Entertainment Empire

Top Singles of 2012

2012-12-23T20:11:00.002Z

Although I might not be blogging as frequently as I once was, I want to share my top singles of 2012 as I blogged for the majority of this year! Check out the action below:

5. Adorn - Miguel

I was late jumping on to the Miguel bandwagon, I won't lie. I'm sure glad I did though. 'Adorn' served as the lead single to be taken from his second studio album 'Kaleidoscope Dream'. This electro-soul gem is Miguel's most successful track to date and rightly so with his rich vocals gliding effortlessly over the beat. 'Adorn' affirms Miguel as one of the most exciting young R&B singers of the moment and along with a select few, represents the future of a struggling genre.

4. Black Heart - Stooshe

While Stooshe's debut album may have been pushed back, the girls were inescapable this summer with their Motown inspired, melodramatic, ballad 'Black Heart'. After bursting on to the scene with their obnoxious and brash, Travie McCoy assisted debut single 'Love Me', 'Black Heart' served as a stark contrast showcasing the girls' talents in a much more stripped back fashion. Affirming their status as one of the UK's most exciting up and coming girl groups, 'Black Heart' rode high in the charts and stayed there for quite some time. Hopefully their album will actually see the light of day in 2013.

3. Wonder - Naughty Boy (feat. Emeli Sandé)

From the opening notes of 'Wonder' I knew I'd love it. After seeing Emeli perform the track back in March at her gig in my hometown of Liverpool I was obsessed. So obsessed in fact that I ripped audio from one of her live shows just so I could listen to it over and over again. 'Wonder' quickly became my anthem of the summer with it's tribal influences and feel good factor, not to mention Emeli's trademark vocals. If this track was released in June rather than late September I'm sure it would have dominated the charts. A shame.

2. Losing You - Solange

Widely considered by critics to be the more talented of the Knowles sisters, Solange returned to the music scene this year with the truly unique 'Losing You'. Taken from her 'True' EP, 'Losing You' is a genre blending treat for the ears. Drawing influences from 80's pop, R&B and laced with house beats, Solange served up one of the year's finest gems praised by critics and fans alike.

1. Climax - Usher

While Usher's sixth studio album, 'Looking 4 Myself', left a lot to be desired, it can't be denied that the R&B megastar burst back onto the music scene with this Diplo produced smash. After promising a brand new genre of music in the form of 'RevPop', Usher certainly delivered with this forward-thinking slice of electro slow jam goodness. If only the whole album had followed suit...

NEW SONG: Lovers In The Parking Lot - Solange

2012-11-22T19:41:00.001Z

After releasing the amazing 'Losing You', Solange has released a brand new track set to feature on her 'True' EP. Take a listen to 'Lovers In The Parking Lot' below:

Yet another great track!

Solange isn't afraid to experiment with her sound which is something that sets her apart from the rest. There's nothing else out there right now quite like this.

NEW SONG: Money - Lady (Terri Walker & Nicole Wray)

2012-11-20T21:22:00.002Z

The sublime Terri Walker has joined forces with Nicole Wray to create a brand new band simply called Lady. Check out the first single to be taken from their forthcoming, self-titled, debut album below:

This is what happens when two vocal forces come together. 'Money' showcases the vocal talents of both ladies as well as them coming together to create gorgeous harmonies over a beautiful live instrumental.

I can't wait to hear more.

NEW SONG: Fire Me Wake (feat. Maxwell) - Alicia Keys

2012-11-20T21:07:00.001Z

With the release of her new album 'Girl On Fire' imminent, a brand new Alicia Keys song has hit the internet today. Featuring the silky smooth vocals of R&B crooner Maxwell, 'Fire We Make' looks like it's set to overshadow whatever else the album might contain.

Is it wrong that this has just got me really excited for a new Maxwell album rather than Alicia's? There's very few men who can sing as well as Maxwell with his gorgeous falsetto and flawless delivery.

More please.

NEW VIDEO: Freedom - Nicki Minaj

2012-11-20T20:57:00.003Z

With her Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up album hitting stores today, Nicki Minaj has released the video for her latest U.S single 'Freedom'.

Few would disagree that this is the type of music that Nicki Minaj SHOULD be releasing as a hip-hop artist, especially after a slew of dance-pop singles.

Is this video good? Yes. Are the references to Minaj being a Jesus like figure narcissistic and overboard? Most definitely.

A slice of humble pie probably wouldn't go a miss.

NEW SONG: Fair Lady - Chrisette Michele

2012-11-20T20:45:00.003Z

Chrisette Michele is gearing up for the release of her free mixtape An Audio Visual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn which is set for release on December 8th.

The R&B songstress has recently debuted a brand new, rock influenced track entitled Fair Lady which is set to feature on the release.

This is the type of music that will start to reignite interest in R&B. Artists like Chrisette Michele, Miguel, Solange and Elle Varner are leading the way by experimenting with new sounds and are ultimately carving a new lane for the diversification, and potential revival of, R&B.

Current Situation

2012-11-20T20:37:00.001Z

As my Twitter followers will know, I'm currently doing a teacher training course which leaves me little to no time to do any blog updates. However, I'm going to try and do a couple of posts a day to keep the blog ticking over until I get the time to blog more freqeuently.

On a similar note, if there's anyone who wants to give blogging a try, get in touch! You've got a ready made audience here waiting to read.

Thanks for your continued support and patience,

Michael

NEW VIDEO: Losing You - Solange

2012-10-02T15:27:00.003+01:00

After a lenghty period out of the spot light, Solange is back with a brand new single 'Losing You'. The track is the lead single from her upcoming, yet-to-be titled, album which is due later this year.

NEW SONG: Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars

2012-10-02T15:23:00.005+01:00

After stroming the charts with his debut album 'Doo Wops and Hooligans', Bruno Mars is back with a brand new track entitled 'Locked Out Of Heaven'. The song serves as the lead single from his highly anticipated, forthcoming album 'Unorthodox Jukebox'.

You'd be deaf if you didn't hear the similarities to The Police but that doesn't make this song any less great.

PREVIEW: Skyfall (James Bond Theme) - Adele

2012-10-01T19:54:00.001+01:00

With the rumour mill churning out endless tales about Adele's involvement in the forthcoming James Bond film 'Skyfall', a preview of her track has today hit the net.

Alicia Keys Performs at 'iTunes Festival' 2012

2012-10-01T19:51:00.002+01:00

With the release of her forthcoming album 'Girl On Fire' drawing ever closer, Alicia Keys joined the star studded line up for this years iTunes Festival to perform a string of her greatest hits along with some new tracks.

NEW SONG: DNA - Little Mix

2012-10-01T19:44:00.004+01:00

The Little Mix girls have today unveiled their second single 'DNA'. The single serves as the follow up to their #1 single 'Wings' which was released earlier this year and will feature on their debut album of the same name.

It looks like Little Mix are on to another winner. Tapping into a more edgy vibe, the girls are keeping their appeal with younger fans while broadening their older audience with a more grown-up sound.

Lianne La Havas Performs 'Forget' for 'La Blogotheque'

2012-09-23T11:33:00.001+01:00

La Blogotheque always film the best live performance videos. Check out their latest with Lianne La Havas performing a stripped down version of 'Forget' on the streets of Paris.

Jessie J Performs at 'iTunes Festival'

2012-09-22T21:58:00.001+01:00

Musical marmite, Jessie J performed earlier this week at the 'iTunes Festival'. Performing a slew of chart hits along with a cover of Usher's 'Climax', the Voice UK judge showed of her (opinion splitting) warbles and acrobatics once again.

New Rihanna Single 'Diamonds' Due Next Week

2012-09-22T14:20:00.001+01:00

Rihanna is gearing up for the release of her seventh album in seven years. Last night after her 'iHeart Radio Festival' headlining set, she revealed that her brand new single 'Diamonds' will be released to radio next week (26th September).

How do you feel about yet another Rihanna album?

Too much?

Rihanna Performs at 'iHeart Radio Festival'

2012-09-22T14:16:00.002+01:00

Last night, Rihanna took to Las Vegas' MGM Grand stage for the 2012 'iHeart Radio Festival'.

Only Girl

Disturbia

S&M

Cockiness

Birthday Cake

Talk That Talk

Where Have You Been?

What's My Name?

Run This Town

Live Your Life

All Of The Lights

Don't Stop The Music

Umbrella

We Found Love

NEW VIDEO: Wonder - Naughty Boy & Emeli Sandé

2012-09-22T09:42:00.000+01:00

After months of waiting, Naughty Boy has finally debuted his video for 'Wonder' today. The song is the lead from his forthcoming album 'Hotel Cabana' but will also feature on the re-release of Emeli Sandé's debut album 'Our Version Of Events'.

I can't help but think that they've missed the ideal window to release this track. It had such potential to be a summer smash and dominate the airwaves.

NEW VIDEO: 999 - Cherri Voncelle

2012-09-22T09:36:00.001+01:00

Rising R&B singer/songwriter Cherri Voncelle (formerly Cherri V) has recently unveiled the video for the first single to be taken from her recently released EP 'Good Mourning Madame Rouge'.

Download the EP here.

Ne-Yo Talks 'R.E.D' with 'Rap-Up'

2012-09-22T09:27:00.001+01:00

Ne-Yo recently sat down with Rap-Up to chat about his forthcoming 'R.E.D' album. Ne-Yo reveals that it'll be mainly an R&B/Pop affair with input from the likes of Stargate, Sia, Diddy and Salaam Remi!

Pink Chats and Performs on 'The View'

2012-09-22T09:20:00.004+01:00

Pink's new album 'The Truth About Love' is set to hit the top of the Billboard 200 this week, making it her first #1 album in the U.S. As part of her rigorous promotional campaign, Pink visited 'The View' to chat about the album, marriage and perform 'Blow Me (One Last Kiss)'.

The Saturdays Sign US Deal with Island Def Jam

2012-09-22T09:13:00.001+01:00

After releasing three albums here in the UK, The Saturdays are set to take the U.S by storm. After spending some time Stateside filming the pilot for their 'E!' documentary, they have now confirmed that they have signed a joint album deal with Island Def Jam and Mercury Records.

"We were so afraid. We didn't want to leave England," Sandford told Billboard. "Nowadays, luckily, [English] people are a lot more open to their favourite acts going to America. "

"It used to be a little bit like, 'They're leaving us! They're going to the US and they're never coming back!' People seem a little more accepting of that now."

Healy added: "We feel like the time is now for pop music coming from the UK and Ireland, but there's never been a girl band coming from there since The Spice Girls. It's time for us."

The Saturdays will release their currently-unnamed debut US single in January 2013 and have worked with Diane Warren and Rodney Jerkins on new material.

I really hope they get this right. While their dance flavoured pop works on this side of the pond, they have to be more cohesive as a group if they want to be a success in America. However, I'm excited to hear what they cook up with Darkchild!

NEW SONG: Glassheart - Leona Lewis

2012-09-19T21:11:00.002+01:00

Leona Lewis has potentially just got interesting. After being quite hit and miss over the years, the X Factor winner has today unveiled a brand new track, 'Glassheart', taken from her forthcoming album of the same name.

Esco Williams Chats To 'MOBO TV'

2012-09-19T13:09:00.001+01:00

Liverpool singer/singwriter Esco Williams was announced as the MOBO UnSung Award winner earlier this year. Check out Esco chatting about his win, what the MOBOs mean to him and the award show's return to Liverpool!

Tyler James Performs 'Single Tear' for 'SBTV'

2012-09-19T13:03:00.003+01:00

Voice UK finalist, Tyler James, visited SB.TV earlier this week to give a rousing rendition of his current single 'Single Tear' for their 'A64' series.

Lianne La Havas Performs 'Age' on 'Craig Ferguson'

2012-09-19T13:00:00.004+01:00

Before embarking on a U.S tour with John Legend, the immensely talented Lianne La Havas made her stateside debut with 'Craig Ferguson' where she performed her track 'Age'.