Throwback Thursday | Noughties Forgotten Female Anthems

Another Thursday and more throwbacks, this week is dedicated to some of the biggest female anthems of the noughties that you may have forgotten. So here is a little reminder of what the last decade had to offer...

Stacie Orrico - Stuck

Nivea - Don't Mess With My Man

Aly and Aj - Potential Break-Up Song

Brooke Valentine - Girlfight

Cherish - Killa

Cassie - Long Way To Go

#WCW: Rihanna

Time for some lady eye candy and some female appreciation...

New Music : Jessie, Ariana and Nicki

Jessie J, Ariana Grande seem like an unlikely collaboration but they have joined forces for a new song Bang Bang and it's hot. With two powerhouse vocalists and the number one female rapper of our time all on one track it would be easy to get lost in the song as they all fight for lead. But Bang Bang is a fun, catchy summer smash and a video is needed asap!

Biggest Power Couples in Music (Part 2)

5. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber

Dated For: On and off for the last three years (2011 - 2014)

It worked because: They are both young and hot tween sensations so when you put them together you have this generations Britney and Justin, and you remember how popular they were as a couple.

Highlight: When they started dating they both got twice as popular

Lowlight: Justin puts her through a lot with allegations of cheating multiple times and his regular arrests

Current Status: Well they seemed to be back on a couple of months ago but it looks like that didn't last long as Selena and Justin have been linked to other people. It seems there are no bad feelings though and they'll probably be back on soon.

4. Iggy Azalea and A$AP Rocky

Dated For: an estimated 6 - 9 months (2011-2012)

It worked because: Although this relationship was brief, it had the potential to be a massive musical pairing. A$AP was last year's breakthrough rap act and Iggy is this year's...just imagine the music they could have made.

Highlight: Too short for there to be any

Lowlight: Iggy got the rapper's name tatted on her finger and that is never fun after a bad break-up

Current Status: Not good at all. Iggy had a song clearly aimed at A$AP on her debut album and it sounds like she is still mad. But they are both happily attached to someone else, so that's nice.

3. Ciara and Future

Dated For: Have been dating since early 2013 and got engaged a few months later (2013 - present)

It works because: They are both relevant musicians with hugely successful careers. Not to mention they are both ridiculously attractive.

Highlight: The birth of their son this year

Lowlight: Maybe the fact that Future already has about 34 baby mamas

Current Status: There are rumours already floating about that their relationship is rocky as they have been seen together since the birth of their son months ago.

2. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

Dated For: They dated for two years before marrying in 2010 (2008 - present)

It works because: they seem like polar opposites; Alica is the good R'n'B vocalist and Swizz Beatz is a gritty hip-hop producer. But they are actually a nice fit with equal success and talent, and they make cute babies.

Highlight: The birth of their son, Egypt, in 2011

Lowlight: The constant rumours of cheating and divorce

Current Status: Everything seems to be going well even with these constant rumours

1. Tiny and T.I.

Dated For: NINE YEARS !!! Before getting married in 2010 (2001 - present)

It works because: Tiny is a ride or die and, if you watch their reality show like me, you can see that they are made for each other. After so many years, you just can't picture them with anyone else.

Highlight: They have two adorable sons together and a successful reality TV show based on their family

Lowlight: Recent rumours that the two are on the verge of a divorce after  an alleged fight between T.I and Floyd Mayweather over Tiny.

Current Status: It seems things are on the mend, they were pictured looking happy together at the BET Awards last month.

Album Review | Neon Jungle 'Welcome To The Jungle'

I have been supporting these four girl ever since I met them last summer while interning at Sony Music and, over the past 12 months, have watched them conquer the Top 40 UK, sign a modelling deal and perform in America.
Finally, Neon Jungle have dropped their debut album (released Monday 28th July), Welcome To The Jungle, and I have one of the first track-by-track reviews.

1. Braveheart

Probably the most popular and successful song on the album as their second single to date, and rightfully so, as this is a really catchy and fun club song. You can't help but get up and dance when the beat drops. They cross over from pop to dance and electro in this track, and made a good choice making this their album opener.

2. Welcome To The Jungle

The title track and another well-known single that will have you on your feet all over again. This is an ideal song for festivals with another steady build up and a strong electro beat drop every chorus.

3. Trouble

Neon Jungle's debut single and a forgotten treasure that brings me back to the summer of 2013 when these fresh-faced teens were just starting to make a name for themselves. This song is full of attitude and personality, just like the girls, and suggests that they are not your typical child-friendly girl group.

4. Louder

Their most recent single, Louder, showcased another side to the quartet as a vocal group with power and depth. Although this is a ballad, the girls seem to have the ability to get you singing along and you'll be belting along to this in your car in no time.

5. Can't Stop The Love (feat. Snob Scrilla)

This song, thematically, is really positive and makes a nice change from the often predictable and unoriginal lyrics pop groups usually churn out. Although the production is lacking, the song is still enjoyable and really highlights the girls powerhouse vocals, especially Shereen's moment towards the end. 

I honestly feel that this should have been a single instead of Louder because it sets them apart from competitors like The Saturdays and Little Mix and the message conveyed in the song is truly needed right now.

6. Bad Man

Definitely my favourite track on the album. Yes, the lyrics aren't exactly poetry and the song sounds familiar, but it is such a fun track and irresistibly addictive. However, it does need to be a little longer and the abrupt ending was almost anti-climatic.

7. Sleepless In London

Funny how my favourite track is followed by my least favourite which brings down my overall enjoyment of the first half of the album. Sleepless In London is pointless and instantly forgettable; the album could really do without this song which is a shame because the opening vocals are stunning.

8. Waiting Game

I am a bit disappointed that on a ten track album that has been in the workings for over a year, they opted to include a cover. However, I do love this Banks song and the girls' vocals on it are perfection. They capture the vulnerability and emotion in every lyric, proving that they are more than just a pop girl group and leaving a lasting, haunting impression. Asami, for me, really stands out on this song as the verses are perfect for her vocal style and range. 

But it still should have just been a hidden track or a bonus.

9. So Alive

Another highlight of the album and one of the few songs with strong production to match the quality of the vocals. It opens a lot stronger than it ends but I still really enjoyed it and the chorus is a real moment on the album.

10. Fool Me

Fool Me is a pretty ballad with the most beautiful vocals from Asami, Jess, Shereen and Amira, giving them all a chance to shine individually. Unlike most of the other songs on the album, the lyrics are quite moving and powerful and the message is relatable.

 It is a great album closer but leaves you wanting more, as every song feels like it is less than three minutes long which isn't really standard in 2014.

and for those of you who want the deluxe edition...

11. Future X Girl
Sounds like a song written for The Saturdays and that isn't necessarily a bad thing because they make catchy pop music. But, if Neon Jungle want to establish themselves as a different type of girl group, they should really avoid songs like this. Having said that, this is a decent song and suited as a bonus.

12. London Rain
A second song about London but luckily this one is far better and should honestly switch places with Sleepless In London. It would have made a perfect closing song for the album as a melodic ballad with a depth to the lyrics and lovely vocals.

Best songs: Bad Man, Braveheart, Can't Stop The Love

Rating: 2.5/5 - It is a strong debut for a girl group. Each song presents a different style, every girl has strong vocals and there are some excellent dance numbers in there. Even though I did enjoy every song bar two, the album is far too short. Ten songs is never enough time to establish a real connection with an album or even to fully explore the individual characters of each group member, especially when the first four songs have already been released as singles. Also, the production let's the whole thing down because it highlights the fact that this is a new and manufactured girl group who don't have access to all the top producers of today.

Neon Jungle do show a lot of promise and there is potential for this album to do well given the successes of their releases so far. I am sure the girls will have another chance to wow us all with their second album.

Throwback Thursday : '92, The Year of R'n'B Girl Groups

The year of 1992 was so great for R'n'B girl groups that it puts 2014 to shame as all we have to offer are half-heartedly reunited Danity Kane. So let's revel in quality girl power anthems with five of the biggest hits from 22 years ago...

Jade - Don't Walk Away

SWV - Right Here

En Vogue - My Lovin'

Xscape - Just Kickin' It

TLC- Baby, Baby, Baby

New Video : Pharrell

Pharrell has finally dropped the video for his collaboration with Miley, Come Get It Bae, after already promoting the single for what seems like weeks.
The song isn't a favourite of mine but is admittedly catchy and the video is cute, especially Miley and Pharrell's little appearances together. Other than some girls dancing, not much really happens for the first two minutes but any Pharrell video deserves a complete viewing.

Biggest Power Couples in Music (Part 1)

The musical power couples of past and present...

5. Kelis and Nas

Dated For: Two years before marrying in 2005 for four years (2002 - 2009)

It worked because: they are both musical geniuses with a lot to say and they are so successful they only use a first name

Highlight: The birth of their son, Knight

Lowlight: The fact that their son was born after Kelis had filed for divorce

Current Status: Not great is an understatement. They had a very ugly and very public divorce battle and it seems the pair are still bitter over it

4. Rihanna and Chris Brown

Dated For: Hard to say. We know they officially got together in 2008 and have spent the past six years in an on/off relationship

It worked because: Young, attractive, talented, super famous, even more rich and did I mention they're really attractive - picture the children. This is a perfect representation of young love and just how captivating yet destructive it can be.

Highlight: All of the great music they have made together Cake, Umbrella Remix, Nobody's Business

Lowlight: Obviously, the night that Chris beat Riri and ended his good boy image and their seemingly innocent and perfect relationship.

Current Status: Who really knows. They seem to have finally ended all communication and their on/off relationship but, with them, it's never really over.

3. J.Lo and Puff Daddy

Dated For: 2 years (1999-2001)

It worked because: she was the Latina R'n'B princess who made some noughties classics with the help of super-producer Puff Daddy (his name at the time). They were both, and still are, cool, talented and super rich so even though they may seem like an odd pairing at first, most grew to understand and love it.

Highlight: This was when Jennifer and Puff were both at their musical best which is what happens when two superstars support each other.

Lowlight: When Puff got in trouble with the law over a club shooting. In fact, this whole drama could be to blame for the split of J.Lo and Puff.

Current Status: Seemingly, on good terms and maybe even friends but there is definitely no relationship on the cards now that Puff is in a long-term one with stunning singer, Cassie.

2. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake

Dated For: Almost three years (1999 - 2002)

It worked because: they were perfect for each other. Both Southern teenagers who grew up together on Disney and established massive international pop careers as singers. It was a real fairytale musical pairing and Britney has never looked happier than on JT's arm.

Highlight: Too many. I mean, who can forget their matching all denim look at the 2001 American Music Awards 

Lowlight: Their break-up. It was filled with rumours of cheating and ended with the bittersweet song Cry Me A River

Current Status: Like most ex's after years apart, they haven't spoken in a very long time but there is no bitterness or hard feelings. So we can still dream that maybe one day...

1. Beyonce and Jay-Z

Dated For: It seems the relationship began around late 2002 and they married in 2008 (2002 - present)

It works because: they are Beyonce and Jay-Z, the queen and king of their field, so it only makes sense. They are not only a music power couple, but a business and entertainment power couple who have a firm hold on the throne

Highlight: Crazy in Love, their current On The Run tour or the birth of their baby girl Blue Ivy in 2012

Lowlight: The recent rumours of cheating and divorce

Current Status: They seem more than blissful and I am happy to believe that until I see any strong evidence otherwise

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : August Alsina

Nicki has been teasing a new song from August Alsina and herself for a couple of weeks now and it is finally here. No Love is a pretty ballad but I am a bit disappointed that Nicki spends more time singing than she does rapping on this one.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Introducing : Abrina

This could be the year of the female R'n'B soloist with idols like Beyonce and Riri ruling the roost and young up and comers like Tinashe and Sevyn Streeter making a name for themselves.
Abrina is hoping to be next with her new single featuring another new star Eric Bellinger. Abrina has already released a few good tracks over the past three years, which you can see over at Youtube, but this newest track Actin' Up is a really catchy club track with a lot of promise.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Guilty Pleasures - Part 2

To read Part 1 of this post, click here

This is the second part of my post on some of my musical loves that are maybe a little embarrassing, and this time it is in honour of S Club 7 who are reportedly reuniting.

S Club 7 - Bring It All Back

The song that made the world fall in love with these seven young stars, and still a catchy summer tune. You can't help but sing-a-long, slightly ashamed that you know all the words, but still belting them out the top of your voice...or is that just me ?

S Club 7 - Don't Stop Movin'

I have to admit this is probably my least favourite S Club song but it was their biggest hit so I had to include it on the list. This is a very cheesy and unoriginal pop song, lyrically, but it put them on the map as the best British pop band of their time.

S Club 7 - You

One of the later tracks and a forgotten hit, You was a very different sound for the S Clubbers and introduced us to a more mature sound. Well, as mature as you can expect from some 20-something pop sensations.

The video is really cute too.

S Club 7 - S Club Party

Yes, it's time to jump in the air and make an 'S' with your finger. To this day, I don't know how this never hit number one as I am sure everyone alive in the 2000 knew this song word for word.

S Club 7 - Reach

A karaoke and pop classic that never gets old and will forever be the S Club theme song and also another that I thought had been a number one hit.
I even still remember all the dance moves.

S Club 7 - Two in a Million

It's easy to forget that S Club were not just dance pop legends, they were also actually talented singers and could bring us a good ballad once in a while. This one is a beautiful love song that extends far beyond cheesy 90's pop and showcases Jo's strengths as a vocalist. I could do without some of the dance moves though.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Happy 1st Birthday To Musique Muse

One year ago on this day, I decided to start a blog dedicated to something I am extremely passionate about, music. 365 days and 3,250 views laters, we are celebrating this blog's first (of many) birthday.
To celebrate the big day, I will be posting every day this week so you can expect to see an update starting tomorrow right through until (and including) Sunday 27th July 2014.

With Love,
Paige x

New Music : Tinashe

After massive mainstream success with her debut single, Tinashe is trying her luck again with another hot track, Xylophone. Although this mid-temp number isn't instantly catchy, it is well-produced and Tinashe proves she is a talented singer with some lovely vocals.
It's nice that she is slowly going back to her roots, as anyone who has heard her mixtapes will know she is a more underground R'n'B artist, so 2 On was a bit of a surprise in that it is a lot more commercial than anything she has ever made before. So I applaud that she is staying true to herself with Xylophone while still playing to a mainstream audience.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Throwback Thursday : Now and Then

Now #TT is getting really real with a ten year flashback of some of today's biggest artists.

Jay-Z: From 99 Problems to Picasso Baby

 

Eminem: From Toy Soldiers to Rap God

P!nk : From God is a DJ to Try

Ciara: From Goodies to Body Party

Trey Songz : From Gotta Make It to Na Na

Chris Brown: From You (Excuse Me Miss) to Loyal

Ashanti: From Only You to I Got It

Jennifer Lopez : From Get Right to I Luh You Papi

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Video : Cam'ron

Cam and Nicki are no strangers when it comes to making great music and cute videos together, after I Am Your Leader, now they are back for Cam'ron's new single So Bad. 
The title aptly sums up this low-budget and pointless video, which is unfortunate because the song is quite good. Cam's video starts with a promise of extravagance and entertainment and only delivers camera shots of New York and a tacky green screen that had me questioning how on earth they even managed to get Nicki to show up for this.
I couldn't take my eyes off for all the wrong reason, I mean, were they even trying ?!

#WCW : Cassie

Twitter : @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Nicki Minaj

Nicki decided to drop a freestyle just for the sake of it, as she stated earlier on Instagram, and it's fire !!! On No Flex Zone (Remix) Nicki shows Joseline exactly how it's done on this Mike-Will produced club banger; only reminding us that her album needs to drop asap!




Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : PartyNextDoor

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Introducing : Melissa Steel

If you have been listening to pretty much any radio station these past few weeks then you will be familiar with an island inspired song Kisses For Breakfast which features dancehall star Popcaan. Well the female vocalist and writer behind the song is 20 year old Melissa Steel.

She is signed with Atlantic records and currently working on her debut album and with this hot summer track setting of her music career, Melissa will be one to watch over the coming months.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Announcement !

I now have a second blog for fashion and beauty with lookbooks, reviews and hauls which you can find at ukstylemuse.blogspot.co.uk

Make sure you check it out, follow and share with your friends

This will not affect the Mon-Fri posting on this blog.

Thank you x

New Video: SZA

New Music: Elle Varner

Elle completely captures my thoughts on most of my nights out these past two years with her new song Don't Wanna Dance featuring A$AP Ferg.
She talks about being at a club and really not wanting to be there because her feet hurt, the music sucks and she's not in the mood to dance, lyrics we can all relate to at one point or another. The song is catchy and original and you can never go wrong with some Elle Varner vocals.

Throwback Thursday : The Best of Basement Jaxx

The original Rudimental and house party music innovators, Basement Jaxx, not only created classic party tunes but paired them with often strange and disturbing music videos.

You can see where Skrillex and DJ Snake got their ideas from in this list of Basement Jaxx's best musical moments...

Red Alert

My favourite Basement Jaxx song and their first big hit, Red Alert is instantly catchy and will no doubt be stuck in your head for a couple of days.

Where's Your Head At ?

This is possibly the strangest video you will see all week, unless you're a fan of cat videos or Vine...

Romeo

You know you used to be my Romeo (oo-weh-o), LET IT ALL GO...

Good Luck

If you're a fan of those man-bashing ex-boyfriend songs like Kelis' Caught Out There and Make Me Wanna Scream by Blu Cantrell, then this is the perfect song for you.

Oh My Gosh

Such an innovative video and song which makes up for the fact that it isn't exactly a party-starter.

Hush Boy

Another cute and catchy song with a video to match and Basement Jaxx's last real hit (well, in my opinion).

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Usher

I am loving that Usher is going back to his R'n'B origins with his latest music and this new song featuring Nicki Minaj is another good one.
She Came To Give It To You has an old school soul sound to it - think MJ with a pinch of Justin Timberlake's latest stuff - and with Pharrell's magic touch you just know this song is going to be a hit. It's fun, catchy and an Usher is sounding his best - cannot wait to hear the album !

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Introducing : Dominique Young Unique

The name may sound familiar as this 23 year old rapper from Florida featured on DJ Fresh and Diplo's huge club track Earthquake. Now the young model is breaking out on her own with the help of her record label Sony and her debut single Throw It Down.
She looks and sounds the part, and her style most definitely falls under the genre of 'unique' but the true test of her musical ability will come when she eventually drops an album.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Video : Jazmine Sullivan

There must be something in the air following Ed Sheeran's puppet video for Sing, as now Jazmine Sullivan has also opted for some puppets to feature in her new video for Dumb.
The video is incredibly entertaining and plays on the popular TV show 'Cheaters' but, in Jazmine's version, puppet men are caught with other women by their partners and the puppet TV host. Jazmine and Meek both make their cameo too but it's nice to see that such an intense can have a humorous video and not lose its appeal.

 Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

#MCM: Scorcher

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Wiz Khalifa

You must have heard Wiz Khalifa's new single We Dem Boyz which some are hailing the rap song of the summer but now it's been remixed and made even better by Rick Ross, Schoolboy Q and Nas.
Check it out below!

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Summer Sessions : Latest Dancehall

Summer is always the season for dancehall, as the heatwave kicks in and the carnivals begin, starting with Bristol Carnival tomorrow. So here are some of my top picks from the the latest dancehall releases...

Gyptian - Stunta

Trying to replicate the success of the massive 2010 hit Hold Yuh, Gyptian presents this summer slow jam perfect for those early evening BBQ's and road trip journeys.

Mavado - Jump Out

Another softer number with Jump Out Riddim that will pick up any summer gathering...

Tommy Lee Sparta - Whine Up

A bit of an explicit song and video here but that's nothing new for dancehall and can't be too surprising with a title like Whine Up. A song well suited for dutty whining at carnival and will no doubt be used as such.

Busy Signal and Yola Moi - Nuh Wine Discreet

A rather catchy collaboration using all classic bashment song features of repetitive hook, lyrics explaining dance moves and a male/female back and forth.

Konshens - Touch You

No dancehall list is complete without current bashment superstar Konshens (one of my personal favs) and this song cannot go unnoticed. It is a classic dancehall slow jam with overly explicit lyrics and a very sexy beat.

Spice - So Mi Like It

So this one is a bit older and can't really be considered a 'latest' release as it dropped back in January; however, it is a new discovery for me and I love it so I included it on the list. Plus, I felt there needed to be a female voice to close off this piece and you know this will be the song heard all over Notting Hill Carnival next month.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Ariana Grande

Ariana has teamed up with Zedd for this club number Break Free, a heavy departure from anything we heard from Ariana's debut album. I'm unsure how I feel about this song because coming from anyone else I may have liked it, but I am such a fan of Ariana's old school R'n'B sound that this song is hard for me to enjoy.
She sounds amazing as always and the song is quite fun and catchy but I'm hoping this is just a bit of experimenting on Ariana's part.

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Craig David

No longer do we have to wonder what happened to Craig David because he is back with new music. It has been four years since he has released any music and even longer since it has been successful but Cold is a promising comeback.
It reminds me a lot of Usher and Ne-Yo, vocally and stylistically, which is never a bad thing as they have hits upon hits. The song is catchy and very radio-friendly so with a strong video and heavy promotion I can see this doing quite well.

#WCW: Mya

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

New Music : Chris Brown

Seems like it didn't take long for Chris to get back in the studio and grace us with some new music since his prison release. New Flame is a typical R'n'B slow jam featuring fellow crooner Usher and rapper Rick Ross, and although I am not excited by it from my first couple of listens, I can tell this song is a grower.