Review:Cheryl Cole "Call My Name"

Cheryl has finally dropped the "Cole" from her name, and now, like Prince, is going only by a single name on upcoming third album A Million Lights. "Cheryl" doesn't quite have the same ring as  "Prince", "Beyonce" or "Madonna", but I'm not complaining. Dropping the cheating scumbags' name has been a long time coming, and at least now Cheryl can use it to her advantage by getting a little free publicity out of the change. It's something she's going to need a lot more of now she's declined to return to her prime-time gig on The X-Factor.

[Rant] Mariah Carey And Jermaine Dupri Working Together Again. Yawn!

Am I the only one slightly disheartened by the photos of Mariah Carey back in the studio with Jermaine Dupri? Yes, any new music from the star is a blessing- I’m am literally palpitating at the thought of it- but I feel since the stellar success of We Belong Together,  the pair have been stuck chasing past glories with song after song of similar sounding material:

SWV Sample Zelda's "Fairy Theme" on Title track "I Missed Us"

I am in shock! Listening to SWV's new album, I Missed Us, in anticipation of possibly reviewing it, out of nowhere I hear the Fairy's Theme from Nintendo's classic Legend Of Zelda game series start playing! But where was it coming ?

[Review] Christina Aguilera Sings "Fighter" On "The Voice" Season 2

Despite working with renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs, Christina Aguilera's Kermit the Frog voice seems to be getting worse if her performance on season 2 of The Voice is anything to go by! Entering the stage singing Hillbilly Bone, I've never heard her voice sound so ...ugly. I'm sure some will like the tone, and timbre, but to me it's not pleasant, and is not reminiscent of the voice I fell in love with.

The performance didn't improve much for Christina Aguilera as she progressed to her own song, Fighter, where she managed to dodges all the big notes, bar right at the end.

[Review] Paloma Faith- "Picking Up The Pieces"

I didn't like the brand of quirky pop that Paloma Faith was peddling with first album. It felt contrived and forced, as did the kooky personality she brought with it. Surprisingly, according to an interview with BBC Paloma wasn't a fan either [source], claiming it was more the record company than her who was pushing the sound;

At the Brits you said you had mixed feelings about your debut album. What did you mean?
The first time round, I knew what I wanted but I didn't necessarily have the confidence to stick to my guns. There was a certain degree of manipulation because I felt indebted, somehow, to the record label for signing me.

Review: Alexandra Burke ‘Let It Go’

2008 X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke seems intent on becoming the Rihanna dance diva of the United Kingdom with her second album, HeartBreak On Hold, if its first single Elephant, and, just released, follow-up Let It Go are indicative of what to expect from it. Not a move I'm thrilled with, it has to be said.

Let It Go is giving us more synths, more chanty/shouty choruses, and,of course, a dub-step breakdown- all things that seem to be a prerequisite of getting radio play these days. But its all kept light and breezy with a production that's weighted more towards the treble than the bass, giving Let It Go a sound that is perfectly suited for summer. Emotionally, however, it rings hollow, despite the "inspiring" angle of the lyrics.

Annie Lennox: vocal Range/Profile [contralto/3 octaves]

Annie Lennox

Vocal Type: Contralto
Vocal Range:3 Octaves  3 Notes G2-C6
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Powerful voice, that has a rich, weighty quality throughout its entirety.  Technically brilliant singer: able to switch between the different parts of her range with relative ease, and skill; able to sing melisma; and demonstrates excellent breath control that allows for well supported held notes, and long, uninterrupted ornamentation.