So when last we spoke, I was getting ready for the first test of the semester. Well… that didn’t go so well. Top it off with the “threat” that they kept throwing around that the second test was the hardest of the semester, I hit the books and studied as much as I could to prepare. Well, it paid off; I almost got an A on that test, and I feel much better. I meant to do a 5SF yesterday, but was still enjoying the week; especially after having studied so much the two weeks prior. That being said, there’s no harm in bringing it to you today, so let’s get another 5SS underway, shall we?
Jennifer Hudson – Where You At
I was so excited when I saw a new single from one of my favorite divas waiting for me when I opened the iTunes store a couple of weeks ago. Incorrect grammar aside, this is another home-run for Jennifer, and has me very excited for her sophomore album I Remember Me, which will be out later this month on the 22nd. I for one, will be heading out to the store to pick up my copy, because if this is any indicator of what we can expect, it is going to be more amazing stuff from this amazing singer. Her debut made my year end list back in 2008, and looks like my love for Ms. Hudson isn’t going to slow down any time soon. My only complaint about this song, is that they cut her off at the end when she starts to do her big diva-belting-moment; it just sounds as if they were leaving a little prematurely… let the girl belt, she’s great at it! Watch the video for Where You At here.
Jessie J – Abracadabra
A big thanks is in order to a great blog I follow, Coffee and Bars for this gem. Jessie J’s new album Who You Are came out this week in the UK, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t really paying attention, mostly because I didn’t care for either of the two singles that she’s released to date (to be fair, I don’t dislike Price Tag, it just didn’t blow me away). That being said, Coffee and Bars alerted me to this amazing track, and forced me to take a second listen to Jessie J, and boy I am glad I did. This song is fantastic, and stylistically, reminds me a lot of JoJo. I love the pop-feel and the strong vocals. I’m definitely glad I gave Jessie J another chance! Listen to Abracadbra here.
Clare Maguire – Last Dance
A big thanks goes out to my buddy Deb for this one. She posted the video to her Facebook a couple of weeks ago, and I have been loving it ever since. It reminds me a bit of Sharleen Spiteri vocally, and the backing dance track just invokes a little taste of something Sophie Ellis Bextor would probably release. Overall, the song is almost tribal, and most certainly enchanting; I love it more and more with each listen. A great find for sure… thanks Deb! Watch the video for Last Dance here.
Audio Bullys – Only Man
I saw the (quite violent) video for this one, and was struck by how much this song reminded me of the Ting Ting’s stylistically. It sounds a lot like Shut Up and Let Me Go; which is a personal favorite of mine (maybe that’s why I like this one so much?) and as such, I wanted to hear it more and more. That being said, while similar, it has its own flair, and I’m glad to have stumbled onto this track. Also, I can’t help but notice that the lead singer of the group is quite the hottie. Double bonus. Watch the video for Only Man here.
Nero – Me & You
I heard this one afternoon randomly on BBC Radio 1, and was blown away. This, ladies and gents (well, for those of you that don’t know what it is), is dubstep, the bass-centered electro straight out of South East London. Since discovering this track, I have been seeking out more and more dubstep, because I love the undulating lower bass range that is the hallmark of dubstep, which is essentially when the beat “drops”. Feel how deep that bass goes!! Overall, it is a great genre of music, and this is a great example of high energy dubstep; which has taken my attention by storm. Special request: any dubstep suggestions are more than welcome; I am craving it more and more!! Watch the video for Me & You here.
Well, what did you think? As always, head to the comments and let me know, and please let me know what you are listening to as well!!
Let’s get this party started right, shall we? First up on my year end list of the best 31 albums of 2008 is a record that should really get under your skin and drive you crazy, but doesn’t. First of all, you have Katie White’s shrill-like vocal styling; that you will either LOVE, or seriously hate. For me… it’s serious love. Also, I have this thing when I hear a song, and they repeat the same thing (be it a repetitive rhythm, or vocal) over, and over, and over, and over… I freak out. I hate it. However, 
A few weeks ago, Sarah released Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff Vol. 2, which contained a bunch of songs that I didn’t previously have in my collection. Since getting the CD, I have been reminded of how much I love Sarah McLachlan, as well as how amazingly talented she is. This cover of the Beatles’ Blackbird is so beautiful and tender, that you can’t help but completely love it (at least, I can’t). I have been a huge fan of Ms. McLachlan for years, and looking back on her body of work, I can tell you that I will definitely remain a huge fan for years to come. I can’t wait for the next album.
I posted another song by Brian a few weeks ago, but at that time, I was barely getting into the album, but I liked what I initially heard. After having some more time with the record, I discovered this amazingly beautiful song deeper into the album, and I have been playing it over and over ever since. Seriously, this song is so incredibly beautiful, and sad at the same time. When he says, “you know… I really love you”, you can’t help but believe it. Forgive him Delta!! He’s a keeper! (I think) Delta Goodrem sings backing vocals on the track, which, (if it really is her) makes this another great song that they have collaborated on. This album gets better with each listen, and is definitely far better than his first, in my opinion.
This song totally took me by surprise. This is not what I was expecting for the former she-bopper; Ms. Lauper has given us a true club-ready hit. The similarities to Madonna’s Get Together are apparent for me, (probably because it was also penned by Swedish producer Peer Ã…ström) but I still think that it is different enough that at least I still consider it pretty fresh. I like this direction that the true color girl is going, and really like the how the club friendly sound fits her voice so well. I honestly never thought Cyndi would be on one of these weekly lists, but here she is, and with a great song to boot! Here’s to more great surprises, right?!?