Singles Reviews

Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud (3/5)

This year's Comic Relief charity single delivers a big dose of attitude, a remake of the Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. 80s classic that re-envisions the musical duel between two of Britain's hottest pop acts, girl groups Sugababes and Girls Aloud. Girls Aloud even breaks through the wall at one point, just like Aerosmith. Musically inspired? Not in the least, but as everyone says "it's for charity."

Give It To Me - Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake (4/5)

Timbaland spun chart gold for Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake over the last year, and they return the favor by appearing on this first single from Timbaland's forthcoming solo album. Both singers namecheck their own songs, "Promiscuous" and "Sexyback," and Justin delivers a real slam to some unnamed pop star: "We missed you on the charts last week--Damn that's right, you wasn't there." The charm is Furtado and Timberlake; the hard beat, electro bass, and infectious chorus is all Timbo.

Shine - Take That (4.5/5)

Don't hate--embrace. This is a joyous springtime pop song that easily be "cool" if the Scissor Sisters were singing it, but Take That are back in a big way--it's already #1 in the U.K. Gary Barlow doesn't sing lead either, which is another good reason to like it. I wonder what other pop gems the album is hiding?

She's My Man - Scissor Sisters (4.5/5)

"Land of a Thousand Words" was a chart disaster, and unfortunately "She's My Man" fared even worse--making only #29 on the U.K. chart last week, likely it's peak position. This is such a cool song! At least radio came around this time--it's #3 on U.K. airplay. It's not as good as "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'," but this upbeat ode to New Orleans is pretty great, one of the album's standouts.

The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon (4/5)

I didn't like this song for awhile, but I'm actually coming around to it now. Akon annoys me, but Gwen sounds great on it, and I love the '80s-drenched keyboards during the chorus. It's got a good toe-tapping beat too.

Stop Me - Mark Ronson (4.5/5)

This sounds like it was produced by the guys responsible for the remixes of Candi Staton's "You Got the Love" Trip-hop beats and very prominent strongs create a great soundmix. The only drawback is the singer--his raspy voice isn't that great--otherwise I think this is really great.

Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris (3.5/5)

Sounds like Prince leftovers--which is pretty good eating if you think about it. Not bad, but at 5:35 it gets old before it's over.

Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis (4/5)

Another good song from The Fratellis, more a party song than their last. Everyone says "Chelsea Dagger" is their best, but unfortunately I don't have it.