If you can’t tell, we’re very excited about Christina Aguilera's grand return to the throne. Consider this her official kickoff into a new era. Read my newest point for PoisonParadise here!
Christina Aguilera Opens The NBA All-Star Game : The Comeback Begins
Hello once again! Did y’all have a good start to your year? Awesome.
If you may or may not have noticed (hi to new and old readers alike!), MIKEYxPOP has just switched blogs. The new account is still under the url mikeyxpop.tumblr.com, so that shouldn’t be too confusing, however this means that if you were following the old blog (which is now under the name mikeyxpop-archives), you should probably come on over and join the party.
Other than that, there shouldn’t be too much new info to take in. I’m messing around with the blog design just to make the whole experience as nice as possible for everyone, so keep an eye out for that if it entices you. Posts might slow down a tiny bit because school has just gotten back in session, but I still hope to continue writing while staying on top of my grades. Hope everybody has a great 2015, stay beautiful y’all.
I might slow down the number of posts the next week due to finals week taking over my life. Sooo that means you have a perfect chance to follow the new blog and catch up on posts. (:
Hello once again! Did y’all have a good start to your year? Awesome.
If you may or may not have noticed (hi to new and old readers alike!), MIKEYxPOP has just switched blogs. The new account is still under the url mikeyxpop.tumblr.com, so that shouldn’t be too confusing, however this means...
Hello once again! Did y’all have a good start to your year? Awesome.
If you may or may not have noticed (hi to new and old readers alike!), MIKEYxPOP has just switched blogs. The new account is still under the url mikeyxpop.tumblr.com, so that shouldn’t be too confusing, however this means that if you were following the old blog (which is now under the name mikeyxpop-archives), you should probably come on over and join the party.
Other than that, there shouldn’t be too much new info to take in. I’m messing around with the blog design just to make the whole experience as nice as possible for everyone, so keep an eye out for that if it entices you. Posts might slow down a tiny bit because school has just gotten back in session, but I still hope to continue writing while staying on top of my grades. Hope everybody has a great 2015, stay beautiful y’all.
Hey guys! Friendly reminder that MIKEYxPOP has moved to a new blog. Simply unfollow here (unless you just love my reminder posts) and follow the new one. We already have posts on Ellie Goulding and Kelly Clarkson's new songs up!
Hello once again! Did y’all have a good start to your year? Awesome.
If you may or may not have noticed (hi to new and old readers alike!), MIKEYxPOP has just switched blogs. The new account is still under the url mikeyxpop.tumblr.com, so that shouldn’t be too confusing, however this means that if you were following the old blog (which is now under the name mikeyxpop-archives), you should probably come on over and join the party.
Other than that, there shouldn’t be too much new info to take in. I’m messing around with the blog design just to make the whole experience as nice as possible for everyone, so keep an eye out for that if it entices you. Posts might slow down a tiny bit because school has just gotten back in session, but I still hope to continue writing while staying on top of my grades. Hope everybody has a great 2015, stay beautiful y’all.
Happy moving day! This post should say it all. Feel free to unfollow this blog, as you won’t be seeing any new posts aside from the casual reminder for you to follow the brand new MIKEYxPOP.
Hello once again! Did y’all have a good start to your year? Awesome.
If you may or may not have noticed (hi to new and old readers alike!), MIKEYxPOP has just switched blogs. The new account is still under the url mikeyxpop.tumblr.com, so that shouldn’t be too confusing, however this means that if you were following the old blog (which is now under the name mikeyxpop-archives), you should probably come on over and join the party.
Other than that, there shouldn’t be too much new info to take in. I’m messing around with the blog design just to make the whole experience as nice as possible for everyone, so keep an eye out for that if it entices you. Posts might slow down a tiny bit because school has just gotten back in session, but I still hope to continue writing while staying on top of my grades. Hope everybody has a great 2015, stay beautiful y’all.
Happy moving day! This post should say it all. Feel free to unfollow this blog, as you won't be seeing any new posts aside from the casual reminder for you to follow the brand new MIKEYxPOP.
Happy new year! If you haven't been following our crazy rager here on MIKEYxPOP, we're shining the spotlight on some amazing artists who we unfortunately did not give recognition to earlier in the year. So if you're looking for one last hurrah to ring in the new year, you've come to the right place.
BECKY G:
This little firecracker is only 6 days older than I and never fails to make me feel inadequate. At 17 she has an international platinum hit in "Shower,” and just look at how fierce she is in the video for “Can’t Stop Dancing.”
BELLA THORNE:
Infectious bubblegum pop debut single with “Call It Whatever.” Then traded out for an urban-leaning EP, which is just as cool, but her voice lacks the swagger needed to carry it out. (Still great songs though!)
BROODS:
A brother-sister poptronica duo team with Lorde producer Joel Little and create dreamy soundscapes. A word that comes to mind is “enchanting.”
CALVIN HARRIS:
Calvin Harris brings a number of slaydies ranging from Gwen Stefani, HAIM, Tinashe, and John Newman to craft an album with not necessarily groundbreaking EDM, but a fun album with shimmering highs. Great soundtrack for great times.
CLEAN BANDIT:
Classical symphonies meets EDM. It’s an idea that’s been in our heads for years but finally someone made it a reality, and the results are surprisingly exciting. Bonus points for the greatness that is Jess Glynne.
CHRISTINA PERRI:
Like collaborator Ed Sheeran, Christina Perri gets a little more innovative with her sound and a little more engaging with her words. In the end, she soars higher than ever before.
DANITY KANE:
Danity dammit, yeah their album was kind of a dud, but at least we have a few jams like “All In A Day’s Work” and “Bye Baby.” A final nail on the coffin as girl groups of the new age take over. (That sounded a lot nicer in my head.)
DAVID GUETTA:
Praise Godney, now even DJ’s are getting on the “most personal album to date” trend. This is a reinvention for the producer, opting for a more organic songwriting style and sound. This results in one of his best albums yet. Bonus points for introducing the world to Sam Martin.
DOMINIQUE YOUNG UNIQUE:
I am constantly mad at the world for allowing a white woman to “dominate” hip-hop this year while the phresh-as-phuck “Throw It Down” (and it’s accompanying twerk-happy video) was widely ignored. Shame.
ED SHEERAN:
He could’ve made another just made another album of lovelorn folk ditties from his first album, but instead Ed Sheeran is hungrier for new ground with additions from subtle sweeps to gospel vocal productions.
ICONA POP:
This Is… Icona Pop was criminally ignored last year, but at least “Get Lost” and their collaboration with Cobra Starship, “Never Been In Love” show that they’re undeterred. Don’t let me down, world.
JACQUIE LEE:
Runner-up of The Voice season 5 shows that in addition to having a big ass voice, she can make a huge, thundering original song in the same vein of Christina Perri’s “Human.”
JAKE LORE:
Very attractive, yoga-doing, gender perspective-switching, synthpop artist brings back a thoughtfulness and earnesty as a male artist while uninspired songs about wiggling dominate airwaves.
JASMINE V:
The R&B pop starlet makes a triumphant return as she coos over gritty urban textures and a beat drop or two on her debut EP, That’s Me Right There.
JENNIFER NETTLES:
Sugarland star explores new ground with a decidedly less #commercial country album that shows off her raw voice even more with songs that feel timeless and emotive.
JOJO:
The caged songbird has been freed! "How to Touch a Girl" chanteuse JoJo has finally been released from #complicated label management and is on her way to making new beautiful music. The first sample we have is #LoveJo, a beautiful vocal and a Valentine's Day gift to quell our thirst.
KATY B:
It’s easy for artists to get lost in the flashing lights and sea of electronic waves, but Katy B always manages to rise above it all with her heart on her sleeve. Combining lush deep house with a touch of soul on the aching “Crying for No Reason.”
KLINGANDE:
Klingande’s “Jubel” recently reached #24 on the list of most Shazamed songs of all time, and rightfully so. A simple transcendent house track accented by a saxophone à la “The Edge of Glory.” The song’s already hit #1 and gone platinum in multiple countries. America, get with it.
LEIGHTON MEESTER:
Remember her weird dance-pop collab with Robin Thicke? Let’s not. Instead, listen to Heartstrings, a mix of dream-pop and folk with surprisingly great writing and hooks.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS:
In all honesty, sometimes I believe Destiny’s Child wasn’t Michelle Williams’ place. Because now on a Harmony Samuels-produced urban gospel album, she sounds 100% right at home. (But if you're not satisfied, listen to "Say Yes.")
MISTERWIVES:
The next big indie pop band is being boosted by some of the big league players on Vine after “Reflections” has become somewhat of a hit on the app. It’s no wonder, with a knack for exuberant choruses and catchy melodies this band is one to keep an eye on.
MNEK:
He’s worked with Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, and now he’s getting with Madonna. His melodic, urban-leaning pop/house songs are enamoring to say the least. His affinity for stylish shorts is also a bonus.
RITA ORA:
Apparently no one wants to hear more music from the UK darling, but you can forget about that while you get on the effervescent high that is this single.
ROBYN & RÖYKSOPP:
Oops!...They did it again, and again, and again. Röyksopp and Robyn are two of the most reliable artists when it comes to dance-pop music. Together on their joint EP, Do It Again, they are unstoppable. (Which also leads well into Röyksopp’s bittersweet final album The Inevitable End.)
RUPAUL:
The “Jealous of My Boogie” diva is back. I shouldn’t have to say much. “Sissy That Walk” and “Adrenaline” should’ve been the soundtrack to your vogue-filled year. “Can I Get An Amen” remains the most crucial piece of wisdom you need.
SAMANTHA JADE:
While she’s had fine previous singles, The X Factor Australia winner Samantha Jade finally got it right with “Sweet Talk,” a little slice of summery heaven.
TROYE SIVAN:
It’s not every day a teenage YouTube-famous vlogger makes good music. His first major label debut TRXYE is an EP of dream pop that showcases his skillfully poetic writing and charm, which should keep rabid fans happy until his full-length.
THE VAMPS:
As One Direction strays away from their peppy pop formula, The Vamps’ pop-rock debut Meet The Vamps is a refreshing breath of fresh air filled with hooks that ignite the preteen girl in me. Is there anything wrong with that? (No, there isn’t.)
VICTORIA DUFFIELD:
After binge watching a marathon of The Next Star on a trip to Canada a few years back, it was evident the Britney-stanning Victoria Duffield was a star in the making. (And look at her dancers! Girl knows her audience.) Catch her rocking the spots on a sickenly sweet bubblegum pop song that would make Carly Rae Jepsen seethe.
YEARS & YEARS
An electro trio doing R&B-inflected house music and getting it right. Their songs “Take Shelter” and “Desire” deservedly garnered attention across the pond, it’s only a matter of time before they blow up.
ZELLA DAY:
Zella Day is sometimes described as the “happier Lana Del Rey,” whom she cites as an inspiration. Unlike our favorite Brooklyn baby Ms. Day hails from California, but her music can be just as dramatic and taunting as her East coast counterpart.
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 1
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 2
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 3
If you haven’t been following, MIKEYxPOP is catching up on some amazing artists who’ve dropped releases that were either released before this blog debuted, or have unfortunately slipped through the cracks in busier times. So here’s my way of making up for it.
PENTATONIX:
If you weren’t satisfied enough by “futuristic a cappella” group Pentatonix’s PTX Vol. III, their first full-length holiday album, That’s Christmas To Me, is arguably the best Christmas album released this year, with a gospel rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and hauntingly beautiful takes of “Silent Night” and “White Winter Hymnal.” The stratospherically talented Tori Kelly also jumps on their mashup of “Winter Wonderland” and “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” which might’ve been the highlight of the album if not for their fantastic title track. (And if holiday songs aren’t your thing, feel free to spin their cover of “Problem” again.)
That’s Christmas to Me by Pentatonix was released October 17th
SAM HUNT:
Who knew the best country record of the year isn’t really a country record at all? (The very attractive) Sam Hunt’s Montevallo is a collection of pop hooks set to Usher-like urban rhythms and mini EDM bursts with a twangy backdrop. The man who penned hits for Keith Urban and Billy Currington gets his very deserved breakthrough with an album that bottles the adventurous nature of Taylor Swift, the likeable charm of Hunter Hayes, and an unmistakable authenticity delivered with a smile and a wink.
Montevallo by Sam Hunt was released October 27th
SHAKIRA:
Shakira, Shakira. After crafting some of the biggest hits in the world and becoming one of the universe’s most beloved pop stars, it felt like time for her to draw back on the dancefloor hits - although Dare (La La La) remains the most underrated dance-pop songs of the year - and give us her most personal album to date (#BritneysImpact). The great thing about her self-titled album is that it feels like a self-titled album, exploring every genre she’s ever dabbled in from rock with Avril Lavigne-esque pop hooks, to a reggae collaboration with MAGIC! that sounds a lot less pretentious than the band’s solo material, to an obligatory contracted country collaboration with The Voice co-judge Blake Shelton. Then there are the folky ballads that come across as deeply (sometimes oddly) poetic and personal, as well as “Empire,” the most epic ode to astronomic love-making.
Shakira by Shakira was released February 24th
SIA:
Does this elusive chanteuse et compositeur need any introduction? This woman has been a force of nature writing hits for Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé, but you already knew that. Despite having already released five previous albums, 1000 Forms of Fear and hit single “Chandelier” was her breakthrough. The lead single, as well as the Maddie Ziegler-featuring video is poignantly raw and deserves every award it receives (including Grammys!) The album is filled to the brim with dramatic #dark ballads, save for a few moments of explosive energy. (This was also the third album I recommended on my segment in my school’s news network, for those wondering.)
1000 Forms of Fear by Sia was released May 29th
SOPHIE:
London-based producer SOPHIE has been somewhat of an obsession of mine this year, as there’s really nothing on him (yes, him) except a SoundCloud and some articles praising his innovative sound. In the end, the producer’s anonymity adds to his appeal, as we’re really left with nothing but a handful of enigmatic tracks, with only three being released this year. All three are impressive and catchy, but standout track “Lemonade” is a stunner, falling only under two minutes. The song is a juxtaposition between a high-pitched Cascada-like hook and a squelched dubstep drop, representative of his strange yet captivating work. (Also, did I mention he’s working with Madonna?)
Lemonade / Hard by SOPHIE was released August 4th
TKAY MAIDZA:
At the ripe age of 18, her energy exceeds that of any other wannabe Australian rapper this year. Like one of her influences, Azealia Banks, she switches out typical hip-hop sounds in favor of electronic and dubstep beats (take “Brontosaurus” and “Switch Lanes” for example). Just watch the video for “U-Huh,” she’s already 100 times cooler than you’ll ever hope to be in your life. When asked about her writing process, she reports: “I’m just going to talk shit, it’s going to be fun, and even when it’s sad it will still sound happy.” Wise beyond her years. Watch out for her takeover in 2015.
Switch Tape by Tkay Maidza was released October 24th
WHITE SEA:
I first took note of Morgan Kibby's (M83 collaborator and The Romanovs frontwoman) solo project White Sea when her remix of “Till The World Ends” was featured on an episode of Girls and Demi Lovato subsequently featured her remix of “Heart Attack.” In Cold Blood, her debut full-length as White Sea, is an ambient electropop album that is decidedly more emotional, powerful, and moving than the sleep-inducing sound artists of the genre too often show up in.
In Cold Blood by White Sea was released May 19th
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 1
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 2
2014: What We've Slept On - Part 4
The second installment of MIKEYxPOP's year-end-but-not-a-year-end-list is here! Catching up on some amazing music that we've unfortunately let slip through the cracks (or were too busy, you know how it goes.)
So without further ado-do-dodo-do-doo...
JESSIE WARE:
A collection of unabashedly romantic songs with lines like "I only want it all" is just what the doctor ordered for listeners looking for something that emanates with honesty and charm. Tough Love feels more thoughtful and carefully crafted than 2012's Devotion, but retains Jessie Ware's penchant for warmth and genuinity, with a touch more soul. Despite the bigger choruses and a more confident delivery, there still technically aren't ready-made hits on Tough Love, but give the record a chance and allow the it to bloom into a wonderland of expert melodies and striking lyricism.
Tough Love by Jessie Ware was released October 13th
JHENÉ AIKO:
Another one of the handful of amazing breakout artists that 2014 has graciously brought to us. Jhené Aiko is a PBR&B artist who sounds like Tinashe’s endearing younger sister. Don’t let the velvety voice deceive you, her lyrics are striking and dazzling, made all the more impressive knowing most of them are freestyles. Over gentle electronic flourishes and hip-hop loops, Jhené drags you into her world, touching on subjects like heartbreak and the strength that comes afterwards, as well as being a single parent and dealing with the death of her brother. Her can stand against the rappers she’s collaborated with in the past (Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino), but this time around she’s playing it solo, and killing it.
Souled Out by Jhené Aiko was released September 9th
KYLIE MINOGUE:
Released before MIKEYxPOP came to be, Queen Aphrodite’s sparkling 12th studio album, Kiss Me Once, has contained some of the most replay-worthy jams of the year. Lead single “Into The Blue” doubles as probably the best empowerment anthem of the year, and probably the best cardio song of the year. The album is filled with romantic dance hits crafted with experts like Sia, Pharrell, and MNEK, so it's no wonder the production still sounds lush and sparkling even now. “If Only” also remains stunning, as does the fun romps of “Les Sex” and “Sexy Love” (just a warning, it’s a very sexy album).
Kiss Me Once by Kylie Minogue was released March 14th
LEA MICHELE:
Overall, Lea Michele’s debut, Louder, comes across a little subpar for someone of her magnitude, but surprisingly, this album was one of my most replayed records of the earlier half of 2014. Songs like “On My Way” and “Cue The Rain” tap into the Glee star’s strengths of conveying overwhelming emotion with a Broadway-like dramaticism. Having worked with Sia, it’s no wonder why “Cannonball” is such a rousing empowerment anthem, and “Battlefield” and “If You Say So” (the latter being a tribute to the late Cory Monteith) are some of the most heartbreaking ballads of the year, especially coupled with Lea’s deadliest weapon: her crystal clear, emotive voice.
Louder by Lea Michele was released May 3rd
LYKKE LI:
Third albums are great because when done right it’s an established artist's chance to be ambitious and really go for gold, that’s what Lykke Li achieves on I Never Learn. The album is characteristically #dark, but ten times as dramatic and tragic. Each song feels like a heartbreak soundtracked by atmospheric instrumentation, which trades electronic bleeps for more organic productions that makes the process all the more raw. These nine incredibly focused tracks feel like the embodiment of unadulterated, blunt sadness, get the kleenex ready.
I Never Learn by Lykke Li was released May 2nd
MEGHAN TRAINOR:
I know, I know, but hear me out. “All About That Bass,” may be kind of annoying, it might be novelty, but I’ll be damned if it’s not the catchiest song in the world because this girl has a goddamn ear for hooks and I’ve been waiting for a little doo-wop to get picked up by some pop artists. I’m normally not the biggest fan of ukelele-laden sunshine pop, but clearly Ms. Meghan Trainor has tapped into something here with strong uptempos. Her stance on feminism… well that’s a conversation for a different post.
Title by Meghan Trainor will be released January 13th
NICOLE SCHERZINGER:
She’s skipped all the blackouts and circus shows and headed straight for her most personal record to date (a future post will be made about this in the future actually). Seriously, Nicole Scherzy actually scrapped about five albums worth of material in favor of something a little more subdued and intimate with Big Fat Lie. “Your Love” is still one of the best pop songs of the year, and I’ve spoken praise about “Run” in addition to other satisfying cuts like "Girl With A Diamond Heart." While this album admittedly is not stellar all the way through, it has a cohesiveness and flow that her overbearing debut (although full of hits) lacked, even the lackluster “On The Rocks” fits comfortably as a puzzle piece to the whole picture.
Big Fat Lie by Nicole Scherzinger was released October 17th in the UK and is slated for an early 2015 US release
"Run" was released September 30th in the US
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 1
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 3
2014: What We've Slept On - Part 4
We (me) here at MIKEYxPOP slept on a lot of amazing music on this blog, and while I don’t regret a single post this year, I’ve missed some amazing artists, songs, and records that have blown me away. Whether I was swamped with school, late to the party, or just simply too speechless by the greatness of some material that was released, these artists deserve a shoutout. This isn’t really a year end list, but rather just a collection of amazing works by both breakout artists and familiar faces alike. So without further ado, here’s a rundown of me waking up on just a small fraction of the music I’ve slept on this year.
AZEALIA BANKS:
Hot 97 controversy aside (you can read all about that on my Twitter), Broke with Expensive Taste has been one of the most hotly anticipated rap albums of the past three years and it didn’t disappoint after a surprise release in November. The genre palette is everywhere from blues rock to 90’s house to modern trap curated by the best team that you’ve never heard of featuring production from Pop Wansel and Lone, essentially people she picked right off the internet. She’s giving us vulnerability on songs like “Soda” and telling stories on “Idle Delilah” and giving her ferocious machine gun style of rapping all the way through (until she’s singing - beautifully - on an obscure Ariel Pink cover) on an album that never loses the listeners attention for one second. Azealia Banks is one of the most unique, tenacious, formidable stars to emerge in the past few years with fire hot enough to melt the densest of igloos.
Broke With Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks was released November 7th
BANKS:
Last June, as pop culture correspondent at my high school’s news station (not to brag), I recommended upcoming albums, one of them being Banks' Goddess. The record is filled with gloomy electronic-tinged R&B burners, a mix of Feist, The Weeknd, and a sprinkling of Halcyon-era Ellie Goulding. Don’t get it twisted though, Banks is still her own person, displayed in “Someone New” and “You Should Know Where I’m Coming From,” two essential ballads from the album, even though the entire record is a must. It looks like there’s a trend in music were well-thought out, fully matured albums are coming back in vogue, and Banks is one that got it right.
Goddess by Banks was released November 7th
BEBE REXHA:
She’s written Eminem and Rihanna’s most recent #1 hit, as well as songs for Madonna, Selena Gomez, and Tinashe. If “The Monster” wasn’t a testament to Bebe Rexha's hook-writing skill and psychotic energy, then her solo singles will do it for you. “I Can’t Stop Drinking About You” is not only a fantastic pun of a title, but a devastatingly emotional song on the same level of Sia’s most powerful songs, with a strong set of pipes to match. Her latest single “I’m Gonna Show You Crazy,” dropped just last week and is an equally insane blend of electropop goodness.
"I Can’t Stop Drinking About You" by Bebe Rexha was released April 19th
BETTY WHO:
Betty Who is incredibly smart. Her music simply feels intelligent and astute, even when it’s hard to pinpoint how. It might be the power pop anthems that feel as euphoric as Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” a cited influence. It might be the lyrics that feel bashfully romantic with songs like “Just Like Me” that play with a Taylor Swift-like particularity. It might be the limitless charisma and charm that pour out of the speakers from a voice tinged with honesty and trustworthiness. Whatever her secret ingredient is, Betty Who is the pop star we’ve always needed. Take Me When You Go is a solid album, but it still sounds like a warm up of what’s to come.
Take Me When You Go by Betty Who was released September 9th
BLEACHERS:
It’s unsurprising that the man who helped craft one of the best pop records of the year also made one of the best indie alternative records. Bleachers made an ambitious album with sounds derivative of The Smiths and Styx, Strange Desire is an album that provides equal amounts head bangers as it does songs for you to solemnly drive to in the car with glazed eyes. Every track is well-formed, well-produced, and full of charisma from fun. frontman Jack Antonoff. Oh, and it’s also got the stamp of approval by the likes of Yoko Ono and Grimes.
Strange Desire by Bleachers was released June 10th
FKA TWIGS:
LP1 is a great title for FKA twigs' debut, as the music speaks for itself. For 40 minutes (or longer, because this is replay worthy), twigs has created a world filled with emotions, and a mix of passion and vulnerability. She's worked with industry greats like Dev Hynes, Emile Haynie, and Paul Epworth to craft a series of cluttered sound and striking silence enveloping sneered lines like “My thighs are apart for when you’re ready to breathe in,” that’s when you realize you’re listening to true artpop. LP1 isn’t the kind of music for a night out, but it makes for a perfect listen alone in the dark, or with the lights on.
LP1 by FKA twigs was released July 11th
G.R.L.:
The girl group suffered a huge loss with the death of Simone Battle earlier in September. While the the girl group is still apparently due to return to the scene, no one’s going to blame them for taking their time. In the meantime, we will always have the music. The music here is a vibrantly fun EP full of bright pop hits, such as lead single “Ugly Heart,” or the punchy “Rewind,” which never fails to soundtrack some fantastic car rides. Even their contribution to the Smurfs 2 soundtrack was ace. Yes, they were originally planned to be a Pussycat Dolls reboot, but they’ve come into their own as their own band: they have vocals, choreography, and some spunky attitude to back it up.
G.R.L. - EP by G.R.L. was released July 29th
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 2
2014: What We’ve Slept On - Part 3
2014: What We've Slept On - Part 4
Before you listen: There’s no getting around it, Madonna’s Rebel Heart leaks keep coming. I really didn’t want to do this because I want to support Madonna and respect her art. All that being said: this track is amazing. Probably one of the greatest work she’s done in years. I had to share it simply because I am absolutely blown away.
The production is restrained and simple, the words hold so much meaning but is so straight-forward. No grand metaphors, no artsy fartsy hidden meanings. Even if you're not a hardcore fan, I'd recommend sitting down with a pair of headphones, taking a good listen, and really let the message sink in.
This is raw, unapologetic Madonna at her finest, and this is why she’s queen.
Rebel Heart was made available for pre-order December 20th
The featured Rebel Heart cover was fanmade by Joe Morrison
"We’re gonna dance and turn the dark into somethin’"
If you haven’t already spent the past few days crying, voguing, or screaming at the top of your lungs to Rebel Heart, you haven’t been living (for love). There’s a reason #RebelHeart has been trending on Twitter since the pseudo-surprise drop of a third of what might be the best album of 2015. Queen Madonna is back, consider pop music saved.
Living For Love - 2015: Year of the Disco, it’s official now. This is what dance music of today should sound like, all parts past, present, and future. The song is both incredibly calculated and absolutely explosive by the way it progresses through piano played by Alicia Keys into a full EDM thumper. Madonna (along with essentially unknown #blessed UK choir singer, Annie, on background vocals) belts out a disco-gospel styled “love’s gonna lift me up,” ringing out over a triumphant hands-in-the-air production before dropping out into a dark, “Gang Bang”-like beat, one of Diplo’s most euphoric tracks yet.
Do we L-U-V it?: Already a strong start to the album, something like a jubilant announcement that Madonna is back and stronger than ever.
Devil Pray - If “Living For Love” is an ethereal slice of heaven, “Devil Pray” is the perfect #dark counterpart of the lead single, both lyrically and sonically. Madge tells Interview Magazine, “it's about how people take drugs to connect to God or to a higher level of consciousness [...] and that it's the devil's trick. It is the illusion.” Your faves could never get that deep. Avicii’s trademark folk guitar open up the track, which has production and writing assists from One Direction hitmakers Savan Kotecha and Carl Falk. That being said, the production is no bubblegum filler, “IDFWU” producer DJ Dahi and Blood Diamonds’ engaging-but-sparse sound is evident in this haunting industrial house track. Imagine “Revolver” and the cinematic “Gang Bang” mixed with something a little more spiritual.
Do we L-U-V it?: “Devil Pray” is going to be a great listen even while sober. Although we suspect it would be an interesting experience while dropping acid.
Ghosttown - The only song released so far that wasn’t leaked ahead of time, and a very, very welcome addition to this collection of work. Despite consulting images of armageddon, the power ballad’s message an uplifting one of hope, a promise of rebirth like a Phoenix from the ashes. “I'll be your fire when the lights go out” she promises as her warm voice rises over crashing, dubstep-inspired synths. Produced by Billboard, who’s had a hand in Robyn’s Body Talk, Britney’s Femme Fatale, and Shakira’s highly underappreciated “Dare (La La La),” it makes sense that this song sounds like epic, top-tier pop. This is a song deserving of being a single down the line with a fantastic setup for a video, and could dominate the clubs with the right mix.
Do we L-U-V it?: Just more proof why we’ll stand by the queen through anything.
Unapologetic Bitch - The original rumored name of the album and understandably so, as it’s a title fit for a queen. Diplo is in full Major Lazer-mode as he guides Madonna through dancehall beats that wouldn’t oppose a breezy Rihanna feature. But Magic! reject track this is not, as evident by the blaring dubstep drop that comes in like alarms signaling lessers to bow down. “You know you never really knew how much your selfish bullshit cost me,” she yelps. “Yasssss,” we reply. It’s not bitterness or loathing, just freedom.
Do we L-U-V it?: This is your bad bitch liberation anthem for the new year, your love doesn’t need justification.
Illuminati - Obviously, the Kanye West-produced track would be the most interesting sonically, placing somewhere between My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus. The grand amalgamation of hip-hop, trap, electro, and industrial elements is nothing short of exciting and definitely warranting of a few replays. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Madge touches on the subject of Illuminati, giving us a history lesson on how they were simply people trying to enlighten the world on thinking and creativity rather than the psycho mob of CIA agents trying to control the world like everyone thinks. Which means Madonna, given her legacy, is actually Illuminati, and she is striving to Illuminati-ate us with this song. Makes sense.
Do we L-U-V it?: Call it mind-control or just a damn good song, this one is an immediate favorite.
Bitch I’m Madonna (feat. Nicki Minaj) - Sometimes one unapologetic bitch isn’t enough on a record, who better to call than the reigning queen of rap? Onika brings nothing but her A-game here, did we expect anything less? “You’re gonna love this,” her Madgesty proclaims at the start of the song, and we do. Along with Diplo’s hand in production, SOPHIE’s (can we talk about how excited I am about Madonna working with SOPHIE?) style of infectiously bright bubblegum verses preceding a growling dubstep drop works perfectly and makes the song a perfect choice for single #2. Over the hard squelching beats Madonna proclaims “We gon’ do this all night long / we get freaky if you want / Na na na na na,” this is the gleefully immature banger we’ve been waiting for.
Do we L-U-V it?: Bitch she’s Madonna. What do you think?
There’s nothing I really have to complain about six immaculate tracks other than the fact that they leave us wanting more, but in due time. Right now the Madgesty has given us a small dosage of her 2015 domination. I’ve been saying this for almost a year now, Madonna seems genuinely involved in and excited about this era. Where MDNA saw the entertainer going back and forth from fragrance and teen fashion line promos to the studio (although it did have a stellar tour... but just imagine how great the next one will be!), she is fully present in the work here, with the era originating from over a year ago with #SecretProjectRevolution and instagram hashtags accompanying studio sneak peeks. It shows in the music as well, while the previous album was decent, Rebel Heart goes far beyond reductive dance tracks.
There’s a mission statement too! In all of the songs so far, call to actions of hope and freedom are rife with uplifting soundscapes, a ray of light indeed. Both lyrically, vocally, and sonically, Madonna sounds alive and rejuvenated, and we can feel it too with all the life she’s giving us. She’s got a great team next to her, certified veterans like Kanye and Diplo joining forces with Billboard and SOPHIE (I still can’t get over that), the record is going to be unstoppable. If the past few eras were in black and white, we’re in screaming color now. There’s only one queen, and that’s Madonna. BIIIITCH.
Rebel Heart by Madonna was made available for pre-order December 20th
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