Thursday, December 31, 2009

Bring Da Beat Back's Top 10 Albums Of 2009

#1) Mariah Carey Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel









#2) Imogen Heap Ellipse










#3) Kelly Clarkson All I Ever Wanted








#4) Jordin Sparks Battlefield


#5) Adam Lambert For Your Entertainment








#6) Leona Lewis Echo










#7) OneRepublic Waking Up










#8) Ciara Fantasy Ride










#9) Rihanna Rated R
Album Review










#10) Mario D.N.A.










Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#1) Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake "Love Sex Magic"

Mini Album Review: Rihanna "Rated R"

I would like to think that I'm like most people when it comes to Rihanna. Throughout her career, I've enjoyed some of her radio hits, though never being too impressed by her talent or stage presence. When it came time for her to release her fourth album Rated R, I was hoping for her to stick with the strengths of her last effort Good Girl Gone Bad, but due to her having quite a bit to think about & doing an unavoidable amount of growing over the past year, I didn't know what to expect. At first, I thought Rated R was a decent album, but needed more of the uptempos I had been expecting. However, as Entertainment Weekly recently said when naming Rated R the year's Best Pop Album, time certainly paints a much different picture!

"Mad House" : This relatively short intro is incredibly infectious & just how it should be. It's really just one line repeated the entire time along with various adlibs, but I definitely wouldn't have it any other way. 4.5/5

"Wait Your Turn" : This is the absolute perfect promo single. The song is scorching hot & I loved the video for what it was as well. 4.5/5

"Hard" (ft. Young Jeezy) : I cannot believe how long I've been practically listening to this song on repeat & it still hasn't gotten old. It's awesome! 5/5

"Stupid In Love" : This is the only song I can't stand & skip everytime I listen to the album. Sure the lyrics are appropriate, but it's unnecessary. 1/5

"ROCKSTAR 101" (ft. Slash) : My goodness, I love this song. I've always said that I hate the sound of guitars, but thanks to Rihanna, I'm changing that to just acoustic guitars; RiRi, stick to rock, girl! 5/5

"Russian Roulette" : I'm not quite as over-the-moon about this one, but it's still a good song. Rihanna's vocals have come a looong way since "Unfaithful." 4/5

"Fire Bomb" : My favorite song on the album. (A ballad? I know!) Why? Two words: James Fauntleroy. My unhealthy obsession with his music isn't helped by the fact that he is all over this album. 5/5

"Rude Boy" : One of the lone uptempos on the album, this song is straight fire. My favorite part is the "wa-wa-want" business! 4.5/5

"Photographs" (ft. will.i.am) : Rihanna often tells the story of how she swiped this song from The Black-Eyed Peas & if only I knew how to properly express my gratitude. It has all the strengths of '09 will.i.am music, but without all that obnoxious BEP noise. 4.5/5

"G4L" : Yes the main reason I love this song is because it's another J-Faunt joint, but I have to give some props to a friend of mine (you know who you are) for really bringing my attention to it. Don't get all uppity about the lyrics; just bask in the stylish & musical genius! 5/5

"Te Amo" : I really liked this when it leaked & I still do now. 4.5/5

"Cold Case Love" : This is the first Rated R ballad (due to its leak) that really made me perk up & pay attention. The longest song on the album, I wouldn't shorten it a single second. 4.5/5

"The Last Song" : This one's my latest obsession. It's the only thing I can think of that breaks your heart, yet keeps you genuinely wanting to return for more. James Fauntleroy's background vocals at the end give me freaking LIFE! 5/5

Rated R truly is a magnificent album with the perfect blend of uptempos & ballads, most of the credit for which I must give to James Fauntleroy, The-Dream, & Tricky Stewart, the latter two of which produced "Hard" & "ROCKSTAR 101." I even love all the visual aspects attached to it. For the first time, Rihanna really demonstrated what makes her special as an artist & delivered a great album. That Rihanna reign just don't let up!

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Listen To Katharine McPhee's "Unbroken"

Katharine McPhee's upcoming sophomore album Unbroken (January 5th) is now available for streaming HERE. Some tracks are better than others, but have at it! Note: The tracks are all out of order, but you can check the blog's archives for the tracklisting.

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#2) Mariah Carey "Obsessed"

Monday, December 28, 2009

Usher "NBA All-Star Game" Commercial

Usher has shot a commercial promoting the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, which takes place in Dallas in February. It's set to the tune of "More," a new song from the Raymond Vs. Raymond (March 1st) sessions. Naturally, being that he's Usher, the so-so song has leaked in full already, so take a listen below:

More

Avril Lavigne "Canon" Commercial

Since filing for divorce, Avril Lavigne has kept busy getting those endorsement checks. Her latest is for the new Canon camera & features her song "Innocence" off The Best Damn Thing. This is lovely, but I was thinking of something more along the lines of that new album...

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#3) The Pussycat Dolls "Hush Hush; Hush Hush"

Michael Jackson "This Is It" Video Premiere

Spike Lee has directed a music video for Michael Jackson's song "This Is It" lifted from the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, which will be released on DVD January 26th. The tribute clip truly is touching, honoring the late King of Pop while unavoidably reminding us all that he really is gone. We must remember though that MJ will forever live on in our hearts.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Disney World Christmas Day Parade Performance Highlights



Celine Dion "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day"



Celine Dion "O Come All Ye Faithful"



Kris Allen "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"

Don't totally shake off that Christmas spirit just yet because HQ (if not perfect) videos of Celine Dion & Kris Allen's performances on the Disney World Christmas Day Parade have just surfaced & they're too incredible, in Celine's case, & fun, in Kris', to miss! In fact, I don't care if Christmas is over. I suddenly feel the urge to pull out Celine's These Are Special Times CD--if not her entire catalog!

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#4) Jazmine Sullivan "Dream Big"

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Mary J. Blige On The View

Right before Christmas, Mary J. Blige was gettin' that Stronger With Each Tear promo in down to the wire. She performed "I Am" directly after an interview on The View where she discussed her many, many activities from this past year. I hope you did enjoy your Christmas Day, Mary, because you certainly deserved it. I know I enjoyed it by listening to a bit of your new album!

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#5) Pink "Please Don't Leave Me"

In Theaters Now...

Grade: A+

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays From Woody & Buzz

Melanie Fiona & Brian McKnight "Someday At Christmas"

Melinda Doolittle & Friends "Jingle Bells"

Jordin Sparks & Gang "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

[Source]

Thursday, December 24, 2009

2010 Grammys Update

The first performers for the 2010 Grammys have been announced. They include Beyonce, The Black-Eyed Peas, &, allegedly, Jennifer Hudson. It's only appropriate for 10x nominee Beyonce to be given the opportunity to rock the house, so at least we have something to look forward to! The show airs January 31st @ 8/7c on CBS.

[Source, Source, Source, Source]

Nicole Scherzinger Performs "You Don't Own Me" On The Sing-Off

Nicole Scherzinger, who helped judge NBC's 4-night event The Sing-Off, performed "You Don't Own Me" with finalists the Beelzebubs on the show's finale. This one's for those who wonder why I love Nicole so much!

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

You have arrived at your 100th Billboard Update! As we've come to expect, Susan Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream tops the Billboard 200 album chart this week. Coming in at #2 with impressive first-week sales of 417,000 copies is The Element Of Freedom from Alicia Keys. On the Hot 100 singles chart, Ke$ha lands on top with "Tik Tok." Debuting this week are Adam Lambert's "Whataya Want From Me" @ #72 & Usher @ #94 with the Plies-assisted "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)."

See full charts HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Amerie ft. Fabolous "More Than Love" Video Premiere

"More Than Love," featuring Fabolous, is the third single lifted from Amerie's new album In Love & War. "More Than Love" is neither my favorite nor my least favorite song on the album, so its being chosen as a single is fine. This video is much better than I thought it would be. I really like videos like this that have a storyline & are interesting to watch. I really hope Amerie finds some success with this single or that'll probably be case closed, so somebody request this somewhere or something! lol

Angels & Airwaves "Hallucinations" Song Premiere + FREE Download


In news that makes me especially giddy, Angels & Airwaves have just premiered the first single "Hallucinations" off their forthcoming third album Love, which, as you can see, is set to be released on Valentine's Day 2010. As you can also see via my Songs Of The Moment, I kindasorta LOVE it! This is such a perfect opportunity for you to jump on board as well because AVA are offering a FREE download of "Hallucinations" right HERE. In other words, get to listenin' & feel the LoVe!

David Archuleta & Katharine McPhee Perform On Larry King

David Archuleta "Pat-A-Pan"

Katharine McPhee "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

Both with new albums to promote, David Archuleta & Katharine McPhee performed Christmas songs during Larry King Live's holiday special last night. So, who's stalking who here? (jk!) They both did well, but I'm particularly excited about having a televised performance of "Pat-A-Pan" from Mr. Archuleta. David's Christmas From The Heart is out now, while Katharine's sophomore album Unbroken drops January 5th. Thanks for reminding me that I need to listen to your album, Kat!

Mary J. Blige Performs "I Am" On A Home For The Holidays

Mary J. Blige gave her millionth performance of "I Am" off Stronger With Each Tear at the 11th annual A Home For The Holidays special. A million times, yes, but still doin' it well!

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#6) The Black-Eyed Peas "Meet Me Halfway"

"Fantasia For Real" Trailer

Our first look at Fantasia's upcoming reality show "Fantasia For Real" has arrived. The show looks like it'll be quite entertaining & is one not to miss. Keep an eye out for it in January on VH1.

David Archuleta Performs "Angels We Have Heard On High" On FOX & Friends

David Archuleta sang his rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" beautifully on FOX & Friends in support of his Christmas album Christmas From The Heart. Will ya look at that? Yay for 100 David Archie posts!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Watch "Words & Music With Mary J. Blige"



Mary J. Blige performed five songs during a BET special dedicated to her entitled "Words & Music With Mary J. Blige." In support of her new album Stronger With Each Tear, MJB sang "Good Love," "In The Morning," "I'm Goin' Down," "Enough Cryin'," & "I Am." As if I need to tell you, Mary killed it. It was wonderful, but I sure would've liked for "The One" to have been thrown in the mix...

David Archuleta Performs "Melodies Of Christmas" On Regis & Kelly

The machine known as David Archuleta kept that Christmas promotion going, err, spirit alive with a performance of his very own "Melodies Of Christmas" on Live With Regis & Kelly. He sounded great & with all that recent touring & it being a morning show, I simply don't know how! (lol) I'd also like to mention that I finally got (my mom to sit down long enough) to finish David's Billboard concert & WOW! That second half with the classic Christmas songs & those strings accompanying him was simply breathtaking. I'll for sure be pulling out my Christmas From The Heart CD to enjoy as many more listens as possible before Christmas!

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#7) Rihanna ft. Young Jeezy "Hard"

*UPDATED* JoJo "All I Want Is Everything" Update

JoJo sat down with Rap-Up to discuss her tumultuous past (see below) & bright future (see above). She name-dropped several people who've been helping her work on her 2010 album All I Want Is Everything; among them, Chad Hugo (of The Neptunes), Jim Beanz (Keri Hilson, Ciara), & Kenna (Ashlee Simpson). Also, after working on Shock Value II, JoJo revealed that she will be hitting the studio in January with Timbaland to work on some material for her project; she also hopes to put some studio time in with Pharrell in the near future. JoJo is also planning to release a mixtape, which she has started working on with Clinton Sparks & Chester French. Personally, I'm very excited for both JoJo's long-awaited third album as well as her upcoming mixtape. We've waited so long, it's cool to have so much to look forward to here pretty soon!

UPDATE: Check out JoJo singing part of "Winter Wonderland":

Plies ft. Keri Hilson "Medicine" Behind-The-Scenes

Keri Hilson helped administer Plies' "Medicine" during their recent video shoot for his new single off the forthcoming Goon Affiliated. Keri absolutely kills this hook! She looked fine too. It's too bad the video looks painfully horrid. I also happen to despise Plies; a 'goon' indeed.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

David Archuleta On Today

"Angels We Have Heard On High"

Interview

David Archuleta did right by his holiday album Christmas From The Heart with this appearance on the Today show, which included a showstopping performance of "Angels We Have Heard On High." Let's see, Archie... by my count, you went on three full-fledged tours, recorded this album, & began writing for your sophomore pop album this year. Sir, I believe you have earned the right to relax & enjoy your holiday!

Mary J. Blige On 106 & Park



"I Am"



Interview (Pt. 1)



Interview (Pt. 2)

Mary J. Blige stopped by 106 & Park to perform "I Am" from Stronger With Each Tear & sit down with Terrence & Rocsi. The performance was another solid one & it was nice as always to see MJB's personality shine through during her interview.

Vonzell Solomon Releases Holiday Tunes

Just in time for Christmas, the amazing Vonzell Solomon has presented a trio of holiday songs with the launch of her new official site. You can listen to them below...

Silent Night

Winter Wonderland

Baby, It's Cold Outside

...& download them for FREE on her site! It's also worth noting that she is offering a FREE download of a snippet of her new single "D.I.R.T.B.A.G." as well. What a perfect opportunity to (re)discover the outstanding talent that is Vonzell Solomon! I was so very pleasantly surprised when I discovered these tunes today. God bless you, Vonzell!

[Source]

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#8) Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga "Video Phone (Extended Remix)"

Listen To Mary J. Blige's "Stronger With Each Tear"

I've tried to convince you, but don't take my word for it. Head on over HERE & experience the soulful joys of Mary J. Blige's new album Stronger With Each Tear for yourself!

Adam Lambert On Jay Leno

"Whataya Want From Me"

Interview

Adam Lambert made a refreshing appearance on The Jay Leno Show, where he performed "Whataya Want From Me" off For Your Entertainment & sat down for an interview. I say refreshing because while ABC was again discussed, the majority of the interview was about *gasp* Adam's background & passion for music! I also must say that despite initially sighing at the thought of watching yet another "WWFM" performance (I do think they pounced on this song too soon & should've promoted the title track here & there instead; heck, it was doing better than his new single for quite a while on iTunes with no promotion whatsoever), this one was very impressive! Not that they aren't all... I also have to mention that I think his hair looks phenomenal!

Jennifer Lopez "Love?" Update

Jennifer Lopez recently held a listening party for her upcoming album Love?--seemingly despite its newly pushed-back release month of April--where she played the majority of the album's tracks, which means several new details have emerged! The inclusion of the Wynter Gordon-penned "What Is Love" (see below) was confirmed, while a "What Is Love (Part 2)" exists, but may or may not make the final cut; Wynter also wrote an uptempo called "Everybody's Girl" for the album. Another leaked track, "One Love" (see below), will be included on the album, as will a ballad entitled "Beautiful," which is being considered for use in Jennifer's April 16th film "The Back-Up Plan" as well. Danja produced "Keeper," another track set for inclusion, as well as "Love & War," which may or may not make the final tracklisting; a song that has now been confirmed for inclusion though is "Fresh Out The Oven." I love both "What Is Love" & "Fresh Out The Oven," so that's definitely good news. I'm also liking their idea about coinciding the release of the album with the movie, but with "Louboutins" having just been released digitally (download HERE), April seems much too far away. Ah well; if this leaked material & producer names like Danja are any indication, Love? will be worth the wait!

What Is Love


One Love


Monday, December 21, 2009

New Music Monday: Mary J. Blige "Stronger With Each Tear"

Mary J. Blige releases her new album Stronger With Each Tear today. The album features the Drake-assisted "The One" as well as "I Am." As you can see, I gave the album a pretty positive review, so I would recommend getting your copy. You can do that one of two ways: Either purchase the CD using the widget to your right or click HERE to buy the digital album for only $3.99 (with two bonus tracks)!

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#9) Janet Jackson "Make Me"

Usher & Mary J. Blige Perform On Christmas In Washington



Usher "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"



Usher "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"



Mary J. Blige "O Holy Night"



Mary J. Blige "The Christmas Song"

Usher & Mary J. Blige performed holiday songs for President Barack & Michelle Obama during this year's Christmas In Washington special. They both did a great job & displayed that true talent does still exist! Mary's new album Stronger With Each Tear is out today, while Usher's Raymond Vs. Raymond comes out on March 1st. In fact, with the leak of his song "Little Freak" with Nicki Minaj, he has begun to restore my faith in him, thank goodness!

Little Freak (ft. Nicki Minaj)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Album Review: Mary J. Blige "Stronger With Each Tear"

Stronger With Each Tear is Mary J. Blige's third studio album in a row to be released at the last possible second right before Christmas. I remember this because every other year, December means it's MJB time! Mary especially 'broke through' to me with 2005's The Breakthrough & offered a solid follow-up in 2007's Growing Pains. Now, after a very busy fall of mostly soundtrack appearances, Mary is back with a new effort all her own, but how does it measure up to her previous work?

The album kicks off with "Tonight," a cool track that seems to fit perfectly as the opener. Her ill-fated first single, the Drake-assisted "The One," is still blazing & still terribly underappreciated. Ryan Leslie then hits the keys for "Said & Done," which is pretty good & works well in between "The One" & the T.I.-featured "Good Love." Although it's been leaked for a while, this Stereotypes-produced song is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The uptempo has a very nice past-meets-present vibe to it thanks to some live instrumentation.

MJB calms down a bit on "I Feel Good," an appropriately feel-good song. The album's second single "I Am" has managed to find some success, which the signature-Mary ballad is worthy of. Next up is (sorta) the title track "Each Tear," a strong slow jam. As much as I like it though, it's no excuse for leaving off the original title track "Stronger." I really like the groove of "I Love U (Yes I Du)." Mary gets it with the vocals on this song too!

So far, Mary has covered both the ups & downs tempo-wise on Stronger With Each Tear without faltering. It's the last few songs before an album's closer, however, that often make or break an album as a whole imo & unfortunately, that is where this album falls off a little. There's nothing really wrong with the Trey Songz-assisted "Hood Love" (well, besides Trey...), but it's kinda ancient. Surprisingly, while solid & not at all bad, "Kitchen" finds production duo The-Dream & Tricky Stewart, who have been doing their thing lately, not meshing quite as well with Mary. Yet another ballad, "In The Morning" is just alright, but has Mary delivering vocally as always. Lastly, we all know the album's closer "I Can See In Color." Obviously it's a different breed of song--& a good one at that.

Stronger With Each Tear is a good album. There aren't even any bad songs, which has me wondering... why isn't it longer? Mary typically serves up more & incredible tracks, such as the Jazmine Sullivan-featured "Gonna Make It," were left off for no apparent reason. That, along with the fact that this album doesn't quite live up to its predecessors, is all the criticism I have to offer though. Mary brings it across the board & if you're looking for a good R&B album, as can be expected, you've come to the right place.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Countdown To 2010: The Top 10 Videos Of 2009

#10) Whitney Houston "Million Dollar Bill"

Goo Goo Dolls Album Update

The Goo Goo Dolls are currently prepping for the release of their next album. Titled Something For The Rest Of Us, the album is due to be completed in February & set for release in late spring. The band has already performed a couple of the album's tracks, "The Sweetest Lie" & "As I Am," for a special that will air Christmas Day. For one, I'm loving that album title. The more it sinks in that the general public couldn't be bothered by the presence of actual talent from actual artists on the radio, the more I cherish the real music that gets released by talented folks such as these. Also, I loved their last album Let Love In, so I look forward to hearing them again in 2010.

[Source]

Mary J. Blige On Jimmy Kimmel

"I Am"

Interview

Mary J. Blige both sang & was interviewed on stage while visiting Jimmy Kimmel Live! Her new album Stronger With Each Tear drops tomorrow!

Mariah Carey 'Memoirs' Remix Album Update

Even more details have been revealed about Mariah Carey's upcoming Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel remix/features album. The release date for the album has been set for February 23rd & although which tracks they are featured on is TBA, additional guests on the album include Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, K-Ci & JoJo, & Fabolous. Also, it warms my heart to report that this project will be treated as a brand new one from a promotion standpoint, with Mariah set to finally tape that VH1 Storytellers appearance in January. Note that an official title & final tracklisting for this remix album will be revealed soon. Hallelujer!

[Source, Source]

Alicia Keys Performs "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" On Letterman + More



Alicia Keys gave her second performance in one week on the Late Show with David Letterman on Friday night as part of her promo tour for The Element Of Freedom. Very nice, Alicia. In related news, if ya just can't get enough of Ms. Keys, she will be streaming ANOTHER concert online in January & this time, she'll be coming to you live from the Apollo theater! The information regarding the January 7th concert for those who are interested can be found HERE. It's another Billboard concert, so that is also the link to follow the day of the show to watch it!

Beyonce "Heat" Commercial & Ad



"Heat" is Beyonce's first fragrance. For the perfume's ad campaign, Beyonce rerecorded "Fever," which can be heard in part above & in full HERE. I love her new sensual version of the song, which goes right along with the campaign's steamy look. I can't imagine something like this would actually smell that great (most celebrity fragrances don't--although, Mariah's "Forever" is nice), but this is an incredibly profitable business for celebrities, so hey, get that money!

[Source]

The Black-Eyed Peas On Walmart Soundcheck



"Let The Beat Rock"



"Let's Get It Started"



"Pump It"



"My Humps"



"Boom Boom Pow"



Interview

The Black-Eyed Peas were also featured on Walmart Soundcheck recently, where they performed a set in support of their very successful latest album The E.N.D. Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to recommend that you NOT watch these performances, especially if you have the slightest hint of a headache, as they are just noise. (OK, fine. I enjoyed Fergie flaunting her 'lovely lady lumps' again.) I'll give you the option though... & on top of that, if YouTube rips aren't your thing, view the performances in HQ by clicking on the banner below:

Que Kicked Out Of Day26

Now-former Day26 member Que revealed via Twitter this week that his fellow bandmates have decided to move on without him. Considering the drama constantly caused by Que as seen on Making The Band, this news isn't particularly surprising. I wish them all the best of luck as they go their separate ways & I look forward to what Day26 will have to offer in the future.

[Source, Source]

Rihanna On Friday Night With Jonathan Ross

"Russian Roulette"

Interview (Pt. 1)

Interview (Pt. 2)

Rihanna was a guest on this past week's Friday Night With Jonathan Ross while on the UK promo tour for her new album Rated R. Uh, since when is RiRi the most entertaining person in interviews?! Also, a bit of news. I've decided that since I can't stop listening to it, I'm gonna do a mini review of Rated R pretty soon!

Alicia Keys Does Giant Magazine

Alicia Keys pretty-fies the cover & inside pages of Giant magazine's latest issue. Her fourth album The Element Of Freedom is out now & at the more-or-less request of a friend, I'm gonna spend some quality time with the album as it plays on my headphones & see if my opinion of it improves...



Saturday, December 19, 2009

Jennifer Lopez "The Back-Up Plan" Trailer

Updates keep pouring in about the movie half of Jennifer Lopez's 1, 2 punch of releases for next year. Here, we finally get some MOVING pictures of "The Back-Up Plan," which is set to hit theaters on April 16th. I love it when celebs return to what they do best! If you're like me & can't get enough J-Lo, her next album Love? is also due early next year.

OneRepublic On Walmart Soundcheck



OneRepublic performed a show at The Pearl in Las Vegas (where Mariah did her Vegas show) for Walmart Soundcheck back around the time of their sophomore album Waking Up's release & now you can watch the show by clicking the banner above. First up is the album's title track "Waking Up," which features Ryan Tedder singing notes about twice as high as I thought he could! They also perform "Everybody Loves Me" with guest guitarist Orianthi, the ridiculously good one from "Michael Jackson's This Is It." The set continues with "Secrets," my fav "Good Life," "All The Right Moves," & "Apologize." The band also discuss the making of their latest album in the interview that follows. This is practically an entire concert, so definitely check it out!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Mariah Carey On Lopez Tonight

"It's A Wrap"

"Obsessed"

Interview (Pt. 1)

Interview (Pt. 2)

For two nights in a row, Mariah Carey was a guest on Lopez Tonight, performing "Obsessed" & doing a lengthy interview the first night & taking us to church on "It's A Wrap" last night. I'm about to go ape-ish on your butts, so get ready. First of all, Mariah actually sang 90% of both songs live, so that's an improvement. Seeing less Mariah-bot during the interview was very nice as well. You shoulda seen my butt a-movin' during that "It's A Wrap" performance though! You show 'em, Mimi!! Do you understand why Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel is so incredible yet?! Heck, & she didn't even perform "H.A.T.E.U."...

David Archuleta Performs "Ave Maria" On Nuestra Navidad

David Archuleta sang his rendition of "Ave Maria" from his new Christmas album Christmas From The Heart at a school in Harlem for the Univision holiday special Nuestra Navidad. Amazing! Of course! On a related note, I've only managed to make my way through about half of his Billboard concert so far, but it's excellent!

Rihanna ft. Young Jeezy "Hard" Video Premiere



"Hard," featuring Young Jeezy, is the second single off Rihanna's fourth album Rated R. The Melina-directed video is HOT! Rihanna looks amazing in several different looks. Ever since it leaked, I've played "Hard" on a regular, so it looks like that 'ain't gon' let up' anytime soon!

Monica "Still Standing" Update

You may be wondering why Monica hasn't been pushing a single or two preceding her upcoming fifth studio album Still Standing (March 9th) now that her highly entertaining BET reality show of the same name has been on for a while. Well, to answer that question as well as the one pertaining to that very delayed release date you see above, Monica has been forced to scrap the dual singles she was planning on releasing & go in a different direction. That direction has been confirmed as another dual single release: "One In A Lifetime" (see below) & "Love All Over Me." That sound you hear is Monica fans all over the world banging their heads against a wall. First of all, "One In A Lifetime" is NOT--I repeat, NOT--first single material. Not only that, but I would go as far as to say that since it's been leaked for an eternity now, it shouldn't even be a single at all. Also, what is the point of releasing two ballads at the same time? They are just gonna cancel eachother out! Wow, Larry Jackson, you really screwed this one up. Moving on, Mo tweeted a bit of news a little while back that I thought I'd throw in here. She has recorded a song called "Mirror" for her new album & it's produced by Jim Jonsin. There ya go!

One In A Lifetime

[Source, Source]