Cher - Woman's World (Remixes)

The official release of the single finally happened today. The song was first streamed on her official website late last year. The album's release campaign kicked off with the release of the single and a performance of the song on NBC's The Voice.

The new version of the song is very similar to the previously streamed one. That is being considered the demo version. The vocals and production are pretty much the same, but everything is much smoother and cleaner sounding. The song Paul Oakenfold produced song is an empowerment anthem for women in every sense of the word. Cher sounds great.

There are some remixes by Danny Verde, R3hab, and Tracy Young. Danny delivers a hard, dark pulsating circuit anthem. It is the definitive peak hour mix of the song. R3hab's mix has some nice moments, but the noisier sections end up ruining it. Tracy's mix presents her newer sound that is more akin to what is in many of the Electro Dance/Pop songs flooding the radio airwaves right now. This version would actually be the one to use if the song is given a top 40 push. Tracy's mostly instrumental dubs with an emphasis on the piano sections are pretty. Overall, Danny and Tracy's are the best of the bunch.

Listen to the original version here
Danny Verde | R3hab | Tracy Young

Grade: A

Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven (Remixes)

This was the lead single from his highly anticipated Unorthodox Jukebox album. The song's verses instantly call to mind Alcazar's club classic "Crying At The Discotheque" which sampled Sheila B. Devotion's "Spacer." The electronic/rock/pop song is insanely catchy.

There are some remixes by Cazzette, Late Night Hustle, Major Lazer, Paul Oakenfold, and R3hab. Cazzette's mix is a straightforward big room electro/house mix. Late Night Hustle's electro mix has an 80s synthpop type of sound. Major Lazer's mix is laidback with a light reggae sound. Paul Oakenfold opts for a heavy electro sound with only the verses having a lot of melody. R3hab deviates from the usual for a hip hop meets dubstep styled mix. Overall, Cazzette and Major Lazer's mixes are the best of the bunch.

-Listen to the Cazzette mix here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Major Lazer mix here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

Christian Burns, Paul Oakenfold & Jes - As We Collide

This is a unique collaboration between the two vocalists and the legendary producer. The electro/house/trance duet is absolutely stunning. Christian Burns and Jes Brieden complement each others' voices perfectly. The main version's production has some possibly unintentional references to the Bronski Beat classic "Smalltown Boy", especially the main riff.

There are additional mixes by Andy Caldwell, Jesse Voorn, and Orjan Nilsen. Andy Caldwell's mix is much more progressive and a little noisy at times. However, the part with the "Smalltown Boy" reference sounds really good. Jesse Voorn's mix is very noisy as well. Only the sections with the vocals sound good. Orjan Nilsen's mix ends up being the best of the bunch. It's a euphoric mix with a nice drop and riff using the "Smalltown Boy" riff. It's played up even more on this version than on any of the other ones. This could be absolutely massive worldwide.

-Listen to the Orjan Nilsen mix here (YouTube)
-Listen to clips and buy the main versions here (Beatport)
-Listen to clips and buy the remix here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Cher - Woman's World

The legendary icon is back with the first single from her first album in over a decade. Produced by Paul Oakenfold, the Dance/Pop song doesn't stray too far from the style of her last two records Believe and Living Proof. This is a song about empowering women in the world today. The theme is so relevant and utilized well. Vocally, Cher is in fine form sounding great. The production is perfect for radio and the clubs. This should be another big hit for her.

The digital release of the single is expected to happen on November 26.

Listen to the full song here (SoundCloud)

Grade: A

Ultra Naté - Turn It Up

Club diva Ultra Naté is back with a new single entitled "Turn It Up", just as "Destination" (her collaboration with Tony Moran) continues to be on DJ's playlists and top 10's almost half a year after its release. Produced by Brinsley Evans (of "I'm Beautiful Dammit" and "Make The World Go Round" fame), the song is a light electro/soulful house hybrid with super catchy lyrics. Ultra's vocals are great as usual. Remixes by Paul Oakenfold, Wawa, Ruff Loaderz vs. Scott Giles, Muthafunkaz, and Ruben Macias & Raffa Scoccia are coming soon. Based on the two previews Ultra posted on her label's YouTube channel, the Oakenfold and Wawa mixes sound really promising.

Listen to previews of the Oakenfold and Wawa mixes (YouTube)
Listen to the original here (MaxiPromotion)

Grade: A

Infected Mushroom - Killing Time

Israeli group Infected Mushroom have been recording for nearly 11 years now and are virtually unknown to the mainstream in the U.S. However, their latest single "Killing Time" could change all that. Featuring the vocals of Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction), the song is very catchy and treads that fine line between commercial and underground seamlessly. Perry's vocals are really great. The production is layered and has a raw, industrial quality to it. There are some remixes of this by Paul Oakenfold, Astrix, John '00' Fleming, and Infected Mushroom themselves. Paul Oakenfold strips away the industrial edge and gives it a lush dance/rock feel. Astrix's mix has a Deadmau5 or Morgan Page type of sound. John '00' Fleming's mix is in a beautiful chilled trance style. The Infected Trance mix by Infected Mushroom is a twisted adventure from start to finish. Hard and industrial one minute and chilled the next then a little hard rock and back. It may sound like an odd mix, but it somehow works. All the mixes on the package are great, but Paul Oakenfold and John '00' Fleming's are the standouts.

Purchase the original version here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Madonna - Celebration

This is the first of two singles from her upcoming Celebration greatest hits collection which will wrap up her time with Warner Brothers. Produced by Madonna with Paul Oakenfold, this one is trance/dance/pop perfection. It may not be overly groundbreaking, but this will be quite the floorfiller in clubs. With the playful lyrics and catchy melody, this will be huge internationally.

This will be hitting U.S. radio next week.

Amazon is selling it for download right now as is Masterbeat.

Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Madonna - Give It 2 Me

This is the followup single to the worldwide hit "4 Minutes." There had been some speculation as to whether this would be the single or some other song would be chosen. The lyrics are very fun and are just right for the Summer. Some are either loving or hating the "get stupid, get stupid" break. There are plans for a radio edit that removes that portion or shortens it. The video was released a few weeks back. While it pales in comparison to the over-the-top "4 Minutes", this one is simple and kinda fun.

An extensive remix package is planned. So far, there's the Paul Oakenfold mix. It was available on some of the digital download editions of the album. This mix sounds like it would be perfectly at home with album cuts on Madonna's last album. It's pure electro heaven. Additional mixes by Jody Den Broeder, Eddie Amador, Fedde Le Grand and a couple of more will be released in the next few weeks.

Grade: B+ (Album version)
Grade: A- (Paul Oakenfold mix)