The Re-view

OLD MUSIC PREMIERE: SPICE GIRLS - STRONG ENOUGH (DEMO) A demo...

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:27:00 +0100

OLD MUSIC PREMIERE: SPICE GIRLS - STRONG ENOUGH (DEMO)

A demo of an old Spice Girls track has leaked online.

The previously-unreleased ‘Strong Enough’ was reportedly uploaded to YouTube, after being discovered on a cassette tape sold by Scary Spice Melanie Brown at an auction.

Featuring vocal contributions from all five members of the all-conquering girlgroup, ‘Strong Enough’ has a funky 90s R&B pop vibe to it and interpolates Tom Tom Club’s 1981 Top 10 hit ‘Wordy Rappinghood’.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: BETTY WHO - YOU’RE IN...

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:43 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: BETTY WHO - YOU’RE IN LOVE

Australian singer Betty Who has premiered the official music video for her new single ‘You’re In Love’.

The unsigned Aussie has been making waves online ever since she released her FREE four track EP ‘The Movement’, upon which you will find this glorious slice of electropop alongside her attention-grabbing debut ‘Somebody Loves You’ (video below).

Accompanied by a sun-drenched video in which the 21 year old coasts around NYC with her dishy piece of stuff, ‘You’re In Love’ blends 80s electro-heartache vibes with stunning melodies and lyrics and hooks that would make even the BIGGEST pop stars quake in their boots.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: BEYONCÉ - GROWN WOMAN A full unedited 5...

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:50:00 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: BEYONCÉ - GROWN WOMAN

A full unedited 5 minute long edit of Beyoncé’s ‘Grown Woman’ has leaked online.

Whilst it’s not officially ‘OFFICIAL’, it certainly has more stuff going on than the 30 second Pepsi ad reveal edit. And by ‘stuff’, I mean, heavy breathing, popping, tribal percussion beats à la younger sister Solange’s ‘True’, a male guest vocal, and Beyoncé singing about being empowered.

“They love the way I walk / ‘Cause I walk with a vengeance
And they listen to me when I talk / ‘Cause I ain’t pretending…”

Sasha Fierce is alive and full of the carnival spirit in ‘Grown Woman’, which she reportedly co-wrote with The-Dream (who also put his magic to work in Kelly Rowland’s recently debuted ‘Dirty Laundry’) with production duties managed by Timbaland.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: BLUE - WITHOUT YOU British...

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:02:00 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: BLUE - WITHOUT YOU

British boyband Blue have debuted the official music video for the second single to be lifted from their recently-released fourth studio album ‘Roulette’, and the follow up to the record’s big ballad of a lead cut ‘Hurt Lovers’.

‘Without You’ was written by members Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Anthony Costa along with Wayne Hector, Mich ‘Cutfather’ Hansen, Jason Gill and Daniel Davidsen, with the latter three also taking production credits. It serves as the follow up to the record’s lead cut, the big ballad ‘Hurt Lovers’.

The music video for the new single was unveiled on 16 May, coinciding with its release in Germany and Austria as an EP featuring three additional remixes. The mid-tempo love song is rather brilliant in that it reverts back to the classic Blue formula which scored the band twelve consecutive Top 15 UK hits between 2001 and 2004 as well as showcasing their impressive vocals as an ensemble and individually.

‘Roulette’ was released in the UK on 28 April, and peaked at #13 on the album chart.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: VV BROWN - SAMSON Aside from...

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:55:00 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: VV BROWN - SAMSON

Aside from appearing in the odd M&S ad alongside Dannii Minogue et al now and then, it’s feels like it’s been quite a while since we last heard anything from British singer/model/producer etc etc VV Brown.

Back in 2009, her one and only UK Top 40 hit to date - the infectious ‘Shark In The Water’ - was released to positive word of mouth and the multi-talented 29 year old’s debut studio album ‘Travelling Like The Light’ reached a respectable #30 on the album chart as a result.

Following an absence prolonged by the aborted release of her second full lengther ‘Lollipops & Politics’, she finally gave fans their first dose of what to expect from its replacement ‘Samson & Delilah’ earlier today with the unveiling of the official music video for new single ‘Samson’.

The striking, biblically-themed comeback track serves as the lead cut from the new record, and it sees VV blending her soulful vocals with foreboding electronic production and experimental gritty percussion techniques. It’s indeed a bolder, darker and more satisfying return than I think anyone would have predicted.

The decision to re-record her upcoming album from scratch has also resulted in a musical union with Dave Okumu from London-based band The Invisible, who also holds majority production ownership on Jessie Ware’s sublime ‘Devotion’.

Between this, that and the promise of a series of visual sequels which will combine to create a full 15 minute short, it feels like this is just the beginning of VV Brown’s real musical career. And it kicks off on 14 July, when ‘Samson’ will be made available to download.

90s FLASHBACK: DEBORAH COX - NOBODY’S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:57:45 +0100

90s FLASHBACK: DEBORAH COX - NOBODY’S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE (HEX HECTOR’S CLUB MIX)

Utter brilliance and, in the absence of a UK-compatible music video on YouTube, we have this lovely accompanying montage of Abercrombie and Fitch models to cast our eyes over.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: JENNIFER LOPEZ FEAT. PITBULL -...

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:27:53 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: JENNIFER LOPEZ FEAT. PITBULL - LIVE IT UP

Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull have premiered the music video for their ‘threepeat’ ‘Live It Up’.

The track is their third collaboration together having hit pop gold back in 2011 with the worldwide smash ‘On The Floor’ and last year’s ‘Dance Again’. The pair performed the single live during last week’s American Idol finale and it serves as the lead cut from Jennifer’s next album which is scheduled for release later this year.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: KANYE WEST - NEW SLAVES Kanye West last...

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:28:15 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: KANYE WEST - NEW SLAVES

Kanye West last night debuted the music video for his latest track ‘New Slaves’ - by projecting it upon 66 buildings across the world.

Upon his website, the American rapper displayed a map disclosing the locations for the projections, which include London venues the Tate Modern, Shoreditch High Street Station, Soho’s Chinatown, Camden Stables, Brick Lane and the Royal Opera House.

A tweet posted by West before being deleted indicated that the track will appear on his new record, reportedly set for release on 18 June. It will serve as the follow up to ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ which peaked at #16 on the UK album chart in 2010.

OFFICIAL SINGLE PREMIERE: BACKSTREET BOYS - PERMANENT...

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 +0100

OFFICIAL SINGLE PREMIERE: BACKSTREET BOYS - PERMANENT STAIN

Backstreet Boys have premiered the studio version of their new track ‘Permanent Stain’ online.

The American five piece (now reunited with Kevin Richardson after he took a two album hiatus) first debuted the new ballad during a free gig to celebrate their twentieth anniversary in the industry. After announcing their upcoming ‘In A World Like This’ tour, they then performed ‘Permanent Stain’ American breakfast show Good Morning America, announcing that it woul be made available as a free download to fans purchasing tickets for the tour on 20 May.

Sure, it’s got an eyebrow-raising title and isn’t a ‘Larger Than Life’/’Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’ party pleaser but it’s the Backstreet Boys. AKA The Greatest Boyband of All Time.

‘In A World Like This’ - the Backstreet Boys’ eighth studio album and first without the support of longtime record label Jive - is set for release on 30 July.

LIVE PERFORMANCE PREMIERE: MARIAH CAREY - GREATEST HITS...

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:20:59 +0100

LIVE PERFORMANCE PREMIERE: MARIAH CAREY - GREATEST HITS MEDLEY

If, like me, you’ve not been keeping up with the weekly comings and goings on American Idol this season but ARE partial to the vocal stylings of judge Mariah Carey, here is the greatest hits medley she performed during last night’s finale.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: AGNETHA FÄLTSKOG - WHEN YOU REALLY LOVED...

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:42:00 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: AGNETHA FÄLTSKOG - WHEN YOU REALLY LOVED SOMEONE (ALIAS CLUB REMIX)

I love this suped-up version of Agnetha Fältskog’s ‘When You Really Loved Someone’.

The first single from the ABBA star’s new album ‘A’ has received the Alias remix treatment and it sounds bloody amazing. There is also a radio edit of the club-ready edit which has also been uploaded to the singer’s Soundcloud page but this six minute long cut prolongs the aural pleasure.

‘A’ is out to download now.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: KELLY ROWLAND - DIRTY LAUNDRY Kelly Rowland...

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:19:00 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: KELLY ROWLAND - DIRTY LAUNDRY

Kelly Rowland has debuted her new single online.

The singer’s ‘Dirty Laundry’ was aired earlier today and serves as the third cut from her upcoming fourth studio album ‘Talk A Good Game’ which is set for release on 18 June.

And what I think we have here is one of Kelly’s finest R&B offerings so far. The emotionally open track in which K-Ro opens up about domestic violence and living in her sister’s shadow (who could THAT be?) follows earlier releases ‘Ice’ and ‘Kisses Down Low’ and has been produced by American singer songwriter The-Dream, who co-wrote Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’, Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ and Britney & Madonna’s ‘Me Against The Music’.

Its straightforward approach to laying everything bare in a five minute long confessional makes ‘Dirty Laundry’ the singer’s most insightful and intriguing offering yet. Frank and to the point yet brimming with emotion, the lyrics dig deep and hit home in what should be marked as a key turning point in Kelly Rowland’s career.

OFFICIAL SINGLE PREMIERE: LOREEN - WE GOT THE POWER Loreen is...

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:37:12 +0100

OFFICIAL SINGLE PREMIERE: LOREEN - WE GOT THE POWER

Loreen is back with a new single just in time for a Eurovision Grand Final performance with an audience of millions. Not a bad gig, if you can get it.

The Swedish winner of 2012’s annual song contest scored a UK Top 5 hit last year with her winning entry ‘Euphoria’ whilst her full lengther ‘Heal’ scraped in to the Top 75 of the album chart at #71. Worthy follow up singles ‘My Heart Is Refusing Me’ and ‘Crying Out Your Name’ failed to make the same impact although both achieved moderate success in her homeland, the former having already been released prior to her Eurovision stint.

‘We Got The Power’ reunites Loreen with writers Moh Denebi and Björn Djupström, the guys behind ‘My Heart Is Refusing Me’ and is set for release on 17 May.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: SMITH & THELL - SUPER...

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:22 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: SMITH & THELL - SUPER DJ

‘Super DJ’ is a track recorded by Swedish electronic group Smith & Thell, a duo made up of Mary Jane Smith and Victor Alexander Thell.

Originally recorded and released in 2012, the addictive club track punctuated with minimalist electronic beats and punchy, catchy lyrics, has been reworked and repackaged with a second music video which received its official premiere on 15 May.

It becomes increasingly addictive with each listen and you can download both the 2012 and the 2013 edit on UK iTunes now.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE FEAT. NELLY...

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:46:20 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE FEAT. NELLY - CRUISE (REMIX)

American country duo Florida Georgia Line have released the official music video for a remix of their 2012 hit single ‘Cruise’ featuring guest vocals from US hip-hop star Nelly.

Originally released last year, ‘Cruise’ went on to peak at #16 on the Billboard 100 and topped the US country chart. The release of the remix last month saw it reenter the Billboard 100 at #8 and it has now become the biggest selling single by a country duo in the digital era, shifting over 3 million copies.

The video neatly carries on from the end of the clip for Nelly’s own recent smash hit ‘Hey Porsche’, which saw him watching the video for the song in its original format. Dialling in to Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, he puts forward a suggestion to turn the track up before the duo kick off proceedings all over again.

Yet to receive a UK release, this new collaboration could quite easily become a big Summer hit over here in the same way that Kid Rock’s ‘All Summer Long’ injected some country vibes into the chart back in July 2008.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: LAWSON FEAT. B.o.B - BROKENHEARTED Lawson...

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:29:00 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: LAWSON FEAT. B.o.B - BROKENHEARTED

Lawson have premiered their brand new single online.

‘Brokenhearted’ is a catchy slab of guitar pop which sees the British band teaming up with American rapper B.o.B.

The break up song, written by lead singer Andy Brown and regular Lawson collaborator and RedOne signee Ki Fitzgerald (also known as Bad Boy Of Opera), will serve as the lead cut from the four piece’s upcoming sophomore album; the follow up to last year’s impressive debut ‘Chapman Square’ which spawned three UK Top 10 singles (‘Standing In The Dark’, ‘When She Was Mine’ and ‘Taking Over Me’) as well as the soaring stadium anthem ‘Learn To Love Again’.

Set for release on 7 July and available to preorder on iTunes now, ‘Brokenhearted’ is yet another reminder as to why Lawson are one of the UK’s most consistently impressive pop acts around with potential to carry on to much bigger things.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: LADY ANTEBELLUM - GOODBYE...

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:29:51 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: LADY ANTEBELLUM - GOODBYE TOWN

Lady Antebellum have unveiled the official music video for their new single ‘Goodbye Town’.

The new single was made available to fans as a free download when preordering the new record from iTunes, ahead of its release last week. The record charted at #7 on the UK album chart on Sunday and it was predicted last week that ‘Golden’ should become the American country act’s third Billboard 200 chart-topper tomorrow (15 May).

The new song serves as the follow up to the LP’s midtempo lead cut ‘Downtown’ which has to date peaked at #2 on the Billboard country chart and reached #35 on the Hot 100. Charles Kelley takes on lead vocals and delivers a heartfelt ode to the place where he grew up, fell in love and had his heart broken.

As one of the few traditional country acts to crack the UK album chart in recent years with their last two studio releases also both breaking the Top 10, Lady Antebellum are already ahead of many of their contemporaries and ‘Goodbye Town’ is a clear example as to why.

For me, their strength lies in their ability to reach a wider audience by switching between either Kelley or Hillary Scott on lead vocals and still being able to sound instantly identifiable. Both musicians have incredible voices and when they sing together with fellow band member Dave Haywood, their harmonies are equally as fantastic.

There’s no compromise and what with their knack for turning out well observed lyrical pieces which most listeners will be able to identify with, they’re certainly a country and western force to be reckoned with.

DIANA VICKERS - CINDERELLA (ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE) Diana Vickers...

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:16:00 +0100

DIANA VICKERS - CINDERELLA (ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE)

Diana Vickers has premiered a music video for an acoustic performance of her new single ‘Cinderella’ online.

The clip was uploaded to the singer’s VEVO account yesterday (13 May) ahead of the song’s official release on 21 July.

You can watch the lyric video for ‘Cinderella’ here. It will serve as the lead cut from Diana’s upcoming second album, reportedly called ‘Music To Make The Boys Cry’, which is also rumoured to feature the previously released title track and leaked cut ‘Boy In Paris’.

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: OLLY MURS - DEAR DARLIN’...

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:27:40 +0100

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE: OLLY MURS - DEAR DARLIN’

Olly Murs has debuted the music video for the third single to be lifted from his number one album ‘Right Place Right Time’.

‘Dear Darlin” serves as the follow up to the Essex-born singer’s chart topping Flo Rida collab ‘Troublemaker’ and his #12 single ‘Army of Two’. It’s another inoffensive offering from the cheeky chappy about writing a letter to a girl who broke his heart, penned by the singer along with Jim Eliot and Ed Drewitt.

The video was shot in LA last month and received its debut on 13 May. The single is set for release on 2 June.

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: JANET LEON - NEW COLOURS ‘New...

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:20:57 +0100

NEW MUSIC PREMIERE: JANET LEON - NEW COLOURS

‘New Colours’ is a track recorded by Swedish singer Janet Leon, chosen as the official song of Stockholm Pride 2013.

It covers most of the bases you’d expect and is quite good as a result.