Today's Pick

Happy "Eclipse" day! As the Twilight nationwide squeal about today's release of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," the third film in the blockbuster vampire romance series, Canadian indie rock foursome, Metric have stepped in to help raise the anticipation by releasing a official music video today for their lead-off track and theme song "Eclipse (All Yours)," featuring music from new movie's star-studded soundtrack, has been released since June 8 and remains in the the Billboard 200 top 10 this week. The video is complete with scenes from the film.
The video starts out innocently enough, with the absolutely flawless lead singer Emily Haines hanging out in a remote cabin, scribbling lyrics and tapping on piano keys in an attempt to capture the muse. The rest of the video features teaser footage, from werewolf battles and smoky Taylor Lautner closeups to lip-locking by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart on a beautiful, flower-dotted hillside. Metric go to a secluded location in new video, they are seen occupied with the songwriting of 'Eclipse' soundtrack.
Haines and guitarist Jimmy Shaw, along with legendary film composer Howard Shore wrote "Eclipse (All Yours)," which is Metric's first song for a movie and they are very excited to have their first attempt at movie stardom reach such a large audience. "I've always wanted to write music for a film, but I never expected to start with something on this scale," said Haines about the soundtrack.
Metric had embraced an eclectic and adventurous outlook — the group's music encompasses elements of indie rock, new wave, dance rock, and electronic music. This appeals squarely to the early teenaged girl crowd, much like Paramore was a perfect fit: it features heavily eyelinered Haines scrawling in her journal high school style, laying around in roots and dirt and stuff, crouching helplessly. The rest of the band strolls along the purported Portland seaside and forests.

Canadian pop rock songstress Fefe Dobson re-emerges from obscurity and a super-long hiatus with the premiere of her brand-new video on MTV for the dancefloor-ready synth-pop single "Ghost," the first release off her long-awaited sophomore album "Joy," slated to release August 17 via Island Def Jam Records. When learning that her boyfriend has cheated on her, Dobson takes the matter into her own hands, refusing to let him move on with his new relationship. The rocker also says that she is trying to make her forthcoming full-length "Joy" a 'perfect' album.
Dobson's latest video has a very clear message: If you cheat, your ex will make your life miserable. In "Ghost," Dobson catches her soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend cheating on her with a far less cute girl, it should be noted and then the real fun begins! Although the ex tries to move on with his new relationship, Dobson doesn't let up until he breaks up with his lover. The rocker sticks up for scorned girlfriends everywhere as she harasses her ex, she shapeshifts, climbs the ceilings, turns into a singing tattoo, probably causes the floorboards in his house to make scary and unsettling creeks, and ultimately breaks up a doomed relationship, proving that revenge is a dish served… hot actually. She burns a bed, for crying out loud, and subtly channels Kelly Clarkson in her "Never Again" video.
Dobson, a young Toronto-based struggling pop-rock artist who brokered demo recordings and a series of solid industry showcases, hasn't dropped an album since her eponymous self-titled 2003 debut. Since then, she's lent her songwriting skills to artists like Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks and Selena Gomez, who all recorded Dobson's unreleased tracks on their own albums. She chalked up the break to the fact that she spent the last few years making sure that her comeback effort, "Joy" is just right. Dobson croons out infectious hooks that are as danceable as they are anthemic.
One thing that's always been consistent in Dobson's music is attitude splashed with a pure pop paintbrush. And her new single is no different. The "Ghost" is a perfect mix of spunky rock mixed in with that Alanis Morissette 'You Oughtta Know' edge. Now 25, Dobson is finally embracing her roots, with a no-holds-barred collection of full-throttle rock & roll that spotlights her skills as a singer, songwriter and performer. With "Joy," Dobson is on her way to achieving that goal. "I don't regret a thing," she says. "I keep moving forward and not looking back. I couldn't ask for anything better. I'm a girl from suburban Canada who never thought I'd be able to do what I've accomplished. And I'm not done yet." In fact, Dobson is just getting started.

Congolese-Dutch singer Nathalie Makoma has just released new video for her second single "I Just Wanna Dance." Makoma was the runner up of Dutch Idol 4, back in 2008. This dance pop song is an English version of Girls' Generation's (SNSD's) "Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)," is just released in The Netherlands.
"I Just Wanna Dance" is a great R&B, Pop, Dance track with an uptight beat. Not only is this a great song, but it is completely legit! The song was rightfully bought by Sony Entertainment from the composer, so SNSD's song as well as Nathalie's are 100% legal. Dancetunes with Makoma's vocals are suiting her very well, this how she likes it!
Makoma is an up and coming star with a story. She was born in Kinshasa (DR Congo), and raised in both Netherlands and Germany, Makoma's deep cultural roots rush through her soul in everything and anything she sings–and it is amazing. She is by far one of the most inspirational voices that I've ever heard grace the Idol stage. In the Netherlands she is known from her performances during Idols 4. Against all her expectations she knows how to convince the jury and later on the audience in the Netherlands. The jury calls her the new Tina Turner and a real dancing queen. Makoma makes it to the finals and becomes second of Idols 2008. In Africa she is known for being the lead singer of the best gospel bands, "Makoma." But Makoma is more then an energetic diva with a great voice. She is a sweet, shy personality as well. On stage she becomes someone else who isn't afraid of anything.
After Idols, Makoma gets a record deal at one of the biggest record labels in the Netherlands, Sony Music. With her Idols colleagues Nikki and Charlene she gives a tour through the Netherlands. The three artists give away over 150 shows in four months time. Her first single "I Won't Forget" is out in stores right now! Makoma will do anything to become a very big star. And she will be, because when Makoma wants something she goes for it, not for a 100% but 200%.

British indie rock band One Night Only released music video on Channel 4 in the UK, featuring Emma Watson for "Say You Don't Want It," the first single from their forthcoming self-titled eponymous sophomore album through Vertigo Records. The song will release on the 16th August, and the album follows on the 23rd August.
Harry Potter star Emma Watson recently opened up about her relationship with boyfriend George Craig, who is front man for One Night Only. "We've been friends since the Burberry shoot. And when I was in the states, George was taking me through a lot of his music as he was recording it. I couldn’t believe [how good the music was]. I'm a big fan. Everything he did was amazing." The Video shows Emma and Craig just hanging out in the streets in New York City, as the video goes on, they start to develop a relationship. In the end, they look at their reflection to show the viewers that they were all along dogs, and Emma is taken away by her owner, while Craig is look at her leaving.
Clearly the young band have a penchant for writing catchy choruses which should ensure a long duration in the music industry. The hurtling first single and album opener "Say You Don't Want It" is an instantly memorable song which talks of living like stars with beautiful girls and fast cars but also the fake and materialistic side of what can also be an empty and lonely world behind pop stardom. It captures the highs and lows - how it feels to be pop's most wanted and the darker flipside of pop success which the fans never get to see.
One Night Only released their debut album in January 2008, and it quickly went Gold, and spawned the huge hit single Just For Tonight. Their forthcoming album, recorded in Brussels and produced by Ed Buller captures the headrushing excitement of how it feels to ride this rollercoaster. It's an album of giddy, almost dizzying energy and excitement; bigger and more confident tunes than the boys making their debut could have possibly imagined, and a feeling of being catapulted into something tremendously exciting and perhaps a little troubling. It's the story of chasing the end of the rainbow, what happens along the way and when you get there. One Night Only justifiably call the results a "quantum leap" that will take them to a whole new audience.

The sibling acoustic pop duo Poema are out with the video to their new catchy rhythm single "2 AM," a lead song off their debut EP "Sing It Now," in stores and online now on Tooth & Nail Records. Two teenage sisters from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Elle and Shealeen write and perform their acoustic/pop songs that range from serious to silly, from being in love to changing the world. They love serving up these melodic slices of life to a broad audience. "2 AM" replays the events and insecurities of a night's date, worrying if the guy is still interested.
Although they didn't necessarily know how it would play out in their future plans, music has always played a key role in their lives, who've discovered that songwriting is a pretty great vehicle for saying exactly what's on their minds. Elle is the bands captivating lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player. She sings and plays with dynamic that is stunning for a girl of just 17. 19-year-old Shealeen sweetens the music with her tasteful harmonies, classical piano playing, and subtle lead vocals.
Unlike many siblings who spar and fight at the drop of the hat, Shealeen and Elle's don't use their songs to vent their frustration against each other. They aren't the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, after all. Instead, the lilting melodies and memorable harmonies they've created only underscore the beauty of collaboration. The girls have many musical influences. Some of their favorite artists include Switchfoot, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Jack Johnson, Phil Wickham, Paramore, John Mayer, Johnny Cash, and Eisley.
"We really loved music, but we never thought there was a future career in it," Shealeen says. "But that particular show was such a turning point. We'd played a couple of original songs, nothing that really seemed all that special to us, but the audience really responded. After a standing ovation, half of the people actually came up to talk to us after the show. Later, they asked us if we were trying to 'make it' as professional musicians. And we were like 'No.'" Describing their sound as "happy, acoustic-pop," the girls felt that "Poema" was the perfect name for the group. "We really wanted our name to be one word, something that would really define us."
Poema has been a band for just over a year and already the sisters have poured their hear and soul into their debut EP, which has a happy vibe to it, also managing to be upbeat as well as acoustic. From the very start, there are absolutely no pretensions that this is a "ballad-y slow pop project." "2 AM" leads off the record with a long night gone awry and boy problem lyrics laid on top of the album's most aggressively catchy music, only challenged by "City Boy." Usually getting lost in some sort of mid-paced sway, the acoustic guitar and piano do perfectly accompany both girls voices and provide a foundation for what you could ultimately call adult contemporary pop/rock.

Fyfe Dangerfield, front-man for the indie rock band Guillemots, brings us a stunning cover song of the Billy Joel classic "She's Always A Woman," from recently released his debut solo album "Fly Yellow Moon." The song, a marginal improvement from the first single to be taken from the album, has been kicking around for a couple of months now, but my local radio station are pushing it hard so I thought why not share seeing as it's a great wee tune. I think I can say, without any fear of contradiction, this is the dullest video I've ever screen-grabbed.
Dangerfield may well feel like King Midas at the moment, everything musical he touches seems to be golden. As the driving force behind Guillemots, he had a Mercury nominated album in 2006, and a top ten follow-up with the second, "Red." With self-proclaimed celebrity fans spanning from the likes of Keith Flint to Paul McCartney, this classically trained musician gives eclecticism an extremely broad appeal.
The front-man released his more stripped back solo debut "Fly Yellow Moon" earlier this year and was once again met with critical acclaim. Due to its impact, a re-release is out now containing bonus material including today's track "She's Always A Woman." The song was originally from Billy Joel's 1977 best-selling album "The Stranger." Lyrically, many people misinterpreted the words as being misogynistic or sarcastic, but it is a ballad, a love song about a modern woman, whom he falls in love with and then wife, Elizabeth for her quirks as well as her flaws.
"She's Always A Woman" provides the background music to one of the year's most pervasive advertising campaigns for the department store chain John Lewis, showing moments throughout a woman's life, with over half a million views on Youtube alone, Dangerfield has struck lucky again. The Dangerfield version, a beautifully song cover is now a top 10 hit adding further to his successful repertoire and no doubt earning him some gold in the process. It'll be interesting to see what the Guillemots do next, in the meantime here's that video for song without the ad.

"Idol" alum turned country star Danny Gokey is keeping busy these days opening for Sugarland and has a new music video out for his second single, "I Will Not Say Goodbye." The heartfelt ballad, with its compelling portrait of coping with the loss of a loved one, has been one of the most acclaimed tracks from Gokey's debut album, "My Best Days," while the poignant music video made its official premiere this past weekend as part of CMT's Big New Music Weekend. He said the video would be very compelling, and indeed it is. "I'm telling a story from personal experience, but we tell other peoples' stories at the same time."
Featuring a slightly haunting intro, Gokey sings the first verse of this Lari White, Chuck Cannon and Vicky McGehee collaboration like he's wringing out every ounce of emotion in his soul. "I Will Not Say Goodbye" is a song for anyone who lost somebody unexpectedly and doesn't want or care to 'say goodbye' to the one they loved. The lyrics are stronger than the average song of this type and Gokey's vocal performance, which is all in, is a definite show stopper. While completely a contemporary country production, producer Mark Bright's production never gets to be too much or overtakes Gokey’s strong, passionate performance.
His profound loss now acts as the impetus to create a beautiful piece of art in his new single "I Will Not Say Goodbye." The follow-up to "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me," the ballad focuses on the grief and anger that follow such a tragic loss. While many other ballads that tackle the same somber subject matter frequently come across as overly dramatic or theatrical, Gokey's single is laden with an honesty and sincerity that is inherently poignant.
The track starts out simply and organically, allowing Gokey's signature raspy and powerful vocals to create the emotion behind the haunting lyrics. He acts as a storyteller, sharing how life can suddenly change and be taken away within an instant. "I Will Not Say Goodbye" is a stand-out performance for Gokey that allows him to make the transition from being a mere singer to an artist, while also providing a sense of comfort to the countless others in the world who are also dealing with such unimaginable challenges and losses in their own lives.

Tyler Hilton has come a long way since his 2004 major label debut, "The Tracks of Tyler Hilton," which launched his mainstream career with Top 40 singles like "When It Comes" and helped him land a recurring role on CW's "One Tree Hill." but since then he's been off the radar. However, he is launching himself back into the music scene with the release of his music video for "This World Will Turn Your Way" off his upcoming album, "The Storms We Share," out later this year and it shows that sometimes what you need to produce well-crafted songs is time.
Hilton explains the meaning of the song: "This song is the most blatantly hopeful song I've ever written. And though it might even border on naive, that's the only way I'm able to see a situation sometimes: stubbornly optimistic. So what better way to express that visually than with a kid making himself into a superhero instead of waiting around for one?"
Aside from writing songs about falling in love, giving his music more of an Elvis Presley feel, Hilton proves he can write about more than just pretty girls. On "This World Will Turn Your Way," fantastically arranged strings are coupled with a modern rock feel, which sounds similar to something U2 might have recorded.
Hilton's upcoming record, "The Storms We Share," will be released later this year, and the 26-year-old singer hopes the album "communicates how we all have something in common," he says. "I was spending a lot of time in the south and in Canada, and whenever there was a storm, you could be standing in line at the grocery store next to a stranger and they'd inevitably remark about the crazy weather. That's when it hit me: Everyone shares one common thing -- weathering the storms together. And that became a metaphor about recognizing that we all need to be encouraged to weather the storms. Sometimes you need to remind yourself that dreams can happen," Hilton recalls.
He also hopes to inspire change in the world with his new tunes. "I would love to give people a tool to wade through all the bad times and make them feel really happy. Maybe that's naive to say, but I would love it if people listened to the songs and were inspired to do things that they didn't think they could do. That would be my ideal," he admits.

Controversial country singer LeAnn Rimes may make more headlines for her personal life than her music career these days, but now she's hoping to change all that with the release of her brand new music video for her new single "Swingin'," an upbeat cover of the shamelessly flirty John Anderson hit from way back in 1983, and is the lead from her upcoming covers album, "Lady and Gentlemen," a collection of country standards that were first popularized by men. Rimes first debuted the song at the 2010 CMT Music Awards during this past weekend.
GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Rimes rises to the challenge. The best singers possess a real presence on record, and the one-time teen sensation further establishes her growth as an artist since her ill-fated adventures with pop and dance music. The new song "Swingin'" became John Anderson's breakthrough smash in 1983, earning the CMA Single of the Year prize that fall. The sweet Southern allure of Charlotte Johnson left her gentleman caller "feelin' love down to (his) toes," and on this clever remake, Rimes perfectly matches that infectious joy, with her bluesy drawl hitched to the song's bouncy melody. This plucky young lady, bowled over by neighbor boy Charlie, sizes up the down-home situation with strong detail. "I can't believe I'm out here on this front porch in a swing," she sings finally, delighted by her newfound luck in love.
"Swingin'" is a fun little country ditty, but it still has some of that pop crossover appeal that Rimes has been doing for over a decade now. With producer Vince Gill laying down his hot-wired guitar picking, "Swingin'" chugs along at a sped-up tempo that stands in sharp contrast to the horn-drenched original. While the catchy, campy background harmonies of Anderson's version are sorely missed, Rimes delivers a soulful solo performance that echoes her pleasure. In the genre where that concept—family—is valued more than any other, Rimes has once again proven that she clearly belongs in country music's brood of top talent.
The retro video is equally as lighthearted as the song, featuring a flirty Rimes getting a crowd up on their feet during a never-ending dance competition. "(The video is) super fun and campy," Rimes told fans who asked questions at her CMT "Posted" page. "I love it!" "I am headed out on tour next month through November," Rimes added. "Come see me!!!"

The sexy Georgian country-pop Jessie James debuted two music video for "Boys In the Summer" on Friday as a part of CMT Big New Music Weekend. The special videos are aimed to promote the country mix of the song, while the other is to support the pop version. "Boys In the Summer" was produced by John Fields and is the lead single from her upcoming sophomore studio album, is a refreshing reminder of the singer's unique ability to blend pop music tropes with rollicking country guitars to create a sound that's truly her own.
"Boys in the Summer" is one of those rare tracks that seem to capture everything good and pure about summer. The 22-year-old Georgia stunner James in case you hadn't heard is on the cusp of becoming country music's next 'it' girl, after having garnered critical and popular acclaim with her debut eponymous EP, which came out in 2009. The new song's message may be self-evident, but when James belts out, "Boys, Boys so much hotter in the summer," it suddenly seems to take on an entirely new and inspiring message. And let's be honest, when a Maxim Top 100 girl like James sings about skinny dipping with gorgeous men in the dead heat of summer, it's enough to get the attention of men and women alike.
The music video was shot on May 18 and directed by Roman White, who's previously shot several videos for Carrie Underwood. Taylor Swift, as well as Kelly Clarkson. The two music videos are similar, highlighting the joy in summer when the boys go shirtless and the girls come out in shorts. Under the shining sun, they are seen frolicking on the grass and swimming in the lake, not to mention selling lemonade on the front yard. It's a great fun clip, but the song itself is even better. It's fresh like lemonade and our favorite summer love tune!
A big talent in a petite, power-packed package, James has been ready for her close-up since she was the age of two, and she said "I've known this is what I was supposed to do since I was 10, I didn't want to limit myself to just one kind of music. I've never written a song I didn't feel true to. Everything I've ever done is a true story. I feel everything I write. I can't fake it." For James, music is her life, her passion, her lover. She won’t even date, with her focus saved strictly for her career. She has no other choice. And now, she is fully prepared to see all those childhood dreams finally come true.

Disney star Selena Gomez & The Scene (aka Selena & the Scene) have finally dropped their new music video on the Disney Channel today for the new single "Round and Round." Pulling inspiration from Kylie Minogue, circa 2001, "Round and Round" is the official follow-up to her platinum hit, "Naturally" and is Gomez's first single off her upcoming album, which will be the lead single for their upcoming sophomore album, will not only continue with the Dance-pop/Electronica style but will also incorporate a Reggae sound, slated to hit stores September 28.
"Round and Round" was produced by Kevin Rudolf and recorded entirely in Budapest, with the catchy and upbeat tone, was premiered through Radio Disney Firday. It has the Disney protégé venting about a relationship going well in circles. The dance-driven track with disco back beats ventures into a new genre for the poppy singer. Of the effort, GomThe teen sensationared with host Ernie D on Radio Disney, that the new album will should mark a shift in her evolution and show her growth as an artist. "I kind of have a different vibe with each song." She adds, "I really am putting my heart into this and this album is dedicated to my fans. I'm really just trying to make it the best I can for them. You can really see my growth in this album and that’s what I’m excited about."
The clip features the 'Ramona and Beezus' beauty is wearing light gray-colored coat and strutting her way on the street of Budapest, Hungary as a sexy and glamourous spy trying not to get caught by other undercover agents played by The Scene members. The secret agent theme vid is nothing spectacular and doesn't really make any sense what so ever but it's cute and Gomez looks gorgeous and petit as always, playing an undercover spy!
The 17-year-old songstress will be touring for the rest of the summer, and also stayed in the capital city of Hungaria to shoot her new movie "Monte Carlo" along with Katie Cassidy, Leighton Meester and Cory Monteith. The film is co-produced by Nicole Kidman and eyed to be released in 2012.

Chameleon singer Kelis has unveiled a brand new video Wednesday for the second single "4th of July (Fireworks)," to be lifted off upcoming her truly remarkable fifth album "Flesh Tone," arriving July 6 in the U.S. via Interescope Records. Kelis performed the song live for the first time on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' last night, where the singer lit up the night sky with sparks – literally, and the new digital single will be available on July 8 in the UK.
The house/pop track "4th of July," produced by DJ Ammo, is an emotive electro-dance track and the follow-up to her first single, "Acapella," hit No.1 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Highly recommended for your work-outs, your parties, or your summer soundtracks! There’s loads of wonderful, colorful imagery to be found here, including some steamy fire scenes, gorgeous desert shots, and killer laser light displays. It's just different, cool beats and Kelis' vocals are hot.
The 30-year-old Grammy-nominated singer wearing a gold-colored dress while strutting her way on the desert and features her performing in front of fireworks among other scenes. She looks stunning as she walks around in the desert in luxurious gowns in the clip. which was co-directed by the R&B singer herself, John "Rankin" Waddell and Nicole Ehrlich in the outside of Los Angeles. It is described as a "spectacular array of visual stimulation seeing Kelis play dynamically upon the four elements of the universe."
Yes, The R&B mama has never been one to hold her tongue, but this time she's really going off in the video for "4th of July (Fireworks)." The video depicts Kelis playing dynamically upon the four natural elements (Earth, wind, water and fire), and shows her and her unique fashion sense through a room filled with fiery flames. For an album often described by the singer as "carnal," the video certainly helps to add more fuel to the fire. By the way, Kelis will tour with Robyn on the "All Hearts" tour o promote the album starting July 23.

The music video for Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber's new hit single, "Somebody To Love" remix featured backing vocals from his mentor Usher, has premiered during the dancing competition "So You Think You Can Dance" Thursday night on FOX. The new song "Somebody to Love" is the second single taken from his chart topper "My World 2.0" and the video is actually a good fit with the dance show.
This particular dance-heavy clip was shot in May and was directed the famous Dave Meyers who is responsible for many of Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne's videos. In the past, Bieber has merely teased fans with funky dance moves, but in the new video for his single "Somebody to Love," the teen pop star really lets loose, showing off some impressive choreography, channeled R&B superstar Usher and with dance group Poreotics, who recently won season 5 of Randy Jackson's "America's Best Dance Crew" show. The video also features a cameo from "Beat Freaks," who were runners up on season 3 of same show. "It's really awesome to be able to work with professional dancers, you know, people that were in, like America's Best Dance Crew," Bieber himself stated.
While Bieber's videos thus far have had a story line, this one is really just Bieber and various dancers backing him up for the club-friendly pop tune, while he and Usher display their keen skills in all things pop-and-lock. Meyers said about working with Bieber on this particular video, "[We're] bringing Justin into the world of dance on this one, giving Justin the chance to integrate to different styles of dance," Meyers says in the video. "So we kind of kept it simple with the art direction, just real graphic and really highlighting the dance. No big story lines, no crowds of people, just real clean."
The tune is a dance track that finds Bieber professing his love for a girl, telling her he doesn't need much else — just her. "It's basically about somebody to love," Bieber laughs. "It's cool. It's young. It's nice. I think it's like a universal record." The new video for song is almost as good as getting hooked on a catchy summer single. An old soul is the last thing you would expect to find inside Bieber. But all it takes is one listen to the 16 year-old soul-singing phenomenon to realize that he is light years ahead of his manufactured pop peers. The Canadian pop star will embark on a sold-out U.S. tour next week.

Atlanta hip-hop artist B.o.B. has collaborated with Hayley Williams, the lead singer of rock group Paramore premiered the video for his new single "Airplanes" on iTunes Tuesday. "Airplanes" is the second official and third overall single from B.o.B's debut album "B.o.B Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray." It shows the newcomer B.o.B is looking to follow-up the Billboard 200 chart-topping success of his breakout smash "Nothing On You." I really like We love Williams's gorgeous voice.
The moody, swirling video that perfectly fits the ominous, the somber tone of the song, is directed by Hiro Murai. B.o.B and William filmed the video separately with the rapper shooting his scenes in April and the Paramore frontwoman filming her part after wrapping "Brand New Eyes" spring tour. The video features several frames of B.o.B rapping his verses in a party setting, on stage, and room filled with lights and occasional song lyrics while Williams sings the hook in a light filled room and walking though a pile of old photographs come to life.
Much like the song itself, there's an emptiness to the video, a dark, cavernous space that light cannot penetrate. The video keeps abstract, mixing traditional stage lighting and open studio space with high-tech effects and a certain camera company product placement. The result is a respectfully unbloated, visually stimulating, somber clip, with Williams' appearance as a guest vocalist treated mindfully as just that, and not as the token tart or Bobby Ray's accessory with multiple costume changes. It can be seen as a metaphor for fame, the loneliness that only the famous know, the cavernous expanses of geography and emotion. It's sort of a beautiful bummer, to be honest. In that sense, "Airplanes" recalls Drake and Trey Songz equally somber "Successful" video, another clip that explored the downside of celebrity and success.
A beautiful yet ominous and haunting song, "Airplanes" is a moment of gloomy reflection upon fame, reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco's "Superstar" and Drake's "Over" and the video, perhaps much like fame itself, is a cheerless collection of lights, fast-moving imagery and solitude. There's an art to such metaphors. It's not complaining if you do it right. And in the case of "Airplanes," a deft, decidedly human take on the pitfalls of everyone knowing your name, B.o.B and Williams definitely did it right.

The incomparable busty pop tart Katy Perry has just unveiled her pastel-colored, candy-coated new video on MTV for her latest summer track, "California Gurls!" featuring her collaboration, rapper Snoop Dogg. "California Gurls" serves as the lead single of her upcoming third studio album, "Teenage Dream," which is set for release on August 24. It's way too sweet on a variety of levels, and the fashion of the video includes her 'cupcake bras' that are quite funny as well.
The video was directed by Mathew Cullen who has plenty of surprises packed in his sweet tooth. In the music video, Perry is a Candyfornia's part, a game based in poker and board games. The queen of 'Candyfornia' is dressed in little or nothing and trounces around Candyfornia trying to save her California Gurls from Dogg's Sugar Daddy and his Gummi Bear minions. The settings are inspired in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where there many cupcakes, ice creams, candy floss and lollipops. Moreover some California's elements are also appear, like Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign and some West Coast beaches.
"It's definitely something to watch when you have the munchies. It's all edible. We named it 'Candyfornia' instead of 'California,' so it's a different world," Perry in interview with MTV News. "It's not just like, 'Oh, let's go to the beach and throw a party and then shoot a music video!' It's more like, 'Let's put us California Gurls in a whole different world!'" The video is bright and brash and very likely to give you a toothache. Like the song, there is nothing understated about it.
The 25-year-old Grammy-nominated artist has gone from internet music sensation to bona fide international star in just two years. Her multi-platinum debut album, "One of the Boys," generated four hit singles: "I Kissed A Girl," "Hot N Cold," "Thinking Of You" and "Waking Up In Vegas." "It looks like it's going to be a sleepless year," she told MTV News. "It's gonna be really fun. I think we're going to do these type of things, especially for the fans. We're just starting to roll the record out, and it's all beginning again. Although I don't feel like I'm back. I feel like it's a continuum." Meanwhile, "California Gurls," is currently the No.1 song in the country, and the fastest-rising single to Top 10 radio in more than four years. Overall, the video is a sweet treat for your eyes. Eye candy definitely can't be missed in this video!

The American Idol Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert's highly-anticipated music video for his third single and catchy eurobeat dance tune, "If I Had You" off his debut album "For Your Entertainment," has been premiered via US network VH1 on Monday afternoon. Many might say, Lambert has made more of a splash since coming in second during season 8 of American Idol. He has stirred up controvery and many look at him and his music as fun and edgy.
The same could be said about this new video. The Bryan Barber-directed video mostly features the 'Idol' runner-up donning a top hat in LA's Griffith Park with a heavy troupe of dancers in glam costumes, following him pan-like through the woods. "Basically, what it's saying is no matter what color your skin is, no matter what religion you are, no matter what your sexuality is ... we can all party together," Lambert told MTV. "And all this other stuff - money, success, fortune, fashion, glam - it's all great, but it doesn't mean anything if you're not connecting." Channeling tribal elements and mystery, the video has officially been described as an "artistic gathering of all types of people to socialize, dance, and party while taking in this display of beauty and mystery."
The glorified performance piece was inspired by Lambert's experience at the Burning Man festival nearly five years ago and pays tribute to a counter-culture of underground designers, performance artists and bohemians who have influenced Lambert. Clearly, Lambert was thinking big with the song, which meant that it needed an equally epic video. "Over the past year, in addition to my unbelievable opportunities, I have also been faced with the unique challenge of staying positive in light of some critics and closed mindedness. My friends, family, and my devoted fans have been a key force in keeping me grounded," Lambert concluded. "In addition to the fantastic beat and melody, the song's lyrics are what really stand out to me," the 28-year-old entertainer shared, adding, "the message is one of Love."
Yes, the message is very clear. Lambert wants us to all put aside our differences and all party and celebrate life together lovingly. Lambert stays a teen act while undermining his chances to become a true wizardly pop star. And of course, his talent is showcased in the video. Lambert is currently traveling across North America for his 'Glam Nation' tour to promote his debut album with his "American Idol" pal Allison Iraheta and Australian singer/songwriter Orianthi.

Sarah McLachlan returns with a new music video for the debut single "Loving You Is Easy" from her upcoming album, "Laws of Illusion," her first studio album of new material in 7 years, will be in stores tomorrow on Arista Records.
Multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning and Lilith Fair founder is feeling good and it shows. In Liz Friedlander directed video for "Loving You is Easy," her breeziest song, maybe, ever, she struts her stuff. Her new man has her feeling sexy and sultry. To her and Friedlander's credit, there's no literal interpretation of the lyrics: we don't see McLachlan burst into flames when she sings she's "on fire" or leap into the air when she rhapsodizes about his love taking her "higher." It's just McLachlan in an array of slinky, but not inappropriate, clothes, bubbles and confetti. The point of the video, is about how her guy's love makes her feel and it's clearly delicious.
The album's lead single, "Loving You Is Easy" was inspired by what was clearly a giddy recent experience: finding new love, and post-separation. The song basically has McLachlan waxing not-so-poetically about how happy she is with the new man in her life. It's the most added song on AAA radio, the multi-platinum singer, is sticking with the dreamy ballads and soaring vocals that have marked her previous work. The video for song is also an absolute treat for the senses. McLachlan trades depression for happiness in her new album as well.
McLachlan, now 42, is known for the emotional sound of her ballads. She's been crushed by love and she's lifted by it. Now, on her seventh album, "Laws of Illusion," Canadian songstress is reflecting on those emotional highs and lows, mostly the lows, as she pretty much always has. With solemn, melancholic ballads and soft, new-agey pop songs, brought home by the beautifully haunting ring of her voice. On "Loving You Is Easy," however, McLachlan sings of the joy and healing power of being in love again. The tune is uncharacteristically spry with an uplifting, insistent drum and piano groove that makes it a welcome addition to the disc. Yes, it's that sort of intimacy that made McLachlan such a voice for the Lilith Fair generation she spawned, but at this point it comes across as tired much more often than inspired.

PEOPLE has the exclusive premiere of John Mayer's "Half Of My Heart" official music video, where a tux-clad Mayer sings and strums about not being able to "stop loving you with half of my heart" after apparently leaving his bride at the altar. "Half of My Heart" is third single taken from his "Battle Studies" album released in 2009 and was certified gold in the US. This song, in which Mayer confesses to being half-hearted in a relationship, is a collaboration with Country-Pop star Taylor Swift, but she does not appear in the video. Mayer seems to be back to his playboy-lover image.
"Half of My Heart" features more of a pop rock sound than Mayer's previous music. His previous albums explored blues and acoustic rock, especially in his 2006 album "Continuum." It also has a carefree, sing-along sound to it. Mayer told MTV News that the idea for the song came to Mayer in a dream. "I woke up with the song in my head called 'Half of My Heart,'" he recalled. "And the idea is that it's this real sort of updated — not that it needs to be updated — sort of Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks thing."
The lyrics of the song are sung by both Mayer and Swift; Swift sings with Mayer in the chorus and in the song's bridge. The lyrics are about the duo, with half of their hearts saying they should continue to love each other, although the other half says they are not each other's true love, and cannot keep loving each other. Mayer "tweeted" about wanting to record the song with Swift in March 2009: "Waking up to this song idea that won't leave my head. 3 days straight now. That means it's good enough to finish," he wrote "It's called 'Half of My Heart' and I want to sing it with Taylor Swift. She would make a killer Stevie Nicks in contrast to my Tom Petty of a song."
In an interview shown on television called Mayer: On the Record with Fuse (which only aired on the Fuse channel), Mayer's interviewer asked why the singer chose Swift to duet with, since she was only nineteen years old, and Mayer was 32. He responded by saying that he was not putting her on the album just to sell more copies for die-hard fans of Taylor Swift that might just get the album for that song.

Chiseled R&B heartthrob Trey Songz, is back again with yet another video, unveiled the Official music video on 106 & Park for "Already Taken," a single featured on the soundtrack to the dance flick "Step Up 3D," hitting theaters August 6. The soundtrack, produced by Polow Da Don is due on July 20, will also feature songs by T-Pain, Sean Paul, Flo Rida and B.o.B. You can listen to "Already Taken" now by tuning into AOL Radio's New R&B First station.
The song "Already Taken" is a love mid-tempo ballad with a crackling drum beat, then builds steam about not wanting to be a player anymore and being faithful, regardless of the circumstances. This song is a little different from Songz's past tracks, as he seems to be slowly leaving the raunchy sexual sound that helped blow him up this past year to making more romantic, sensual ballads. The song is catchy and should get a lot of play since it always seems like the "Step Up" franchise delivers great compilation soundtracks.
Songz is singing a new tune. While we've grown accustomed to watching him enjoy the single life, the R&B playboy is taking himself off the market for Mrs. Right for his lifestyle. This time he's letting all the ladies know that he's "Already Taken" leaving his playas ways behind even "if you throwing him the booty." The video features scenes from the upcoming movie and features his beautiful ex-girlfriend of two years, Helen Gedlu.
"Step Up 3D" is the upcoming third installment in the "Step Up" franchise once again promises plenty of dance moves and an underlying romance to drive the story. The first dance movie to be shot in 3-D, this teen-focused drama stars a bunch of relatively unknown young actors, but then again, so did the first two, which still managed to outperform box-office predictions. Unlike the previous versions, which followed high-school students, this one seems centered on a tight-knit group of New York's street dancers, including Luke (Rick Malambri) and Natalie (Sharni Vinson), team up with NYU freshman Moose (Adam Sevani), and find themselves pitted against the world’s best hip hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

The UK band I Blame Coco have just released the music video for their second single "Self Machine," from their finest long-playing debut album, "The Constant," is due for release in September. I like the moody, angsty and really fitting how I am feeling today. "Self Machine" is an electronic/alternative mix with a killer melody, ding ding, an instant winner.
I Blame Coco are a five-piece fronted by one Coco Sumner who is, for better or worse, the daughter of Sting and his wife actress/producer Trudie Styler. The burgeoning talent, just 19-year-old at the moment, has been diligently plucking away at her debut record for the past five years now. Ironically though, there's hardly anything constant about it, given that slaving over those mega lyrics and the shape of the sound, she apparently scrapped it all in the autumn of last year and re-wrote it to her own, exact specifications.
The 19-year-old Londoner has been a simmering, growing presence on the capital's music scene for the best part of a year, and she and her band released their first single, "Caeser" in February, a track that featured vocals from Scandinavian pop nymph Robyn. Impressively, the Italy-born singer and her band have been signed to Island Records on a six-album deal.
The follow up single "Self Machine," will be released on July 12, is a nice piece of alt-pop, but it feels a little creepy since Sumner looks and sounds exactly like her father. The blaring, 80's-inspired beats of the song sparkle with shades of producer's pop sensibility, yet Sumner's deeper voice suggests something far darker: "I saw the mirror staring back at me, and it told me I'm a self machine," Sumner croons, sounding appropriately lonely as she tackles the personal void missing in today's digital age. It was lush, quiet, soft and introspective, then out burst the official single, and it's an up-tempo winner with a driving beat and a terrific acrobatic arrangement. The result is nothing short of alt-disco brilliance.
Sumner takes the idea of the global online community to its extravagant conclusion and imagines herself in a robot state to a thumping electro-rock sound-bed. From the press release: "Self Machine" is a soaring dystopian disco anthem and a dose of heartfelt, creative electro pop at its finest, and the video is no different. Directed by Alex Smith at Warp Films, (the man behind Coldplay's "Yellow" and Manic Street Preacher's "Empty Souls") it was shot at an old derelict swimming pool in an abandoned college in Oxfordshire, giving it an almost 'post apocalyptic' feel. The video is very high fashion, a bit magical, and quite beautifully shot all around.

Ever feel like you need to add some colour into your life and "Getaway" from the ordinary? Grammy-winner Michelle Branch and R&B/Hip-Hop producer Timbaland teamed up with MINI Cooper's new Countryman car to create this video inspired by the idea of getting away. The 26-year-old singer, best known for having a string of pop hits in the early 2000s, including "Everywhere," "All You Wanted," and "Breathe" before ditching pop to go country in the now defunct duo The Wreckers. She's been inching toward a comeback since late, last year.

One-woman army Lady Gaga has just unleashed a new music video on her Youtube channel for her latest eagerly anticipated single "Alejandro," treating fans with dark, provocative scenes some of which make reference to Madonna's "Vogue," the another epic and self-indulgent near nine-minute-long journey will definitely draw comparisons between her and Madonna. She even looks a little like Madonna in it, sporting a platinum blond wig a black blazer suit and a machine gun bra. It sees the singer baring a cold heart, which presumably belongs to Alejandro.
"Alejandro" is the 3rd single from Gaga's 2nd studio album "The Fame Mons†er." It was co-written by Gaga with RedOne, it is composed as a mid-tempo Europop song with an uplifting melody and disco influences, where Gaga sings in a non-English accent about bidding farewell to her lovers. The song went to US radio on April 20 and was released internationally as a digital download in May. Every song in the album represents a 'fear' of some 'monster.' This song, in the words of Gaga represents 'The fear of men monster.' It has a very laid back Spanish feel to it, the music is definitely reminiscent of Madonna's "La isla Bonita." Though the lyrics are very different. The video was directed by the legendary photographer Steven Klein, who has worked with Madonna told Rolling Stones. "She likes epics. It fits her personality. We combined dance, narrative and attributes of surrealism. The process was to express Gaga's desire to reveal her heart and bear her soul."
The 24-year-old pop performer recently told the press her video was about "the purity of my friendships with my gay friends, and how I've been unable to find that with a straight man in my life. It's a celebration and an admiration of gay love—it confesses my envy of the courage and bravery they require to be together. In the video I'm pining for the love of my gay friends—but they just don't want me to be with them." Hence the shirtless men with bowl cuts dancing around in high heels and underwear that concludes with Gaga doing a little Bob Fosse-esque dance and stripping for them in a giant orgy. Throughout the video, she's encircled by an army of choreographed, chiseled dancers writhing around her body in a protective way. Like always, Gaga is dressed to provoke and wears a red leather nun's habit, the dancing and costumes are great as well. All melds to make the video play out like a visual love letter to Madonna's early '90s "Blond Ambition" era.
I think Gaga is still one of the hardest working singers and songwriters out there today and she goes above and beyond to bring not only extravagant shows but great songs, lyrics and passion to the music business. With the "Fame Monster" continually throwing creative punches like this, the only question viewers can ask themselves now is where can Gaga possibly go next? Pretty sure she'll enjoy the challenge. Gaga will be touring the US this summer in her "Monster Ball" tour, kicking off July 1 in Boston. I'm not going to waste your time talking about the video, and enjoy this creative expression of "dark" art.

Anticipation continues to build for the 2012 FIFA World Cup, the premiere international soccer tournament that occurs only every four years. It's set to kick off this Friday, June 11 in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. Though there is no doubt the soccer will be excellent, it'll also be thrilling to hear the music coming out of the month-long tournament. Several artists have created official World Cup anthem songs, including R. Kelly and K'Naan, but Shakira's latest tune "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" is perhaps the best of them all. She just premiered the video for "This time for Africa", better known locally as "Waka Waka," and it's a delightfully colorful affair. Joined by South Africa fusion band Freshlyground and a bevy of dancers, Shakira rolls through the funky, inspirational tune with her usual blend of jittery energy and engaging charm. It also doesn't hurt that she's an excellent dancer, as are the performers who flank her throughout the clip.
It was her first visit to the country and is also an ambassador for the One Goal Education Initiative and wants to visit some schools, the Colombian Pop sensation Shakira will take center stage for the Official World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert (via Billboard) taking place at Orlando Stadium on Thursday, the eve of the opening match of the tournament. "I am looking forward to seeing all the South African artists who will be performing at the Kick-off concert. I especially want to see their dance moves. I am looking forward to stealing some dance moves as well," she said. She will perform alongside homegrown sensation Freshlyground, who she has collaborated with for "Waka Waka," which is Written jointly by Shakira and John Hill, and an adaptation of a traditional soldiers' song named "Zangalewa."
The 33-year-old singer works it out in this new music video, all the excitement on the field is mashed up with frisky dance and performance and shows off the joy on the field when the goal is scored and disappointment when it's failed. The music video also features cameos from such football players as Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Rafael Marquez, Gerard Pique and Carlos Kameni among others. "The FIFA World Cup is a miracle of global excitement, connecting every country, race, religion and condition around a single passion. It represents an event that has the power to unite and integrate, and that's what this song is about," Shakira said in a statement. Her excellent belly dancing moves have made her more popular in the music world.
After achieving superstardom throughout Latin America, Colombian-born Shakira became Latin pop's biggest female crossover artist since Jennifer Lopez. Noted for her aggressive, rock-influenced approach, Shakira maintained an extraordinary degree of creative control over her music, especially for a female artist; she wrote or co-wrote nearly all of her own material, and in the process gained a reputation as one of Latin music's most ambitiously poetic lyricists. Shakira has 2 Grammy awards, 7 Latin Grammy awards and 12 Billboard Latin Music awards to her credit so far. Shakira is now preparing for her upcoming She Wolf Tour around the world which kicks off on September, 21.

Poughkeepsie hip-hop and R&B artist Theory premiered his new official music video on YouTube Friday, for his song "We'll Be Alright." Directed by Jarek Zabczynski and featuring Martina Markota, the video will be the first film project filmed on the Walkway Over the Hudson Railroad Bridge between Poughkeepsie and Highland. Other locations include New Paltz and Kingston.
Raised in Yonkers, N.Y., Theory absorbed the elements of hip-hop by writing poetry and listening to his earlier inspirations, Nas and Jay-Z. Upon that, he developed himself a character that would mold him into the artist he is today. Electrifying multi-fluid styles consisting of sleek hip-hop lyrics with a twist of R&B flavor separated him from most, if not all.
Theory's accomplishments have garnered much attention in New York's upstate scene. Theory's latest single "Swish" recently rose to the No.1 position on WPKF 96.1 KissFM's Total Request Countdown. It was the second time in the history of the station that a local artist managed to achieve such a feat. The first time, was also achieved by Theory with his song: "A Soldier's Heart." Aside from performing at clubs, colleges, and venues, Theory has made quite an impact on the community as he often performs at various charities and fundraisers. He speaks three languages and has traveled the world, performing across Belgium, Spain, France, and the UK. He has also performed alongside artists Cheri Dennis and R&B superstar Ne-Yo.