“Something New” – Girls Aloud

Girls Aloud came together a decade on the UK TV show Popstars The Rivals. To commemorate their 10 year anniversary, the girls will release a greatest hits album, “Ten,” which will include the brand new track “Something New.” In the video, the girls strut their stuff in some fierce orange dresses and matching hair buns, reminding everyone that they run the show. It’s flashy, it’s sexy, and 10 years later, the girls definitely still know how to work their assets. Catch Girls Aloud’s greatest hits album, “Ten” on Nov. 26.

“Swimming Pools” (Black Hippy remix) – Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” is out now, and he enlisted the help of his Black Hippy crew to remix the lead single “Swimming Pools.” The track doesn’t change much except when Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q add their own verses to the track giving it a different spin than the solo Lamar version. Pour yourself a drank, sit back, and enjoy.

Believe It – Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross

With Meek Mill’s newcomer counterpart Kendrick Lamar dominating headlines, Meek has some stiff competition with his own debut. Lucky for him, Rick Ross is right by his side to help him out. Meek and Rozay collaborate on the new single Believe It, rapping about their over flowing bank accounts, new phones, and all around great lives. I’m not one to decipher the elaborate metaphors some rappers think of, but I heard the Rozay drop the words Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus in the track and that’s good enough for me! Meek Mill’s debut album Dreams and Nightmares is out Oct. 30.

I’m not your hero – Tegan and Sara Read more…

“Rum and Raybans” – Sean Kingston ft. Cher Lloyd

One again, Sean Kingston has a hit on his hands with “Rum and Raybans,” the new single off his latest album Back 2 Life. The premise of the song is simple: All Mr. Kingston needs to have fun on the dance floor is a glass of rum in his hand and Raybans on his face (you know, to protect his eyes from all the bright lights and such). And all I need to have fun is this song pounding on the speakers…and some rum would be nice too. There’s a ton of synth, a robot voice, hard beat, Kingston’s signature reggae type vocals, and the one and only Cher Lloyd lending her sauciness to the mix. If you’re looking for some new party tracks I definitely recommend this one.

“How” – Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor gets dark and emotional in her new single “How.” The somber track is about breaking up and wondering how she can ever live without her ex-beau. It’s all quite heartbreaking and Spektor’s powerful pipes will give you chills. The beauty of the song shines through the video, which is shot with a combination of animation and live action. Directed by Margo Weathers, Spektor is impeccably styled with quirky violin-inspired makeup, feathers, and butterfly wings. Spektor’s new album What We Saw From the Cheap Seats is out now.

“The Boys” – Nicki Minaj ft. Cassie

All righty people. If you’re at work right now I would suggest turning your laptop away so your boss can’t see you computer screen because things are about to get pretty raunchy. But what else can you expect from a collaboration with bombshells Nicki Minaj and Cassie right? The track itself is catchy as hell alternating between fast rapping from Nicki and then slowing it down with an acoustic guitar and slow singing from Cassie. The ladies strut their stuff in leotards, hang out in a very pink barbershop, and pretty much just remind everyone that they’re sexy and they know it. Then things get a little weird and Nicki kills everyone. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

“F**kin’ Problem” – A$AP Rocky ft. Drake, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar Read more…

RZA and The Black Keys – “The Baddest Man Alive”

While we’re on the topic of RZA and his upcoming film that’s pretty much guaranteed to be amazing (if Quentin Tarantino is even backing it, you know it’s going to be good), check out his latest collab with blues brothers The Black Keys. You know those moments when you feel like life is beating you down and all you need is a song to blast in your room to pick you back up? Yeah, this is it. Listen to the heavy beat, bluesy guitars, RZA’s rap segments, and badass lyrics and you’ll feel like king of the world again.

Bat For Lashes – “We Found Love (cover)”

Bat For Lashes (a.k.a Natasha Khan) is known for her haunting, beautiful voice and powerful melodies. Her new cover of Rihanna and Calvin Harris’ club banger “We Found Love” turns the house infused track into a pretty dark song. She strips down all the extra Harris beats and synths, slows it down, and sings over low-key guitars and a hypnotizing beat. I personally still like the Rihanna/Harris version better, but it’s cool to hear house the mood of a song can flip with just a few changes. Bat for Lashes’ new album The Haunted Man is released Oct. 23.

Jack White – “I’m Shakin’” Read more…

With boy bands like One Direction, The Wanted, Jonas Brothers and Big Time Rush dominating the headlines, here at ANDPOP we can’t help but wonder where all the girl bands have gone. Girl Groups are all the rage in the UK, China, and Korea, but The Pussycat Dolls seem be the last major girl band we’ve seen on our side.

We can’t help but wonder why? Is it because teenage girls have forgotten the girl power motto and prefer listening to boys serenade them? Thankfully, a few girl groups are gaining recognition with stellar hits. If you’re craving all female music but don’t know where to look, don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

Here are five girl groups to watch out for:

Stooshe

Members: Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson, Courtney Rumbold

Why we love them: Stooshe are a UK-based band, which means they bring that extra bit of sauciness American girl groups just can’t compete with. The ladies aren’t afraid to push the envelope with crude lyrics while still staying accessible to a younger crowd. Plus they have killer style.

Favorite song: ”Love me”

What’s next: Stooshe’s third  single will be a cover of TLC’s “Waterfalls,” to be released on Nov. 5. Their debut album, Stooshe, drops Nov. 12.

Little Mix

Members: PerrieEdwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall

Why we love them: Little Mix was the first group to win The X-Factor UK in eight seasons, and were actually formed exclusively to compete in the groups section of the talent competition. Even through the ladies haven’t been performing together for very long, their voices meld together with the perfect mix of rhythm and harmony.

Favorite song: “Wings”

What’s next: Little Mix’s second single “DNA” will be released on Nov. 11. Their debut album with the same name will follow eight days later on  Nov. 19 .

Parade Read more…

“Yet Again” — Grizzly Bear

Sometimes a band comes out with a music video so hauntingly beautiful you just can’t help but stare in amazement, engrossed in its drama. New York psychedelic rock band Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again,” off their latest album Shields, is a mesmerizing piece of art. The video starts off with a beautiful figure skater who falls into a dark abyss and swims underwater only to find herself walking through a carnival, figure skates on and everything. The song is just as haunting as the video, with dark guitars and somber, dramatic vocals. If you’re into experimental rock music, Grizzly Bear will definitely impress you.

“The City” — Madeon 

If only all the wars in the world were like the one in Madeon’s video for “The City,” our problems would all be solved! French electronic artist Madeon’s latest video pits armies of youth against each other… but just when things look like they’re getting serious it turns out their guns are filled with powder paint! A giant, epic colour war ensues. The dance track is definitely a catchy one, with vocals by Zak Waters. It’s a great mix of pop, indie, and dance, but now everytime I listen to it I can’t help but wish my hometown held paint battles too!

“Diamonds” — Rihanna Read more…

“Where Were You” — Drake & Dawn Richard

Drake’s new collab with Dawn Richard (of Diddy-Dirty-Money fame) is the perfect example of how a female vocalist can add that extra oomph to a song. The previously unreleased “Where Were You” is a classic tear-jerking Drake track about two ex-lovers still pining for each other. “Where Were You” was originally recorded as “Whatever Became of You” by Colin Munroe for Thank Me Later and was scrapped from the album. Now re-released with a haunting synth base, Drake and Dawn’s vocals complement each other beautifully and you can really hear the emotion in their voices. Thank goodness this gem of a song wasn’t lost forever!

“Closer” — Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara have been experimenting with a more electro-fied sound in the past few years, with their recent “Body Work” collaboration with Morgan Page really bringing out their radio-friendly side. The Canadian twins’ new single “Closer” is a deeper dive for them into the dance music sound. With tons of synth, Tegan and Sara have pretty much turned their backs on the alternative/acoustic rock sound they were once known for. I don’t know about you but I’m loving their new sound. Kudos to the ladies for staying current and evolving. Tegan and Sara will be releasing a new album early next year.

“Paradise on Earth” — Cris Cab Read more…

“Not Even the King” — Alicia Keys

After dabbling in the pop and hip hop scene, Alicia Keys goes back behind the piano in “Not Even the King,” the second single off her upcoming album, Girl on Fire. “Not Even the King” carries a special message: money alone doesn’t make you rich. The new, artsy lyric video for the single features positive, childlike paintings that reinforce Keys’ beautiful melody and gentle keystrokes. It’s a great track to remind you what matters most in life. “Girl on Fire” is released Nov. 27.

“Fall Down” — Diggy Simmons ft. Victoria Monet

Seventeen-year-old Diggy Simmons dropped “Fall Down” featuring Victoria Monet from his upcoming mixtape Out of This World. The track re-ignites beef between Diggy and J. Cole, who freestyled a rap about Diggy at a Kendrick Lamar show: “Picture me hating on a young n—a with talent/Album flopped, but it’s cool, he caked out on his allowance.” Diggy took the lyrics as a direct attack on him and came back with “Fall Down.” He raps: “Thought J. stood for Jermaine, not Jetsetter/ You see me and shook my hand, coppin’ pleas in person/ Now you act less than a man, mentioning me in verses.” Ouch!

“Parking Lot” behind the scenes — Nelly Furtado Read more…

Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz has already worked with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Kanye West. The roster is impressive considering his debut album Based On A T.R.U Story, which debuted at number one on Billboard 200, only came out this month. During a phone call with ANDPOP’s Azra Kassam, he chatted about the most important lesson he learned from the almighty Kanye West and his biggest accomplishment (it might surprise you). 

Musically speaking, his first album hits close to home

2 Chainz said the release day for his album felt like the first day of school. “This is my first album. It took me my whole life to put it together,” he said. So it was only natural that he wanted to pay homage to his Atlanta hometown. “Over half the project is done by Atlanta producers so I still have that hometown feel,” he explained. “There are great influences on there, great features, great production… I think people will be able to relate to it in all areas.”

Kanye West taught him the importance of art and images

“The dude is very creative,” 2 Chainz said about fellow rapper Kanye West. The Watch the Throne rapper taught him how art can add another dimension to the hip hop genre. “Artistic expression…it’s another way to express yourself without talking,” he said. “That’s something Kanye brought to my attention…it’s all about images.” His description of working with West on the “Birthday Song” single? “It was a combination of an overload of confidence with a touch of cockiness!”

One of his biggest accomplishments so far is influencing others to vote Read more…

By Azra Kassam

“Spitting Image” — Freelance Whales

You may have heard of New York indie-rockers Freelance Whales for their soothing track “Hannah,” which I admit I still listen to on days when I just want to lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling. Their new single “Spitting Image,” off their upcoming sophomore album Diluvia, is a bit on the pop side, but holds its ground with some blissful finger-picked guitar, and electronic elements scattered in (that synth line just takes the song to a whole new level). Bassist Doris Cellar takes over the vocals for the track with smooth, airy vocals. It appears that Freelance Whales are going for a more atmospheric sound, moving away from their folky stuff, and so far it seems to be working. Diluvia hits store Oct. 9.

“Out of My Mind” — B.o.B ft. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj, rapper B.o.B, and Nicki’s booty are locked up in a mental institution in B.o.B’s music video for his latest single “Out of My Mind.” While B.oB has a serious crazy of crazy eyes going on, Minaj tries to bring him back from the dark side with — you guessed it — a lap dance. Needless to say, the video ends with B.o.B being denied parole, and he and Nicki are left in a cell to be crazy together. Who knew being insane could look so swag?

“Big Bad Wolf” — Lana Del Rey

As sweet and serene Lana Del Rey appears to be, her newly leaked track “Big Bad Wolf” will have you thinking otherwise. Dubbed as the “gangsta Nancy Sinatra,” Del Ray’s animalistic new track uses the Little Red Riding Hood story as a metaphor and begs the Big Bad Wolf to come and eat her up. Err… so it’s a little risqué, but the hipster songstress just hearts her man and wants to be his girl. Is that so wrong, people? Either way, Del Ray’s voice sounds sublime and while she ups the tempo on this track, she still sounds as authentic as always.

“Trouble” — Leona Lewis ft. Childish Gambino Read more…

“Call Me Maybe (Cover)” — Kelly Clarkson

Every show, Kelly Clarkson lets a fan from the audience choose a song for her to sing, which is why we’ve been hearing her cover tracks like Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” and Britney Spears’ “Everytime.” This time, a few people in the audience asked her to cover Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” We’ve heard tons of renditions of this track but this simplified version works because we really get to focus on a catchy melody and great vocals.

“You’re Gonna Love This” — 3OH!3

Poor 3OH!3…they started the whole pop/rap/dance/auto tune/alcoholic/patterned pants craze and LMFAO and Kesha swooped right in and stole their thunder.  The duo hasn’t given up though and in the name of all that is outrageous and obnoxious, I give you “You’re Gonna Love This,” off their newest album Omens. The music video for the track is pretty simple. They both try to win over the same girl, one-upping each other by throwing things and aiming really well.  Unfortunately, the girl in the video is totally unimpressed and gets whisked away by a Tom Cruise look-a-like, leaving the boys to find some other fish in the sea.

“Kill the DJ”— Green Day Read more…

It’s been four years since New York rapper Nas released a solo album, so his new record Life Is Good serves as a re-introduction to his fans. In a phone interview with ANDPOP’s Azra Kassam, Nas talked about collaborating with Amy Winehouse and his best prank ever (it involves a blow up doll). 

Life is Good was his daily mantra before becoming his album title: These last few years have been difficult for Nas, particularly because of a high profile divorce from singer Kelis. But he rose above it all and bared his soul for his eleventh studio album Life Is Good. “Instead of looking at all the losses, I started looking at them as blessings,” he said. “I started saying ‘Life is Good’ and it became a daily mantra… It was the obvious thing to do when it was time to title my album.”

So there you have it kids, the next time you’re feeling blue, try creating a positive, daily mantra for yourself. You can thank Nas later.

He and Amy Winehouse share the same birthday: Nas recently released “Cherry Wine,” a collaboration with Amy Winehouse, which appears on Life is Good. He said it was amazing to collaborate with Winehouse before her tragic death. “She was an incredible artist, she was a pure artist, and she was someone who loved music more than most people I meet,” he said. “She had a spirit that was about being honest and being raw and not caring about what anybody thinks.” In fact, Nas said when he was putting “Cherry Wine” together, he felt Winehouse’s presence as an angel.

Coincidentally, both Nas and Winehouse shared the same birthday, Sept. 14, though he was born ten years earlier.

Listen to it here:

His best prank involved a blow up doll:  Read more…

“I Will Wait” — Mumford & Sons

If you’re looking for a new song to add to that lay-in-bed-stare-at-the-ceiling-and-dream-about-my-crush playlist, look no further! English folk rockers Mumford & Sons’ new single “I Will Wait” is a bluegrass, banjo-y track filled with soft harmonies and earnest vocals that will cut straight to your heart. Ah, if only my (nonexistent) boyfriend would write music like this and sing it to me…and maybe bring me flowers every night, new jewelry once in a while, and look like Ryan Gosling. Pick up Mumford & Sons’ second album Babel on Sept. 24.

“Glow” — Mac Miller ft. Pharell

Mac Miller and Pharell Williams get glossy in their new track “Glow,” off the two artists’ upcoming EP Pink Slime. The duo released “Onaroll” back in June, and it would appear that Mac Millions and Skateboard P are a collaborative force to be reckoned with. Backed by ethnic-inspired violins, and a hyper beat, the boys lay down their rhymes, sounding confident and smooth. Sidenote: Mac Miller manages to yell “Mother f**ker” for ten seconds straight. If that’s not talent, I don’t know what is.

“Anything Could Happen” — Ellie Goulding Read more…

“Oh Yeah” — Chris Brown ft. 2 Chainz and Snoop Dogg

Between getting into bar fights with Drake’s entourage and leaking a new song, Chris Brown has sure had a busy week. The young rap star just released a new single “Oh Yeah” as a promotional song for his upcoming album Fortune. And while fans might already recognize the single since Breezy released a solo version back in April, this new version enlists the help of his rap buddies 2 Chainz and Snoop Dogg. I listened to both versions and got sick of Brown’s autotuned rapping within the first 30 seconds, but this new version has some extra padding in the form of clear rhymes by the two big name rappers. I would advise you to check out both versions and make your judgments accordingly. Fortune hits shelves on July 3.

 ”Liquorice”  — Azaelia Banks

Azaelia Banks is a “Wild West Liquorice Bitch” (her words, not mine) in the video for her new single “Liquorice.” As usual, her song mashes genres together, this time laying her feisty raps over a retro house/ dance track. The video itself plays out all the stereotypes of a typical western – leather chaps, riding horses alone through a valley, cowgirl on cowgirl showdown, hot dogs, …wait what? Okay, so I lied. The video is anything but typical, and with styling by Nicola Formichetti (of Lady Gaga fame) and direction by fashion photographer Rankin, the video is a must-see.

“The Only Place” — Best Coast Read more…

“Princess of China” — Coldplay ft. Rihanna

Princess of China, the much-anticipated collaboration between Coldplay and Rihanna, was finally released last week with a dramatic, eye-popping music video. I never thought Rihanna and Chris Martin’s voices could complement each other so well but RiRi impressively holds her own with the alternative rockers. The R&B songstress looks amazing in her sexy Asian-inspired outfits, and Chris Martin is a dreamboat as usual, playing Rihanna’s star cross lover. With flying ninja sword fights, desert landscapes, and some amazing on screen chemistry between Chris and Rihanna (hopefully Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t too hard on Chris), the video definitely does the song justice.

“Run” — Flo-Rida ft. RedFoo

Once again, our friend Flo-Rida has taken an 80s classic and turned it into a sexualized pop hit (“Right Round,” anyone?) His new single “Run,” featuring LMFAO’s RedFoo, is a four-minute club banger that samples Bryan Adams’ “Run to You.” It includes Rida’s usual catchy hooks that will get stuck in your head for days, and of course, the chorus is ridden with some clever sexual innuendos. Somewhere, I’m sure Bryan Adams is shaking his head in shame, but the song makes me want to pour myself a shot, throw on some heels, and go out dancing, so it’s an A+ in my books!

“Spectrum (Calvin Harris remix)” — Florence + the Machine Read more…

“Silk Pillow” Childish Gambino ft. Beck

Have I died and gone to heaven? Childish Gambino and Beck in one song? And Beck finally rapping for the first time in six years? Music Gods, you are too kind. This collaboration has all the elements for an eccentric hit. The jam is a little on the somber side, with eerie backing vocals and electric piano chords backing Beck and Gambino’s intellectual rhymes, but in the fashion of both artists, they throw some synth in the mix to bring up the groove factor…amazing!

“Entitled” Leighton Meester ft. Check in the Dark

Leighton Meester decided to take some time off stealing boyfriends and ruining lives (on TV that is) to release a new song, “Entitled.” After skyrocketing to fame by playing Manhattan’s queen bitch Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, Meester launched a pop singing career, with her only memorable hit being “Good Girls Go Bad” with Cobra Starship. I was never a fan of Meester’s music, but I have to eat my words when it comes to “Entitled.” The girl has an impressive set of pipes and the song is just beautiful. It’s worth listening to, and Gossip Girl fans may be a bit surprised to see the girl who plays such a ruthless character can be such a sincere performer.

“We Are Young (cover)” — Alex Clare Read more…

“Reunion (Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. remix)” — M83 

From Detroit indie-pop duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. comes this remix of M83’s “Reunion,” off their recent album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. The remix is a great, toned down version of M83’s heavily 80s-inspired track. Dale Earndhart Jr. Jr. keeps the essence of the track with M83’s signature atmospheric vocals, but adds their own twist with some synth, and a driving beat. Reunion will be officially released later this month and serious fans who buy the disc will be treated to six remixes of the single, including this Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. version.

“Blood Brothers” — Ingrid Michaelson Read more…

“Breath of Life,” Florence and the Machine

The upcoming blockbuster Snow White and the Huntsman is set to be released on June 1, and who better to create the lead single for the epic tale than cinematic songstress Florence Welch and her Machine? “Breath of Life” is possibly one of Welch’s most dramatic songs to date, with pounding drums, and a 60-person choir backing Welch’s intense voice. The video for the single shows Welch recording the track in London’s Abbey Road Studios, 60-person choir included, with vivid scenes from the film woven through the recording session. The video looks like an impressive trailer for the Snow White re-interpretation, and I will definitely be forking over 10 dollars or more at the movie theatre to watch it. You can hear “Breath of Life” on the film’s soundtrack, which will be available May 29.

“Part 5: Su-Barbie-a,” Marina and the Diamonds

A few days ago, Marina Diamandis uploaded this gem onto the Marina and the Diamonds YouTube channel. It’s Part 5 of her online video anthology, which exposes the four female archetypes that her new album Electra Heart is based on. The video is a two-minute flurry of various audio clips from old Hollywood films and Barbie doll advertisements all playing over the instrumental track from her song “Valley of the Dolls.” It also features Diamandis in a creepy Stepford-esque outfit standing in front of a perfect house, with her face engulfed in shadows. The next video to be released will be “Part 6: Power and Control.”

“Unnecessary,” Childish Gambino ft. ScHoolboy Q Read more…

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back

“Want U Back” is British pop star Cher Lloyd’s first single in the US and is a great, feisty debut for the 18-year old who competed on The X Factor UK two years ago. The song was originally released as Lloyd’s third single off her album Sticks + Stones, and was re-cut and re-released for her introduction to the US. The music video shows Lloyd confronting her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend in a diner while wreaking havoc all over the place. Apart from looking like an American Apparel advertisement, Lloyd shows off her serious sass and has a great “don’t care” attitude while keeping things PG for the young ones.

Lykke Li – Come Near

Lykke Li’s label Ingrid released a compilation called Volym 1 for international Record Store Day on April 21. The compilation featured Scandinavian artists including Miike Snow, Starlight Serenade, and a brand new track by Lykke Li. “Come Near” is an ethereal tribal inspired track with no apparent hook or chorus, but shows Lykke Li’s raw talent with some creative African inspired wails and drums. Those Swedes are a talented bunch.

Kanye West – Lost in the World

Even though Kanye West’s last album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasies was released over a year ago, the rap superstar teamed up with fashion filmmaker Ruth Hogben to create this video masterpiece. His video for Kanye’s “Lost in the World,” which features Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, is stunning and goes far beyond the norm of usual rap aesthetics. It’s an art piece shot in black and white featuring anguished dancing, layering effects, and strobe. Lots of strobe. Whether you’re a Kanye fan or not, this creative video is definitely worth checking out.

Young London – Someone Like You Read more…

Metric – Youth Without Youth

I’ve been a Metric fan since I was 14 so I’ve been waiting anxiously these past three years for some new Metric music and FINALLY “Youth Without Youth” is here to cure my Metric withdrawal! The first single off their upcoming album Synthetica is a great guitar driven track. It’s faster and louder than most of Metric’s other music and it’s nice to hear lead singer Emily Haines using her voice to its full potential. I could see this being a serious song to jam out to during one of their upcoming concerts. You can pick up Synthetica on June 12.

Santigold – Proud Mary

I had the good fortune of seeing Santigold at Coachella and this woman has some serious talent. In her cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s famous “Proud Mary,” Santi White adds her own flavour to the jam. Instead of a straight up cover of the song, she adds some synth, African beats, and belts the song in her own robotic style. I’m loving this new take on a classic track.

Foster the People – Houdini Read more…