Music: Moves Like Jagger - Adam Levine & Christina Aguilera

You think this is off-topic? Well, there's some blog connection here! Adam Levine & Christina Aguilera are both judges/mentors of the new hit reality singing competition, The Voice. So obviously, this is not some random post.  Haha.

Now, as for the song, I personally think it's extremely catchy. Some may actually find the whistling a bit annoying, but that layer of instrumentation actually makes the song more interesting. I also like that they kept Christina Aguilera's riffing to a minimum. Good job!

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Music: Out of Summertime - Scotty McCreery

So this is apparently Scotty McCreery's OTHER coronation song. There were some reports prior to the Finale that Scotty recorded two songs and this was the one he didn't pick.

To be honest, I actually like this better than the cheesy I Love You This Big, but the cheesiness is actually what makes an "appropriate" coronation song. So, I'm not surprised that they didn't pick this. Not to take away anything from the song though because it's actually a nice tune. I'm hoping that his label will release this anytime soon.

UPDATE: I had to take down the full stream of the song. 

American Idol 10: Like My Mother Does - Lauren Alaina

Here is Lauren Alaina's first single, Like My Mother Does. Yes, I think this has more of an interesting melody than Scotty's song. This song fits the American Idol Coronation Song. I love the fact that Laure pushes her vocals on this song and her voice just soars on the chorus. It's interesting that if Scotty doesn't fulfill the Kristy Lee Cook prophecy, at least, Lauren covers a song that's in Kristy Lee Cook's album. Haha. Enjoy!

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American Idol 10: I Love You This Big - Scotty McCreery

Here is Scotty McCreery's first single, I Love You This Big. I'm not particularly a fan of the melody - if there's one - but I think the song is a grower. Of course, he sounds better in this recording compared to his live performance. Decent, but a bit bland. Enjoy!

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Music: (It) Feels So Good - Steven Tyler

Why am I not surprised? Yes, Steven Tyler has released his first ever solo single entitled, (It) Feels So Good.

I guess it's official. American Idol is more about the judges’ careers than the contestants. Haha. Quite frankly, I yearn for the days where the contestants actually were center stage. Last year, it was about the dysfunction of the judges. This year, it’s about the promotion of the judges. What gives?

Anyway, the song is a little generic and a little too bubble gum for a Steven Tyler caliber. I don't know. It's definitely lacking, shall I say, balls? But, for a 63 year old rocker, not too shabby! So, whatever.

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Music: I Am Woman - Jordin Sparks

This is totally unexpected. I didn't know Jordin Sparks is actually working on something. Could she be performing on American Idol soon? Well, apparently this song will be part of her upcoming third album - after her completely underrated sophomore effort - which will be out this fall.

Jordin Sparks has quite an outstanding track record when it comes to singles. I mean, she's the ONLY Idol contestant to have her first five singles reach the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 - yes, not even Carrie Underwood. This song is nowhere near her past singles in terms of vibe, but I'm loving the new sound. It's a little heavy handed on the production, but what isn't these days. She sounds fantastic and I'm hoping that this as another hit for her. Enjoy!

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Music: Beatrice Dream - Siobhan Magnus

I almost forgot about this one. Anyway, here's Siobhan Magnus' debut single entitled Beatrice Dream. This track will also be part of her soon-to-be-released album, which is reportedly due on Halloween of 2011.

Hmm. The song, to be honest, sounds dated - I don't know if it's a good or bad thing. I mean, it works well with her voice and she sounds pretty solid on it, but I don't know if there's a market for this type of music. I can't get into the melody and the production isn't the best either. Plus, the single cover looks, umm, questionable - yes, I had to make my own cover. I love Siobhan, but I'm a bit underwhelmed with this.

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Music: Before It Explodes - Charice

Due to popular demand, check out the new song from Charice called Before It Explodes. You think this is off-topic? There is some blog connection here! Charice guest-starred on Glee this season. Haha.

Yes, it's a nice tune and I think she sounded great, but I would've liked it more if Bruno Mars was actually part of the song. I mean, he lend his voice when X Factor UK Winner, Alexandra Burke, recorded this ditty a few years back, so why not with Charice? A nice collaboration like this with someone as big as Bruno Mars would've been better - think No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. But what do I know? Haha. Enjoy!

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Music: The Last Goodbye - David Cook

UPDATE: The final version is now streaming at the official David Cook website. Other than the fact that the new version sounds a lot less muddled with the new mix, it doesn't sound any different to me.
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UPDATE: Ok. So, according to an RCA person at DCO.com, this isn't the final version of the song and since it leaked, fans should just consider this as "a collection item".

It's not even the final mix he approved for the album, so y'all can consider it a collector's piece AND look forward to the final, final version coming tomorrow. You guys, on the other hand, should just ENJOY the thing. You waited long enough and supported David through all the months of silence, so you need not prove your loyalty by waiting on an official delivery that's less than 24hrs away (unless you don't want to be tainted by the non-final mix of course - haha). I mean, is something "piracy" when it's between friends?

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The fanboy in me lives!! Yes, here is David Cook's debut single off his sophomore album, This Loud Morning. The album is set to debut on June 28, 2011. Can't. Wait.

Now, as for The Last Goodbye, I think it's great and, yes, that's my biased opinion. Haha. I can understand people not liking this, but it's definitely a fun and fast song - a departure from the vibe we got from his two previous single. This is way better than Light On, I must say. There's some interesting instrumentation going on and it's a freakin' ear worm. More poppy than I expected, but who am I to complain no? Enjoy!

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 5

Last November, I gave you the Glee: The Music, Volume 4. Now, it's time for another compilation! Glee: The Music, Volume 5!

This is a compilation of some songs that were released from Season 2. Sixteen tracks, which constitute performances from the second half of the current season. This includes two of their original songs, Loser Like Me and Get It Right, which will be performed at this year's Regionals. Enjoy!

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1.  Thriller/Heads Will Roll

2. Need You Now

3. She's Not There

4. Fat Bottomed Girls

5. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)

6. Firework

7. Baby

8. Somebody To Love

9. Take Me or Leave Me

10. Sing

11. Don't You Want Me

12. Do You Wanna Touch Me

13. Kiss

14. Landslide

15. Get It Right

16. Loser Like Me

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Music: Summer Rain - Matthew Morrison

Matthew Morrison, Glee's Will Schuester, just released his debut single, Summer Rain, on Ryan Seacrest's show a couple of hours ago!

It's common knowledge that I do love myself some Glee (duh!), but I'm seriously not into this song. While I do think that this is slightly better than Mark Salling's (Puck) debut single, Summer Rain is lyrically boring. His voice isn't distinct either to even pull off a ditty of this genre - something a la Jason Mraz! Really? Plus, is it just me or he did sound way off in some parts? Stick with the standards Matt!

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Album: 2011 Grammy Nominees - Various Artists

2011 Grammy Winners were already announced yesterday, but I still have a little treat for everyone!!

Sony Music releases the 2011 GRAMMY Nominees album, the 17th edition of the best-selling series, which highlights artists and songs nominated for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards. I personally think that this is a good collector's compilation. It has an exceptional mix of songs from some of last year’s remarkable and talented artists. Enjoy!

01. Forget You Cee Lo Green

02. Nothin' On You B.o.B (ft. Bruno Mars)
03. California Gurls Katy Perry (ft. Snoop Dogg)
04. Telephone Lady GaGa (ft. Beyonce)
05. Love The Way You Lie Eminem (ft. Rihanna)
06. Need You Now Lady Antebellum
07. Ready To Start Arcade Fire
08. Whataya Want From Me Adam Lambert

09. Half Of My Heart John Mayer (ft. Taylor Swift) 

10. Haven't Met You Yet Michael Buble

11. Just The Way You Are Bruno Mars
12. This Is It Michael Jackson
13. Beg Steal Or Borrow Ray Lamontagne & The Pariah Dogs
14. The House That Built Me Miranda Lambert

15. Babyfather Sade

16. The Only Exception Paramore
17. Hey, Soul Sister (Live) Train
18. Misery Maroon 5
19. Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals Version) Glee Cast

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Album: The Sing-Off Season 2: The Studio Sessions

Well, it looks like the 4 finalists of this season's The Sing-Off got to record their favorite performance from the show in studio and iTunes just made it available today! Sweet.

I'm actually glad that every group got to record clearly their strongest performances on the show. I would've picked the same songs for the EP so this is perfect. I especially love Street Corner Symphony's flawless and soaring version of Creep and The Backbeat's emotional take on Landslide. Goosebumps. Enjoy!

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1. Apologize - Committed

2. Landslide - The Backbeats

3. Mercy - Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town

4. Creep - Street Corner Symphony

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Music: When We Collide - Matt Cardle

Yes! Matt Cardle won the 7th season of X Factor UK!

Now, here's his debut single, When We Collide, which he also performed on the show. At first, I thought it was a dud but I'm loving it now after each subsequent listen. The song obviously got the usual X Factor winners single treatment. I really think Matt has an interesting voice and I like parts of it from this single. He actually sounds like Chris Martin in some parts. Enjoy!

ETA: This is the iTunes version.

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Album: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Here it is!! Crystal Bowersox's debut album, Farmer's Daughter. Her record drops on December 14, 2010.

Now, Crystal sounds great in this record and I think her fans would love it, but personally, I probably won't buy it because I can't see myself listening to more than a couple of the songs over and over again. Still, this is a very nice debut effort that she should be proud of. I'll be writing a track-by-track review of the album - just like any other American Idol albums - which will be posted in the next coming days. So for the meantime, Enjoy!

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1. Ridin' With The Radio

2. For What It's Worth

3. Farmer's Daughter

4. Holy Toledo

5. Lonely Don't Come Around

6. Hold On

7. On The Run

8. Kiss Ya

9. Speak Now

10. Mine All Mine

11. Mason 

12. Arlene

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Album: Adam Lambert Acoustic Live! - Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert releases an Acoustic Live! featuring performances from his Glam Nation and radio tours! This is set to come out December 6, 2010.

Quite frankly, I'm not really a big fan of Adam Lambert but this Acoustic Live! album is just AMAZING. Seriously. The upbeat version of Mad World is crazy good. I love that his voice is front and center in his stripped down take of Whataya Want From Me and Music Again is just pure fun. Now, I have to be honest, I was a bit iffy when he included both Aftermath and especially Soaked in this record because they are just not the strongest tracks on his debut album, For Your Entertainment. But now, I take it back.

I didn't think Aftermath fits him well - because the song got that terrific big rock ballad sound, which reminds me so much of Daughtry - but he worked it out here and I'm now loving the song. However, the biggest shocker for me is the idea of how much I enjoyed Soaked. It seemed a little too Andrew Lloyd Webber-y for me, but I somehow dig it now. I don't know. Haha.

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1. Whataya Want From Me

2. Music Again

3. Aftermath

4. Soaked

5. Mad World

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Album: Grown-Up Christmas List - Charice

I had no idea Charice will release a Christmas EP this year. Well, it's out and in this EP, Grown-Up Christmas List, she features three popular Christmas songs, which I think sounds really good. It's surprisingly compelling, it's a remarkably comforting listen and the production is top notch with vocal acrobatics in ample supply. This is actually an impressive piece of work.

Anyway, Charice will be back on Glee for it's post-Superbowl episode, which will air sometime in February. For now, enjoy this EP!

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1. Grown-Up Christmas List

2. Jingle Bell Rock

3. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

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Music: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Here is Crystal Bowersox's - American Idol 9 runner-up - debut single for her upcoming album off the same name. Her album, Farmer's Daughter will be released on December 14, 2010.

Now, apparently, this song has two versions. This is the old version where there's still not much hint of production mix. The new version sounds better as it turns up the vocals and bass lines but this one isn't too shabby either. At least, you get to listen to the song. It pretty much sounds the same, of course, with different production. I'd say add a little slide guitar flourishes somewhere and this is a country song already. Ha! Enjoy.

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Listen to the final version HERE.

Album: Glee: The Music, Volume 4

Well, I give to you the Glee: The Music, Volume 4. Yay!

This is a compilation of some songs that were released for Season 2. Sixteen tracks, which constitute performances from eight of the first nine episodes of the season. Too bad, they didn't include Charice's version of Listen. Enjoy!

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1. Empire State Of Mind

2. Billionaire

3. Me Against The Music

4. Stronger

5. Toxic

6. The Only Exception

7. I Want To Hold Your Hand

8. One Of Us

9. River Deep, Mountain High

10. Lucky

11. One Love (People Get Ready)

12. Teenage Dream

13. Forget You

14. Marry You

15. Sway

16. Just The Way You Are

17. Valerie

18. (I've Had) The Time Of My Life

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Album: Live It Up - Lee DeWyze

Here it is! Lee DeWyze's debut album, Live It Up. Truth be told, I'm not particularly a Lee DeWyze fan, but this record shockingly exceeded all my expectations. Who would've thought? Anyway, I'll be writing a track-by-track review of the album, which will be posted in the next coming days. So for the meantime, Enjoy!

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1. Live It Up

2. Sweet Serendipity

3. It's Gotta Be Love

4. Dear Isabelle

5. Beautiful Like You

6. Stay Here

7. Me And My Jealousy

8. Brooklyn Bridge

9. Weightless

10. Earth Stood Still

11. A Song About Love

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