The A List

Premiere: Alexandra Stan vs. Manilla Maniacs, All My People

2013-05-15T23:28:00.002-05:00

You know it's Summer when the Romanian Queen of the Dance Floor has a new single out! For 2013, the Queen has teamed up with Manilla Maniacs for a in-your-face smash, "All My People!" It's an Italian club standard to say the least!

Once again Alexandra has let Maan Studio power-producers work their magic to create an all-out dance fest! I think I've made myself crystal clear on how much I thoroughly enjoy Alexandra and just about everything she's released! From a good chunk of Saxobeats to "Cliché (Hush Hush)" to "Lemonade," I've been there every step of the way!

Premiere: Iggy Azalea, Bounce

2013-05-15T23:11:00.000-05:00

Who says bindis are exclusive to Indian natives and Selena Gomez? Not Iggy Azalea! The model-turned-rapper rocks a bindi in her new music video for her new single, "Bounce," off her forthcoming debut, The New Classic.

The Bollywood themed clip features some truly gangster worthy moments that would rival M.I.A. including riding on elephant through the streets of Mumbai. If that ain't a true G moment, then I don't know what is! Out of all of Iggy's releases this is the one I'm most excited about! It's a great tune, and it has a great video! Maybe she is worth all the hype!

Premiere: Leah LaBelle, Lolita

2013-05-15T23:01:00.003-05:00

Yes, yes, yessss! I've been obsessed with Leah LaBell's "Lolita" ever since it graced my ears so long ago! And, now she's finally released the music video! And, well, it's not for everyone that's for sure!

Mean people would argue that the video is as busted as that haircut, but I'd argue it's chicana chic. Some people would attack the lack of budget, and I'd remind them of Britney's mirror-smudged "Gimme More" video. Others might ponder over the storyline, and I'd point out that Leah pulled off overall shorts. Done!

For real, though, I see the issues with this music video, but I could give two flying fucks. I'm setting up a lemonade stand as we speak and I will be rocking a pair of high waisted shorts complete with heart-shaped glasses. And, of course, I will arrive in a Playskool buggy-- burnt orange and yellow.

Am I the cause of your sweet salvation? #LOLITA

Listen: Martin Solveig and The Cataracs, Hey Now (feat. Kyle)

2013-05-15T22:37:00.003-05:00

Well, ain't this something! Martin Solveig had a great last year, and the Cataracs are constantly on an EDM playlist somewhere! Naturally the two would hook up with Kyle to release a fun Summer anthem, "Hey Now!"

The song sounds like a classic Solveig production-- fun and spunky! The Cataracs add a fun rap verse, which I don't annoying at all-- like most raps. I'm thoroughly happy with this! This'll definitely be on my Summer playlist! I hope this means Solveig is ready to release yet another album!

Listen: Carly Rae Jepsen, Take A Picture

2013-05-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

Coca Cola and American Idol have teamed up with Carly Rae Jepsen to release a new Summer jam, "Take a Picture." Apparently, it was Coca Cola Perfect Harmony contest in which viewers chose portions of the song's lyrics, the theme and elements of the performance as well. Sounds like somebody is hard-up for a hit, huh?

I can't say I'm in love with this song. It's super cute and cheesy pop, which I love, but it just doesn't seem too much like Carly-- though it does. I don't know. It just seems like she's trying to hard, but having said that, I ~~was~~ am a huge fan of Kiss, so maybe I'm just a bitter Betty that it hasn't had to success it deserves! Hopefully "Take a Picture" will keep Miss Jepsen in the game for a bit longer!

Listen: Loreen, We Got the Power

2013-05-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

If you're a fan of Euro music or Swedish pop, then you're already familiar with the musical genius last year's Eurovision winner, Loreen! She 'caused quite a commotion with Euphoria, and now she's back to really stir our hearts with "We Got the Power."

Much like fellow Swedish pop stars, Icona Pop, Loreen captures that same rock-out spirit that powers Icona Pop's "I Love It." Marching drums and smoky ambience really make this song a knock out! I'll admit that although I'd heard of Loreen I never paid her much mind, but I'm all ears now! I'm a huge fan of "We Got the Power." I can't wait to hear what's next!

Listen to "We Got the Power" after the jump!

Listen: The Saturdays, Gentleman

2013-05-15T18:30:00.001-05:00

The Saturdays scored their first #1 in the UK with their last single, "What About Us," and I signed a collective "It's about damn time!" And, the girls managed to jump start a small electric current here Stateside! Now the girls are ready for more hits! They've released a new single, "Gentleman," not to be confused with the hip-rolling PSY single by the same name.

"Gentleman" is definitely a departure from the past string of singles. In Britney's words, it's "more urban" and less about dance like most music nowadays. And, actually, this might make it sound dated but it sort of sounds like a Destiny's Child song-- or, at least, would have been a contender for them to record. And, for that, I kind of like it. Hell who am I kidding? I'm already singing this in my shower in between condition cycles!

And in real Saturdays' fashion there are already a plethora of remixes available online! And, of course, amongst the best is the Alias Club Mix! And, based on that, this track is fucking major!

A gentleman is so 1995, so hard for a girl to find! a real husband is so 1999, so hard for a girl to find!

Check out the Alias Club Mix after the jump!

Premiere: Katy B, What Love Is Made Of

2013-05-15T18:15:00.002-05:00

Giving redheads a good name since 2011, Katy B is on a mission to make us love her! Well, girl, mission accomplished! After releasing a few free download songs not too long ago, Katy B is ready to launch a new album campaign, and here to get our palates nice and wet: What Love Is Made Of.

Although other bloggers have made references to 90s house, I don't so much think it's directly inspired as much as seems to follow a similar pattern. And, that's not to say I don't absolutely love it, because I'm already obsessed with it! From the pulsations to Katy B's girlish inflections, this song is everything I needed this Summer!

Premiere: Lana Del Rey, Young & Beautiful

2013-05-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

By now we've all heard Lana Del Rey's absolutely thrilling song for The Great Gatsby movie, "Young & Beautiful." And, by now, we've all ugly cried into our wine soaked sheets to it too. Or, was that just me?

The song is a masterpiece with a full orchestra and Lana's killer vocals. And, the music video was just as haunting. The art deco filter mingled with a classic Hollywood look couldn't have been better if Gatsby planned it himself. I'm also gaga over the two teardrop temps on Lana's face. Might Lana be channeling a little Daisy post-mortem?

Premiere: Mariah Carey, #Beautiful (feat. Miguel)

2013-05-09T21:01:00.000-05:00

I'm going to keep this short and simple, because there's just not much to say. Mariah Carey has been doing her thing on American Idol quite gracefully, and Miguel is about to blow up in a big way, so naturally it makes that both R&B artists finally get together and make a song, "#Beautiful."

First, I hate the hashtag in the title-- it's juvenile. I mean, I know that Mariah sold her soul to the devil to stay eternally youthful but really-- a hashtag-- for shame. As for the song, it's amazing! I'm in love with their parts equally! The music video keeps it simple but sensual. It'll be a big hit on the rhythm channels!

Premiere: Avril Lavigne, Here's to Never Growing Up

2013-05-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

There are some things that just won't change, and there are only two people in this world that will never grow up: Peter Pan and Avril Lavigne! Hard-at-work prepping the release of her fifth studio album, Avril Lavigne has finally released the music video for her lead single, "Here's to Never Growing Up."

I've written a little diddy about how much I love the Vans stomper, but the music video adds a much needed layer! She adds some Easter eggs into the music video like references to her "Sk8r Boi" video and "Complicated" lyrics, which are fabulous! But, it's nice to see her looking young and free. I'll probably forever and always be an Avril fan in some capacity or another.

Listen: Jennifer Lopez, Live It Up (feat. Pitbull)

2013-05-08T17:51:00.000-05:00

For as many collaborations as Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull (and RedOne, while we're at it) have done, they should just make themselves the hottest group sensation this side of the equator! But, as it stands, Jennifer Lopez has decided to finally release her new single for the entire world off her upcoming eighth LP release, "Live It Up," featuring her favorite Miami rapper, Pitbull!

If I'm being honest, I don't like this song-- like almost at all. It's a G-R-O-W-E-R! They should have sent this back to the mixer a hundred times over, because it's choppy as hell! I really can't see this song doing well without a new mix/remix. It might be fine in clubs, but I don't see the radio warming up to the original mix.

I'm still a 'lover?,' though JLO! xxxo

Premiere: Selena Gomez, Come & Get It

2013-05-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

She's still not legal enough to chug a Coors Light, but Selena Gomez is all grown up! If you couldn't tell from her recent stint in Spring Breakers, then you'll surely recognize the, ahem, woman she's grown into. What was thought of as a kiss off to once to beau, Justin Bieber, which can now be seen as a precursor to rekindled romance, Gomez's "Come & Get It" has arrived in technicolor!

She's been promoting the song on huge platforms like MTV's Movie Awards and Dancing with the Stars with performances that leave some to want and others in arms! For me, I'm in love with this lead single and the general feel of this new era! The Britney comparisons are endless! Too bad for Selena they aren't exactly translating into sales or legions of fans, but to hell with all that, she's red hot!

From her satin silks to her red lips, she's drop dead gorgeous. Hopefully, this new era proves just as successful as her past endeavors only this time launches her as a mature artists with both sex appeal and artistic control.

Remix: Carly Rae Jepsen, Tonight I'm Getting Over You (feat. Nicki Minaj)

2013-05-02T16:38:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough year for Carly Rae Jepsen after last Summer's all time high with "Call Me Maybe." The Canadian songstress has barely been able to manage a semi-hit from her album, Kiss. And while "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" managed to skate through Billboard's Pop charts, it's barely made a blimp on the Hot 100!

In order to give it the much needed boost, Jepsen's team has decided to recruit feature heavyweight, Nicki Minaj, on a new remix! And, to be honest, I love it! The original version is just as good, but if this shatters her image as a one-hit wonder, then so be it! Plus, it's Nicki Minaj! C'mon!

Listen to the remix after the jump!

Premiere: Empire of the Sun, Alive

2013-05-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

I've never been much of a fan of Empire of the Sun. I mean, they're awesome. Don't get me wrong, but I've never given them more than thirty seconds of my time. Now that they're back with a new single and music video, "Alive," for their upcoming LP, Ice on the Dune, I think that might all change!

I'm obsessed with the chant and indie-electric production! It's exactly what Dr. Spring ordered, and I can't be mad about that! The video stands equally as brilliant! Apparently, it's set a 1,000 years into the future in a canyon. Cool.

Listen: Charli XCX and Marina + the Diamonds, Just Desserts

2013-05-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

Well, ain't this just an unexpected delectable treat! A previously unreleased song of Marina + the Diamonds, "The Other Foot," has been reworked with Charli XCX as "Just Desserts." The pair will return to the US this Summer for a tour, so I suppose the two concocted it as a treat for all us fans!

I'm a huge fan! While the song isn't a contender for song of the Summer, it is sadistic sweet! From Marina's fabulous crooning to Charli's general bad-assery, "Just Desserts" will be a nice addition to anyone's iTunes library for free! It really doesn't get much better than this.

Click here to download "Just Desserts" for free!

Premiere: Little Boots, Broken Record

2013-04-29T15:53:00.000-05:00

Oh, Little Boots. Everyone's favorite little disco diva has done it again! "Broken Record" is the lead single off her forthcoming sophomore album, Nocturnes. And, while the song is stellar, the video leaves something to be desired. Having said that, it's got some cool colors and there are worst videos out there. It'll have to do for now.

I hear your voice like a broken record saying my name every second.

Premiere: Boris Dlugosch, Look Around You (feat. Róisín Murphy)

2013-04-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

Honestly, the only thing I know about Róisín Murphy can be found in the early years of Lady GaGa's rise to fame when comparisons between the two's looks were under fire! Musically, though, I couldn't tell you a single Murphy tune, but that's quickly changing after the release of her new song with German house producer, Boris Dlugosch, "Look Around You."

If you're an A List reader, you'll already be familiar with my house obsession. And, if you're not, let me tell you, "I love house music!" While "Look Around You" is more disco, there's the sweet sauntering of house ebbing in and out. As for Murphy, I'm intrigued by her tone; it's unlike any American singer for sure.

Listen: Disclosure, You & Me (feat. Eliza Doolittle)

2013-04-24T13:59:00.000-05:00

There's nothing better than new music from your favorite artist! I still have "White Noise" on repeat, and my favorite brother duo, Disclosure, have already released the third single, "You & Me," featuring Eliza Doolittle from their upcoming debut album, Settle!

This time around they've delved with some smooth jazzy tones, but it most sounds like a cousin of their previous work on "Your Drums, Your Love." The result is quite stunning especially with the lovely vocals of fellow UK artist, Eliza Doolittle.

These brothers are on their way to the top, and I can't wait to snatch up Settle on June 3rd! It will be my Summer go-to, I assure you!

Listen: Ralph Myerz, Take a Look at the World (feat. Annie)

2013-04-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

I may not know much about Norwegian music royalty like producer, Ralph Myerz, and vocalist, Annie; however, I am aware of how perfect their new collaboration, "Take a Look at the World," is! In fact, it gives me incentive to peruse the internet for more music from either Norway muse.

"Take a Look at the World" mixes two of my favorite musical delights together: disco and foreign vocals. Although Myerz song could be better classified as nu-disco, the dance floor doesn't discriminate! There's a cool ease about "Take a Look at the World" that would keep anyone from slowing down. Then there's the glossy stylings of Annie, who really ties the bow together. It's just fantastic from beginning to end.

Premiere: Thirty Seconds to Mars, Up in the Air

2013-04-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

I've already written about how much I adore Thirty Seconds to Mars' new single, "Up in the Air," for their upcoming LP, Love Lust Faith + Dreams, so I'll spare you the repeat comments; however, you simply must check out the music video for this masterpiece! I don't know how they came up with it, but bravo!

The star-studded ensemble and colorful cinematography couple with a shirtless Jared Leto and industrial stage make for one hell of a video! Let me tell you! It's a must see.

Remix: Ke$ha, Crazy Kids (feat. will.i.am)

2013-04-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

You know an artist is on the struggle bus when instead of promoting the original version of a single they're promoting a remix version. And, that's just what's happening to everyone's beloved alcoholic friend, Ke$ha! The Jack Daniels' spokeswoman has been busy hawking her sophomore album, Warrior, and a new reality show on MTV, My Crazy Beautiful Life, but despite legions of fans, she just hasn't been able to exceed meet expectations hence: "Crazy Kids" featuring will.i.am.

The song itself is absolutely amazing! It was hands down my favorite track right off the bat, but it seems the Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, and Cirkut produced monstrosity is quite enough to pull off a hit according to her record label-- enter will.i.am. To me it was completely unnecessary. His verse is tacked on the end of the track, and the song itself isn't even remixed. It's a GarageBand remake at best, and that's just unacceptable.

On the plus side, I'm crazy in love with the cover art. And, that's about it.

Premiere: Calvin Harris, I Need Your Love (feat. Ellie Goulding)

2013-04-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

There's nothing too exciting about producer's music videos. Perhaps that's because they're not generally visual artists, but every now-and-again a producer decides to get really involved in their music video like Calvin Harris did for his seventh single, "I Need Your Love," with Ellie Goulding off his 18 Months album!

The two may not be an actual couple, but they sure do have some on-camera chemistry as well as in the studio. The duo are hot, hot, hot! I mean not only is Ellie a vision with a stellar haircut, but Calvin Harris is a hot piece of burnin' love! Whether it's on the beach or between the sheets, they're a hot couple. Sadly it's just a video.

Premiere: Justin Bieber, All Around the World (feat. Ludacris)

2013-04-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

If you thought Justin Bieber was done cranking out hits from Believe, you thought wrong! The barely legal pop star just released a concert music video for his next single, "All Around the World," featuring Ludacris and footage from, well, all around the world!

While most people detest concert footage being used for official music videos, I'm not quite so strong-willed on the subject. For artists like Justin Bieber, it seems a bit out of character especially since their caliber of stardom requires over the top music videos, but I'm sure commitments tied him down from being able to film a proper video.

Whatever the case, the video isn't all that bad! There's behind-the-scenes footage mingled with concert videos mingled with intercuts of famous international features. It's well done-- all things considered!

Listen: Miguel, How Many Drinks? (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

2013-04-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

The new face of R&B, Miguel, has been riding high after his triumphant Grammy night, and why stop his run there? Miguel has finally released a new single off Kaleidoscope, "How Many Drinks?" with a new verse from rapper, Kendrick Lamar!

I foresee good things for this song. Kendrick eases into the song flawlessly, and it's got the right vibe. This song can definitely cross over from the R&B stations to the Top 40. Hopefully, Miguel releases a fantastically stunning music video to really get the momentum going! If it worked for Kelly Clarkson, it'll do for me!