thing I did know, after having seen Jewel perform once in college, this lady could sing anything and sound amazing, so country music wasn't going to be a be all end all for me and Jewel. Goodbye Alice in Wonderland was the singer/songwriter's last album with Atlantic Records, going indie and signing to Valory for her next release, Perfectly Clear.  While neither country album really spoke to me the same way that her past folk-pop releases had, I loved the voice and the lyrics.  Jewel has a knack for the written word and when she adds a melody and starts to sing...Wow. I'm putty.  When Jewel paired up with Fisher Price to release Lullaby an album of...lullabies I wasn't too shocked. Jewel's voice is well suited for children's music but I was desperately hoping this wasn't the direction she was going in long term. Lucky for me, it's not!  Jewel will be releasing "Sweet & Wild" (as I mentioned before) through Valory, featuring a mix of different sounds, sure to appeal to the masses and MAYBE...just maybe we'll get another remixable track. Sweet & Wild is out June 8th, but can be pre-ordered now with a special double album including acoustic tracks.  The first single "Stay Here Forever" from the soundtrack to the movie Valentines Day is out now and will be followed by the second single "Satisfied." Favorites? "Sweet Dreams," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Dreamer," "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," "Simple Gifts," "Brahm's Lullaby," "Stay Here Forever."

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.

Sugababes Lose A Member - Heidi + Amelle + Jade Ewen - Keisha?

Imagine my shock and surprise when I returned from the gym to see THIS message on the Sugababes Official MySpace & website...

Shocker! After much premature speculation that it would be newest member, Amelle Berrabah that was leaving - turns out - it will be none other than the last of the original lineup - Keisha Buchanan. SAD! While Heat World.com did in fact have it right that the newest member would in fact be Eurovision entry, Jade Ewen - they got the booted member incorrect.

Keisha took to her Twitter page to set the record straight. In a series of Tweets, Keisha had this to say:

Dear Friends I'm sad to say that I am no longer apart of the Sugababes. I've had a great time and have achieved more then I ever thought I would. Although it was not my choice to leave, it's time to enter a new chapter in my life. I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck. I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that lead to this. Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things. I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me. Remember my drunk pictures out with Amelle, supporting her on her success with Tinchy Stryder... Oh the shame... But what a fun night we had. Now I'm going to take some time to focus on me. I've been in this band for 11 years and I have achieved so much. I have a great family and friends who are behind me 100% and at the age of 24, I'm now going out into this world on my own....Although im nervous... I'm still very excited on what lies ahead. :-) I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but excepted me for who I am...This is not the end... but the beginning!!!! Thank you always... Keisha xxx

Wow. According to reports, Keisha was blindsided by the news. What's going to happen with the new album and promotion? I'm hoping some more reports come out, explaining what lead up to this HUGE move. Now... I'm not going to go as far as to say that I'll never support the girls ever again. That's a bit idiotic. Isn't it about the music? If they produce a catchy song, or even a catchy album, what's to stop me from enjoying it? I still support Keisha and it sounds like she's still going to have a solo career on Island Records. I can have my cake and eat it too. My cake being Keisha of course. I'm not worried about her.

I must say that I kind of agree with Popjustice when they say that the girls need a new name. I do believe that the Sugababes' name should be retired, given that there no originals left.

Now whatever happens, there's no denying that Jade Ewen is talented. I'm eager to hear what she injects into the group and what happens with their upcoming album, Sweet 7. I don't know how much of the album has been recorded already but I hope they don't have to pull another Taller In More Ways and re-release the album with vocal contributions from Amelle (after Mutya left the group). I'm also curious to see what's going to happen with Jade's debut album (she was signed to Polydor). I'm guessing with this recent development, it's going to be shelved. Shame.

I guess we'll have to see what happens with this but regardless, I'll support the Sugababes and I'll support Keisha as the separate entities that they now are.