Rated i: Top 25 Songs of 2012

The end of another year. Jesus Christina. 

So here we are, preparing our stomachs for the warmth and imminent agony of 'post Xmas dinner'. Figuring out what the hell we're doing at New Year, whether we're going to spend it getting pissed at a party or curled up on the sofa in our new slipper boots and long-johns, watching something uber violent and scary (just me?). One thing is certain, even if our festive plans aren't, 2012 has been an awesome year for music. It's been emotional, fun, surprising, revelationary (made up a word there) and camper than Louis Spence's underwear drawer.

We had the long awaited come back of Xtina with the epic 'Your Body', which didn't quite burn up the charts, but it's one of my top played songs of the year so far. There was the gorgeous revelation that is Jessie Ware and her mind blowing album Devotion; an album so perfect, I shit you not, it changed my year for the better. An Xfactor contestant released a 5 Star single and made my top 15. Rihanna is in there, of course, when wouldn't she be? She'll still be releasing singles when she's 65, probably still wearing a see through dress and getting soaked on the Xfactor live shows, now judged by 3 corpses and Louis Walsh (immortal). Rita Ora managed to get one on there, as did Leona Lewis who yet again flopped a bit. Poor cow. You're going to notice soon enough that there's a Eurovision entry on there too... I know good pop music when I hear it and it's one mother of a pop song.  Then we have the behemoth debut album by Scottish songstress Emeli Sande, Our Version of Events which has a single flying high in my countdown. Have a look below and let me know your thoughts, positive or negative. To be fair, I don't care if you think Sam and the Womp should be number one. Also, don't go expecting to see the ear torture that is 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. Over my dead body:

25. Aiden Grimshaw - Curtain Call

The first of the Xfactor alumni to appear on my countdown, and not one of them's a winner. Aiden surprised with his brilliant debut album, packed with dub-step and drum & bass influences all produced by the same dude who helped pull together Lana Del Rey's debut album. This was the second single from the album and although it didn't really see much of the charts, it's a stunning power ballad, brimming with cool and a huge chorus.

24. Girls Aloud - Something New

At first listen I despised this annoying little bitch of a song. Then once I realised how awesome the chorus was I let them off for having the 'G-g-g-go-go-go' stutter. It's not their best song but it is one of the catchiest mothers of 2012. Xenomania never falters.

23. Loreen - Euphoria

I've never liked a Eurovision entry/winner, let alone loved one. This song is instantly incredible and is Eurovision's finest moment to date.

22. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

When I first heard this I thought it was a joke song, like 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. I thought, 'what is this pish? It's a bit like that joke song by Robbie Williams called 'Candy''. Then after a couple of listens and seeing the video I thought, 'This is actually amazing and so much better than 'Candy' by Robbie Williams, which is total shite'. This is the second biggest song in the UK this year and will remain one of the catchiest pop tunes of the next decade (I imagine).

21. Rita Ora - R.I.P (Feat. Tinie Tempah)

Rita Ora hasn't had 20 number one hits on the charts; she has had 20 number one hits between her legs though. Ooohhhh Boom. The best part about this debut single from 20 Ora, apart from the hotness that is Tinie Tempah, is that panting bridge. It's one of my favourite moments of 2012 and is the finest song from her debut album ORA, which I didn't review very favourably.

Rated: Rihanna - Stay

Like the bus in Speed, Rihanna continues to tear up the chart roads like a hot wheeling musical maniac. Following on from the wonderful 'Diamonds' from the not so wonderful album Unapologetic, new single 'Stay Ft. Mikky Ekko' is a gorgeous piano lead ballad and perhaps one of Rihanna's most accomplished moments. Both singers give emotive performances; Ri's vocals are on point and the piano riff is one of the most perfect I've heard this year. As far as Rihanna ballads go this is grown up, cool, authentic and packed with passion.

If you don't like the song you soon will, trust me.

5/5

Rated: Jessie Ware - 'Sweet Talk'

 Even though her debut album Devotion had me amending the tracklisting to play 'Wildest Moments' and 'Night Light' after every other song, the album is packed with gorgeous 80s synth inspired tracks just begging for release. New single 'Sweet Talk' is one of the more upbeat songs, with a retro feel and stunning vocal hooks. It's definitely an album highlight, not quite as affecting as WM or 'Taking in Water' but still perfect. This is a great example of why you need Devotion in your life. Fresh, inspiring, stunning. Album of 2012 for sure!

Check it:

5/5

Rated: Gossip - Recall

It's been a few months since we heard from the wonderful pipes of Gossip front woman Beth Ditto. So, feeling a little Gossip nostalgia this evening I played through Music For Men. When it ended I remembered how amazing their last single was/is. Have a listen below and roll about in its awesomeness:

'Move in the Right Direction'

Rated: Lulu James - Sweet Soul

If you haven't heard about Lulu James before, I'm sure you were going to soon enough, had I not just posted this. That was a mouthful. This North-East girl has one of the most intriguing voices I've heard this year, smooth, soulful and just damn gorgeous to behold. Check out her single 'Be Safe' below:

Rated: Rihanna + Xfactor = Poporgasm(s)

The Xfactor Live stage is used to ol' dirty Rihanna Fenty parading up and down its walkways with her buns out. She's belted out some impressive and, at times, iconic, performances on its fancy glowy surfaces. Her recent performance of 'Diamonds' saw her get totally drenched on stage and I am pretty certain that's never happened on the show before; well it did happen to Chris Maloney every week (nervous sweats). 

Tonight saw RiRi slow things right down with her beautiful new single 'Stay' from 7th album Unapologetic. It's one of the good songs from the album and she showed off some vocal ability many probably didn't expect her to have. It was lovely, really just lovely, but I wanted more... well fuck me did I get more?! She only blasted out 'We Found Love', which is only one of the best pop songs of all time. The joint was pumping. I was elated to the point of palpitation and my faith in her was once again restored. 

Rihanna, as much as I don't love your newest album, I still love you... almost as much as my mum and cat. Almost.

Click through below for some Rfactor highlights!

Rated: Leona Lewis - Lovebird

The third album from Xfactor revelation Leona Lewis, Glassheart, should have been a perfect 5; it wasn't. Then again, nobody's perfect right? Unless you're an artist known as Jessie Ware and you released a glorious debut called Devotion. I digress! Leona is immensely talented and Glassheart is good, but it's just good and not mesmerising which is really the kind of album she needed to release at this point in her career. A strong yet mildly disappointing chart debut of number 4, the album was expected to tear things up. It didn't; it didn't do a lot of what was predicted, actually.

New single 'Lovebird' is a grower, but it is instantly likeable. It's a big pretty ballad about breaking out of your cage and such, with big stunning vocals from Leona and easy-osy contemporary ballad production. The problem I have is not with the song, but with the selection of it as the 2nd single from an album that has hardly set the world alight. With 'shock factor' songs like 'Come Alive' and 'Glassheart', this could be a musically fatal move for the girl who was once unstoppable. 

3/5

Rated: Solange - Losing You

Solange Knowles is one of those artists whose under-ratedness is an utter travesty. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams was a triumphant record, so soulful and so funky it deserved far more success than it achieved. The singles lifted from the album, 'I Decided', 'Sandcastle Disco' and 'T.O.N.Y' were some of the best singles around at the time. Unfortunately due to little/no marketing and no presence in the UK, the album kind of floundered a bit. Shame.

Thankfully she's getting of that long overdue recognition. New single 'Losing You' is as classy as pop can get. Its smooth neo-soul groove is so hypnotic you'll be floated away on first listen. Check out the video below.

5/5

Rated: Girls Aloud - TEN

Girls Aloud have been away for what feels like forever (I think it's only 2 years...?) and when it was announced they would be making a comeback gay pulses were sent into a stratospheric beat frenzy all over the UK. If you don't love Girls Aloud you're an idiot. If you don't love Girls Aloud you're lying, because there's nothing to dislike. Over the past 10 years they've rebranded girl group pop, hell they've contributed to the reshaping of the female pop landscape along with their deceased rivals the Sugababes (God rest their souls). When 'Sound of the Underground' slipped onto airwaves it was the biggest surprise of the 00s. Uber-cool girl pop which actually did have an underground feel about it. Nobody expected it and it was that song that helped start the shift in British pop music for the 21st Century.

Follow up 'No Good Advice', like its mother, still holds its ground today. A gift of super producer Xenomania; his ability to put together timeless pop songs is unsurpassed. Basically, every artist in the world should work with him. True story. 

Right, so it's been 10 years since SOTUG and NGA. It's been 10 long, wonderful, poppy years. New track 'Something New', I was very hard on a few weeks ago (scoring it 1 out of 5). I was very hasty as in the weeks between the review and now, where I've heard it on the radio everyday, I've amended my rating to a 4/5. I guess I'm impressionable, but the more I listened to it the more I realised how brilliant the song is. It's timely, well produced and so Girls Aloud it hurts and that's not even mentioning how fantastic the chorus is. So yes, sorry about the bad rating, gays. 

Rated: Sia Aka God - Sings Diamonds

My favourite, adorable, wonderful, talented and just fucking incredibly perfect singer Sia has performed  Rihanna's 'Diamonds' live. Good for her because it's her song. Good for her because, where Rihanna's is a 5/5, this is a 10/5. Popjustice drew my attention to this fantastic moment this evening and I thank him/her/them from the bottom of my Sia soaked heart. Let's hope she does just as PJ says she should do and release her own original versions of all the amazing songs she's written/contributed to for the likes of Ri and the unstoppable crap music machine that is Flo Rida.

Click through on the link below for a lovely song from Sia's amazing album We Are Born.

Rated: Ke$ha - Die Young

It's been a while since we heard from the 'not so great a singer - every inch a great popstar' KE-dollarsign-HA. Her debut album Animal sold over 3 million copies, pretty impressive for a 25 year old who can't hold a note. It's not vocal talent that garnered favour for this crazy wench though, it's her wacky persona and tanks of charisma. With hair that looks like it hasn't been washed in weeks, a dirty snarl and a string of ridiculously catchy hit songs she's the ideal pop character in an age where perfection is so heavily sought. 

New single 'Die Young', from upcoming second album Warrior, opens a bit like a Flo Rida track with a heavily produced guitar riff and a playground chant of 'let's make the most of the night like we're going to die young'. It soon bursts into a hyper, electropop dance anthem with more hooks than a Fisherman's tackle box. This is probably her best song to date (almost tying 'Tik Tok' and 'Blow'), and is definitely one of my favourite songs of 2012. It's a fun way to close of the music year.

5/5

Rated: Kelly Clarkson - Catch My Breath

With the release of her first greatest hits compilation hurtling towards us it seemed only fitting for Kelly Clarkson to release a new song to sate her pop hungry fans. With 20million+ albums sold she's had a pretty impressive run of damn strong hits and songs that deserved to be hits but didn't quite make the impact expected ('Dark Side' had number one written all over it). 

Like Christina Aguilera's Stripped is her unbeatable album, Breakaway is Kelly's. This was an album without filler, without cheese and gimmick; just pure pop perfection. New single 'Catch My Breath' is worthy of such a title. Another self empowerment, think positive, pop power anthem with awesome vocals and simple production. It's typically Kelly, but typically and predictably great.

4/5

Rated Xfactor USA: So much better than Tulisa

I'm infatuated with Xfactor USA at the moment. It trumps out shoddy original version completely, from quantity to quality. The production values are triple that of ours, the contestants more likeable and miles more interesting, and most importantly the talent is fucking off the scale. Where we have Rylan, they have Vino Alan; where we have Tulisa, they have Britney Spears. It's an incontestable point I'm making, so don't even waste your energy trying to do so. Just bathe in the amazingness that is the show and witness some singers, who are far better than they have any right to be, kill it every week! 

To celebrate how my love, I've decided to showcase my top 5 contestants. There's no reason why you should appreciate this, other than it's a bloody great use of my spare time. Enjoy!

5 - Beatrice Miller

This girl is 13 years old and features in the show's 'Teens' category, mentored by Britney Spears. She's vocally talented far beyond her years, but dresses like a total fanny. Someone sack the stylist, no actually someone club them over the head and drop them off a bridge because no one should dress like a punky scarecrow. That fail aside, Beatrice has a stunning, smokey quality to her voice like no other person in the competition. Nice girl too.

Rated Unapologetic: Apology somewhat needed

'I do my own thang, phresh of the runway' bites Riri on the opener to her seventh studio album Unapologetic. It's fierce, a bit indecipherable but full of the bad girl attitude she's developed rapidly over the past two years/albums. Many think she's in overkill at the moment and needs to take a serious hiatus to give everyone else a break. Others are delighted that she keeps popping out albums like a toaster hooked on pop tarts. I fall in with the latter category, or so I thought I did until I heard Unapologetic.

For a major Rihanna fan such as moi, one who has been hard for her music ever since the wonderful Rated R graced airwaves, Unapologetic is a disappointing, somewhat annoying collection of songs. The opener is quite cool, but when the haunting dark beats of 'Numb' (feat Eminem) kick in the album is thrown off track. Repeatedly stating 'I'm going numb' for what seems like an eternity I just pray for the song to come to a swift end. Then we're presented with the duff 'Pour It Up', a song that irritates with its horrendous lyrics and arrangement. The negatives keep coming with 'Get It Over With' and the poppy snorefest duet with ex/not ex lover Chris Brown 'Nobody's Business'. You're right it is nobody's business and also, no one fucking cares.

The album avoids a 1/5 rating because of some moments of brilliance. Lead single 'Diamonds' is a triumph of a song, perhaps a career best. Rihanna's vocals are on point, the production is gorgeous and the lyrics are strong. Chase & Status number 'Jump' is another top track, with its electronic dub step onslaught an absolute joy to absorb. 

The poor songs noted earlier don't showcase any vocal talent. Songs like 'What Now', 'Stay' and 'Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary' show off the vocals that have grown over the past 3 albums. The first track is an infectious, mid tempo anthem that would fit perfectly onto Loud. The third is an interesting track and is perhaps one of the album's most powerful performances. 'No Love Allowed' sees Rihanna embrace her Bajan accent just like she did on the brilliant 'Man Down' a couple of year ago and is just as loveable. Album closer 'Lost in Paradise' is average dub step pop, but certainly maintains the relief the latter part of the album injects into the sore spot left by the jagged/unpleasant earlier segment.

Unapologetic is not an improvement on Talk That Talk, which albeit wasn't a perfect album, and it certainly doesn't serve as a worthy successor to Loud or Rated R. It does show that Rihanna, even now in a state of over exposure, still holds the iron fist as the most powerful pop singer in the world. Her last three albums have given fans different music, new experimentations and in some cases a new Rihanna to play with. However, Unapologetic doesn't manage to remain cohesive and has too many mishaps littered throughout its track list to hit the top end of the review scale. There are, as previously said, moments of brilliance here. Songs that remind you of why you fell in love with dirty Ri in the first place. Right, now it's time for your holiday love!

Download: Diamonds/Jump/No Love Allowed/What Now

2.5/5

Rated: Move over Coca Cola truck; hello Mariah

It's long been the sign of the festive season's rebirth but then Coke was thrashed aside by the awesome pop power of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You', which has appeared in the iTunes chart and it's not even the beginning of December! Take a look for yourself:


It's Christmas!

Rated: Lana Del Rey - Paradise

Lana Del Rey is one of those artists who comes along once in a lifetime. Sure she might not belt them out like Whitney, drag her ass along the floor like Beyonce, or shave her head like Britney. What she does bring to the pop round table is hypnotic lyrical genius and a delightful old school voice. I'm not a fan of album repackages and I never will be. Unfortunately that's what Lana's gone and done, darnit! Thankfully, I've channeled her telepathically and she decided to release Paradise as an EP. 

The lead single from Paradise is 'Ride', one of 2012's most stunning songs, with one of 2012's most mesmerising music videos. 'American' is an incredible track about love and lust, written in Del Rey poetic fashion and on every listen I am transported to an open top car on the American West Coast. 'Body Electric' is a familiar and addictive song from Lana's live sets and 'Cola' shocks on first play as she sings 'My pussy tastes like pepsi-cola...' laid over a beautiful violin and guitar riff arrangement. 'Blue Velvet' opens like a sister of 'Born to Die' with climaxing violins, before Lana's iconic voice floats into ear shot. 

Paradise is a strong EP, however it would have benefited from some new flavours. Born to Die, as amazing as it was/is, wouldn't have been such a success without the likes of 'National Anthem' and 'Diet Mountain Dew' to mix up the tempo. Paradise, maintains a slow pace, with the exception of 'Ride', which at the very start doesn't break things up very well. Overall however, this serves as a lovely addition to the great moments of her debut.

3/5

Rated: Christina Aguilera - Lotus

It's been over two years since Christina Aguilera stepped into her Bionic heels and received a swift pummelling from critics and long time fans for her change of direction and 'copy cat' Lady GaGa sound. As disappointing as Bionic was/is, mainly because it's not cohesive as an album, it did have some pretty cool sounding songs on it, 'Elastic Love' and 'You Lost Me' for example. Still, it was an album that thrust Christina into pop obscurity, but thanks to an annoyingly addictive duet with Maroon 5 on 'Moves Like Jagger' she regained a lot of her fan's support. 

Now she's back, with an album she promised would be closer to the style of her mega hit Stripped, an album so popconic it should have its own spot in the hall of fame for awesomeness. Lotus is far more cohesive than its predecessor and it's not ballad heavy, which is a relief following the brilliance of lead single 'Your Body'. 

'Your Body' was a great way to kick things off, but this album has far more impressive songs just screaming for single release. 'Army Of Me', coined as Fighter 2.0 by the lady herself, is a heady electronic dance infused self empowerment anthem and it's just begging for a heavy club edit. 'Red Hot Kinda Love' is a catchy track, in the same vein as her Peaches collab in the past. It's not the strongest song, but it's so infectious it's hard not to toot toot along to the poppy production. Things get really good with 'Let There Be Love', an immense dance floor anthem waiting to happen and perhaps the album's best uptempo track.

There are no poor moments on Lotus, a feat that artists everywhere dream of achieving. There are, however, some slightly weaker songs. 'Cease Fire' is strong, but the lyrical repetitions do tire, making it a grower. 'Around the World' is more instantly addictive, but it still isn't as brilliant as some of the other songs on the album. 'Circles' is unexpected, and hard to pin down, and kind of annoying.

Christina didn't wait over two years to come back alone, oh no. 'Make the World Move' is the first of two duets and it is bloody epic. Sapping some of the retro influences that made Back to Basics such a success, this is a funky retro soul track and the combination of Christina and Cee Lo Green is so good it's just got to happen again. Blake Shelton pops in to sing on 'Just a Fool', an epic country/rock inspired ballad that shows just why Christina continues to be one of pop's most impressive vocalists. 

The ballads aren't kept just for duets, there's some solo action too. 'Blank Page' is a gorgeous piano led ballad, cowritten by Australian lyrical mastermind Sia Furler who penned some of Bionic's best moments. Christina's vocals are stratospherically powerful and emotive and the song itself is one of her finest career milestones to date. 'Best of Me' continues her trend for great slow songs. 

Lotus is more brilliant than anyone could have anticipated. The skeptic in me thought it could be disastrous, but only because I wanted so badly for it to be good. Thankfully I am left satisfied and eager to listen again. With some of her decade long career's strongest, most impressive moments, this is an album deserving of respect and success. To answer the question on all fan lips: Yes it is better than Stripped.

4/5

Download: Army of Me/Let There be Love/Blank Page

Rated: Little Mix - DNA

They hit number one with their debut single 'Wings' a few months back. It was way better than anyone expected it to be, especially after their shoddy to mediocre cover of 'Cannonball' following their Xfactor triumph in 2011. 

New single 'DNA' is a very special pop moment, with lots of intense beat pounding and impressive vocals from all the wee Mixes. It outshines their debut, shows off their pop versatility and cements them as one of the UKs finest girl bands for years. In light of Girls Aloud's anti climactic comeback single and the Sugababes m.i.a behaviour/dubious future, this is quite exciting.

5/5

Rated Rihanna: Unapologetic incoming!

Ri - y'big dirty!

It was easily predicted that I'd be stratospherically high on the news of Rihanna's upcoming 7th album Unapologetic. With the first single being so bloody perfect and a refreshing step away from the dancey Calvin Harris days, how could I not be?

 

Anyway, I thought I'd just highlight that there are only 16 days until the album drops.

Yes, 16! 

Rated Misha B: Do You Think of Me?

I really hope there's glass there Misha.

She might have been one of the focuses of public hatred throughout the tail end of her Xfactor career, because of 'those' bullying stories, but Misha B's talent can never justifiably be put into question. She was and still is undeniably the strongest contender from her run of the show and perhaps one of the most interesting and relevant singers ever to come out of it (Leona's great but let's face it, she's about as exciting as an empty plate). 

New single 'Do You Think of Me?' follows on from the modest success of debut 'Home Run'. It might not have cracked the top 10 but it had critics raving and got a fair share of plays stacked up on my itunes within days of release. DYTOM is superior in every way. Her vocals are gorgeous, the production is pretty much perfect and the message is lovely. Apparently it's a shout out to her biological mother who gave her up at 3 months. If this is anything to go by, her debut album will be divine!

5/5

Rated: Girls Aloud - Something New

It's been 3 years since Girls Aloud graced us with the glorious 'Untouchable', a song so exhilarating it should be made in pill form to combat depression. Preceded by songs like 'Sound of the Underground', 'Biology' and the perfect 'Call the Shots', new single 'Something New' falls far from the mark of the pop standards they once upheld. 

Considering the UK girl band market has taken a nose dive in recent years, Sugababes became the Sugagiros and Little Mix are only fresh from the Xfactor womb, I expected a lot more from this new Girls Aloud track. I expected fireworks, great lyrics, greater subject matter and some lovely verses. No, I get dodgy rapping by Cheryl and Nicola, and a bog standard pop chorus that sounds like an off cut from Little Mix's rejects tape. 

Sorry girls, it's not looking great. Sometimes something old is better.

1/5

To ease the pain and disappointment here's the 

video for 'Call the Shots'. Enjoy...

Rated: Lana Del Rey - Ride

After one incredible year with a multi million selling debut album, lots of critically acclaimed singles and videos, and a bunch of awards, Lana Del Rey prepares to close it off with the release of a repackaged version of Born To Die, The Paradise Edition. I'm not a fan of repackaging albums, especially gorgeous albums like the above, but in this case I'm willing to allow it. 

The lead single from the 9 new song album (why can't it just be a brand new album?!) is called 'Ride' and it's beautiful. Accompanied by an arty video where Lana recalls a summer where she rode with bikers and maybe humped a few, this is a heady song with a belting chorus and some of Lana's most impressively distinct vocals to date. Check out the video below. What do you think? I say, AMAZING.

5/5

Rated: Rihanna - Diamonds

Listen to 'Diamonds' here

Christ, so 'da bitch' is back with yet another new song. This isn't another single from current album Talk That Talk, it's a completely new song from a new album and it's called 'Diamonds'. As a Rihanna fan this is very exciting but for the non fans I imagine they're grinding their teeth to the gum right now. Talk That Talk was packed with attitude, naughty lyrics about being catered to down stairs (I don't know an actual polite verb for it that isn't offensive) and a duet with Jay Z. 

'Diamonds' is more in the vein of Rated R, spliced with some Lana Del Rey type production and tempo, and some very Sia sounding vocals. 

Lana + Sia + Rihanna = Fucking amazing!

With her vocals on top form, sounding authentic and strong, Rihanna owns the track from start to finish. It's a pretty meander away from the sex heavy content of her past singles, and a lovely reminder of great songs like 'Russian Roulette' and the other more ballady moments of Rated R. This is a song signifying why, as annoying and exhausting it may be for some, Rihanna has so successfully overcome overkill.

5/5

*I've been informed this was actually written by Sia (one of my favourite artists of all time). This makes me love it even more. Can I do 6/5?

Rated: Sia & Christina Aguilera Collab!

I literally saw this on Soundcloud a few seconds ago and felt more excited than I have done for ages about a song! 'Blank Page' is a collaboration on Lotus between love of my life Sia Furler and US Voice coach Christina Aguilera. Amazing. Amazing. Bloody Amazing. 

  Sia - Blank Page (Christina Aguilera Demo) by OfficialMedia

Rated: Christina Aguilera - Your Body

The first time I heard it I was a bit like WTF? Now, I am completely hooked. The first single from upcoming album Lotus, this song has Christina whipping on her chaps of old and unleashing Xtina once again. 'All I wanna do is fuck your body/tonight's your lucky night I know you want it' she belts out with that voice, you know the one that could stop traffic? It's a poppy, dancey, dirrty classic. 4/5 

  

**The video is OUT. Click to see... Your Body

I'm quite liking the video, not loving, liking. It's tongue in cheek, a bit naughty and if the tables were turned and a man made a video with this plot he'd probably end up in jail. Maybe Chris Brown should make one?!

Rated: Leona - Triple Teamed

So within 1 week Leona Lewis has come out all guns blazing for the release of her upcoming new album. Not only do we have the video for amazing new single 'Trouble' (which I like way better without immature Gambit) we're also getting a full run through of another new song called 'Stop the Clocks' and 'Glassheart'! Queue the mass ejaculation of Leona mega fans the world over. I'm not one so I will not be doing such a thing.

'Stop the Clocks'
Not as immensely satisfying as 'Trouble' but it's still good. Probs not a single though. 3/5
  Stop The Clocks by heistandaustin

'Glassheart'
I've made my distaste for the dub-step tsunami that's happened across pop. HATE A DUB-STEP BREAKDOWN. However, this song is a step forward for an artist who was in danger of becoming generic in her own balladry. Still, I was so excited about this song before that I feel a bit deflated now. Really not appreciating the doctoring of that Leona Lewis voice box either. 2/5

  Leona Lewis - Glassheart by João Pavão

Click through for the amazing 'Trouble' video; a song way better than it ever had any right to be.

Rated: P!nk - The Truth About Love (Track by Track)

Funhouse didn't rock my boat, not after the amazing-ness that was/is I'm Not Dead. I was a bit deflated, disappointed and left wandering the pop landscape with a cloud of confusion obstructing my vision of P!nk's future in my 'recently played'. Well she must have got my memo because she just head butted me in the balls with her new album The Truth About Love. 

I don't think it's necessarily a step forward for P!nk, but it definitely sees her find her feet again. There are some brilliant songs on here, no fillers, no shitters and plenty sass. The best thing about her as a popstar is that she is reliable. You don't see P!nk popping out chart relevant albums splattered with generic dub step beats (thank God because I can't take anymore dub step!), she always stays true to her tried and tested formula. The most impressive thing with this new album is that rather than evolve her it cements the distinctiveness of her sound.

I've gone through this step by step, so gird your loins:

1. Are We All We Are?
Dark and dirty pop-rock with an epic chorus. Probably not single material, but an epic opener. 4/5

2. Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
I only gave this 3/5 when I reviewed it before. Now it's gotten so deeply embedded in my head I've got no choice but to withdraw this and hit myself for being so fucking stupid. 4/5

3. Try
This is the second single and it's lovely. Produced by Kelly Clarkson 'Dark Side' creator Busbee, this is destined to become a fan favourite ballad. 4/5

4. Just Give Me a Reason
Teaming up with Fun. frontman Nate Ruess, this is one of the album's best songs. It's got a perfectly structured chorus layered over Fun. esque beats, and their voices sound amazing together. If this isn't a single there's something wrong with the world. 5/5

5. True Love
A song about how complicated love can be; 'You're an asshole but I love you'. One minute she's beating the shit out of him, the next she wants a hug. She hates hims so much it must be 'True Love, True Love, Truuueee Love'. This is awesome, bouncy, fun-pop and it features Lily Allen! Good times. 5/5

6. How Come You're Not Here
I love this. It's P!nk doing dirty pop-rock again, only this time there are twinkly bells. Trust me, it's bloody good. 5/5

7. Slut Like You
'I'm not a slut I just love love' chants P!nk before the 'Cuz I Can' type beat kicks in. The chorus is wild, with P!nk blasting 'I'm a slut like you!' and chatting the mid section in true pop comedy fashion. 5/5

8. Truth About Love
The title track (obviously). This doesn't grab at first, especially after the consecutive epicness that comes before it. It's chanty and fun, but it isn't as instantly likeable as the rest of the album, although it has one of my favourite lyrics on the entire album, 'The truth about love is it's blood and it's guts'. 3/5

9. Beam Me Up
The album slows down completely for this stripped back, acoustic ballad. Stunning vocals from P!nk, showing off her immense country tones. 5/5

10. Walk Of Shame
Unfortunately quite easy for me to relate to, as I imagine it is for everyone else reading this right now. You know who you are, tarts! 'One step, two steps, counting tiles on the floor, three steps, four steps, guess this means that I'm a whore...'. Hmmm, yeah... it's been a while though. Reformed. Oh, the song, it's cool as fuck. 5/5

11. Here Comes the Weekend
Opening with a playground chant over a heavy guitar riff, this is a funky rocky tune packed with attitude. 4/5

12. Where Did the Beat Go?
Great beats. Great vocals. Totally infectious. 5/5

13. The Great Escape
The standard version of the album closes with this piano led ballad. It's not as gorgeous as 'Beam Me Up', but it's still overflowing with charm. 3.5/5

Bonus Tracks

14. My Signature Move
At first I didn't like this, mainly because I didn't really get where it was going. Then the chorus exploded and I was blown away. Everytime that chorus kicks in it's like being in a wind tunnel.

15. Is This Thing On?
Cool production and it could be brilliant but there's something missing. What? I have no idea. 2.5/5

16. Run
A power ballad, with P!nk's voice on it. Solid production and a huge beat all mixed up with P!nk emotive voice; perfect. 5/5

17. Good Old Days
Lots of clapping and happy lyrics about love, of course. 4/5

The Truth About Love is one of P!nk's most accomplished albums to date. Better than Funhouse and possibly better than I'm Not Dead. It doesn't have one song I dislike. There are a couple I'm not as fond of, but I can tell with time they'll grow. 

With hugely satisfying moments, some tracks that have so much attitude they make Rihanna look like a cuddly Teddy Bear Nun, and vocals so strong and distinct Beyonce starts to sound like a really good Xfactor contestant, this is one of the best pop records of 2012 and of P!nk's career.

4.5/5

Top track - Just Give Me a Reason

Others to download: Blow Me/Beam Me Up/Slut Like You/True Love

Unrated: LMFAO Split - Call end to pish music

THANK FUCK

Rated: Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen

I wasn't hugely taken with Ellie Goulding's debut album Lights, even though it sported some rather fetching pop songs like 'Starry Eyed' and 'Guns and Horses'. Overall, I just couldn't get into it. Things sound a lot better with new single 'Anything Could Happen', which after just one listen I am completely obsessed with. It's hypnotic, sumptuous chill out pop at its best, with stunning vocals and unique production making it one of 2012's most exciting songs.

5/5

Rated: Tulisa - Live It Up (or kill me now, y'know, whatever)

Wow, I really do not know what to say about the new Tulisa song (featuring Tyga if you please) other than the following:

ABSOLUTE MURDER

0/5

Rated: The XX - Coexist

The XX mesmerised with their quietly euphoric debut album XX. Featuring gorgeous pieces of heady pop, this was an album that had undeniable potential to redefine the genre and take it in a new direction; it still does. XX left fans and critics waiting in intense anticipation (the nails in the front of the couch kind) and waves of excitement echoed throughout social networks when Coexist was announced. I won't lie, I might have prayed a little bit for this to be incredible.

Some will be left full and satisfied after their first play, others will be left feeling a bit confused as to why there's nothing new here. The likes of 'Angels' and 'Fiction' are strong moments for the band, although they could have slipped comfortably into XX without sticking out from the crowd. They're lovely songs though, particularly the former which has some affective vocals from Romy. The tempo remains mid to low, however when it rises up to mid with the stunning 'Sunset', and 'Swept Away' it's almost like a rave when put in contrast to the more haunting songs like 'Missing'. 

Coexist is more of the same from the band, but since they essentially created their own unique brand of pop who can blame them for not straying from the path. The problem with the album is that it doesn't define itself quite as distinctly as its predecessor. For example, when I first heard 'Islands' and 'Heart Skipped a Beat' I felt some elation. There aren't really any 'big' moments like those on Coexist. That said, pretty much every song is pleasant and for the entire run time the atmosphere it creates is nothing short of divine. Glass of red at the ready.

3/5

Xfactor USA - BRITNEY!

12/09/2012 marks the date that season 2 of the Xfactor USA is unleashed on the world (c'mon ITV2!) and thankfully the complete insanity that is Paula Abdul is now gone (love her really) and we have Britney fucking Spears instead. I've seen clips of her in action and she's a spit fire - got to love her. So in preparation I thought I'd present you with some epic Britney songs to gird your loins. Kicking things off with 'Stronger' and then just click the jump link to see the other 4. Takes you back to your pre-teen bedroom right?

Stronger (2000)

Stanton Warriors feat. Ruby Goe

I joined Soundloud this morning... yes I know it's a joke for a pop music blogger to have waited so long to sign up to one of the biggest new music resources on the planet, but shit happens right? 

One of the first tracks I discovered is this brilliant collab between breakbeat duo Stanton Warriors and my new fav female Ruby Goe. 'Shoot Me Down' is fucking awesome. Check it out below and if you don't have a fantastic time I have serious doubts about our relationship in the future:

Alanis Morissette - Havoc & Bright Lights

It's no secret that I am an enormous Alanis Morissette fan. My relationship with her music, yes I'm pretentious enough to call it that, has strode on for 11 years since I first picked up her debut Jagged Little Pill after hearing 'Ironic' on TV, as mum did her ironing and cursed her creases. Since then there have been 6 unique studio albums, an acoustic recording of her debut and numerous other musical expeditions.

Alanis has never been one to follow a trend, not conventionally anyway. When the GaGa electro-pop fad was taking hold back in 2008, she released Flavours of Entanglement which took pop synths and thrust them into the most unreachable place she could find. This was and remains one of my favourite albums, with brilliant songs like the heady roaring electro rock anthem 'Versions of Violence', beautiful ballad 'Not As We' and the classically Alanis sounding 'Underneath'. This was a huge step forward from the disappointing So-Called Chaos which just didn't hold the same bite her past albums. That's not to say it didn't have any decent songs on it: 'Everything' and 'Eight Easy Steps' are both great. 

What people have been waiting for is an album that is just as emotional, quirky and full of bite as JLP. Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie was brimming with edge and stroppy charm and Under Rug Swept was blessed with some stunning moments ('Hands Clean' & '21 Things'), but neither managed to meet the iconic sound of their mother album. Who wouldn't want a 21st Century 'All I Really Want'? A fucking idiot that's who.

Now it's 2012 and we're presented with Havoc & Bright Lights. An album that is preceded by lead single 'Guardian', a typically Alanis sounding rock song about her baby. It's not as cheesy as it sounds, in fact it's one of her best songs to date, with her predictably powerful vocals and standard quirky lyricism draped over an infectious guitar riff. Following from this, 'Woman Down' acts as a 2012 version of the epic 'Sister Blister', only this kicks off with squiffy beeping synths which lead into a girl power rock anthem chorus: 'Calling all woman haters/we've lowered the bar on the/behaviour that we will take/come on now'. 'Til You' is an ethereal ballad with a heavenly echo in its chorus, not quite 'Not As We' but close. 

The dark tones of her last album are continued on 'Celebrity' and 'Numb'. The former isn't as divine as it could be, but it's got one of those choruses that just whips you off your feet. In the grand scheme of things though, it's not even in the running for best album track and it's tough to get a handle on what she's saying. The latter is more epic, more dark, more riffy and just much better. She lightens things up with 'Empathy' and 'Receive', the former one of the album's highlights, and 'Lens' which sounds like a track fit for a 21st Century JLP.

Unfortunately there are some weaker moments. 'Win & Win' and 'Havoc' aren't the most inspiring songs, mainly because they're so damn hard to get into. W&W has had 6 plays and I still can't find the hook. Thankfully album closer 'Edge of Evolution' improves things but even this isn't strong enough to wrap things up in optimum style. 

Alanis's music has always reflected her own life, experiences and emotions. JLP was an angsty record, burgeoning with fire, sadness, themes of loss and desperation and rage. The album's success is down to its ability to speak to anyone who listens to it, regardless of their age or personality. As time has gone on and Alanis has grown up, so has her music. The themes have gone from those mentioned above, to love and separation, world peace and motherhood. This isn't a bad thing, it's just a lot harder to relate to every song when you haven't experienced those events yourself and probably never will. However, Alanis will continue to develop songs that are so lyrically intricate and dynamic that our interpretations are somewhat open. 

Havoc & Bright Lights doesn't match its ancestor record, not even by world's length, but it does prove that this artist isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. If she wants to share her life with us through some stunningly crafted music, then who are we to argue? I just hope next time I can give it a better rating.

3/5

Download: Guardian, Woman Down, Lens, Empathy

Rated XX-Leona-Pink: Incoming!

The next few months look set to be quite juicy as far as album anticipation goes. We've got a new one from naughty super tart P!nk, the new XX album which is destined to be mesmerising and the sickeningly overdue album by the one Xfactor winner who actually blows doors open with her voice (true story), good ol' Leona Lewis. Let's have a look:


The XX - Coexist
They didn't get really big till post Mercury Prize shenanigans, but this band is pretty special either way. Ethereal synths hovered and hopped about on XX, a pop album like no other in our time. Now having heard a track called 'Chained', which stays true to the sound of their debut, and another gorgeous song called 'Angels' on which Romy's voice is so delicious I want to fucking eat it, I am fully primed for action. Bring it!
Released 10 September

Leona Lewis - Glassheart

This album has royally pissed me and thousands of others off. It's coming out/it's not coming out/it's coming out again/it's not/is/not/is... and so forth. Thankfully the farce is over and there's only another month or so to wait till we have the finished product in our hands. I expect great things (whether my expectations meet reality remains to be seen) from this, particularly after the pleasant 'Collide' and the new single 'Trouble', which is pretty bloody epic. Let's just keep every inch of ourselves crossed that this isn't the same pop-cock up that Echo was.

Released 15 October (how coincidental that the Xfactor live shows will be in full swing... cheeky!)

P!nk - The Truth About Love

It's been a wee while since P!nk graced us with her silly exclamation mark name. I've missed her. New single 'Blow Me (One Last Kiss)' is a brilliant and incredibly infectious popper with some standard P!nk sounding production and the usual charismatic vocals. I wasn't a big fan of Funhouse so let's hope the new one brings us back the immensity of I'm Not Dead.

Released 17 September

Rated Rita Ora - Radioactive

Click the pic for a cheeky listen!

Ok, so my 2/5 score for ORA wasn't quite what even I expected to be dishing out. To take the sting out I thought I'd raise some awareness of epic new single 'Radioactive'. Co-penned by the forever wonderful Sia and produced by Greg Kurstin (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Sia), this is a track destined for dance floors. An intense chorus laid over awesome dance production, this is a great song to close summer with.

5/5

Rated ORA - Rita Ooh rara

The English equivalent to Rihanna has dropped her debut album. It looks set to take the number 1 spot this Sunday, but does ORA deserve it? The answer in short is yes, considering some of the other albums that have claimed this coveted position in the past (Justin Bieber?!), however as a collection of songs created to set Rita apart from her musical peers ORA doesn't reach the same level as superstar albums such as Talk That Talk and 4. 

Intro 'Facemelt' sounds cool, with the revving engine production and military drums under Rita's sassy rap, but why it wasn't made into a full track is unfathomable. The album does of course contain new single 'How We Do (Party)' and epic debut single 'R.I.P', both of which are brilliant pop songs, the latter one of the 2012's finest. These moments are only matched by the stunning 'Radioactive' which serves as the second best song out of 15 and will be the next single release (there is a God).

For a debut album which has been in the pipe line for over a year and has had EVERYONE working on it, ORA isn't a 5 star record nor does it escape the urge to press skip for more than 50% of its run time. Thankfully, the 3 brilliant songs are enough to make it worth a listen, but frankly there's far too much 'average' populating the tracklist.

2/5

Rated Jessie Ware - Devotion

I won't lie, I didn't know anything about Jessie Ware other than hearing few short clips here and there that intrigued me enough to listen but not enough to seek more. Silly me, because Jessie Ware's debut Devotion is a gorgeous collection of songs echoing with haunting 80s inspired synths and brimming with vocal prowess. In short, it's bloody amazing.

From the opener/title track, with its cute twinkles and thumping XX beat, Jessie's hypnotising voice demonstrates its power to harness attention. More loveliness comes from 'Wildest Moments' and new single 'Night Lights', which showcases a remarkable soulful voice that can only be destined for great things. The latter track is, in one word, breathtaking.

 

Devotion is an album so affecting that it's impossible not to adore its smooth production, endless hooks and stunning lyricism. 'Taking In Water' is a track bursting with emotion, so much so it moved me (not to tears - nothing does that). 

Not only affective, the album is perfectly paced. No track is so different from the others that it overshadows, in fact the album is totally self complimenting. The tempo shifts ever so slightly from slow to slow-mid to mid, never cranking up to a level that disrupts the journey. 'Sweet Talk', '110%' and 'No To Love' are the most uptempo tracks here, all so ridiculously infectious there's got to be something illegal going on.

Devotion is the most accomplished debut I've heard this year. It gets right what so many get wrong, it never tries to outdo itself. Every track flows into the next effortlessly, never setting itself up to be better than its predecessor. When the album reaches its inevitable close, you'll be hitting the rewind button to ride it one more time.

5/5

Rated Trouble - Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis didn't set the charts ablaze with her first Glassheart release 'Collide'. Aside from the legal controversy surrounding the song's copyright and the speculation as to the potential quality of her next album, the song itself was pleasant but far from breathtaking. Thankfully the second single from the album, 'Trouble', is a much more Leona sounding affair. Pounding beats, intense production and Leona's incredible vocals all swish together to form a pop song worthy of number 1. When I heard the song was written by Emeli Sande I knew instantly things were about to get seriously good.

5/5

Rated Mutya-Keisha-Siobhan - From the Ashes

Aside from the fact that I could possibly have just penned the name for their new sort of not first album together, how exciting is this entire MKS thing?! Frankly, I'm almost at pant pissing point. Mainly because I have the hugest love for the tracks 'Soul Sound' and 'Overload' and the notion that something similar to the fabulousness that oozed from their debut album as Sugababes could surface again is almost too much to handle.

So no more festivals, parties or any recreational activities at all ladies! Time to get those pipes flexed, those pencils scratching and a new album in my lap. MOVE. 

Rated Facebook - Ratediblogs

Follow/Like/Whatever

Ratediblogs

on

Rated Aiden Grimshaw - Misty Eye

The singing Jack Torrance of the Xfactor, Aiden Grimshaw blew us all away with his creepy yet moving performance of 'Mad World' back in 2010. After months of waiting impatiently I finally got to hear Misty Eye the other night. 

'Hold On' sets the tone for the album with its Lana Del Rey style production (a la National Anthem), courtesy of Jarrad Rogers; Aiden's raw and authentic vocals drape perfectly over the top. The first word that pops into your head on first listen is "intensity" and this is applicable to the entire album; it's not one for background music. The drama continues with debut single 'Is This Love?' with its drum 'n' bass sound, heart pounding build up and explosive chorus. 

'What We Gonna Be?' does surprise but I can't decide if this is a good thing. Aiden sounds great but the rap seems out of place and the track itself doesn't grab as instantly as its predecessors. It's all good though as things get back on course for the rest of the run time.

Roger's suited production continues with title track 'Misty Eye', which has a Moby feel to it. 'Got a misty eye on you/thought all your lies were true', Aiden sings and all the while establishing himself as, perhaps, the UK's most exciting male musical export for years. 'The Island' is my favourite song here, with a chorus so big it could shatter your nuts.  Covering Sia Furler's fantastic 'Breathe Me' Aiden quells any fears I had for the cover (I'm a huge Sia fan), respectfully adhering to the original's structure and sound. He keeps up this tone with the lovely Feist sound of 'Poacher's Timing'.

The album closes with two of the strongest tracks 'Nothing At All' and second single 'Curtain Call', both of which are incredible listens. The former is a trip hop, Emeli Sande 'Heaven' sounding exhilarator, while the latter is a haunting anthem, with stunning vocal wobbles bringing all emotions to the fore.

If there was ever an album that was deserving of success, Misty Eye is it.

4.5/5

Check out 'Curtain Call' after the jump.