DEMI LOVATO PREMIERES ALL-AMERICAN VIDEO FOR 'MADE IN THE USA'

X Factor judge Demi Lovato has premiered the video for 'Made in the USA,' the second single to be lifted from her fourth studio album 'Demi'.

The track was co-penned and produced by Jonas Jeberg, the Danish star who's responsible for hits 'I Hate This Part' (Pussycat Dolls), 'One Step at a Time' (Jordin Sparks) and 'All I See' (Kylie Minogue). Some have compared it to a grown-up version of Miley Cyrus's 2009 mega-hit 'Party in the USA.'

The clip, which was co-directed by the 20 year-old beauty, has an all-American feel with a young couple who "meet at a carnival, and they fall head over heels in love" -according to Lovato in a recent interview. The newly-blonde 'Heart Attack' star looks great in the clip, baring resemblance to a young Kelly Clarkson!

'Demi' and 'Made in the USA' are both out now [iTunes]

JESSICA MAUBOY PREMIERES NEW SINGLE 'TO THE END OF THE EARTH'

Australian sweetheart Jessica Mauboy has premiered her new single 'To The End Of The Earth'. The track is the lead to be taken from her upcoming third studio album, to be released later this year.

The upbeat pop hit was co-penned by songwriter Jaden Michaels in Los Angeles, who's previously written for Carly Rae Jepsen and Jessica Sanchez. Take a listen below.

'To The End Of The Earth' is out now [iTunes]

ELEN LEVON PREMIERES HOT NEW SINGLE 'WILD CHILD'

Elen Levon, one of Australia's most under-rated stars, has premiered her hot new single 'Wild Child.'

Co-penned and produced by Jeremy Skaller (Jay Sean's 'Down'), the infectious track doesn't rely on the heavy production heard in her earlier dance-based hits, but embraces a new direction of pop music. Much more radio friendly than her previous work, we hope this will be the track that earns the star the spotlight she deserves.

Whilst the single is due out this Friday, the clip has just been uploaded to YouTube and the 18 year-old looks as gorgeous as ever. Catch it below.

'Wild Child' will be released 19 July [iTunes]

ALBUM REVIEW: CIARA'S EPONYMOUS, MUCH-ANTICIPATED FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM, WORTH THE WAIT?

It's been two and a half years since Ciara released her last album 'Basic Instinct' - a collection of tracks that commercially, failed to hit the mark. Call it what you will, but after the success of her first three albums ('Goodies', 'Ciara: The Evolution' and 'Fantasy Ride,' all of which peaked within the top three or higher on the Billboard 200), 'Basic Instinct' was a flop.

Of course, a lot has changed since 2010, especially for fans of the 27 year-old. We've all been patiently awaiting the release of 'Ciara' -originally titled 'One Woman Army'- since news broke of it early last year. There has been a few bumps in the road, namely the random 'Sorry' and 'Got Me Good', but now it's like we've hit the CiCi jackpot...

Upon it's leak on in the interwebs a couple of weeks ago, some have referred to 'Ciara' as the 'Love Sex Magic' stars most adventurous album yet. It contains elements of pop, R&B, soul, crunk... and all with a good helping of if-you-don't-like-it-well-f*ck-you.

'Ciara' opens with the current Nicki Minaj-assisted single 'I'm Out' - a thumpin' track dedicated to the ladies with a baseline reminiscent of a sped up version of Beyonce's 'Video Phone.' Comparisons aside, it features a hot clapping beat and noisy percussion - all which work undeniably well. And the video - both home girls really bring it, so if you haven't checked it out you must (it's below for your viewing pleasure).

The album's lead single 'Body Party' - well, it perplexes us. Still to this day, after being released back in March, we're puzzled. Whilst it probably wasn't the best choice to aid as a preview of the album (it is Ciara's party and she'll do what she wants to) we just don't see the Mike Will Made It-produced track as the strongest from the bunch.

The other Mike Will Made It-produced number to make the final cut is 'Where You Go' featuring rapper Future, who also had a hand in the production. The '1, 2 Step' chanteuse's vocals shine in this low-tempo duet, with similarities in the melody to Rihanna's recent 'Unapologetic' album track 'Mother Mary' (a much classier version though, of course).

Demonstrating she ain't here just for the pop crowd, 'Sophomore' steps right into crunkin', bad-ass goodness -"So soft, my skin / So soft, my booty / So soft, my bit / So soft, I got ‘em sayin"- reminding the fellas that she likes it just that little bit urban. 'Keep On Lookin,' 'Read My Lips', 'Super Turnt Up' and 'DUI' all follow in the same vein (one that we're a bit meh about, to be honest).

Minaj makes a second appearance on the track 'Livin' It Up.' Co-penned by is it bush week favourite Wynter Gordon, the potential-radio-hit travels the pop road with pride-in-it's-stride as CiCi belts "Cause a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do / Making up my own rules" - we imagine as a nod to this LP and the journey associated with it, more so than ever.

The final standard edition track is the pop-fused 'Overdose', a clear favourite of ours with it's sexy beats and infectious chorus, co-penned by Josh Abraham (who worked with Kelly Clarkson on her 'Stronger' tracks 'Hello' and 'Alone').

"I took your love think I took too much / Somebody call the doctor, somebody call the doctor / I took it all but it's not enough / Somebody call the doctor, somebody call the doctor" croons the star, before she finishes with "Don't let, don't let, don't let, don't let go / Don't let, don't let, don't let, don't let go / Somebody call the doctor before I overdose." It actually kills us it's that good.

Overall, Ciara's eponymous LP delivers. Is it a stand-out piece -well, no- but is it a cohesive collection of tracks that work on a whole with some really stellar moments -yes. We know CiCi's Army will certainly be happy to have her back after a few bumps in the road and to be honest, so are we.

3.75 / 5

'Ciara' is out now [iTunes]

SINGLE REVIEW: JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE PREMIERES HOT NEW SINGLE 'TAKE BACK THE NIGHT'

Hot off the press - 'SexyBack' crooner Justin Timberlake has premiered 'Take Back The Night', the lead single from 'The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2'.

Channelling his inner Michael Jackson, Timberlake launches into the number full of soul and funky disco. It's as if Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' has given the 32 year-old the inspiration and life we all expected to hear for the initial release of 'The 20/20 Experience' back in March.

Whilst lyrically the track is pretty mediocre ("Tonight the night’s, come on surrender / I won’t lead your love astray / Your love’s a weapon / Give your body some direction"), it's the song's melody and groove that captivates the audience - and it does so upon first listen. As another track produced by bestie Timbaland, it certainly stands out as some of JT's best material.

'The 20/20 Experience' (volume one) was a bit hit 'n' miss for us, so we're hoping that volume two will get on vibe of 'TBTN' and thrill us just that little bit more. If it does, it will certainly be up there as one of our favourite albums of the year.

'Take Back The Night' is out now [iTunes]

4/5

X FACTOR STARLET SAMANTHA JADE PREMIERES 'FIRESTARTER' VIDEO

Australian X Factor 2012 winner Samantha Jade has premiered the video for the "Firestarter," the lead single from her upcoming full-length studio album. The track was penned and produced by the boys from DNA Songs (Jade's 'What You've Done To Me').

The black and white clip sees Jade parade her utterly gorgeous self in some simple yet stunning choreography, before draping herself over a young, hunky fella. Check out the full clip below.

'Firestarter' is out now [iTunes]

SINGLE REVIEW: NATALIA KILLS RETURNS WITH THE RAW AND EMOTIONAL 'SATURDAY NIGHT'

British synth-pop chanteuse Natalia Kills has delivered yet another solid track with the release of her latest single 'Saturday Night,' the second single lifted from her upcoming sophomore album 'Trouble.'

Revealing some pretty raw and emotional lyrics, the Cherrytree Records star delves into a dark history filled with abuse, torment and betrayal. Either it's a honest reflection of the 26 year-old's youth or she's a great storyteller - maybe both.

"I promise I’ll be the one you want / Don’t tell me I’m unfixable / You don’t know what it’s like to be seventeen with no place to go" - the 'Wonderland' singer begs with agony in he voice, stronger than we've ever heard her before.

Kills has always been a favourite of ours - her 2011 'Perfectionist' album was critically underrated - but if 'Saturday Night' is a preview of her upcoming album release, we're more than excited to see what the future holds for the talented lass.

'Saturday Night' is out now [iTunes]

4.5 / 5

2013 IS LADIES TIME, SONGS WORTH NOTING - PART #3

Part three of our 'Best of 2013' so far - complete with a good fix of the ladies. Check it out.

Did you catch part one and part two?




KATY B 'What Love is Made Of'

London's dubstep (before it was cool) and garage queen Katy B returns this year with fresh material, following the success of her 2011 debut album 'On A Mission.' The lead single, 'What Love is Made Of,' originally surfaced online back in May to pleasing reviews - including ours. 'On A Mission' was (and still is) one of our favourite albums, so we were stoked to find out we'd be getting more Miss B so soon.

'What Love is Made Of' is full of pipin' hot 90s beats that remind us of the work B revealed on her free 'Danger' EP late last year (which you should get your hands on if you haven't done so already). It's a great, solid track with Katy sounding as flawless as she looks in the clip.




DEMI LOVATO 'Heart Attack'

Seizing the spotlight and opportunity on the back of her US X Factor gig, Demi Lovato premiered 'Heart Attack' - a very mature and Kelly Clarkson-esque track that served as the lead single from her (then) upcoming fourth studio album 'Demi.'

The result - a passionate, belter of a gem that sees Lovato at her best. Clearly one of the best tracks the 20 year-old has ever recorded (yup), 'Heart Attack' has the perfect pop song mix - good lyrics, good melody and good vocals. Boom.




SELENA GOMEZ 'Come & Get It'

Whilst it was labelled as a "Rihanna reject" of a song, Selena Gomez's 'Come & Get It' certainly didn't let the label get it down, securing itself as Gomez's best and highest selling US single to date. Co-penned by Ester Dean and produced by Stargate, you can understand where the magic comes from - legends of pop writing and production, the team has delivered the ex-Disney star exactly what she needs.

Flaunting her new-found maturity in both song and video, Gomez looks and sounds brilliant. We love the direction she's heading in and can't wait to hear more from her upcoming album. Yeeeah.




HAIM 'Falling'

Californian sisters HAIM already had us on high alert with their 2012 releases 'Forever' and 'Don't Save Me' - so when 'Falling' premiered it was the like icing on the cake. The track is absolutely captivating, the hooks, the vocals... the works.

The bohemian sounds of the trio have echoed through our halls for most of this year... and have you heard the Duke Dumont remix? Oh my. Debut album due in September, so stay tuned for more.




JENN D 'You Keep Giving Me Love'

Dubbed 'the song Kylie would have recorded if she worked with a French producer,' Jenn D's 'You Keep Giving Me Love' has been an instant hit with pure pop lovers across the globe.

It's cheeky, contains a good dose of 'oh whoa oh ohs' and Miss D rides a merry-go-round in the clip - what more could you want? Instantly likable, if not lovable.

2013 LOOKIN' GOOD, SONGS WORTH NOTING - PART #2

Continuing the theme of revisiting the best tracks of the year so far, here's our part two - full of scrumptious pop delicacies for you to wrap your ears around. Enjoy.

Did you catch part one?




BASTILLE 'Pompeii'

English quartet led by Dan Smith make the band Bastille. With the group releasing material from as early as April 2012, it wasn't until the release of 'Pompeii' in February did the group gain commercial success and recognition.

'Pompeii' is an easily addictive track -if you're not already hooked by the opening eh-eh-o eh-o you're sure to be caught by the pessimistic-yet-optimistic lyrics in the chorus. The single has presented a great opportunity to review the group's debut LP 'Bad Blood' (which we recommend you spend some time listening to -it's good!)




JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE 'Mirrors'

After a hiatus too long to mention, Justin Timberlake resurfaced early 2013 to announce the (then) upcoming release of his third studio album 'The 20/20 Experience.' As you can imagine that sent most of the interwebs into a frenzy, as all then had to anxiously await the anticipated release.

Whilst the lead single 'Suit & Tie' failed to live up to the expectations of what the 'SexyBack' pop star delivered on his previous album, the follow up 'Mirrors' earned Mr Jessica Biel back his stripes.

'Mirrors' is a low-tempo pop ballad -with the video dedicated to JT's grandparents- that captured the hearts of many, including ours. Whilst still not to dissimilar to work off 'FutureSex/LoveSounds,' it is clearly Justin at his best.




NAUGHTY BOY FEAT. SAM SMITH 'La La La'

Featuring on one of last year's biggest hits -'Latch' by Disclosure- did Sam Smith well. Apart from reaching success around the globe, the 21 year-old from Hertfordshire, UK, has since worked with producer Naughty Boy (Emeli Sande's 'Daddy') to feature on his track 'La La La.'

The end result - Smith's smooth and soulful vocals over a trippin' break beat. A great mix and a great track.




JOHN NEWMAN 'Love Me Again'

Like the above mentioned Sam Smith, John Newman also featured on one of last year's biggest tracks -'Feel The Love' by drum 'n' bass outfit Rudimental.

Newman's solo effort 'Love Me Again' is strong choice for his debut solo single. Yet another star surprisingly young (he just turned 23 years-old!), his soulful vocals are reminiscent of someone much more mature in life.

The video gets the simple treatment -Newman surrounded by his band, with single dancers in different shots. It certainly allows you to focus on the energy and talent of the young star, one of whom we're excited to hear more from across the year.




RÜFÜS 'Take Me'

Aussie trio Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt make up RÜFÜS -an indie pop/dance outfit based in Sydney. Their debut single 'Take Me' instantly caught our attention late February with it's smooth house beats, reminding us of other great local acts such as Van She and Parachute Youth.

The group have already followed this smash with their new single 'Desert Night,' as well as announcing their debut album 'ATLAS' due August 9.

A massive, massive favourite of ours.


So that's another five down - ten in total so far. Hope we found some new tunes for you to groove away to!

IT'S THE 2013 RECAP, SONGS WORTH NOTING - PART #1

It's been a long time between drinks -about six months since the last entry here- so before we get back into the swing of things in a normal-kinda-fashion, it's worth spending time revisiting the best tracks of the year.

Let's take a peek at what 2013 has us excited about so far...




BETTY WHO 'Somebody Loves You'

In January we were one of the first sites to give you a taste of Boston-based Sydney gal Betty Who with her debut single 'Somebody Loves You.'

Since then the talented blonde has gone on to release her debut EP 'The Movement' (premiering exclusively on Billboard.com), sold out a number of shows in New York City and been featured on music sites such as Idolator and pop blog MuuMuse. Busy much?

Each time we listen to Who's debut single it radiates just as much fun as it did upon first listen. Pure pop with a dash of 80s goodness, we're just not sure you can get any better than that.




CHVRCHES 'Recover'

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland trio Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty form the group CHVRCHES. Coming fifth in this years BBC's 'Sound of 2013,' the group kicked off the year with a stellar EP titled 'Recover,' featuring the lead single of the same name.

'Recover' is a mid-tempo synth track that trails along the pop road in similar fashion to Swedish superstar Robyn, yet with more of an indie feel. Mayberry's delicate vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the Sunday-chill tunes, and it certainly gets us excited about their debut LP due September.




JESSIE WARE 'Imagine It Was Us'

After the stellar result that was her debut album 'Devotion' in 2012, British lass Jessie Ware revealed we'd be seeing a re-release of the LP which would feature the new track 'Imagine It Was Us.'

Taking us on a disco escapade, Ware's soulful vocals marry the sexy 90s beats like a match made in (disco) heaven. Complete with a video that knocks most off their feet, this track has been our perfect party starter for most of 2013.




LANA DEL REY 'Young and Beautiful'

Let's just say securing the gong for Best Album of 2012  for 'Born to Die / Paradise' is no easy feat (we are pretty critical), so first up, we're anxiously awaiting the sophomore release from Miss Lana Del Rey. Whilst we wait ever so patiently, what better way to fill the time than by drifting away to the utterly gorgeous 'Young and Beautiful.'

Produced by Rick Nowels ('Dark Paradise' and 'Summertime Sadness') and lifted from Baz Luhrman's 'The Great Gatsby' soundtrack, Del Rey shines like a pretty face and electric soul.

Absolutely, mesmerizingly, beautiful.




LORDE 'Royals'

We were surprised and delighted to hear that the indie-pop gem 'Royals,' by sixteen year-old singer/songwriter Lorde, originates from across the waters in Auckland, New Zealand. We love finding new local(ish) goodies!

'Royals' is the lead single from Lorde's very-good-indeed debut EP 'The Love Club.' With it's catchy vibe and we-don't-care lyrics, it was an instant fave adding this young chanteuse to the top of our 'must watch' list for the year.


Five of the best so far, with more to come before we delve into what remains of 2013.