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-

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+

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-

Robin Thicke - Love After War

This is the lead single off of his forthcoming album of the same name. The song is very smooth and sensual from Robin's delivery to the production. The midtempo R&B production with some Latin drums is just so hypnotic as is the title refrain throughout. The relatable lyrics are so poetic. Everything about this song is simply perfect, and is a great preview of things to come with the new album.

Listen to the song here (Rap Up)

Grade: A+

Hannah Jones - And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going

The classic song originally sung by Jennifer Holliday from Dreamgirls has been given yet another update featuring the vocals of Hannah Jones. She originally covered this song in 1999. A subsequent re-release in 2006 occurred when the movie version of Dreamgirls starring Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy was in theaters. Hannah's vocals are really great. This is one of the better renditions. The new Almighty Boys Mix is a lush Hi Nrg/Disco House hybrid. Also included are the original Almighty mix from 2005 and the Xavier Ramirez mix from 1999. The 2005 mix is a Eurodance throwback while Xavier Ramirez offers up a percussive circuit treatment. The new Almighty Boys mix is the standout.

Listen to clips and purchase the CD-r, MP3s, and WAVs here (Almighty's website)

Grade: A-

The Wanted - Lightning

This is the 3rd single off of their second album. It is an uptempo Dance/Pop love song, not deviating too much from the other singles from this album. Despite the similar style, it is just as enjoyable. Lyrically, it is a tad more exciting. The electro/pop production is radio and club ready.

Watch the music video here (YouTube)

It is due for a release at the end of October in the UK.

Grade: A-

LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It

The L.A.-based duo are at it again with this infectious, hilarious novelty song. It follows in the fashion of several of their earlier singles. The lyrics are really bland and unexciting. The electro-house production is pretty hot though. This one would be quite the floorfiller in the clubs.

The song has gotten even more attention with the risque music video which is unfortunately really unsexy and vulgar.

-View the music video here (YouTube) NSFW
-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Grade: B

Rihanna - We Found Love

Just as the last single from Loud ("Cheers") is still getting some radio airplay, a brand new single from her upcoming 6th album was released. "We Found Love" is produced by Calvin Harris. It is an atmospheric, big room electro-pop song. The song feels as if the vocals were meant for a ballad but then it was remixed into a Dance track. Either way, Rihanna is perfectly in her element on this song. This is a great way to kick off what is sure to be another hit album.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Carlos Nóbrega - Pitiful

This is the first single from newcomer Carlos Nóbrega. The catchy song is strongly influenced by the synthpop of the 1980s. Vocally, Carlos calls to mind Boy George and even a little bit of The Human League. Lyrically, the chorus is extremely memorable. Overall, this is an ambitious first single.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-

Honey Dijon feat Dajae - Until The Day

Miami's Funky Green Dogs (the duo of Ralph Falcon and Oscar Gaeten with then vocalist Pamela Williams) had a hit with this in 1998 with mixes by Peter Rauhofer, Masters At Work, Superchumbo, and Marshall Hansen. This has been given a deep house makeover courtesy of Honey Dijon with the help of a few people including Alex Kenji, Uner, and Aki Bergen. Legendary singer Dajae does a fine job on the vocals, taking thing in a different direction. Alex Kenji's mix is an electro/house floorfiller. Uner's minimal mix is deeper while Aki Bergen's is much darker slightly industrial sounding.

Listen to clips and purchase the mixes here (Beatport)

Grade: A-

Paul Goodyear feat Caroline Lund - Outlaw

This is indeed a remake of the Olive song from 1997. Caroline Lund nails it vocally, doing great justice to the song. There are many remixes of this on the release, however, the standout versions are by Paul Goodyear, Casey Alva with Solar City, and Wayne G with Andy Allder. Paul Goodyear's trance/circuit mix is uplifting and pretty as it is hard-hitting. An instrumental version is also included on the package. Casey Alva and Solar City's circuit mix is perfect for peak hour play. Wayne G and Andy Allder's circuity electro/tribal mix well-produced as well. The additional mixes not reviewed here are good too.

Listen to clips of the mixes here:



Purchase MP3s and WAVs here (Juno)

 Grade: A