Canadian rapper Drake has premiered the lead single from his forthcoming third album , exclusively through his website. Started From The Bottom was expected to be unveiled on the same night as the Grammy's next weekend , but Drizzy decided to leak it himself a /week early
I didn't feel I needed any interviews or radio or press to launch this song," he wrote. "It felt right to come back to the site that I started on and release it to the people that started here with me. Judging by this post, the tour that we've been planning, the conversations about new songs and album artwork . . . I think it's safe to say we're back together again."
Swedish DJ and synthpop duo Aino Jawo and Caroline Elizabeth Hjelt have unleashed an absolute belter that will cause mass riots on many a dancefloor. This track has already featured in uber cool US comedy Girls. Icona Pop are currently on tour with Marina And The Diamonds
2. Eric Saaade -Marching In The Name Of Love
More Sacandipop fro Swedih hearthrob Eric Saade. This campy , Europop earworm should see success in this part of the world
3. Hadouken! -Levitate
English dance punk act Hadouken! unleash the third track from their Every Weekend album and is an absolute corker.
4. K Koke feat Rita Ora -Lay Down Your Waepons
Anglo-Cyriot rapper K Koke is one of the UK's brightest emerging urban talents. This collaboration with Rita Ora should give him his first big hit. Ora's feature is inspired
5. Samantha Jade -What You've Done To Me
The 25 year old stunner won the fourth series of the Australian X Factor back in November , with this winners single going straight to Number 1.Accompanied by a sexy , FHM worthy video , this is classy piece of Kelly Clarkson-esque pop
6. Five -Let's Dance
The 90's boyband have reformed for ITV2's nostalgia filled The Big Reunion. This was the last Number 1 back in August 2001 shortly before they disbanded. Twelve years on , it still sounds as fresh and as goodas 1D or The Wanted have ever produced
7. Soak -Sea Creatures
16 year old Bridie Monds-Watson from Derry , has a voice and talent that belies her years. The flame haired singer has been nominated for Choice Music Song Of The Year. Soak has a big future ahead of her
8. Sleeve Of Hearts -Bitter Pill
Benjamin Lee has released this gorgeous lament as his debit single on Itunes today. As yet , unsigned , this London lad's one for the future
9. Nicole Scherzinger -Boomerang
Scherzy's long awaited new track isnt spectacular by any means , nor is it Schamazing. It's a brezzy , dance pop by numbers track that on first listen falls short , but soon becomes hard to forget. Business as usual for the Scherzinger. Her recent X Factor role will help send this to the top.
10. Bridgit Mendler -Ready Or Not
The latest Disney Channel starlet , has unveiled this glistening pure pop pep for Spring. Reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen , it may not replicate her success , but could come close
The Big Reunion starts on ITV2 tonight , reuniting late 90's pop acts Five , B*Witched , Atomic Kitten , Liberty X , 911 and the Honeyz.
I thought I'd post up 5 of the greatest pop gems from some of the acts featured. The series iteself on ITV2 will focus on the halcyon days of eacha ct , culminating in a huge , nostaglia filled reunion gig in London
Lets take a look a 5 Big Reunion Pop Moments from that glorious era
1. Five -Keep on Movin (Number 1 , October 1999 ) Sean, Abs , Richie , J and Scott were touted as the Spice Boys upon their debut in 1997. This remains their finest moment and a boyband classic
2. B"Witched -C'est La Vie ( Number 1 , May 1998 ) Dressed in their trademark denim and faux Irish influence , Keavy , Edele , Sinead and Lyndsay had 4 consecutive Number 1's . But its this gem that is most fondly remembered for its Irish dancing and classic line " Fight like me Da as well "
3. Honeyx -Finally Found ( Top 5 , September 1998 ) Honeyz emerged on the scene with this gorgeous ballad. At first glance they seemd like a bad Eternal rip off. But this song remains gorgeous
4. 911 -Bodyshakin (Number 3 , April 1997 ) 911 were probably the least aesthetically pleasing of all boybands. But Lee, Spike and Jimmy had a loyal fanbase and clocked up the odd Number 1 in their time. This being most memorbale
5. Atomic Kitten -Whole Again ( Number 1 , February 2001 ) Atomic Kitten were close to being dropped from their record label shortly before this was released. They'd had a few Top 10's , but nothing that set the world alight/ Kerry Katona had also just fallen pregnant and soon left the band. Replaced by Jenny Frost , Whole Again would spend 4 weeks at Number 1 , keeping U2 off and making them a hot pop commodity til their split in 2005
Comic Relief celebrates its 25th anniversary with this years Red Nose Day on March 15th. And as traditional as the marathon TV show featuring the biggets names in comedy , the Comic Relief charity single has become a pop institution.
Spice Girls , Boyzone , Girls Aloud , Sugababes , The Saturdays , McFly and The Wanted have all released a cover for Comic Relief over the years with huge sucess..
Step forward One Direction. This year Harry , Zayn and the other three will "cover " Blondie's classic One Way Or Another for the charity. They will premiere the track at the Brit Awards on February 20th. The track is available from March 17th and proceeds go to charidee. Cue their 3rd Number 1. Just dont tell Debbie Harry
You may remember me me tipping Sleeve Of Hearts as a future star a few weeks ago in my Unsigned feature.
Now London's Benjamin Lee , is set to release his debut single , Bitter Pill on Itunes tomorrow (February 1st )
I , wholeheartedly implore you all to download this. A gifted vocalist , with a voice that will ultimately break a million and one hearts. Bitter Pill , is available from Itunes tomorrow , so get downloading. Below is a preview from Ben's soundcloud. His amazing covers and more importantly , original material are well worth a listen
Welcome to The Monday Mixtape. This new weekly feature on The Playlist will feature the most random tracks in the following categories
- For Dancing euphorically
-For lovers
-For the loneliest night
-For the times we live in
- For old times sake
-For the smiles
So shall we begin......
FOR DANCING EUPHORICALLY Katy B feat. Ms Dynamite -Lights On
Katy is on her way back this year. This is still an absolute , solid gold corker FOR LOVERS Benzel & Jessie Ware -If You Love Me
I'm an old romantic. And you cant make a tape without a little romantic gem. Jessie Ware's voice is pure velvet. Her 90s R&B influences come full circle with this sensuous version of Brownstone's 90's gem. Cuddle up , have a weep , hug a pillow. FOR THE LONELIEST NIGHT Raglans -Roll Away
One of my favourite new Irish talents. An uplifting , everyman lament that will soundtrack some dramatic montage in RTES Raw some time. Fantastic stuff. FOR THE TIMES WE LIVE IN Macklemore &Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert -Same Love
Macklemore's heartfelt advocacy of gay marriage is packed with stunning conviction and beautiful vocals from Mary Lambert. This track couldnt be more relevant or needed right now. FOR OLD TIMES Solid Harmonie -I'll Be There For You
I'm feeling nostalgic old skool 90s pop like this long forgotten Brit girlband. ITV2 will soon screen The Big Reunion , bringing Five , 911 , Honeyz , Liberty X , Atomic Kitten and B2Witched back together. This pop stomper from the late 90s makes me yearn for the 90s again FOR THE SMILES & ENDORPHINS Taylor Swift -22
Her next single is as poppy as she gets. Stupidly catchy , no frills , young and free and unsahamedly bordering on cheese. And I like cheese
Justin Timberlake has finally announced the release date and title of his brand new album. The 20/20 Experience hits Irish stores on March 15th , the UK on the 18th and the next day in the US.
Coming almost seven years after FutureSex/Lovesounds , The 20/20 Experience is only Timberlake;s 3rd solo outing.
It's already spawned the massive Suit And Tie , featuring Jay Z , which is currently chasing the top spot in the US. Timberlake has been working on the album since last June
