UK Chart Analysis, 3/25/2006

A deserving track surprisingly hits #1 and Corinne Bailey Rae returns to the roost on the albums chart while continuing to top the airplay chart. Click below to read more


UK Singles:

1. No Tomorrow - Orson

It's always exciting when a track manages to actually climb to #1, since the bulk of UK #1s debut in the top spot. Even more exciting when the #1 song is actually deserving to be at the top. After suffering two weeks of the dreadful Chico single, American rock band Orson reaches the summit after debuting at #5 two weeks ago and rising to #2 last week their first single, "No Tomorrow." Orson have yet to break in the US yet--testing the waters abroad isn't a novel idea--but surely they will be big once "No Tomorrow" hits stateside. It would sounds perfect for frat house parties, sunny days at the beach, twenty-something urban hipster nights, and--crucially--top 40 radio. Who cares that they're being called this year's Maroon 5; Let the onslaught begin.

3. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas

My comment above that singles rarely climb to top the UK chart may soon become anachronistic, as new chart rules that went into effect recently allow singles to debut on the chart the day before they are released as a physical single--hence they would chart in their first
week based solely on download sales. Since physical sales still outpace downloads, this will inevitably lead to a lot of singles debuting low on the chart and leaping up during their second week--their first week of physical sales. The first major beneficiary of the new policy are the Black Eyed Peas, who debuted last week at #16 (downloads only) and this week climb 13 spots to #3 (downloads and discs). Too bad it isn't a more worthy track. I'm not a fan of this group, but surely even fans would be disappointed in "Pump It," an uninspired retread of "Miserlou." In bleaker news, their fifth Monkey Business single, "Gone Going," is already getting heavy airplay in the US, so look for it in the UK soon. I really wish they would "get going."

6. Whole Lotta History - Girls Aloud

Girls aloud have the highest pure debut of the week with "Whole Lotta History," their 12th top 40 single and 12th straight to make it into the top 10. At #6, this is actually the second-highest charting entry from their third album Chemistry--the highest being the #4 peak reached by "Biology" in November. Overall, the Chemistry singles have been somewhat lacking, especially in the charts department, given that #4 was the lowest a Girls Aloud single had charted prior to the first release from this album. Of note, however, is the rapid-fire way they're released singles from this disc--this is the fourth single from the album in less than 7 months, and with 3 months separating this and their previous release, "See The Day," this is actually the longest they've waited to release a follow-up from this album. Only 1 month separated "Biology" and "See The Day."

11. Make a Move On Me - Joey Negro

I haven't been able to hear this song, and I'm quite curious. It debuts at #11 this week. Anyone heard it?

13. One Wish - Ray J

Brandy's brother debuts at #13 with "One Wish." Yippee.

15. Beat It - Michael Jackson

Surely the Michael Jackson music house thought re-releasing his back catalogue would result in a slew of #1s or at least top 10s like we had with Elvis last year. Whatever. Beat It debuts at #15, lower than "Billie Jean," which managed #11 last week. Beat It was originally a #3 hit in April 1983.

16. Piece of My Heart - Beverley Knight

Beverley Knight has never had a major hit--her 2 top 10 hits peaked at #9 and #10--despite being critically acclaimed and garnering a good deal of airplay. "Piece of My Heart" isn't the greatest song, but she does a good job with this remake and actually makes me like it a bit. Not as good as last year's offering though, the fabulous "Keep This Fire Burning." It's her 13th top 40 single, and is from her forthcoming greatest hits album. If she's new to you, check out "Come As You Are," "Shoulda Woulda Coulda," and "Keep This Fire Burning." She's worth it.

17. Live With Me - Massive Attack

At #17 it's another "we gotta have a new track" single from an established artist's greatest hits collection. This time it's Massive Attack with "Live With Me," their 11th top 40 hit and precursor to their forthcoming hits collection, Collected. Like Beverley Knight, Massive Attack are well-known and critically acclaimed, but have never had a major hit. Their highest charting hit was the #10 "Teardrop" from 1998, a very very cool track. Their best known is probably 1991's "Unfinished Sympathy," which showed up on the 1993 soundtrack to the movie Sliver.

18. So Sick - Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo debuts at #18 this week, the highest downloads-only debut this week--watch for it to move up big next week, maybe even to #1. "So Sick" is already a big hit in the US--a former Billboard Hot 100 #1.

20. Fly - Hilary Duff

This was a minor US hit 2 years ago, finally getting a UK release. Next.

21. Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson

The Kelly Clarkson hit machine finally hits a snag in the UK. After 3 straight top 10s, "Walk Away" her fouth Breakaway single in the UK (fifth in the US) manages only #21. Perhaps it's time to walk away and come up with something new Kelly. We love you, but overexposure is a danger.

23. Wisemen - James Blunt

Speaking of overexposure, James Blunt's 4th (sort of) single debuts this week at #23. I say sort of, because this charted over a year ago as his second single, although it failed to hit the top 40 (making only #44). Thinking it could do better now that he's mega-famous, Blunt has re-released his second single. This is the second time he's done this. "High" was originally his first single, released in late 2004, and didn't chart at all, until its October 2005 re-release, which saw it hit #16. Whether or not you like him (I happen to be on his good side), at least he's good for interesting chart trivia.

UK Albums:

Corinne Bailey Rae is back at #1 and Placebo debuts at #7 with Meds. Not much else of interest going on here.

Embrace Returns, Channels U2

Embrace was doing anthemic piano-driven rock years before Coldplay was (okay it was only 3 years), but the band wasn't compared to them until the release of their last album, Out of Nothing, in 2004. Back then they were seen as blending the sounds of reigning Britpop greats Oasis and The Verve. They first charted in 1997 with the brilliant "Fireworks," and then had a trio of top 10 hits over the next year from their debut album, The Good Will Out: "All You Good People," "Come Back to What You Know," and "My Weakness Is None of Your Business."

Second album Drawn From Memory (1999) took them into experimental territory, which failed to generate the calibre of hits that their first album did. Same story with weepy third album, If You've Never Been (2001).

Then came Out of Nothing (2004), a showcase of Coldplay-esque anthemic rock (Chris Martin even penned the album's big hit, "Gravity") that returned them to the top 10. The album was remarkably good, having a big, rich sound without the excesses they had been accused of indulging on earlier works. In interviews the band talked about how hard they worked on the album as if it took everything out of them, and the effort clearly shows.

Next up then is This New Day, out March 26th, and it sounds to me (at least from the Clips on 7 Digital) to be decidedly U2-inspired. First single, "Nature's Law" is really quite good. I'm very excited about the album.

US Chart Analysis, 3/25/2006

Billboard Hot 100:

Ne-Yo's "So Sick" spends a second week at #1. The big story in the top 10 is Daniel Powter, who earns the Sales Gainer award and climbs up 9 spots to land at #5 with "Bad Day." Will he make like James Blunt (Currently #3 and bulleted again with "You're Beautiful") and hit #1? Both tracks were huge hits in Britain last summer. Natasha Bedingfield is up 3 this week to #7 with "Unwritten," and the Airplay Gainer award goes to Dem Franchize Boys' "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" holding at #9.

The Pussycat Dolls are up 9 spots this week to #16 with "Beep," a decent move, considering the track's top 40 airplay is idling. Former American Idols are back-to-back at #19 and #20. The orginial American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, is up 6 at #19 with "Walk Away," while recent winner Carrie Underwood climbs 4 places to #20 with "Jesus, Take the Wheel."

Hasidic rapper Matisyahu has this weeks biggest entry in the top 40 with "King Without a Crown," at #28 (up from #61).

Billboard 200:

Rap asserts its dominance with 2 top 10 debuts by very different artists. Juvenile debuts at #1 with Reality Check and Matisyahu debuts at #4 with Youth. Meanwhile, James Blunt's Back to Bedlam rises 7 spots to #2--it's highest position yet, putting Blunt within striking distance of having a #1 album on the US chart. David Gilmour, currently #1 on the UK albums chart, debuts at #7 with On an Island. Johnny Cash is all the rage at #8 and #9. His collection, The Legend of Johnny Cash is down 2 to #8, while at #9 (up 2) is a bit of a surprise--the Walk the Line Soundtrack, which features Johnny Cash songs performed not by Cash but by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.

Singles Reviews

Nature's Law - Embrace (5/5)
Stupid Girls - P!nk (4/5)
Piece of My Heart - Beverley Knight (3.5 /5 )
So Sick - Ne-Yo (4/5)

Click below for full reviews


Nature's Law - Embrace (5/5)

Brace yourself for the next chapter in the career of Embrace. "Nature's Law" is the perfect announcement for their upcoming album. Similarly to "Gravity" from their last album, the single announces the direction of the forthcoming longplayer, which sounds even more ambitious--even epic--in scope. This is a beautiful song that effectively pulls together a really big sound that still manages to retain some pretty intimate moments. They've been compared to Coldplay, but perhaps U2 may be more appropriate now. (Released March 20)

Stupid Girls - P!nk (4/5)

"Stupid Girls" is a return to form for P!nk after the disappointing releases from her third album. How to describe? Perhaps as a great blend of sounds, like good P!nk singles in the past were. A little bit rock, a little bit R&B, but all pop. Lots of name-dropping too. Fred Segal and 50 Cent get a couple of slams early on (Fred Segal deservedly--that place is rediculous).

Piece of My Heart - Beverley Knight (3.5 /5 )

This is a decent remake of the classic "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart," a song I don't really care for, but it's hard to dislike in the hands of Beverley Knight, who is completely underrated. It's all soul and swagger like you'd expect, and Beverley really sings her heart out too. (Released March 13)

So Sick - Ne-Yo (4/5)

This is currently #1 on US top 40 radio, and it's a pleasant surprise. It's a beautiful little R&B love song about being "so sick" of love songs. Chris Brown is getting a lot of attention, but my money's on Ne-Yo for the long haul (March 20).

Personal Chart, 3/18/2006

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 5 ..... 3 ..... Sewn - The Feeling (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 3 ..... 7 ..... Red Dress - Sugababes
3 .... 1 .... 10 .... Sorry - Madonna (4 wks @ #1)
4 .... 4 .... 37 .... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
5 .... 7 .... 30 .... You're Beautiful - James Blunt (5 wks @ #1)
6 .... 6 .... 12 .... Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
7 .... 2 ..... 6 ..... Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
8 ... 10 ... 17 .... Be Without You - Mary J. Blige
9 .... 11 .... 4 .... Wisemen - James Blunt
10 .. 17 .... 3 .... Nature's Law - Embrace

The Feeling scores their first #1 on my chart with their first single, "Sewn." I've said it before and I'll say it again--they're going to be big this year. Sugababes score their third straight #2 single with "Red Dress." James Blunt has 2 entries in my top 10, his current US hit, "You're Beautiful" and his current UK hit, "Wisemen." Embrace is back in the top 10 with "Nature's Law." First single from their last album, "Gravity," topped my chart for 4 weeks in 2004.

UK Chart Analysis, 3/18/2006

New chart rules went into effect this week, allowing singles to chart the week before a physical release, therefore having first-week sales completely attributed to downloads. Additionally, new rules also limit older songs abilities to continue to chart based on downloads when the physical single is deleted from shops, so no more pesky "You're Beautiful" spottings. Despite the excitement this might cause, Chico remains #1 and Corinne Bailey Rae finally surpasses Madonna on the airplay chart. Click below to read more

UK Singles:

1. It's Chico Time - Chico

It's another week at #1 for Chico's "It's Chico Time." Since last week, I've learned that in addition to being a former goat herder, he's also a former stripper. Perhaps if the pop singer career doesn't work out he could combine the two?

2. No Tomorrow - Orson

Orson moves up 3 spots to #2 with "No Tomorrow." I don't know what to attribute this to. Perhaps a slow week? Orson are being heralded as the next Maroon 5. I think that's underestimating them.

4. Red Dress - Sugababes

Third single from Sugababes' Taller in More Ways keeps up the consistent quality we've seen with releases from this album as well as the consistently high chart placings. "Red Dress" becomes the highest-charting third single from a Sugababes album, the last "In The Middle," managed #8, and prior to that, "Stronger" came in at #7.

6. Touch the Sky - Kanye West (Featuring Lupe Fiasco)

Fourth single from Kanye West's Grammy-winning Late Registration returns Kanye to the top 10 after the disappointing #22 peak of "Heard 'Em Say." "Touch the Sky" actually bests the #8 peak of the album's first single, "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," to become the album's second-biggest hit, second of course to "Gold Digger." It's West's 5th top 10 hit (7th counting featured appearances).

11. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

The Michael Jackson re-releases seem to be growing in popularity as "Billie Jean," the fourth such re-release, almost manages to crack the top 10. "Billie Jean" hit #1 in 1983, becoming his second UK #1. In total he's had 7 UK #1 hits, of which 5 are part of this year's re-release lineup ("One Day in My Life" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" having been strangely omitted).

12. Incredible - Shapeshifters

Third single from the Shapeshifters (perhaps from a forthcoming album?) fails to ignite on the chart, despite being a completely decent house track. Their first single from 2 years ago, "Lola's Theme" was the summer dance smash of 2004, and even their last, "Back to Basics" made the top 10 last year.

13. Because I Want To - Placebo

14th Top 40 hit from Placebo fails to make a memorable dent in the chart. Their best were #4 hits in 1996 ("Nancy Boy") and 1998 ("Pure Morning").

16. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas

Ugh! Just go away already! Black Eyed Peas' fourth Monkey Business single is just as annoying as their last. This time they take the great opening music from Pulp Fiction, Dick Dale's "Misirlou" and overlay it with their annoying rants and Fergie's panting. How unfortunate that the single scores a chart first -- the first major release to benefit from the new chart rules and get a fairly high debut the week before the physical single sales kick in. Expect this to rise into the top 10 next week.

18. Unbelievable - Craig David

The singles from Craig David's third album seemed to be on impressive chart roll (#4 "All The Way," #5 "Don't Love You No More") until he hit a brick wall here. Not surprising really. It's a nice song, but somewhat saccharine. At #18, "Unbelievable" actually manages to be his lowest charting top 40 single (his lowest ever was the #43 peak of the 6th single from his second album, "You Don't Miss Your Water").

Albums:

David Gilmour's On an Island knocks Corinne Bailey Rae's aponymous debut from the #1 spot. Andrea Bocelli debuts at #4 with Amore. It's interesting to see that Simon Webbe has somehow managed to make it into the top 10, at #7 (up 2) with Sanctuary.

Airplay:

Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" is number one, knocking Madonna's "Sorry" from the top after it spent 5 weeks there. Three singles make decent moves into the top 5: James Blunt's "Wisemen" is up 4 to #3, The Feeling's "Sewn" moves back up 2 to #4, and Pink's "Stupid Girls" leaps into the top 10 up 9 to #5. Sugababes "Red Dress" falls 5 to #9 despite being released this week. Surprisingly for them, since both "Push the Button" and "Ugly" were airplay #1s. Perhaps it will rebound next week. Orson moves back into the top 10, up 3 to #8 with "No Tomorrow."

Just outside the top 10, Beverley Knight makes a big move up 12 to #12 with "Piece of My Heart," a remake of the classic "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart," and Embrace move up 4 to #14 with their beautiful "Nature's Law."

Album Review: Goldfrapp - Supernature (4.5/5)

Supernature was first released in September 2005, but its record company held its US release until this week. After 6 months of listening to this, I like it more everyday, and I'm glad to see that Goldfrapp is finally achieving some commercial success with their third album. First single, "Ooh La La," became their first UK top 10 hit, followed by a second top 10 hit "Number 1."

Goldfrapp, made up of Allison Goldfrapp and composer Will Greggory, first appeared on the scene in 2000 with Felt Mountain, a collection of off-beat, atmospheric electronica that was quickly billed as chic dinner party music. It's follow-up, Black Cherry, drew from this sound, but expanded it into the harder realm of '80s-inspired electro. Since then, Goldfrapp has attracted a number of imitators, including the mainstream (and surprisingly decent) work of former S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens.

Supernature doesn't stray too far from the territory of their last album, Black Cherry, but refines that sound, making it more accessible. Tracks on this album work as songs moreso than those on Black Cherry, which sometimes were more like electro compositions. "Ooh La La" owes more than a little to Cherry's "Strict Machine," but amps up the sex appeal. "Lovely to C U" is decent, but "Ride a White Horse" shines as one of the albums best tracks. Introduced by a continuous bass pulse over which other sounds layer and build, "Horse," along with "Ooh La La" and "Satin Chic" are standout tracks. "Satin Chic" starts out like it's going to be another round of Satanic circus music (ala Mountain's "Oompa Radar"), but quickly shows that it's so much more. The song's downbeat is stronger than its upbeat (is that correct musical theory? who knows). There's also a great '20s-era type piano going on. Lately, I've really really been into this track, and am happy to see it's slated as the album's fourth single.

If you're in the mood for the mellower old school Goldfrapp, that's here too. "Time Out From The World" resembles Cherry's "Hairy Trees," a sexy downbeat electronic ballad. "Let it Take You," is a similar sounds good at 3 a.m. groove. There's little to not like here. "You Never Know," is simple, yet effective, with plodding electronic keyboard chords. "Fly Me Away," sounds like something I've heard in a travel agency TV advertisment (a really clever one, of course). "Slide In" layers the '80s keyboards and electro whizzes to impressive effect. "Number 1"is sufficiently retro too, and an effective closer.

Snow Patrol returns

Snow Patrol's Web site has been updated with a clip of "You're All I Have," the forthcoming first single from their next album, Eyes Open, out May 1. Snow Patrol's last album, Final Straw, was great, particularly their big hit, "Run."

Personal Chart, 3/11/2006

TW LW WKS Title Artist
1 .... 1 .... 9 ..... Sorry - Madonna (4 wks @ #1)
2 .... 2 .... 5 ..... Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
3 .... 5 .... 6 ..... Red Dress - Sugababes
4 .... 3 ... 36 .... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
5 ... 14 ... 2 ..... Sewn - The Feeling
6 .... 8 .... 11 ... Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
7 ... 10 ... 29 ... You're Beautiful - James Blunt (5 wks @ #1)
8 .... 4 .... 6 ..... Thunder in My Heart Again - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer
9 .... 6 .... 14 ... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
10 .. 12 .. 16 ... Be Without You - Mary J. Blige

US Chart Analysis, 3/18/2006

Billboard Hot 100:

1. So Sick - Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo makes a big jump up 8 to #1 this week with "So Sick," after finally being released in iTunes so it could get digital sales. This is Ne-Yo's first top 40 hit. It's a love song that purports to be "so sick" of love songs. It's a pretty, tuneful, soulful song. Ne-Yo knocks James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" from #1 after just 1 week at the top.

2. Temperature - Seal Paul

Sean Paul earns the Airplay Gainer award this week, rising 1 spot to #2, surely angry that Ne-Yo leaped over him to reach #1.

4. Be Without You - Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige continues to climb within the top 10 with "Be Without You," however, she's still below her initial peak of #3.

9. Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It - Dem Franchize Boyz

Spellling-challenged Dem Franchize Boyz score their first top 10 hit with "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It," up 2 to #9.

14. Bad Day - Daniel Powter

Daniel Powter earns the Sales Gainer award this week with "Bad Day," up 15 spots to #14. Look for the Canadian singer, already a hit in Europe, to be top 10 next week.

35. Always on Your Side - Sheryl Crow & Sting

Sheryl Crow's had a time of it lately. Breast cancer. Breaking up with Lance Armstrong. "Always on Your Side," a slow track from her album Wildflowers, gets a lift with more radio-friendly production and the addition of Sting, to make it a great single from Crow. It debuts in the top 40 (and the hot 100) at #35 this week.

39. Tonight I Wanna Cry - Keith Urban

Australia country singer Keith Urban, currently beau of Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, scores his 10th top 40 hit with "Tonight I Wanna Cry," up 7 to #39. Urban has had 7 #1 hits on the Country chart, where "Tonight I Wanna Cry" is currently #4.

Billboard 200:

Not content with just topping the singles chart, Ne-Yo's debut album, In My Own Words, also tops the album chart in its first week of release. Ne-Yo leads of trio of top 10 debuts. At #3 is Hawthorne Heights with If Only You Were Lonely and Alan Jackson debuts at #4 with Precious Memories. Also worth noting is that the Kelly Clarkson's bubble seems to finally have burst; Breakaway dives 12 spots this week to #26, its lowest chart position in its 66-week run.

Singles Reviews

Not a particularly exciting week, even with the return of Massive Attack. Click below to read the full reviews.

Wisemen - James Blunt (4/5)
Another Place to Fall - KT Tunstall (4/5)
Whole Lotta History - Girls Aloud (4/5)
Live With Me - Massive Attack (4.5/5)

Wisemen - James Blunt (4/5)

James Blunt's last 2 singles seemed to demonstrate his range of speeds--"High" being the fastest we've heard from him and "Goodbye My Lover" the slowest. "Wisemen" lands somewhere in the middle. It's what we've come to expect from Blunt, guitar-driven, clever, but edgy, but not exactly bland either. Like "High," this is actually a re-release, having first charted at #45 early last year before "Your'e Beautiful" made him a star. (Out Mar. 13)

Another Place to Fall - KT Tunstall (4/5)

"Another Place to Fall" is Tunstall's 5th single from Eye to the Telescope and upholds the consistent quality of the previous four releases. It's amazing that she keeps coming out with them, considering that she's never had a top 10 hit ("Suddenly I See" came closest at #12) and the last, "Under the Weather," made a piddly #39. But the girl can sell albums, and certainly she deserves a top 10 hit--maybe this will finally be it. This release is darker than her previous ones. Low, minor electric guitar chords with acoustic guitars overlain forms the basic structure. I think there might be some accordion in there too. Reminds me of Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery." (Mar. 13)

Whole Lotta History - Girls Aloud (4/5)

Girls Aloud have struggled to score a major hit off their latest album Chemistry, which scores that rare feat of actually working better as an album than as a collection of 4-5 singles with filler. "Whole Lotta History" is another ballad, and although I would say Girls Aloud's strong suit is campy uptempo, this track works very well. Think Spice Girls' "Too Much." I like it a lot better than "See The Day," which I think may qualify as their worst release. This song has a sexy swagger, retro feel, strings, acoustic guitars, and keyboards. (Mar. 13)

Live With Me - Massive Attack (4.5/5)

Massive Attack are back on track, after the misfire of their last album, 100th Window. "Live With Me" swirls in like dark smoke, with the sexy bass vocals of Terry Collier. This is the new track from their upcoming greatest hits collection, and it should fit right in, like it could've come from Mezzanine. (Mar. 13)

UK Chart Analysis, 3/11/2006

Another X Factor contestant tops the singles chart (leading 16 new entries in the top 40), while Madonna maintains her grip on the airplay chart, while Corinne Bailey Rae, denied a #1 single, scores the more rewarding feat of having a #1 album. Click below to see the commentary.



Singles:

1. It's Chico Time - Chico

Chico, full name Chico Slimani was eliminated after the Dec. 3rd episode of The X Factor, but as they contests have shown in the past, you don't have to win to score a hit single. Hence, Chico now launches his career with "It's Chico Time," perhaps the worst single to top the UK singles chart since, well, Shayne Ward. Sadly, it will probably be #1 next week too. At least he's kinda cute and probably the first Morrocan and former goat herder to top the UK singles chart.

2. Beep - The Pussycat Dolls (Featuring Will.I.Am)

After hitting the top with "Don't Cha" and "Stickwitu," the #1 momentum ends for The Pussycat Dolls, but #2 aint bad, especially when up against Chico. "Beep" owes a bit of its structure to the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps," but is ultimately a better track, even if it falls short of their first 2 releases.

5. No Tomorrow - Orson

Orson has been called this year's Maroon 5, and on the back of their debut single, "No Tomorrow," I wouldn't mind hearing more from them. I'm actually surprised this topped British band The Feeling (#7), who seem tipped to be this year's Keane. I'm also surprised that there hasn't been any movement to break them in the US yet, given that the 5-man band is from Hollywood, Calif. I'm eagerly anticipating their album this spring.

7. Sewn - The Feeling

The Feeling is the other great new band with a top 10 hit this week. Like Orson, they are a 5-man band, but heralding from less glitzy Sussex (except for 1 from London). All members are between 25 and 27, and I think better looking than Orson too. They are happy to describe themselves as "pop" and "MOR," a bit modestly I think. This track is great and I'm eagerly anticipating their album too, even more so than Orson.

9. Don't Bother - Shakira

Shakira is back. Yipee. I hope you can hear the excitement in my words. Given the relatively low chart placing (her debut, "Whenever, Wherever" landed at #2 and was one of 2002's 10 best sellers), I think she may not be in it for long haul. Boring.

14. Moodswings (To Come at Me Like That) - Charlotte Church

In contrast, the 4th single from Charlotte Church's first pop album, manages to perform better than expected, outperforming the #17 of her last single, "Even God..." Not bad Charlotte, but I hope she goes back into the studio and comes up with something more brassy/sassy for her second pop album, since "Crazy Chick" and "Call My Name" were so deliciously fun.

15. Rock With You - Michael Jackson

3 down, 17 to go. Can't wait for July.

19. Watchin' - Freemasons Featuring Amanda Wilson

Freemasons are back this week too with "Watchin'," a pretty decent House track that manages a fair top 20 placing. I'm betting top 10 for the Shapeshifters next week.

28. Better Together - Jack Johnson

Now this is surprisingly low for Jack Johnson, considering that he had the #1 album last week and that the track is top 5 in airplay.

Oscar Predictions

Off topic, but I love the Oscars. Click below to see my predictions in every category.

Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain

It's a good year for picture nominees, as I liked all 5. The only one I'd be disappointed to see win would be "Good Night, and Good Luck," but only because I didn't like it as much as the others. Two of the films rose above the others--"Munich" and "Brokeback Mountain," and I'm going with the latter as both my prediction and my favorite.

Best Actor - Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Capote

I'd vote for Heath Ledger, but I think Phillip Seymour Hoffman will win, and he's definitely deserving as Truman Capote. The others were also all good, although again, I'd be disappointed if it went to David Strathairn, if only because I felt we never actually learned much about his character's personal side.

Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Again, if I was voting I'd go for Felicity Huffman, whose performance in "Transamerica" was transformative (in more ways than the obvious). It was amazing how unlike her character on Desperate Housewives she was--hence the good acting. But Reese Witherspoon was good too, and I'd be happy to see her win. Judi Dench always makes it look so easy, because she is such a fabulous actress. Keira Knightley was excellent also in "Pride & Prejudice." I'd only be disappointed if Charlize Theron won, because "North Country" was just so-so.

Supporting Actor - George Clooney, Syriana

This is a tough category as there are many fine performances. I'd vote for Jake Gyllenhaal, but I also really liked Matt Dillon in "Crash." William Hurt was great, but maybe too hammy and he was only in 1 scene. Paul Giamatti was fine, but he didn't wow me in "Cinderella Man." I think Hollywood will honor Clooney more for being Clooney than for being great in "Syriana."

Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Junebug

I'm gunning for an upset here. Amy Adams was fantastic in "Junebug," and this category has a history of honoring newcomers and surprising roles. Let's hope that happens this year, otherwise, I felt like the nominees were kind of boring. Michelle Williams was great in "Brokeback Mountain," and I'd probably vote for her, but I didn't think she was any more deserving than Anne Hathaway, who wasn't nominated. Also, Catherine Keener is a great actress, but she really didn't have much to do in "Capote," so I feel like her nomination is kind of boring. Ditto for Rachel Weisz, who I thought was fine but not exceptional in "The Constant Gardener," which I feel is getting more end of year praise than it deserves. If were up to me, I'd kick out Weisz, Keener, and maybe even Frances McDormand (who was good in "North Country," but again, I found the movie underwhelming) and replace them with Maria Bello (Mesmerizing in "A History of Violence"), Hathaway, and maybe even Thandie Newton from "Crash."

Director - Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain

In a rare but what makes sense move, the 5 nominated directors perfectly match the 5 nominated films. Ang Lee will win, even if "Brokeback Mountain" doesn't win best picture, although that's unlikely. I love that Lee has demonstrated he can skillfully execute romantic comedy, British costume drama, family melodrama, fantasy/martial arts, and now gay western films (we'll let his forray into action superhero films slide).

Adapted Screenplay - Brokeback Mountain

"Brokeback Mountain" is a 50-page short story by Annie Proulx that originally appeared in a short story. On the back of that thin source material, the screenwriters have expanded the story--adding layers and characters without abandonning its original spirit. Marvellous.

Original Screenplay - Crash

If I was voting, I'd probably cast my lot with "Match Point," but "Crash" was great too and covered a lot of issues and characters effectively. It will win, particularly because it won't win best picture, even though it's considered the dark horse there.

Animated Feature - Wallace & Grommit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

I haven't seen "Howl's Moving Castle," and "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride" was cute, but nothing special. "Wallace & Gr0mmit" was clever, fun, and well-done. It will win deservingly.

Art Direction - Memoirs of a Geisha

"Memoirs of a Geisha" is the one I haven't seen, but from what I've heard (and from pictures) it looks to be the most lushly realized--a colorful palette of historic detail. Were I voting though, I'd go with "Pride & Prejudice," which was lovely, but realistic in portraying the lifestyles of multiple classes of people.

Cinematography - Brokeback Mountain

"Brokeback Mountain" gets a lot of attention here for the lovely scenery, but the more interesting cinematographic detail was the clever shot compositions that juxtaposed reality and fantasy--sometimes even in the same shot (the last one, for example, with the Brokeback Mountain postcard on the door and the flat, dull Wyoming terrain out the window). It should win, and it's my pick.

Costume Design - Memoirs of a Geisha

Since it's closely linked to Art Direction, expect "Geisha" to dominate here too, although again, since I haven't seen it, I'd probably vote for "Pride & Prejudice." Any why is "Walk the Line" nominated? Johnny Cash just wore black.

Documentary Feature - March of the Penguins

Haven't seen any here I'm afraid (although "Murderball's" in my Tivo queue and "Penguins" is in my Netflix stack). I expect the most popular film, "March of the Penguins" to get the prize.

Documentary Short - The Death of Kevin Carter

I have no clue and have not seen any, so I'll go with EW's choice here. Sounds interesting.

Film Editing - Crash

"Crash" effectively wove together multiple story lines and characters and completely deserves to win here. Were I voting, I'd probably still vote for "Crash," even though I'd be tempted to vote for "Munich," since it was my 2nd-favorite movie of the year, and I'm afraid it's not going to win any Oscars.

Foreign Film - Paradise Now

EW predicts "Tsotsi," but I'm going with "Paradise Now." I didn't see any of these films, but I saw this film's trailer a lot, and it looked intriguing.

Make-Up - Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars won 7 Oscars, Empire Strikes Back 2, and Return of the Jedi 1. The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones won none however, and this is the only chance to award the technical wizardry of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Regardless of what you thought of the stories and characters, the artistry and special effects of the films were extraordinary, and the makeup required to transform Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader--lava burns and severed limbs--was well done.

Original Score - Brokeback Mountain

John Williams is a perennial favorite (he's been nominated 45 times and won for such instantly recognizable scores as "Schindler's List," "E.T.," "Star Wars," and "Jaws"). He may win for "Memoirs of a Geisha," but the stark guitar-based score for "Brokeback Mountain" haunted me for weeks afterward as much as the story did. Although I also loved the music for "Pride & Prejudice," I'm sticking with "Brokeback."

Original Song - "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," Hustle & Flow

The pundits all over the place here. The Academy decided to nominated only 3 songs, but that doesn't make predicting the winner any easier. EW is going with "In The Deep" from Crash, but I don't remember that song. Others suspect Dolly Parton will be recognized for Transamerica's "Travellin' Thru," but the song doesn't really do much for me. "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" was clever, memorable, and central to Hustle & Flow's story arc. It should win, and the fact that "Lose Yourself" won 3 years ago kills that argument that the Academy is too conservative to honor it.

Short Film (Animated) - 9

I've only seen "Badgered," and it's really cute and funny, but I suspects its traditional animation will get beaten out by computer animation, either by the perrennial winner animation powerhouse Pixar ("One Man Band") or more likely the edgy "9."

Short Film (Live) - Ausreisser (The Runaway)

iTunes has these for sale, and they are surprisingly good. "Our Time is Up" is quite funny, but my favorite has to be "Ausreisser (The Runaway)" which is funny, sinister, and touching (in that order).

Sound (Mixing) - Walk the Line

Traditionally, it seemed this award was going to big-budget blockbuster types, but last year it went to "Ray," so this year, perhaps "Walk the Line" has an advantage.

Sound (Editing) - King Kong

Even more so, this award is about special effects, so expect "King Kong," the year-end effects extrvaganza with Peter Jackson cred to take it.

Visual Effects - King Kong

Again, it should go to Kong. The award are given out tomorrow night. Enjoy!

US Chart Analysis, 3/10/2006

Billboard Hot 100:

1. You're Beautiful - James Blunt
8. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

There's a new #1 this week--the first British artist to top the US singles chart in 8 years. James Blunt ascends to the top with his first single, "You're Beautiful," a classic pop/rock ballad about lost love that spent 5 weeks at #1 in Britain last summer. Last time a Brit was #1 on this chart was Elton John in 1997 with his tribute to Princess Diana, "Candle in the Wind 1997." Although it took about 8 months for Blunt to catch on (he had previously released 2 singles that failed to make the top 40), once he did, he was huge. His album Back to Bedlam, currently in the top 10 and rising in the US, was the top-selling album in Britain last year. "You're Beautiful" ends the 5 week run at #1 for Beyonce's "Check on it." Blunt, along with Natasha Bedingfield (up 1 to #8 this week with "Unwritten") are leading the way for a resurgence in popularity in US. Sugababes anyone?

3. Temperature - Sean Paul

Sean Paul is up 1 to #3 this week with "Temperature," which earns this week's airplay gainer award. The track is Paul's highest-charting solo hit since his #1 "Get Busy" in 2003.

10. Everytime We Touch - Cascada

Cascada earns the sales gainer award and climbs 6 places to land in the top 10 with "Everytime We Touch," a high-energy House track in the vein of last year's DHT remake of "Listen to Your Heart."

29. Bad Day - Daniel Powter

Canadian artist Daniel Powter has the highest top 40 entry (up 12 from #41) with "Bad Day." The single was a big hit in the UK last year, spending 3 weeks at #2 (and 4 wks @ #1 on the airplay chart). I really like the clever video, which is the first example I've seen of graffiti flirting. Very cute.

31. Beep - The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Will.I.Am

The Pussycat Dolls score their 3rd top 40 this week with "Beep," up 19 from #50. Although decidedly weaker than "Don't Cha" or "Stickwitu," it's still pretty fun. Although I gets compared to Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps," I like it much better.

37. Who Says You Can't Come Home - Bon Jovi

Here's a real chart veteran. Bon Jovi enters the top 40 at #37 (up from #54) with "Who Says You Can't Come Home," their first top 40 hit in 6 years. Their 22-year chart career began in 1984 with "Runaway," which peaked at only 39. It was their third album, Slippery When Wet, that made them household names and gave them 2 #1 hits, "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer." This new track is their 20th top 40 hit, and the last since "It's My Life" hit #33 in 2000.

Billboard 200

Over on the albums chart, High School Musical finally ascends to #1, a move we dreaded but which seemed inevitable. Also dreadful is the #2 debut of Kidz Bop 9, the popular series that takes bad remakes of popular songs and adds kid voices to the choruses. Good news at #5 though for James Blunt's Back to Bedlam, which moves up 3 to reach a new peak. Hot new Brit act Arctic Monkeys debut at #24 with Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.

Personal Chart, 3/3/2006

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... 8 ..... Sorry - Madonna (3 wks @ #1)
2 .... 8 .... 4 ..... Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
3 .... 4 ... 35 .... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
4 .... 2 .... 5 ..... Thunder in My Heart Again - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer
5 .... 7 .... 5 ..... Red Dress - Sugababes
6 .... 3 ... 13 .... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
7 .... 6 .... 6 ..... When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys
8 .... 9 ... 10 .... Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
9 ... 18 ... 3 ..... Amazing - Westlife
10 .. 12 .. 28 ... You're Beautiful - James Blunt (5 wks @ #1)

Singles Reviews

It's a fabulous week for new releases around here. Sewn and No Tomorrow came out Monday in Britain, and Red Dress and Incredible are out next week. I have a feeling that The Feeling and Orson are going to be hot bands this year. Click below to read reviews of these singles:

Red Dress - Sugababes (5/5)
Sewn - The Feeling (5/5)
No Tomorrow - Orson (4.5/5)
Incredible - Shapeshifters (4.5/5)
Unbelievable - Craig David (3/5)
Jimmy Gets High - Daniel Powter

Red Dress - Sugababes (5/5)

The Sugababes have demonstrated a consistency to deliver catch, fun, innovative pop singles unlike no other girl group around. Girls Aloud, who've suffered a bit of chart blight lately, would kill for a single like this. "Red Dress" is bold and brassy, underscored with horns and plenty of percussion. How could you not smile when listening to this? It's energetic, sexy--everything a great pop single should be. The single version of "Red Dress" also highlights the debut of the band's new member, Amelle Berrabah, who replaced departing member Mutya Buena just after the release of "Ugly." I always liked Mutya, but frankly she's not missed. Amelle has a deeper, richer voice than her, and rounds out the others voices nicely. Slam dunk for the Sugababes.
(Out March 6)

Sewn - The Feeling (5/5)

At first, this sounds like an Embrace clone, but then it opens up and becomes so much more. What a great song. Guitar and piano driven, which of course is a cliche these days, but we're starting to see bands that screw it up (Starsailor's "This Time," for example, was underwhelming). There's some great lengthy sections of repetitive guitar and piano chords that build and segue between verses and choruses. I really love it, and can't wait to hear more from this band. Check out The Feeling's Web site; their lead singer is hot. (2/27)

No Tomorrow - Orson (4.5/5)

Another exciting new band. Orson's album isn't out until May, but "No Tomorrow" is a great lead single--short and sweet, sort of Killers-ish. From their Web site, you can sample other tracks from their forthcoming album, Bright Idea, and I think you will agree that they have potential. "No Tomorrow" doesn't rock as hard as Arctic Monkeys, but it has a enjoyable almost retro feel. (2/27)

Incredible - Shapeshifters (4.5/5)

So at first I was upset that there weren't any dance singles charting well, and then I was upset that the dance singles coming out sucked. That all changes with Shapeshifters, back after a year's absence with another great dance track. It seems they will never top "Lola's Theme," one of the best House tracks released this decade, but "Incredible" is a great track, and improves after repeat listens. It really says "night out in London" to me. (3/6)

Unbelievable - Craig David (3/5)

It seems Craig David never gives up--he managed to squeeze 6 singles off his second album, even though none were #1s. He's still not as hot as he was in 2001 with his debut, but at least his third album shows some growth. This a decent, but not very original, love ballad. Lots of acoustic guitar and some strings too, of course. (3/6)

Jimmy Gets High - Daniel Powter (2.5/5)

"Bad Day" was a great single, but badly overexposed, and Powter still hasn't recovered from it. Because of an ineligibility snafu, his last single, "Free Loop," didn't chart, and "Jimmy Gets High" is an even lesser release than his first 2 singles. It's okay, rolls along with jolly pianos and overproduction, but really doesn't do much for me. Sorry Daniel. Still love that cute "Bad Day" video though. (3/6)

UK Chart Analysis, 3/4/2006

Very exciting week in the charts. Madonna scores her 12th #1 hit with "Sorry," beating out stiff competition by Corinne Bailey Rae and Westlife--the latter enjoying their 20th consecutive top 5 hit. Madonna also tops the airplay chart for a 4th week. On the albums chart, Arctic Monkeys are finally pushed aside at #1, but the victor is a surprise--Jack Johnson. Click below to read it all.

Singles:

1. Sorry - Madonna

Madonna pulls out another chart victory in a fairly difficult week with high-profile releases from several new and vetaran artists. "Sorry" is the second single and second #1 hit from Confessions on a Dancefloor, following last year's #1 hit "Hung Up." It brings Madonna's total of UK #1s to 12--equal the number she's had in the States. Combined, she's had 19 songs hit #1 in either (or both) countries:

1. Like a Virgin (US 6 wks)
2. Crazy For You (US 1 wk)
3. Into the Groove (UK 4 wks)
4. Live to Tell (US 1 wk)
5. Papa Don't Preach (US 2 wks, UK 3 wks)
6. True Blue (UK 1 wk)
7. Open Your Heart (US 1 wk)
8. La Isla Bonita (UK 2 wks)
9. Who's That Girl (US 1 wk, UK 1 wk)
10. Like a Prayer (US 3 wks, UK 3 wks)
11. Vogue (US 3 wks, UK 4 wks)
12. Justify My Love (US 2 wks)
13. This Used to Be My Playground (US 1 wk)
14. Take a Bow (US 7 wks)
15. Frozen (UK 1 wk)
16. American Pie (UK 1 wk)
17. Music (US 4 wks, UK 1 wk)
18. Hung Up (UK 3 wks)
19. Sorry (UK, 1 wk so far)

2. Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae is getting a lot of buzz as one of 2006's hot new British artists. Her album is out tomorrow and her sound is somewhere between Norah Jones and Macy Gray. Soulful pop for sunny days. I thought this record had a shot at #1, but in the end Madonna asserted her supremacy. Still, #2 ain't bad. Although touted by some media as her first single, this is actually the follow-up to "Like a Star," which hit #34 in November without much notice.

4. Amazing - Westlife

Westlife hit a milestone this week with "Amazing," their 20th top 40 hit. This group is nothing if not consisent: all 20 of their singles have hit the top 5, including 13 that made it to #1. This one is rather formulaic, and heavily apes Backstreet Boy's #1 1999 hit, "I Want it That Way." Nonetheless, it's a decent track even if it's easy to make the butt of a joke: "1: Have you heard Westlife's new single? It's 'Amazing.' 2: Really? I heard it's crap."

8. Is It Just Me? - The Darkness

The Darkness scores their 6th top hit this week, 5th in a row to make the top 10. "Is It Just Me?" matches the #8 debut of their last single, "One Way Ticket." The single adheres closely to their formula of hairband drama-fueled guitar rock.

16. After All This Time - Simon Webbe

After 2 consecutive top 5 hits, former Blue member Simon Webbe has to settle for top 20 this time, not even matching the #15 placing of Lee Ryan's third single "When I Think of You." Too bad, as it's a pretty good song, although I agree not as good as his last two.

17. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson

Good grief. So Elvis last year annoying re-released most of his #1 hits (okay, I guess he didn't do it, but you get the picture) with 1 a week over the course of 18 weeks. Since whatever's good enough for Elvis is good enough for Michael, we now have 20 Michael Jackson singles coming out over the next few months, with 1 a week except this week, which also included the release of "Thriller" in a large otherwise empty box that you can use to collect all of the subsequently released singles ("Thriller" is chart ineligible because of the packaging and cost). The only motivation here is greed as far as I can tell. These aren't even all #1 hits. Thankfully, unlike the Elvis thing, which proved to be quite popular, returing 3 of the re-releases to #1, the first MJ re-release didn't even make the top 10. Here's the list of what's coming and when:

Rock With You (2/27)
Billie Jean (3/6)
Beat it (3/13)
Bad (3/20)
The Way You Make me Feel (3/27)
Dirty Diana (4/3)
Smooth Criminal (4/10)
Leave Me Alone (4/17)
Black or White (4/24)
Remember the Time (5/1)
In The Closet (May 8th)
Jam (May 15th)
Heal The World (May 22nd)
You Are Not Alone (May 29th)
Earth Song (June 5th)
They Don’t Care About Us (June 12th)
Stranger In Moscow (June 19th)
Blood On The Dancefloor (June 26th)

20. Hung Up - Madonna

"Hung Up" deserves special mention for spending 16 weeks in the top 40 as of this week--the most weeks a Madonna single has spent in the top 40 without the benefit of a re-release. Even the release of "Sorry" doesn't slow it down much as it's only down 4 spots this week. Madonna is definitely on a roll.

Albums:

After 4 weeks at #1, Arctic Monkeys get knocked to #2 by none other than Jack Johnson with In Between Dreams, his first #1 album and a real surprise for #1 I think. This is the album's 18th week on the chart. Jack Johnson also earned his first #1 album in the US last week with the Curious George Soundtrack. At midweek, Kaiser Chiefs looked like they might actually hit #1 for the first time, but Employment actually falls 2 spots this week to #4.

Airplay:

Madonna's "Sorry" is #1 for a 4th week, holding off Corinne Bailey Rae at #2. The Feeling's "Sewn" is up this week to #4, and moving up 8 spots to #5 is the Sugababes with "Red Dress."

Upcoming Releases - March(ish)

Here's a list of upcoming singles and albums releases in the UK for March (or thereabouts). FYI--Does anyone know a good source for new releases in the US? It seems so much easier to find out what's coming out in the UK.

Singles:
Sewn - The Feeling (2/27)
No Tomorrow - Orson (2/27)
Red Dress - Sugababes (3/6)
Incredible - Shapeshifters (3/6)
Wisemen - James Blunt (3/13)
Live With Me - Massive Attack (3/13)
Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson (3/13)
Dreams - Deep Dish Featuring Stevie Nicks (3/13)
Whole Lotta History - Girls Aloud (3/13)
Nature's Law - Embrace (3/20) -- Haven't heard it yet, but loved their last album.
Stupid Girls - Pink (3/20)
When You Wasn't Famous - The Streets (3/27)
I Only Like You When I'm High - Jet (3/27)
The Fallen - Franz Ferdinand (3/27)
Better Do Better - Hard-Fi (3/27)
The Hardest Part - Coldplay (4/3)
Who Am I - Will Young (4/3)

Albums:
Corinne Bailey Rae (2/27) --I love "Put Your Records On," but the first review I read of the album wasn't promising.
Taller in More Ways - Sugababes (2/27) --Re-release of their latest album with 1 new track and at least 3 tracks re-recorded to featuring their new member, Amelle Berrabah, including latest single "Red Dress."
Collected (Greatest Hits) - Massive Attack (3/27)
This New Day - Embrace (4/3)
Best of Feeder (4/3)
I'm Not Dead - Pink (4/3)

Personal Chart, 2/25/2006

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... 7 ..... Sorry - Madonna (2 weeks @ #1)
2 .... 5 ... 4 ..... Thunder in My Heart Again - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer
3 .... 3 ... 12 ... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
4 .... 6 ... 34 ... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
5 .... 4 ... 16 .... Check on It - Beyonce Featuring Slim Thug
6 .... 8 .... 5 ..... When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys
7 ... 15 ... 4 ..... Red Dress - Sugababes
8 ... 18 ... 3 ..... Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
9 ... 10 ... 9 ..... Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson
10 .. 2 .... 6 ..... You Got the Love - The Source Featuring Candi Staton (1 wk @ #1)

Second week at #1 for Madonna, and a third week is quite likely. After that she might face some challenge from Corinne Bailey Rae, Sugababes, or Natasha Bedingfield.

Video Jukebox

Here's some cool videos of current hits you should check out:

Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten (She looks great, fun video)
The Streets - When You Wasn't Famous (Funny new single from upcoming album)
Simon Webbe - After All This Time (He is so hot)
The Shapeshifters - Incredible (Great dance track, hot bod opens the video)
Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On (If only it were spring)
Madonna - Sorry (Duh, of course I think you should watch this)
The Darkness - Is It Just Me? (For Robin)
Will Young - All Time Love (Epic, cinematic, and enigmatic. Really!)

Singles Reviews

Watchin' - Freemasons Featuring Amanda Wilson (3.5/5)
Roll On - The Little Willies (4/5)
Beep - The Pussycat Dolls (3.5/5)
Moodswings (To Come at Me Like That) - Charlotte Church (3/5)

Click below the read the reviews.

Watchin' - Freemasons Featuring Amanda Wilson (3.5/5)

A pretty decent thumping old school house track. About cheatin.' Makes you wanna move--better than other recent dance releases. (Out 2/27)

Roll On - The Little Willies (4/5)

The unexpected return of Norah Jones, this time with country band in tow. Apparently this group of musicians performed together in New York and decided they liked the experience so much to record an entire album of bluesy folk/country stuff. This is a standout track from the album--it showcases Norah well--and is a great single. Pretty upbeat, but mellow too. Not too country, but just enough. (Out 2/19, digital)

Beep - The Pussycat Dolls (3.5/5)

It's no "Stickwitu" or "Don't Cha," but I still find it pretty enjoyable. Some people compare it to "My Humps," but I think this is way better than than crap. (2/27)

Moodswings - Charlotte Church (3/5)

Charlotte can sing, that much is obvious, but a lot of her appeal as a pop artist rests on her outlandishness, which fizzled up singles-wise after "Crazy Chick" and "Call My Name." While not as staid as "Even God," this still lacks that vampy spark we had a taste of with her first 2 pop hits. Not bad, but she could camp it up a bit more. (2/27)

US and UK Chart Analysis, 2/25/2006

I'm combining them this week! Charts are mostly static at the top this week. The Yanks are still gaga over Beyonce, who tops the Billboard Hot 100 for the 4th week and the top 40 airplay chart for the third week. Meanwhile the Brits have Meck topping the sales chart for a second week and Madonna topping the airplay chart for a third week. The Brits and Grammies propelled winning albums up the UK and US album charts. Arctic Monkeys spend a 4th week at #1 on the UK albums chart, while Jack Johnson's Curious George Soundtrack tops the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Click below to read the full commentary

Billboard Hot 100:

Beyonce (Featuring Slim Thug) spends a 4th week at #1 with "Check On It." She still has a ways to go before "Check On It" becomes even close to challenging the longevity of her previous two solo #1 hits--"Crazy in Love" spent 8 weeks at #1 while "Baby Boy" spent 9. James Blunt remains bulleted at #2 with "You're Beautiful." If he could hit #1, he'd become the first Brit to have a #1 single in the US since Elton John's "Candle In The Wind 1997" 9 years ago. Sean Paul's "Temperature" is the only new entry in the top 10, up 10 to #8. It's this week's Sales Gainer winner and Sean Paul's 5th top 10 hit.

At #12, Dem Franchize Boys earn the Airplay Gainer award and are up 11 spots this week with "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It." Cascada also makes a good jump this week, up 8 to #19 with "Everytime We Touch."

Pink is back at #25 with "Stupid Girls," her 9th top 40 hit and this weeks highest debut in the Hot 100. Pink first hit the top 40 in 2000 with a trio of hits from her first album, Can't Take Me Home, a slick Babyface-produced collection of R&B/Pop. Best of the lot was "Most Girls," which hit #4. She had her first (and so far only) #1 hit in 2001 as 1/4 of the Moulin Rouge quarter remake of "Lady Marmalade." In 2002, Pink returned with her second album, which proved to be much different and more interesting than her debut. Missundaztood was a brilliant blend of pop, rock, R&B, and funk influences that firmly rooted Pink as a personality beyond label influence. The album scored three big top 10 hits, "Get The Party Started," "Don't Let Me Get Me," and "Just Like a Pill." In trying to remain edgy, however, Pink continued her move away from R&B and toward rock with her third album Try This in 2003. The magic was gone this time, and neither "Trouble" nor "God is a DJ" managed to make the top 40. Pink appears to be turning that around with "Stupid Girls," which looks set to deliver her a major hit.

There's several other new entries in the top 40 this week that deserve recognition. At #33 (up from #41) is "Walk Away," the 7th top 40 from Kelly Clarkson, and 5th release alone from her second album, Breakaway. At #38 is the first top 40 hit for Jack Johnson, "Upside Down," from this week's #1 album, the soundtrack (all by Jack Johnson) for the film Curious George. Johnson's first chart appearance was 4 years ago with "Flake;" last year he had a hit (with a very cool video) for "Sitting, Wishing, Waiting." He's been a favorite on VH-1 for his laid back singer-songwriter approach (and he's very good looking too, which doesn't hurt his video airplay). Finally at #39 is Brad Paisely (featuring Dolly Parton) with "When I Get Where I'm Going."

Billboard 200:

Jack Johnson lands a #1 album with Curious George, the soundtrack to the new film. Mary J. Blige maintains pole position with a bullet for The Breakthrough. Second biggest debut of the week is Dem Franchize Boys at #5 with On Top of Our Game.

Grammy Award winners got expected boosts this week. Mariah Carey's The Emancipation of Mimi, winner of Contemporary R&B Album of the Year, re-entered the top 10, up 7 to #7. Kelly Clarkson, winner of Pop Album of the Year for Breakaway is up 16 spots to #8. Last week was the first and only week the album has spent outside of the top 20 since its debut 62 weeks ago. Kanye West's Late Registration, which won Best Rap Album, is up 20 spots to #30. The evening's biggest winner, U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, the Album of Year, re-enters the chart at #49. The annual Grammy compilation is also up 17 spots to #15.

R&R Top 40:

Beyonce (Featuring Slim Thug) remains #1 for a third week with "Check On It," and commands a significant lead over #2, Ne-Yo's "So Sick," which is up 2 to #2. Kelly Clarkson scores her 7th top 10 hit at #10 with "Walk Away," the fifth top 10 hit from Breakaway. Pink leaps into the top 40 at #31 (up from #49) with "Stupid Girls," her 12th top 40 hit.

UK Singles:

1. "Thunder In My Heart Again" - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer

It's a second week at #1 for Meck and Leo Sayer. Interestingly, the UK chart is off to a slower start than usual this year. "Thunder in My Heart Again" is only the 3rd #1 hit this year. Last year, by the time we'd gotten to the 7th week, there had been 7 #1 singles--one per week.

5. "Woman In Love" / "I Get The Sweetest Feeling" - Liz McLarnon

Former Atomic Kitten Liz McLarnon is the first member of the now defunct group to have a top 10 solo hit. This double-A side single consists of 2 remakes, but they are well done, particularly "Woman in Love," a remake of Barbra Streisand's #1 hit from 1980. It's this week's highest debut.

7. "All Time Love" - Will Young

Will Young's classic love song benefits from Valentine's Day sales and moves back up into the top 10, to spend its 4th week within the top 10. This is the longest stay he's had in the top 10 since "Leave Right Now," a #1 single, managed 7 weeks (his longest stay). Recent singles, "Your Game," "Friday's Child," and "Switch It On" all managed only 1 week within the top 10.

13. "One More Night at Home" - Friday Hill

Second biggest new entry of the week comes from boyband Friday Hill at #13, a far cry from the top 5 placing of their debut single last year, "Baby Goodbye."

15. "Ride a White Horse" - Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp's third Supernature single debuts at #15 this week. "Ride a White Horse" is a pulsing slice of electro-pop, just as satisfying as "Ooh La La." Although the single fails to make the top 10, which both of their last singles "Ooh La La" and "Number 1" did, you have to remember that until "Ooh La La" hit #4 last year, the best they'd done was #20 with "Strict Machine." So not too shabby.

UK Albums:

It's a fourth week at #1 for the Arctic Monkey's Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The Monkeys picked up the Brit Award for Best Newcomer lsat week. Kaiser Chiefs, the award show's big winner (3 awards-British Group, British Rock Group, and Live Act) are up 5 spots to #2 with Employment. KT Tunstall, winner of Best British Female Act, is up 15 spots to #4 with Eye to the Telescope. At midweek, Will Young was all the way up to #2, but he settles back down a bit in the end at #5. Coldplay's X&Y, which won Best British Album, makes a big leap up 13 spots to #8. At #10 is the week's highest debut, The Jam's hits collection, Snap.

UK Airplay:

Madonna tops the airplay chart for a third week with "Sorry," which is finally in shops today. Moving up 2 spots to #2 is relative newcomer Corinne Bailey Rae with "Put Your Records On." In a surprising move, Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" is up 5 to #5; the single itself is now 12 weeks old. Westlife makes a big leap into the top 10, up 18 spots to #6 with "Amazing." This bodes well for the new single, which is out today, since neither "You Raise Me Up" or "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" were very big airplay hits, even though they sold well, particularly the former. Also making a big up into the top 10 is El Presidente, up 14 spots to #9--the single itself charted fairly poorly, debuting at #39 last week.

New band Orson makes a good leap up 21 spots to #12 with "No Tomorrow." I've listened to samples on their Web site and I'm definitely interested in their forthcoming album. The Sugababes' latest, "Red Dress" is up 5 to #13, while one of their previous singles (and not even the most recent), "Push the Button" is nipping at its heals, up 3 to #14 in its 24th week on the chart. They're also at #22 with "Ugly." Both "Push the Button" and "Ugly" topped the airplay chart. Massive Attack is back at #34 with a new entry, "Live With Me," which comes out in March. I heard a sample of it--very cool.

So next week's UK singles chart is set to be quite a chart battle, with new releases from Madonna, Westlife, and Corinne Bailey Rae vying for #1. There's also new singles out from Simon Webbe and The Darkness. I'll give the edge to Madonna, but look to Corinne Bailey Rae to be the darkhorse for a steal.

May I Introduce: Natasha Bedingfield

So, it struck me this week that Natasha Bedingfield needs more exposure, so at least I can do my part to give her some. She's got a top 10 hit this week, "Unwritten," her second US top 40 single, but I feel like there's a surprising absence of attention to her from the media. So here goes. Click to read more.

Bedingfield is 24, and like her brother Daniel, born in New Zealand, but raised in London. Her career launched phenominally well in Britain in 2004 (partly because her big brother Daniel was already a big star there, but also on her own merits). First up was a top 10 hit, "Single," followed by a #1 smash, "These Words," and 2 more top 20 hits, "Unwritten" and "I Bruise Easily." Her album, Unwritten, debuted at #1 upon its release in the fall of 2004.

Her sound is very pop, but with some R&B sensibility and production edge. Kinda like Pink's second album-- a good blend of stuff that falls comfortably into "pop," while bringing in various influences.

Personal Chart, 2/18/2006

TW LW WKS Title -Artist
1 .... 3 .... 6 ..... Sorry - Madonna (1 wk @ #1)
2 .... 1 .... 5 ..... You Got the Love - The Source Featuring Candi Staton (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 2 ... 11 .... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
4 .... 5 ... 15 .... Check On It - Beyonce Featuring Slim Thug
5 ... 15 ... 3 ..... Thunder in My Heart Again - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer
6 .... 8 ... 33 .... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
7 .... 4 .... 15 .... Ugly - Sugababes
8 ... 10 ... 4 ..... When The Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys
9 .... 6 .... 18 ... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls (2 wks @ #1)
10 .. 11 ... 8 .... Walk Away - Kelly Clarkson

Click for commentary

Madonna tops my chart for the 18th time, extending her reign as the artist with the most #1s on my chart since I started it 16 years ago. Janet Jackson is second with 16, Mariah Carey third with 14. Madonna is probably settling in for a decent stay at the top. Two new entries in the top 10, disco-revivalist Meck at #5 with "Thunder In My Heart," and Kelly Clarkson scores her 8th top 10 hit at #10 with "Walk Away."

Singles Reviews

Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae (5/5)
Woman in Love - Liz McLarnon (4/5)
Suffer Well - Depeche Mode (4/5)

Click below to read the reviews

Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae (5/5)

Heard this yet? If not, then you haven't heard the first new big artist of 2006. Corinne Bailey Rae actually released a single last year, "Like a Star," but received little attention. Things are different now, as this is poised to be huge, and already is top 5 in UK airplay. The melody is uplifting, miminal, and soulful. The lyrics are sweet, sentimental, but not sappy. Perfect for those sunny spring days we're all dying for by now. (Out 2/20).

Woman in Love - Liz McLarnon (4/5)

Liz McLarnon steps out solo here, the first of the former Atomic Kitten members to do so since their band split up a couple of years ago. The results are better than expected. The track kicks off with a dramatic, dark flourish. Guitars and synths work standard mid-tempo pop magic, but Liz pulls it off with better than average vocals. This sounds like something Charlotte Church should have put on her album. (Out now)

Suffer Well - Depeche Mode (4/5)

Their last single, "A Pain That I'm Used To," was a letdown after the return to form that "Precious" was. Things are back on track with "Suffer Well," which could pass for an update of "Personal Jesus" with a faster tempo. Immediate, dark, and enjoyable--what Depeche Mode are at their best. (2/20)

Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs Rock the Brits

Coldplay were the big winners at the Brit Awards tonight, snagging trophies for Best (British) Album for X&Y and Best Single for "Speed of Sound." Coldplay are now three for three in the Brit's Best Album category, having won the award in 2001 for Parachutes and 2003 for A Rush of Blood to the Head. Coldplay had been once previously nominated in the Best Single category, for 2000's "Yellow."

Kaiser Chiefs snagged the most awards--three--for Best British Group, Best Live Act, and British Rock Act. James Blunt also snagged two awards, for Best Male Solo Artist and Best Pop Act. Best British Female Solo Artist went to KT Tunstall and Newcomer to Arctic Monkeys.

In the international (i.e. non-British) categories, Americans dominated. Green Day led the way with wins for Best International Album for American Idiot and International Group. Madonna won Best International Female, while Kanye West won International Male.

The Brits are widely viewed as the British equivalent to the Grammy Awards, although are generally a bit more commercial in their appeal (and has far fewer categories).

UK Chart Analysis, 2/18/2006

Dance music rules and Meck (Featuring Leo Sayer) tops the singles chart while Madonna spends a second week atop the airplay chart. And of course, Arctic Monkeys still have the #1 album. Duh. Click below for full comments.

Singles:

1. Thunder In My Heart - Meck Featuring Leo Sayer

A new #1 and a cool one too. It's an old school disco cut, remixed by Meck to bring it up to date for 2006. Leo Sayer was popular in the '70s, and had quite a few hits between 1973 and 1983, the biggest of which was the #1 "When I Need You," which was also a #1 hit in the US. "Thunder in My Heart" was a relatively slight release for him--hitting only #22 in 1977. Nearly 30 years later, and a faithful remix by Meck, and Sayer finally has a second #1.

7. You Got The Love - The Source Featuring Candi Staton

Second biggest new hit of the week slides in at #7. It it, of course, the re-released newly remixed track that I've been raving about for weeks now. I'm glad it made the top 10--I was skeptical considering that it's already been in the top 10 twice before--first time in 1991 where it hit #4 and then again in 1997 (remixed) where it went to #3. The new remix getting the most attention is the "New Voyagers" remix, which adheres close to the "Now Voyagers" remix from 1997. Also included in the current single is a "Shapeshifters" remix, best known for their #1 hit from 2004, "Lola's Theme." Finally, if you don't know this song but think it sounds familiar, chances are that you're a Sex and the City fan. The song is heard during the show's final moments where Carrie Bradshaw strolls down a Manhattan avenue after having lunched with the girls and received a call from "John," aka Mr. Big. The song works great there, and the new remixes of this timeless house track are welcome additions.

8. Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy took the US by storm over the last 6 months, scoring 2 top 10 hits with this cut and its follow-up, "Dance, Dance." Hotly anticipated in the UK, I'm actually surprised this didn't chart higher--some were predicting #1.

18. Grow - Kubb

Third single and second top 40 hit for Kubb becomes their biggest-topping "Wicked Soul," which hit #25 in November. The track is decent, but innocuous--somewhere in the vein of Snow Patrol or Athlete. Radio has taken a liking to it--it's #5 this week on the airplay chart. The band is really cute too, but maybe too clean cut for some tastes.

19. Do You Ever Think of Me - Antony Costa

The last member of Blue to attempt a solo careers becomes its lowest charting. Duncan James hit #2 in 2004 with "I Believe My Heart," Lee Ryan hit #3 with "Army of Lovers," and Simon Webbe's had 2 top 10 hits (#4s) with "Lay Your Hands" and "No Worries." Sadly, Costa, does not follow in his bandmates footsteps and manages only #19. The song is decent, but somewhat tepid, and no one thought he was a Lee Ryan or Simon Webbe talent wise. Sorry Costa--hope you've got a backup plan.

39 Turn This Thing Around - El Presidente

Pretty decent pop/rock/electronic cut. Surprised it charted so low. You should check it out.

Albums

Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not tops for a third week, while James Blunt moves up 1 to pole position with Back to Bedlam. Kelly Clarkson is up 5 to #5. Biggest new entry of the week is at #8, Belle & Sebastian with The Life Pursuit.

Airplay

Madonna is #1 for a second week with "Sorry," while Meck (Featuring Leo Sayer) moves up a spot to #2 with "Thunder in My Heart Again." Corrinne Bailey Rae also continues her ascent, up 1 to #4 with "Put Your Records On," set to be big hit when the single is released in 2 weeks.

Next week is kinda boring, the biggest new single is probably former Atomic Kitten Liz McLarnon's "Woman in Love." Also out are Goldfrapp's third Supernature single, "Ride a White Horse," and a new one from Friday Hill. It's the week after (2/20) that will really be interesting, when we get new singles from Westlife, Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Webbe, The Darkness, and Madonna.

US Chart Analysis, 2/18/2006

Beyonce tops for a third week, but James Blunt becomes a serious challenger for #1 next week. Click below for the full analysis.

Billboard Hot 100:

Beyonce (Featuring Slim Thug) spends a third week at #1 with "Check On It." The track is #1 on the Airplay, Pop 100, and Pop 100 Airplay charts as well. Moving up three places to #2 is James Blunt with "You're Beautiful." Although it lags behind "Check On It" in airplay, "You're Beautiful" is #1 on the Sales Chart, this week's Sales Gainer winner, and surely to sell even more next week for Valentine's Day (even though it's actually a heartbreak song, not a love song, oh well). Interestingly, another track by Blunt, "Goodbye My Lover," debuts this week at #100.

Mary J. Blige slips a notch to #4 with "Be Without You," but nonetheless garners the Airplay Gainer award this week. Three tracks enter the top 10: "I'm In Luv (With a Stripper)" by T-Pain (Featuring Mike Jones) moves up 7 to #5, Chris Brown scores his second top 10 hit at #7 with "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)," which is up from #11, and Eminem scores his 7th top 10 hit with "Shake That (Featuring Nate Dogg)" Eminem's top hits thus far:

1. "The Real Slim Shady," #4 (2000)
2. "Without Me" #2 (2002)
3. "Cleanin' Out My Closet," #4 (2002)
4. "Lose Yourself, #1 (12 wks, 2002/2003)
5. "Just Lose It," #6 (2004)
6. "When I'm Gone," #8 (2006)
7. "Shake That," #9 (so far, 2006)

The biggest move within the top 40 this week comes from Dem Franchize Boys (Featuring Lil Peanut & Charlay) up 10 spots to #23 with "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It." Three tracks enter the top 40: Busta Rhymes at #31 (up from #42) with "Touch It," Keyshia Cole's "Love" is up 16 spots to #33 and Daddy Yankee moves up from #50 to #38 with "Rompe."

The High School Musical dominance last week did turn out to be a flash in the the pan. "Breaking Free" tumbled from #4 to #19 while "Get'Cha Head in the Game" fell from #22 to #40.

Billboard 200:

Barry Manilow has the most popular album in the U.S. this week, debuting at #1 with Greatest Songs of the Fifties. Americans LOVE Barry Manilow--we cannot get enough. What an incredible talent. Manilow leads a pack of 4 top 10 debuts: at #3, Andrea Bocelli debuts with Amore, which I have a feeling is operatic love songs (although I've never heard it, maybe it's thug rap), Heather Headley debuts at #5 with In My Mind and Train debuts at #10 with For Me, It's You. Right.

James Blunt's album Back to Bedlam benefits from the success of "You're Beautiful," and moves back into the top 10 at #9. Falling out of the top 20 for the first time since it debuted 61 weeks ago is Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway. Her high profile showing at the Grammy Awards this week (including a Pop Album win for Breakaway) should boost it back up next week.

R&R Top 40:

Beyonce spends a second week at #1 with "Check on It." No major movement in the top 10, although Natasha Bedingfield lands a top 10 hit with "Unwritten," up 2 to #9. Her first hit, "These Words," managed to reach only #11. Two track make 10-spot jumps: Mary J. Blige at #23 with "Be Without You" and T-Pain (Featuring Mike Jones) at #28 with "I'm in Luv (With a Stripper)."

Big top 40 debut for Rihanna at #29 with "SOS," her third top 40 hit. Chris Brown debuts at #38 with "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" and Jamie Foxx debuts at #40 with "Unpredictable."

Grammy Awards Recap

A hearty congratulations to U2, winner of the coveted Album of the Year Grammy--the most prestigious music award in the American music business--for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. This is U2's second time winning this award--first time was in 1987 for The Joshua Tree. They were also nominated in 1992 for Achtung Baby and 2001 for All That You Can't Leave Behind. I was expecting Kanye West to win this, but I'm glad U2 won. Of the three best album nominees that I own (U2, Gwen Stefani, and Mariah Carey), U2's disc is my favorite. U2 cleaned up at the Grammies, also winning Best Rock Album, Best Song and Best Rock Performance Duo/Group for "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own," and Best Rock Song for "City of Blinding Lights"

Green Day took home the Record of the Year Grammy for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Green Day was nominated in this category last year for "American Idiot." I was rooting for Gorillaz' "Feel Good Inc," but this is certainly deserving. I'm glad it didn't go to Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" as I predicted.

Kelly Clarkson won both of the Grammies she was nominated for, Best Pop Album for Breakway and Best Female Pop Performance for "Since U Been Gone." The Male Pop award went to "From The Bottom of My Heart" by Stevie Wonder and the Duo/Group award went to Maroon 5 for a live rendition of 2-years-old "This Love."

John Legend was named best new artist.

Gorillaz and Madonna opened the show and had a surprisingly smooth transition between "Feel Good Inc." and "Hung Up." Time for a mash-up?

Personal Chart, 2/11/2006

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 4 .... 4 ..... You Got the Love - The Source Featuring Candi Staton (1 wk @ #1)
2 .... 1 ... 10 .... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
3 ... 12 ... 5 ..... Sorry - Madonna
4 .... 2 ... 14 .... Ugly - Sugababes
5 .... 5 ... 14 .... Check On It - Beyonce Featuring Slim Thug
6 .... 3 ... 17 .... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls (2 wks @ #1)
7 .... 7 .... 5 ..... Break The Night With Colour - Richard Ashcroft
8 ... 10 .. 32 ... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
9 .... 6 ... 14 .... Talk - Coldplay (1 wk @ #1)
10 .. 19 .. 3 ..... When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys

Commentary Below

The Source Featuring Candi Staton jumps up to #1, knocking Will Young from the top after 3 weeks. It's an unusual move for me, but I've really been into this song for the last month and I love to new remixes. The track was a hit in Britain originally in 1991, then re-released again in 1997 and 2003. The song itself was a remake when first released--an almost identical version to The Source's original 1991 version appears on Black Box's 1989 album, Dreamland. Madonna makes a big jump into the top 10 with "Sorry;" the track is already #1 on the UK airplay chart. Also entering this top 10 is the 2nd top 10 hit for Arctic Monkeys, "When the Sun Goes Down." Next week, I'm looking at three more top 10 entries, including the 8th top 10 hit for Kelly Clarkson.

Singles Reviews

Sorry - Madonna (4/5)
Is It Just Me? - The Darkness (4/5)
After All This Time - Simon Webbe (4/5)
Amazing - Westlife (3/5)
Boys Will Be Boys - Ordinary Boys (3.5/5)
Turn This Thing Around - El Presidente (4/5)

Click below to read the full reviews

Sorry - Madonna (4/5)

Second Confessions on a Dancefloor single finds Madonna again on top of her form. Without the distraction of an Abba sample, "Sorry" adheres more to the true core of Confessions--a hard-driving bass-thumping modern House track. (Out 2/20)

Is It Just Me? - The Darkness (4/5)

Not quite as weird as "One Way Ticket," which might be in its favor, since the first single from One Way Ticket to Hell and Back may have been offputting to some(I liked it). This is more straightforward and what you'd expect--hard rockin' electric guitars, drums, and Justin's nutty vocals. (2/20)

After All This Time - Simon Webbe (4/5)

Third single from former Blue man Webbe upholds the consistent quality of his first two releases, "Lay Your Hands" and "No Worries." Lots of acoustic guitars and hand claps here, along with some banjo and something I can't quite place (it's that thing you'd expect to hear playing in the background if you were walking around Paris). (2/20)

Amazing - Westlife (3/5)

Sounds a lot like Backstreet's "I Want It That Way." A lot like it. The sound is the usual polish and harmony you'd expect, but it's lacking a good hook (the one thing it didn't rip off from "I Want It That Way"). Westlife does it all so well though, so it's hard to hate it. (2/20)

Boys Will Be Boys - Ordinary Boys (3.5/5)

Burning up the UK charts right now, thanks to band member's appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. It's a decent track, but wouldn't have been a hit on its own. (Out now)

Turn This Thing Around - El Presidente (4/5)

Another notch in the '80s-influenced pop/rock vein. Not bad though, in fact, quite good. (out today, 2/6)

US Chart Analysis, 2/11/2006

High School Musical takes the Hot 100 Singles Chart by storm with 9 singles in the Hot 100, including 7 debuts and one track that jumps 82 spots, breaking the record for biggest hot 100 jump, while Beyonce tops that chart and the airplay top 40. Natasha Bedingfield also sets 2 chart milestones this week. Read it all below.

Billboard Hot 100:

Beyonce (featuirng Slim Thug) spends a second week at #1 with "Check On It," extending her cumulative weeks at #1 as a solo artist to 19 (2 ahead of Destiny's Child's 17 weeks).

But the really story of the week, and it's quite a good one, begins at #4. High School Musical is a made for TV Disney Channel musical that aired last month. The album was released at that time, but wasn't available digitally until this week. The ensuing download sales has achieved the remarkable feat of propelling no less than 9 of the album's cuts into the Hot 100, of which 7 debut this week, and 5 land in the top 40, including 1 in the top 10 (at #4, up 82 spots from #86, which breaks the record for biggest jump within the Billboard Hot 100). Here is a summary of the musical's amazing chart success this week:

#4 (up from #86), "Breaking Free" - Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens (Troy & Gabriella)
#23 (up from #100, "Get'Cha Head in the Game" - Zac Efron (Troy)
#28 (NEW), "Start of Something New" - Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens (Troy & Gabriella)
#34 (NEW), "We're All in This Together" - High School Musical Cast
#35 (NEW), "What I've Been Looking For" - Lucas Gabreel and Ashley Tisdale (Ryan & Sharpay)
#43 (NEW), "Stick to the Status Quo" - High School Musical Cast
#62 (NEW), "Bop to the Top" - Lucas Gabreel and Ashley Tisdale (Ryan & Sharpay)
#67 (NEW), "What I've Been Looking For (Reprise)" - Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens (Troy & Gabriella)
#72 (NEW), "When There Was Me and You" - Vanessa Anne Hudgens (Gabriella)

The characters' names are in parenthesis, which is how iTunes lists the artists (Billboard uses the actors names). It may just be a flash in the pan and all these songs disappear next week, but it's still a pretty amazing feat and a testament to the power teens have over the chart through digital sales. There's lots of sound bites to mine from it too. Vanessa Anne Hudgens, for example, a chart unkown until now, has 5 singles debuting on the Hot 100 this week and a top 10 hit--Something Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, or Britney Spears cannot claim.

Natasha Bedingfield earns her first top 10 hit this week with Unwritten at #10 (up from #14). This is significant for 2 reasons: first, Natasha and her brother Daniel become the third set of brother/sister siblings to have separate top 10 hits after the Donny and Marie Osmond and Neneh and Eagle-Eye Cherry. Daniel Bedingfield hit #10 in 2002 with his first single, "Gotta Get Thru This." Second, this is the first time almost 5 years that two British artists have had singles in the Billboard top 10. Joining Bedingfield in the top 10 this week is countryman James Blunt's "You're Beautiful," which moves up three spots this week to #5. The last time 2 Brits had top 10 hits together was in 2001 with Dido's "Thank You" and S Club 7's "Never Had a Dream Come True" charted. For more about British music trends on the Billboard Hot 100, read this post.


I'll write more later. I had written the whole thing and it got deleted, so I'm a little upset, but I wanted to share the stuff about High School Musical for sure.

UK Chart Analysis, 2/11/2006

The Notorious BIG spends a second week at #1 while Madonna tops the airplay chart with "Sorry."

UK Singles:

1. Nasty Girl - The Notorious BIG (featuring P. Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge, & Avery Storm)

The Notorious BIG spends a second week at #1. This might be an appropriate time to comment on his featured guest artists. P Diddy (as Puff Daddy) spent 6 weeks at #1 in 1997 with "I'll Be Missing You," while Nelly has topped the UK singles chart three times before: in 2002 with "Dilemma" (featuring Kelly Rowland), in 2004 with "My Place," in last year with "Over and Over" (featuring Tim McGraw).

2. Run It! - Chris Brown (featuring Juelz Santana)

Just short of #1 comes the debut single for American teenager Chris Brown. "Run It!" was a huge hit at the end of last year in the US, and now becomes a hit abroad as well. The track follows in the crunk style of R&B popularized by Ciara and Usher's last album.

3. Boys Will Be Boys - Ordinary Boys

Continuing its ascent is "Boys Will Be Boys" by Ordinary Boys. It jumped up to #9 (from #30) last week upon its official single release and this week moves up even further. At one point, it was even a serious challenger for #1. Still, #3 aint bad for a single that charted initially almost a year ago and didn't make the top 10.

4. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive

What is this doing here? How rediculous. Even so, it is the second biggest "new" hit of the week. It originally debuted in 1984 and spent 2 weeks at #1 in early 1985. It also also first re-released in 2003, where it peaked at #23.

12. Boyfriend - Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Simpson's third UK release, first from her second album, becomes her lowest charting, failing to achieve top 10 status like "Pieces of Me" or even #11 like "La la" did. Throw in the towel Ashlee.

15. When I Think of You - Lee Ryan

Another one falls short for Lee Ryan. After an intial #3 hit ("Army of Lovers"), Ryan's failed to duplicate the success with either follow-up single. While "Turn the Car Around" was decent enough, this track is fairly lame.

17. Beautiful Soul - Jesse McCartney

This was a big hit about a year ago in the US for McCartney, not a relative of Paul's, but an American WB TV star (Summerland). While Americans embraced it, the Brits are apparently taking a pass. Good move.

Albums chart:

No change at the top of course, as Arctic Monkeys continue to rule at #1. Richard Ashcroft is still #2 also.

Airplay:

Madonna scores another #1 airplay hit with "Sorry," the second release from Confessions on a Dancefloor. The single won't chart for another 3 weeks (it's out 2/20), so expect a good run at the top. "Hung Up" spent 8 weeks atop the airplay chart. Meck's "Thunder In My Heart Again" moves up 1 spot to #3, and Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" leaps up to #5.

40 Best Albums of the 00s (so far)

Still waiting for an exciting new release for this year, here's my rundown of the 40 best albums so far this decade (click below for full list):

1. Kylie Minogue – Fever
2. Coldplay – X&Y
3. Keane – Hopes & Fears
4. Madonna – Music
5. Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head
6. Scissor Sisters
7. Dido – Life For Rent
8. Dido – No Angel
9. Goldfrapp – Black Cherry
10. Madonna – Confessions on a Dancefloor
11. James Blunt – Back to Bedlam
12. White Stripes – Elephant
13. Air – Talkie Walkie
14. Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
15. Rachel Stevens – Come and Get It
16. Will Young – Keep On
17. David Gray – A New Day At Midnight
18. Goldfrapp – Felt Mountain
19. Coldplay – Parachutes
20. The Killers – Hot Fuss
21. Will Young – Friday’s Child
22. Sugababes – Three
23. Kylie Minogue – Body Language
24. Embrace – Out of Nothing
25. Dannii Minogue – Neon Nights
26. Goldfrapp - Supernature
27. Franz Ferdinand – You Could Have It So Much Better
28. Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand
29. Natalie Imbruglia – Counting Down The Days
30. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
31. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
32. Green Day – American Idiot
33. Daniel Bedingfield – Gotta Get Thru This
34. Robbie Williams – Swing When You’re Winning
35. The Strokes – Is This It?
36. Kylie Minogue – Light Years
37. P!nk – M!ssundaztood
38. Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten
39. Sade – Lover’s Rock
40. Radiohead – Kid A

New British Invasion?

A funny thing happened on the Billboard Hot 100 this week: 2 British pop acts had singles in the top 10, quite the feat right now, although it wouldn't have been 20 years ago. American music has always done well on the British chart (A US rapper is #1 in the UK this week), but UK music's popularity in the US seems to come in waves, and lately it's been on the wane.

There was the 70s British rock invasion, the 80s new wave, and the odd 90s blend of Oasis and Spice Girls. Now, finally, it appears that British pop may be catching on, as we have two top 1o hits by UK pop stars James Blunt and Natasha Bedingfield. Gorillaz and Coldplay have also had top 40 hits lately.

Last time a Brit had the #1 hit in the U.S. was 8 years ago when Elton John was #1 with "Candle In the Wind 1997/Something About The Way You Look Tonight." Other Brits with US #1s in the 90s were the Spice Girls ("Wannabe" in 1997), Rod Stewart and Sting ("All For Love" with Bryan Adams in 1994), UB40 ("Can't Help Falling in Love," 1993), George Michael and Elton John ("Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," 1992), Right Said Fred ("I'm Too Sexy," 1992), Londonbeat ("I've Been Thinking About You," 1991), EMF ("Unbelieveable," 1991), George Michael ("Praying For Time," 1990), and Maxi Priest ("Close to You," 1990).

Kylie Bouncing Back

Good news! After much media speculation and rumors, Dannii Minogue has confirmed that her famous sister Kylie's breast cancer is in full remission. Dannii described it as the best news to start the new year. Read the story on UK Yahoo Music Launch.

Personal Chart, 2/4/2006

TW LW WKS Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... 9 ..... All Time Love - Will Young (3 wks @ #1)
2 .... 2 ... 13 ... Ugly - Sugababes
3 .... 3 ... 16 ... Stickwitu - The Pussycat Dolls (2 wks @ #1)
4 ... 14 ... 3 .... You Got The Love - The Source Featuring Candi Staton
5 .... 8 ... 13 ... Check On It - Beyonce Feat. Slim Thug
6 .... 4 ... 13 ... Talk - Coldplay (1 wk @ #1)
7 .... 10 .. 4 .... Break The Night With Colour - Richard Ashcroft
8 .... 6 .... 4 .... Sleep - Texas
9 .... 5 ... 16 ... Hung Up - Madonna (6 wks @ #1)
10 .. 13 . 31 ... Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield

Will Young spends a third week at #1, matching that of his first single, "Evergreen." If he gets 1 more week at the top, "All Time Love" will become his longest-running #1. Big move into the top 10 for The Source Featuring Candi Staton. This is a re-released dance track (with a new remix) that I'm just loving right now. Also re-entering the top 10 is Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten," which has become a big hit in the U.S. Looks like "Hung Up's" last week in the top 10, but Madonna has a new single just around the corner, "Sorry."

Grammy Predictions

The Grammy Awards will be given out Tuesday (Feb. 8). Here are some of my predictions in major categories. (Click below to read them all)

Album of the Year: Kanye West - Late Registration
My Favorite: U2 - How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb

Kanye West should pull it out this year, after having been nominated last year also for The College Dropout. Both albums were critical successes, but Late Registration was even more successful commercially, and features the big hit "Gold Digger." Some pundits predict U2, and the only other person with a chance may be Mariah Carey for The Emancipation of Mimi, which was a great comeback for her last year, but not really her best work (certainly not as good as her two prior albums that were nominated). Gwen Stefani doesn't really have a chance, and personally, I found Love.Angel.Music.Baby. a bit disappointing. Paul McCartney is of course a legend, but this album hasn't gotten much attention. Of course, if it was up to me, this award would be going to Coldplay's X&Y.

Record of the Year: We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
My Favorite: Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

As with the album of the year, my favorite single, Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone," was not nominated (and surprisingly so, I think), but the remaining nominees do round out well what 2005 was about. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" could be a contender--it was topical, taken from an album that was nominated for Album of the Year last year, and it was a huge hit (much bigger than "American Idiot," which was nominated in this category last year). Still, since Mariah's not getting the album award, the academy may give her this one for the year's biggest hit. Count out "Hollaback Girl," as we're all surely in banana overkill by now.


Best New Artist: John Legend
My favorite: Keane

Keane is one of my favorite bands, and I was so excited to see then get nominated for this award. Of course, they're probably in last place with this bunch. Ciara fells too commercial, and Fall Out Boy not serious enough. I bet it goes to John Legend, who has earned a great deal of respect it seems.

Female Pop Performance: Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
My favorite: Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly just simply must win. This was pop at its best, a huge hit, and earned her a lot of respect, putting to rest any notion that she wasn't meant to be a music star in her own right. Since "We Belong Together" wasn't nominated here, look for Gwen Stefani to be the only possible upset.

Male Pop Performance: Lonely No More - Rob Thomas
My favorite: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson

Rob Thomas' debut solo album was overhyped, but "Lonely No More" was a big hit, particularly with the AC crowd. I think Jack Johnson is much more interesting though.

Pop Duo/Group Performance: More Than Love - Los Lonely Boys
My favorite: Mr. Brightside - The Killers

Los Lonely Boys sounds like the kind of lame thing that Grammy voters would like here, even though they've got The Killers and The White Stripes to choose from too. Just as long as it doesn't go to Maroon 5, for a live version of "This Love," which was a huge hit in 2004, not 2005.

Pop Vocal Album: Gwen Stefani - Love.Angel.Music.Baby.
My favorite: Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway

Thinking themselves hip, Grammy will give this one to Gwen Stefani, seeing as she is also nominated in the general album category, but really, her album is not nearly as consistent as Kelly Clarkson's. Fiona Apple's album, which I haven't heard, is also supposed to be quite good.

My other pics (my favorites):
Dance recording: "I Believe in You" - Kylie Minogue
Rock Duo Group performance: "Speed of Sound" - Coldplay
Rock Song: "Beverly Hills" - Weezer
Rock Album: "X&Y" - Coldplay
Alternative Album: "You Could Have it So Much Better" - Franz Ferdinand