Sam Sparro - Happiness

This is the latest single from his forthcoming abum tentatively titled Return To Paradise. The singer-songwriter has mentioned that this album will draw heavily from the club sounds of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. "Happiness" is a mixture of 70s classic Disco, 80s Funk, and 90s Handbag House. The hooky song is a pleasure to listen to. Sam's vocals are fabulous, only slightly over the top.

Listen to the song here

Grade: A

Sam Sparro - Pink Cloud

This is a song reportedly to be a preview of his sophomore record due next year, tentatively titled Return To Paradise. The mostly instrumental song is in the style of early 90's House music. It immediately calls to mind the work of legends including Steve "Silk" Hurley, Shep Pettibone, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales, and Masters At Work. It is definitely an interesting track overall, but Sam's usually soulful vocals are sorely missed. Only a handful of vocals and spoken parts are peppered throughout the track.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment

This is the much-awaited lead single from his first album due in Noveber. "For Your Entertainment" is an uptempo dance/pop track very much in the same vein as Sam Sparro's "Black & Gold", Christina Aguilera's "Keeps Gettin' Better", and Amii Stewart's "Knock On Wood." Parts of the song instantly call to mind those other ones. That's not a bad thing. Vocally, Adam sounds great. His performance is restrained for a good part of it, but he really lets loose with high notes towards the middle/end.

Listen to it here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Lolene - Sexy People

Recently signed to Capital Records, British artist Lolene is set to take the world by storm with her new single "Sexy People." It is the lead single from her debut album The Electrick Hotel which will be released next year. It's an uptempo Electro/Pop track that immediately calls to mind Lady GaGa and Britney's recent albums. The alternate R&B mix might actually end up getting the radio airplay if released. This one will be quite the floorfiller with it's remixes by Static Revenger, Sam Sparro, and Michael Woods. Static Revenger's mix is in a similar vein as the original. It has a sleazy, gritty feel. Sam Sparro's is more mellow and Euro-sounding. It's really pretty. Michael Woods' mix could be thought of as a hybrid of the two style-wise. A great package overall.

Listen to the original and some of the remixes on her MySpace.

Grade: A-

Basement Jaxx featuring Sam Sparro - Feelings Gone

This is the second single from Basement Jaxx's upcoming album Scars (due in September). This features vocals from 2008 breakthrough artist Sam Sparro. He sounds great, as usual. "Feelings Gone" feels like some thing that could have easily appeared on his own album. The Electro/Disco/Pop production is really great. A little busy at times, this one will be quite the floorfiller. It comes ready with several remixes by Joachim Garraud, Rusko, Spor, and Adrian Lux, so far. Joachim's is a bit more electro-ish. Rusko's has a really sleazy (in a good way) feel. Very 80's. Spor's is a high tempo drum n' bass rework. It actually works well. Adrian Lux's is a nice chilled, electro mix. The Alternate Version is a lot more minimal than the original. It allows listeners to hear Sam's great vocal performance a lot better. Excellent second single.

Listen to the original and the remixes here (MySpace)

Grade: A+

Livvi Franc - Now I'm That Bitch/Now I'm That Chick

She is the latest import from Barbados after the success of Rihanna and Shontelle. Livvi Franc is ready to make her mark on the U.S. with the cute and infectious "Now I'm That Bitch/Now I'm That Chick." It's a nice Dance/Pop track. Her vocals are pretty good.

The real gem is the Sam Sparro Remix. It continues in the same direction as the original but makes it a bit harder and adds those little elements that make Sam's music so enjoyable.

Listen to the original here (MySpace)

Grade: A

Sam Sparro - Black And Gold

This is the Australian Pop/Soul/Electronic artist's first single off of his self-titled album. It's a soulful Electronic/Pop song with hints of Disco. The lyrics do have a slight spiritual feel to them, but they work very well. They're uplifting. Sam's vocal performance is very controlled. This is the beginning of a great career for him.

There are some remixes of this song which transform it for the dancefloors. Sanna & Pitron's remix is the mix of choice. It eliminates the chill vibe of the original and replaces it with a great hands in the air, anthem vibe. It's one of the year's best mixes.

The music video is also pretty cool.

Check out both the single and the album. Don't sleep on this one!

Grade: A+