Today's Pick

Latin pop star Shakira has finally premiered the video for her latest single, "Loca," the catchy song is the lead single from her upcoming bilingual studio album "Sale El Sol/The Sun Comes Out," which is due October 19 in US. Two versions of the song were released, one in Spanish, that features vocals from El Cata, and one in English that features vocals from British grime rapper Dizzee Rascal.
Shakira is 'Loca' for a guy! Over horn-heavy merengue beats and techno dance percussion, the hip-knocking Colombian delivers her interpretation of El Cata's "Loca Con Su Tiguere," fervently singing about being erratic for a guy, more so than his other leading lady: "She's tied to your love / But your love's only mine, boy." While Shakira lures in her man with Loca's hypnotic chorus, Dizzee delivers a notable rap interlude and skittering rhymes, affirming that he is, in fact, enraptured by a "crazy girl."
Shakira really knows how to make a sexy music video! The Jaume de Laiguana-directed video's urban locale is a little grittier than what you've seen from the Colombian superstar, with her skating, motorcycling and dancing through traffic and gawking fans in Spain's famed city before making a very public costume change. Why is Shakira going wild in the streets of Barcelona? Originally she planned to shoot another glittery production for "Loca," her new duet with Dizzeel, but then did something a little crazy and let Dizzee direct. The version used in the video is the JS Mix and she shot the video in a bikini top and gold hip-huggers that exposed her well-toned backside.
The "fun-filled" music video is different from Shakira's previous clips most of which are usually big-budgeted affairs. There's a calculated madness to the "Loca" video, a vibrant, unchained energy, the kind very few artists can conjure up, no matter how big the budget. And, come to think of it, that's a pretty accurate way of summing up Shakira's entire career. For nearly two decades now, either due to her multinational leanings or because she is sort of insane, Shakira has managed to carve out her own, rather indefinable niche in the pop music.

Only a couple days after releasing her 3-D video for "Rose Colored Glasses," Kelly Rowland closes out summer and serving you California chocolate drop in the summer with the hot new video for her new up-tempo dance record "Forever and a Day," the second UK single and latest track to get the visual treatment from her third solo album, which hits stores in early 2011.
"Forever And A Day" becomes the follow-up to chart smash "Commander." It was produced by Jonas, co-produced by David Guetta and written by Sam Watters and Andre Merritt. Rowland soars vocally as it slowly builds into an explosive dance floor friendly number. If you thought she couldn't produce a dance record to touch "When Love Takes Over" or "Commander," this proves you wrong. It's not as epic a single as the former, however Rowland's vocals are incredible and I enjoy them set against the vibrant dance synths that are Guetta's staple. She has a great shot of reaching the upper ends of the charts with "Forever And A Day."
The video for the melodic dance/house number isn't anything too exciting, and basically just follows Rowland around as she hangs out with her girlfriends on a Summer's day, but it fits the feel-good nature of the song perfectly. It was directed by British pop-culture Sarah Chatfield and shows the former Destiny's Child member having a great summer day and having fun with her girlfriends, hanging out the roof of a convertible, getting her skates on, and enjoying a lively night time party around Los Angeles in a convertible, and getting down to the carefree jam. The iPad Touch scene to scene transitioning made the video look tacky as hell. Watch below and soak up the final rays of the season.
The 29-year-old former member of Destiny's Child has never looked or sounded better. She seems to have hit her stride with more uptempo songs, after working with Guetta on "When Love Takes Over" and "Commander." She totally rips it wide open on the chorus with her shrieking-but-not-shrill "Forever And A Day" once again! The Kelly Rowland marketing engine is hard at work to make her new album pop off. She will release two versions of the album. The US variant will feature more urban and R&B influences in the vein of "Grown Ass Woman" while the European release will focus on her successful dance pop sound. Rowland's vocals and affiliation with the Queen of Creole will surely keep her refrigerator full.

California-based five-piece The Young Veins continue on their '60s beach pop bend and is gearing up for the release of their brand-new video, "Take A Vacation!" the title track off their debut full-length album, out now on One Haven Music. Looking as dapper as ever, the band play their instruments indoors and outdoors, intercut with 'vacation'-esque montages. They decided to take a little vacation of their own, abandoning the mothership for a new project, The Young Veins, and head-scratching new sonic template '60s-style pop reminiscent of the Beatles and the Kinks.
Keeping with their '60s pop sound and feel, the new video from The Young Veins "Take A Vacation!" is no exception! Quirky, mod camera work nods to the Richard Lester-era Beatles' films, right down to the hazy surf shots, using retro Korgs, John Lennon Revolution guitars, Polaroids, hard-shell suitcases sets that look like the Monkees just moved out, occasional pops of Technicolor, and complementary suits and ties. You would think this video was taken right out of a page of music history. The colors, clothing and everything showcase the uniqueness of the band while bringing you back to a different time.
Following closely in the verve of pop-tunesmiths of yesteryear, the retro-leaning rock band, The Young Veins bring back an old model: hot-potato frontmen, deceptively simplistic melodies, and consistency across the entire album. It would be easy to dismiss "Take a Vacation!" as a clever imitation of their inspirations, but followers of Ross and Walker will recognize the unmistakable personal touches they have come to love. Those deceptively simple melodies are offset by the same sort of deeply beautiful lyrics as "Pretty. Odd." The vocals are obviously diverse--no single singer here. But the overall effect of the album is shockingly cohesive, which makes choosing a favorite an exercise in detail-oriented listening.
The Super-8-style video dovetails nicely and nostalgically with the song's lush Beach Boys- and Zombies-leaning harmonies. It's like looking back in time through a View-Master, and it's the perfect way to end summer--on a Young Veins vintage vacation. Just like one day, your van will magically turn into a time machine that will send you back to the 60's and you can happily live there. "Take a Vacation!" may be the first from The Young Veins, but these musicians brought many years of combined experience to the album, and it shows. I can't wait to see where the road takes them. Until then, I'll settle for listening to "Take a Vacation!" on repeat. So, get some quality R&R with The Young Veins as they take a trip back in time with their '60s inspired video for "Take A Vacation!"

Katie Costello is out with the music video on AOL's Spinner to her new single "Cityscapes," off the New York City unsigned singer songwriter's latest EP "The City In Me," which hits stores tomorrow. The new video was made by the multi-talented Greg Holden, using ONLY the iPhone 4, and it features a jangling triangle and thunderous percussion juxtaposed with her piano melody. Her vocal turn reminds of Sixpence's Leigh Nash here, before breaking into the triumphant Waggoner-esque chorus. "We wanted to make the video for 'Cityscapes' a reflection of the genuine creative excitement that cities inspire," explains Costello. That leaves a lot to the imagination, and also makes for a crafty and charming video that you won't want to miss.
As musicians and music-listeners alike venture into a creative climate in which technological elements often define an artist's sonic and visual identity, Costello emerges as a unique & timeless example of an authentic artisan shining and colorful amidst the frequently grey backdrop of modernity. Almost as if her spirit has been frozen in another day and age, her perspective is one that far exceeds her surprisingly young age. At 17, Hermosa Beach resident is making her path clear. Costello is physiologically young, mentally ancient, and prides herself in having a keen eye for kitsch. She's recognized by a unique lyrical approach to her vintage-esque original tunes. Despite her biting sarcasm and unrepentant banter, she truly strives to be a sounding voice for the hopelessly warped, while simultaneously promoting the significance and paramount need for genuine creative passion.
"Cityscapes" was inspired whilst in a unexpectedly long and arduous journey from New York City to Philadelphia. While those two cities are just 93 miles apart, anybody who has spent time in both will be able to quickly point out their differences; just as all cities differ from each other in the end. "'Cityscapes' is about any city or place that has challenged you or made you a better person," Costello tells Spinner. "For me, in particular, it's about New York City and Los Angeles. Both cities make my mind race and my heart race. They make me work hard and play hard and be exactly who I am." Deeply personal, her songs are impressionistic and beckon to the lonely, disconnected nature of our times.
The five-track-mini EP clock in just below 20 minutes and offer a rousing introduction to this brilliant vocalist/lyricist, giving us just a tiny glimpse into what we might expect on her full length album "Lamplight," set to hit in early 2011. While the song in question is existential in theme and statement, that opening line is a perfect musical declaration that places Costello's music squarely in the spotlight, a concrete and firm flagpole marking a spot where a great new artist burst onto the scene. It also leaves us wanting more - way more. Enthusiastically endorsed by the influential Nic Harcourt of KCRW, the EP is comprised of five gorgeous songs bursting at the seams with soaring melodies and bubbling over with insightful poetics. With hints of Regina Spektor in her powerful vocals, Costello weaves intricate stories and pays tribute to life in the city. Spend your 20 minutes with "The City In Me" and I assure you, you'll be loyal for life.

It may be hard for you to believe that you could ever find room on your Zac Efron and Justin Bieber poster-covered walls for any new heartthrob's headshot. A rising musical sensation named Jackson Harris, however, will give you reason to make room for at least one more photo on your closet door. Harris is a brunette babe with vocal talent, and he's sure to land a slot on your next iTunes playlist as soon as his debut album, "Long Story Short," is available in October. He has just dropped his first video for debut album's title track, which involved riding around the streets of New York City with none other than 30 Rock's Judah Friedlander.
With a private school upbringing on Manhattan's conservative Upper East Side, Harris is the exception to the Gossip Girl rule. Ignoring pressures to follow the pack-go to college, get a degree, get a job and settle down, instead, Harris has chosen to take the road less traveled. To make a 'Long Story Short,' Harris's honest and melodic approach to life represents a pop star unwilling to give in to a sugarcoating of his world and words. Harris says that he decided music was the only career path he wanted to pursue back when he was in middle school.
This epiphany would prove to be the thread that holds together 'Long Story Short.' Produced & written by Harris, Valentine (Push Play), Andy Marvel (Avril Lavigne, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion) and Jeff Franzel ('N Sync, Taylor Dayne, The Temptations), perhaps nothing describes this feeling better than the instantly catchy lead single, "Long Story Short." Explains Harris "This song was born out of a necessity. I was expected to head out to these Universities and earn these degrees, but I really wanted to do something different with my life. Everyone always asks me what I've been doing, and the song and the album is sort of my answer to that - to make a 'long story short' here's what I've been up to, I've been blazing my own trail, meeting new people, falling in and out of love. The album is really the autobiographical story of my life."
The recording of the anthemic "Long Story Short" defined the direction of the entire album. As Harris tells it, some of his best work comes when he's at his lowest. With his four-song EP under his belt, fans clamoring to his Facebook and Twitter pages and New York and LA showcases scheduled, Harris no longer stresses out when he's at parties. "Now, when people ask me where I went to school, I say UCLA – Under the Corner of Lexington Avenue! By the end of listening to this record, you will know what it took for me to get here. I went to the school of life. I'm really proud of the work I've done and the music I am making. This album is my diploma."

Everything she touches turns to country music gold, and Carrie Underwood has had an emotional farewell with her mother in a music video for "Mama's Song." The 27-year-old country star shared the clip made in support of the fourth single off her third studio album "Play On." The video was shot by award-winning director Shaun Silva last month in downtown Nashville and features her real-life mother Carole and hockey star husband Mike Fisher.
The "Cowboy Casanova" hitmaker belts out the song that tells about her upbringing and newlywed status, while offering a touching scene between her and her mother. Looking elegant with a strapless mini dress, she gives her mother a hug before leaving with her husband who is waiting for her outside. "[Mike's] not 'in' it but you can tell it's him. He hung out with my mom [on set] and he's great with her," she told People magazine. She also added that the best part of making the clip is her husband. She said, "Just seeing [Mike] in my world was sweet."
This loving tribute to Underwood's mother was written by the American Idol star along with Nashville-based songwriter Luke Laird and pop hitamker Kara DioGuardi. In this song, Underwood thanks her mom for teaching her some important life lessons. She told Billboard magazine: "I really am in a good place in my life and I think that does show." This song talks about finding the right guy for mama's little girl. It is the most personal of the seven tracks Underwood co-wrote for the album, "Play On." "Mama's Song" takes on the best that love has to offer.
The first country singer to win American Idol, Underwood's career is the stuff of dreams. Possessed of that rarest of combination--undeniable talent, an extraordinary work ethic, and girl-next-door likeability--she blossomed as a national phenomenon before tens of millions of viewers by winning American Idol, captivated by both her vocal talent and personality. The artistic growth that has accompanied her subsequent rise into the upper reaches of the entertainment world has placed her among the foremost artists of her generation. With "Play On," she takes both her life and her art another big step forward. Today is the start of the fall leg of the PLAY ON TOUR! at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Ore. The tour will play 47 cities before wrapping Dec. 19 in Calgary, Alberta.

The R&B performer Keri Hilson rounds up her girls and sings away her frustrations about men who don't realize "every woman has breaking point." She is seriously rethinking her relationship and leading a revolution in the Bryan Barber-directed video for her empowering female anthem "Breaking Point," which serves as the lead single from her sophomore album "No Boys Allowed," in stores later in 2010.
"Breaking Point" is a beautiful, over a strutting, mid-tempo R&B joint produced by none other than Timbaland. While Hilson soars vocally, incorporating an improvisational gospel style, while she lays down the law of love. It also has a lovely Prince-like melody. The gorgeous Atlanta-native goes all in on the vocals, recalling Mary J. Blige, circa "I'm Going Down." It definitely ignites a bit of emotion in an every person (not just women) has a breaking point. The concept of the song itself is about moving on from relationships that are not working and expecting men to step up to the plate and show women more respect and love. Hilson said about the song: "The song is about that breaking point that every woman gets to when the excuses given by boys are no longer accepted. If you're not man enough to step to the plate, then keep it moving."
Although the video which comes out via Hip Hop Connection is an still unfinished version. Hilson wrote on Twitter, "Hey Twam, an unfinished version of my new vid 'Breaking Point' leaked, but I can't wait 4 you guys to see the official...coming SOON!" The "Breaking Point" video, was shot in her hometown of Atlanta and directed by frequent Outkast collaborator Bryan Barber, is, initially, a beautifully shot portrait of a woman on the edge of a nervous breakdown or at least having a bad day. Hilson writhes around in bed, singing about a love that's pushed her to the edge.
After a long night alone, lounging in bed and waiting for her man to come home, Hilson decided that she's finally had enough and it's time to move on from their past and get over her broken heart. No amount of bling will blind her from his all-nighters. To set things right, she marches down to the beauty shop for a quick makeover, and switching up her hair from black to blonde before breaking into a choreographed routine with a row full of girls in rollers. And to top it all off, the ladies head home for some payback, throwing their men's clothes off the balcony. Find out who she brought with her when you watch the video for "Breaking Point" below.

With her big sister Alyson Michalka('Aly') taking over the CW Network in her new series, "Hellcats," little sister Amanda Joy Michalka, often credited as 'AJ,' the other one half of singing duo 'Aly & AJ,' later called '78violet,' is left to go it alone. AJ is starring in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures "Secretariat" and was asked by the director to sing the theme song titled "It's Who You Are."
AJ writes down lyrics in her notebook in her new music video for her inspiring song "It's Who You Are." the theme song for the upcoming biopic film "Secretariat," which AJ stars as Kate Tweed and will hits theaters on Friday, October 8. In true Disney theme song fashion, the video is two parts sappy and two parts warmth. The video is less about AJ and more about the movie clips sprinkled within. AJ is seen in a horse stable writing and singing the lyrics to the song while the most heartwarming previews from the film fills the video.
AJ used to be a model prior to becoming an actress, and singer-songwriter, and instrumentalist. She is proficient at both the piano and the guitar. The 19-year-old singer/actress dished to Movie Surfers about how the video came about and what the song says to her: "It came about in a really cool way. The director, Randall Wallace, was writing the song for the film and he talked to me about it and was like, 'Come do the song for me. Let's bring it to life.' I was like, 'Are you kidding? Of course.' The song is not about doing things for the money or the fame, but just having passion behind the things you do."
Based on the remarkable and the impossible true story, "Secretariat" chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner, the first in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time. "Secretariat," the racehorse considered by many to be the best ever, and the housewife-turned-breeder who soared in a male-dominated sport are coming to the big screen in a Disney film.

"I've been on a bit of a roller coaster," says English soft rock musician, James Blunt, in his typically dry, British understatement. Two albums, two world tours and 18 million records sold later, Blunt has taken a journey that few ever experience. Now, with his compelling new Custard/Atlantic third studio album "Some Kind of Trouble," he's back home. The British singer returned with an amazing new single called "Stay The Night," will be serves as first single off the album. The song is set to be released on October 25, with the album early November.
Blunt is currently signed to the talented Linda Perry's American label Custard, and became the first British artist to top the American singles chart in nearly a decade when his third single "You're Beautiful" from his debut album, brought him to worldwide fame in 2005, and reached No.1 in the charts around the world. The last British artist to do so had been Elton John in 1997 with the song Candle in the Wind. Along with vocals, the five-time Grammys nominated plays a wide variety of instruments including the piano, guitar, organ, marimba, and mellotron.
"Stay the Night," is very chipper and up-tempo flavor shifts Blunt in a whole new pop genre, and he seems to fit there just fine. The whooaaa's and hey's that lace the lead-in of the track's chorus mixed with the lovelorn story and ultra raspy vocals. The infectious "Stay the Night," is a sexy, acoustic-guitar driven, party song about "singing 'Billie Jean' and mixing vodka and caffeine." Written by Blunt, Robson, and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder, the song also shouts-out to the legendary Bob Marley, referencing the reggae master's "Is This Love." In addition to collecting his first co-write with Marley, As for the new clip, it's very simple. Blunt playing his guitar on a beach and scenes of different people having a good summer's day.
"Some Kind of Trouble" starts a new chapter, which is delightfully upbeat and uncynical. "It captures a bit of the mood of the early '80s. There was a global atmosphere in the West that we could do anything – the same optimism we felt as teenagers," says Blunt,. 'Some Kind of Trouble' really captures that same sense of freedom and excitement and naivety." In this tabloid-driven age of overexposure, Blunt fervently wants the music to have the first and final word. Indeed, as much as he loves making new music, for Blunt, the ultimate joy comes from playing the songs live and sharing them with an audience. And with a new tour starting in 2011, the "You're Beautiful" singer is looking forward to getting back out there.

American country/pop starlet Jessie James sings to a man named John while lying in her underwear in bed in the sexy music video for her new single "Dear John." The new track is the second single, follow up her first hit "Boys in the Summer" from her upcoming sophomore studio album "Daughter of a Gypsy." After a long-delay, the music video is finally cleared for a release, displaying the sultry singer seems to completely confess her love and calling her lover 'John' to come back to bed.
A larger-than-life talent in a petite package, the "little-bit-of Greek, and predominantly Italian" James has been ready for her close-up for her career. Described as 'southern pop,' James's music is a candid celebration of her pop and country influences. Lately, she's been hinting that she's not being true to herself by continuing along the path of pop music. "I've wanted to do country music my whole life," she says. "But I'm really inspired by the pop world as well. I love both Christina Aguilera and Shania Twain, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
James carries the torch for southern pop, as the 22-year-old Georgia girl comes with the heat, this young spitfire is full of talent, and as we found out, she's a spirit all her own. She's working on a new album which sees her transition from pop to country. She wrote on Twitter, "Gonna make a real country record finally!!!! being a southern girl and having to hide it has been tuff! thank u Jesus for the chance!" Although she can compete with the current wave of hit pop divas, James is out to forge her own unique path to the top.
"I'm an Italian girl from the south who's very passionate," she says. "Love is what makes you do everything. It really does conquer all. With my first album, I was writing about empowerment hoping that would make it true. And now it is. I'm in charge. I make the rules. I've been writing since I was nine years old and I'm very much involved in the creative process. And now that I'm in a happier place in my personal life, I'm spitting songs out left and right." It's no wonder James didn't wait to put out her second album. And we're all the luckier for it.

As if a movie entirely about owls wasn't awesome enough - for the record, the only thing that could make this film any better would be UNICORNS - "Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'hoole" just upgraded itself to even more a million times awesome with Owl City's theme-song for the film, "To The Sky." It perfectly describes the bird tale with its lyrics such as "So touch your feathers to the breeze, and leave the ground."
Directed by Zack Snyder, the upcoming Australian/American computer-animated film based on the book series "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" by Kathryn Lasky. The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father's epic stories, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones. The movie is also fits the bands name, and will hits U.S. theaters this Friday. "To the Sky" is the only song featured in the Original Soundtrack compilation. The rest of the music uses David Hirschfelder's scores which are available as downloads.
"It is such an incredible honor to be part of this film," says the electronic brainchild of Adam Young. "As a fan of both the children's book series growing up, and Zack Snyder's work as a director, having my music included is pretty surreal. I've been waiting for someone to make a movie like this for some time now. I'm endlessly grateful to be involved." Naturally, then, with the name of the artist and the film, the accompanying video is filled with owls. The overall sound of "To the Sky" is less intricately fussy then the fanciful breakthrough hit "Fireflies." Here the sound is looser and more relaxed but just as catchy.
Owl City is an American Second Wave synthpop musical project by Young, who certainly knows how to make creation of a winning pop melody sound effortless. The video focused largely on the movie's scenes of animated owl warriors. It also captures frontman Young in the screening room, writing the song and recording it. At the end of the video, Young turns to an owl. With a new album "Sky Sailing" scheduled for a fall release, Young's future is as exciting, expansive and as mellifluous as his music. "I've loved every minute of it so far, and I'm looking forward to what's going to happen next." So are we.

The Beatles were one of the most successful groups in history, so it's no surprise that modern bands to their best to follow in their footsteps. And now it's British girl group The Saturdays turn, as the girl band decided to recreate The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover in the video for their new single "Higher." The girls are seen walking across a zebra crossing in New York, just as the Beatles did in London for their now infamous shot. They are causing everybody around them to break into dance and start fist pumping in a Jersey Shore-meets-Broadway type fashion.
It portrays the UK girl group having a good time in the streets while belting out the tune. While The Saturdays appear to be in New York in their "Higher" video, they actually flew to Los Angeles to shoot the footage on a film set at Fox Studios, and was directed by Taylor Cohen. The video featuring the album version of the song, premiered on ITV2 and on the group's official website on yesterday. "Higher" is the ninth single from The Saturdays, and the second single to be lifted from the girls mini-album What Will the Neighbours Say? "Headlines!" which is currently available for purchase in the UK.
"Higher," written by Ina Wroldsen, is an uptempo song, with a guitar-based melody that incorporates elements of electropop and synthpop. It also has surging beats and a breathless choruslift it to anthemic levels nonetheless. The girls said "'Higher' is a classic Saturdays pop tune, We can't help but dance around when it comes on! (sic)" The lyrics show a more serious side to the group who make use of auto-tuning on their vocals. "Higher" on the whole received positive reviews from most critics who praised the song for being infectious and catchy.
They may have lost out in one of the most excruciating chart battles in recent memory, but it's fair to say that The Saturdays have dusted themselves down like a chimney-sweep at 5.01pm. With impressive sales of recent dance-ballad 'Missing You,' a reality show and their new EP "Headlines!" holding steady in the top 20, it's no surprise they've attracted the attention of Flo Rida - the very fella who twice robbed them of chart glory - for some freestylin' on their new single "Higher." The lesson here? Never underestimate a Saturday.

The 19-year-old British pop starlet Pixie Lott has become an unstoppable force in the pop world since her first single "Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh)" shot to number one in the UK singles chart in August 2009. Not only has the teenage sensation racked up five consecutive top twenty singles but her debut album, "Turn It Up," lodged itself in the top ten of the album charts for much of the latter half of 2010. Bromley lass Lott has become known for her exhilarating live performances and exciting music videos, which is why fans will be pleased to take their first look at her latest official music video for "Broken Arrow."
Every song she releases describes relationships gone wrong and the emotions a girl experiences when falling for the boy that isn't right for Lott! "Broken Arrow" isn't any different, and it captures the singer's sadness, as she sings about being heartbroken over the boy that she loves pushing her away. She then meets the guy that wants to take care of her and could be her hero. However, it's a case of right one, wrong time, as she's still healing from her previous relationship. Lott is a ballroom dancer who falls in love with her dancing partner but loses him along the way. Throughout the video Lott can be seen searching for his figure in a crowded party, but is unable to find him, while memories of dancing with him keep coming.
This pop-rock ballad "Broken Arrow" is the lead single from the singer's debut album's re-released version, "Turn It Up" which has already been certified double platinum in the UK, will reportedly be released in a revamped version on October 18 in the US. Titled "Turn It Up (Louder)." The song was crafted by New York based songwriter/producer Toby Gad, whose CV also includes Beyonc's "If I Were a Boy" and Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry."
The tunes are all present and correct, of course, but it's the voice that hits you round the head like a Tom & Jerry frying pan: this potent, rich and addictive voice with the depth and maturity of a soul diva combined with the vim and dexterity of a teenage pop princess, all somehow, almost impossibly, coming from the mouth of a singer so perfectly packaged that people call her Pixie and still buzzing from the novelty of being able to go clubbing without her older sister's ID. Anyway, "Broken Arrow" is immense, and I'm hoping this tragic ballad and her powerful voice will shoot her to the top of the charts again!

American Idol alum Katherine McPhee has just released a new music video for her beautiful and haunting track "Say Goodbye," which will be included on the soundtrack of the upcoming faith film "I Am." The movie will be directed by John Ward, and has garnered a lot of hype in recent weeks. McPhee has such a beautiful voice that is full of raw emotion which can really be felt in this heart-felt song. It's actually a really beautiful video, but it's heartbreaking as well.
McPhee has a cloudless voice and a warm, wide-eyed Alice in Wonderland quality that won her swarms of fans on American Idol's fifth season - if Simon Cowell had a ready antonym for "ghastly," there's little room for doubt about which contestant he would have applied it to. McPhee warmly laughs as she confesses she's been in "artistic hiding" for the last few years. "It took me a long time to figure out where I wanted to go and be as an artist," she says. "I needed time to learn who I was as a musician." Once she discovered the answer, however, her path was sure and swift. McPhee is an R&B-leaning pop disc that pulls the urgency and tenderness out of her voice and pins it smack in the center of each song. If there's a crisp, smartly maneuvered Christina Aguilera-meets-Beyoncé-and-Mariah sensibility at work in those songs, the ballads belong to McPhee alone.
"Say Goodbye" was the third single and one of six tracks co-written by McPhee lifted from her sophomore album "Unbroken," which was released in January. In an interview with AOL, she was asked how therapeutic she found the lyric-writing process to be. The American Idol runner-up replied: "It depends on the day and who I'm in the room with. A lot of times I was really stubborn going into some of the writing sessions because I didn't want to write that day or something. But at the end I was really excited about what we did, and obviously all of it doesn't make the record, but it's cool to hear the finished product and have that memory of what it takes to go from a blank piece of paper to a full song."
The devastating, string–laced ballad "Say Goodbye," received its premiere when McPhee appeared on CBS drama "CSI: New York." McPhee guest-starred as a singer and stalker victim turned murderer and sang a partial version of the song during the episode. Written about the pain that precedes an inevitable break up, "Say Goodbye," is "the slit your wrist song," McPhee says, "This record is definitely more personal to me." Listeners will discover a glorious side of McPhee's supple, clear voice, resonating with emotion and confidence, caresses each note on this collection of soon–to–be pop classics. Her vocals also display a new vulnerability and maturity that make unbroken compelling listening. And yet come through to the other side, as McPhee does, "Unbroken." McPhee is currently working on a Christmas album that will be released in time for the holidays.

R&B songstress Kelly Rowland is still attempting to release her self-titled, third solo studio album, due in stores early 2011. She's gearing up to releasing her second very fashion forward and 3-D inspired video for her new single, "Rose Colored Glasses." The ex-Destiny's Child singer gets angry in the video for her new break-up anthem "Rose Colored Glasses," but she still manages to look stunningly beautiful. The clip is visually captivating with Rowland in high end fashion dresses, corsets and hoddie tops as she fights with her ex lover whom everyone sees as the perfect man behind their rose colored glasses.
"Rose Colored Glasses" is a pretty song, with a big but not-quite anthemic chorus, a hard Tedder-esque drum sequence and some synths, that holds its own, and features Rowland's trademark classy, controlled delivery. The mid-tempo electro/synthpop ballad was written by Ester Dean with a synthpop production courtesy of Dr. Luke. It lyrically speaks of the darker side of a relationship that outsiders never see. Critics have praised the song as being classy for carrying more emotion. Meanwhile lyrics explores the subtle ways that perspective can truly change everything and telling a story of a relationship that, on the outside, seems troubled. Rowland's vocals are described as smooth and the song is said to open with an electro crescendo.
The video was directed by British fashion photographer John "Rankin" Wadell. Rowland turns her tears into art in the eye-popping video, which focuses on the pain of leaving a relationship, vivid colors and unique visuals. It's fairly successful, despite its simplicity and obriety. The video starts off with a demure Rowland who looks divine! The songstress exudes emotion through her voice, her facial expression, and scenes with her love interest. Rowland sports a number of hot looks in the clip, showing off her fashionista side; a tight white dress to represent innocence and knee high boots for a more seductive look!
Rowland may be shedding light on what really goes on behind closed doors in a relationship with a man many believe is perfect in the video for "Rose Colored Glasses" but, what really stands out is the imagery, the fashion choices and Rowland's seeming theme of breaking free. For a Grammy-award winner who has been part of one of the most successful groups of all time, a solo star in her own right, with roles in motion pictures and television, Rowland isn't kidding when she says, "This is a fresh start for me. I'm in a fantastic place right now."

Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" is renowned for featuring some of the coolest music on reality TV, helping popularize artists like OneRepublic, Adele, Sam Sparro, Roisin Murphy, Goldfrapp, and even Lady Gaga. And the latest "SYTYCD" success story is songstress Christina Perri, whose breakup ballad "Jar Of Hearts" catapulted into the Billboard charts after it was stunningly featured on the show. "For like 17 days, I keep pinching myself. I don't want to sleep because I'm afraid I'm going to wake up or something. But it is real, and 'So You Think You Can Dance' has just changed my whole life," Perri said.
At just 24, Perri has already lived a handful of lives. She's toured the world as an assistant to a rock band, spent a year at a prestigious university, became a wife and then an ex-wife, produced popular music videos, made olive oil in Italy and even served as a fashionista barrista in Beverly Hills. The whole while, music had been tapping her on the shoulder, trying to lead her down a path as a musician. It seems that fate grew tired of this shoulder-tapping approach as well and went for an old fashioned sucker punch.
"Jar of Hearts" is a raw, defiant break-up song that Perri had written and aired on "SYTYCD" as a backdrop to a memorable piece choreographed by Stacey Tookey. The song is a ballad about a person who hurt Perri. In the chorus, Perri repeats: "Who do you think you are? Running'round, leaving scars, collecting your jar of hearts." Perri feels that "Jar of Hearts" has connected because," on a basic level, everyone has had this experience with a person who broke their heart. I'm just telling my story in a very real and direct way. This kind of slapped the crap out of everyone's hearts," she says with a laugh. She also stated in her blog: "I am so touched + speechless over your overwhelming response to jar of hearts. I wrote the song after I went home to Philadelphia for the holiday last December. I sat in my childhood bedroom and hid from the boy (with the jar of hearts) who wanted to see me. My heart wanted to see him, my head knew better."
Following Perri's stripped-down piano performance, "Jar of Hearts" continued its meteoric rise, and suddenly a hot property, Perri signed a record deal with Atlantic Records for her debut album, with an eye toward a late fall release. The songs Perri is recording for her debut album are all about love. She excels at setting dark, tumultuous emotions to stunning, pretty melodies. Perri says, "writing about love and heartbreak is just who I am. I've tried so hard to write about other things, but ultimately this is what comes out of me. I have zero capability to do anything that is inauthentic to who I am." Enjoy her music video for "Jar of Hearts", featuring Allison Holker and Kathryn McCormick.

The indie rock band Freelance Whales have come along way over the course of the summer and alot of that success is down to this deliciously lovely song, "Hannah," a song that references the mumblecore film "Hannah Takes the Stairs." Subtle as it may be, the name check has the slightest air of affectation-the Queens band proving it belongs among the Brooklynites. Freelance Whales are definitely a new favorite. they are a pretty young band based out of Brooklyn, not surprisingly, where a lot great music come from. The group have carried their 2009 debut, "Weathervanes" well into 2010 with an April re-release on "Frenchkiss." Here is the Stereogum premiere of their third single, "Hannah," featuring my favorite lyric from the album, "We could argue over where and when the cymbal hits should be."
Freelance Whales found one another in late 2008, in Queens, New York, amidst a strange amalgam of unfamiliar instruments, and precariously arranged pop songs. Using whatever musical gadgets they happened upon, the five members worked at crafting songs with interlocking rhythmic patterns, lush textural layering, and an engaged group-vocal energy. The result is their debut, "Weathervanes," whose songs work at evoking a sense of dislocation, or sensory disorientation. They invite the human spirit to exit the body, if only for brief moments. Freelance Whales can be spotted in the streets and humble venues of New York City, and in due time, elsewhere.
Freelance Whales songs always mix electronic and analog, but the way the synth mixes with harmonium on "Hannah" is particularly warm and bubbly. Vocalist Judah Dadone delivers track's lyrics in a quick half-whisper, as if he's scared of the song's namesake. Hannah's either a ghost or a girl as inscrutable as one. The track's video stays close the lyrics — the line "if you're vaguely attracted to rooftops" accompanies shots of the band on the roof, playing "Hannah" on something resembling a carnival game. And there's the beautiful barefoot ghost girl, and a kid who is too scared to directly interact with her. The video was directed by Issac Ravishankara and Ariel Danziger" Maybe less visually striking than "The Reeling," the video holds it's own by being just enough moody and fitting the song just as much.
To call them multi-instrumentalists might be a little overdone. The kids in Freelance Whales are really just collectors, at heart. They don't really fancy buffalo nickels or Victorian furniture, but over the past two years, they've been collecting instruments, ghost stories, and dream-logs. Somehow, from this strange compost heap of little sounds and quiet thoughts, songs started to rise up like steam from the ground. Though certainly not a provocative or dangerous band, Freelance Whales are marked by a distinct lack of cynicism that makes for a bright listening experience. The group seems to ultimately make music because they enjoy it, and that's never a bad thing.

English-Irish pop boyband The Wanted are following up their No.1 smash "All Time Low", have just released the video on Sunday for their second single "Heart Vacancy," taken from their upcoming debut yet-to-be-titled studio album scheduled for release on October 25. The obligatory boyband ballad aimed straight at teenage hearts. There is no denying that the boys are rather excited to be riding their current wave of success after the "All Time Low" hit the number one spot in the UK.
Backed by the Universal music label, The Wanted are one of the hottest new pop sensations of 2010! The Wanted fever seems to have gripped the teenage nation this last past couple of months. It shows no real sign of slowing down either. Rather fitting then after their debut single reached number one, The Wanted are striking while the iron is hot and unleashing their second single/video onto the world! The stunning video for "Heart Vacancy" was filmed in Croatia and focusing on band member Max George with directors Max and Dania, the team behind this summer's smash "StreetDance 3D."
"Heart Vacancy" is a touching love song with boys' heartfelt, soulful vocals combined with tender lyrics, acoustic guitar and a smooth bassline. When asked about their new single, The Wanted member Nathan had this to say: "We're really looking forward to releasing 'Heart Vacancy,' it shows a completely different side to us and will hopefully, set the tone for our upcoming album! It's about a girl that's been hurt in the past, who you try to convince to trust you and hope she realises it will be different with you."
"Heart Vacancy," written by Wayne Hector and Lucas Secon, is a quite pretty piano ballad dressed up with a you-can-still-play-this-on-radio confident stomping beat, guitary bits and some light synthy moments at the end. An extended and confusing metaphor about the heart as a hotel room, filling a vacancy supplies more evidence that the boys are lyrically useless, but it's a nice song with a great melody. If you prefer actual human voices to those created by a machine, there's good news: vocally it's less processed than "All Time Low," and Max has a rather lovely tone, but it's still near impossible to tell the mostly personality-free vocals apart.

Kylie Minogue's fantastic new album "Aphrodite" has already given us the fabulous lead single "All The Lovers" and has seen the Australian pop queen return to her uplifting dance-pop best! Now we get another treat called "Get Outta My Way." Nobody else makes robotic, lush dance-pop like Minogue, so full of melody and hooks, so rich with production flourishes and pristine singing. The dance-pop song "Get Outta My Way" will be released as the second single on September 27.
You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of "pop" artists who've lasted more than a decade, let alone more than two! Minogue achieved the record for the most played female artist on UK radio over the last 20 years! The 42-year-old Minogue manages to so perfectly and effortlessly flaunt her beauty in the most effortless of ways. There's drama, but no pretense. The result is sophisticated camp, like a high fashion photographer's first foray into pop. Minogue's somewhat simple yet electrifying new video for her rousing dance single "Get Outta My Way" is like a futuristic electro cabaret act, and the Aussie pop legend looks absolutely flawless sprawling around an interactive dancefloor while wearing various fancy footwear.
"Get Outta My Way" was written and produced by Lucas Secon, who described the track as "sexy electro disco with some clever lyrics and some real catchy melodies." He said the song wasn't written for any particular artist and at one point four different artists wanted to cut it as their first single before it was claimed by Minogue, who has never been the most glamorous, the most famous, or the most sensational pop star. However, she has managed a startling degree of consistency over the course of her career. Her latest single, "Get Outta My Way," is a slice of dance-friendly pop that sounds just as catchy and current today as it would have twenty years ago. The video is a similarly straightforward affair. And in this era of high-concept videos genetically engineered to go viral, sometimes straightforward can seem remarkably fresh.
As a video, "Get Outta My Way," directed by Alexand Liane and filmed at Pinewood Studios in London, has one distinct similarity with its predecessor, "All The Lovers," in that it features Minogue in the company of a bunch of barely clad men. Minogue looks golden in this sexy corset dress from The Blonds in her new music video, she sports some ferocious claw rings and various fabulous outfits, especially the leopard-print number. It's literally just a super-hot Minogue dancing and writhing around on the floor, wearing an endless array of fabulous outfits, and being generally beautiful.

Brooklyn-based indie folk duo Lucius debut the dreamy "Shenandoah" video off their newly released LP "Songs From the Bromley House", which was released last year via Under the Radar. Are you a fan of lovely girl harmonies? If so, Brooklyn's Lucius are the perfect gals for your ears. "Shenandoah" stars out slow and lovely, but soon it breaks out into an upbeat heartwarming tale that is simply undeniable. I was floored by the way these girls put their voices into use. These lovely ladies know how to pen uplifting songs that you shouldn't be without.
With the success of acts like Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, Horse Feathers, and many others, it's comforting to know that American Folk Music is alive and evolving. Lucius, a folk duo from Brooklyn fronted by Jesse Wolfe and Holly Laessig, may yet join the ranks of our new folk generation, with their tightly knit harmonies and humble guitar strumming. The ladies are currently poised to debut their album "Songs from the Bromley House," which showcases a cast of exceptional musicians. With a star-studded production team, there's no telling how far Lucius will take their own brand of folk music.
Lucius' songs have roots in Americana with vocal harmonies reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel and The Roches. You can expect more lush instrumentation and heavier backbeats. The two songstresses have been writing music together since 2005 while students in Boston. It was with the accompaniment of the Bromley's original 1921 Steinway piano that most of the album was penned, though such memorable originals as "Rocky Mountains," and "8 Birds," were fumbling around the attics of their minds before their move to the former music school.
Those songs are but pieces of a whole – a biographical ode to the house, and to the experiences they've shared there. The album's sounds are compositions both organic and ethereal featuring homespun, mountainous, seems-like-they've-always-been melodies in songs, just like beautiful song "Shenandoah." The Brooklyn duo's soulful harmonies of rich, playful hooks and ballad-like power meld together with a refined precision that often sounds more like one voice than two. "Songs from the Bromley House" is a lyrical message straight from Lucius' collective heart with an arresting call that echoes from beneath the floorboards.

Auburn Williams, the Princess of Beluga Heights, officially premiered the video video for her debut single "La La La" on MySpace, which is currently featured on the homepage. Directed by innovative young talent Ethan Lader, the eye-catching clip was filmed in downtown Los Angeles and features music sensation Auburn's labelmate and R&B artist Iyaz. The Minneapolis-born cutie giving us a very pretty face to match to the catchy tune.
With her debut single "La La La," 21-year-old newcomer Auburn establishes herself as an exciting new talent on the pop music scene. The song is an irresistible slice of urban-pop ear candy that doubles as a sassy empowerment anthem as it dismisses an in-your-face suitor with its irresistible "la la la" refrain. "It's about how you're trying to have a good time and someone gets in your face and starts complaining," Auburn explained. "You have to put your fingers in your ears and say, 'la la la, I can't hear you!' The song has a lot of my personality in it. When I sang it, I felt the irritation. I was really saying 'Get out of my ear please!'"
The song samples the 2000 international hit, "Around the World (La La La La La)," by the German Europop band A Touch of Class. The track's playful vibe is just a taste of what this appealing young singer, songwriter, and rapper has in store for the debut album she's currently creating in the studio with multi-platinum songwriter and producer J.R. Rotem. "I think there needs to be meaning behind a song," Auburn says. "Sure there are times when you need to dance and have fun, but, to me, the best songs are those that have a message. If someone's going through something, whether it's a situation with a family member, or not having any money, or dealing with a break-up, an inspirational song can help them get through it."
Auburn was born in Minneapolis to a single mother. She began singing in church and listened to nothing but gospel music as a kid. Impressed by her singing and rapping, unique songwriting talent and relatable, girl-next-door personality, Rotem signed her as the first female artist to Beluga Heights. When the label inked its joint venture with Warner Bros. Savvy about using social networking and digital media to connect with music lovers, Auburn has attracted new fans steadily through her YouTube channel and MySpace page, where she posts self-made videos and candid footage of her journey making her debut album. "I'm excited to meet my fans," Auburn says, "because they're the ones who helped me get here. I'm looking forward to getting out there and learning even more. It'll be amazing to perform for all the people who've really supported me."

It's almost fall, which means it's almost snuggle weather, which means you need a good snuggling song and a video to go along with it. Elektra recording artist Bruno Mars has just released a creative video on MTV for his mid-tempo love song "Just The Way You Are," the lead single from his upcoming debut album, "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" in stores on October 5th! Mars is in the process of making the transition from a well-known singer into a full-fledged superstar. In his new video, Mars serenades a beautiful girl and makes pretty cool art out of a cassette tape.
The Hawaiian-born and Filipino-Puerto Rican singer is substantially famous for disposition his vocals and co-writing to the manus for songs same "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travies McCoy. The scion of a Honolulu-based musical family, Mars grew up surrounded by a wide array of diverse sounds, spanning reggae, R&B, folk, and 1950s-era rock 'n' roll. Upon graduation from high school Mars headed to Los Angeles where he teamed up with Lawrence and Levine as The Smeezingtons. The trio quickly became one of the most in-demand production/songwriting teams in modern music, with a streak of major hits for such diverse artists as Flo Rida, Cobra Starship, Sugababes, Sean Kingston, Brandy, and Justin Bieber.
"Just The Way You Are," starts out with some beautiful, cascading Beach Boys harmonies, before segueing into a drums-and-piano-driven mid-tempo love song. The highlight is obviously Mars' delicate voice, which contains the same emotional resonance he brought to McCoy and B.o.B's singles. Mars told MTV News that the project was a collection of "songs in my back pocket and the label thought it'd be a good time to give people a little taste of what they're gonna get with the album. The EP came together real nice; you're gonna get a nice effect of what's in store."
Mars' romantic chorus on the B.o.B-led hit "Nothin' on You" isn't the last of his sweet lyrics. Sporting a feathered fedora, denim jacket and a smile, the 23-year-old singer/songwriter charms viewers in the stripped-down video, which was directed by Ethan Lader and inspired by the artwork of Erika Iris Simmons, and it uses animation to exemplify Mars' adoration for his lady. Taking a cassette, Mars stretches out the tape inside to reveal animated interpretations of his lyrics. From a flattering drawing of his lady to a mock-up of the singer himself behind a piano, the concept is eye-catching.
Not only is Mars' video a sweet paean to love, but it's a musical history lesson. It's been decades since cassette tapes have been used for music. So Mars finds a suave way to use the retro tech in the clip, yanking out the tape to draw pictures of his love interest. The piano is really awesome, as is the portrait of his girl with the hair made out of cassette tape. That could catch on as a way to recycle any remaining cassette tapes: make wigs out of them. The video is just as sweet as the track itself–currently No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. And the multi-talented singer/songwriter has one more reason to celebrate: He's just been added as a performer at this weekend's 2010 MTV Video Music Awards!

Smooth crooner Ne-Yo really is dropping these music videos like its hot. He strikes yet again with a brand new video for his new single "One In A Million," which is a continuation of where his last two videos, "Champagne Life" & "Beautiful Monster." The smooth mid-tempo cut is adopting the title of Aaliyah's classic tune, and the third single off his upcoming fourth studio album "Libra Scale," set to drop in stores on October 5. The latest installment in Ne-Yo's mini movie features him trying to charm his way into the heart of a young woman who is clearly not interested. Check out the video to see if Ne-Yo's charming ways, wizardry, and smooth steps actually win the girl over after the jump.
"One in a Million" is crafted like a screenplay. The record tells the story of three garbage men, Jerome, Clyde and Leroy, who are granted everything they could ever want including superpowers. However, there's a catch: they can never fall in love. When Jerome falls for vivacious no-nonsense stunner Ms. "One in a Million" Pretti Sinclair, she contracts a strain of his super-powers and suffers an adverse reaction that effectively drives her crazy. In this song Jerome meets the sarcastic Sinclair for the first time and her welcome for him is anything but warm. In an interview with Essence magazine, Ne-Yo was asked about his inspiration for the song's music video. He replied: "Libra Scale's visual inspiration comes from my love of dark movies like 'The Matrix' or 'The Dark Knight' but also from my love of romantic comedies. This element is showcased more in part 3: "One in a Million."
"One in a Million" is an R&B ballad, very catchy and filled with heart-felt lyrics that should make any woman swoon, but it just doesn't seem to work for poor Ne-Yo. He tries everything from floating roses to breaking out into an impromptu choreographed dance routine in the middle of the street to impress his dream girl. The woman is extremely resistant through all of his attempts and one can't help but remember Ne-Yo being told not to fall in love in the second video. The new video for "One in a Million" recalls Micheal Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," the gloved one's 1987 girl-chasing clip. Instead of following a vixen through an alley in the middle of the night with a posse of dancing goons, Ne-Yo and a gang of gentlemen prance through city streets clean in shirts, slacks, and wingtips. Ne-Yo, a self-described M.J. fanatic, does a wonderful job being true to himself without turning this into a corny carbon copy. We can see Jackson's influence, but there's no crotch-grabbing plagiarism.
"One in a Million" has the power to put that love-stricken smile on any woman's face. Catchy yet relatively simple, the rhythmic Indian drum beat courtesy of Chuck Harmony and Ne-Yo's sexy, buttery voice make you truly believe the girl he's singing to is actually one in a million. The sugar sweet lyrics melt the soul, and are sure to be the inspiration for wedding vows everywhere this fall. In addition, look out for Million's music video, since the entire album is based on a short story Ne-Yo wrote and is bringing to life in a series of ten minute music videos. The 30-year-old has become so good at transitioning his style of singing close to Michael Jackson's vocal range that it’s become pretty uncanny. The track, a mid-tempo joint sure to bring the summer to a smooth close.