Britney Spears Release's "3" Music Video!

After days of waiting, and two days of picture/video clip teasing on Twitter, Britney Spears finally released her much anticipated video to the number one single "3". Directed by Diane Martel, who has directed numerous music videos in her carrer, the video really is something differn't for Britney. As stated by the director herself "The Video Is Very Simple", and that is the honest to god truth. The video is chopped full of close ups with Britney playing with her hair, doing slow moves on a pole (no not a stripper pole) and dancing with Peter and Paul. Now of course, there was much anticipation on Britney returning some hard-core dance moves to the video. Was this true? Yes and No. The video does have two sequence's of Britney dancing with a number of male back-up dancers, but it is small compared to all the close up scenes. There is also a few seconds of Britney doing some hard-core solo dance moves, but most of them were edited out and replaced with more glamor shots. So in today's Britney era, there is some decent moves, but it does not compare to the "In The Zone" or "Britney" years. Which kind of kills us because we know Britney can still do some hard-core dancing (Mannequin Rehearsal Video Anyone?). Whatever is holding Britney back, we don't know, but what we do know is that this is her best video she has done since "Circus" in December of last year.

Good Things:
Some Decent Dance Moves
An entirely new concept for Britney
Looks Great (People who say she got fat again are pure crazy)

Bad Things:
Lot's of thing's seem to be cut from the video
To Many Glamor Shots
To Choppy

Overall you got a great video with some BAD editing. Word of advice to Jive and everyone on Britney's Team: HIRE A NEW EDITOR NEXT TIME!!!! The director however did great.

Watch The Video For Yourself:

Ke$ha making her mark

You may not know who she is now, but you have heard her before. Pop/Hip Hop Singler Ke$ha is just braking onto the map as a solo artist. However what you know her from is the female voice in Flow Rida's number one song "Right Round". In addition to singing with Pitbull and being a back-ground singer, she is now a full fledged solo artist. Ke$ha was signed to RCA records along with legendary producer Dr. Luke in 2009. Her first single is called "Tic Toc" and has already reached the top 40 in the United States and top ten in Canada. The song is kind of unique and different as it is a mix of Lady Gaga pop and Shontelle hip hop, and that is what Set's her apart from other new artists.

As her debut single keeps climbing the charts, you can expect to see her album in a matter of a few months.

Check Out Tic Toc:

This Week's Hot Top Ten

1. Fireflies-Owl City- WOW! No one would ever expect this song... Good Job!
2. Whatcha Say- Jason DeRulo- Just can't make the top spot... Poor J.R.
3. Down- Jay Sean Ft. Lil Wayne- Still a good hit, but it's course is nearing an end
4. Party In The U.S.A.!- Miley Cyrus- When is this party going to end?
5. Run This Town- Jay-Z Ft. Rihanna and Kayne West- We gona run this town tonight
6. Paparazzi- Lady Gaga- Still Going Strong!
7. Meet Me Halfway- Black Eyed Peas- Beasts! They just won't go away
8. 3- Britney Spears- Aww, Britney is falling fast. Let's hope the video helps! Either way it went #1
9. I Gotta Feeling- The Black Eyed Peas- This "good night" is now getting annoying
10.Sweet Dreams- Beyonce- About time she gets something in the top ten besides Single Ladies.

Let The Game's Begin!

Today Lady Gaga's first single off the upcoming re-release/album "The Fame Monster" is released to iTunes. Of course, Britney has already hit number one on that chart and the Billboard Hot 100 with her single "3" off of the "Singles Collection". Up next is Rihanna's single "Russian Roulette" which is released to itunes November 3rd. As for Adam Lambert, the new single recently released "Time for Miracle's", has been declared a promo single for the upcoming film 2012. So his debut single has not even been released yet. Better hurry up RCA, you only got three week's to release the first single, video, and promotion.

Alicia Key's Album Pushed Back

Announced today via her official Twitter account, Alicia Key's album "The Element of Freedom" has been pushed back two weeks in order to add additional recording and song's to the album.

Now normally, this would not be a big deal. The fact however is, that for the first time, Alicia Key's first single off an album has flopped. The first single "Doesn't Mean Anything" has only reached number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, unlike the rest of her debut singles witch either topped the chart or made it into the top three. Could Alicia's label be worried about the album? Are they wanting to put more "friendly" music on there, that they think will do well? Or could it be that they don't want to be in the shadow of the November 23rd showdown? So many talented artist's have been having flop albums this past year. Alicia Key's is a modern legend, and we think anything she puts out there will be brilliant. Although the label still wants there $$$.

One decent hit and some great promotion, will definitely be more than enough to make this album breakthrough to the top of the charts. After all, its Alicia Key's.

Lindsay Lohan Dropped From Label

It was announced today that Lindsay Lohan has been officially dropped from her record label of five years, Casablanca Records. Lindsay released her first studio album "Speak" in 2004, with moderate success. Her follow up in 2005, "A Little More Personal", however flopped. After a three year music hi-aitus, it was announced in 2008 that Lindsay had made a switch to Universal Motown Records, and released a new promo single produced by Ne-Yo, titled "Bossy". The single, however also flopped. After another year of no music news, today it was finally revealed that Lindsay had been dropped from Casablanca, because she took over 16 months to record tracks for her album, and it was still unfinished. (AKA, the tracks were bad, and she did not want to try). Sounds like Casablanca put in some $$$ for the third album, and Lindsay blew it all.

This whole situation does not make sense because she claimed in 08 that she switched to Motown, yet she is just now getting dropped from Casablanca. However Universal Motown owns Casablanca, so the single "Bossy" could have been from the parent label, while the sub label was busy. But honestly, who cares?

Speaking of Lohan, what ever happened to her sister's album? She released one track, and since then we have heard nothing about it.

SHOWDOWN! NOVEMBER 23RD!

In what is probably the biggest competition of album sales this year, the music release week of November 23rd is set to be a dozy. First, we learn that the re-release of the multi-platinum album album "The Fame" by Lady Gaga will be in stores that day. Then it gets even better when Adam Lambert announced his debut will be coming out the same day. So far not that much, right? Well then add on Britney Spears second greatest hits album "The Singles Collection" into the mix. Thing's start to get interesting, as it's pop diva vs. pop diva. Then just this past week, we learn that Rihanna's new album "Rated R" will be released on the same day! If that wasn't bad enough, we learned yesterday that Shakira's record label really don't like her, because they pushed her album "She Wolf" to that date as well. This makes for an all out mainstream showdown!

Now let's think about this. First off, Britney's album is just a greatest hits, not to mention her second one, so I hate to say it, but I don't think it will do that well when there is only one new song on the release (two in Japan). Then again, you can never underestimate Britney fan's (Look at "3").

Then there is Lady Gaga's re-release "The Fame Monster". New cover, new pictures, and eight new songs, as she says herself it is practically a new album. It will without a doubt make it in the top three, just because Gaga is either every one's obsession or guilty pleasure.

Now we have Adam Lambert's debut release "For Your Entertainment". Two words: American Idol, although his album has taken longer than most former idol star's to be released, I think we can say he will also be in the top three.

Now for the new Rihanna album "Rated R". Although her new single lack's some substance, the album is supposed to be "pure gold" as stated by one of the album's producers. Rihanna is known for releasing albums pretty quick within each other, and after the huge success of "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 2007/2008, its hard to resist her. Were going to say that she is the third contender for the top three.

Last, but not least is Shakira. All we have to say, is what is her record label thinking? They must seriously be mad at her from her recent music piracy quotes. There is no way that her album can compete successfully with all of this competition. Her debut single, did decent, but not good enough for a hit album, especially when you have all of this above you. Word of advice to her label, if you want to have a success with this, move the album forward or back. If it's moved back wait two weeks! If this does not change, well then Shakira good luck.

So here is our predictions, although we are new at this so don't take this with more than a grain of salt:

1. Rihanna: Rated R (Def Jam Records)
2. Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment (RCA Records)
3. Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster (Interscope, Cherrytree, Kon Live Records)
4. Britney Spears: The Singles Collection (Jive Records/Sony BMG)
5, Shakira: She Wolf (Epic Records)

Chris Brown's New Single- Moving Slow

Chris Brown has released a new single titled "I Can Transform Ya". Actually, he released it a few weeks ago, but we did not here much about it. There is not much to it really, the song is the usual Brown and it features the usual Lil Wayne. The single missed it's calling with Transformers 2 that's for sure. At first, it seemed as though it was going to flop, missing the top 40 in it's debut, which killed a lot of expectations. The song made a decent jump this week to number 27 however on the Billboard Hot 100. The question remains, as to whether or not, this will be a hit for Brown. Expectations for Brown's new single and upcoming album are of course big, at least they were. With all the recent drama surrounding what he did however, he has alienated many fan's. The single is getting great reception from critic's, but only modest from the public. It may take longer for the public to forgive Brown. He or his label should not be surprised if it performs below expectations, because there is a high chance of that. The single has a very low chance of making it to the top five in all honesty. It's too soon, and no one really wants to support Brown right now.

Only time will tell if the public can forgive Chris, as it will show in his sales.

Do YOU forgive Chris?

P.S., the cover art looks like a rip-off from Kayne's "Graduation" album.

This Week's Top Ten

1. Down- Jay Sean (Returning to the top after a week of being knocked down)
2. Whatcha Say- Jason Derulo (This is J.R.'s first big hit in a while)
3. Party In The U.S.A.- Miley Cyrus (Seriously, this song is getting annoying. It may be her greatest hit in all, but please, it's not the greatest ever. I give Dr. Luke Props though)
4. Run This Town- Jay-Z Ft. Rihanna And Kayne West (This is getting old too)
5. 3- Britney Spears (Slipping down five spots, but who cares it DEBUTED at number 1 with no promotion. Now that's skills. Plus it will come back when the video comes)
6. Paparazzi- Lady Gaga (Just can't get in the top five, but who cares, bad romance is probably gona smash it)
7. Fireflies- Owl City (No one expected this to be a hit, but it deserves to be)
8. I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas (As they continue to dominate, this song has ran it's course)
9. Meet Me Halfway- Black Eyed Peas (There third top ten from the album, I can't see it going number one though. It does not compare to the previous)
10.You Belong With Me- Taylor Swift (Somehow this did not go number one, being blocked by the Peas at number two, but how much you want to bet the debut off her next album will)

With all the new music being released over the next few weeks, something tells me a lot of these songs are almost done with the Top Ten. Then again, no one can predict the charts.

Rihanna Plays Russian Roulette

Rihanna released her new single "Russian Roulette" this week. The single, initially received poor reception, but within a matter of hours we saw that the reaction did a complete 180, being well received both by critics and commercially. The song describes being in a relationship, even though she knows it is going to hurt her (Gee, wonder what that is about?). The song is a mid-tempo ballad like track, which was not what anyone was expecting as the first single, but that is why it works. The video will be coming out on November 6th, and was directed by long time Rihanna collaborator Anthony Mandler.

Rihanna's upcoming fourth studio album "Rated R", is expected to be released this November.

Lady Gaga Release's New Single

It's here! The first single off Gaga's highly anticipated re-release of her monster debut "The Fame" has been released. The song titled "Bad Romance" is produced by Red One, who also produced her other hit singles "Just Dance", "Poker Face", and "Love Game". Lyrically, the song is a departure from "The Fame", as the song does not talk about becoming famous or any aspects of it. The song has an electro-pop vibe, and is just as dancable and radio-friendly as "Poker Face" and "Love Game" are. In fact, the song even has the "Muh Muh Muh" in it from "Poker Face", backed with Red One's Vocals. Without a doubt, it will only continue her success. Although it is to early to name her the princess, queen, or really anything of pop, the Lady seems to be on the fast road to pro-longed stardom and joining the pop royalty of the likes of Madonna and Britney. Three Cheer's For Gaga!

Her re-release "The Fame Monster" hits stores November 24th.

Cobra Starship's 2nd Single

No one, would of guessed that Cobra Starship, would become a top ten success over the summer with there hit single "Good Girls Go Bad". The song featured Leighton Meester, making her mainstream singing debut and was produced by Kevin Rudolf, unfortunately one of only songs on their album "Hot Mess" to do so. Despite promotion from MTV, and a minor cult hit "Snakes On A Plane", Cobra Starship was not known by many. Hot on the gears of there most successful single and album yet, they are releasing there second single "Hot Mess" this month. The song is another uptempo modern alternative/dance chant, and does not disappoint. However, there has been a lack of promotion from there label, Fueled By Ramen, as no cover art or video details have been announced. Come on guys, "Hot Mess" is a great song, and Cobra Starship deserves better than to be another one of your one hit wonder bands.

Lets hope "Hot Mess" storms on the radio just like it's preceding single.

Artist Spotlight: STEFY

Many people can probably say that they have never heard of the pop sensation STEFY. Although they have only released one album, there contribution has made them one of the most under appreciated bands this decade.

STEFY was formed by lead singer STEFY rae, who claims to have been inspired by both her grandma and her sister. "My sister was in a band, and I used to tag along to her practice". She eventually realized that she wanted to be an artist two, although at first it seemed as though it was an impossible doing. Eventually after some years of practice, STEFY became a very beautiful voice. Singing at local clubs around her Orange County root's she was discovered by an agent, and got signed to Columbia records in 2002. However the album never got off the ground, and she was dropped from the label before anything was released. It could of been the end of it right there, but no one expected her to return two years later, forming the band "The Lovely". They eventually caught the attention of indi band Wind-Up Records, and were signed. Along with the singing, came a name change to simply "STEFY". Using songs she had written in the years prior and her old diary as inspiration, STEFY worked with producer's Jimmy Harry and Glitch, during a year recording tracks for the debut album. Staying true to there Orange County roots, the album was named "The Orange Album", and consisted of 11 New Wave/Rock songs. In a later interview STEFY sated that the writing process took over three years to complete.

The album was promoted by the lead single "Chelsea" an 80's influenced club banger, which was critically acclaimed for it's re-birth in New Wave sound. The video would later have a cameo by Adam West. The single made the top 20 in the Billboard Hot Dance Club Chart although not seeing any other success. It was also added to the Abercrombie and Fitch playlist in 2006. To further promote the album, they recorded an exclusive track for the movie "John Tucker Must Die" titled "Fool For Love". The track was added to the movie's official soundtrack in addition to "Chelsea". The album was released via Wind-Up on August 29th, 2006 making the number 12 spot on The Dance Album Chart, but failing to appear in the Billboard 200. For there second single, STEFY released "Hey School Boy". The video was directed by legendary director Nigel Dick (Britney Spears) and was hosted during a 30 minute MTV 2 Special spotlighting the band. They later embarked on both a U.S. and U.K. club tour to promote the album. This would be the last of promotion Stefy would receive from there label, ultimately being dropped a year later, despite there 2nd album already in production. STEFY did not stop however, despite loosing most band members who moved on. STEFY created, along with her brother, two music videos to the song's "Orange County" and "Lucky Girl". She also hired a director herself to make a clay-animation video to "Pretty Little Nightmare".

After nearly a year of no updates and promotion, STEFY returned with four new Demo's added on her Myspace page. This came followed by her song "Fool For Love" being featured in another movie "Bride Wars" in 2009. Stefy also released a new exclusive song titled "Tear Me Up" which was featured on the 2009 movie "Sorority Row". It seemed as though, STEFY was in full swing again, even joining Twitter and posting a new v-log. However it was later revealed that she has no idea when another album would be released as she has still not found a label to call home yet.

Despite her voice being described as "foxy" and "similar to Gwen Stefani" (which is one of her music idols, hey there both orange county girls) STEFY has not found any big success yet. However she does have a strong cult following, that "can't wait to see what she does next".

Whatever is in store for the pop sensation that is STEFY, it is sure to be something brilliant.

Check Her Out On Myspace: Myspace.com/stefy

You can also currently listen to her critically acclaimed, debut "The Orange Album" at Rhapsody.

Chelsea:


Hey School Boy:

Beyonce and Gaga's New Single

"Video Phone" is the eighth single off Beyonce's now infamous third studio album "I Am... Sasha Fierce". The single has been remixed with lady gaga for the official release. The original version of the song, does not seem to have the same potential and artistic brilliance as her previous singles, but with Gaga added to the mix, it is sure to be another hit to there expansive collection. In addition, it has been confirmed that Gaga will be in the video with Beyonce, which was reportedly shot on October 7th. Ironically Britney Spears new video for the number one single "3" was also shot around that time.

Look out for some great videos coming soon!

S.O.S. (MUSIC IS NOT BEING PLAYED)

It's looking like Jordin Spark's newest single "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)" has officially flopped. Even though the song and video was well received by critics, the single did not impact radio that hard, and it did not even make an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.

This must be crushing for Jive, as after her debut success, her newest album has pretty much flopped. The album was only able to push 123,000 copies the first week. Granted, ill give it to her that album sales are pretty small these days, however everyone was expecting more. The first single "Battlefield" was highly praised by critics and Jordin fans, but was only able to make it to #10 on the Hot 100, two spots less than her debut single "Tattoo".

Maybe it's because the sound is to new for her? Maybe it's because Britney and Gaga have been dominating the pop music section? Or maybe it's because people aren't feeling it.

Either way, I guess we will see what is next. Will Jive pull the rest of promotion since everything else they have done has seen minimal results? I don't think they want a repeat of Ciara.

My Opinion: Jive, do something to make this album go off! You can't afford another flop like Love... Sex... Magic (Which was a decent album). This album is not a complete failure (yet), but this second single is.

Sorry Jordin ;(

[Image Via Sony BMG/Zomba Label Group]

Britney Spears Top's Billboard Hot 100!

In what probably surprised a lot of people, the legendary miss Britney Spears has debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Canada Hot 100 Chart's, breaking Billboard's own record. The last time an artist debuted at number one was nearly three years ago, not to mention the past few artists were none other than American Idol's. (How the hell did Taylor Hicks Do That)

"3" is nothing special. It is a straight forward mainstream radio friendly pop song, that gets it's charms from the hit maker that is Max Martin. Max was responsible for being the primary producer of "Baby One More Time" and "Oops... I Did It Again". He also produced some of "Britney", before being cut off, because she wanted something more mature. He later re-invented himself with hits from Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry. After seven years, he and Britney teamed up again and created the moderate success "If U Seek Amy", which was released as the third single off of Brit's sixth studio album "Circus" earlier this year.

Without any doubt, "3"'s stand point is the slow down in the middle, which is complemented by Britney's auto-tuned voice. The song is about threesomes, so it is of course the classic, princess of pop pushing the boundary's as usual.. That is why we love Britney Spears.

After all, there is a reason she is the number one female artist of this decade.

"3" is the first (and probably) only single to be released off of her upcoming second greatest hits album "The Singles Collection" due to compete with Lady Gaga's re-release on November 24th.

[Image Via Sony BMG/Zomba Label Group]

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