Who Should The X Factor US Panel Cast?

Seeing as how X Factor US has seen nearly all of the staring panelist/cast fired... The question arises, who should replace Steve Jones as host, and Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger as judges/mentors?  But first, lets take a look at some names that have been floating around who probably should not become a part of the singing competition's panel.

Anybody who currently is experiencing the height of their popularity, should all be ruled out.  There is no need to risk joining the show and stopping your current streak.  So that takes out artists like Katy Perry (who although would be a great judge-she's currently way too successful), Rihanna (way too young to be tied down to a show that could affect her top of the pops standing), and even Beyonce (though her music career is sagging, she is still in her prime). Now for those who'd make great X Factor Judges!

Beyonce '4' Album Review

This past Tuesday saw the release of Beyonce's fourth studio album, aptly titled 4, a number near and dear to Beyonce's heart (birthday, wedding date, etc). The album was preceded by the first two singles, the heavily sampled ("Pon De Floor") track, "Run The World (Girls)" and "Best Thing I Never Had," which sounded as if it were an "Irreplaceable" Part II, minus Ne-Yo in exchange for Babyface. Both singles failed to generate the standard buzz Beyonce is known to bring come album release/buzz period. Still Columbia Records continued with the original scheduled release date of June 28th, 2011.

Overall the album is filled with too many ballads and mid-tempo songs, which isn't what you'd expect from Beyonce. Especially given the album's near suggestive cover, and the albums club ready lead single. Earlier reports were made and stated the album would have more of an experimental, undefinable genre wise sound. It's safe to say this album misses that mark completely! Not one song from this album really has a sound that forces Beyonce out of her comfort zone to a strong degree.

Not to mention with a summer release date, and the name Beyonce fronting the project... you tend to want a good deal of music that is summer ready-danceable, catchy tunes. Well, one thing is for sure, Beyonce did try to go against the grain and release an album, outside of the heavily exploited Dance Pop/Electronic/Electro Pop genre which radio is currently eating up--maybe that's why her singles haven't been quick radio successes (as past Beyonce singles have)! PLEASE COMMENT below, I'd love to hear what you think about Beyonce's new album even if you do not agree with me!

New NOVEMBER Music! Week By Week

Get ready for a great deal of new music releases next month. November is filled with multiple highly anticipated album releases by various artists. Everyone from Country Pop star Carrie Underwood to popular producer/artist Timbaland seems to have materiel ready for public hearing.

The month gets off to a quick start with Carrie Underwood releasing her third album Play On, on November 3rd. The album’s first single “Cowboy Casanova” has already become a crossover hit, managing to peak at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Not to mention both of Underwood’s previous albums have become Platinum US selling albums. On the 3rd Amerie releases her long awaited Def Jam debut In Love & War. Despite little promotion and attention this marks Amerie’s return to music in the US since leaving Columbia Records.

Britney Spears’ fans will be delighted to pick up her latest compilation The Singles Collection on November 10th. The album features Spears’ greatest hits which includes three Billboard Hot 100 number 1 singles, including the current single “3.”

A week later, on the 17th, America gets to hear from its current Idol winner Kris Allen who will release his self titled major label debut album including the thought provoking “Live Like We’re Dying”. X Factor winner Leona Lewis drops her sophomore album Echo; on which Lewis worked with big names including Justin Timberlake and Ryan Tedder. Janet Jackson releases her second greatest hits compilation album titled Number Ones, which features many of her biggest past singles plus the new single “Make Me”. Alternative pop artist John Mayer releases his fourth studio album Battle Studies, which is his first studio album since 2006’s Continuum. The Colorado based OneRepublic, will release their sophomore effort, Waking Up which the bands new sound on the lead single “All The Right Moves.”

November 23rd definitely marks one of the biggest new release weeks in music. Electro Pop singer Lady Gaga will re-release her debut album along with eight new songs. The Fame Monster includes the new single “Bad Romance,” and a song titled “Speechless” which Gaga dedicated to her father. Beyonce re-releases the deluxe version of her I Am… Sasha Fierce album as well. Ironically Beyonce will release a remix and music video to “Video Phone” which will feature Gaga. Latin Pop star Shakira returns will her first release since 2005, with her album She Wolf. The Second single “Give It Up To Me,” features Lil’ Wayne & Timbaland and was initially slatted for Timbaland’s album Timbaland Presents Shock Value II*, due out the same day. On Timbaland’s album, he worked with a large number of artists including Miley Cyrus, The Fray, Justin Timberlake, and others to create Part II of Shock Value which was released back in 2007. New to the US charts, Jay Sean releases his debut album stateside All Or Nothing, which will include the Hot 100 number 1 “Down,” [featuring Lil’ Wayne] and second single “Do You Remember” [featuring Sean Paul & Lil’ Jon]. American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert will release his debut album For Your Entertainment which is set to have songs written by Lady Gaga, Max Martin, & Ryan Tedder. But among all of these new albums, the most anticipated has got to be Rihanna’s latest. Rated R is set to be released as a double disc and will feature the lead single “Russian Roulette” which was written by Ne-Yo and Rihanna, herself. This marks the first Rihanna single and album since her February altercation with Chris Brown and 2007’s multiplatinum Good Girl Gone Bad.


Finally on November 24th, Britney Spears fans will be able to show their love by purchasing a box set of all Spears’ singles. The Singles Collection ultimate fan box set will include all 29 CD singles, and other items too.

So November definitely looks like it will be a good month for new music releases. Fans of Country, R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, and Alternative music will be able to purchase and support new highly anticipated music from various popular artists. Fans of music, enjoy!

*UPDATE This was written before Timbaland's album got pushed back until December 2009, but the article went well how it was written so I decided to leave in the information about his album. Know that his album has been pushed back until December 8th, 2009.

Clearly Inspired by The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson has inspired so many current artists. In remembrance and memorial to Michael Jackson, here is a look at a few (in no particular order)...

Britney Spears
Spears has become one of the biggest selling artists in the 2000s and partly because of her tours which feature what many think Spears does best, dance. A lot of her dancing has been influenced from Michael Jackson.

Chris Brown
Brown has been labeled in some cases a younger version of MJ. Once again his dance moves catapult him towards this comparison. At the 2007 MTV VMAs he performed to "Billie Jean," in tribute to MJ.

Justin Timberlake
Timberlake has become another entertainer who's gained many MJ comparisons from his particular dancing. Along with 'N Sync, he even performed with one of his idols, MJ.

Usher
Very similar to MJ, Usher grew up in the spotlight and became the star he is today right in front of the public. As he grew up, his dancing became more respected and appreciated; from his distinctive moves such as his handstand, he's obviously been influenced by MJ.

Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo alike MJ has became a prominent and popular songwriter. As he has been dancing for some time now, he really showed off his MJ moves and swag with the live performances and music video to 2008s "Closer."

Rihanna
While Rihanna isn't really the dancing music superstar, she sampled the MJ made famous "Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa" chant in her hit "Don't Stop The Music." Following, she also used the dark eerie vibe from "Thriller" in her music video to "Disturbia."

Ciara
Unlike many others Ciara has listed both MJ and his younger sister has big influenced to her style of dance. While some label her the new era Janet, in a recent interview with ThatGrapeJuice she actually picked MJ over Janet!

Ashanti
While Ashanti isn't really compared to MJ for her dancing, she was definitely lyrically inspired by The King Of Pop. Her 2003 hit single was titled "Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)" similar to MJs 1979 hit single "Rock With You." She also remixed the song to feature a beat more similar to MJs version and a bridge featuring his lyrics.

Beyonce
Beyonce is one of the biggest females when it comes to putting on a show filled with dance routines and memorable performances. Similar to MJ's moonwalk, Beyonce's dance routine for "Single Ladies" was inspired from a past similar number she saw. She has recently claimed him as one of her heroes.

Omarion
Even though Omarion isn't currently in the spotlight as he used to be, Omarion's dancing has been clearly inspired from MJ. If you watch his videos including "Touch" you can see resemblances to how MJ would effortless move in Omarion as well.

As you can see many artists have been and continue to be influenced and inspired by The King Of Pop. Michael Jackson will stand forever as the guideline of what an ultimate global star is and should be like. And if that statement seems to big for me to make, just look at some of the extremely popular stars who have emulated Jackson in some way, shape or form. [Do you know someone who deserves to be on this list? Drop a comment, and list your name and you will receive credit if added to the list]

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Competition: PussyCat Dolls vs Beyopnce | "Halo"

So ironically the PussyCat Dolls and Beyonce, they both have songs on their 2008 albums entitled “Halo.” While the PussyCat Dolls “Halo,” featured a mid tempo Timbaland produced beat, Beyonce’s version more of a ballad and was written by OneRepublic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder and was intended for Leona Lewis (who also wrote Leona Lewis’ number 1 single “Bleeding Love”).

I actually think this is one PussyCat Dolls song which really suits Nicole Scherzinger well. The way it’s sung, I don’t think would be as good if a different Doll shared lead vocals. That being said it would be nice to hear them take the lead on some songs released as singles. I think this song could actually be a hit for them, and should have been released over “Whatcha Think About That.” I think PCD really released that song in hopes of it doing better than Danity Kane’s “Bad Girl,” since they both featured Missy Elliott.

“Halo,” is scheduled to be one of Beyonce’s next singles off of her I Am… Sasha Fierce album. I expect the song to reach the tops of the charts especially since the Beyonce craze has started and the fact that Ryan Tedder had a number 1 single with Leona Lewis helps too.

I am enjoying both of the songs, and the question does not have to come down to Beyonce vs. Nicole Scherzinger at all. I am just curious to see what people think of the songs overall.




WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE “HALO” SONGS? LEAVE COMMENTS BELOW!

Alter Ego Takes Over | Beyonce -I Am...Sasha Fierce [Review]

Move over Beyonce Knowles, this time around another singer, Sasha Fierce clearly wants to introduce herself and set her name apart from Mrs. Knowles. Well not exactly, on Beyonce’s third solo album, I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyonce mixes two different musical sounds and genres onto separate discs to form one album.

Beyonce obviously learned her fans enjoy hearing different sides to her music, evident from her 2003 number 1 Billboard Hot 100 Hip Hop & R&B-Funk song, “Crazy In Love,” to her 2006 smooth mid tempo Soft Rock number 1, “Irreplaceable.” So Beyonce decided to release two A-side singles for her third solo album.

“If I Were A Boy,” is a mid tempo, vocal showcasing song which was geared toward Pop radio formats. The cinematic music video was made to show the scenario of how men would feel if women treated them as men sometimes do women. So far ‘Boy’ has reached number 3 on the Hot 100.

While “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” was geared for the clubs and rhythmic radio formats. Sounding much like a continuation of her previous single, “Get Me Bodied,” released from 2006’s B’Day. Though both of the videos were in black and white, ‘Single’ was a dance performance video; as ‘Boy’ was simply a mini movie.

The generalized sound of songs under the, I Am… title are slow ballads which aren’t to striking after a first listen and may come off as boring to Beyonce’s usual R&B fan base.

A few standouts were present as well. “Broken Hearted Girl,” and “Halo,” feature lyrics that seem touching and realistic. Production on these tracks was great as well. Speculated next single “Halo,” was written by lead singer of OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, and actually intended for one of his past collaborators, Leona Lewis (who shared a number 1 collaboration with “Bleeding Love,”).

Beyonce previously told fans that Sasha was her on stage alter ego who she essentially becomes while on stage performing and takes her to a more energy driven exciting level. The intense vibe is definitely present on the Sasha Fierce portion of the album as well. Majority of the songs have an energy level which clearly is not present on the I Am... tracks.

On the Sasha Fierce side, you quickly indentify signature Beyonce catchiness; which is present on tracks like “Video Phone.” From its current-craze title, slick lyrics and its hard hitting beat, Beyonce scores a repeat track with this cut.

“Ego,” is another song where Beyonce clearly utilizes her versatility to create a unique retro, Pop-Funk, Soul jam. She states, “Some call it arrogant, I call it confident,” as she refers to her specific chosen guy.

Inspired by Lil’ Wayne’s “A Milli,” Beyonce recorded a song called “Diva,” to a remarkably similar beat; both produced by Bangladesh. She raps and says why she is number 1 among fellow female artists.

Overall I Am…Sasha Fierce clearly directs Beyonce in a different diverse direction. She creates a way to dominate multiple music sounds and genres, all while bringing a unique conceptual idea to her album. Beyonce’s previous work has sold in outstanding amounts, and I Am…Sasha Fierce couldn’t have come at a better time. Though it may not be every Beyonce fans cup of tea, expect I Am...Sasha Fierce to become another big album for Mrs. Knowles-Carter.

Obvious Standout will Exceed A-Side

So, after viewing and hearing both of Beyonce’s new singles, I must admit one outshines the other by a long shot. I’m really not digging the vibe of “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” the song, or the video. The video was extremely boring, and overly simple, just dancing, Um, I don’t think so-to me that screams boring. Not to mention the song really has the vibe of “Get Me Bodied.”

As for “If I Were A Boy,” I think Beyonce totally got Toby Gad, to write a somewhat similar musical knock of Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry (Personal),” mixed with the message of Ciara’s “Like A Boy.” That being sad, it still is a decent song with an interesting video concept. I really enjoyed how almost until the end of the song, we didn’t see Beyonce singing any of the song, we only saw the cinematic video being acted out. The dramatic dialogue after the song’s bridge was a nice additon as well.

Overall I think we will look to see a lot more of “If I Were A Boy,” and a lot less of “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” since it’s obvious which is a stronger contender for becoming a Top Billboard Hot 100 single, and that one single is intended for Pop radio (CHR/Top 40), while the other being Urban formats (Hip Hop/R&B).