New Music || Double Drake

A few days ago, a track from Drake's upcoming album Views From The 6 leaked and it is brilliant. The song, Can I, is minimalistic and features Beyonce and these two have already proved to be quite the duo with their previous track Mine. Although this on could do with more vocals from Bey and maybe a little beat change mid-way through, I do like the song.

But then, just to increase the hype a second track leaked which features new r'n'b vocalist Tinashe. On A Wave sounds a little unfinished with its abrupt ending but that may just be because it is a preview. Either way this is another track that has potential an sets a laid-back atmosphere for the album. 

New Video || Nicki Minaj featuring Beyonce

As I am sure you know by now, Nicki released the video for her latest track Feeling Myself exclusively on Tidal last night.
The song, which features Queen Bey, is one of my favourites from the album and a well deserved single - perfect for the summer. The video is also now one of my favs as it sees Nicki and Bey playing around, dancing, twerking and just general living #bffgoals. They both look flawless and their outfits are amazing, definitely worth a view if you haven't already.

New Music || Beyonce

Fans of the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' book have been awaiting the release of the movie for well over a year when it was announced.
But now it's the soundtrack that has everybody talking, particularly Beyonce's new rendition of her club classic Crazy In Love. The track was featured heavily in the movie trailer and now the full version has dropped and it's every bit as good as the original.
It almost sounds like a completely new song with the sultry vocals and breathy 'uhoh-ing' over an orchestra of blockbuster cinema quality.

The 2015 Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are probably my favourite music award show, after the VMA's of course, and I look forward to reviewing the night every year.
Although it is arguable that the Grammy's have lost their credibility over the years, all eyes were on this years winners following an already controversial nominees list. Admittedly, I found last night to be quite dull and a huge disappointment but here are the performances and winners that had everyone else talking last night.
If you would like to read my thoughts on last nights fashion then head over to my other blog www.ukstylemuse.blogspot.co.uk

Performances

There were a lot of big name performers last night as well as the usual surprise collaborations but there wasn't anything that stood out to me as a classic performance.

Sia took to the stage with surprise guest Kristen Wiig and her sidekick dancer Maddie Ziegler to perform Chandelier and Katy Perry gave a stunning performance of her album track By The Grace Of God.

Then Rihanna, Kanye and Paul McCartney gave a simple rendition of their new song FourFiveSeconds and Pharrell surprised everyone with a new rendition of his Grammy award winning classic Happy.

Ariana Grande sang Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart hitting all the notes and proving to be a more than talented singer and Beyonce closed the show with a beautiful performance of Precious Lord, Take My Hand.

Winners

To many a music fans relief, Iggy Azalea walked away with no awards despite being nominated for four but it was Eminem who took home Best Rap Album hopefully avoiding any controversy this year.

Kendrick Lamar finally won his Grammy for Best Rap Performance for his song i although he wasn't there to pick it up himself.

The biggest winner of the night was Sam Smith who walked away with four Grammy's including Song Of The Year and Best New Artist.

But a small controversy arose when Beyonce, who won two awards last night, was beaten by Beck for Album Of The Year. 

Now, in my opinion, Beyonce or Ed Sheeran should have won that award because their album's have produced multiple hit singles and proven themselves iconic...and I have no idea who Beck is.

Kanye seemed to agree that Beyonce was robbed as he jokingly went on stage to interrupt Beck's winning speech and spoke about the 'travesty' after the show.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Song

Runner Up : Beyonce 'Drunk In Love'

Any time Beyonce and Jay-Z collaborate they create a smash, and this follow up to Crazy In Love is no different. It was the biggest song of the first quarter of the year and the breakthrough track from Beyonce record-breaking self titled album, and the video is hot too.

Winner : Chris Brown 'Loyal'

Chris Brown has a stack of hits but this one might just be his biggest having created a tagline for every male who has had his heartbroken. This will always be a party starter and 2014 favourite no matter how overplayed it may be.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Live Performance

Runner Up : Beyonce Medley at VMA's

Winner : Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons at Grammy's

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Music Video

Runner Up : Beyonce 'XO'

Beyonce released a visual album and the whole world watched, so in a sense she won because every video on that album was a cinematic story. But XO stood out for being so different from the others. It is a simple yet effective video idea and really projects the anthemic production of the song. (Also worth mentioning that Beyonce would have won for her latest video 7/11 but it dropped a little too late).

Winner : Iggy Azalea 'Fancy'

If Iggy is accused of lacking in any are it cannot be her music videos which always seem to be creative and fun. It could be argued that much of the success of this song is down to the brilliant video which sees Iggy take on the role of Cher from Clueless with costume, set and character replicas to tell re-enact scenes from the cult classic.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Collaboration

Runner - Up: Jessie J, Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande with Bang Bang

Three powerful, talented and successful women coming together to make a song is pretty much unheard of, so Bang Bang brought a welcome change to the music industry. Ari and Jessie's vocals are on point and Nicki adds a flare of fun and attitude to the song. Although it is overplayed at this point, I remember my first time hearing it and being really impressed with the melody and promiscuous yet commercially sell-able lyrics.

Winner : Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj with Flawless Remix

It's a double whammy for Nicki as she features on both the runner up and winning track proving that maybe it is her presence on a track that brings it to life.

Undoubtedly, these are the two best females in music at the moment and when they came together for this remix it had everyone talking. The lyrics are both witty and clever and Beyonce proves she can not only sing but she has learnt a thing or two from her hubby about rapping.

The original song was amazing but this remix takes it to the next level.

Musique Muse End Of Year Awards | Best Female Artist

Runner Up : Ariana Grande

It has been another great year for the 21 year old who dominated the charts with some of the biggest singles of 2014. Problem, Break Free and her feature on Bang Bang has made her a household name as well as her outstanding voice and her relationship with Big Sean.

Winner : Beyonce

There was no doubt that Queen Beyonce won all elements of 2014. From the very start of the year she broke records and made headlines with her self-titled album that produced success after success including Drunk In Love and Flawless. Her On The Run tour with Jay-Z raked in the cash and her performances at the AMA's and the Grammy's made award season worth watching.

Songs of the Month | November 2014

So, in an attempt to make more regular posts and features, I have decided that at the end of every month I will post three or four of my favourite songs that month.
They don't necessarily have to be songs that were released that month so these posts will include old and new tracks that I have been loving that month.

Don't Tell 'Em - Jeremih feat. YG

I discovered this song a little late, and only because of Lorde's cover on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge a couple of weeks ago. I loved her rendition and I love the original version and all of the various remixes floating around - I feel totally out of the loop with this one.
It goes to show how my lack of nights out and clubbing have impacted my ability to keep up with music.

Jane Doe - Alicia Keys

This song is more of a rediscovery on my part after stumbling upon some Alica Keys classics on Youtube. I remember my mum having the Songs In A Minor album and listening to it many years ago and this was the song that stuck out to me for some reason.
The catchy hook, relatable lyrics and attitude really got me and this remains one of my favourite Alicia Keys songs even though it is only an album track.
Fun fact : This song was co-written by Kandi Burruss of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame.

Standing On The Sun Remix - Beyonce

What is a month of music without a little Beyonce. The platinum edition of her most recent album delivered quite a few gems but one of them has been overshadowed by her fabulous video for 711.

Her remix for Standing On The Sun which features Mr. Vegas and a lot of dancehall epicness is a beautiful ballad with some flare. 

I would love to see a video or performance to this track because it deserves more recognition.

New Video : Beyonce

Another great day for music as Beyonce builds up to the release of the platinum edition of her self-titled album. Two new songs from the album leaked a couple of days ago but Beyonce, always one step ahead, almost immediately dropped the seemingly home-made video on her website.
The song, 7/11, is a fun, uptempo club track that has elements of the current trend trap music, in its repetitive and simple lyrics along with the strong hip-hop beat. It may be an unusual sound for the Queen of R'n'B but she pulls it off because the song may just be one of my favourites.
The video is also a revelation. We see Beyonce dancing around her bathroom, bedroom and in corridors with her friends as she drinks alcohol and dresses up in some of her most infamous red carpet dresses.
It is always entertaining and refreshing to see King Bey having fun and not in such a huge production like most of her music videos.

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.

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 Video : Michelle Reunites Destiny's Child

Michelle Williams has always been on the quieter side when it came to life after Destiny's Child, but she has formed a successful career in gospel music. Her latest single Say Yes features her fellow DC girls Beyonce and Kelly Rowland who look and sound stunning in this video.
The song is unlike what you would expect gospel music to sound like and quite catchy so give it a listen below.

New Video : Alternate Grown Woman Vid

An alternate video for Beyonce's Grown Woman has been released and it's brilliant. It has a lot of the same clips and ideas as the original but there are more graphics and artsy concepts which make it a bit more appealing to the eye. However, I do miss the cameo Miss Tina makes it the original.

Drunk In Love Gets Remixed

Beyonce and Jay-Z are a power couple who give great music but when you throw rant-loving rapper Kanye into the mix, things get pretty interesting.
This Drunk In Love Remix gives the original a run for its money and it will be the only version I am listening to from now on!

Six Month Anniversary = Six Beyonce Videos

All hail Queen Bey ! Beyonce is undoubtedly one of the most prolific, talented and dedicated artists of our generation and just to look back at over some of her work from the last ten years goes to show how consistent she is.

More Exciting Beyonce News

In case you have been under a rock the past four days, Queen Bey dropped a massive surprise on the world on Friday the 13th with a brand new visual album that includes 14 new songs and 17 superb videos.
This album has already sold close to 1 million copies and that is with zero promotion, no lead single and the album is exclusive to iTunes so there is no telling how huge this album will be once it is available everywhere.

We still don't know much about the album, like how it was kept a secret for so long, why she chose to release it on Friday the 13th and what this means for how Beyonce release music in the future. But we do now know what two songs will be the first singles and I am glad to announce that she has chosen Drunk In Love feat. Jay-Z and XO. 
The first offers us a sexy r'n'b jam for club nights and the latter a beautiful, uplifting ballad for a night in and a glass of wine but both are equally addictive and offer us some great music videos.
(Check out my Beyonce Album Review for more on these songs)

Beyonce Album Review

The best kept secret in 2013 goes to Beyonce and her team for managing to keep tight lipped about what would have been the most anticipated album of the year. Last week, Beyonce graced us with her self-titled fifth studio album after a two year wait since her last.

This album is the first of its kind being that every song has a video to accompany it, making it a 'visual album' - in Beyonce's words. It is also the sexiest and most experimental album that Beyonce has ever created and though it may not be 100% radio friendly, it is definitely deserving of a lot of success.

Pretty Hurts

A very powerful song. The clear message of the song is that trying to conform to societies standards of beauty is really difficult and a lot of pressure for women when it is really what's on the inside that counts. It is a message we have heard countless times before by many female artists but the delivery is so strong and fresh that it feels brand new.

The video is perfectly fitting, with Beyonce playing a beauty pageant contestant who undergoes plastic surgery, a strict exercise regime, pops diet pills and suffers from bulimia all in the hopes of winning the crown. 

Haunted

Beyonce goes all experimental on this track with it living up to its title of being haunting. Some may say it seems to be a homage to Madonna and Justify My Love which becomes clearer once you watch the video. 

Beyonce roams the corridor of a grand and spooky hotel (looking fierce in her suit) and peers into the other guests rooms where she finds a lot of strange scenes. Visually this was stunning to watch and really brings the song to life.

Drunk In Love feat Jay-Z

What is a Beyonce album without a little Jay-Z feature. Although this is not one of Jay-Z's best verses, it doesn't matter when the rest of the song is outstanding. In fact, this might just be my favourite track.

The bass and production is perfect for a club mix, the hook is hella catchy and this is the first taste of the sexy lyrics we can expect to hear throughout the album.

The video is brilliant also. Nothing too extraordinary, just the King and Queen of hip-hop dancing and embracing on a luxurious beach but coupled with the song it really is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Blow

Another favourite of mine - Beyonce goes all out naughty with lyrics like 'keep me humming, keep me moaning' in this 80's disco throwback track. It's obvious that Pharrell produced this track and when the beat drops just under 3 minutes and Bey asks you to 'turn that cherry out' the song moves to another level of fierceness.

The accompanying video is equally fun with Beyonce attending a roller disco with her sister and dancing around the rink in neon lights and skimpy hot pants.

If this wasn't so x-rated lyrically it would need to be a single.

No Angel

Beyonce sounds truly angelic - no pun intended - on this song in particular. It doesn't necessarily stand out within the album but the lyrics and repetition of 'you're no angel either' is really heartfelt and a softer moment in the epic Bey album.
The video is lovely too. Beyonce takes a moment to acknowledge her home city, Houston, with shots of cars, people and places in that area as well the Queen herself looking all types of fierce.

Partition

A Sasha-fierce moment if ever I heard one...although now she seems to have been renamed Yonce.
Bey goes above and beyond on this track when delivering the provocative message of, well, sex in the back of a limo. This sees a far more risque side of Beyonce being explored yet she manages to do what many female artists have failed this year and keep it classy !
The video features Jay as he watches his girl get down and dirty like only she can and we are not made about it.

Jealous

A more forgettable song amongst an album of outstanding gems but it is still an above average song and a well above average vocal.
The video may lack in a clear story until the end where Beyonce runs into the arms of her lover, I assume, for an emotional reconciliation. But it is still watchable and very well directed - and the reference to Freakum Dress is genius.

Rocket
Another very sexual exploration of relationships and femininity from Beyonce as she playfully invites us to explore her body in the almost explicit video.
Although this doesn't win prizes for being a catchy, interesting or powerful song it will certainly become a member of the bedroom playlist for many.

Mine feat Drake
Thanks to his tribute to Bey with James Fauntleroy earlier this year, Drake got a call to be featured on this amazing album on one of the best songs.
His influence on the track is noticeable, with comparisons being drawn to Take Care but its transgression between ballad and mid-tempo and the personal lyrics shared by Beyonce make it slightly more interesting and unexpected than a Drake song could ever be.
The video is more artsy than any of the previous visuals as Bey throws around imagery, symbolism and metaphors to explore the theme of the song which seems to be the near break-down of a relationship. 

XO

This is the most radio friendly song on the album and has many elements that make it sound familiar like the
gospel style chorus and the uplifting sentiment.
It's a harmless and cheerful song which can't help but a bring a smile to your face as Beyonce celebrates the innocent joys of love.

It is also my favourite video from the collection because it feels so effortless. Yes, I love the creativity and hard-work that goes into all of her videos but watching Beyonce and her friends spend the day at the funfair and just have fun without the extravaganza of costumes or dance numbers makes a refreshing change.

***Flawless feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
The opening sequence is nothing new to us. Beyonce released it as a preview titled Bow Down which had a lot of feminists critiquing the apparent superiority message conveyed in the aggressive lyrics. However, now with the addition of the second half of the song and the beautiful  feature from Nigerian poet Chimamanda, the song takes on a whole new meaning. It not only stands as a female empowerment piece but also, seemingly, a tongue in cheek attack on beauty as Bey repeats sarcastically 'I woke up like this'.
As for the video, Beyonce keeps it simple with a black and white underground setting and a little dance number but it's the strong attitude Bey exerts which makes the

Superpower feat. Frank Ocean

Yay! Frank Ocean is back and he is alongside the Queen Bey on this brilliantly powerful track. It may described as a slow-burner and a bit of a grower because on first listen it didn't make much of an impact on me; however, the amazing vocals from both artists and the subtle production make it quite a beautiful song.
It's unfortunate that Frank doesn't appear in the video but that is all forgiven because we do get to see Kelly, Michelle and Pharrell...and Beyonce with green hair.

Heaven
A very emotional number that will no doubt be played at many funerals and for many moving TV sequences. It is possibly one of Beyonce's biggest ballads as she mourns the loss of a friend and whether this is based on a real experience or not, the pain really shows in the vocals.
The video is just as you'd expect, Beyonce remembering happier moments with her close friend as she attends her funeral. It is a sincere moment of vulnerability which offers a nice break from the sultry and sexual side of Bey being revealed on much of the album.

Blue feat. Blue Ivy
As a closing song, this is perfection especially when Blue adds her own vocals and laughter at the end. It is a lovely tribute from mother to daughter and the simplicity of both the song and video bring the album to a fitting conclusion.
It's also nice to see that Beyonce looks happiest and the most stunning when she is just relaxing on the beach with her daughter.

If Beyonce is hoping that this project will show her fans and music critics that songs are great to listen to but are made even stronger and more effective when you can visually see the message and story of the song, then she has been successful. This will act as a game changer for the music industry and it will be interesting to see how record labels and other artists react now that it has been proven albums can be prevented from leaking early if you do it right.

*****

Christmas Comes Early Thanks To Queen Bey!

Beyonce has really and truly snatched the crown from every other artist, male and female, in 2013 with only 18 days until the new year.
While were all sleeping Bey decided to release a secret album which includes 14 songs and 17 visuals to accompany it. With no promotion, no lead single and no word from anyone all year that we could expect new music, Beyonce still managed to cause iTunes to crash within minutes of her announcing the album on Instagram.

The songs that I have heard so far all sound amazing and offer a mature and at times experimental Beyonce. There are collaborations with Drake, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z and apparently Miss Blue Ivy.
The videos all look stunning, extremely artistic and relevant to each song and Beyonce looks flawless in every shot. There are new dance numbers, gorgeous outfits, moving story lines and guest appearances from Blue Ivy, Tina Knowles, Chanel Iman and Kelly & Michelle.
Make sure you buy your copy off iTunes and a review will be dropping before the end of the month !