New Music : Chris Brown

As the countdown until the release of Chris Brown's new album begins, he has given us a little taster with the title track X and it's amazing. It can only be described as a future club banger and an anthem for getting over a break-up, which is very appropriate for Chris.
The song starts as a ballad but seconds later you can feel a build up and then a heavy bass, EDM-inspired beat drops. It is a completely new sound for Chris, especially as all his recent singles Love More, Loyal and New Flame have all been R'n'B hits, but this just goes to show that we can expect some surprises as well as some more great music from Chris on his 6th album.

Album Review : Ariana Grande

Ariana is at the top of her game this year and she is looking to round it off with the release of her second album, My Everything. Her debut release Yours Truly hit No.1 in America last year but didn't really have much of an impact overseas and the only successful single from the album was The Way. 
But after dominating the charts worldwide with three massive songs already, Ariana will surely be leaving her mark with this album.

I have put together a little track-by-track review to give you a feel for what to expect when the album drops next week.

1. Intro
Not much to say about this opener as it isn't really a full track at less than 2 minutes long. This is simply just a little message to her fans which is cute, but not necessarily fitting on a twelve track album. 

2. Problem ft. Iggy Azalea
Everyone knows this track by now as the first single off the album and Ariana's most successful release to date. The song is fun, catchy and full of attitude that showcases Ariana's transition into a more confident and established artist. Iggy makes a nice addition to the album as the only female feature, not including the deluxe edition songs, and a fellow superstar of 2014.

3. One Last Time
In all honesty I could do without this song. It is instantly forgettable and I don't think the pop genre is where Ariana belongs as she is such a powerful vocalist.
I appreciate the sentiment behind the song and it had potential to be great with a different production and a more uptempo rhythm.

4. Why Try
It doesn't take long to realise that this is a song written by Ryan Tedder because it has a similar feel to Beyonce's XO, and most other Tedder songs, but a little less anthemic.
Ariana's vocals are at their best on this song and the lyrics, although subtle, are obviously moving if they're written by this writing genius. I can see this becoming the soundtrack to many break ups.

5. Break Free ft. Zedd
Another single from the album that hasn't had a huge amount of success but showcased another side to Ariana. Usually known for her vocal ballads and R'n'B jams, this song took a new turn and Ariana entered into the world of dance-inspired EDM music. Surprisingly, it works well for her on this song and acts as I nice break on this ballad filled and prominently R'n'B album. I can see it being a bigger hit with a little more promotion.

6. Best Mistake ft. Big Sean
I really love this song, in fact it might be my favourite on the album and just so happens to be Ariana's. This is a stunning ballad with some heartfelt vocals and brilliant lyrics from Big Sean making it the perfect love song. This is a real throwback to Ariana's debut album which very much sounded like this song throughout - R'n'B with a strong rap feature - but this a level of growth and maturity that shines on this song.

7. Be My Baby ft. Cashmere Cat
This song really reminds me of something from the late 90's/early 00's in terms of R'n'B music, and that is never a bad thing. It has a familiar sound to many of her previous songs such as Right Here and The Way with its sweet lyrics.
The hook is ridiculously catchy and the verses have a solid rhythm so I can see why this is Ariana's choice for the next single.

8. Break Your Heart Right Back ft. Childish Gambino
A song that already has people talking because of the story behind it - a guy who leaves his girl for another guy, an experience that Ariana says she has probably been through. There is a sense of humour in the song, which samples I'm Coming Out on the chorus, and a fun, albeit brief, appearance from Gambino which is always welcome.

9. Love Me Harder ft. The Weeknd
A slightly suggestive song with some riqsue lyrics and the recognisable tones of The Weeknd are exposed in a different light than his usual dark and haunting music.
This is a bit of a departure for Ariana but I think I like it.

10. Just A Little Bit of Your Heart
Ariana is at her best with a powerful ballad such as this, and with lyrics penned by Harry Styles, this is sure to be a fan favourite.
The simplicity of just a piano and some strings enables you to hear the pain and vulnerability in Ariana's voice for the first time on this album, which is something I really enjoyed on Yours Truly. 

11. Hands On Me ft. A$AP Ferg
If only there were more songs on the album that sounded like this because it makes a nice change from the ballads and bring some fun to the album. It almost sounds out of place at this point on the album but I am glad that it is there because it is a great uptempo song that would do well in the current market of 'twerk' songs.
Even on a song such as this, Ariana still manages to have a stunning vocal moment and shows that this is the type of music she should be making more of.

12. My Everything
Another ballad which, if the album were a few tracks longer, would feel tired and overdone at this point. But as the closing song on the album, it is the perfect choice and note to end on even though it is slowly anti-climatic.
I hate to say it but this really reminds me of early Mariah Carey and though I can tell Ariana is trying to break away from that label on this album, it is rare moments like this that make her special as an artist.

13. Bang Bang with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj (Deluxe Edition)
Another single but it only makes an appearance on the deluxe edition because it is a collaboration with two other successful female artists, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
I love the attitude and fun that this song evokes and you really can't help but sing along after the first few listens. Female collaborations like this need to happens more often, and it helps that Ariana and Jessie are equally equipped in the vocal department and Nicki is one of the best rappers of our time.

14. Only 1 (Deluxe Edition)
I can't quite decide why but I love this song, probably because it sounds like nothing else on the album and the production is uplifting and inspiring. I'm not sure that it belongs on the deluxe edition because it would fit quite well in the first half of the album as a break between the sometimes overwhelming number of ballads on the album.

15. You Don't Know Me (Deluxe Edition)
This would have been perfect on Ariana's last album which is why I think it has been put on the deluxe edition only. It is a great song but doesn't feel right amongst the other songs with catchy hooks, mature content and strong production. There is a slightly childishness and simplicity in the lyrics that would have been out of place.

Overall, I am a little disappointed at the length of this album especially as the intro can't really count as a full track, and I would have liked to hear some more up-tempo numbers because Ariana excels at those just as much as the ballads.

However, Ariana does establishe a solid sound on the album and maintains her R'n'B with rap features style from her debut while still successfully experimenting with EDM-inspired and slightly more pop songs too. There are moments that left me a bit uninspired but listening to the album in its entirety was a real joy and took me through so many different emotions and stories without losing the powerful vocals and spunky personality that Ariana is so popular for. Her growth in maturity over the last twelve months is undoubted as she doesn't shy away from risque lyrics and controversial content yet she doesn't isolate those loyal fans who have stuck by her since Nickelodeon.

There is no doubt that My Everything will be a huge hit and my only worry is how will Ariana follow up such a solid piece of work.
Rating : 4/5

New Video: Nicki Minaj

So Nicki has been dropping song after song this year in order to create hype for her album The Pink Print. After already making headlines and topping charts with Ariana Grande, Jessie J, Beyonce and August Alsina, Nicki is doing it solo with her new single Anaconda.
Now, I didn't do a post when the song first dropped because I am really not a fan of it and was severely disappointed after the massive build-up she created with the single artwork. The song plays on Baby Got Back which was a terrible song the first time around. I love when Nicki is vulnerable or tough, not the gimmicky sound that she played around with on her last album so I was not pleased that she delved back there.
The video dropped this morning and if you are in the mood for some borderline porn or are a teenage boy then you'll love it. All it consists of is Nicki and some other curvy women shaking their butt, obviously in keeping with the song, and doing other suggestive things. The only mildly entertaining part was watching Drake get an intimate dance from Nicki...looks like he enjoyed himself.

New Video : Ella Eyre

The UK's new 'it' girl and one of Rudimental's front women, Ella Eyre, is back with some new music and a new video. Comeback is a fun pop song, to aid any break up, with attitude and solid soulful vocals that gives me an early Jessie J feel. The video is just as fun as the song with Ella and her friends destroying her ex's house after a bitter break-up, nothing too innovative but still an entertaining watch.

New Music : J. Cole

J. Cole is such an innovative rapper, which is rare in 2014 as people seem more concerned with starting and following trends. He has once again done something truly beautiful on his new track Be Free. 
After the tragic murder of Michael Brown and the subsequent riots in Ferguson, America (which if you haven't heard about go and do your research) many politicians, celebrities and public figures have spoken out in various ways about their thoughts and feelings regarding the matter.
J. Cole decided to have his say in the best way he knows how, through music. The song is heartfelt, honest and very stripped back which means that all you need to do is sit back and listen to the lyrics because there is a powerful message being shared, a message that is necessary if any sort of justice or peace is to exist.

New Music : Tinashe

Tinashe has dropped her next hit with this hot, mid-tempo track In The Meantime. It is very different from her mainstream track 2 On, with a strong bass and catchy hook and risque lyrics this track could have easily been on Beyonce's most recent album.

New Video : French Montana

There seems to be a new video dropping every day this week and they have all been pretty good. This next one is from French Montana with his new single Don't Panic. I enjoyed the video and slight 'horror movie' feel it has with the masks and the screaming girl, made all the more tense with the quick cuts between scenes.
There is also a little surprise towards the end when the masks are taken off to reveal a superstar sister.

New Video : Iggy Azalea

Admittedly, I wasn't a fan of Black Widow when I first heard the album; however, it has definitely grown on me although it isn't a song I go out of my way to listen to.
On the other hand, the video is one to watch and showcases Iggy's ability to create outstanding visuals which really push her music to success. Fancy is a great song but what solidifies its popularity is the video, and it looks like the same can be said for Black Widow.
The song almost becomes a soundtrack to the mini movie-esque video that sees Iggy and Rita Ora go all 'Kill Bill' on a sleazy and irritating boyfriend/customer. Although I didn't follow every aspect of the video, the overall premise is clear and effective and both girls look great.
This is what all music videos should be !

New Video : Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is seriously dominating the charts, which is why there seems to be a new post from her every week on here, so she needs some great videos to accommodate that success.
She just dropped the Break Free video and it has made me like the song a little more which is what a good video should do.
The plot is quite straightforward - Ariana is in out of space where she rescues her dancers then gets caught herself, eventually breaking free. Although the storyline is simple, the graphics are a little lazy and the acting quite cheesy, it makes for a cute video that really suits Ariana and this club song.

New Music : Ariana Grande

Ariana is surely delivering some hype in time for album, which drops this month, with a new track featuring rumoured beau Big Sean.
Best Mistake is a beautiful R'n'B ballad that allows Ariana to showcase her stunning vocals in an understated way and offers a different sound after her hits Problem, Break Free and Bang Bang.
The lyrics are really touching and powerful, no wonder Ariana claims this to be her favourite song on the album.

New Video : Lil Wayne

A rather intense new video from Lil Wayne for his new single Krazy where he unsurprisingly plays a patient in a mental asylum. The role seems to come naturally to Weezy as he moshes around his padded cells and  fights with other patients.
Upon opening, the video had strong potential to be a creepy mini-movie but it just didn't seem to have any storyline and ended slightly anti-climatic.

New Music : DJ Khaled featuring everyone

DJ Khaled has again worked his magic to bring together four of the biggest and best R'n'B artists of our time, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Future and Jeremih. Hold You Down is a nice R'n'B ballad with some amazing vocals from all of the singers particularly Chris who opens the song. Although the song is slightly repetitive it makes a nice change to hear these guys singing about something other than sex, partying and women in a derogatory way.

New Music : Lil' Wayne

More music from Lil' Wayne featuring Drake a.k.a. the dream team in current hip hop, with future single Grindin'. I must admit the hook is really disappointing and the beat is lacking something BUT Lil' Wayne and Drake can do no wrong as lyricists and rappers. The flow is great, as always, and the latter half of the song (when Drake comes in) is strong in terms of bass and production. The piano is actually a nice touch as well.

Introducing : Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly has done the rounds as a musician and she is only 21 and yet to even release a studio album. She made a name for herself on the shows Star Search and America's Most Talented Kids, the latter of which she won. She also auditioned for American Idol but just missed out on reaching the Top 24, a decision that Simon Cowell may now be regretting, and she has now become a very popular Youtuber with her covers of songs.
Now Tori is finally getting her shot as a recording artist and has joined forces with infamous manager of the stars, Scooter Braun (who manages Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande), to bring us an album.
She has worked with Ed Sheeran and Pharrell and is featured on Professor Green's latest single Lullaby so it's safe to say this young vocalist is a soon to be superstar.

New Video : Azealia Banks

I am not Azealia's biggest fan as the girl is constantly stirring up trouble on Twitter and making more enemies than allies in the music industry. It's unfortunate that she is so angry and bitter because she is very talented and makes great music but it is so hard to support her when you know that she is not a nice person.

Regardless, she has dropped a new track Heavy Metal and Reflective and a video to go with it in anticipation for her eventual album release.

The video had great potential with its scenic views and BMX-ing but seemed a bit anti-climatic and didn't really live up to the attitude that the song is filled with.

New Music: Beyonce Remix

A Beyonce remix for Flawless featuring Nicki. No more needs to be said really. Just listen out for the elevator reference, which you can't miss cause Bey says it twice...just to make sure you heard.

New Music : Future

You may already have heard Future perform this track, Good Morning, a couple of months ago as it received a lot of press for its very close resemblance to Beyonce's hit Drunk In Love. Not only is the beat pretty much exactly the same but even some of the lyrics are identical, but this has been explained away by Future.
Regardless, the song is still catchy and this could easily just be a rap remix which is all the trend nowadays so take a listen below.