This is the 5th single off of her Born This Way album. This song is a funky synthpop number that could easily be mistaken for something out of The Human League's illustrious catalogue. Gaga's vocals are beautifully showcased on this one.
A radio edit has been made for its single release. The beats sound a bit more pronounced in certain parts. The breakdown towards the end has been consolidated and taken in a bit. The edit is subtle and effective.
There is an additional radio version by David Jost which is a bit more electro and big room-ish. A longer version of this would be perfect for the clubs.
An alternate version called the Zedd Remix was included on the deluxe edition of the album. It is a chunky electro mix.
-Listen to the radio edit here (SoundCloud)
-Listen to the David Jost mix here (DJCity)
Grade: A
October 31, 2011
October 22, 2011
Yolanda Be Cool feat Crystal Waters - Le Bump
After the surprising success of "We No Speak Americano" last year, they return with a fitting followup with the vocal talents of House diva Crystal Waters. An infectious piano hook guides the song along with Crystal's warm vocals. The main vocal hook is almost as memorable as her "La da di, la da da" hook from "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)." This one has the makings of a major smash. Those who loved Ida Corr's "Let Me Think About It" from a couple of years ago will love this too.
Listen to a clip of the song and purchase it here (Beatport)
Grade: A+
Listen to a clip of the song and purchase it here (Beatport)
Grade: A+
Erika Jayne - Party People (Ignite The World)
She is back with another dancefloor smash waiting to happen! "Party People (Ignite The World)" is an extremely catchy little ditty. The original version is in an electro/tribal style that is both suitable for the clubs and radio. This song feels like the sassier cousin of The Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." There are remixes by Bimbo Jones, Cory Enemy, Hector Fonseca, Jody Den Broeder, and Whiiite. The Bimbo Jones mix is in a similar vein as the original with some additional electro synth breaks. Cory Enemy's big room mix is uplifting, however, it is more like a dub. Hector Fonseca's mix is similar, however, it lacks direction. Jody Den Broeder's big room/electro house mix contains the full vocals ans is really pretty. The Whiiite mix is mostly instrumental with a few vocal drops here and there. The buildups with the funky synthline are really great. Overall, the Original and Jody Den Broeder mixes are the best.
Grade: A-
Grade: A-
October 14, 2011
Kazaky - Love (Peter Rauhofer Mix)
Ukrainian boyband Kazaky has gotten a significant amount of attention for their flamboyant, barely there costumes, racy videos, and good looks. Their somewhat catchy brand of dance/pop music has gotten lesser attention. "Love" has very few lyrics and lacks a traditional verse-chorus structure, however, the chorus that it does have is somewhat memorable.
Eddie Amador Feat. Kimberly Cole & Garza - Arrow Through My Heart (Remixes Part 1)
The reality TV star turned Dance/Pop princess' single "Arrow Through My Heart" saw a release a few weeks ago, along with a bunch of remixes by Richard F, Ian Nieman, DJ Irene, and Finbarr Massi with Dan De Leon.
Jei - Show Me The Money
This is the latest single from reality TV star Jane Castro from VH1's Tough Love. Produced by the legendary Giuseppe D, the catchy song has a strong 90's Eurodance flavor. Jei's vocals do sound somewhat autotuned, however, they sound fine. The additional rap also adds to the Eurodance feel calling to mind some of those "he raps and she sings" songs that defined that period. This is a fun Dance/Pop song overall.
Purchase the song here (iTunes)
Grade: B+
Purchase the song here (iTunes)
Grade: B+
October 6, 2011
Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)
This is basically the title song from her new album due out at the end of the month. Returning to more familiar territory, this song is a semi-anthemic Pop/Rock one. The lyrics are slightly cliched (as with the first single "Mr. Know It All"), but again, it's Kelly's singing and delivery that brings it all home. And within the context of the album, this would work better. This is much stronger than the previous single.
Adele - Someone Like You (Remix)
This is the second major single off of her fast-seller 21. The wistful piano ballad about wishing her ex the best with his new wife is absolutely stunning. Adele is in excellent form here. It is astounding how the simple the production is (just a piano) and it is all that is needed.
Willow Smith feat Nicki Minaj - Fireball
After the cool reception to "21st Century Girl" after the smash success of "Whip My Hair" comes another clubbanger entitled "Fireball." With its hard drums and sirens, the song will cause maximum dancefloor damage. This song is far more energetic and catchy than the previous single. Guest Nicki Minaj is a perfect match for Willow's verses and chorus. The chorus immediately calls to mind MC Lyte's "Cold Rock A Party". This one will probably fair much better.
Listen to the song here (YouTube)
Grade: A-
Listen to the song here (YouTube)
Grade: A-