Running Back - Jessica Mauboy featuring Flo-Rida

The first time that we heard from this kid of Australian Idol on her own, and she’s already teaming up with someone who is pretty big in the music industry. Her big voice just shines throughout the track. It’s pretty impressive to have a more deep and emotional music used as the debut single for someone that’s quite new in the industry. But it already did sound like what we can expect from those more experienced singers. Love the chemistry between the two, and this track definitely deserves some applauds for a newbie in the industry. 

Rate: 8.5/10 

See You In My Nightmares - Kanye West featuring Lil' Wanye

kanye west

Seriously, there’s no reason for not loving his music, especially those in this new album. Moving from those emotion-packed numbers, here we have something that’s more dramatic. Still another track delivered with the implementation of Auto-Tune, it somehow manages to not making you sick of it being use again and again. The building-up of the drama little by little was just brilliant, which can be considered as the main attraction of the track. Of course, not to forget the chemistry of the two rappers; fun and complementing each other perfectly, which is also another plus of the track. ‘Creepily’ great… haha

rate: 8.5/10

See You In My Nightmares feat. Lil Wayne - Kanye West

Run - Leona Lewis' Cover of Snow Patrol's single

Best cover track of 2008? Think again.

We absolutely love Leona, and we knew that she’ll sounds great no matter what tracks being throw at her, with that beautiful vocal, but that’s not the main point here. Though her efforts did manage to enable the single’s reception being elevated to another higher level, but the mark missing in her cover somehow making the new version’s quality doesn’t stood up to the reception. Snow Patrol’s grey, dark emotions failed to be portrayed in the succeeded version, and apparently Leona made it more commercially sentimental number. Though the emotions are packed in the later version, but the impact just doesn’t as strong as the original’s. Of course if it comes to making the original single her own, Leona definitely nailed it. But at some point her attempt to play with her vocal just appears to be a little bit too much, and that does affecting her overall performance in the single. She could have done better, definitely.

It’s very hard when it comes down to comparing between this two. Hate to say this but miss Lewis just missed it, slightly.

leona lewis's
rate: 7.5 / 10

Leona Lewis - Run (Snow Patrol Cover) (BBC Live Lounge Radio 1) -

snow patrol's

rate: 8.5/10

Run - Snow Patrol

Fantasy - Danny Fernandes

danny fernandes

It is clear that this third single from his debut album having all the elements and criteria of being a radio-friendly track; nice & not over the top music arrangement, smooth & not over bumping beat, lyrics that are easily ‘catchable’ and just nice. There aren’t much strong reasons why this number is being put into spotlight this time around, it is just being enjoyed as a typical pop / R&B single that apparently having very strong ‘commercial value’. In other words, it’s not an outstanding one, but still not a bad one. We’ll see what next for this R&B newcomer from Canada…

rate: 7.5/10

Heartless - Kanye West

kanye west

Love the idea behind the cover art of this single…haha

The emotions and mood might be different compared to the first one, but still it’s a nice and strong piece. This is the second single of his ‘Heartbreak’ album sung using the audio-tune effect, and it appears to be more like a hip-hop track or whatsoever compared to ‘love lockdown’. Still amazed by the change of his delivering style in the music of this album, it definitely expands the range of music that he could work with & nailing it. Though his vocal might not be as strong as those who are good at it (Kids from American Idol, for example), but the emotions are enough to outshine or overcome that for sure. This is definitely one of the strongest single that he had delivered.

rate: 8.5 / 10

Sober - Pink

Pink

Her music is usually impressing when it comes to the amount of attitude she managed to show in the music. This would be one of the reasons why her music stood out from the others. Most of the music in this latest album would be on her recent divorce with her husband; we saw how she takes it cool and at some point making fun out of it with that 'So What', and now more toned down emotion with this one. Definitely more vulnerable than she’s portraying previously. Still, the best that we can get from her; emotionally spot on, sentimental, enables you to easily relate to her story, yet maintains the ‘pink’ attitude. The pop-rock diva nailed it again!

rate: 8.5/10

Another Way to Die - Jack White & Alicia Keys

Love the Bond movie; love this theme song as well. It would please you the very first time, but the more you’re listening to it, the more you’ll feeling the music. It totally captures the Bond essence to the teeth, personally, though it might not be everybody’s favorite. The duet of this two great vocals is just stunning… the piano & the guitar, Alicia & Jack, only to realize alternative rock can sound so amazing, so different, so Bond. It is thrilled to see Alicia still manage to rock it like she use to be, even though the track’s genre is more to Jack’s. Thumbs up for the nice work!

rate: 8.5 / 10

Spaceman - The Killers

We know how easily those odd ones stood out in the bunch usually, either in a bad way or in a good way and it always applicable when it comes to music. This second single of the Killers best describes that, putting them to be one of a few in the music industry that being applaud for the uniqueness in their music. It is clear that they won’t be satisfied by letting their music to be monochromatic, and the brave move just pays off. This track is totally different from the lead single ‘Human’ and the fun n’ wild in this one just keep you asking for more.  Perfectly executed and delivered without being overdone.

rate: 8.5 / 10

The Killers - Spaceman - The Killers

Love Hurts - Incubus

incubus

Kinda get interested with a few of their singles lately, including this one as well. Emotions in this track might not be as strong & powerful as ‘Oil and Water’ (hands down on that one…definitely), but it does have certain level of impact as well. I wonder why sometimes I can easily fall for music like this, perhaps I’m a fan of alternative rock too…selectively perhaps…haha It’s a sad piece about love story, but worth listen to. So, another thumbs up for Incubus!

rate : 8.2 / 10

I Hate This Part - Pussycat Dolls

It is more toned down this time around compared to the lead single ‘When I Grow Up’ , and it somehow doesn’t really impressing as it should be, if it was named as one of the doll’s single. Obviously we all know them for their steaminess channeled in their music. Well we could find that a little still in the lead single, but apparently it disappears in this one. Hmm…not really a great comeback it seems…

rate: 7.0 / 10

I hate this part - Pussycat Dolls

Miles Away - Madonna

Yay, another single from Madonna!!!
So far we got three from her in this latest album, and hands down on this one definitely. Something that I have been waiting for is finally here. ‘4 minutes’ might give you all pumping in that 4 minutes (not exactly…hmm), but the ‘Timbaland’ element is somehow slightly overshadowed our dance music queen. Liking that one honestly, but loving this one more, & badly. The emotions are ‘nicely packed’ and it is very impressing in general. Glad that ‘Timbaland’ didn’t took too much away from her, yet inserting something cool that reminds us about him, just like what happened in One Republic’s ‘Apologize’ …can’t wait to have it on my latest playlist !

rate : 9.0 / 10

Human - The Killers

the killers

Their music is just beautiful. Another good track if you love alternative rock music, or just give it a try if you’re not. One thing so cool about their music is that it’s not easy to understand what is the exact meaning that their lyrics were trying to portray, and that’s totally fine as you’re already being blown away by the music itself… Not to forget, this is the second single of theirs being featured on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Damn they 'killed' it with this track. Lovely and dreamy!

rate : 8.5 / 10

Light On - David Cook

David Cook

The second single from the latest winner of American Idol. Big sign of relief on this release as finally there’s a track that manage to hit the mark of portraying him as a rocker. We know his vocal will sounds great no matter what tracks thrown at him, but that doesn’t mean the outcome would definitely be a powerhouse somehow. We love ‘The Time of My Life’, but it’s just not great enough, at least compared to this one. The rocker edge missing previously could definitely be found in this one, so he’s a rocker, there’s no doubt about it.

rate: 8.0 / 10

Rehab - Rihanna

rihanna

Who would have thought of this…she tied Shania Twain’s record back in 1997-2000, placing a total of eight singles from an album on the Hot 100 chart, with this being the eighth. Apparently, this is very Justin Timberlake (he wrote the track) but what’s even more thrilled is to see our girl managed to pull it off, pretty well. Another strong & solid one from her.

rate: 8.0 / 10

If I Were a Boy - Beyonce Knowles

The lead single from her latest album. I believe most of us would felt easily related to this one, especially the ladies. That irresistible powerful vocal of her, makes the story that she’s trying to tell even more convincing. There’s no doubt that this is the ‘elevated version’ of last year’s ‘Irreplaceable’. Will it be her next hit? Well it has the potential for that…Great effort, Beyonce!
...love the cover by the way...haha

rate : 8.0 / 10

Beautiful U R - Deborah Cox

deborah cox

Knowing not much about her, but it seems like she’s in the industry for quite sometime & had been doing great. Though this new one from her might sounds not much difference from any other conventional pop music, but the meaning and the messages that she’s trying to tell with this track, really relatable…not just for the girls, of course. Sometimes you just need some boost to keep going…

rate : 8.0 / 10

Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

kings of leon

If there’s a list for ‘10 rock bands to listen in 2008’, they’ll definitely make it based on this debut single of their latest album. The interesting about alternative rock music is that it doesn’t give you too much of what you can get from mainstream music, just enough to ‘ignite your appetite’, and yet still maintained the edge of rock music should have; and not to forget something cool (something significant) that sets them apart from the others. It is amazing when this single manages to meet all these elements, with the mind-blowing’ tune and that edgy vocal.
Another great rock number in 2008? Why not?

rate: 9.0/10

Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon

Poker Face - Lady Gaga

Singles European Cover

The newest pop dance diva? Time will tell…

But one thing is for sure, she’s doing great so far with her music. Think the lead single is already good enough to name her the future star of pop, or dance, well wait until you have this one. Heavier beats, stronger tunes, definitely fits the criteria of being a great dance track. Looks like we will have an alternative for dance music, if we continuously being amazed by her music. We love the beat, but we’re hoping they’re not just keep on repeating…

rate: 8.0 / 10

Love Lockdown - Kanye West

kanye west

Be prepared to be stunned. ‘Gold Digger’, ‘Stronger’, ‘Flashing Lights’ might have shown how great he can be as a rapper, with the constant surprises he delivered in his music, but that’s not the best that he could give, apparently. Showing more emotions & vulnerability in this one, and perhaps all the music in this current new album, he did take a break from doing what he did best, rapping, and sung the whole track with not even a single rap. Kudos no.1 for that. Some might think it’s slightly bland and lacking that little bump needed as his previous singles having, but the comparison is definitely not working this time around. Applaud should be awarded for Kanye’s drastic ‘makeover’ of his music, as the music is working well, at least it is for me.

rate: 8.5 / 10

I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy

Keep Rockin’ !!!

It’s always thrill to see how they channel their attitudes into the music they made, including this one as well. Sometimes it tend be too much of them in one track, but not this one for sure. Love the catchiness, wildness, and the most important one: the I don’t care attitude. If you’re a big fan of pop punk music, give this one a try.

rate : 8.5 / 10

Right Here (Departed) - Brandy

Another much waited comeback this year definitely. With all the bizarre that hit her lately, she definitely deserves some applaud for still being able to pull of a great lead single. We already how well she is, with of course her beautiful vocal; and that did really translated into this one, perfectly spot on without over did it. It is clear that this single is meant to be a great commercially & radio-friendly r&b / pop tune, as it doesn’t portray too much of brandy’s vocal range showing. Thumbs up for coming back with great music!

rate: 8.0/10

Right Here (Departed) - Brandy

All or Nothing - Theory of a Deadman

theory of a deadman

It is totally fine sticking back to what you did best, at least you don’t need to worry when things just get all over the place. This new single of theirs might not sound any different from their previous one back in the days; at least it doesn’t turn out to be bad. It might also be an advantage for them to sound slightly similar to their mentor (Nickelback) in this one, since this is the kind of music of Nickelback that we love so much, though it is obviously not a good idea of stepping on the same ground for ages. Anyway good try!

rate: 7.5/10

Green Light - John Legend featuring Andre 3000

Andre 3000 & John Legend

John nailed it. Vibe, tempo, everything just works for me! It’s really amazing to see John Legend sounds so fun this time around, though we love what he did previously as well. The collaboration with Andre blends some of the ‘Outkast funkiness’ into the music, which is obviously a plus for the track. Hit the dance floor with this dance track today!

rate: 8.5 / 10

Hot N' Cold - Katy Perry

katy perry

Damn never saw this coming, seriously. But there’s a reason for sure why they made this the next single after ‘I Kissed a Girl’. Yes it is a great one, where Katy continues to show her personality in her music. Fun, catchy, young, spunky, quirky; everything you needed in teen-pop music, or a teen-pop music should have. It might appear to be too commercial and radio-friendly. But it’s okay to loosen up a little bit once in a while and enjoy what’s hot & hip in this mainstream music. Didn’t we enjoy Britney’s music when it used to be good back in the days?

rate: 8.0 / 10

So What - Pink

pink

I don’t know whether this would be another great success for her, but one thing is for sure, this is the best one from her, to date, personally. Instantly fall for this the very first time I came across with this track, as never see that coming from her. She’s wild, she’s fun, and all about rocking it, but this time she took it to the whole new level & it actually works! Kudos on that! Yet another catchy track you can have it on your playlist and play it on and on and on… Oh yeah that music video rocks as well! Love love love!!!

rate: 9.0 / 10

Energy - Keri Hilson

keri hilson

Being featured heavily in a few of Timbaland’s single has definitely worked to her advantage, as she’s receiving great amount of exposure. She seems to have all the packages that would enable her to go far in her music career, but it would be better if her current music stood up to that. This lead single, failed to impress somehow though it is clearly another radio-friendly typical R&B track. Playing too safe? Perhaps. It is just an okay one, not an excellent one, sorry to say…

rate: 7.0 / 10
Energy - Keri Hilson

Crush - David Archuleta

David Archuleta

Fresh from oven!

Yeah it’s the debut single from David Archuleta. Not really able to catch up with the just ended season of American Idol so wasn’t really sure how ‘exciting’ the battle of the Double D was. Apparently both of them have their strength in a very different way or genre, & this David actually nailed it with this one. There’s no doubt that they could actually sing, very well most of the time. But to project and showcase it into a 4mins airplay track, not overdoing it at the same time, needs more than just a nice vocal. & David had done just that, everything is just well balanced. I buy the radio-friendly of the single for sure & good job David!

rate: 8.0/10

Off And On - Sophie Ellis Bextor

sophie ellis bextor

Gonna love the dance tracks from her, including this latest one. Interesting intro, with the catchy flow of the rhythm at the beginning. Love the building up of the track after that & the moment Sophie starts to sing, everything blends in so-well & makes it another strong dance-floor track from her. Even though this might not be the lead single from her coming up album, but based on what she gave us now, the album shouldn’t be a disappointing one. Get ready people, this late summer!

rate: 8.5 / 10

Off and On - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Dreamer - Chris Brown

Chris Brown

This is inspiring… After all it’s one of the tracks selected to be included in the sporting album for the USA Team for 2008 Olympic Games. If you need something that can motivate you, this could be it. Perhaps everybody is in the Beijing Games mood & spirit so this track could easily get you into the mood. Love the message that the track is trying to send : There’s nothing wrong to dream!

rate : 7.8/10

Spiralling - Keane

keane

Experimenting sometimes just paid off. And this phrase is definitely working for this British rock band which is often described as ‘living under Coldplay’s shadow’. Cheers for the transformation, as this lead single can be considered as a totally opposite to the Keane’s music that we used to familiar with. Every part of this track is surprisingly unpredictable & unexpected from the beginning till the music ends, in a good way of course. They took off from the music with emphasis on the usage of piano as the main music instrument, with the exploring & experimenting of other instruments. It is exciting to see them come back with the fresh look & fresh music, and they definitely deserves tones of applauds for the effort. Love it!

rate: 9.5/ 10

Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson

jennifer hudson

This ‘suppose-to-be’ front-runner of American Idol season 3, seems to be doing great with her acting career, with that winning on the Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls, but her singing career seems to be need some more push in order to stood up to that. Well not to say this debut single of her debut self-titled album turn out to be a lackluster, but it doesn’t really have that strong impact or vow factor that blows you away. Even though she did manage to showcase her beautiful and powerful vocal in the single, here and there, but it sounds not more that just a typical radio-friendly R&B track. Expecting too much from her in this track? Well, maybe…it’s not a bad one overall…

rate : 7.5 / 10

Cry For You - September

September

If it wasn’t because of the re-release of the single, we will definitely miss this great dance floor track. This biggest hit of her was a huge success in Europe, two years ago. It has what is needed to be an awesome dance-floor track: the groove, the moves, and the tempo; everything is just hitting the right spot. Not much needed to be comment about this one, cause it’s just simply the best.

rate: 8.0 / 10

September - Cry For You 2007 - September

Lay It on the Line - Divine Brown

Divine Brown

There’s no much info about her, but don’t mix up with another miss Brown (the slutty one…haha) This is the first time, I got my hand on the single from this formerly underground Canadian artist, & to be honest, it’s not a bad one. It’s being a long time for someone to actually having some acaphella thingy in the track, & it works very well in this one. Her music some how reminds me of India Arie, in a good way la of course. So it’s definitely a thumbs up for her! :)

rate: 8.0 / 10

Lay it on the Line - Divine Brown

Thinking of You - Katy Perry

Katy Perry

This is one of the few in her latest album which has slower,
more laid back rhythm, a more girly girl track. Even though
it is still unsure whether would it become the next releasing
single, but you can't deny that this is actually one of the good
ones from her. The fact that she actually composed it by herself
just added some thumbs up to this track. Do expect a few more
good ones from her.

It seems like things worked out fine for her at the moment. If
she's able keep this up, she could definitely be the next Pink,
or Britney, perhaps.

rate: 8.2 / 10

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz

Yay! the new one from Jason Mraz! He just had that'big kid'
essence in the music he made, cute and interesting at the
same time. Once you play this track, close your eyes & feel
the music, you willhad that carefree feel as if you're on a
vacation at the beach, with Jason Mraz singing this trackunder
the coconut tree while playing his guitar...

how cool was that? haha...


rate: 7.5 / 10

Im Yours - Jason Mraz

Warwick Avenue - Duffy

duffy

Another lovely one from Duffy.

Every part of this track is just simply amazing, yet moving

at the same time. The emotions, the stories, sad but beautiful.

And not to forget that music video of this : simply flawless, and

you can actually feel for her (almost i did! haha)

She's definitely one of the bombshell for 2008. Just like some of them

commented: elegant, classy & 'drug-free' amy winehouse!

rate : 8.5 / 10

Warwick Avenue - Duffy

Disturbia - Rihanna

rihanna

latest dance tune from her. Prefer this one more than the

'Please Don't Stop Music' somehow even though they sounds

like almost the same, as in music of both are quite upbeat.

Perhaps this one is slightly darker, mysterious & disturbed,

as the title claims...haha

rate : 8.0 / 10

If I Never See Your Face Again - Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna

Another sizzling one from both Maroon 5 & Rihanna!

This should be considered as the remix version of the single,
as Maroon 5 had completed the track before this, but made
the decision to have Rihanna take over some of the verses,
spice up the track a little bit. Looks like it was the right move
since the final outcome turn out to be a nice one. The flirtatious
is there, classy yet not hoocy...

Oh yeah, the music video is nicely done as well, but, dear Rihanna,
please do something with the hair...

rate: 7.8 / 10

Summertime - New Kids On The Block

New Kids on the Block

Let's give them a clap for the 14years comeback...

Well we're not sure what makes them reunited this time around,

but at least what they got doesn't really disappoints. Before

browse through infos about them, i really thought that they are

another newly formed boy band or group honestly (doesn't

really sounds 'retro' in other words...whoops!) Thumbs up for the

comeback; another thumbs up for the nice pop tune! :)

rate: 7.8 / 10

Mercy - Duffy

Duffy

Hardly remember when was the first time that I heard this, but I have
to be honest this is one of the tracks that really have that ‘X’ factor
that can just simply grab your attention.

After reviewing some of the stories about this single, it’s really not
hard to understand the reasons why it receives overwhelming responses
from around the world. That catchy, flirty & sexiness of each & every
single part of the single just works well together & ignite some magic
sparks that makes you just hardly to hate & resist it…if we have
Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ last time around, perhaps this one could be one of
the best singles that we have this year. Nice piece!

Rate: 9.0 / 10

I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry

Katy Perry


She caught everyone’s attention with that
‘UR So Gay’, especially our dear Madonna,
& now she had this new one. Still playing
around with that ‘sensitive’ theme this time
around, she somehow manages to not letting
these controversies being too overshadowing,
by delivering a strong single enriched with
pop-rock element. The catchy tune, ‘naughty’
lyrics & the way she executes them, just
instantly clicked, making it you want to keep
on playing it, on & on & on. This single can
definitely put her on the newcomers to be
‘watch out’ list, this year.

rate: 8.5/10

Viva la Vida - Coldplay

coldplay

You just never know what you gonna get from them.
Unpredictable yet mind-blowing at the same time. Love
the simplicity but still manage to have that little something
that keeps you begging for more. I'm always amaze how
they always come up with something which is totally not the
typical mainstream stuff & able to wink it out easily & nail
it again & again perfectly. Love at first 'listen' for me apparently,
& still couldn't totally figuring out the lyrics till now...hehe

hands down for Coldplay for another amazing tune...
absolutely love it!

rate: 9.0 /10

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

Just Dance - Lady Gaga featuring Colby O' Donis

Lady Gaga

How thrill we are when this young lady debuts this single which have been quickly crowned as one of the strongest dance tune this year. She did bring something fresh, apart from the dance music of Madonna’s or perhaps Rihanna’s that we’re used to familiar with, but will she be able outshine the divas with the music she offers; that’s too early to be conclude at this stage. It has the potential to be the strongest dance track of the year, with some extra polishing & refining given. Though the wave and beats are strong enough, but the constant repeating doesn’t make it the type of music that you want to play on and on again. It is overall a good dance tune, but not really there to be great or excellent.

rate : 8.0/10
Just Dance ft. Colby ODonis - Lady Gaga

American Boy - Estelle featuring Kanye West

Estelle

Okay time for another R&B + Hip Hop track. Knowing
really not much about this British R&B lady, just came
across with this single on the Billboard (I'm a billboard
guy, trust me) & thought of giving it a try. Well, it turned
out to be not a bad one, slightly above average i suppose.
But this is what we'll usually get from the Hip Hop & R&B
collaboration i guess...some intensities is needed to bring it
to the next level, perhaps?

rate: 7.5 / 10