The Magic Critique

'Formation' Music Video by Beyoncé

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:05:00 +0000

Beyoncé just pulled a Beyoncé. There's been rumblings that Queen Bey would be dropping something imminently with her stint at the Super Bowl creeping up, but what it would be was unknown. Just a mere 24 hours before she's set to take the stage with Coldplay, Beyoncé has delivered another surprise release.

'Formation' is the first new solo music we've heard from Bey since the 2014 re-release of BEYONCÉ. The song, produced by Mike WiLL Made It, has an atmospheric feel to it as Bey speak-sings over the trap-laden beat. The song is all about her family as she shouts out her mother and father and husband, as well as incorporates her regional heritage. "You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas banner," she sings.

And if you thought "slay" was on its way out, think again. That word is going to be shouted from every gay man's mouth for at least a few more years to come.

The video itself is a piece of unsettling art. Beyoncé remains ***Flawless as she swings her braids outside of a car, gives us debutante realness in a gorgeous lace dress, and captivates in an all-back ensemble. But the more important aspects include her allusions to the Black Lives Matter movement, MLK and Hurricane Katrine perfectly timed for Black History Month.

She'll take you to Red Lobster if you fuck her good and she's got hot sauce in her bag, but she's also the black Bill Gates 'cause she slays. Pop star, legend, icon, mother, wife, philanthropist, activist. Beyoncé is literally everything.

'Work' by Rihanna featuring Drake

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 13:50:00 +0000

After rumors have been circulating for weeks, Rihanna is finally gracing us with her long-anticipated eighth studio album ANTi this Friday. Just this morning, the lead single (ummmm, what about 'Bitch Better Have My Money'?) premiered on radio stations across the globe following cryptic tweets sent out last night.

The phresh new single, 'Work', features Drake and is certainly, um, something. Listen, with all the hype surrounding ANTi and the lengthy pushbacks, anything at this point is just going to be underwhelming. 'Work' just isn't that fire I was looking for. It's definitely a solid album track, but lead single? Not so much.

In usual RiRi fashion it's incredibly catchy and easy to memorize, and with a few listens it's definitely grown on me. I actually am living for Drake's verse which is fiyah. The bulk of the work is going to be done by her Grammy's performance and eventual video release because we know our Barbadian queen never fails in that regard.

ANTi is out this Friday and I'm just hoping it's not a disappointment because this year has been dry in music so far and I need Rihsus to save my soul.

Top 20 Singles of 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:48:00 +0000

It's been a while. I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting, but I'm here now.

So much has happened this year and life has been crazy which has taken me away from my daily writing, but I've got some time on my hands and figured I'd better close out the year right. To start it all off, I've compiled a list of my favorite songs of the year. These are the songs that I've had on repeat all year, and the ones that have really special memories attached to them. 2015 was an awesome year in music, despite Rihanna never giving us ANTi, so let's take a look back at some of the songs that ruled the airwaves (and those that should've).

20. Tinashe, "Player"

The first real taste of the Joyride Tinashe's about to take us on next year is a slice of urban heaven.

19. Hilary Duff, "Sparks"

Hilary's comeback was a bit slow, but once she dropped 'Sparks' the pop diva we all used to know and love made her ultimate return.

18. Carly Rae Jepsen, "I Really Like You"

She may not be the queen of subtlety, but Carly Rae knows how to craft an anthemic earworm of a track.

17. Lana Del Rey, "High By the Beach"

2015 saw the return of Lana's pop noir sound, and this could not be a better summation of why Lana is a pop goddess.

16. Selena Gomez, "Good for You"

Selena seized the opportunity in 2015 and became the true pop star she was always destined to be. Although the album was a hit or miss, she crafted some of the sexiest and slinkiest pop hooks of the year.

15. Adam Lambert, "Ghost Town"

Adam's never had a mass appeal, but this year he finally found his stride as he delved into new sounds, 'Ghost Town' being a prime example.

14. Janelle Monae, "Yoga"

I'd never been a fan of Janelle, but this song was just too damn catchy and sexy to pass over.

13. Giorgio Moroder featuring Britney Spears, "Tom's Diner"

You knew this list wouldn't be complete without Britney. She may only be the featured artist on this one, but her reinterpretation of 'Tom's Diner' is one of the biggest achievements of the year.

12. Jack Ü featuring Justin Bieber, "Where Are Ü Now"

Who knew that Skrillex and Diplo would be the ones to revive the Bieb's career?

11. Madonna, "Living for Love"

Madonna had a massively shaky start to her year, but her #RevolutionOfLove campaign soared with one of her best songs in years.

10. Tinashe, "All Hands On Deck"

The R&B queen slayed everything with this track. The choreography is just always on point, and I can't wait to see her blow up in 2016.

9. Rihanna, "Bitch Better Have My Money"

ANTi is nowhere in sight, but Rihanna still ruled the year with this song and it's iconic music video.

8. Justin Bieber, "What Do You Mean?"

With his new found sound courtesy of Skrillex and Diplo, Bieber made his comeback with this infectious joy. And let's not forget T. Kyle's tongue-popping reimagining of the track.

7. Madonna, "Ghosttown"

Madonna's second single from Rebel Heart is a thing of beauty, and its heartfelt message makes it one of the leaders of the pack.

6. Demi Lovato, "Cool for the Summer"

Before 2015 I hated Demi Lovato, but somehow this year I turned into a stan, and it was all thanks to this Song of the Summer.

5. Ellie Goulding, "Love Me Like You Do"

She may have recorded it for the Fifty Shades of Grey but it became one of my most-played songs of the year. It's the perfect pop song with an incredibly infectious hook.

4. Carly Rae Jepsen, "Run Away With Me"

When it comes to pop music, Carly Rae Jepsen just gets it. Her '80s-infused pop is simply delicious, and 'Run Away With Me' is one of the best-written songs of the year.

3. Years & Years, "King"

This London trio hit it big in 2015 with the release of their lead single 'King', and ever since then they've just been getting bigger and bigger. Don't miss their cover of 'Toxic' which is perfect.

2. Justin Bieber, "Sorry"

Justin Bieber? Again? Sorry, he's just so damn good. Every song on the album is perfect, and 'Sorry' is one of the best.

1. Adele, "Hello"

C'mon, who else did you think would take the top spot? With the uttering of the simplest salutation in the world, Adele made the biggest comeback in music history. She broke every possible record with this song, and it launched the biggest first week sales for an album in history. Even though all these other songs are great, nothing else really matters except for this one.

Honorable Mention:

Christine and The Queens, "Christine"

Despite being released in 2014, Christine and The Queens took my year by storm. Introduced to me by a special someone, Christine's music, especially this song, has become one of the soundtracks of my life this year.

'Clearest Blue' by CHVRCHES

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 15:32:00 +0000

The Glasgow synthpop trio, CHVRCHES, are prepping the release of their sophomore album. 'Leave a Trace' was the lead single, and while it's great, I've already tired of it mainly because it's the same old same old for the band. However, that's all changing with their latest release.

The group released another promo single for their album, and it's arguably their best to date. 'Clearest Blue' begins with their signature buoyant beat as the song begins slowly and continuously fills out with synths galore.

But it's two minutes in when everything changes. After a continuous build-up, CHVRCHES unleash a frenzy of a beat that gets the adrenaline pumping. It's a far cry from anything they've done before, and it's an instant standout. If they bring more of this their new album will be a smash.

'Same Old Love' by Selena Gomez

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:10:00 +0000

Our former Disney princesses are currently slaying the game with their catchy pop anthems, and Selena Gomez is no different. The lead single from her upcoming second solo studio album, Revival, is currently dominating the charts, and she's ready to continue that run with the second offering from the album.

'Same Old Love' is the next single off Revival, and it's a much different sound from 'Good For You'. This one is a reggae fusion monster written by Benjamin Levin, Charlotte Aitchison, Ross Golan, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen. And if Selena's vocals sound familiar it's because this is a Charli XCX track and she's mimicking her singing style.

It's not the greatest song she's ever released, and it's annoyingly repetitive, but I have a feeling this will be a sleeper hit. Once it grows on you it'll be the next big earworm of a track.

'Death of a Bachelor' by Panic! At the Disco

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 22:03:00 +0000

Following the release of 'Hallelujah', Panic! At the Disco are giving us another taste of their untitled fifth studio album. It's hard to say what this new album will sound like, but I'm just here for anything new from the group.

'Death of a Bachelor' is a much different sound for the group. The song is inspired by Brendon Urie's love for Frank Sinatra. Of the song Brendon wrote, "It expresses the bittersweet (but mostly sweet) end of an era. A look back at a part of my life now deceased. An It's A Wonderful Life-esque look into a possibly different future. But mostly an appreciation for the present."

The song sees Brendon singing about leaving behind the bachelor life as he is now married to his wife while evoking the vocal stylings of Mr. Sinatra. It's a jazzy number in the vein of Panic! which makes for an interesting feel. It's fun and different, and it'll be interesting to see how this album turns out.

'What Do You Mean?' by Justin Bieber

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 14:02:00 +0000

Justin Bieber has had a rough few years as he navigated becoming an adult under the spotlight with the whole world watching. His antics were despicable and disgusting, but over the last year he's reformed and with posting his bare butt on Instagram he's become a new person.

Working with Jack Ü on the summer smash 'Where Are Ü Now', Bieber's entered a new musical territory that's working extremely well for him. He's been hard at work on his new album, and after pursuing a few different directions he's at last found what's right.

The Poo Bear-produced lead single 'What Do You Mean?' is an excellent step in the right direction. Playing like an extension of 'Where Are Ü Now', Bieber softly croons over the light piano melody as the understated House beats begin drifting in.

Singing about the frustration girls give him because they often don't say what they mean, Bieber has found a more mature sound that I am all here for. "What do you mean? / When you nod your head yes, but you wanna say no / What do you mean? / When you don't want me to move, but you tell me to go / What do you mean?" the pop star asks. If Bieber keeps this up there's going to be no stopping his success.

'Downtown' by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:31:00 +0000

It's been a while since Macklemore and Ryan Lewis released their album The Heist in 2012, and the world has been clamoring for more since then. At long last the duo are ready to release their sophomore album, and the lead single has just dropped.

It's hard to compete with the iconic 'Thrift Shop', but they have cooked up something equally delicious and bizarre. 'Downtown' is like a mix between 'Thrift Shop' and 'Uptown Funk', giving us that signature Macklemore sound. Throwing rhymes about cruising on mopeds atop great pop breakdowns and blaring horns, this song is the perfect continuation of their last era.

Featuring the collaboration of Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz, the song is a great '80s-influenced throwback mixed with that unique appeal only Macklemore can bring. There's no doubt this will be another big hit for the duo.

'Smoke Break' by Carrie Underwood

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 17:17:00 +0000

Carrie Underwood is a country superstar powerhouse, and she's returning to the spotlight once again to slay us. Although her last album Blown Away wasn't as successful as her previous releases, she still managed to make it go platinum so there's nothing this girl can't accomplish.

Readying her fifth studio album Storyteller for an October 23rd release, Carrie has just casually dropped the lead single. 'Smoke Break' is written for all those blue collar workers who are balancing multiple jobs and strenuously difficult lives. Sometimes we just need to take a step back, "We all need that, we all need that time to ourselves to get to take a break," she says of the song.

Produced by Jay Joyce and written with Hillary Lindsey and Chris DeStefano, 'Smoke Break' is your fiery, upbeat song that we've all come to love and expect from Carrie. She gives us those powerhouse belting vocals and everything in the world just seems right.

For the moment you can listen to the song HERE.

'Levels' by Nick Jonas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 16:54:00 +0000

Between his multiple acting gigs on Kingdom and Scream Queens, Nick Jonas is recording the follow-up to his massive self-titled debut album that spawned the megahit 'Jealous'. As any true teen and gay icon would do, he's timing the release of his brand new single with the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards.

Today, Nick unveiled his funky new track 'Levels'. Written by Sean Douglas, Talay Riley, Ian Kirkpatrick, Marcus Lomax, Jordan Johnson, Stefan Johnson and Sam Martin (any more?); the song follows the pop sound he constructed on his previous album, but this time he's throwing in a bit more of that swaggy R&B/funk sound.

"There's so much to discover / Please don't stop me now / Every time I touch ya / You lift right off the ground," he croons above the glorious bass line. It gets a bit repetitive by the end, but it's a fiery sexy jam that's going to slay radio anyway.

'When Love Hurts' by JoJo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:44:00 +0000

Let's keep it real, shall we? If you asked me to name one JoJo song I wouldn't be able to do it. She's one of those artists that I know exists but never paid any attention to. I had to look her up and apparently she sang the iconic 'Leave (Get Out)'. Who knew? It also doesn't help that she hasn't released a new album in nine years. But all this is changing.

After the long and difficult #FreeJoJo process, JoJo is ready to release her brand new album, III., this fall. Ahead of its official release tomorrow, JoJo released her new tringle this morning. Instead of giving us one new song, she decided to release three songs at once that give us a look into her new sound.

'Say Love' is a gorgeous ballad filled with emotion. It's on this song in particular that JoJo's powerfully insane vocals are on display and they're simply chill-inducing. 'Save My Soul' is a mid-tempo that deals with addiction, something both of her parents struggled with. The song is massive led by piano riffs, and it's sure to blow you away.

Saving the best for last, 'When Love Hurts' is the single that will be officially serviced to radio and once you hear it you'll know why. This is JoJo's first foray into the EDM scene, and it's got "smash" written all over it. The song is very UK club scene influenced, and it may be one of my favorite songs of the year. JoJo will be everywhere very soon.

'Body Parts' Music Video by Courtney Act

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:29:00 +0000

Courtney Act doesn't play when it comes to her music career. If there's any drag queen out there that could legitimately be a pop star right now it's Courtney. Her Kaleidoscope EP is breathtaking, featuring fabulous production and flawless vocals.

Following the release of 'Ecstasy' which I'm still addicted to, Courtney's back with the video for 'Body Parts'. The song itself was co-written with Scissor Sisters member Jake Shears and 'Black & Gold' producer Sam Sparro. There's really nothing that could go wrong here.

I'd have to say that the song is easily one of the best, if not the best, songs a drag queen has ever released (sorry, RuPaul!). It's a gorgeous, slick production that melds perfectly with Courtney's soft and sensual vocals.

What I can say is that this is the best video to ever come from a queen. You'd think you were watching Kylie Minogue getting all hot and sexy with her hunky male dancers, but no it's Australia's own, Miss Act. The Squared Division absolutely crushed the production on this one. The other girls need to up their game if they want to compete with this masterful piece of work. I am GAGGED.

'High by the Beach' Music Video by Lana Del Rey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:49:00 +0000

Lana Del Rey is ready to launch her Honeymoon era, and with the release of lead single 'High By the Beach' this week Lana is back with the video for song. Lana is always at her best with her visual elements, and this time it is no different.

In a very odd twist of fate, the video doesn't follow the expected path. In the clip Lana is trapped in her gorgeous beach front property by a helicopter that is watching her every move. It's a Big Brother sort of situation as the helicopter flies right up to the window to keep eyes on our pop-noir chanteuse.

But it seems like we've caught Lana at her wits end. The constant surveillance is too much and we follow Lana as she runs down the rock path where she grabs a guitar case and brings it back up to her house. On the balcony she opens it, takes out a massive weapon, and shoots the helicopter. It looks like she's been influenced by Rihanna because this powerful Lana is one we've never seen before and I'm living for every second of it.

'Rubber Band Stacks' by Brooke Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:33:00 +0000

Brooke Candy took over my life last year when she dropped her debut single, the Sia-penned 'Opulence'. The song took this female queer rapper to another level and it was one of the catchiest tracks of the year. Her Opulence EP was released later, and with even more Sia-assisted tracks it was a smash. After some setbacks, Brooke is finally ready to drop her debut LP.

Her album is expected early next year, but we finally have the proper lead single to prepare us for the slayage. 'Rubber Band Stacks' leaked today ahead of schedule and it's something else. Brooke goes for a futuristic urban sound as she trades verses with an unlisted male above a monster of a beat.

The song is a fiery, fast-paced banger that takes her urban sound but pushes it further than anything out there right now. It's instantly recognizable and different. Brooke's own style of pussy-popping rapping is on fiyah, and I'm already obsessed. And with Sia and Jack Antanoff collaborating on the rest of the album there's no denying this is going to be one massive record.

You can listen to the song HERE.

'High by the Beach' by Lana Del Rey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 14:57:00 +0000

Lana Del Rey is readying her new record for a September release, and a few weeks ago she premiered the buzz single and title track 'Honeymoon'. While it was a true return to form for our pop noir goddess, it just didn't have the oomph it needed.

Ahead of Monday's scheduled release, the proper lead single from the album has leaked. 'High By the Beach' sees Lana taking her noir sound and turning it into something even more entrancing. Introducing a bit of synth during the chorus and giving it a slight but noticeable hip-hop beat, Lana's sound is evolving.

Her voice barely gets above a whisper during the entire track but what's different is that she's being atypically assertive in her lyrics. "You can be a bad motherfucker, but that don’t make you a man" is a far cry from the submissive lyrics of Ultraviolence. Lana is a true tour de force and if Honeymoon is more like 'High By the Beach' then this could be a massive triumph.

'Drag Me Down' by One Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:38:00 +0000

The shock of the year was Zayn Malik announcing his exit from the world's biggest boy band earlier this year to pursue making "real music." Malik was just signed to RCA earlier this week, and it looks like One Direction aren't letting that stop them from moving on.

Today, the now four-piece released their first single sans Malik. 'Drag Me Down' is a departure from their previous sound, this time giving us a dancehall-ready reggae fusion. It's a much more mature sound for the boys and I'm totally diggin' it.

Trying to compensate for the loss of Malik, Harry Styles is sort of mimicking Zayn's vocal style here. It works, but it's definitely an odd choice. However, the fact that Malik's soaring high notes never appear is very sad and underwhelming. Aside from that the song is a total bop.

'Ice Cream' Music Video by Manila Luzon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:06:00 +0000

Drag Race's camp queen and music extraordinaire is back with that summer anthem we have been waiting for. Manila Luzon always gives us a hot track for those summer nights, but this year she's giving us a much different sound.

'Ice Cream' is Manila's latest single, and this time she's embracing her inner Tinashe as she goes for a more urban vibe. The song has a hot 'Fancy'-esque beat with Manila cooing seductively over the top in between rapping and lots of moaning.

The video is one of my favorites as Manila dances amongst lots of naked men. The innuendos are rife here, and Manila's visual is as smart as her lyrics are. Her Hershey's one-piece is to die for and I'm living for her Real Housewives moment pictured above. What rhymes with vanilla? Manila!

'Cool for the Summer' Music Video by Demi Lovato

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:36:00 +0000

Demi Lovato is ready to unleash a new side of herself onto the unsuspecting world. She's dominated pop music the past few years with her infectious hits, but now that she's established herself as a role model and an icon, this twenty-something is ready to unleash her wild side.

A couple weeks ago she dropped her highly sexual, pseudo-lesbionic hyper pop smash 'Cool for the Summer' and it's all I've been listening to. After teasing the video for a while it's finally dropped. And as you would have guessed it's raunchy and shows Demi like you've never seen her before.

With her hair chopped into a sultry bob and clad in a revealing black leather vixen outfit, Demi serves up sex as she flips her hair and gyrates in the middle of an alleyway. She gives us her best Britney moments as she writhes around her bead and dances in clubs and it's all too good to be true. Keep it coming, Demi. I'm loving every second of this Miley-esque reinvention.

'white lightning' Music Video by dumblonde

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 13:54:00 +0000

Aubrey O'Day and Shannon Bex of the now defunct Danity Kane weren't quite ready to quit working together. After their group dwlindled down to nothing, these two blonde bombshells decided to form their own electro pop duo and finally explore a new side of themselves.

Rising from the ashes as dumblonde, Aubrey and Shannon have been in the studio working hard for months. What was originally going to be a six track visual EP is now a full LP with seven videos. The project is a labor of love as the two girls funded the project themselves and had full creative control.

There is no lead single as the album is meant to be a cohesive piece of art, but today the 'white lightning' video was released along with five tracks from the album. The song is a trippy electro dance jam that sees the girls using their voices like mythical sirens. The video is equally trippy, composed of choppy video clips that turn a beauty shot into something more striking. dumblonde are on to something.

dumblonde's self-titled debut album will be released on September 25th.

'Leave a Trace' by CHVRCHES

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:29:00 +0000

The Glasgow native synth-pop group CHVRCHES dominated 2013 with their debut album The Bones of What You Believe. Their refreshing take on pop music was a welcome change of pace, and now they're gearing up to release their second studio album Every Open Eye in September.

The lead single from the album is 'Leave a Trace'. The song is about that time in a relationship where you know there will be no resolve. You know you have to walk away from the situation and leave everything behind.

With this new album, the group is resolving to use less instrumentation but to use the instruments more effectively. The song is just as anthemic and atmospheric as their previous work, but there's a newfound maturity and power in their work. I'm excited to see where this album takes us.

CHVRCHES's second studio album, Every Open Eye, will be released on September 25th.

'First Time' by Icona Pop

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:39:00 +0000

Icona Pop are getting ready to release their Emergency EP tomorrow finally giving us new music in what seems like forever. The title track was released back in May, and although it was a welcome departure in their sound, it never made an impact.

Thankfully, the Swedish duo are back with their second single from the new collection and it's what we've waited for. 'First Time' was the first song the duo ever wrote together but it was never recorded. At last they brought their idea to life and it couldn't be more perfect.

Going back to the original sound that made them famous, 'First Time' recounts all of the firsts that you experience with your best friend. It's nostalgic, it's fun, and it's a banger. Is there really any more you could ask for?

'Rolling Stone' by HURTS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:24:00 +0000

English synth-pop duo HURTS are preparing for the release of their third studio album Surrender on October 6th. The lead single from the album, 'Some Kind of Heaven', was released back in May, and although I thought it was quite good it never gained much leverage but that's all about to change.

The second single from the album is 'Rolling Stone', and it thankfully captures the magic that thrust the duo into the spotlight so many years ago. It's no wonder it's so good having been produced by Stuart Price and Ariel Rechtshaid.

The song is a powerful pop noir composition as only they can deliver. Dripping in melodrama, the strings compliment Theo Hutchcraft's voice as he tells the tale of a love story gone awry. It's simply magnificent.

The duo's third studio album, Surrender, will be released on October 6th.

'How Deep Is Your Love' by Calvin Harris & Disciples

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 15:31:00 +0000

Calvin Harris, master hitmaker of the world, is finally getting ready to deliver new music. As is always the case, his collaborations are genius and he's struck the jackpot once again with his latest release.

Working with the London production trio Disciples, Calvin Harris has covered the Bee Gee's 1977 hit 'How Deep Is Your Love' from the iconic John Travolta film Saturday Night Fever. However, following the current trend, Harris has given it a fresh '90s House-infused makeover.

My love for House music is unparalleled at the moment, and this new track is off the chain. The intro and outro drag a bit so a radio cut will be nice, but Ina Wroldsen's vocals flow sweetly over the pumping beat creating a beautiful interplay of sounds. Needless to say, I'm living for this.

'Honeymoon' by Lana Del Rey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 17:27:00 +0000

It's only been slightly over a year since Lana Del Rey released her previous album Ultraviolence, but for some time now she has been teasing her latest project Honeymoon. After sharing the lyrics and clips from the video on Instagram, Lana has finally given us what we've been waiting for.

The lead single from the album, 'Honeymoon', is a departure from the psychedelic rock sound of her last effort and more so invokes the haunting, string-filled sound of her first two releases. The song is Lana's signature morose but hauntingly beautiful sound and it's a true return to form.

"We could cruise to the news / Pico Boulevard in your used little bullet car if we choose / Mr. Born To Lose," Lana croons. The emotion just pours from her vocals, cascading over the chilling strings. It's good to hear Lana back where she began, and this is only the beginning of what's to come.

Lana Del Rey's Honeymoon is set to be released in September.

'Bitch Better Have My Money' Music Video by Rihanna

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 13:46:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's been almost three years since Rihanna's last album, Unapologetic, was released. We were spoiled with her album-a-year strategy and now the wait for anything new is excruciating, but Rih Rih is making sure that R8 is perfect before we ever hear it.

In March she released her second single 'Bitch Better Have My Money', the trashy gangsta romper I instantly fell in love with, then she released 'American Oxygen' and we haven't had anything since. It's been a long time coming, but this morning our Barbadian queen finally dropped the epic video for 'BBHMM'.

The 7-minute visual sees Rihanna as the fiercest most badass popstar alive as she kidnaps a rich white bitch, carries her around in a trunk, swings her naked by her feet in an abandoned barn, all in an effort to torture her husband who, as we should have guessed, is the bitch who took her money.

It's insanity left and right as Rihanna makes her directorial debut. Think of every heist film you've ever seen, throw in a gangsta Rihanna, add a splash of nudity and gore and you've got the 'BBHMM' music video.