Why wasn't this a bigger hit? It's #45 this week on the UK singles chart, and that's after the single's physical release, so I doubt it will go higher. Too bad, as it's a cool song.
Siobhan got her start in the Sugababes, but left after their first album before they became really big, replaced by the lovely and talented Heidi.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Album Review: Hilary Duff - Dignity (2.5 / 5)
Tempted by reviews comparing Hilary Duff's new sound to Rachel Stevens and Kylie Minogue, I eagerly purchased Dignity hoping for another Euro/Goldfrapp-esque pop pastiche.
To put it mildly, it falls a bit short of my expectations. A few of the opening tracks are pretty good and she mines her recently failed relationship with Good Charlotte's Joel Madden, which is notable, given that her previous work--all under the Disney Buena Vista Records label--was (lacking further analysis) likely pop trifles, albeit occasionally decent ("Come Clean" was a pretty good song).
Opening track "Stranger" has a good groove, a mild Middle Eastern flavor, and obviously explores said relationship with Madden. Faster "Dignity" rails on the trappings of the fake Hollywood lifestyle, dropping brand names like Jimmy Choo, and is probably my favorite track. First single "With Love" is good too, sounding vaguely like Nelly Furtado's "Afraid." "Danger," another decent track, comes closest to sounding like something from Rachel Steven's Come and Get It.
After those four tracks though, there's little else I found very distinctive or interesting about this album. "Gypsy Woman," sadly not a Crystal Waters remake, is a monotonous mess. "Never Stop" takes a sip from the '80s throwback fountain, but isn't as grand as something Gwen Stefani or even Dannii Minogue would unleash from their multiple trips back for another drink from there.
The only other song worth mentioning is "Outside of You," which, after a series of well-produced but unmemorable songs, provided at least a reminder in closing that Hilary Duff has the potential to be something More interesting than she is. The ideas are here to make Hilary Duff into something great, they just aren't fully formed yet.
Best Tracks: With Love, Dignity, Stranger, Danger, Outside of You
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Personal Chart, 4/21/2007
TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (3 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 6 .... I Wanna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
4 .... 2 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
5 .... 9 .... Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
6 .... 7 .... U + Ur Hand - Pink
7 .... 8 .... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
9 .... 4 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
10 .. 12 .. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
1 .... 1 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (3 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 6 .... I Wanna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
4 .... 2 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
5 .... 9 .... Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
6 .... 7 .... U + Ur Hand - Pink
7 .... 8 .... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
9 .... 4 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
10 .. 12 .. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
Monday, April 16, 2007
UK Singles Chart Analysis, 4/21/2007
1. Give It to Me - Timbaland (Feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
It's so long to the charity #1 this week as The Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," resurrected for Comic Relief falls three spots to #4 to make way for new #1 single "Give It to Me" the superstar collaboration between producer/sometimes rapper Timbaland and two of his surely most grateful pop subjects, Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, who both had #1 Timbaland-produced hits last year with "Maneater" and "Sexyback" respectively (and another 4 singles between them that topped the U.S. chart, in addition to "Sexyback" doing it in both countries).
"Give It to Me" is notable for being the first single of 2007 to have topped both the U.K. and U.S. singles charts. In a nice twist, it manages the feat in both countries in the same week. Interestingly, the only single to manage to simultaneously top both countries' charts last year was Timberlake's "Sexyback." Two other records, Ne-Yo's "So Sick" and Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," topped both charts, but did so at different times (another record, James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" was #1 in the U.S. after having been a U.K. #1 in 2005).
"Give It to Me" is Timbaland's first #1 hit as an artist, his previous best being the #22 single from 2004 "Cop that Sh#!" credited to Timbaland and Magoo. Both Timberlake and Furtado both have other top 40 hits this week, his "What Goes Around...Comes Around" at #16, her "Say It Right" at #25.
It's so long to the charity #1 this week as The Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," resurrected for Comic Relief falls three spots to #4 to make way for new #1 single "Give It to Me" the superstar collaboration between producer/sometimes rapper Timbaland and two of his surely most grateful pop subjects, Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, who both had #1 Timbaland-produced hits last year with "Maneater" and "Sexyback" respectively (and another 4 singles between them that topped the U.S. chart, in addition to "Sexyback" doing it in both countries).
"Give It to Me" is notable for being the first single of 2007 to have topped both the U.K. and U.S. singles charts. In a nice twist, it manages the feat in both countries in the same week. Interestingly, the only single to manage to simultaneously top both countries' charts last year was Timberlake's "Sexyback." Two other records, Ne-Yo's "So Sick" and Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie," topped both charts, but did so at different times (another record, James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" was #1 in the U.S. after having been a U.K. #1 in 2005).
"Give It to Me" is Timbaland's first #1 hit as an artist, his previous best being the #22 single from 2004 "Cop that Sh#!" credited to Timbaland and Magoo. Both Timberlake and Furtado both have other top 40 hits this week, his "What Goes Around...Comes Around" at #16, her "Say It Right" at #25.
New York Times Magazine: What Makes a Hit?
The New York Times Magazine yesterday had an article examining what it is that makes a hit song. They report on a study where listeners heard a batch of songs from artists they would have never heard of and had them rate, and if they wanted to download, the songs. Some people were given information about what other people had downloaded, while others weren't. The results are quite interesting.
Read it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15wwlnidealab.t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin
Read it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15wwlnidealab.t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin
Kelly Clarkson "Never Again"
Listen to Kelly Clarkson's new single "Never Again" on her Web site here. Interesting. Different than the stuff from Breakaway, certainly angrier and rockier.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Album Review: Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion (3 / 5)
Mika emerged on the U.K. pop music scene in January with an infectious radio friendly first single "Grace Kelly." The bombastic, hook-laden track drew instant comparisons to Scissor Sisters and Queen, and quickly raced to the top of the charts.
"Grace Kelly" opens Mika's first album, Life in Cartoon Motion, but sadly, the promise of that first single is not fulfilled on most of the rest of the collection. There are some other winners, notably second single "Love Today," which similarly dives into Mika's love for joyous melodic pop, but too many songs take the party a little too far.
"Lollipop" is a case in point. Mika sings really high (Jimmy Sommerville high) in parts, scored by piano chords, hand claps, etc. But with lyrics like "Sucking too hard on your lollipop," it's just too sickly sweet. Two other tracks suffer similarly. "Billy Brown" is a silly love ballad with a gay twist (Mika's own sexual orientation remains tightly under wraps) and "Big Girl," seemingly an inspirational ditty for overweight women, instead manages to sound insulting. Scissor Sisters like to have campy fun too, but Mika doesn't yet know when to quit. He doesn't sing these songs so much as hover over them like some sort of circus ringleader.
Back to the positive though. Some of the more "serious" tracks are fairly decent. "My Interpretation" is great piano-driven mid-tempo pop, akin to something we'd have gotten from Robbie Williams pre Rudebox. Frankie Loves Hollywood-inspired "Relax, Take it Easy" is good too.
But the serious stuff can go awry too. The strings on otherwise quiet "Any Other World" are so forward in the mix I feel like I'm being assaulted by them. "Happy Ending" swells to big choruses, but for Mika to be relegating the drama of a song to a chorus seems wrong somehow.
First albums can be tough if an artist hasn't formed a strong identity yet, and that seems to be the case here. Mika tries out a variety of hats--dramatic, campy, silly, serious--and finds that a happy medium is probably the best course. Hopefully we'll get more "Grace Kelly" and "Relax" next time out.
Best tracks: Grace Kelly, Love Today, Relax, My Interpretation
Personal Chart, 4/14/2007
TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
3 .... 2 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
4 .... 6 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
5 .... 4 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
6 .... 8 .... I'm Gonna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
7 ... 10 ... U + Ur Hand - Pink
8 .... 9 .... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
9 ... 13 ... Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
10 .. 5 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
1 .... 1 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
3 .... 2 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
4 .... 6 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
5 .... 4 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
6 .... 8 .... I'm Gonna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
7 ... 10 ... U + Ur Hand - Pink
8 .... 9 .... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
9 ... 13 ... Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
10 .. 5 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Album Review: Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob (4.5 / 5)
Kaiser Chiefs formed in 1997, but came to prominence in 2005, one of a handful of bands riding a post-Coldplay new wave revival (Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, etc.) First album Employment was frothy, cheeky fun, chock full of “na na nas,” keyboards, drawing both from the ‘90s Britpop movement, ‘80s new wave and ‘70s California rock. I think it’s fair to say they became British equivalent to the Killers, rising in popularity at about the same time.
On Your Truly, Angry Mob, the band’s second album, the keyboards and cheeky new wave retreat, while the guitars and good rock hooks come forth. Not unlike their cohorts the Killers, Kaiser Chiefs have tried to make a slightly more serious album, although, refreshingly, without the obvious U2 influences, but mostly stays with the winning formula from Employment. Swaggering first single “Ruby,” their biggest hit to date, fires on all thrusters—a big, anthemic track that’s a love song to boot. “The Angry Mob,” the album’s longest song but no means long (4:48) is structurally interesting, with an end section that departs from the rest of the song like a chant (“we are the angry mob, we read the papers everyday, we like who we like we hate who we hate, but we’re all so easily swayed” over and over). Like “Ruby,” the song has a big, rich sound full of guitars and piano, but is fairly mid-tempo.
“Heat Dies Down” picks up the pace, adding percussive hand claps and tambourines to the mix, and works very well lyrically; over-emphasizing certain words for the sake of rhyme makes them more memorable too (“I just can’t face another ar-gu-ment about the rent”). “Highroyds” keeps up the frenetic “riot rock,” with pulsing electric guitars.
My favorite song is the albums slower one, “Love’s Not a Competition (But I’m Winning),” which scores points for a clever title but holds up to multiple listens because of its great melody, atmospheric Keane-like opening, and, in contrast to the other tracks so far, acoustic guitar. I like the overlapping vocals at the end too.
“Thank You Very Much” could be this album’s “I Predict a Riot,” an up-tempo New wavy track with great staccato flourishes, sing-along choruses, and effective repetition. Similar “Everything is Average Nowadays” was chosen for the second single, an up-tempo, melodic piece. Both singles clock in under three minutes.
Mellower “I Can Do It Without You” is also quite good, very melodic, and pulls together a full, rich rock sound very effectively, adding a faint piano to the mix for the last minute. “My Kind of Guy” has a darker sound, like it could accompany a Broadway street fight scene, and goes a little wacko near the end, like an alien spaceship landing while eerie horror-movie like keyboards jump in.
I largely prefer the first half of the album, but latter tracks are still good, albeit a bit strange at times. “Boxing Champ” is a very short (1:33) interesting little track, just a vocal over piano, telling a story about being influenced by a boxing champ. “Learnt My Lesson Well” stomps along with low-range chords that alternate between piano and guitar. Mellow “Try Your Best” comes off like an atmospheric soundtrack to an old western. Closing track “Retirement,” apparently the answer to the whole last album (Employment), also sounds somewhat dark and spooky.
Not a bad track in the bunch and an altogether tighter affair than their first album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob clearly conquers the dreaded “sophomore slump,” securing the Kaiser Chiefs a place among the current British bands to be reckoned with.
Best tracks: Love’s Not a Competition (But I’m Winning), Ruby, I Can Do It Without You, The Angry Mob, Everything is Average Nowadays, Thank You Very Much, Heat Dies Down.
On Your Truly, Angry Mob, the band’s second album, the keyboards and cheeky new wave retreat, while the guitars and good rock hooks come forth. Not unlike their cohorts the Killers, Kaiser Chiefs have tried to make a slightly more serious album, although, refreshingly, without the obvious U2 influences, but mostly stays with the winning formula from Employment. Swaggering first single “Ruby,” their biggest hit to date, fires on all thrusters—a big, anthemic track that’s a love song to boot. “The Angry Mob,” the album’s longest song but no means long (4:48) is structurally interesting, with an end section that departs from the rest of the song like a chant (“we are the angry mob, we read the papers everyday, we like who we like we hate who we hate, but we’re all so easily swayed” over and over). Like “Ruby,” the song has a big, rich sound full of guitars and piano, but is fairly mid-tempo.
“Heat Dies Down” picks up the pace, adding percussive hand claps and tambourines to the mix, and works very well lyrically; over-emphasizing certain words for the sake of rhyme makes them more memorable too (“I just can’t face another ar-gu-ment about the rent”). “Highroyds” keeps up the frenetic “riot rock,” with pulsing electric guitars.
My favorite song is the albums slower one, “Love’s Not a Competition (But I’m Winning),” which scores points for a clever title but holds up to multiple listens because of its great melody, atmospheric Keane-like opening, and, in contrast to the other tracks so far, acoustic guitar. I like the overlapping vocals at the end too.
“Thank You Very Much” could be this album’s “I Predict a Riot,” an up-tempo New wavy track with great staccato flourishes, sing-along choruses, and effective repetition. Similar “Everything is Average Nowadays” was chosen for the second single, an up-tempo, melodic piece. Both singles clock in under three minutes.
Mellower “I Can Do It Without You” is also quite good, very melodic, and pulls together a full, rich rock sound very effectively, adding a faint piano to the mix for the last minute. “My Kind of Guy” has a darker sound, like it could accompany a Broadway street fight scene, and goes a little wacko near the end, like an alien spaceship landing while eerie horror-movie like keyboards jump in.
I largely prefer the first half of the album, but latter tracks are still good, albeit a bit strange at times. “Boxing Champ” is a very short (1:33) interesting little track, just a vocal over piano, telling a story about being influenced by a boxing champ. “Learnt My Lesson Well” stomps along with low-range chords that alternate between piano and guitar. Mellow “Try Your Best” comes off like an atmospheric soundtrack to an old western. Closing track “Retirement,” apparently the answer to the whole last album (Employment), also sounds somewhat dark and spooky.
Not a bad track in the bunch and an altogether tighter affair than their first album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob clearly conquers the dreaded “sophomore slump,” securing the Kaiser Chiefs a place among the current British bands to be reckoned with.
Best tracks: Love’s Not a Competition (But I’m Winning), Ruby, I Can Do It Without You, The Angry Mob, Everything is Average Nowadays, Thank You Very Much, Heat Dies Down.
U.S. (Billboard Hot 100) Chart Analysis, 4/14/2007
1. Don't Matter - Akon
2. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon)
It's a one-two punch for Akon this week, topping the Hot 100 for a second week with "Dont Matter," his second #1 hit, while also rising 4 spots as guest vocalist on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape," earning a new peak position at #2.
5. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne climbs two spots this week with "Girlfriend," matching the peak position the single reached four weeks ago. Propelled by strong airplay now, it will surely climb higher. "Girlfriend" is Lavigne's third top 5 hit after "Complicated" (#2) and "I'm With You" (#4).
6. Beautiful Liar - Beyonce & Shakira
After making a big (record?) #94 to #3 leap last week on sales, "Beautiful Liar" slumps a bit to #6. The airplay on this is so-so, not as good as you'd expect, but it could pick up.
10. Last Night - Diddy (feat. Keyshia Cole)
Whatever-you-want-to-call-him Sean Combs is back in the top 10 with "Last Night," following his last top 10 single, last year's "Come to Me," which featured Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger. Never alone, now he's with Keyshia Cole.
13. Last Dollar (Fly Away) - Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw makes a big 68-spot leap with "Last Dollar (Fly Away)," his highest-charting solo single since 1999's "Please Remember Me," which hit #10. Tim's highest ever appearance on the Hot 100 was at #3 when he was featured on Nelly's 2004 hit "Over and Over."
39. The River - Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte scores their second top 40 hit this week with "The River," up from #68. Their first top 40 single was "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," which hit #20 in 2002. Several other singles from the band have charted just outside the top 40 such as "The Anthem," "Girls and Boys" and "I Just Wanna Live."
2. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon)
It's a one-two punch for Akon this week, topping the Hot 100 for a second week with "Dont Matter," his second #1 hit, while also rising 4 spots as guest vocalist on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape," earning a new peak position at #2.
5. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne climbs two spots this week with "Girlfriend," matching the peak position the single reached four weeks ago. Propelled by strong airplay now, it will surely climb higher. "Girlfriend" is Lavigne's third top 5 hit after "Complicated" (#2) and "I'm With You" (#4).
6. Beautiful Liar - Beyonce & Shakira
After making a big (record?) #94 to #3 leap last week on sales, "Beautiful Liar" slumps a bit to #6. The airplay on this is so-so, not as good as you'd expect, but it could pick up.
10. Last Night - Diddy (feat. Keyshia Cole)
Whatever-you-want-to-call-him Sean Combs is back in the top 10 with "Last Night," following his last top 10 single, last year's "Come to Me," which featured Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger. Never alone, now he's with Keyshia Cole.
13. Last Dollar (Fly Away) - Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw makes a big 68-spot leap with "Last Dollar (Fly Away)," his highest-charting solo single since 1999's "Please Remember Me," which hit #10. Tim's highest ever appearance on the Hot 100 was at #3 when he was featured on Nelly's 2004 hit "Over and Over."
39. The River - Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte scores their second top 40 hit this week with "The River," up from #68. Their first top 40 single was "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," which hit #20 in 2002. Several other singles from the band have charted just outside the top 40 such as "The Anthem," "Girls and Boys" and "I Just Wanna Live."
Music Notes
Things to be aware of....
Snow Patrol have recorded a song from the upcoming Spider-Man 3 soundtrack, "Signal Fire." There's a short clip on their Web site (www.snowpatrol.com). Sounds okay, but no "Chasing Cars" or "You're All I Have."
Hilary Duff's new album, her third studio set, may actually be decent. It's getting pretty good reviews and comparisons to Kylie and Rachel Stevens for having a more electro sound. I like first single "With Love" (sounds kind of like Nelly Furtado's "Afraid").
Maroon 5's new single from their forthcoming second album is really really good. You can hear "Makes Me Wonder" on their Web site (http://www.maroon5.com/main_site/main.html).
Gareth Gates is trying to revive his career with a third album. First single "Changes" is decidedly average. Gareth is looking good these days though (http://www.garethgates.com/).
Snow Patrol have recorded a song from the upcoming Spider-Man 3 soundtrack, "Signal Fire." There's a short clip on their Web site (www.snowpatrol.com). Sounds okay, but no "Chasing Cars" or "You're All I Have."
Hilary Duff's new album, her third studio set, may actually be decent. It's getting pretty good reviews and comparisons to Kylie and Rachel Stevens for having a more electro sound. I like first single "With Love" (sounds kind of like Nelly Furtado's "Afraid").
Maroon 5's new single from their forthcoming second album is really really good. You can hear "Makes Me Wonder" on their Web site (http://www.maroon5.com/main_site/main.html).
Gareth Gates is trying to revive his career with a third album. First single "Changes" is decidedly average. Gareth is looking good these days though (http://www.garethgates.com/).
Friday, April 06, 2007
Personal Chart, 4/7/2007
TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 1 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 5 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
4 .... 3 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
5 .... 4 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
6 .... 7 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
7 .... 6 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
8 ... 18 ... I Wanna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
9 ... 13 ... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
10 .. 14 .. U + Ur Hand - Pink
1 .... 2 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (feat. Akon) (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 1 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 5 .... Stop Me - Mark Ronson (feat. Daniel Merriweather)
4 .... 3 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
5 .... 4 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
6 .... 7 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
7 .... 6 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
8 ... 18 ... I Wanna Have Your Babies - Natasha Bedingfield
9 ... 13 ... Give It to Me - Timbaland (feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake)
10 .. 14 .. U + Ur Hand - Pink
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Album Review: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (5/5)
In 2006, it took almost the entire year before I found an album worthy of a 5-star review; this year it came in the first quarter. Amy Winehouse’s sophomore album, Back to Black, is a stunning collection of perfectly crafted pop/R&B that’s both enjoyably retro and engagingly modern. Take the best of Lily Allen’s foul-mouthed British sensibility, but leave it in a dirty ditch with even more lurid lyrics, and the best of Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basics retro-soul but make is smokier and darker, and you’ll get close to the vibe of this brilliant disc. Musically, it sounds like the follow-up to Miseducation that Lauryn Hill never made, but lyrically unlike anything I can think of. Does anyone else truly revel in being bad like she does?
Case in point is opening track and first single “Rehab,” a true story about her refusal to seek treatment for alcoholism, despite urgings by her management. The seemingly serious subject is belied by an upbeat mix of retro R&B sounds—girl group background harmony, hand claps, chimes, strings and tinkling piano—sounds that permeate many of the songs on the album, particularly those produced by Mark Ronson, which, no surprise, produced several tracks for both Lily Allen and Christina Aguilera’s recent albums, as well as Robbie Williams (Ronson’s own single, “Stop Me,” out now is also great).
Rhythmic “You Know I’m No Good” follows, clearly keeping up the bad girl thing. The song features sharp beats, raspy retro horns, and distant fuzzy guitars, like those from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. “Me and Mr. Jones” opens like many a sweet ‘60s Motown girl group song, until Winehouse intones “What kind of fuckery is this? You made me miss the Slick Rick gig,” putting her own spin on the situation. “Just Friends” continues the R&B groove although smoother. It’s the fourth great song in a row on the album, which features no duds among the eleven tracks.
But as good as those opening four tracks are, the song that really shines on this album is its title track, “Back to Black,” a gorgeous, dark tale of the pain and shame of being the other woman (“You go back to her, and I go back to black”). The song saunters along with hard piano chords, vibes, scratchy distant guitars, and swells with strings during the choruses. Winehouse sounds fantastic on it too. The song gets really quiet after the second chorus before building back up again—perhaps the loveliest part in this amazing song. It gives me chills with each listen—it’s that good.
“Love is a Losing Game” is a lovely old school ballad that finds Winehouse toning down the lyrics in favor of honest melancholy. “Tears Dry on Their Own,” picks up the tempo then, another Motown-esque number backed by a brassy ‘60s-sounding band. “Wake Up Alone,” another Ronson track, is lovely doo-wop flavored balladry.
Effective instrumentation is a hallmark of many of the album’s songs; “Wake Up Alone” opens with sharp, plucky bass, “He Can Only Hold Her” is punctuated with horns. Final track “Addicted,” inexplicably omitted from the U.S. release, is an ode to marijuana, which she says does more for her than, well, that particular part of the male anatomy. It closes the album in signature ‘60s swinging style.
At times dark and dirty, at other times light and funky, Back to Black is a brilliant merger between old school ‘60s R&B and contemporary production sensibilities, tied together perfectly by Winehouse’s deep, husky voice and boundless personality.
Best Tracks: Back to Black, You Know I’m No Good, Me are Mr. Jones, Rehab, Love is a Losing Game, Tears Dry on Their Own, Addicted.
Case in point is opening track and first single “Rehab,” a true story about her refusal to seek treatment for alcoholism, despite urgings by her management. The seemingly serious subject is belied by an upbeat mix of retro R&B sounds—girl group background harmony, hand claps, chimes, strings and tinkling piano—sounds that permeate many of the songs on the album, particularly those produced by Mark Ronson, which, no surprise, produced several tracks for both Lily Allen and Christina Aguilera’s recent albums, as well as Robbie Williams (Ronson’s own single, “Stop Me,” out now is also great).
Rhythmic “You Know I’m No Good” follows, clearly keeping up the bad girl thing. The song features sharp beats, raspy retro horns, and distant fuzzy guitars, like those from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. “Me and Mr. Jones” opens like many a sweet ‘60s Motown girl group song, until Winehouse intones “What kind of fuckery is this? You made me miss the Slick Rick gig,” putting her own spin on the situation. “Just Friends” continues the R&B groove although smoother. It’s the fourth great song in a row on the album, which features no duds among the eleven tracks.
But as good as those opening four tracks are, the song that really shines on this album is its title track, “Back to Black,” a gorgeous, dark tale of the pain and shame of being the other woman (“You go back to her, and I go back to black”). The song saunters along with hard piano chords, vibes, scratchy distant guitars, and swells with strings during the choruses. Winehouse sounds fantastic on it too. The song gets really quiet after the second chorus before building back up again—perhaps the loveliest part in this amazing song. It gives me chills with each listen—it’s that good.
“Love is a Losing Game” is a lovely old school ballad that finds Winehouse toning down the lyrics in favor of honest melancholy. “Tears Dry on Their Own,” picks up the tempo then, another Motown-esque number backed by a brassy ‘60s-sounding band. “Wake Up Alone,” another Ronson track, is lovely doo-wop flavored balladry.
Effective instrumentation is a hallmark of many of the album’s songs; “Wake Up Alone” opens with sharp, plucky bass, “He Can Only Hold Her” is punctuated with horns. Final track “Addicted,” inexplicably omitted from the U.S. release, is an ode to marijuana, which she says does more for her than, well, that particular part of the male anatomy. It closes the album in signature ‘60s swinging style.
At times dark and dirty, at other times light and funky, Back to Black is a brilliant merger between old school ‘60s R&B and contemporary production sensibilities, tied together perfectly by Winehouse’s deep, husky voice and boundless personality.
Best Tracks: Back to Black, You Know I’m No Good, Me are Mr. Jones, Rehab, Love is a Losing Game, Tears Dry on Their Own, Addicted.
Recent and Upcoming Album Releases
March 26:
Hilary Duff - Dignity. The Disney constituency's favorite pop singer returns with her third album, featuring pretty decent first single "With Love."
Jennifer Lopez - Come Una Mujer. Lopez drops her first Spanish language album, her first release since the rather unsuccessful Rebirth from 2005.
April 2:
Timbaland - Shock Value. Producer-of-the-moment responsible for recent big hits for Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado releases his first solo album in years, featuring a line-up of guest stars to rival the Grammy Awards, including Timberlake and Furtado (on first single "Give It to Me"), Missy Elliot, Fall Out Boy, Elton John, 50 Cent, and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls.
Melanie C - This Time. By all measures, the Spice Girls' time is up, but some are still trying to hold on. Melanie C, arguably one of the more successful at making a solo career, releases her fourth album, featuring light first single "I Want Candy" along with a Guy Chambers/Cathy Dennis-penned "Protected."
Now That's What I Call Music Vol 66. All your faves.
April 9:
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga. Conor Oberst's band drops its 7th studio album.
April 16:
Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing. Lavigne releases her third album, preceded by hot single "Girlfriend" (Top 10 this week in America and Britain), and including a new version of single "Keep Holding On."
Mark Ronson - Version. The other producer-of-the-moment (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, etc.) releases his solo album with lots of guest stars doing "funky" covers.
Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero. Yes, they're still around.
Infernal - From Paris to Berlin. Danish dance group's 2004 album finally gets a UK release, featuring hit title track and "Self Control"
DT8 Project – Perfect World. Atmospheric trance--a bit of a throwback, but enjoyable. First single "Hold Me Till the End" is getting some play on BBC Radio 1.
April 23:
Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare. Last year's indie darlings return with their second album, preceded by single "Brianstorm."
Blonde Redhead - 23. New York-based indie band release their 7th album.
Beyonce – B’Day [Deluxe Edition]. Beyonce's 2006 album gets the deluxe edition treatment, with new single "Beautiful Liar (featuring Shakira)" and a second disc of Spanish versions.
April 30:
Natasha Bedingfield – NB. Bedingfield's second album, featuring first single "I Wanna Have Your Babies."
Amerie – Because I Love It. Amerie's new album, featuring cool first single "Take Control."
Hilary Duff - Dignity. The Disney constituency's favorite pop singer returns with her third album, featuring pretty decent first single "With Love."
Jennifer Lopez - Come Una Mujer. Lopez drops her first Spanish language album, her first release since the rather unsuccessful Rebirth from 2005.
April 2:
Timbaland - Shock Value. Producer-of-the-moment responsible for recent big hits for Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado releases his first solo album in years, featuring a line-up of guest stars to rival the Grammy Awards, including Timberlake and Furtado (on first single "Give It to Me"), Missy Elliot, Fall Out Boy, Elton John, 50 Cent, and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls.
Melanie C - This Time. By all measures, the Spice Girls' time is up, but some are still trying to hold on. Melanie C, arguably one of the more successful at making a solo career, releases her fourth album, featuring light first single "I Want Candy" along with a Guy Chambers/Cathy Dennis-penned "Protected."
Now That's What I Call Music Vol 66. All your faves.
April 9:
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga. Conor Oberst's band drops its 7th studio album.
April 16:
Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing. Lavigne releases her third album, preceded by hot single "Girlfriend" (Top 10 this week in America and Britain), and including a new version of single "Keep Holding On."
Mark Ronson - Version. The other producer-of-the-moment (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Christina Aguilera, Robbie Williams, etc.) releases his solo album with lots of guest stars doing "funky" covers.
Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero. Yes, they're still around.
Infernal - From Paris to Berlin. Danish dance group's 2004 album finally gets a UK release, featuring hit title track and "Self Control"
DT8 Project – Perfect World. Atmospheric trance--a bit of a throwback, but enjoyable. First single "Hold Me Till the End" is getting some play on BBC Radio 1.
April 23:
Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare. Last year's indie darlings return with their second album, preceded by single "Brianstorm."
Blonde Redhead - 23. New York-based indie band release their 7th album.
Beyonce – B’Day [Deluxe Edition]. Beyonce's 2006 album gets the deluxe edition treatment, with new single "Beautiful Liar (featuring Shakira)" and a second disc of Spanish versions.
April 30:
Natasha Bedingfield – NB. Bedingfield's second album, featuring first single "I Wanna Have Your Babies."
Amerie – Because I Love It. Amerie's new album, featuring cool first single "Take Control."
Personal Chart, 3/31/2007
TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 5 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 4 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani featuring Akon
3 .... 1 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
4 .... 3 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
5 ... 14 ... Stop Me - Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather
6 .... 2 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
7 .... 6 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
8 ... 11 ... Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud
9 .... 7 .... Read My Mind - The Killers
10 . 10 .. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
1 .... 5 .... Glamorous - Fergie (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 4 .... The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani featuring Akon
3 .... 1 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
4 .... 3 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
5 ... 14 ... Stop Me - Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather
6 .... 2 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
7 .... 6 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
8 ... 11 ... Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud
9 .... 7 .... Read My Mind - The Killers
10 . 10 .. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Lookin Back: March 1987
Club Nouveau's "Lean on Me" was the big hit of March 1987. I remember this song being very popular, but frankly it doesn't hold up. It's okay, but too repetitive. It was their only major hit.
Huey Lewis & The News has its third #1 hit with "Jacob's Ladder," which is a pretty typical example of late '80s pop/rock. Not bad, but not that memorable.
Probably the most interesting single from March 1987 was Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile," the fifth Control single. By 1993 she'd want it "Any Time, Any Place," but this ballad was a blunt message for sexual abstinence. It's hard to remember a time when sex-obsessed Jackson didn't want to do it, which makes this single refreshing when compared to her more recent works like "Throb," "Moist," "When We Oooh," "Sexhibition," "Rope Burn," Etc. The song Also had a lovely black & white video with a new mix of the song. It's even letterboxed, who was doing that back then?
In contrast, the Jets' "You Got It All" has an exceedingly silly video, set in a diner, with the waitress doing the singing. The fashions are fantastic. This is actually a pretty good song--a great typically '80s ballad.
Yet another ballad was big in March, Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram's "Somewhere Out There" from the film An American Tail. It sounds just a little too slow now. The Beastie Boys had their first and biggest hit, "You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party." Bruce Hornsby hit the top 10 with the lovely "Mandolin Rain," which sounds a lot like his bigger previous hit "The Way It Is." Finally, Peter Gabriel was in the top 10 with "Big Time."
Huey Lewis & The News has its third #1 hit with "Jacob's Ladder," which is a pretty typical example of late '80s pop/rock. Not bad, but not that memorable.
Probably the most interesting single from March 1987 was Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile," the fifth Control single. By 1993 she'd want it "Any Time, Any Place," but this ballad was a blunt message for sexual abstinence. It's hard to remember a time when sex-obsessed Jackson didn't want to do it, which makes this single refreshing when compared to her more recent works like "Throb," "Moist," "When We Oooh," "Sexhibition," "Rope Burn," Etc. The song Also had a lovely black & white video with a new mix of the song. It's even letterboxed, who was doing that back then?
In contrast, the Jets' "You Got It All" has an exceedingly silly video, set in a diner, with the waitress doing the singing. The fashions are fantastic. This is actually a pretty good song--a great typically '80s ballad.
Yet another ballad was big in March, Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram's "Somewhere Out There" from the film An American Tail. It sounds just a little too slow now. The Beastie Boys had their first and biggest hit, "You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party." Bruce Hornsby hit the top 10 with the lovely "Mandolin Rain," which sounds a lot like his bigger previous hit "The Way It Is." Finally, Peter Gabriel was in the top 10 with "Big Time."
Album Review: Air - Pocket Symphony (3 / 5)
French duo Air’s 2004 album Talkie Walkie was one of my favorite releases of that year, and they spent the time between that and their new album, Pocket Symphony, working on other projects such as a good solo album for Jean-Benoit Dunckel and producing an ever better album for French singer/actress Charlotte Gainsbourg. So why am I not more excited about Pocket Symphony, the group’s fifth album?
Instrumental “Space Maker” is all lovely acoustic guitar over faraway percussion smooth and distorted synths and a dose of piano. “Once Upon a Time” is distorted percussion over repetitive tinkling piano. Groovy “Napalm Love” is repetitive piano chords over distorted synths and other repetitive keyboard effects. These three songs that open the album are all good, but none are standouts. “Redhead Girl” falls along those lines too—nice, but just not memorable.
Other songs are sadly, just dull. “One Hell of a Party,” certainly isn’t. The song, which features vocals from Jarvis Cocker and has an Asian sound to it, is just too slow to be interesting. On the opposite end of the tempo spectrum is “Mer du Japon,” the album’s only really upbeat track, but which fails to connect with me, and has this strange fade-out during the last minute where a Japanese stringed instrument is briefly heard, before going back to the up-tempo—as if someone had changed the radio station. “Lost Message” is lovely, but I get this nagging sense it would be suited to score an ‘80s coffee commercial.
Still, some interesting, more experimental songs do appear. Such as mostly instrumental “Mayfair Song,” a great moody piece of layered synths, some sounding almost like voices, and space-age sound effects Air is known to sprinkle throughout its songs. I also really like the retro-sounding “Left Bank,” which exhibits such a lovely clarity of instrumentation—technical perfection shines throughout the album—but also a nice sense of intimacy, like it’s just a guitarist and singer Dunkel sitting together playing.
Dark “Photograph” is a bit unnerving at first, but on repeat listens reveals subtle harmonies and even hope. “Somewhere Between Waking and Sleeping,” which features vocals from the Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon, is another good track. A dramatic blend of folksy guitars, dramatic movie-like strings, and Asian influences.
Much of Pocket Symphony sounds similar to the quieter territory explored in Talkie Walkie, as well as Darkel and Charlotte Gainsbourg’s 5:55, but without those album’s punchier standout songs. By comparison, Pocket Symphony is mellower—better certainly for late night background chill music—but ultimately less memorable.
Best tracks: Mayfair Song, Photograph, Left Bank, Somewhere Between Waking and Sleeping.
Instrumental “Space Maker” is all lovely acoustic guitar over faraway percussion smooth and distorted synths and a dose of piano. “Once Upon a Time” is distorted percussion over repetitive tinkling piano. Groovy “Napalm Love” is repetitive piano chords over distorted synths and other repetitive keyboard effects. These three songs that open the album are all good, but none are standouts. “Redhead Girl” falls along those lines too—nice, but just not memorable.
Other songs are sadly, just dull. “One Hell of a Party,” certainly isn’t. The song, which features vocals from Jarvis Cocker and has an Asian sound to it, is just too slow to be interesting. On the opposite end of the tempo spectrum is “Mer du Japon,” the album’s only really upbeat track, but which fails to connect with me, and has this strange fade-out during the last minute where a Japanese stringed instrument is briefly heard, before going back to the up-tempo—as if someone had changed the radio station. “Lost Message” is lovely, but I get this nagging sense it would be suited to score an ‘80s coffee commercial.
Still, some interesting, more experimental songs do appear. Such as mostly instrumental “Mayfair Song,” a great moody piece of layered synths, some sounding almost like voices, and space-age sound effects Air is known to sprinkle throughout its songs. I also really like the retro-sounding “Left Bank,” which exhibits such a lovely clarity of instrumentation—technical perfection shines throughout the album—but also a nice sense of intimacy, like it’s just a guitarist and singer Dunkel sitting together playing.
Dark “Photograph” is a bit unnerving at first, but on repeat listens reveals subtle harmonies and even hope. “Somewhere Between Waking and Sleeping,” which features vocals from the Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon, is another good track. A dramatic blend of folksy guitars, dramatic movie-like strings, and Asian influences.
Much of Pocket Symphony sounds similar to the quieter territory explored in Talkie Walkie, as well as Darkel and Charlotte Gainsbourg’s 5:55, but without those album’s punchier standout songs. By comparison, Pocket Symphony is mellower—better certainly for late night background chill music—but ultimately less memorable.
Best tracks: Mayfair Song, Photograph, Left Bank, Somewhere Between Waking and Sleeping.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
UK Chart Analysis, 3/24/2007
1. Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud
Comic Relief, the bi-annual British charity event, once again dominates the singles chart with its official release tie-in, a remake of the 1980s Aerosmith/Run-DMC classic "Walk This Way" (itself a remake of Aerosmith's sole verison from the '70s), this time performed by two of the UK's hottest girl groups, Sugababes and Girls Aloud, who re-enact the '80s video in their new version, which find the bands recording in adjacent studios unable to hear themselves sing because the other is too loud. This time, instead of Steven Tyler, it's Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding who breaks through the wall.
Every official Comic Relief single released since 1995 has hit #1, are generally remakes by then-hot artists, and many went on to be among the best-selling singles of the year; those singles include "Love Can Build a Bridge" by Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry, and Eric Clapton (1995); "Mama"/"Who Do You Think You Are" by Spice Girls (1997), "When The Going Gets Tough" by Boyzone (1999), "Uptown Girl" by Westlife (2001), "Spirit in the Sky" by Gareth Gates and the Kumars (2003), and "All About You"/"You've Got a Friend" by McFly (2005).
"Walk This Way" is the fifth #1 hit from the Sugababes and their first since 2005's "Push the Button," which spent 3 weeks at the top. The single expands their collection of top 10 hits to 13. It's the third #1 and 15th top 10 hit for Girls Aloud.
The single has fallen under significant criticism for not being that great. Sure it's not very original, but as others point out "it's for charity." Even Girls Aloud when interviewed on the radio remarked they preferred the 1986 version to their own, but acknowledged doing it for a good cause.
2. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon
If it weren't for charity, Gwen Stefani would be enjoying her first UK #1 hit. Since climbing up to #3 the week of its physical release, the single has moved up to #2 where it spends a second week this week. It's now clearly her biggest UK solo hit, surpassed only by the #1 with her group No Doubt, "Don't Speak."
3. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers featuring Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin
With the official Comic Relief single sitting at #1 the "unofficial" release sneaks in at #3 on downloads alone. This is the second year where such an unofficial release accompanies the official one, and just like last time--when Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo" far outpaced the popularly of McFly's "All About You" in 2005--this track looks likely to do the same. Expect an easy #1 next week.
4. Shine - Take That
After 2 weeks at the top, Take That's "Shine" falls to #4, but manages to top this week's airplay chart.
10. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris rises 8 spots with his aptly '80s-influenced "Acceptable in the '80s," a great dance/pop track. The Scottish singer/producer is supposedly working with Kylie Minogue on a track for her forthcoming album.
18. Destination Calabria - Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters
Debuting at #18 is a new version of the 2004 dance single "Destination Unknown," now retitled "Destination Calabria," presumably "calabria" refers to whatever new elements have been mixed in. Crystal Waters was originally from New Jersey but was based in Washington DC when she had her big break in 1991, landing a top 10 and #1 dance hit with "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)," which also hit #2 in the UK. Her last appearance in the top 40 was as the featured vocalist on Dutch's "My Time," which hit #22 in 2003.
19. Glamorous - Fergie
Fergie moves up another 3 spots with "Glamorous," which should jump into the top 10 next week on physical sales. The single has been climbing slow and steady within the top 40 over the last month. It's her second UK solo single following "London Bridge," which hit #3 in September. "Fergalicious" was not released in the UK.
21. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Despite getting top 10 airplay Paolo Nutini once again misses out on having a top 10 hit, jumping up 14 spots to #21 on physical sales with "New Shoes." This his fourth top 40 single, but his third to miss the top 10. Only his first, "Last Request," was so lucky, hitting #5.
22. Candyman - Christina Aguilera
"Candyman" rises another two spots to #22. The fate of its physical release appears to be up in the air. The single had been slated for release next week, however, it's disappeared from the new releases list. If so, it could peak here, making it Christina Aguilera's lowest-charting UK chart single.
24. Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis
Scottish rock band the Fratellis scores their fourth top 40 with "Baby Fratelli," which misses out on the top 10, which they achieved with their last two singles, "Chelsea Dagger" (#5) and "Whistle for the Choir" (#9).
32. Wide Awake - The Twang
The Twang debut on downloads at #32 and should rise on their physical release next week. "Wide Awake" is very U2-sounding. Good song.
37. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers
Fueled by the sales for the Comic Relief version, the Proclaimers original version of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" also re-enters the top 40. The single hit #11 in 1988 and became a top 10 hit in the US in the '90s after being featured in the film "Benny and Joon."
Comic Relief, the bi-annual British charity event, once again dominates the singles chart with its official release tie-in, a remake of the 1980s Aerosmith/Run-DMC classic "Walk This Way" (itself a remake of Aerosmith's sole verison from the '70s), this time performed by two of the UK's hottest girl groups, Sugababes and Girls Aloud, who re-enact the '80s video in their new version, which find the bands recording in adjacent studios unable to hear themselves sing because the other is too loud. This time, instead of Steven Tyler, it's Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding who breaks through the wall.
Every official Comic Relief single released since 1995 has hit #1, are generally remakes by then-hot artists, and many went on to be among the best-selling singles of the year; those singles include "Love Can Build a Bridge" by Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry, and Eric Clapton (1995); "Mama"/"Who Do You Think You Are" by Spice Girls (1997), "When The Going Gets Tough" by Boyzone (1999), "Uptown Girl" by Westlife (2001), "Spirit in the Sky" by Gareth Gates and the Kumars (2003), and "All About You"/"You've Got a Friend" by McFly (2005).
"Walk This Way" is the fifth #1 hit from the Sugababes and their first since 2005's "Push the Button," which spent 3 weeks at the top. The single expands their collection of top 10 hits to 13. It's the third #1 and 15th top 10 hit for Girls Aloud.
The single has fallen under significant criticism for not being that great. Sure it's not very original, but as others point out "it's for charity." Even Girls Aloud when interviewed on the radio remarked they preferred the 1986 version to their own, but acknowledged doing it for a good cause.
2. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon
If it weren't for charity, Gwen Stefani would be enjoying her first UK #1 hit. Since climbing up to #3 the week of its physical release, the single has moved up to #2 where it spends a second week this week. It's now clearly her biggest UK solo hit, surpassed only by the #1 with her group No Doubt, "Don't Speak."
3. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers featuring Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin
With the official Comic Relief single sitting at #1 the "unofficial" release sneaks in at #3 on downloads alone. This is the second year where such an unofficial release accompanies the official one, and just like last time--when Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo" far outpaced the popularly of McFly's "All About You" in 2005--this track looks likely to do the same. Expect an easy #1 next week.
4. Shine - Take That
After 2 weeks at the top, Take That's "Shine" falls to #4, but manages to top this week's airplay chart.
10. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris rises 8 spots with his aptly '80s-influenced "Acceptable in the '80s," a great dance/pop track. The Scottish singer/producer is supposedly working with Kylie Minogue on a track for her forthcoming album.
18. Destination Calabria - Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters
Debuting at #18 is a new version of the 2004 dance single "Destination Unknown," now retitled "Destination Calabria," presumably "calabria" refers to whatever new elements have been mixed in. Crystal Waters was originally from New Jersey but was based in Washington DC when she had her big break in 1991, landing a top 10 and #1 dance hit with "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)," which also hit #2 in the UK. Her last appearance in the top 40 was as the featured vocalist on Dutch's "My Time," which hit #22 in 2003.
19. Glamorous - Fergie
Fergie moves up another 3 spots with "Glamorous," which should jump into the top 10 next week on physical sales. The single has been climbing slow and steady within the top 40 over the last month. It's her second UK solo single following "London Bridge," which hit #3 in September. "Fergalicious" was not released in the UK.
21. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Despite getting top 10 airplay Paolo Nutini once again misses out on having a top 10 hit, jumping up 14 spots to #21 on physical sales with "New Shoes." This his fourth top 40 single, but his third to miss the top 10. Only his first, "Last Request," was so lucky, hitting #5.
22. Candyman - Christina Aguilera
"Candyman" rises another two spots to #22. The fate of its physical release appears to be up in the air. The single had been slated for release next week, however, it's disappeared from the new releases list. If so, it could peak here, making it Christina Aguilera's lowest-charting UK chart single.
24. Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis
Scottish rock band the Fratellis scores their fourth top 40 with "Baby Fratelli," which misses out on the top 10, which they achieved with their last two singles, "Chelsea Dagger" (#5) and "Whistle for the Choir" (#9).
32. Wide Awake - The Twang
The Twang debut on downloads at #32 and should rise on their physical release next week. "Wide Awake" is very U2-sounding. Good song.
37. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers
Fueled by the sales for the Comic Relief version, the Proclaimers original version of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" also re-enters the top 40. The single hit #11 in 1988 and became a top 10 hit in the US in the '90s after being featured in the film "Benny and Joon."
Personal Chart, 3/24/2007
TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 1 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
3 .... 2 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
4 .... 6 .... The Great Escape - Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon
5 .... 7 .... Glamorous - Fergie
6 .... 4 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
7 .... 5 .... Read My Mind - The Killers
8 ... 13 ... No More - Jamelia
9 .... 8 .... Say It Right - Nelly Furtado (1 wk @ #1)
10 .. 18 .. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
1 .... 1 .... Shine - Take That (2 wks @ #1)
2 .... 3 .... She's My Man - Scissor Sisters
3 .... 2 .... What Goes Around...Comes Around - Justin Timberlake (1 wk @ #1)
4 .... 6 .... The Great Escape - Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon
5 .... 7 .... Glamorous - Fergie
6 .... 4 .... Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs (1 wk @ #1)
7 .... 5 .... Read My Mind - The Killers
8 ... 13 ... No More - Jamelia
9 .... 8 .... Say It Right - Nelly Furtado (1 wk @ #1)
10 .. 18 .. Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris
Saturday, March 17, 2007
US Chart (Billboard Hot 100) Analysis, 3/24/2007
1. Glamorous - Fergie
Fergie lands her second #1 hit with "Glamorous," this week's sales gainer winner and her third top 2 hit in a row following "London Bridge," which spent 3 weeks at #1 last August, and "Fergalicious," which hit #2 in January. All three of Fergie's solo singles have now charted higher than her highest-charting hits with Black Eyed Peas--the #3 hits "Don't Phunk with My Heart" and "My Humps."
3. Don't Matter - Akon
4. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (featuring Akon)
Akon keeps his bullet, winning the airplay gainer award even, but still slides back a spot to #3, pushed back by the seven-spot leap by Fergie. "Don't Matter" is Akon's third top 2 hit since November, when he hit #2 with "Smack That" and #1 with "I Wanna Love You." Akon is also at #4 this week, featured on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape," down one from #3 this week. The single is Stefani's second highest-charting single after #1 "Hollaback Girl."
7. It's Not Over - Daughtry
Daughtry climbs back into the top 10 with "It's Not Over," propelled by ever increasing airplay. The single had climbed as high as #4 a few weeks ago, mostly on sales. "It's Not Over" is a major top 40 hit, in fact, it now tops the Mediabase Top 40 chart, making it a shoo-in to top the Radio & Records top 40 next week. When it does so, Daughtry will become only the second American Idol alumnus to do so, following Kelly Clarkson, who's topped the airplay top 40 four times ("Miss Independent," "Breakaway," "Since U Been Gone," and "Because of You"). Despite the intuitive link, American Idol artists have largely fared poorly at top 40 radio, but lately have turned that around, with three current top 40 hits: Daughtry at #3 this week, followed by Carrie Underwood at #27 with "Before He Cheats" and Katharine McPhee at #29 with "Over It"--both of which are quickly rising up the chart. The only other acts to hit the airplay top 40 from the show have been Clay Aiken (#17 in 2003 with "Invisible") and Kimberly Locke (#19 in 2004 with "Eighth World Wonder").
9. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
This single is more noteworthy for what it did last week, when it debuted at #5 to become Lavigne's 5th top 10 hit and 3rd to hit the top 5. Her last single, ballad "Keep Holding On" is still in the top 40, slipping 6 spots to #32 this week.
28. Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood rises 9 spots this week with "Before He Cheats." The single, which peaked at #16 back in November when it was a hit at country radio, is enjoying a second wind, now as a top 40 radio hit--her first.
31. Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera lands her 14th top 40 hit this week with '40s-styled "Candyman," rising 16 notches this week to #31. Her last top 40 single, "Hurt," peaked at a disappointing #19 following the #6 peak of "Ain't No Other Man."
36. U + UR Hand - Pink
Pink returns to the top 40 this week with "U + Ur Hand," which makes a 26-spot jump to #36. This is Pink's 9th top 40, her last being last year's #13 single "Stupid Girls." Pink has had a difficult time on the chart lately, although the signles from her latest album did chart very well in the UK. Her last single, "Who Knew" failed to make the Billboard Hot 100, but was a top 5 hit in Britain. "U + Ur Hand" is doing very well at top 40 radio, where it's the third-biggest gainer in the top 20 this week, moving up 4 spots to #15, besting the #17 peak of "Stupid Girls."
Fergie lands her second #1 hit with "Glamorous," this week's sales gainer winner and her third top 2 hit in a row following "London Bridge," which spent 3 weeks at #1 last August, and "Fergalicious," which hit #2 in January. All three of Fergie's solo singles have now charted higher than her highest-charting hits with Black Eyed Peas--the #3 hits "Don't Phunk with My Heart" and "My Humps."
3. Don't Matter - Akon
4. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani (featuring Akon)
Akon keeps his bullet, winning the airplay gainer award even, but still slides back a spot to #3, pushed back by the seven-spot leap by Fergie. "Don't Matter" is Akon's third top 2 hit since November, when he hit #2 with "Smack That" and #1 with "I Wanna Love You." Akon is also at #4 this week, featured on Gwen Stefani's "The Sweet Escape," down one from #3 this week. The single is Stefani's second highest-charting single after #1 "Hollaback Girl."
7. It's Not Over - Daughtry
Daughtry climbs back into the top 10 with "It's Not Over," propelled by ever increasing airplay. The single had climbed as high as #4 a few weeks ago, mostly on sales. "It's Not Over" is a major top 40 hit, in fact, it now tops the Mediabase Top 40 chart, making it a shoo-in to top the Radio & Records top 40 next week. When it does so, Daughtry will become only the second American Idol alumnus to do so, following Kelly Clarkson, who's topped the airplay top 40 four times ("Miss Independent," "Breakaway," "Since U Been Gone," and "Because of You"). Despite the intuitive link, American Idol artists have largely fared poorly at top 40 radio, but lately have turned that around, with three current top 40 hits: Daughtry at #3 this week, followed by Carrie Underwood at #27 with "Before He Cheats" and Katharine McPhee at #29 with "Over It"--both of which are quickly rising up the chart. The only other acts to hit the airplay top 40 from the show have been Clay Aiken (#17 in 2003 with "Invisible") and Kimberly Locke (#19 in 2004 with "Eighth World Wonder").
9. Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
This single is more noteworthy for what it did last week, when it debuted at #5 to become Lavigne's 5th top 10 hit and 3rd to hit the top 5. Her last single, ballad "Keep Holding On" is still in the top 40, slipping 6 spots to #32 this week.
28. Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood rises 9 spots this week with "Before He Cheats." The single, which peaked at #16 back in November when it was a hit at country radio, is enjoying a second wind, now as a top 40 radio hit--her first.
31. Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera lands her 14th top 40 hit this week with '40s-styled "Candyman," rising 16 notches this week to #31. Her last top 40 single, "Hurt," peaked at a disappointing #19 following the #6 peak of "Ain't No Other Man."
36. U + UR Hand - Pink
Pink returns to the top 40 this week with "U + Ur Hand," which makes a 26-spot jump to #36. This is Pink's 9th top 40, her last being last year's #13 single "Stupid Girls." Pink has had a difficult time on the chart lately, although the signles from her latest album did chart very well in the UK. Her last single, "Who Knew" failed to make the Billboard Hot 100, but was a top 5 hit in Britain. "U + Ur Hand" is doing very well at top 40 radio, where it's the third-biggest gainer in the top 20 this week, moving up 4 spots to #15, besting the #17 peak of "Stupid Girls."
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