[Music Video] Katy B "5 Am"

I'm going to see Katy B somewhere in London tomorrow , so the timely  release of the visuals for new single 5 Am couldn't have come at a better time for me- especially since I've been meaning to get into the song for weeks now.

It's another frosty dance track from the Popular Music graduate, and it finds the singer-songwriter longing for a lover that can invoke the same feeling popping a Valium would. Why bother, I ask! Just take the pills. It'll be easier in the long term! I do question the lyric " I need somebody to knock me out", though... seems like it's asking for trouble!

Anywho, I'm off to learn the words and make up a dance routine. It's bound to feature of the setlist  tomorrow.

Enjoy!

[Vocal Profile] Charlotte Church

Vocal Type: Full-Lyric Soprano
Vocal Range: 2 Octaves 5 notes and a semitone (Eb3-C6)
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Being a product of the classical world, Charlotte Church has received vocal training that has allowed for her to manage and understand the inner workings of her instrument. With this knowledge comes a voice that is confident, assured and skilful in its delivery. She would also have been taught about breath control, and this is shown in practice by Church’s ability to hold notes and navigate long phrases, often through registers, without losing breath or the correct support. It also affords the singer excellent mastery of dynamics; being able to begin a phrase loud and projected, but end it gentle and soft [Hear:Breach Of The Peace].

The lower range isn’t particularly extensive-  beginning in the third octave- but the control here means that Church is able to produce tones that are substantial and without the fogginess many Divas exhibit in the lower extremes of their range [The Rise]. Her voice leads seamlessly in tone and timbre into the midrange, and both share a distinct and identifiable character.

Church is primarily a midrange belter, being most comfortable at the upper end of the fourth octave and lower end of the fifth. This being so, the singer produces a tone that is weighty, full and resonant. As her head voice overlaps the chest voice- being heard as low as a  B4- the singer is often heard jumping between the two parts to create interest in the vocal line. However, she is capable in either register.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Church’s range is the head voice. Having honed it during her early years in the Classical world, the Diva exhibits a skill in this part of her voice that allows for impressive tonal variety. The voice here can be light and airy [Hear:Lasts, Or Eschaton ], thick and operatic [Sparrow], or balanced so brilliantly with its chest voice counterpart that it skirts the line between the two, never sounding quite like either.

Being so capable in her head voice and her mix, Church has no problem transitioning through the range; making it sound as if there are no breaks to be found in the voice at all. To further polish her notes, the singer is able to add a balanced and controlled vibrato that can either sound operatic or contemporary depending on the how she chooses to apply it

Vocal Negatives: It would be impressive if Church worked further on her fifth octave belting, while simultaneously developing her lower range.

[Watch] Miley Cyrus Gives A Raw Rendition Of "Wrecking Ball" @ 2013 iHeartRadio Festival

Miley Cyrus isn't doing anything to prove those who only recently became aware of her existence via the controversial things that she does, that she isn't anything but another plastic-pop star.

At the iHeartRadio Festival, the Diva had a perfect opportunity- with the live rendition of Wrecking Ball- to at least show detractors that there was a capable voice behind the gimmicks. Instead this happened [watch the video]. Wavering melody, pushed vocals- with a terrible attempt at improv at the song's closing- and a generally unpolished delivery ensued. We've heard that Cryus can sing, but performances like these aren't doing anything to enlighten those unaware of it.

Though I think the biggest problem highlighted by this, and the We Can't Stop performance, is the grating tone of her voice. It's something which isn't so apparent on the mastered versions, but becomes almost unbearable in this live set.

So was this a case of the emotion of her recent breakup getting to her, or is that just an excuse for a poor and lazy performer not putting in the effort?

[Watch] Jessie J Covers Mariah Carey's "Emotions" @ Rock In Rio 2013

Jessie J loves a cover! So much so, that in her set for Rock In Rio 2013, the Diva shoehorned in a whole medley dedicated to other artist's material. Lucky enough to get a look in were: Fatback Band's I Found Lovin', Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, Mariah Carey's Emotions and Luther Vandross' Never Too Much. Of course I was most excited about one of these songs more than the others...take a wild guess which!

If I had been in the crowd, my brain would have literally exploded the second I heard the MTV-Unplugged introduction to Mariah's classic 90's hit. But being a vocal virtuoso, was Jessie able to hit the astronomic whistle notes that the song is so famous for? Well watch and find out for yoursel! (The medley start at 16:20 )

Thanks to Luiz for the heads up on this. Oh, and feel free to watch the whole set.. ;)

[Free For All Friday]

Free For All Friday time!  Today I will mostly be drinking tea and eating Milky Bar. What a rich and riveting life I lead.

If you don't know the score, here be the rules:

• Try not to get too perverted-this site still needs to basically be "safe for work".
• If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
• It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
• No nasty comments aimed at other users.

Inappropriate hugs to all y'all and wishing you an awesome weekend!

[Listen] Charice Pempengco Covers Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" and Sia's "Titanium" On "Chapter 10"

Did anyone else know that Charice Pempengco had released an album of cover tracks? Chapter 10 contains some of the Diva's favourite songs, re-imagined by herself and includes golden-oldies like Toni Braxton's How Could An Angel Break My Heart and Bryan Adams' (Everything I Do) I Do it For You.

Apparently the album is for the Philippine market, with her next international set of original material to be recorded some time soon. But one has to ask why this wasn't released further afield, it's just the kind of music her Glee fans would eat up. [Scratch that, just found it on Itunes....whoops.]

Some of the arrangements on Chapter 10 are a little too "Karaoke" in their production for me- think synthetic strings and drum machines- but there are gems to be found, especially when it's just Charice and a piano. My particular favourites are her take on Katy Perry's The One That Got Away and David Guetta and Sia's Titanium- which I've rather helpfully tacked on to the post!

Enjoy

[Thoughts On] Natalia Kills

Is there anyone else out there on the site who is loving Natalia Kills' sophmore album, Trouble?  I've sat on the album- figuratively speaking- for the last week, but boy was I impressed when I got around to giving it a spin.

Up until now I've always been slightly weary of the British singer-songwriter, thinking she was going to be  a case of more style than substance. This being so, I wasn't expecting much when I forced myself to give the album a chance today. However, her style of brash and bolshy, electro-pop was just what the Doctor ordered! I'm slightly smitten.

I'm even tempted to go back and take a listen to her first album Perfectionist so enjoyable was the experience, but I'm scared I'll be disappointed. Maybe you guys can help me fill in the gaps of my non-existent knowledge on the Diva and why I should worship her like a packet of Monster Munch. Personal opinion is so much more fun than Wikipdia.


Drink that Kool-Aid, peeps! 

[New Music] Anouk Tackles Race and Cultural Appropriation on single "Wigger"

As if none of you have figured, we have a MASSIVE Anouk fan on this website! I'm not sure I even need to point fingers because her love for the singer-songwriter is made known so often (particularly on our " Free-for-all Friday" posts) that you'd have to be a newbie not to have noticed (hello if you are!). So in honour of one of our most vocal members, here's Anouk's latest single, the controversially titled, Wigger.

Being the mother of mixed-race children , Anouk offers a very personal, and informed, take on the subject of race and identity. The guitar-led song is bound to stir-up controversy, as not only does it deal with a subject that make some uncomfortable, but Anouk isn't subtle with the lyric either, leaving little room to hide from its meaning. 

The Dutch Diva was obviously aware of how the song and the title may ruffle feathers, so decided it best to tackle the subject head-on in a Facebook post:

[New Music] Britney Spears "Work B!tch"

Britney Spears' new musical era has begun with the pushed forward release of single, Work B*tch.

The song isn't what I was expecting from the Diva, and honestly I'm left a little cold with the dance direction they've decided to take. Damn you Will.i.am!! However, I've only given the EMD-influenced cut a couple of spins, so perhaps it'll grow on me once the disappointment that she hasn't ventured back into Blackout territory has subsided

Still, it's nice/brave to try new things, so some respect goes to Britney/her handlers for not retreading old ground. (You know things are bad when I'm serving up generic platitudes!) Maybe you guys can help me understand how I should be feeling about the song in the comments.

[Discussion] Celine Dion Speaks About Music Industry And Over Sexualised Young Artists

Celine Dion is clearly a Diva who isn't afraid to give her opinion. Speaking to Access Hollywood on the promotional trail for new single Loved Me Back To Life, the Diva was asked her thoughts on the younger generation of music stars who use controversy to sell their product. But what did she say? Find out below...

[Discuss] Why Did MKS's "Flatline" Flop And What Can Stop Their Comeback suffering A Similar Fate?

MKS performed their first single Flatline live for SBTV in an acoustic fashion- and of course it was amazing. What was so gorgeous about this stripped back performance was how it highlighted how great their voices work together; with the ladies handling the alto, mezzo, and soprano roles of the harmonies without ever losing the individuality of their own voices.

[Listen] The Weeknd Samples Emika's "Professional Loving" on Own Track "Professional"

So I was minding my own business, taking a listen to The Weeknd's new album- Kiss Land- when  I got a very pleasant surprise. Two and a half minutes into opener Professional, when the track begins to wind down seemingly to its conclusion, the song unexpectedly starts up again. Now that's not the kindly surprise I was referring to before; it was actually the choice of sample used-  Emika's Professional Love- to build the coda that made me pause and smile [Don't click on that link if you plan to sleep, EVER].

I suppose I'm just agog that he's even aware of Emika, since her début album wasn't a big seller. But the two artist do share a dark and melancholy sound, so perhaps it's not so unexpected that their musical paths would have crossed eventually. Seriously, if you like The Weeknd's brand of atmospheric electronica, you'll probably enjoy Emika's 2011, self-titled album.


Check out Emika's original and The Weeknd's subsequent use of the sample, below.

[Music Video] Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball"

The follow-up to Miley Cyrus's publicity generating single We Can't Stop has dropped! Thankfully new song Wrecking Ball finds the singer changing gear and delivering a tune with a little more depth than the song that preceded it.

The new song also gives Miley a chance to show everyone that she possesses a set of unique and capable pipes (I can't wait to hear her sing this live). I just wish she hadn't gone for shock value with the nudity in the video because I think the faux-scandal it's probably going to generate might overshadow the song itself.

But whatever, the Dr. Luke and Cirkut produced song is a corker and that's good enough for moi!

[Watch] Celine Dion's Performance of "Loved Me Back To Life" and Interview @ Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Glad to see Celine Dion isn't resting on her laurels and leaving the success of new single Loved Me Back To Life to chance. The Diva is out promoting- wooo yeah!- and joined American Talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform the mid-tempo ballad and chat about various bits and bobs.

The performance itself wasn't as pristine a one as I've come to expect from Celine- note the slight awkward transition to headvoice at 3.04 for example. But I'm just splitting hairs, in reality it was a great rendition that illustrated to people who accuse her of being a serial-lipper that the voice is still present and accounted for. The only thing really lacking was the manic energy she usually comes with- which I felt particularly absent in the belts. Perhaps she was just tired.

Check out the performance of Loved Me Back To Life and her interview with the host (which shows just how down to Earth this megastar still is) below!

[Watch] Jessie J Performs "It's My Party" Live On Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing is back on UK screens, so you know what the means: a new primetime slot for promotion has opened up! This weekend Jessie J was lucky enough to bag the gig, performing her new single It's My Party- which still sounds like something Katy Perry should be singing- live for the audience.

As is usually the case with JJ, the Diva gave an excellent vocal; serving high energy and character while strutting across the stage.Though still not feeling the song, I can't deny that I always enjoy watching Jessie J perform live- and this time was no different.

It's My Party was released on the 6th of September.

[Free For All Friday]

It's that time of the week again: Welcome to another Free For All Friday!  Today one is babysitting and blogging! Look at me multitasking (or committing some form of neglect).  Possibly a bit of both! We'll leave it for the courts to decide.

As per usual, the rules:

• Try not to get too perverted-this site still needs to basically be "safe for work".
• If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
• It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
• No nasty comments aimed at other users.

Inappropriate hugs to all y'all and wishing you an awesome weekend!

[Music Video] Katy Perry "Roar"

I thought Katy Perry's lyric video for Roar- you know, the one that featured the words as if being written on an instant messaging app- was clever enough to serve as a standalone promo for the single. It certainly didn't harm its sales, being number one, like, everywhere. However, Katy obviously isn't as lazy as me and has just released the REAL video for the song on YouTube.

Though still lukewarm on Roar as a single, I do like the new video- which sees the singer playing Queen of the jungle. Not only are the visuals bound to increase sales of the song, they should also nicely ramp up interest and anticipation for fourth album, Prism.

This looks like it's shaping up to be another big era for the singer-songwriter.

(Side note, does anyone else think Katy's been hitting the fake tan a little hard? She seems to be the wrong side of orange. Maybe it's just my monitor.)

[New Music] Celine Dion "Loved Me Back To Life"

We watched Celine Dion debut her comeback single Love Me Back To Life live in July [here], but this week finally sees the Sia-penned cut hit the internet in its mastered form, ready for release! Music charts world over, you have been warned!

On first witnessing the live rendition I did have slight concerns that the contemporary sound of the song might put off some of Dion's older fans. But hearing the album version I'm not so worried about that anymore; thanks to the prominent electric guitar interlude in the song's middle (I had totally missed it in the live version). It's a clever inclusion that successfully nods to Celine's adult contemporary roots and love of a power ballad. Hopefully it should be enough to reassure (those) fans that this Canadian Diva doesn't intend to leave them behind as she modernises her sound and takes aim at a new generation of listener.

Loved Me Back To Life is released September 3rd..

[Music Video] Michelle Williams "If We Had You Eyes"

Yes you were waiting for it. Don't lie. The video for Michelle William's gospel hit, If We Had Your Eyes [reviewed here], has hit YouTube. Prepare to be inspired by Michelle's rousing words and the accompanying video, which nicely follows the narrative of the song's gospel-infused lyrics.

Written by Al Sherrod Lambert, Courtney Harrell and produced by Harmony Samuels; the track sees a return to form from the Destiny's Child member, looking and sounding more comfortable than ever.  Secular or not, I'm glad she's back!

[Album Review] Ariana Grande "Yours Truly"

Guest Reviewer: Brian Helms
Ariana Grande’s first musical project has finally come to its release date, and boy does she show a love of R&B with it. With the singles preceding the release of Yours Truly came a lot of comparisons to the young talent's favourite songbird, Mrs. Mariah Carey. With good reason too, as the young songstress can definitely sing. However, does the rest of the album continue to warrant these comparisons, or do we finally hear more of the artist’s individuality coming to the fore?

[Watch] Lady Gaga Performs New Material From "ARTPOP" @ iTunes 2013 Festival

Monsters of the world must have been chomping at the bit yesterday. For it was the day that their leader, one Lady Gaga, gave them their first taste of fresh material from her up-and-coming third album, ARTPOP. Choosing the 2013 iTunes Festival- which was hosted at London's Roundhouse- to launch the project, the singer showcased  seven of these brand spanking new songs live for the first time.