Michael Jackson - Love Never Felt So Good

This is the lead single from the King Of Pop's second posthumous album entitled Xscape. The original song was  apparently written and recorded nearly 30 years back with Paul Anka but remained unreleased until now. A new version was produced specifically for the album. Despite having been updated, the song has a distinct sound characteristic of what Michael was doing around that time. An alternate remix version with additional vocals by Justin Timberlake, produced by Timbaland has also been released. The production on the remix is different. Justin's vocals do complement Michael's, however, there is an unfortunate noticeable difference in the sound quality that is distracting.

• Purchase the original here (iTunes)
• Purchase the remix here (iTunes)

Grade: B+

Beyoncé - BEYONCÉ (Album Review)

Many had expected the R&B superstar to release her new album a short time after her Superbowl performance earlier this year, however, she announced a new tour during which a few new songs were performed in addition to her biggest hits. Stories about the songs from the 5th album's recording sessions being scrapped surfaced and the album had no definite release date. But that was until last night.

Beyoncé ceremoniously unveiled her self-titled visual album that was available immediately on iTunes with both the songs and accompanying music videos for every song. This is a major gamechanger as most artists tend to release at least one or two singles to radio before their album is officially released along with multiple promotional appearances, interviews, and other things to build anticipation and interest in the album. Only a few artists have released an album without a single preceding it. Prince's Around The World In A Day was released in that fashion after the massive Purple Rain, with a first single only being released a full month after the album had been on store shelves. The inclusion of the video album is nothing new as other artists including Beyoncé herself did something like that for B'Day several years ago, but to release it with the album at the same time is different.

The album does not stray too far from the R&B sound she is known for, but this is her most experimental effort to date with Ambient, Electro, Dubstep, and even some Disco being represented in varying degrees. There are nearly a dozen producers and songwriters involved in the 14 tracks.

Overview of all of the songs:

Pretty Hurts This Dubstep inflected song is a dark song about paying the price of fame and is a commentary on society's notions of perfection and superficial beauty. Perhaps this is a window into her much guarded private life.

Haunted Composed as a suite with multiple tempos and different styles throughout, this one is similarly dark as the prior track. It's a bit all over the place but it's so well sung.

Drunk In Love (Featuring JAY Z) The super sensual slow jam features her husband joining in the fun.

Blow This porntastic Disco/R&B club banger is all about the carnal pleasure she is receiving courtesy of her lover. This is cut from the same cloth as Madonna's "Where Life Begins" which is about this same type of 'special love'.

No Angel Sung mostly in her breathy falsetto voice, this song has you craving that special someone to be there with you right now.

Partition This track opens with the "Yonce" interlude setting the stage for one of the most sexually explicit songs she has ever released. The interlude is half rapped, half sung. It builds up with a siren like synth before "Partition" comes in.

Jealous This highly relatable song about how two can play the jealousy game is loads of fun.

Rocket This is yet another erotic, playful song.

Mine (Featuring Drake) The R&B/Electro midtempo packs quite the punch with its various sounds.

XO The Ambient/Electropop track is easily the catchiest song from the record.

***Flawless (Featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) This originally surfaced as "Bow Down" several months back, however this one is far more developed. Manic and frantic, this one has a clear Prince influence with the multiple pitch shifted vocal effects.

Superpower (Featuring Frank Ocean) This dramatic duet with rising star Frank Ocean has so many effective subtle elements. Their voices blend beautifully.

Heaven Everything about this gorgeous piano ballad is perfect from the vocals to the melody and the lyrics.

Blue (Featuring Blue Ivy) The album closer features some cute vocals from her daughter adding to the otherworldly feel of the song.

Despite the myriad of sounds and styles, this album ends up being her strongest. Beyoncé's voice is in top form as it always is. The experimental nature makes this quite a grower. The sexual nature of some of the songs may be a tad much for some, however, it is not over the top and in your face the way some other artists have lately. Every single track is well done with none feeling like filler or that they were just added in for the sake of adding it. The highlights include "Blow", "Haunted", "XO", "Partition", "Rocket", and "Heaven".

The album is available exclusively through iTunes right now, however, a physical edition with both the songs and music videos will be released in the coming weeks.

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience Volume 2 (Review)

Nearly 6 months after the first volume of The 20/20 Experience was released is the second one. This was recorded in the same sessions as the first. This is meant to be the 'other side' of the first volume showcasing a slightly darker sound. The concept of suite-styled tracks with extended sections, breaks and attached interludes has been employed here as well.

Here is an overview of each song:

Gimme What I Don’t Know (I Want) Things start off on an uptempo note with a Prince-esque Hip Hop and Funk toetapper.

True Blood The vampirism-oriented song with obvious Prince and Michael Jackson influences is super catchy and would make for an excellent single and video. The floorshaking bass and drums of the Disco/Tribal hybrid are red hot. Vincent Price's maniacal laughter heard at the end of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is so appropriately sampled.

Cabaret (feat. Drake) This midtempo Hip Hop track is an ode to strippers and strip clubs. Drake brings the sleaze that such a song would have.

TKO The suggestive second single keeps the momentum going of the previous two tracks.

Take Back The Night The Disco and R&B number failed to gain traction as a lead single though within the context of the album, it fits perfectly. It serves as a closing to the 'first act'.

Murder (feat. Jay Z) The Bollywood-esque jam isn't about the crime, but about a killer woman. This has single potential.

Drink You Away The midtempo Country/Rock/Hip Hop/Pop track is quite the departure soundwise, but it all works. It's the "What Comes Around..." Of this album. This is delightful.

You Got It On The synthpop meets quiet storm midtempo is so smooth.

Amnesia This has a similar vibe as "Mirrors" from part 1. The layered harmonies on this are exquisite.

Only When I Walk Away Justin lets out his inner rockstar with this Rod Stewart-esque song.

Not A Bad Thing The guitar-driven pop track has a delightful carefree vibe.

Pair Of Wings This is a hidden track attached to "Not A Bad Thing." The haunting track with just a guitar accompanying Justin's vocals is amazing.

These next two are from the special Target edition:

Blindness The Jason Mraz-ish groover has a fun summery vibe.

Electric Lady The catchy clubbanger is strong enough to be on the standard edition and be a single. Justin's pitch-shifted rap section recalls Prince's alter ego Camille from the late 80s which employed a similar technique.

Timbaland produced all the songs here just as he did with part 1 and for the most part it sounds pretty fresh. The overall vibe of this second album is far more cohesive than on part 1. The songs on this volume are much stronger. Only a couple of the songs feel like they are a minute or two too long ("True Blood" would have worked better if it were about 1.5 minutes shorter as the coda at the end doesn't add anything to the song). This one ends up having great commercial potential with "True Blood", "Amnesia", "Murder", "Drink You Away", "Only When I Walk Away", and "Not A Bad Thing" being obvious single choices, all with proper radio edits of course.

The album will be released on September 30. Volume 2 will be available on its own in both a standard edition and a special edition sold exclusively through Target with "Blindness" and "Electric Lady" as the bonus tracks. A special combined edition with both volumes 1 and 2 will be available as well. A vinyl edition is planned as well.

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - TKO

This is the second single from the upcoming The 20/20 Experience Volume 2. It is the followup to "Take Back The Night" which underperformed unexpectedly. Clocking in at 7 minutes, this sexual song is a fusion of both the old and the new Timbaland sound. It is also classic Justin, but updated just enough. The song's infectious groove beckons one to head immediately to the nearest dancefloor. The groove is perfect for twerking to. This should get things back on track for the album release, which will happen on September 30. Pre-order here.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - Take Back The Night

This is the lead single off of the second volume of Justin's The 20/20 Experience album that will be released this Fall. The Timbaland produced song is a retro inspired track recalling the work of Michael Jackson circa the Off The Wall era. The song instantly calls to mind the lead single from the first volume of the album, "Suit & Tie", but this goes much further. It's far catchier and has a better hook. This is sure to be another hit.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - Tunnel Vision

After the monstrous success of the two singles from his The 20/20 Experience album comes the third single. It may be the final single from the album as the second volume of the album is due for a Fall release. The romantic song is another throwback to the glory days of 90s R&B. The drummy production  is perfect for the Summer. It will be quite the floorfiller in the clubs. Overall, this should do quite well.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience (Review)

This is the much-awaited 3rd album from the former boybander. His last album FutureSex/LoveSounds was released in the Summer of 2006. The music landscape has changed significantly since then. Those expecting Justin to do a full-on Dance/Pop album will be disappointed as this one is done in a strong R&B and Hip Hop style. It continues what was started with the previous albums. Entirely produced by frequent collaborator Timbaland, the songs run the gamut from smooth midtempos and ballads to party jams. The majority of the songs are arranged as extended suites with multiple sections including intros, outros, orchestral and percussion breaks, and codas. One could consider some of these additional sections as other songs.

Here is an overview of each song:

Pusher Love Girl This album opener discusses the love addiction he is afflicted with. It begins with an orchestral flourish, announcing the bigger things to come. The production changes and adds a stronger beat about 3/4 of the way through with Justin namechecking certain illicit substances one may become addicted to.

Suit & Tie (feat. Jay-Z) The lead single with its horn-dretched intro builds into the Disco/R&B throwback about getting all dressed up in the aforementioned clothing is so smooth and catchy. Justin's falsetto is a joy to listen to.

Don't Hold The Wall Sporting Bollywood-esque tribal drums and an ethnic vocal sample, this club banger makes it hard to sit still. The extended dance break leading to a bridge is one of the few Dance/Electronic moments on the album.

Strawberry Bubblegum Sweet and sexy, this song about his main squeeze being a delectable treat has  strong Michael Jackson and Al Green influences. The dreamy salsa-lite instrumental that comes in later is exquisite

Tunnel Vision The Hip Hop song calls to mind "My Love" from his last album except this is much prettier. The layered harmonies are perfection.

Spaceship Coupe This celestial-themed silky midtempo is lovely. Dim all the lights to set the mood while listening to this. The rock guitar solo comes in at the right time just as it would on a classic Prince song.

That Girl This has a strong 60s R&B flavor that doesn't let up.

Let The Groove Get In Strongly (unintentionally) influenced by Michael Jackson and Change, this uptempo is aimed at the dancefloor. The "Conga"-esque production and the "Wanna Be Startin' Something" rapidfire vocal delivery make for a deadly combination. The "Off The Wall" styled second section builds to a cold ending.

Mirrors The Rock-influenced song does immediately call to mind his very own "What Goes Around... Come Around", especially the drums. This one is deeply personal, most likely being about his wife.

Blue Ocean Floor The album closer featuring a hypnotic reversed string loop is extremely haunting. Justin's voice portrays a certain vulnerability that he has only let the world see only a few times before.

Timbaland's production is spot-on as are Justin's vocals. The lyrics on many of the songs may at times be slightly cliché and jejune, but coupled with all the other elements, it manages to work. Overall, this is a strong album, but it definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea. This is easily his least commercial album so far. It would be ranked below FutureSex/LoveSounds and above Justified, however, that is not to say Justified is a bad album or something. Only a couple of the tracks really could work well as singles with the right single edit, though certain songs may have to be reworked in the studio to be made appropriate for releasing to radio. Fans of Justin and Timbaland should still check this out.

The album will be released on March 19 in the U.S. on both CD and digital download formats. Target will be selling a special Deluxe Edition CD with 2 additional songs "Dress On" and "Body Count." A vinyl edition will also be available.

Grade: A

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors

Hours after his retro-inspired Grammys performance which had him performing "Suit & Tie" with Jay-Z and "Pusher Love Girl", two songs from his upcoming The 20/20 Experience album, another song called "Mirrors" has been made available for download. Some were unsure of how to receive the lead single "Suit & Tie", however, this song in many ways is a throwback to some of the familiar sounds of his first two albums, but with a little something new. Clocking in at a little over 8 minutes, this song has an extended coda at the end which in many ways is like the attached interludes found on his last album. If this were to be the next single. significant editing will need to happen for this to be played on radio. Overall, this is a great song.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-The song can be purchased here (iTunes)

Grade: A

My thoughts on the 2013 Grammys

In the nearly 6 years I have been writing the blog, I haven't done something like this, but after some asked me to, I decided to jot down my thoughts on this year's Grammy awards ceremony. I noted down everything as it happened live on my iPad and then posted everything uncensored, unfiltered, but with some copy editing so it's coherent. I would have live tweeted it, but I am too much of a perfectionist and it would take substantially longer to articulate my thoughts in 140 characters or less. Here it is:

Justin Timberlake feat Jay-Z - Suit & Tie

It has been nearly 6 1/2 years since the former member of N Sync has released new music from his own album. There have been a handful of duets and appearances on other artists' singles here and there. His last album FutureSex/LoveSounds spawned nearly half a dozen hits. Since then, Justin has put music on the backburner opting to work on a clothing line and acting in feature films.

The wait is over. Produced by Timbaland, the uptempo R&B track has a lovely 'old school' sound that will really help to make this stand out on radio amongst all the other music out now. Justin sounds divine. Jay-Z is a great accompaniment. This should be massive for him. His new album is called The 20/20 Experience and is due out in the next few months,

-Listen to a clip and purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

The Lonely Island - Jizz In My Pants

This is the next 'novelty' song that will dominate radio airwaves and download charts for some of the coming year. Originally featured on NBC's long-running Saturday Night Live, the video for this became an instant internet sensation. The Lonely Island is made up of Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Andy Samberg. A full length album is planned for a release next year.

The bold title succinctly summarizes what this song is about. But it doesn't get much more explicit than that. It's no more explicit than most Rap/Hip Hop songs. An edited version with a mysterious sound replacing the profanity also exists.

Overall, this is a little funny as one of those funny random videos that is shown on SNL, however as a single being released to radio, not so much. Especially with the edited one.

This was made available for purchase at all the digital stores yesterday.

Watch the video. (YouTube)

Grade: C+

Rihanna - Rehab

This is the 8th single off of Rihanna's 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad. After having chosen two new singles which made up part of the re-release, a song from the original release has been chosen. Written by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, this song is about wanting to check into a rehab after a relationship ended as the singer feels that she was addicted to her ex. This has been a fan favorite since the album came out and this has become a single, however, some feel that this should have been a singler sooner. Better late than never. Rihanna's vocal performance on this one is rather good. Although her vocals have been pretty good during the GGGB era, they are especially noteworthy on this one.

Listen to the song here (YouTube). A proper video is reportedly in the works so the visual isn't meant to match the audio.

Grade: A

Christian George - Strangers

Christian George has been on the scene for some time now as a model, dancer, stylist, occasional actor and now singer. His first single is the sexy "Strangers." He sings about staying anonymous when meeting a potential lover for the night. The lyrics flow rather well. Despite the mature subject matter, the lyrics are not vulgar. The main version is Electro-Dance/Pop. Although Christian may not have the strongest vocals, he manages fairly well. Over time, he could grow further and then be lumped into the same category as other R&B/Dance/Pop singers Craig David, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake and Darren Hayes.

This one is currently being promoted to the Dance clubs with a plethora of remixes. Jack Rokka, Thomas Gold, Speakerbox, The Wideboys, Funk Generation, and Rod Carillo provide the mixes. All the mixes are House-oriented. The Wideboys and Thomas Gold ones are a bit more Electro than the others. All the mixes have a "classic" feel to them, with the exception of the Rod Carillo one. His is a bit more modern. Slightly tribal.

Twisted Dee and Alyson Calagna have also done mixes which were not a part of the first set. These ones are a bit more hard-hitting and are Circuit-oriented. These would make a great addition to the already strong package.

There is a music video for this song. It's pretty racy. NSFW.

Listen to full previews of the original and some of the remixes on his official website.

Purchase the mixes here.

Original
Grade: B+

Remixes
Grade: A-

Madonna - 4 Minutes (Remixes)-Review

The much-awaited remixes of "4 Minutes" have finally been released through the various digital outlets. There's definitely something from this package for everyone.

Junkie XL provides two versions which are his usual best. Liquid synths and rock guitars soar over the thumping beats. However, very few of the vocals are used. These mixes would be better with those added vocals. The dub feels like something Switch would do.

Tracy Young's mix is a lot housier than some of her recent offerings. Those expecting a tear-your-shirt-off anthem will love the Peter Saves New York mix. It's a dark, twisted epic that calls to mind some of his early 2000's material. It also bears a striking resemblance to Offer Nissim and Yinon Yahel's recent work. The Peter Saves Paris mix is a bit more electro oriented. The Peter Saves London mix is sort of the best of both mixes. The New York one is the best though. There is also the newly promoted Madonna's Pjanoo Rauhofer Mix which is a mashup with Eric Prydz's "Pjanoo". The song has some really atmospheric piano loops and goes well with the Madonna vocals. Not enough vocals used from the original but that's a minor detail.

Bob Sinclar's mix is in the disco-house direction. It has a lovely retro feel.

And last but not least, there's the Rebirth mix. This one is an electro-house mix. Lots of layers of synths and other filtered elements.

Overall, the remix package for "4 Minutes" was totally worth the wait and is a great start to this amazing Hard Candy era.

Buy The Madonna 4 Minutes Remixes

Madonna - 4 Minutes (Remixes)

The remixes for "4 Minutes" will be released this Tuesday, April 15 via iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers. Bob Sinclar, Junkie XL, Marcos Castellon, Peter Rauhofer and Tracy Young provided the mixes this time around. A CD maxi featuring all of their main mixes will be released in the U.S. at some point during the next two weeks. There are three main mixes by Peter Rauhofer. One for New York, Paris and London. The Paris mix will be on the CD single. The others will be digital only.

All the main mixes can be previewed on Amazon's MP3 store.

Matt Pokora - Dangerous

He began his career in late 2003 when he was part of a group spawned by the French version of Popstars. He went solo shortly after. After a string of successful albums and singles in French, he has finally recorded an English one. Entitled MP3, he has worked with mega producer Timbaland on some of the tracks. It was released on March 24. The lead single "Dangerous", featuring Timbaland and Sebastian has already gotten a lot of buzz on the internet. It feels like something that would have been on Justin Timberlake's last album, but this one stands on its own. His vocals are very clear and fresh. It's hard to not compare the two of them in terms of their general sound, image and overall look, however, the similarities end there. He has what it takes to crossover into the U.S., however, he may have to do what other artists have done and record some additional songs to replace some that may not work as well here. Overall, his album could work in it's original configuration.

Grade: B+

Madonna - 4 Minutes (Remix Update)

The iTunes and Amazon releases of "4 Minutes" happened just 2 days ago. The song is already at number 2 on the iTunes sales chart, along with two other versions that are at other positions. On Amazon, the song has topped their MP3 store charts.

Remixes by Peter Rauhofer, Junkie XL, Bob Sinclar and Tracy Young will be on the U.S. CD maxi to be released on April 29. A digital release may happen in two weeks.

Listen to both Junkie XL mixes here.

A special event is being held in New York tomorrow night at Highline Ballroom. Peter Rauhofer will be DJing. And he will be premiering the 3 remixes he did for "4 Minutes" (in New York, Paris and London flavors). Get all the details here.

Madonna - 4 Minutes (an update)

"4 Minutes", the lead single off of Madonna's next studio album Hard Candy will be officially hitting radio airwaves in the U.S. on Monday, March 17!!

Don't forget to request it on your favorite stations!

The digital download release will happen on March 25, 2008 through stores such as Amazon and iTunes.

Madonna - 4 Minutes

The lead single from her next album Hard Candy was played on a French radio station a couple days back. There has been considerable buzz surrounding the track ever since the short remixed clips leaked. And the buzz is even louder now that it has been heard by a number of people. Featuring additional vocals by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, the song was also produced by them. The song is an uptempo Urban-leaning Dance track. With the driving beats and infectious horns, this song is sure to take off like wildfire on radio and in the clubs. Peter Rauhofer and Junkie XL are two of the confirmed remixers on this project. The single will hit U.S. radio later this month.

Grade: A