Carrie Underwood's "Play On" Album Hits Stores

The four-time Grammy Award winner and country music star Carrie Underwood returns with today's release of her highly anticipated third album, "Play On" via Arista Nashville. It's been fewer than five years since the Oklahoma native won "American Idol," but Underwood's music career has been supernova hot since, has earned little critical praise despite moving over 10 million albums, garnering ACM and CMA awards and becoming the first Country artist in history to achieve ten No.1 singles from her first two albums.
Reality-show prodigy turned down-home diva, Underwood knew she needed to finish a new album this year. Luckily, she viewed the writing and recording process of "Play On" as a labor of love, rather than just one more thing to check off her huge to-do list. The new album is very solid from top to bottom, and it contains quite a wide range of music. The lead single from the album, "Cowboy Casanova" pop-country crossover hits has been established as the fastest-selling song in the past year of country music. While there, she also debuted three other songs included in the album, "Temporary Home," "Undo It" and "Mama's Song." The album's strongest classics track is "Someday When I Stop Loving You," a brooding tune framed beautifully by her delicate performance, while "What Can I Say," a collaboration with sibling trio Sons of Sylvia, is a simple, elegant declaration of longing. And the all-American girl even delivers a tart-tongued reading of the spunky, Shania-esque "Songs Like This."
The remaining 45 minutes, though, are more Hallmark than honky tonk. "Play On" is a tastefully-done pop pleasure, with little of the pretentious production that gutted much of her first two discs. Better still, Underwood's found new creases in her sweetly-Southern voice, an engaging instrument that's grown with each album. Underwood doesn't want you to call her music pop-country. "I'm not trying to move anywhere away from country music," Underwood said. "I love what I do. And let's say 'Cowboy Casanova' crosses over, it's going to cross over as it is - fiddles, steel and all. Growing up I never liked it when people would have a country song and then change it for a different format." "Play On," though saddled with its share of loose songwriting, is a convincing reminder of a blonde, budding talent.

Shakira Releases Her "Did It Again" Music Video

The Colombian pop star Shakira has premiered a music video for her brand new European single "Did It Again" on the German show "Neu" from VIVA on Friday. "Did It Again" is the second single off the third english studio album of "She Wolf" which is due for November 23 in the US with Epic Records. However, the single will not be released in the US market, and it will be released in Spanish mainly to Latin America and Spain, and be renamed "Lo Hecho Está Hecho", as was done with "She Wolf" with Spanish version "Loba". US fans will be treated with a song called "Give It Up to Me," which features Timbaland and Lil Wayne.
The Sophie Muller directed video shows the stunning Shakira singing and dancing in a similarly sensual way as she was in the previous video, and the sexy choreography is simply wonderful. Colombian beauty mixes martial arts, wearing only a black lingerie, Shakira goes wild in a music video promoting her new single "Did It Again". The video opens with Shakira in a steam room, surrounded by many women who bear a striking resemblance to her. It then cuts to a dimly-lit bedroom where the singer, dressed in a black nightie, and a male dancer put on what has been deemed the hottest dance routine ever to take place on a bed. They are lovers, the images tell the viewer, and they're having a very violent fight but, at the same time, they're also very passionate about each other. It leaves the viewer with only one thing on their mind. Her hypnotic dance moves are enough to make a man leave everything he loves behind for a shot to be with her.
"Did It Again" follows her massive hit "She Wolf," which remained in the UK top five for five weeks. Not only that, her current album also entered the album chart at #4 making it Shakira's fastest selling album to date in the UK. Shakira boasts a string of chart-topping hits in both English and Spanish and sales of over 50 million records. The Latin pop has already won two Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, and has been Golden Globe-nominated. As music critics put it, Proving she's what critics call "a real entertainer." Shakira is one of the few Latin artists to have managed to keep alive an English-language music career, as they usually have a single hit record in English and then continue to release only materials in Spanish. To continue with the long line of massive musical acts, the British TV program "The X Factor" have landed Shakira to perform her new single "Did It Again" on Sunday November 15.

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind" Video

Mogul-rapper Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have officially premiered a inspirational music video on YouTube channel for their new collaboration and much talked about New York City anthem, "Empire State of Mind," which was released as the third single from the rapper's latest #1 album "The Blueprint 3", and features guest vocals from vocalist and songwriter Keys. The song is an anthemic ode to Jay-Z's and Keys's native New York City, featuring sampling of "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments. It also contains elements of electropop and orchestra pop. The song was first showcased live on-stage during the 26th annual 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, and also the duo stole the show during Game 2 of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night.
In the midst of what could be the most detrimental Hip-Hop beef in his career, Jay-Z makes another powerhouse move. The highly anticipated clip for the hit record "Empire State of Mind" was directed by Hype Williams, filmed on October 1 in Harlem, Times Square and around Ground Zero of the Big Apple, and is artfully produced in black and white. The clip features both artists at their best and the imagery and cinematography is just as amazing as a result of Hype Williams direction. Not only highlights the majestic boroughs and surroundings of NYC for folks to visualize, but brings forth somewhat of a revitalization of the Empire state.
The joint track was produced by Shux and co-produced by Janet "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic & Angela Hunte. The record features the dynamic vocals of R&B-soul songstress Keys, complimented with some choice words on life perspectives from Jay-Z himself. Some of his best collaborative work to date with vocalists. It's the city's image personified by Jay-Z's words, which manage to tap the core of those still wearing Timbs because, deep down, everyone wants to reach the level of opulence that he has. Jay-Z continues to redefine himself as the #1 Hip-Hop artist time and again, he just beat us there & seemingly left us behind. Yet, he reminds that he's still connected to the city that never sleeps by going back and describing the life that lives there day and night.

Britney Spears Debuted Music Video For Song "3"

Despite going through a personal and career meltdown in 2007 and 2008, Britney Spears has bounced back and shows off lots of sexy choreographed routine and provocative moves in Diane Martel-directed music video for her new single "3", which was finally premiered online in its entirety last night after teasing the fans for one week, with much anticipation and it certainly delivered a touch of 'class' that Spears has been missing lately.
The song "3" was produced by Swedish songwriter and producer Max Martin, who helped catapult 16-year-old Spears into the world spotlight with Hit Me Baby One More Time 10 years ago. "3" is an uptempo dance song, that features a heavy bassline and has influences of electropop and rave, like many of her recent hits, Spears's vocals are altered with autotune, giving the song a futuristic, contemporary feel. Lyrically, the track is about the joy of threesomes. It's the lead single from her upcoming second greatest hits compilation album, "The Singles Collection," which will be released on November 24 to honor her 10th anniversary in the music industry and will feature 17 of her biggest hits.
The Queen of controversy is infecting the airwaves with yet another sinfully fabulous tune. "3" received positive critical appreciation from contemporary critics. "The bottom line is this is another irresistibly catchy pop confection that beats out most everything else on pop radio today". The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking many of the charts records. Spears became the first artist in over three years to debut at the top position and the only non-American Idol artist in eleven years to do so.
The The highly anticipated video for new single "3" was filmed earlier this month in Los Angeles, and has been dubbed raunchier than ever. It features the 27-year-old pop princess writhing around in figure-hugging outfits, and taking to the pole while rubbing up against her barely clad female dancers in the best way she knows how. Diane recently told Life & Style. "She's so creative with this stuff. The video is very simple, it's very, very minimal. So it's her, her, her. And she's totally engaging every second. She really knows how to work with a camera and move."

Ne-Yo Premiered "Never Knew I Needed" Video

Ne-Yo, multi-platinum, 3-time Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist adds a new credits to his long list of successes over the last three year and premiered a brand-new official music video on Myspace Music yesterday for his latest single "Never Knew I Needed". The track will be the featured as the lead single from upcoming new Walt Disney animated motion picture "The Princess & The Frog: Tiana and Her Princess Friends", that will feature the first African American Disney princess. The track was shipped to Urban, Urban AC and Rhythmic radio on October 14, will be available for digital download through the iTunes Music Store on November 3, the ballad will be included in the film's soundtrack album will hit stores on November 23, and the movie, a Broadway-style musical set in the French Quarter of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, will open in theatres on December 11.
Since the reigning King of R&B's debut, Ne-Yo(a.k.a Shaffer Chimere Smith) has had five top ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200. Ne-Yo's always classy style is the perfect fit to give Disney some updated R&B edge, and his vocals soar over lush production and while the lyrics are certainly family friendly, they're far from corny. All told, this might be one of the strongest testaments to his writing ability we've heard since "Irreplaceable."
Ne-Yo re-teams with director Melina ("Closer", "Miss Independent") for the pop theme song' clip which was shot in New Orleans and co-stars a Teairra Mari look-alike, finds the pop star playing a waiter who catches the eye of a beautiful wealthy diner. While her friends shun the lowly servant, she's falling in love. New Orleans serves as the gorgeous backdrop for a middling song. It's Ne-Yo and the many hats he's wearing - thankfully literally - that makes the video watchable. I love the lyrics of the song, especially since there is a dearth of sweet and romantic songs these days. Ne-Yo was the perfect choice to write and sing a song that would fit the movie. Overall, a very nice video and a great song.
Fairy tales do come true in the video, "Never Knew I Needed" puts the warm, romantic feelings in tune without being overtly corny like many big movie tracks. I doubt this will be setting charts alight anywhere, hats off to Ne-Yo for expanding his market. In addition to Ne-Yo's contribution, "The Princess and the Frog" Soundtrack boosts a colorful collection of original songs and a lively orchestral score, both composed and conducted by Randy Newman. You can visit the official website to hear exclusive snippets from "The Princess and the Frog" Soundtrack.

Norah Jones Premiered "Chasing Pirates" Video

VH1 presented the world premiere of the new music video for the multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Norah Jones' "Chasing Pirates" on Tuesday, and will air on VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown at 9AM ET on Saturday, October 31. "Chasing Pirates" is the lead single from Jones' highly anticipated upcoming fourth album "The Fall" LP, which is her biggest step away from triple-A banality yet and will be released by EMI's Blue Note Records on November 17.
Norah Jones, the Dallas native, Anglo-American and Indian-Bengali descent' career began with her 2002 debut album "Come Away with Me," an adult contemporary vocal jazz album with a soul/folk/country tinge, that received five Grammy Awards. She has sold more than 16 million albums in the US and over 36 million records worldwide. "I've always written more on guitar than on piano," she says, "The thing that's really different this time is that I drove the rhythm more, because what I play on the guitar are rhythm parts. When I play the piano, I don’t really play rhythm, I just sort of sprinkle over the top."
Jones has taken a new direction on her latest album "The Fall," experimenting with different sounds and a new set of collaborators, including Jacquire King, Tom Waits, and Modest Mouse among others. Jones explained how "Chasing Pirates" came to be, "About a year ago, I did some demos in my home studio," she says. "I had some friends come in and we figured out a cool arrangement for 'Chasing Pirates,' with a cool drum part. It went somewhere I didn't expect it to go, and that became a direction to look in. For this record, I just had a sound in my head," says Jones. "I wanted the grooves to be more present and heavy. And I also just wanted to do something different I've been hanging with the same group of musicians for a long time, and I thought it was a good time for me to work with different people and experiment a little."
The video for "Chasing Pirates" makes Jones a sailor actually chasing pirates down the avenues of New York City, her hometown, by consulting centuries old maritime maps, plots her course with a periscope, strapping on pirate boots and a era-appropriate skirt, and steering her charming apartment building through downtown traffic. It was directed by Rich Lee, who was fitting for the video as he worked on the stunning visual effects for all three of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. "My mind is racing from "chasing pirates" and I don't know how to slow it down," she croons. "Chasing Pirates," which was featured on Rolling Stone's "Hot List," immediately announces a new direction for Jones. Entertainment Weekly wrote that "'Chasing Pirates' is a bluesy surprise and welcome change of pace," adding that "Jones' voice remains as lovely as ever."

Chris Brown Debuts "I Can Transform Ya" Video

The R&B singer Chris Brown has re-emerged and officially returned to the masses with the premiere of his "I Can Transform Ya" video for his brand-new single featuring Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz, on Tuesday early morning at 6am on MTV before making its way to YouTube.
This seems to be the basic premise behind the clip, the lead track from his forthcoming third studio installment "Graffiti", which is due to be released on December 15. The original yet still catchy song makes heavy references to the live-action films "Transformers". The song is good, not great, but the heavy guitars help it stand out. The video is a lot of fun though.
Directed by Joseph Kahn, and supported by dance group Rej3ctz. The video is obviously inspired by the "Transformers" series. It starts by Brown spray painting the name of the single and it's all the singers dancing and the transforming from there. It features Brown' literal take on the song's theme as he transforms into a sports car, a firetruck, a ninja, a girl on a motorcycle and, finally, his own entourage. The clip matches the grown-up club track, and is filled with Brown's characteristically cool modern dance sequences on a classic white background, and quick, colourful transforming graphics.
Critics for MTV News hailed Brown as being "smoother than ever on his new track". Says, "It's a blockbuster, loaded with eye-popping special effects, the titular transformations are particularly great looking, as are the scene-to-scene transitions, it is a very shiny, sexy throwback, very expensive-looking clip, and frighteningly precise pop-and-lock moves from Brown himself."
The singer is still trying to escape the image he created for himself after he physically abused his now ex-girlfriend Rihanna earlier this year in February. In an effort to show that he has changed and has grown as a person. Though the video might reside in safe territory for hip-hop and R&B, but I think it's a good image for him, quite fresh and chic, despite what happened previously. Is the video enough to spark a full-fledged comeback? The video is a super-slick clip that showcases not just his dance moves, but his newfound sense of swagger. It seems like a good way to recover from a tarnished image; even better, getting Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz onboard. "It's a good video to come back with."