When I think of Lakeland, Florida, I think of my Grandma’s sisters who live in a retirement community down there. Well add to that, Christian contemporary singer/songwriter Jonny Diaz. The 26-year old newcomer is making a big splash on the CCM scene with his song, “Beauty Of The Cross”. The song has a great guitar driven feel and a message of the redemption given to us by Jesus. The song would also work as a worship tune which is also a plus for a worship leader like myself. Also throw in the little known fact that Jonny’s brother Matt Diaz is an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. The family is doing pretty good!
The committee that picks songs for the weekly free single on iTunes does a great job. Their latest pick is by the Huntington Beach, California pop/rock quintet Runner Runner. The single “Hey Alli” has a fun power chord driven chorus with mellow verses that talk about the very simple message of this great girl named Alli. I’m also a sucker for slight modulations which you hear in the bridge. The band made their debut last summer on the Jimmy Kimmel show. Their first single, “So Obvious”, had some minor success late last year.
It’s not often that a band from New Zealand appears on the American charts. But let me introduce The Naked And Famous. It’s not necessarily a band that I am going to pronounced loudly that I like (for similar reasons to saying, I like “Barenaked Ladies”), but their first U.S. single “Young Blood” is a catchy tune that combines elements of alternative, electronica and pop. The group has already been nominated for BBC awards in England and is doing very well in Europe.
Chart Update:
It was over 55 years ago that Bill Haley and the Comets hit #1 on the Billboard chart with “Rock Around The Clock”. It became the first #1 song of the rock era. This week, an artist that is equally controversial as Bill Haley could be in his day scores the 1,000th #1 song of the rock era. Lady GaGa’s new single, “Born This Way”, debuts on the Hot 100 at #1. It becomes Lady GaGa’s fourth #1 career hit following “Just Dance”, “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance”.
Three songs rocket into the bottom half of the Top 10 this week. Cee Loo Green who appeared to have peaked several weeks ago is back up from 16-7 this week with his first Top 40 hit, “Forget You”. Making the biggest move of the week within the Top 40 is Rihanna who soars up from 31-8 with “S&M”. The move comes on the superstar’s 23rd birthday. She now has 14 Top 10 hits to her credit since her debut in 2005. And up from 19-9 is another song that appeared to have peaked awhile back. The Black Eyed Peas make the leap with “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.
Falling just short of the Top 10 despite a big move is Avril Lavigne’s “What The Hell” which is up from 23-11.
There are five debuts in the Top 40 this week. British hip hop star Jay Sean leads the way at #18 with “Hit The LIghts” featuring Lil Wayne. 25-year old California pop singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat scores her fourth Top 40 hit this week at #23 with “I Do”. Bieber Fever is back as Justin Bieber debuts at #25 with his sixth Top 40 hit, “Never Say Never” featuring Jaden Smith. And then two Glee Cast songs round out the new hits. They are at #34 with their cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” (the original is #2 this week) and at #38 with “Thriller/Heads Will Roll”.
Showing posts with label new music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new music. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
New Picks of the Week January 16, 2011
No new picks again this week. It's been a slow start to 2011. Here is a chart update though.
A week after slipping from #1, 25-year old native Hawaiian Bruno Mars returns to #1 on the pop chart with “Grenade”. He and Katy Perry’s “Firework” (now at #2) have been knocking each other out of the #1 post three weeks in a row now. It is Bruno’s second #1 hit. He went to the top last year with “Just The Way You Are” which holds at #9 this week.
Not much movement in the Top 10 with no songs moving up and down more than one spot. Rihanna re-enters the Top 10 this week with her former #1 smash “Only Girl (In The World)” at #10. That means there are seven songs in the Top 10 that have hit #1. In addition to the songs already mentioned, the others are Rihanna’s “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake at #3, Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” at #4 and P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” at #5.
There is a little more movement in the 11-20 area of the chart. Lil Wayne ties for the second biggest move in the entire Top 40 this week by leaping from 17-12 with “6 Foot 7 Foot” featuring Cory Gunz. The dance mega hit “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina makes a nice move from 21-17 this week.
The biggest move this week is clearly Far*East Movement’s “Rocketeer” which shoots up from 34-23 in its third week on the survey.
Debuting on the Top 40 this week is 24-year old Philadelphia singer-songwriter Christina Perri with “Jar Of Hearts” at #30. It’s her first hit song. Taio Cruz scores another Top 40 hit this week with “Higher” featuring Travie McCoy at #36. And Flo Rida is back at #39 with “Who Dat Girl” featuring Akon.
For more, visit www.songerstudio.com
A week after slipping from #1, 25-year old native Hawaiian Bruno Mars returns to #1 on the pop chart with “Grenade”. He and Katy Perry’s “Firework” (now at #2) have been knocking each other out of the #1 post three weeks in a row now. It is Bruno’s second #1 hit. He went to the top last year with “Just The Way You Are” which holds at #9 this week.
Not much movement in the Top 10 with no songs moving up and down more than one spot. Rihanna re-enters the Top 10 this week with her former #1 smash “Only Girl (In The World)” at #10. That means there are seven songs in the Top 10 that have hit #1. In addition to the songs already mentioned, the others are Rihanna’s “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake at #3, Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” at #4 and P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” at #5.
There is a little more movement in the 11-20 area of the chart. Lil Wayne ties for the second biggest move in the entire Top 40 this week by leaping from 17-12 with “6 Foot 7 Foot” featuring Cory Gunz. The dance mega hit “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina makes a nice move from 21-17 this week.
The biggest move this week is clearly Far*East Movement’s “Rocketeer” which shoots up from 34-23 in its third week on the survey.
Debuting on the Top 40 this week is 24-year old Philadelphia singer-songwriter Christina Perri with “Jar Of Hearts” at #30. It’s her first hit song. Taio Cruz scores another Top 40 hit this week with “Higher” featuring Travie McCoy at #36. And Flo Rida is back at #39 with “Who Dat Girl” featuring Akon.
For more, visit www.songerstudio.com
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New Picks of the Week January 9, 2011
It’s hard to believe that the Toronto Christian rock band Manic Drive has been around for 15 years now. They just came across my radar a couple years ago. Last year, they had one of my picks of the week with “Walls”. Their latest to make the cut is “Music”. It has a fun ascending scalar hook line along with strings and horns. The message is basically how worship is not about the music, it’s about our Lord God. As musicians, we struggle with this probably more than anybody listening to the music. And even though we love making the music, it’s more about making the music for God than anything else. Way to go Manic Drive!
Chart Highlights:
It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve done my usually-weekly chart highlights column. But Katy Perry is still holding down the #1 spot with “Firework”. Actually she gave up the spot for a week last week when Bruno Mars soared to the top with “Grenade”. But this week, the two flip flop back. Three other former #1 songs wrap up the Top 5 this week. Holding at #3 is “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha. Rihanna is still at #4 with “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake. And P!nk makes it two straight weeks at #5 with “Raise Your Glass”.
So who is going to have the next make #1 hit. Look out for Enrique Iglesias who inches up from 7-6 a week after a big 6-notch move with “Tonight (I’m Lovin‘ You)” featuring Ludacris & DJ Frank E. The Black Eyed Peas might still make a run as well as they move from 9-7 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.
The chart is usually slow moving the first couple weeks of the year. And it’s no different here in 2011. The biggest jump in the Top 20 is actually from one of the biggest hits of 2010, “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz which moves from 16-13. Katy Perry also makes a 3-notch move from 21-18 with “Teenage Dream”.
Two other older songs also tie for the biggest move in the Top 40. Flo Rida is up from 36-30 with “Club Can’t Handle Me” featuring David Guetta. Enrique Iglesias is up from 38-32 with “I Like It” featuring Pitbull.
There are no debuts this week, just one re-entry. Taylor Swift is back in at #31 with “Mine”.
Chart Highlights:
It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve done my usually-weekly chart highlights column. But Katy Perry is still holding down the #1 spot with “Firework”. Actually she gave up the spot for a week last week when Bruno Mars soared to the top with “Grenade”. But this week, the two flip flop back. Three other former #1 songs wrap up the Top 5 this week. Holding at #3 is “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha. Rihanna is still at #4 with “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake. And P!nk makes it two straight weeks at #5 with “Raise Your Glass”.
So who is going to have the next make #1 hit. Look out for Enrique Iglesias who inches up from 7-6 a week after a big 6-notch move with “Tonight (I’m Lovin‘ You)” featuring Ludacris & DJ Frank E. The Black Eyed Peas might still make a run as well as they move from 9-7 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.
The chart is usually slow moving the first couple weeks of the year. And it’s no different here in 2011. The biggest jump in the Top 20 is actually from one of the biggest hits of 2010, “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz which moves from 16-13. Katy Perry also makes a 3-notch move from 21-18 with “Teenage Dream”.
Two other older songs also tie for the biggest move in the Top 40. Flo Rida is up from 36-30 with “Club Can’t Handle Me” featuring David Guetta. Enrique Iglesias is up from 38-32 with “I Like It” featuring Pitbull.
There are no debuts this week, just one re-entry. Taylor Swift is back in at #31 with “Mine”.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Picks of the Week December 19, 2010
Sorry everyone. Just a chart update again this week.
Katy Perry is at #1 again this week as she holds at the top with “Firework”. What a year it has been for the California pop star. She dominated the top of the chart this summer with “California Gurls”. Shortly after her 8-week run on top, she returned to #1 with “Teenage Dream”. And now here she is again with her third #1 hit of 2010.
This week’s Top 7 includes six songs that have hit #1. Along with “Firework” are Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” (#2), P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” (#4), Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” (#5), Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World)” (#6) and Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are” (#7). The only song in the Top 7 that has not hit #1 is “Grenade” by Bruno Mars which leaps from 5-3 so it may be just a matter of time until it reaches the chart pinnacle.
The highest debut on the Top 40 this week is “That’s All She Wrote” by T.I. featuring Eminem. It is the 15th chart single for the 30-year old rapper from Atlanta. Two have hit #1, both in 2008: “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life”. Fellow rapper, Diddy also bows this week at #24 with “Coming Home” featuring Dirty Money and Skylar Grey. It is Diddy’s 13th Top 40 single. He also has been featured on twelve others. Country star Jason Aldean has this week’s other debut with “My Kinda Party” at #39.
Last week Chris Brown had the biggest mover in the Top 40 when he jumped from 39-33 with “Yeah 3X”. This week he defends that honor but with a much more impressive move. He is up from 33-22.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
Katy Perry is at #1 again this week as she holds at the top with “Firework”. What a year it has been for the California pop star. She dominated the top of the chart this summer with “California Gurls”. Shortly after her 8-week run on top, she returned to #1 with “Teenage Dream”. And now here she is again with her third #1 hit of 2010.
This week’s Top 7 includes six songs that have hit #1. Along with “Firework” are Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” (#2), P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” (#4), Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” (#5), Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World)” (#6) and Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are” (#7). The only song in the Top 7 that has not hit #1 is “Grenade” by Bruno Mars which leaps from 5-3 so it may be just a matter of time until it reaches the chart pinnacle.
The highest debut on the Top 40 this week is “That’s All She Wrote” by T.I. featuring Eminem. It is the 15th chart single for the 30-year old rapper from Atlanta. Two have hit #1, both in 2008: “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life”. Fellow rapper, Diddy also bows this week at #24 with “Coming Home” featuring Dirty Money and Skylar Grey. It is Diddy’s 13th Top 40 single. He also has been featured on twelve others. Country star Jason Aldean has this week’s other debut with “My Kinda Party” at #39.
Last week Chris Brown had the biggest mover in the Top 40 when he jumped from 39-33 with “Yeah 3X”. This week he defends that honor but with a much more impressive move. He is up from 33-22.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, December 12, 2010
New Picks of the Week December 12, 2010
Only a chart update this week everyone:
Katy Perry is at #1 again this week as she moves from 2-1 with “Firework”. What a year it has been for the California pop star. She dominated the top of the chart this summer with “California Gurls”. Shortly after her 8-week run on top, she returned to #1 with “Teenage Dream”. And now here she is again with her third #1 hit of 2010.
The Black Eyed Peas are eyeing up another trip to #1. If you remember, they were the group dominating the top of the charts the second half of 2009 with “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling”. This week they leap from 9-4 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)”. Right behind is Bruno Mars with his third Top 10 hit, “Grenade” which moves from 10-5.
It’s yet another big Glee week in the Top 40. The cast has three new songs in the Top 40 this week. They are in at #22 with their cover of “Dog Days Are Over”. And enjoying new success due to that cover, the original singer Florence + The Machine (who is solo artist Florence Welch ) re-enters the Top 40 this week at her highest position #21. Glee also covers the only Top 10 rock hit from 2010, “Hey, Soul Sister”. That remake comes in at #29. And in at #38 is “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”. That is a remake of the 1987 #1 smash by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes from the movie “Dirty Dancing”. The song also is sampled in the aforementioned hit by Black Eyed Peas, “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.
Of course it is also Christmas time which means new holiday music is all over the radio. The first song this month to crack the pop Top 40 is Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” which debuts at #25 this week.
One other debut this week. Kenny Chesney is in at #40 with “Somewhere With You”. The biggest jump on the survey this week is “Yeah 3X” by Chris Brown which is up from 39-33.
Visit my website for more. www.songerstudio.com
Katy Perry is at #1 again this week as she moves from 2-1 with “Firework”. What a year it has been for the California pop star. She dominated the top of the chart this summer with “California Gurls”. Shortly after her 8-week run on top, she returned to #1 with “Teenage Dream”. And now here she is again with her third #1 hit of 2010.
The Black Eyed Peas are eyeing up another trip to #1. If you remember, they were the group dominating the top of the charts the second half of 2009 with “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling”. This week they leap from 9-4 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)”. Right behind is Bruno Mars with his third Top 10 hit, “Grenade” which moves from 10-5.
It’s yet another big Glee week in the Top 40. The cast has three new songs in the Top 40 this week. They are in at #22 with their cover of “Dog Days Are Over”. And enjoying new success due to that cover, the original singer Florence + The Machine (who is solo artist Florence Welch ) re-enters the Top 40 this week at her highest position #21. Glee also covers the only Top 10 rock hit from 2010, “Hey, Soul Sister”. That remake comes in at #29. And in at #38 is “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”. That is a remake of the 1987 #1 smash by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes from the movie “Dirty Dancing”. The song also is sampled in the aforementioned hit by Black Eyed Peas, “The Time (Dirty Bit)”.
Of course it is also Christmas time which means new holiday music is all over the radio. The first song this month to crack the pop Top 40 is Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights” which debuts at #25 this week.
One other debut this week. Kenny Chesney is in at #40 with “Somewhere With You”. The biggest jump on the survey this week is “Yeah 3X” by Chris Brown which is up from 39-33.
Visit my website for more. www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, December 5, 2010
New Picks of the Week December 5, 2010
Ever since “Welcome To The Black Parade”, I keep my eye on Jersey City rock quintet My Chemical Romance. As a fan of horns and marching bands, you couldn’t beat a crossover pop hit like that. This year they have produced two more songs that have caught my attention: “The Only Hope For Me Is You” and now a non released single from their brand new album “Danger Days”. The song reminds me of the crossover hits of The Cure from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Keyboard pads and a nice guitar solo along with simple lyrics and a catchy chord progression. There are more songs on the new album that have also caught my attention. Check it out.
I don’t know what I like best about Owl City. Let’s see. There are the extremely clever lyrics, the electronic feel, the original sound, his unique voice, the fact that he’s an outspoken Christian, the fact that there isn’t anything superstar-ish or fake about him, or maybe it’s just that he’s from Minnesota. I love this new song by Owl City called “Peppermint Winter”. It’s a nice secular Christmas song about how joyous the holiday is. And it’s done in typical Owl City fashion. It’s a nice festive addition to the classic Holiday repertoire.
I was laughing the other day when I saw a high school picture of 23-year old pop star Ke$ha. She looked like your average high school kid. Now she goes around putting glitter in her hair, putting makeup all over her face and dressing in outrageous costumes. Another words, she is being a pop star. I have really liked a lot of the songs that have been written, produced and mixed for her. Notice, I said I didn’t say I liked her voice. I love “C U Next Tuesday” which is off of her latest album. It’s a fun upbeat pop song.
Chart Update
P!nk jumps to #1 this week with her third career chart topper, “Raise Your Glass”. The 30-year old Pennsylvania native first reached the top in 2001 with “Lady Marmalade” which was a collaboration with Christina Aguilera, LIl’ Kim and Mya. Her second appearance at the pinnacle of pop success was two years ago with “So What”.
Katy Perry also has hit #1 three times. She is looking to make it four as she jumps from 6-2 with “Firework”. And watch out for Bruno Mars who has already reached #1 with “Just The Way You Are”. This week he leaps back up from 7-4.
Bruno also has one of two songs that enter the Top 10 this week. His third career Top 10 hit is “Grenade” which leaps from 17-10. Topping it by one spot is “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by Black Eyed Peas which moves from 13-9. The song which samples the 1987 #1 hit “The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is the Peas’ seventh Top 10 hit.
This week’s highest Top 40 debut comes from 35-year old Spaniard Enrique Iglesias who scores his eighth chart single this week with “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” featuring Ludacris & DJ Frank E at #18. He nearly has back to back hits this week with “I LIke It” up from 21-20 this week.
The biggest mover in the Top 40 this week is “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina which jumps from 35-26 this week. The song is well on its way to becoming the top dance song of 2010.
Also debuting this week are yet two more Glee hits, “Marry You” at #32 and their cover of Bruno Mars‘ “Just The Way You Are” at #40. And Dr. Dre is back at #34 with “Kush” featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon.
I don’t know what I like best about Owl City. Let’s see. There are the extremely clever lyrics, the electronic feel, the original sound, his unique voice, the fact that he’s an outspoken Christian, the fact that there isn’t anything superstar-ish or fake about him, or maybe it’s just that he’s from Minnesota. I love this new song by Owl City called “Peppermint Winter”. It’s a nice secular Christmas song about how joyous the holiday is. And it’s done in typical Owl City fashion. It’s a nice festive addition to the classic Holiday repertoire.
I was laughing the other day when I saw a high school picture of 23-year old pop star Ke$ha. She looked like your average high school kid. Now she goes around putting glitter in her hair, putting makeup all over her face and dressing in outrageous costumes. Another words, she is being a pop star. I have really liked a lot of the songs that have been written, produced and mixed for her. Notice, I said I didn’t say I liked her voice. I love “C U Next Tuesday” which is off of her latest album. It’s a fun upbeat pop song.
Chart Update
P!nk jumps to #1 this week with her third career chart topper, “Raise Your Glass”. The 30-year old Pennsylvania native first reached the top in 2001 with “Lady Marmalade” which was a collaboration with Christina Aguilera, LIl’ Kim and Mya. Her second appearance at the pinnacle of pop success was two years ago with “So What”.
Katy Perry also has hit #1 three times. She is looking to make it four as she jumps from 6-2 with “Firework”. And watch out for Bruno Mars who has already reached #1 with “Just The Way You Are”. This week he leaps back up from 7-4.
Bruno also has one of two songs that enter the Top 10 this week. His third career Top 10 hit is “Grenade” which leaps from 17-10. Topping it by one spot is “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by Black Eyed Peas which moves from 13-9. The song which samples the 1987 #1 hit “The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is the Peas’ seventh Top 10 hit.
This week’s highest Top 40 debut comes from 35-year old Spaniard Enrique Iglesias who scores his eighth chart single this week with “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” featuring Ludacris & DJ Frank E at #18. He nearly has back to back hits this week with “I LIke It” up from 21-20 this week.
The biggest mover in the Top 40 this week is “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina which jumps from 35-26 this week. The song is well on its way to becoming the top dance song of 2010.
Also debuting this week are yet two more Glee hits, “Marry You” at #32 and their cover of Bruno Mars‘ “Just The Way You Are” at #40. And Dr. Dre is back at #34 with “Kush” featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
New Picks of the Week November 28, 2010
I am on the record saying that I am not a fan of “Glee”, the show. Although I think the premise is cool. I’m a music teacher so why would I not like a show about a school music program? Unfortunately, I think the writing is bad and quite shallow. But I always like to follow this with two other statements. I don’t like 95 percent of the shows on TV today. And quite honestly, Glee is better than many other shows I’ve sampled. Secondly, and more importantly, I love the music. They bring back great songs and do them very well. This mash up of “Singing In The Rain” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella” is awesome. What a creative mix. Great job Glee!
Speaking of Rihanna, she has another big hit. “Only Girl (In The World)” has already hit #1 on the Billboard chart. And it’s grown on me during its short time on the scene. I love the keyboard pads on the chorus coupled with Rihanna’s tuned up voice. The rest of the song is your typical high powered techno drum beat and trance like vocals. The bridge is a nice variation from the rest of the song as the Barbados superstar drops down into her lower octave. So I guess I’m trying to say that this song isn’t anything too special, but it’s a toe tapper.
Way to go Midwestern rock and roll. Stone Sour is from nearby Des Moines, Iowa and formed way back in 1992. After lead singer Corey Taylor left to join Slipknot in 1997, the group disbanded until reforming in 2002. It’s been since then that the band has enjoyed most of their success. Most of their music is on the edgier side, but “Hesitate” is a great rock ballad. I like the harmonies (Def Leppard reminiscent) and the nice guitar solo. A very well crafted pop rock song. Way to go guys.
Chart Update:
Rihanna continues to dominate the female R&B scene as she climbs to #1 for the fifth time in her career with “Only Girl (In The World)”. Her chart toppers date back to “SOS” in 2006 and also include “Umbrella”, “Take A Bow” and “Disturbia”. She also reached #1 in 2008 featured on T.I.’s “Live Your Life”.
Although Rihanna is the top female vocalist of the past four years, she better watch out for some other women closing in on the top. P!nk is up from 4-2 this week with “Raise Your Glass”. Ke$ha moves from 6-4 with “We R Who We R”. And Katy Perry (who doesn’t feel the need to put and shift-number characters in her name), moves from 9-6 with “Firework”. All three of these songs were performed on the recent American Music Awards.
Two big Top 40 debuts this week. And once again they are both by the Glee Cast. They come in at #11 with “Forget You” featuring Gwyneth Paltrow. At #18 they bow with the aforementioned “Singing In The Rain/Umbrella”. Glee is approaching 100 Top 100 hits which is third in the rock era behind James Brown and Elvis Presley. Of course, they are no where close to either in the number of weeks spent on the Hot 100. Of the 90-plus Glee hits, only 14 have spent more than one week on the Hot 100.
The big movers within the Top 40 this week include a big move into the Top 10 by 36-year old Atlanta R&B star Cee Lo Green. He is up from 22-9 with “Forget You”. His move is outdone by another R&B star, Bruno Mars who moves from 30-17 with “Grenade”.
Speaking of Rihanna, she has another big hit. “Only Girl (In The World)” has already hit #1 on the Billboard chart. And it’s grown on me during its short time on the scene. I love the keyboard pads on the chorus coupled with Rihanna’s tuned up voice. The rest of the song is your typical high powered techno drum beat and trance like vocals. The bridge is a nice variation from the rest of the song as the Barbados superstar drops down into her lower octave. So I guess I’m trying to say that this song isn’t anything too special, but it’s a toe tapper.
Way to go Midwestern rock and roll. Stone Sour is from nearby Des Moines, Iowa and formed way back in 1992. After lead singer Corey Taylor left to join Slipknot in 1997, the group disbanded until reforming in 2002. It’s been since then that the band has enjoyed most of their success. Most of their music is on the edgier side, but “Hesitate” is a great rock ballad. I like the harmonies (Def Leppard reminiscent) and the nice guitar solo. A very well crafted pop rock song. Way to go guys.
Chart Update:
Rihanna continues to dominate the female R&B scene as she climbs to #1 for the fifth time in her career with “Only Girl (In The World)”. Her chart toppers date back to “SOS” in 2006 and also include “Umbrella”, “Take A Bow” and “Disturbia”. She also reached #1 in 2008 featured on T.I.’s “Live Your Life”.
Although Rihanna is the top female vocalist of the past four years, she better watch out for some other women closing in on the top. P!nk is up from 4-2 this week with “Raise Your Glass”. Ke$ha moves from 6-4 with “We R Who We R”. And Katy Perry (who doesn’t feel the need to put and shift-number characters in her name), moves from 9-6 with “Firework”. All three of these songs were performed on the recent American Music Awards.
Two big Top 40 debuts this week. And once again they are both by the Glee Cast. They come in at #11 with “Forget You” featuring Gwyneth Paltrow. At #18 they bow with the aforementioned “Singing In The Rain/Umbrella”. Glee is approaching 100 Top 100 hits which is third in the rock era behind James Brown and Elvis Presley. Of course, they are no where close to either in the number of weeks spent on the Hot 100. Of the 90-plus Glee hits, only 14 have spent more than one week on the Hot 100.
The big movers within the Top 40 this week include a big move into the Top 10 by 36-year old Atlanta R&B star Cee Lo Green. He is up from 22-9 with “Forget You”. His move is outdone by another R&B star, Bruno Mars who moves from 30-17 with “Grenade”.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
New Picks of the Week November 21, 2010
It’s always nice to hear stories about artists that rise to the top unexpectedly. 24-year old Edward Maya is from Romania where he is finishing up at Bucharest Conservatory as a music student. As a performer, composer and producer, he has recorded many original songs. One of these, “Stereo Love” featuring vocalist Vika Jigulina caught on in his native Romania before becoming a mega hit at clubs around the world. Now, the song has crossed over to pop radio and this week hits the national Top 40 in the U.S. The song features a hook on Edward’s main instrument, accordion.
From a completely other side of the world as Edward and Vika is Charmaine out of Sydney, Australia. Charmaine is looking for a way to bring Christian hit music to us in a different way than the typical pop/rock format. She leans toward electronica which means she is leaning my way. The techno beats along with her perfect voice for this format makes “Run” an easy fit at nightclubs. But the message is definitely Christian which is awesome. The song is also part of the new Rock Band 3. Check it out!
Another Christian rock band that is closer to home that you should check out is Echoing Angels. Out of Atlanta, Georgia, this band has been around since 1999. They didn’t hit it big on the national scene though until 2007 with the release of their album “You Alone” which appeared on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their latest effort called “Say What You Believe” caught my attention with the great horn line and then the great outspoken message that all Christians should adhere to.
Chart Update:
Returning to #1 this week after a two-week hiatus is “Like A G6” by Far*East Movement featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song just spent two weeks at #2 while Ke$ha took a turn at #1 with “We R Who We R” followed by Rihana with “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake.
Rihanna isn’t done threatening the top spot. She moves from 4-2 this week with “Only Girl In The World”. And yet another diva is closing in on #1. P!nk is up from 7-4 this week with “Raise Your Glass”.
It’s another big Glee Cast week this week. The group which is now overtaken the Beatles for most Hot 100 hits in the rock era adds three more to the Top 40 this week. The list is headed up with “Teenage Dream” at #8. It’s of course a cover of the Katy Perry #1 smash from this summer which still resides at #13 on the pop chart this week. The Cast then has two medleys bow lower on the chart. They are at #31 with “Start Me Up/Livin’ On A Prayer” and at #38 with “Stop In The Name Of Love/Free Your Mind”.
Also making a big debut this week is Black Eyed Peas. They roll in at #12 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)” which samples the “Dirty Dancing” 1980’s classic “The Time Of My Life”. It is the Peas‘ 12th career Top 40 single. Two songs tie for the biggest move up the Top 40 this week. Country superstars Sugarland are up from 25-17 with “Stuck Like Glue”. And Cee Lo Green is up from 30-22 with “Forget You”.
Also debuting in the Top 40 this week are the aforementioned Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina with the Top 10 Dance smash “Stereo Love”.
From a completely other side of the world as Edward and Vika is Charmaine out of Sydney, Australia. Charmaine is looking for a way to bring Christian hit music to us in a different way than the typical pop/rock format. She leans toward electronica which means she is leaning my way. The techno beats along with her perfect voice for this format makes “Run” an easy fit at nightclubs. But the message is definitely Christian which is awesome. The song is also part of the new Rock Band 3. Check it out!
Another Christian rock band that is closer to home that you should check out is Echoing Angels. Out of Atlanta, Georgia, this band has been around since 1999. They didn’t hit it big on the national scene though until 2007 with the release of their album “You Alone” which appeared on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their latest effort called “Say What You Believe” caught my attention with the great horn line and then the great outspoken message that all Christians should adhere to.
Chart Update:
Returning to #1 this week after a two-week hiatus is “Like A G6” by Far*East Movement featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song just spent two weeks at #2 while Ke$ha took a turn at #1 with “We R Who We R” followed by Rihana with “What’s My Name?” featuring Drake.
Rihanna isn’t done threatening the top spot. She moves from 4-2 this week with “Only Girl In The World”. And yet another diva is closing in on #1. P!nk is up from 7-4 this week with “Raise Your Glass”.
It’s another big Glee Cast week this week. The group which is now overtaken the Beatles for most Hot 100 hits in the rock era adds three more to the Top 40 this week. The list is headed up with “Teenage Dream” at #8. It’s of course a cover of the Katy Perry #1 smash from this summer which still resides at #13 on the pop chart this week. The Cast then has two medleys bow lower on the chart. They are at #31 with “Start Me Up/Livin’ On A Prayer” and at #38 with “Stop In The Name Of Love/Free Your Mind”.
Also making a big debut this week is Black Eyed Peas. They roll in at #12 with “The Time (Dirty Bit)” which samples the “Dirty Dancing” 1980’s classic “The Time Of My Life”. It is the Peas‘ 12th career Top 40 single. Two songs tie for the biggest move up the Top 40 this week. Country superstars Sugarland are up from 25-17 with “Stuck Like Glue”. And Cee Lo Green is up from 30-22 with “Forget You”.
Also debuting in the Top 40 this week are the aforementioned Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina with the Top 10 Dance smash “Stereo Love”.
Friday, November 5, 2010
New Picks of the Week November 7, 2010
I am a huge fan of Michael Buble. The fact that I play in a big band that covers half of his stuff is probably a good sign of that. But the Michael Buble music I love is not always the stuff that other people know. Buble has some incredible big band tunes. The arrangements are killer. His voice and style is right up there with Sinatra in my mind. I try to convince people that there is more to Buble than all of his cheesy pop tunes. But okay, now I like one of his cheesy pop tunes. “End Of May” is awesome. The perfect Buble voice combined with a great piano driven ballad plus strings. Beautiful! Just beautiful!
Last week I was writing about one of my favorite Christian rock bands, Hawk Nelson. Those guys go back a ways. A little bit newer on the scene is the Atlanta rock quartet The Museum. I love there straight ahead rock feel with the U2 type guitar hooks. Their debut album “Reverse This Dying Trend” dropped in 2008. Their new album “Let Love Win” is already winning over new fans. “My Help Comes From The Lord” hit the Top 20 on the Christian pop chart. And now they are making waves with “Never Look Away” which has a very catchy melody with a good message and with a very nice guitar solo.
I’ll close my new picks of the week with the Chicago-based Christian rock outfit Superchick. I thought maybe my phase of loving this band ran out when they first hit the Christian music scene back in 2001. But here they are still here. Ironically, their latest hit is called “Still Here”. Very much in the style of contemporary glam rock, this tune has the subdued verses followed by the screamin‘ choruses and raging guitar solo. The message maybe isn’t very novel or deep, but it is a great rocker nonetheless.
Chart Update:
Hello Ke$ha, and welcome to #1. Wow, out of nowhere we have our first song to debut at #1 in 2010. And it’s by none other than 23-year old California girl Ke$ha. Yes, the same Ke$ha that started off the year with a solid two months at #1 with “TiK ToK”. She is in at #1 with her latest smash “We R Who We R”.
And then check out what Ke$ha has done to the remainder of the Top 9. Every song slips a notch from last week including last week’s #1 song “Like A G6” by Far*East Movement. Of last week’s Top 10, only P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” manages to hold it’s spot from a week ago at #10.
Debuting just a notch out of the Top 10 is Will Smith’s 9-year old daughter Willow. She is one of the youngest artists to ever have a hit song. She rolls in at #11 with “Whip My Hair”.
Another amazing feat happens this week as well. Taylor Swift has entered the Hot 100 the past four weeks in the Top 20 with “Speak Low” at #8 three weeks ago, “Back To December” at #6 two weeks ago, “Mean” at #11 last week and now “Sparks Fly” at #17 this week. They are all from her latest album, “Speak Now” which debuts at #1 on the album chart and sells a million copies in its first week. That is almost unheard of these days. Taylor also debuts at #27 with “innocent” and just misses entering the Top 40 at #41 with “The Story Of Us”. She also is at #21 with “Mine”.
You want even more debuts? They are all over the place this week. Kanye West busts in at #18 with “Monster” featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, (Eau Claire native) Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj. Katy Perry is looking for a third consecutive #1 single with “Firework” which jumps in at #29 this week. And Chris Brown scores his second Top 40 this this year (“Decues” was the first). He bows at #33 with “Yeah 3X”.
I’m not trying to forget about the songs that were already on the survey last week, but there are no big moves of note. The biggest jump within the Top 40 this week is a mere two spots! Neon Trees move from 15-13 with “Animal”.
Come visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
Last week I was writing about one of my favorite Christian rock bands, Hawk Nelson. Those guys go back a ways. A little bit newer on the scene is the Atlanta rock quartet The Museum. I love there straight ahead rock feel with the U2 type guitar hooks. Their debut album “Reverse This Dying Trend” dropped in 2008. Their new album “Let Love Win” is already winning over new fans. “My Help Comes From The Lord” hit the Top 20 on the Christian pop chart. And now they are making waves with “Never Look Away” which has a very catchy melody with a good message and with a very nice guitar solo.
I’ll close my new picks of the week with the Chicago-based Christian rock outfit Superchick. I thought maybe my phase of loving this band ran out when they first hit the Christian music scene back in 2001. But here they are still here. Ironically, their latest hit is called “Still Here”. Very much in the style of contemporary glam rock, this tune has the subdued verses followed by the screamin‘ choruses and raging guitar solo. The message maybe isn’t very novel or deep, but it is a great rocker nonetheless.
Chart Update:
Hello Ke$ha, and welcome to #1. Wow, out of nowhere we have our first song to debut at #1 in 2010. And it’s by none other than 23-year old California girl Ke$ha. Yes, the same Ke$ha that started off the year with a solid two months at #1 with “TiK ToK”. She is in at #1 with her latest smash “We R Who We R”.
And then check out what Ke$ha has done to the remainder of the Top 9. Every song slips a notch from last week including last week’s #1 song “Like A G6” by Far*East Movement. Of last week’s Top 10, only P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” manages to hold it’s spot from a week ago at #10.
Debuting just a notch out of the Top 10 is Will Smith’s 9-year old daughter Willow. She is one of the youngest artists to ever have a hit song. She rolls in at #11 with “Whip My Hair”.
Another amazing feat happens this week as well. Taylor Swift has entered the Hot 100 the past four weeks in the Top 20 with “Speak Low” at #8 three weeks ago, “Back To December” at #6 two weeks ago, “Mean” at #11 last week and now “Sparks Fly” at #17 this week. They are all from her latest album, “Speak Now” which debuts at #1 on the album chart and sells a million copies in its first week. That is almost unheard of these days. Taylor also debuts at #27 with “innocent” and just misses entering the Top 40 at #41 with “The Story Of Us”. She also is at #21 with “Mine”.
You want even more debuts? They are all over the place this week. Kanye West busts in at #18 with “Monster” featuring Jay-Z, Rick Ross, (Eau Claire native) Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj. Katy Perry is looking for a third consecutive #1 single with “Firework” which jumps in at #29 this week. And Chris Brown scores his second Top 40 this this year (“Decues” was the first). He bows at #33 with “Yeah 3X”.
I’m not trying to forget about the songs that were already on the survey last week, but there are no big moves of note. The biggest jump within the Top 40 this week is a mere two spots! Neon Trees move from 15-13 with “Animal”.
Come visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
Monday, November 1, 2010
New Picks of the Week October 31, 2010
Only one new pick this week fans:
When I think about some of my favorite Christian rock bands from the first part of the decade, the Ontario, Canada band Hawk Nelson comes to mind. They came out at a time when I was getting really tired of all the AC pop that was dominating Christian music. And yes, AC still dominates the format, but Hawk Nelson is a pop punk rock band that has provided us with some terrific rock efforts. My favorite song at this point is “The Show”. But I am really enjoying their latest effort “Crazy Love”. Check it out.
Chart Update:
Los Angeles hip hop/progressive quartet Far*East Quartet holds at #1 this week for a second week in a row with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song is their first chart single.
Trey Songz has the biggest mover in the Top 10 this week as he jumps from 10-6 with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj. He is on his way to scoring his personal biggest hit.
P!nk scores her 11th career Top 10 hit this week as she moves from 11-10 with “Raise Your Glass”. It’s tough to believe that it was over ten years ago that she earned her first Top 10 single with “There You Go” in 2000.
Taylor Swift nearly debuts in the Top 10 for the third week in a row. Two weeks ago she entered the Top 10 at #8 with “Speak Now”. Last week she bowed at #6 with “Back To December”. Now this week she debuts at #11 with “Mean”. She nearly has back to back hits this week with yet another song, “Mine” which is up from 14-13.
22-year old Detroit pop singer Mike Posner has the biggest mover in the Top 40 this week. He leaps from 34-19 with “Please Don’t Go” in the song’s second week in the Top 40. It’s the follow up to his Top 10 debut single “Cooler Than Me”.
In addition to Taylor Swift’s “Mean”, two other songs debut in the Top 40 this week. 33-year old Colombian superstar Shakira is in at #32 with “Loca” featuring El Cata or Dizzee Rascal. It is her seventh Top 40 single in the U.S. And Georgia country group Zac Brown Band scores its third Top 40 pop hit this week as they are in at #39 with “As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson.
For more, visit www.songerstudio.com
When I think about some of my favorite Christian rock bands from the first part of the decade, the Ontario, Canada band Hawk Nelson comes to mind. They came out at a time when I was getting really tired of all the AC pop that was dominating Christian music. And yes, AC still dominates the format, but Hawk Nelson is a pop punk rock band that has provided us with some terrific rock efforts. My favorite song at this point is “The Show”. But I am really enjoying their latest effort “Crazy Love”. Check it out.
Chart Update:
Los Angeles hip hop/progressive quartet Far*East Quartet holds at #1 this week for a second week in a row with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song is their first chart single.
Trey Songz has the biggest mover in the Top 10 this week as he jumps from 10-6 with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj. He is on his way to scoring his personal biggest hit.
P!nk scores her 11th career Top 10 hit this week as she moves from 11-10 with “Raise Your Glass”. It’s tough to believe that it was over ten years ago that she earned her first Top 10 single with “There You Go” in 2000.
Taylor Swift nearly debuts in the Top 10 for the third week in a row. Two weeks ago she entered the Top 10 at #8 with “Speak Now”. Last week she bowed at #6 with “Back To December”. Now this week she debuts at #11 with “Mean”. She nearly has back to back hits this week with yet another song, “Mine” which is up from 14-13.
22-year old Detroit pop singer Mike Posner has the biggest mover in the Top 40 this week. He leaps from 34-19 with “Please Don’t Go” in the song’s second week in the Top 40. It’s the follow up to his Top 10 debut single “Cooler Than Me”.
In addition to Taylor Swift’s “Mean”, two other songs debut in the Top 40 this week. 33-year old Colombian superstar Shakira is in at #32 with “Loca” featuring El Cata or Dizzee Rascal. It is her seventh Top 40 single in the U.S. And Georgia country group Zac Brown Band scores its third Top 40 pop hit this week as they are in at #39 with “As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson.
For more, visit www.songerstudio.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
New Picks of the Week October 24, 2010
I was not a very big fan of My Chemical Romance until they sold out, at least according to their “true” fans. When they hit it big with “Welcome To The Black Parade”, I jumped on the band wagon of this New Jersey rock quartet. Their latest single, “The Only Hope For Me Is You” is a great upbeat rocker with a catchy chorus and a descending bass line and fun vocals. The heavy beat will also get you up and dancing if you’d rather do that over rocking out. The song ends with a terrific lead guitar solo behind the repeating chorus.
I shouldn’t like Katy Perry. I really shouldn’t with her questionable lyrics and sexual overtones. But I love the dance beats and hooks. Then in her latest single, “Firework”, there are string riffs coupled with heavy electronic dance beat. Katy also has a great powerful voice which creates energy more than most of the other pop/dance singers on the scene today. So put it together with songs like “Waking Up In Vegas”, “If We Ever Meet Again” and “Hot N Cold”. Keep it going Katy!
Chart Update
Los Angeles hip hop/progressive quartet Far*East Quartet scores its first #1 song this week with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song jumps to the top after two weeks at #2.
Taylor Swift debuts in the Top 10 for the second week in a row. Last week she entered the Top 10 at #8 with “Speak Now”. This week she bows at #6 with “Back To December”. Meanwhile, “Speak Now” slips out of the Top 40. But she still holds at #14 with “Mine”.
It’s not a Top 40 debut, but Trey Songz enters the Top 10 this week with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj by moving from 13-10. Entering the Top 40 one notch short of the Top 10 is the 17th Top 40 hit for P!nk, “Raise Your Glass” at #11. Two other songs enter the Top 20 this week. Country band The Band Perry leaps from 27-19 with “If I Die Young”. And Lil Wayne is up from 26-20 with “Right Above It” featuring Drake. “If I Die Young” ties for the biggest move up the Top 40 this week with “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale which debuted at #30 last week.
There are four other Top 40 debuts this week. Glee Cast’s cover of Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz’s “Lucky” enters at #27. The original never made the Top 40 survey last year. Detroit pop star Mike Posner is following up his Top 10 hit “Cooler Than Me” with “Please Don’t Go” which debuts at #34 this week. A former #1 on the dance chart, “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup bows at #35. And former Hootie & The Blowfish star Darius Rucker is in at #37 with “Come Back Song”.
Come visit my website www.songerstudio.com
I shouldn’t like Katy Perry. I really shouldn’t with her questionable lyrics and sexual overtones. But I love the dance beats and hooks. Then in her latest single, “Firework”, there are string riffs coupled with heavy electronic dance beat. Katy also has a great powerful voice which creates energy more than most of the other pop/dance singers on the scene today. So put it together with songs like “Waking Up In Vegas”, “If We Ever Meet Again” and “Hot N Cold”. Keep it going Katy!
Chart Update
Los Angeles hip hop/progressive quartet Far*East Quartet scores its first #1 song this week with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song jumps to the top after two weeks at #2.
Taylor Swift debuts in the Top 10 for the second week in a row. Last week she entered the Top 10 at #8 with “Speak Now”. This week she bows at #6 with “Back To December”. Meanwhile, “Speak Now” slips out of the Top 40. But she still holds at #14 with “Mine”.
It’s not a Top 40 debut, but Trey Songz enters the Top 10 this week with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj by moving from 13-10. Entering the Top 40 one notch short of the Top 10 is the 17th Top 40 hit for P!nk, “Raise Your Glass” at #11. Two other songs enter the Top 20 this week. Country band The Band Perry leaps from 27-19 with “If I Die Young”. And Lil Wayne is up from 26-20 with “Right Above It” featuring Drake. “If I Die Young” ties for the biggest move up the Top 40 this week with “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale which debuted at #30 last week.
There are four other Top 40 debuts this week. Glee Cast’s cover of Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz’s “Lucky” enters at #27. The original never made the Top 40 survey last year. Detroit pop star Mike Posner is following up his Top 10 hit “Cooler Than Me” with “Please Don’t Go” which debuts at #34 this week. A former #1 on the dance chart, “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup bows at #35. And former Hootie & The Blowfish star Darius Rucker is in at #37 with “Come Back Song”.
Come visit my website www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, October 17, 2010
New Picks of the Week October 17, 2010
54-year old Joe Satriani isn’t slowing down one bit. His newest album “Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards” makes a splash on the Top 200 Albums this week. The lead single, “Premonition”, is classic Satriani. Maybe better known for teaching well known guitar icons Steve Vai and Kirk Hammett, Joe Satriani has had his share of success recording highly successful instrumental rock albums. He has also toured with Mick Jagger and Deep Purple amongst others. His talents and successes have been recognized by a large number of Grammy nominations. He has the dubious recognition of having the second most Grammy Award nominations without winning.
Another new album on the chart this week is the latest release from Jason Mraz. It’s an EP called “Life Is Good”. The single, “Up”, is by far my favorite track on the record. It has a laid back funk feel with clever songwriting and vocal work. Of course what makes the tune is the horns. Great hook on the “lviin’ it up” line but even better is the Chicago-esque trombone/tenor sax driven horn lines. This may already be my favorite song by Jason which is saying quite a bit since I have been a fan since his debut.
Well she isn’t mad this time around, but Pink sure is assertive in her upbeat pop smashes. This is another one that is sure to score approval from her fans and pop radio. This time she is “raising her glass” to having a good time with of course a hint of anti-establishment of course. The song has the typical four on the floor to get your foot tapping and too many curse words for my liking. But it’s something about Pink that I just end up laughing. Then the chorus chimes in and you’ll be singing “never be never be” or “come on and come on and” for the rest of the day. Raise your glass to another hit by Pink.
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it four weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
Taylor Swift is back with her 15th Top 40 pop hit. She zooms on to the Top 40 at #8 this week with “Speak Now”. Another impressive debut rockets on to the Top 40 this week at #12. It is the 13th Top 40 single for Kanye West called “Ruanway” featuring Pusha T.
There isn’t much chart action other than this in the Top 20. Far*East Movement holds at #2 after moves from 10-6 and 6-2 in consecutive weeks with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. Rihanna has a big airplay increase as she moves from 8-6 with “Only Girl (in The World)”.
Outside the Top 20 though there is a lot to talk about. The biggest move in the Top 40 is LIl Wayne rocketing from 39-26 with “Right Above It‘ featuring Drake. This comes a week after slipping from 30-39. The Band Perry re-enters the Top 40 at #27 with “If I Die Young” a week after slipping off the survey. 24-year old New York rapper Waka Flocka Flame bows at #30 with his first hit single “No Hands” featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale. Black Eyed Peas‘ star will.i.am scores his second Top 40 solo hit with “Check It Out” featuring Nicki Minaj at #34. And then there are two more singles from Glee that jump onto the Top 40. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “One Of Us” debut at #36 and #37 respectively.
Come see the website: www.songerstudio.com
Another new album on the chart this week is the latest release from Jason Mraz. It’s an EP called “Life Is Good”. The single, “Up”, is by far my favorite track on the record. It has a laid back funk feel with clever songwriting and vocal work. Of course what makes the tune is the horns. Great hook on the “lviin’ it up” line but even better is the Chicago-esque trombone/tenor sax driven horn lines. This may already be my favorite song by Jason which is saying quite a bit since I have been a fan since his debut.
Well she isn’t mad this time around, but Pink sure is assertive in her upbeat pop smashes. This is another one that is sure to score approval from her fans and pop radio. This time she is “raising her glass” to having a good time with of course a hint of anti-establishment of course. The song has the typical four on the floor to get your foot tapping and too many curse words for my liking. But it’s something about Pink that I just end up laughing. Then the chorus chimes in and you’ll be singing “never be never be” or “come on and come on and” for the rest of the day. Raise your glass to another hit by Pink.
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it four weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
Taylor Swift is back with her 15th Top 40 pop hit. She zooms on to the Top 40 at #8 this week with “Speak Now”. Another impressive debut rockets on to the Top 40 this week at #12. It is the 13th Top 40 single for Kanye West called “Ruanway” featuring Pusha T.
There isn’t much chart action other than this in the Top 20. Far*East Movement holds at #2 after moves from 10-6 and 6-2 in consecutive weeks with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. Rihanna has a big airplay increase as she moves from 8-6 with “Only Girl (in The World)”.
Outside the Top 20 though there is a lot to talk about. The biggest move in the Top 40 is LIl Wayne rocketing from 39-26 with “Right Above It‘ featuring Drake. This comes a week after slipping from 30-39. The Band Perry re-enters the Top 40 at #27 with “If I Die Young” a week after slipping off the survey. 24-year old New York rapper Waka Flocka Flame bows at #30 with his first hit single “No Hands” featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale. Black Eyed Peas‘ star will.i.am scores his second Top 40 solo hit with “Check It Out” featuring Nicki Minaj at #34. And then there are two more singles from Glee that jump onto the Top 40. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “One Of Us” debut at #36 and #37 respectively.
Come see the website: www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, October 10, 2010
New Picks of the Week October 10, 2010
Did we really need another alternative rock band from Orange County, California? Well, apparently iTunes thought we did. They have made the single of the week “The Ballad Of You And I” by Melee it’s free tune of the week. And I have to say that they’ve stumbled upon something really good. There is some musical talent here. Good songwriting. Good guitar work, nice background vocal hook with some syncopation that is very cool. Cool string stabs on the second verse and some nice piano reverb all contribute to a song that I think could catch on. Plus, you gotta feel good for this band which has been releasing albums for over a decade now and had a #1 hit in Japan in 2007 with “Built To Last”.
I guess it’s alternative rock week in Rock-It! My second pick of the week comes from Arizona rock outfit Jimmy Eat World who came out with their brand new album “Invented” this week. The album debuted high on the Billboard chart and has a great single on it called “Stop”. Actually, there are a ton of good songs on the album, but I like this one best because it builds up to a high energy rock tune with good female backup vocals and a subtly soft beginning. Great pop rock workmanship doesn’t hurt either. Way to go guys!
When people ask me who my favorite pop artist of all time is, the answer is usually Phil Collins. And it is for so many reasons. Probably the number one reason though is that he is truly a musical genius. His latest album goes one step further to proving that. Here is a rock star who has dabbled in virtually every area of rock during his 40-plus year career in the business. And now he is doing a Motown cover album. It’s interesting to find out that Phil was a huge Motown fan growing up but because of the quick rise of Genesis, he never got to play in a band that covered Motown or that played in that style. Well, now he is finally getting his opportunity. Way to go Phil. You are one of my musical idols. Thanks for continuing to make great music!
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it three weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The big move in the Top 10 for the second week in a row is Far*East Movement’s “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song leaps from 6-2 a week after leaping from 10-6. Also making a big move just below the Top 10 is Neon Trees up from 22-15 with “Animal”.
This is a tough fact to believe. This week the Glee Cast passes the Beatles for most Top 100 hits ever by a group in the rock era. Of course we live in a different era where the Glee Cast is able to put an average of five new songs on the chart every week at which time they quickly drop off. Don’t look for them to pass the Beatles any time soon when it comes to most Top 10 hits or #1 songs by a group. This week Glee debuts at #16 with a cover of Britney Spears‘ “Toxic” and #26 with their version of Paramore’s “The Only Exception”. Ironically, Paramore’s version is back to back with the Glee version at #25 this week. Thanks to the Glee version, the song makes a huge 57-25 move this week. It peaked earlier this year at #19.
There are two non-Glee debuts this week as well. Lil Wayne is back with a new album and a new single at #17 called “Gonorrhea” featuring Drake. And The Ready Set bows at #38 with “Love Like Woe”.
Check out my website at www.songerstudio.com
I guess it’s alternative rock week in Rock-It! My second pick of the week comes from Arizona rock outfit Jimmy Eat World who came out with their brand new album “Invented” this week. The album debuted high on the Billboard chart and has a great single on it called “Stop”. Actually, there are a ton of good songs on the album, but I like this one best because it builds up to a high energy rock tune with good female backup vocals and a subtly soft beginning. Great pop rock workmanship doesn’t hurt either. Way to go guys!
When people ask me who my favorite pop artist of all time is, the answer is usually Phil Collins. And it is for so many reasons. Probably the number one reason though is that he is truly a musical genius. His latest album goes one step further to proving that. Here is a rock star who has dabbled in virtually every area of rock during his 40-plus year career in the business. And now he is doing a Motown cover album. It’s interesting to find out that Phil was a huge Motown fan growing up but because of the quick rise of Genesis, he never got to play in a band that covered Motown or that played in that style. Well, now he is finally getting his opportunity. Way to go Phil. You are one of my musical idols. Thanks for continuing to make great music!
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it three weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The big move in the Top 10 for the second week in a row is Far*East Movement’s “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song leaps from 6-2 a week after leaping from 10-6. Also making a big move just below the Top 10 is Neon Trees up from 22-15 with “Animal”.
This is a tough fact to believe. This week the Glee Cast passes the Beatles for most Top 100 hits ever by a group in the rock era. Of course we live in a different era where the Glee Cast is able to put an average of five new songs on the chart every week at which time they quickly drop off. Don’t look for them to pass the Beatles any time soon when it comes to most Top 10 hits or #1 songs by a group. This week Glee debuts at #16 with a cover of Britney Spears‘ “Toxic” and #26 with their version of Paramore’s “The Only Exception”. Ironically, Paramore’s version is back to back with the Glee version at #25 this week. Thanks to the Glee version, the song makes a huge 57-25 move this week. It peaked earlier this year at #19.
There are two non-Glee debuts this week as well. Lil Wayne is back with a new album and a new single at #17 called “Gonorrhea” featuring Drake. And The Ready Set bows at #38 with “Love Like Woe”.
Check out my website at www.songerstudio.com
Saturday, October 2, 2010
New Picks of the Week October 3, 2010
I have a electro hop fever. Akon has definitely jumped on board. It’s not as if the Senegalese hip hop star just joined the new wave of hip hop though. A couple years ago he had the clubs jumpin’ with “Keep You Much Longer” and of course his major pop crossover hit “Beautiful” with Colby O’Donis and Kardinal Offishall. Now in a week dominated by Glee debuts, the 37-year old superstar makes a huge splash with “Angel”. Nothing special here lyric wise or even from a harmonic chord progression standpoint. Just a good solid club hit. And it looks like this one will also crossover and have a chance to become Akon’s seventh Top 10 hit song.
At first you think you are going to get a beautiful ballad from the Barbados R&B singer that celebrates her 25th birthday this week. But then “Perfect Nightmare” turns into a great dance song. Shontelle, who belongs to the same record label as Rihanna who also is from Barbados, had a breakout hit two years ago with “T-Shirt”. Maybe this will become her second Top 40 effort.
It took me awhile to really dig this keyboard driven hit by Neon Trees. But now that I’m hearing the song more and it’s rocketing its way up the Top 40, it finally has it’s hook in me. “Animal” by Neon Trees holds at #22 this week. The band is from Provo, Utah and has been around since 2005. The band’s name comes from a California restaurant that had lights hung in all of its trees surrounding the establishment. After many independent releases, they are now with Mercury Records and are hoping not to be just a one-hit wonder.
Chart Update:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it two weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The big move in the Top 10 this week is from Far*East Movement with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song leaps from 10-6 this week. Also making a big move just below the Top 10 is Maroon 5 up from 20-14 with “Misery”.
With the season premiere of “Glee” coming out this past week, we have several new songs from the show entering the Hot 100 this week. The top debut is “Empire State Of Mind” which comes in at #21. The original by Jay-Z + Alicia Keys reached #1 ten months ago. The cast’s cover of Lady GaGa’s “Telephone” comes in a couple notches lower at #23. At #28 is their remake of the aforementioned “Billionaire”. And at #38 is their version of “Listen” from “Dreamgirls”.
There are two non-Glee debuts this week as well. Jay Sean is in at #36 with “2012 (It Ain’t The End)” featuring Nicki Minaj and Daughtry bows at #40 with “September”.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
At first you think you are going to get a beautiful ballad from the Barbados R&B singer that celebrates her 25th birthday this week. But then “Perfect Nightmare” turns into a great dance song. Shontelle, who belongs to the same record label as Rihanna who also is from Barbados, had a breakout hit two years ago with “T-Shirt”. Maybe this will become her second Top 40 effort.
It took me awhile to really dig this keyboard driven hit by Neon Trees. But now that I’m hearing the song more and it’s rocketing its way up the Top 40, it finally has it’s hook in me. “Animal” by Neon Trees holds at #22 this week. The band is from Provo, Utah and has been around since 2005. The band’s name comes from a California restaurant that had lights hung in all of its trees surrounding the establishment. After many independent releases, they are now with Mercury Records and are hoping not to be just a one-hit wonder.
Chart Update:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer, Bruno Mars makes it two weeks on top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The big move in the Top 10 this week is from Far*East Movement with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. The song leaps from 10-6 this week. Also making a big move just below the Top 10 is Maroon 5 up from 20-14 with “Misery”.
With the season premiere of “Glee” coming out this past week, we have several new songs from the show entering the Hot 100 this week. The top debut is “Empire State Of Mind” which comes in at #21. The original by Jay-Z + Alicia Keys reached #1 ten months ago. The cast’s cover of Lady GaGa’s “Telephone” comes in a couple notches lower at #23. At #28 is their remake of the aforementioned “Billionaire”. And at #38 is their version of “Listen” from “Dreamgirls”.
There are two non-Glee debuts this week as well. Jay Sean is in at #36 with “2012 (It Ain’t The End)” featuring Nicki Minaj and Daughtry bows at #40 with “September”.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, September 26, 2010
New Picks of the Week September 26, 2010
Yes, I know. Another Owl City song in my list of new picks of the week. But this one is a little different. For one, the credit is given to his real name, Adam Young. You wonder if he is going to eventually switch over to this. And he is featured on a different project by Dutch DJ/producer Armin Van Buuren. Armin has been around the club scene even longer than fashionably popular David Guetta. His music has more of an alternative trance feel than David’s however this effort is definitely more pop friendly. Some of my other recommendations by Armin include “Going Wrong” with DJ Shah featuring Chris Jones, “Fine Without You”, his mix of BT’s “Every Other Way” and “Broken Tonight” featuring VanVelzen.
Easily my favorite Christian rock album of the year is “Light Up The Sky” by the Dallas, Texas band The Afters. It already has produced the CCM hits “Light Up The Sky” and “Runaway”. And now there is another one to add to the list, “Lift Me Up”. A refreshing declaration to giving our lives to Christ with a great anthem-like chorus and driving bridge leads to another wonderful effort from this young band that in my opinion rivals MercyMe and Casting Crowns as one of the best Christian rock bands on the scene today.
Okay so I’m pretty sure the Killers have not broken up. Thanks goodness. They have been one of the best pop rock bands in the music world the past half decade. Therefore, I can like frontman Brandon Flowers’ first solo project, “Flamingo”. The single “Only The Young” has that Killers type feel but more low key and trance-like. And the lyrics like most Killers songs are somewhat confusing, but you know me, lyrics aren’t always that important. The 29-year old Nevada native has a hit on his hands.
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer has replaced Katy Perry at the top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The other big development in the Top 10 this week is Rihanna’s mega leap from 75-3 with “Only Girl (In The World)”. It becomes teh 22-year old Barbados superstar’s 12th Top 10 hit song. Also entering the Top 10 this week is Far*East Movement by moving from 16-10 with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. It’s the first hit song for the L.A. hip hop quartet.
Another big debut comes in at #21 this week. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine leaps from 93-21 which actually matches the 72-notch move of Rihanna. Florence + The Machine is actually one artist Florence Welch out of London, England. The Machine consists of a variety of other artists that appear on her recordings.
Rapper Drake bows at #25 with “Fancy” featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz. It is Drake’s eighth Top 10 hit, all coming in the past year and a half. Kings Of Leon round out the collection of new songs in the Top 40 this week. They enter at #37 with “Radioactive”.
Check out www.songerstudio.com, our website!
Easily my favorite Christian rock album of the year is “Light Up The Sky” by the Dallas, Texas band The Afters. It already has produced the CCM hits “Light Up The Sky” and “Runaway”. And now there is another one to add to the list, “Lift Me Up”. A refreshing declaration to giving our lives to Christ with a great anthem-like chorus and driving bridge leads to another wonderful effort from this young band that in my opinion rivals MercyMe and Casting Crowns as one of the best Christian rock bands on the scene today.
Okay so I’m pretty sure the Killers have not broken up. Thanks goodness. They have been one of the best pop rock bands in the music world the past half decade. Therefore, I can like frontman Brandon Flowers’ first solo project, “Flamingo”. The single “Only The Young” has that Killers type feel but more low key and trance-like. And the lyrics like most Killers songs are somewhat confusing, but you know me, lyrics aren’t always that important. The 29-year old Nevada native has a hit on his hands.
Chart Highlights:
One of my past new picks of the week has reached the #1 spot on the pop chart this week. The 25-year old newcomer has replaced Katy Perry at the top of the chart this week with “Just The Way You Are”. It tops Bruno’s former chart peak of #4 when he was featured on Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” earlier this year.
The other big development in the Top 10 this week is Rihanna’s mega leap from 75-3 with “Only Girl (In The World)”. It becomes teh 22-year old Barbados superstar’s 12th Top 10 hit song. Also entering the Top 10 this week is Far*East Movement by moving from 16-10 with “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev. It’s the first hit song for the L.A. hip hop quartet.
Another big debut comes in at #21 this week. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine leaps from 93-21 which actually matches the 72-notch move of Rihanna. Florence + The Machine is actually one artist Florence Welch out of London, England. The Machine consists of a variety of other artists that appear on her recordings.
Rapper Drake bows at #25 with “Fancy” featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz. It is Drake’s eighth Top 10 hit, all coming in the past year and a half. Kings Of Leon round out the collection of new songs in the Top 40 this week. They enter at #37 with “Radioactive”.
Check out www.songerstudio.com, our website!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
New Picks of the Week September 19, 2010
31-year old singer-songwriter Brendan James made a nice splash on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart this week with his self titled album. Brendan who is originally from New Hampshire and is now based out of New York first hit the scene back in 2007 with the EP “The Ballroom Break-In”. He followed that up with the full length “The Day Is Brave” which featured a couple songs that appeared in movies and TV including the FOX show “Bones”. His latest album includes a great new song called “Nothing For Granted” which has a fun message and is a great acoustic driven pop song. Check out the song and the entire album which sounds great.
Since the inception of the dance chart as it is known in its current format, nobody has had more chart hits than Robyn. The 31-year old Swedish superstar continues to crank out club hit after club hit. Her latest EP “Body Talk Part 2” is just as good as “Body Talk Part 1” if not better. The first release from that album, “Hang With Me” has the classic Robyn synth-hook with floating vocals over the standard techno dance driving beat. Nothing special about the lyrics. Just another great beat-driven hit that is great to crank up on a late summer evening.
Last week my third pick of the week was “Notbroken” by the Goo Goo Dolls. This week I have a hit by another band that has been doing it up right for over a decade, Lifehouse. The L.A. rock trio first got us all pumped up in 2001 with “Hangin’ By A Moment” which was one of the top ten songs played at radio in the 2000’s. Since then they have been spotted on my pick of the weeks with songs like “Spin”, “First Time”, “From Where You Are”, “Halfway Gone” and most recently “It Is What It Is” from the album “Smoke & Mirrors”. The latest hit from that album is “All In”. It is upbeat and actually brings me back to the youth of their first bit hits.
Chart Update:
Katy Perry was at #1 during seven of the thirteen weeks that the calendar read summer. Now she is starting off the autumn at the top as she spends a second week at the top with “Teenage Dream”. The song is also closing in on becoming the #1 dance song in the country.
KP better watch out because the electro hop movement is aiming for her the next couple weeks. All three songs moving up the Top 10 this week fit under the e-hop umbrella. Bruno Mars is up from 4-3 with “Just The Way You Are”. Nelly jumps from 9-7 with “Just A Dream”. And one of my faves on the Top 40 right now, Flo Rida’s “Club Can’t Handle Me” featuring David Guetta dances up from 13-9 this week. By the way, that hit as well as Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” (which slides from 3-4 this week) are now available from me as pep band arrangements.
Hard to believe the biggest moving song in the Top 40 this week is making just a 6-notch move. The honor goes to Provo, Utah alternative rock quartet Neon Trees who leap from 30-24 with “Animal”.
I am loving the week in debuts this week. The list is headed up by Sara Bareilles who debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums this week with “Kaleidoscope Heart”. The first single, “King Of Anything” which is one of my favorite singles of the year bows at #32 on pop chart this week. She reached #4 a couple years ago with another great hit, “Love Song”.
Coming in at #34 is “If It’s Love” by Train. The band is coming off its biggest hit ever, “Hey, Soul Sister”. Their latest is another cleverly written pop rock bit. Selena Gomez scores her third hit at #35 with “A Year Without Rain”. And The Band Perry score their first hit with “If I Die Young” at #39.
Come check out our website at www.songerstudio.com
Since the inception of the dance chart as it is known in its current format, nobody has had more chart hits than Robyn. The 31-year old Swedish superstar continues to crank out club hit after club hit. Her latest EP “Body Talk Part 2” is just as good as “Body Talk Part 1” if not better. The first release from that album, “Hang With Me” has the classic Robyn synth-hook with floating vocals over the standard techno dance driving beat. Nothing special about the lyrics. Just another great beat-driven hit that is great to crank up on a late summer evening.
Last week my third pick of the week was “Notbroken” by the Goo Goo Dolls. This week I have a hit by another band that has been doing it up right for over a decade, Lifehouse. The L.A. rock trio first got us all pumped up in 2001 with “Hangin’ By A Moment” which was one of the top ten songs played at radio in the 2000’s. Since then they have been spotted on my pick of the weeks with songs like “Spin”, “First Time”, “From Where You Are”, “Halfway Gone” and most recently “It Is What It Is” from the album “Smoke & Mirrors”. The latest hit from that album is “All In”. It is upbeat and actually brings me back to the youth of their first bit hits.
Chart Update:
Katy Perry was at #1 during seven of the thirteen weeks that the calendar read summer. Now she is starting off the autumn at the top as she spends a second week at the top with “Teenage Dream”. The song is also closing in on becoming the #1 dance song in the country.
KP better watch out because the electro hop movement is aiming for her the next couple weeks. All three songs moving up the Top 10 this week fit under the e-hop umbrella. Bruno Mars is up from 4-3 with “Just The Way You Are”. Nelly jumps from 9-7 with “Just A Dream”. And one of my faves on the Top 40 right now, Flo Rida’s “Club Can’t Handle Me” featuring David Guetta dances up from 13-9 this week. By the way, that hit as well as Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” (which slides from 3-4 this week) are now available from me as pep band arrangements.
Hard to believe the biggest moving song in the Top 40 this week is making just a 6-notch move. The honor goes to Provo, Utah alternative rock quartet Neon Trees who leap from 30-24 with “Animal”.
I am loving the week in debuts this week. The list is headed up by Sara Bareilles who debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums this week with “Kaleidoscope Heart”. The first single, “King Of Anything” which is one of my favorite singles of the year bows at #32 on pop chart this week. She reached #4 a couple years ago with another great hit, “Love Song”.
Coming in at #34 is “If It’s Love” by Train. The band is coming off its biggest hit ever, “Hey, Soul Sister”. Their latest is another cleverly written pop rock bit. Selena Gomez scores her third hit at #35 with “A Year Without Rain”. And The Band Perry score their first hit with “If I Die Young” at #39.
Come check out our website at www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, September 12, 2010
New Picks of the Week September 12, 2010
It’s been eight years since Aussie sensation Kylie Minogue had her comeback smash hits “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” and “Love At First Sight”. Now here we are watching her comeback again. Little do most pop music fans in the U.S. know that she hasn’t gone anywhere during her 25-year career in Europe except during the time she fought and beat breast cancer. Kylie is back with the Top 10 album “Aphrodite” which has already produced the Top 10 dance smash “All The Lovers”. Now she is back with “Get Outta My Way” which has a great classic Kylie-dance beat and a classic sing-a-long chorus that will have Kylie fans once again dancing.
It’s kind of tough to classify what kind of music the L.A. quartet The Rescues are making. It has elements of pop, alternative, country and electronica. Well, if you know what kind of songs really catch my attention, it’s usually something that is different and combines elements of a variety of styles. That is probably why I’m really into “Break Me Out” by The Rescues. There are keyboard lines that make it sound like it’s out of the eighties, guitar licks that remind me of Lady Antebellum and times I feel like it’s a Jason Mraz tune. Check it out.
One complaint a lot of us have about bands that have been around for awhile is how all their music sounds the same after awhile. And although that usually bothers me as well, when it’s a band that you really enjoy, it doesn’t seem to be as big of a problem. That is the case with the Goo Goo Dolls. Ever since their breakout megahits “Iris” and “Slide” from a decade ago, I have been on the Goo Goo Dolls bandwagon. Their latest release, “Notbroken” is another great release from the Buffalo, New York trio. It’s a down tempo power ballad that proves that lead singer John Rzeznik still sounds great.
Here's a look at this week's pop chart highlights:
Eminem’s seven-week run at #1 on the pop chart comes to an end this week as he is knocked off of the top spot by the same girl he kicked out almost two months ago. Katy Perry is back on top with “Teenage Dream”, the titled track from her latest release. The first single from that album, “California Gurls”, spent six weeks at #1 prior to Eminem’s run. It is the 25 year old California girl’s third chart topper. She also reached #1 with her first hit, “I Kissed A Girl”, in 2008.
Eminem of course is one of the top rappers from the past decade. And there could be another star in that classification that could be the next one at #1. Nelly has the one new song in the Top 10 this week as he moves from13-9 with “Just A Dream”.
Making the biggest move in the Top 40 this week is Trey Songz who leaps from 27-20 with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj. The 25-year old R&B star is looking for his second Top 10 hit following up “Say Aah” from earlier this year.
The highest debut in the Top 40 this week is from the Far*East Movement, an L.A. electro hop group that has been around for seven years. Their first hit, “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev, makes a big splash this week at #21.
Also debuting this week is newcomer Cee Lo Green at #33 with “Forget You” and Sean Kingston at #40 with “Letting Go (Dutty Love) featuring Nicki Minaj. It is the 20-year old Jamaican star’s fifth Top 40 hit.
Come visit our website at www.songerstudio.com
It’s kind of tough to classify what kind of music the L.A. quartet The Rescues are making. It has elements of pop, alternative, country and electronica. Well, if you know what kind of songs really catch my attention, it’s usually something that is different and combines elements of a variety of styles. That is probably why I’m really into “Break Me Out” by The Rescues. There are keyboard lines that make it sound like it’s out of the eighties, guitar licks that remind me of Lady Antebellum and times I feel like it’s a Jason Mraz tune. Check it out.
One complaint a lot of us have about bands that have been around for awhile is how all their music sounds the same after awhile. And although that usually bothers me as well, when it’s a band that you really enjoy, it doesn’t seem to be as big of a problem. That is the case with the Goo Goo Dolls. Ever since their breakout megahits “Iris” and “Slide” from a decade ago, I have been on the Goo Goo Dolls bandwagon. Their latest release, “Notbroken” is another great release from the Buffalo, New York trio. It’s a down tempo power ballad that proves that lead singer John Rzeznik still sounds great.
Here's a look at this week's pop chart highlights:
Eminem’s seven-week run at #1 on the pop chart comes to an end this week as he is knocked off of the top spot by the same girl he kicked out almost two months ago. Katy Perry is back on top with “Teenage Dream”, the titled track from her latest release. The first single from that album, “California Gurls”, spent six weeks at #1 prior to Eminem’s run. It is the 25 year old California girl’s third chart topper. She also reached #1 with her first hit, “I Kissed A Girl”, in 2008.
Eminem of course is one of the top rappers from the past decade. And there could be another star in that classification that could be the next one at #1. Nelly has the one new song in the Top 10 this week as he moves from13-9 with “Just A Dream”.
Making the biggest move in the Top 40 this week is Trey Songz who leaps from 27-20 with “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj. The 25-year old R&B star is looking for his second Top 10 hit following up “Say Aah” from earlier this year.
The highest debut in the Top 40 this week is from the Far*East Movement, an L.A. electro hop group that has been around for seven years. Their first hit, “Like A G6” featuring Cataracs & Dev, makes a big splash this week at #21.
Also debuting this week is newcomer Cee Lo Green at #33 with “Forget You” and Sean Kingston at #40 with “Letting Go (Dutty Love) featuring Nicki Minaj. It is the 20-year old Jamaican star’s fifth Top 40 hit.
Come visit our website at www.songerstudio.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
New Picks of the Week September 5, 2010
Okay, if you don’t know who Natalie Grant is, check her out. She is a Christian pop star based out of Seattle. She is been on the scene for over a decade now and has cranked out great songs such as The Real Me”, “What Are You Waiting For”, “In Better Hands” and “Held”. She has won four consecutive Dove Awards for best female artist. The 38-year old’s latest release is called “Love Revolution”. It has a Kelly Clarkson power anthem feel with a positive spin on Christ working in our lives to the point of overflowing to others. Way to go Natalie.
What a fun album “The Latin Side Of Herbie Hancock” is. A ton of classic Hancock songs like “Cantaloupe Island” and “Butterfly”. But my favorite single on the album is “Watermelon Man”. The album is credited to three incredible musicians. The most recognizable is trumpeter Randy Brecker of Brecker Brothers fame. But he is joined by Puerto Rican pianist Eddie Palmieri and one of the best trombone players on the planet right now, Conrad Herwig. Saxophonist Craig Handy is also featured plus some wonderful Latin drumming.
When students learn about jazz 50 years from now, the name that will probably be most commonly attached to the past twenty or thirty years of jazz will be Marsalis. The family is well known for their incredible musicianship, advancements in jazz style, bringing jazz to the mainstream and their wisdom and knowledge of jazz history and the idiom. Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and the entire gang have teamed up to record a wonderful live performance called “Music Redeems”. It’s another must-have for jazz lovers with the name Marsalis on it.
Chart Highlights:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. With that said, he is over half of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it six weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
The run could be coming to an end though because Katy Perry has the biggest airplay gainer of the week moving from 3-2 with “Teenage Dream”. Katy was actually who Eminem knocked out of the top spot six weeks ago when she was making a long run on top with “California Gurls”. Her new album “Teenage Dream” debuts at #2 on the album chart this week.
And keep your eye on two more songs at the bottom of the Top 10 this week. Taylor Swift who debuted at #3 three weeks ago with “Mine” is back up from 14-9 this week. And Ke$ha who also had a long run at #1 to start the year with “TiK ToK”, leaps from 16-10 with “Take It Off”.
Three songs debut in the Top 40 this week. Leading the way is 26-year old Ohio rapper Kid Cudi with “Erase Me” featuring Kanye West at #22. It already becomes his second biggest hit after “Day ‘N‘ Nite”, which was his first hit song last year. Usher joins the 20-hit club this week. His 20th Top 40 single, “Hot Tottie” featuring Jay-Z bows at #25 this week. And Utah rock quartet Neon Trees score their first hit this week at #33 with “Animal”.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com.
What a fun album “The Latin Side Of Herbie Hancock” is. A ton of classic Hancock songs like “Cantaloupe Island” and “Butterfly”. But my favorite single on the album is “Watermelon Man”. The album is credited to three incredible musicians. The most recognizable is trumpeter Randy Brecker of Brecker Brothers fame. But he is joined by Puerto Rican pianist Eddie Palmieri and one of the best trombone players on the planet right now, Conrad Herwig. Saxophonist Craig Handy is also featured plus some wonderful Latin drumming.
When students learn about jazz 50 years from now, the name that will probably be most commonly attached to the past twenty or thirty years of jazz will be Marsalis. The family is well known for their incredible musicianship, advancements in jazz style, bringing jazz to the mainstream and their wisdom and knowledge of jazz history and the idiom. Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and the entire gang have teamed up to record a wonderful live performance called “Music Redeems”. It’s another must-have for jazz lovers with the name Marsalis on it.
Chart Highlights:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. With that said, he is over half of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it six weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
The run could be coming to an end though because Katy Perry has the biggest airplay gainer of the week moving from 3-2 with “Teenage Dream”. Katy was actually who Eminem knocked out of the top spot six weeks ago when she was making a long run on top with “California Gurls”. Her new album “Teenage Dream” debuts at #2 on the album chart this week.
And keep your eye on two more songs at the bottom of the Top 10 this week. Taylor Swift who debuted at #3 three weeks ago with “Mine” is back up from 14-9 this week. And Ke$ha who also had a long run at #1 to start the year with “TiK ToK”, leaps from 16-10 with “Take It Off”.
Three songs debut in the Top 40 this week. Leading the way is 26-year old Ohio rapper Kid Cudi with “Erase Me” featuring Kanye West at #22. It already becomes his second biggest hit after “Day ‘N‘ Nite”, which was his first hit song last year. Usher joins the 20-hit club this week. His 20th Top 40 single, “Hot Tottie” featuring Jay-Z bows at #25 this week. And Utah rock quartet Neon Trees score their first hit this week at #33 with “Animal”.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com.
Friday, August 27, 2010
New Picks of the Week August 29, 2010
It never fails. When someone does even a halfway decent dance remix of an eighties hit, I am all over it. And that is what we have with Gaby Dershin & Steven Lee’s cover of Asia’s 1982 #4 hit “Heat Of The Moment”. There are some songs from the 1980s that lend themselves really well to the electronica format, and this one definitely fits the mold. What Gaby & Steven have missed out on though is the harmonic opportunities and doing more with the chorus of the song. I love the grooves and the various remixes but it’s just a little too minimalistic for me. So close though. Nice try guys!
I love this new haunting and dramatic single from British/Russian singer-songwriter Katie Melua. The 25-year old singer puts you into a trance at the beginning of this record called “The Flood” and then suddenly the beat kicks in and although the haunting overtones remain, you start moving. And then in traditional classical form it returns to the beginning theme almost creating an A-B-A form. I am very anxious to hear the club remixes of this song. I am also looking forward to hearing more from this intriguing artist.
Good for Christian rock bands that can cross over and influence today’s youth. Lead singer Lacey Mosley and her Texas-based quintet Flyleaf has been leading the charge the past few years starting with their #40 hit from 2008, “All Around Me”. Now they are back with another great rocker called “Missing”. It is from their current album “Memento Mori”. The song is already picking up airplay at Christian radio. We’ll see if this one has the crossover success they have had in the past with both “All Around Me” and “Fully Alive”.
This week's chart update:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. He is half of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it six weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
Eminem is not the only rapper and hip hop star having a big week. There are two huge debuts in the Top 40 this week from rap superstars. 27-year old Lil Wayne powers in at #6 this week with “Right Above It” featuring Drake. It’s the New Orleans rapper’s first Top 10 appearance sing 2008 when he went to #10 with “Got Money”. Lil Wayne has four career Top 10 headliner hits. He has appeared on five more.
The other big debut this week is from 35-year old veteran Nelly. He is in at #12 with “Just A Dream”. It’s Nelly’s first Top 40 appearance sing 2008 when he reached #40 with “Party People”. It’s his highest peak since 2006 when he went all the way to #1 with “Grillz” featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp.
And then making a big move amongst all these hip hop giants is newcomer Bruno Mars who leaps from 16-9 with a former new pick of the week, “Just The Way You Are”. The only Top 40 songs that can top that 7-notch move this week is country act Lady Antebellum which rockets from 33-23 with “Need You Now”. The song already has peaked at #2 and spent 54 weeks in the Hot 100. And the other is “Deuces” from Chris Brown featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall which is up from 39-29.
One other debut in the Top 40 this week. American Idol superstar Adam Lambert bows at #32 with “If I Had You”.
Come check out my website at www.songerstudio.com
I love this new haunting and dramatic single from British/Russian singer-songwriter Katie Melua. The 25-year old singer puts you into a trance at the beginning of this record called “The Flood” and then suddenly the beat kicks in and although the haunting overtones remain, you start moving. And then in traditional classical form it returns to the beginning theme almost creating an A-B-A form. I am very anxious to hear the club remixes of this song. I am also looking forward to hearing more from this intriguing artist.
Good for Christian rock bands that can cross over and influence today’s youth. Lead singer Lacey Mosley and her Texas-based quintet Flyleaf has been leading the charge the past few years starting with their #40 hit from 2008, “All Around Me”. Now they are back with another great rocker called “Missing”. It is from their current album “Memento Mori”. The song is already picking up airplay at Christian radio. We’ll see if this one has the crossover success they have had in the past with both “All Around Me” and “Fully Alive”.
This week's chart update:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. He is half of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it six weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
Eminem is not the only rapper and hip hop star having a big week. There are two huge debuts in the Top 40 this week from rap superstars. 27-year old Lil Wayne powers in at #6 this week with “Right Above It” featuring Drake. It’s the New Orleans rapper’s first Top 10 appearance sing 2008 when he went to #10 with “Got Money”. Lil Wayne has four career Top 10 headliner hits. He has appeared on five more.
The other big debut this week is from 35-year old veteran Nelly. He is in at #12 with “Just A Dream”. It’s Nelly’s first Top 40 appearance sing 2008 when he reached #40 with “Party People”. It’s his highest peak since 2006 when he went all the way to #1 with “Grillz” featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp.
And then making a big move amongst all these hip hop giants is newcomer Bruno Mars who leaps from 16-9 with a former new pick of the week, “Just The Way You Are”. The only Top 40 songs that can top that 7-notch move this week is country act Lady Antebellum which rockets from 33-23 with “Need You Now”. The song already has peaked at #2 and spent 54 weeks in the Hot 100. And the other is “Deuces” from Chris Brown featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall which is up from 39-29.
One other debut in the Top 40 this week. American Idol superstar Adam Lambert bows at #32 with “If I Had You”.
Come check out my website at www.songerstudio.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Picks of the Week August 22, 2010
This the 70s retro sound that I absolutely love. Thank you to the Staten Island Afro-funk band Budos Band for providing it. The band which has been around for five years has just released their third album “The Budos Band III” (they enjoy titling their albums like Chicago). My favorite single from their new album is “Mark of the Unnamed”. I love the funky unison horn lines with the organ, funk guitar and African drum grooves layered underneath.
The Plain White T’s are doing everything they can to get out of the one-hit-wonder label that they firmly had placed on them with their mega hit “Hey There Delilah”. They technically got rid of it last year with their minor hit “1234”. Now they are making another attempt with “Rhythm Of Love” which is another fun vocally captivating tune with a Jason Mraz “I’m Yours” type of feel. I of course love the line “My heart beats like a drum” followed by the hard hits on the bass drum. Then comes the line “a guitar string to the strum” of course followed by the guitar hook. It’s too bad they didn’t follow the next line “a beautiful song to be sung” with some harmonic vocal line or even a small choir.
This week’s free iTunes download was “White Lies” by Stacy Clark. Stacy is a 29-year old singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. Her first big time release is quite similar to Sara Bareilles‘ new single “King Of Anything” without the horns (unfortunately). It has a fun pop beat with a cool piano groove. If you get a chance, download this one for free before the week is over. But it is definitely worth the one dollar too.
Chart update:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. He is over one third of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it five weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
Two songs are on Eminem’s trail though. 28-year old British newcomer Taio Cruz has already proved he can hit #1 here in the states. He nailed down the top spot earlier this year with “Break Your Heart”. This week he is at #2 with “Dynamite”. And leaping from 9-5 is Katy Perry’s “Teenage Girl”. She is looking to displace Eminem out of #1 and seek revenge for him knocking her out with “California Gurls” which still sits at #3 this week.
A little further down in the ranks are some other songs gaining quickly. All are of the electro hop feel that continues to dominate the pop chart. B.o.B. who has already scored two Top 10’s this year with “Nothin’ On You” and “Airplanes” is up from 15-11 with “Magic” featuring Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. Bruno Mars who was featured on “Nothin’ On You” is up from 20-16 with “Just The Way You Are”. Flo Rida is the latest to jump on to one of David Guetta’s grooves as he moves from 24-18 with “Club Can’t Handle Me”. And Ke$ha is looking for her fourth Top 10 hit with “Take It Off” which leaps from 27-20.
15-year old singer-songwriter Trey Songz has the week’s highest debut with his third career hit, “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj at #22. Country superstar Blake Shelton scores his fifth pop hit this week at #37 with “All About Tonight”. His biggest hit was his first, “Austin”, which reached #18 in 2001. And Chris Brown is back in the Top 40 this week with “Deuces” featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall at #39. It is the 21-year old’s tenth Top 40 hit song.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
The Plain White T’s are doing everything they can to get out of the one-hit-wonder label that they firmly had placed on them with their mega hit “Hey There Delilah”. They technically got rid of it last year with their minor hit “1234”. Now they are making another attempt with “Rhythm Of Love” which is another fun vocally captivating tune with a Jason Mraz “I’m Yours” type of feel. I of course love the line “My heart beats like a drum” followed by the hard hits on the bass drum. Then comes the line “a guitar string to the strum” of course followed by the guitar hook. It’s too bad they didn’t follow the next line “a beautiful song to be sung” with some harmonic vocal line or even a small choir.
This week’s free iTunes download was “White Lies” by Stacy Clark. Stacy is a 29-year old singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. Her first big time release is quite similar to Sara Bareilles‘ new single “King Of Anything” without the horns (unfortunately). It has a fun pop beat with a cool piano groove. If you get a chance, download this one for free before the week is over. But it is definitely worth the one dollar too.
Chart update:
It’s going to be pretty difficult for Eminem to top his biggest hit of all time. Back in 2002, the 37-year old Kansas City native went to #1 the first week of October with “Lose Yourself” and nearly held down the top spot the remainder of that calendar year. His run ended at 12 weeks. He is over one third of the way there with his current single. This week he makes it five weeks at #1 with “Love The Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna.
Two songs are on Eminem’s trail though. 28-year old British newcomer Taio Cruz has already proved he can hit #1 here in the states. He nailed down the top spot earlier this year with “Break Your Heart”. This week he is at #2 with “Dynamite”. And leaping from 9-5 is Katy Perry’s “Teenage Girl”. She is looking to displace Eminem out of #1 and seek revenge for him knocking her out with “California Gurls” which still sits at #3 this week.
A little further down in the ranks are some other songs gaining quickly. All are of the electro hop feel that continues to dominate the pop chart. B.o.B. who has already scored two Top 10’s this year with “Nothin’ On You” and “Airplanes” is up from 15-11 with “Magic” featuring Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo. Bruno Mars who was featured on “Nothin’ On You” is up from 20-16 with “Just The Way You Are”. Flo Rida is the latest to jump on to one of David Guetta’s grooves as he moves from 24-18 with “Club Can’t Handle Me”. And Ke$ha is looking for her fourth Top 10 hit with “Take It Off” which leaps from 27-20.
15-year old singer-songwriter Trey Songz has the week’s highest debut with his third career hit, “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj at #22. Country superstar Blake Shelton scores his fifth pop hit this week at #37 with “All About Tonight”. His biggest hit was his first, “Austin”, which reached #18 in 2001. And Chris Brown is back in the Top 40 this week with “Deuces” featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall at #39. It is the 21-year old’s tenth Top 40 hit song.
For more, visit my website at www.songerstudio.com
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