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I’ll start with a newsworthy item: the big news today in pop was the premiere of Britney’s new single Womanizer; yes I have heard it, and yes, it is really quite good. I think that if Britney brings an album as strong as Blackout to us with Circus, I think that the chances of her having a proper comeback are very, very good. Since the song only debuted today, I have five other songs for this week’s 5SF, but perhaps Womanizer will make a future appearance on the 5SF? Only time will tell. Now that we have taken care of business, let’s get to the fantastic five for this week, shall we?

Will Young – Changes
*Swoon*… Alright, where to start about my love for the fabulous Will Young? I really came to know Will through his last CD, which is a mix of fantastic pop and jazz, all marked by his unmistakably beautiful voice. Song after song, I feel deep for that album, and still love it very much today. Well, earlier this summer, I heard that Will would be releasing a new CD this year, and seeing as it has been a good three years since Keep On came out, it goes without saying that I was excited to hear this news. After hearing the lead single, Changes (which I have waited to bring you until it got a proper release, and so I could have the damn mp3 for myself), I can say that Will’s trademark style and swagger are all over this track, and I find myself loving it more and more with each listen. Per usual, he pays a lot of attention to melding heartfelt lyrics with beautiful strings and emotive vocals. This song is fantastic, and only makes me even more giddy for the full release of Will’s upcoming CD, Let It Go… which just happens to be next week!!!!!

Friendly Fires – Jump In The Pool
I have to say, that the first time I heard this song, I couldn’t help but think of the Barry Harris/Pepper Mashay anthem of a similar name, Dive in the Pool; even though it is nothing like it. This song, unlike the aforementioned dance floor filler, harnesses male vocals with maraca style beats, and synthetic electronic backgrounds to make a track that reminds me a bit of the Klaxons, mixed in with some of the edge from the Presets (who I am seeing in concert tomorrow night). The result is a true aural surprise and a real delight; I like this song more every time I play it. I love how they use those undulating beats and rhythms throughout the song, and I especially like how they end it with the beats at the end. I was surprised by how much I instantly liked this song, and I am happy to pass it on to you.

Kings of Leon – Use Somebody

Before last weekend, I had never heard of Kings of Leon, even though they apparently have the number one song in the UK with Sex on Fire right this very minute. Well, I saw them on SNL, and the lead singer’s voice was so interesting (it reminds me a bit of Bo Bice; but without the long-haired, redneck-ness, and with a LOT more edge), that I wanted to check them out; and I am glad I did. While I didn’t fall head of heels for Sex on Fire immediately (it is good, and I do like it), Use Somebody is bursting with emotion, heart, and energy; and it is fantastic. The ache in his voice is almost able to reach out of the speaker and brush against your skin; you can tell he really longs for this person he is singing about. Overall, I have been digging their CD, mainly because of how interesting and flawless the lead singer’s voice sounds, and how they mix that with such a smooth rock sound. I am glad that I gave them a listen, because this song is a great find indeed.

The Killers – Human

I will start by saying that this song really, really surprised me. I haven’t traditionally been a fan of the Killers, mainly because of how much Hot Fuss was overplayed and over hyped. I did love Shadowplay, though, mainly because it was in Guitar Hero. That being said, when Human was released earlier this week, I wasn’t even interested in listening to it, but I did on accident (I was trying to listen to something else, and this was mistakenly linked as that song), and I found myself instantly really, really liking it! I have heard a lot of people kind of dissing on it, because it doesn’t sound like a typical Killers song, but I think that is why I like it so much. I really like it that they can do something that is a little different from their more commercial singles, and with Human, they may have just became part of a “you should really give us another chance” trifecta; first it was Coldplay with Viva La Vida, then it was Keane with Spiralling… and now, the Killers have wowed me with Human. What’s next!?!

Margaret Cho – I Cho Am A Woman

Okay, this song is a little bit silly, but it is a lot sassy at the same time. I was really surprised (maybe that is the theme of today’s music?) that Margaret was going to do a pop album, and I was very apprehensive to hear the first song from it. I have to say that she has released a sassy, sultry, club-ish track; but she adds the “Cho” factor and makes you laugh with a well placed “bitch please” here and there. I am glad that I gave this a listen, because it really has me interested to see what else she has up her beautiful heavily tattooed sleeves. The voice overs just crack me up, and the synth on this track is just hot! She just wants to go crazy like Britney… handcuffed to a stretcher bitch! I love you Margaret!

Alright kids, there’s the goods. Now spill… which ones did you enjoy most? And what are you listening to?? Anything good?