Welcome back, kids! Sorry there was no 5SF last week; things have been busy… you know, school and all. Things are going to be pretty hectic until December, but I managed to sneak some time in to bring you some fresh tunes this week. A LOT of music is going to be released in the coming weeks, so the year end album countdown should have some interesting changes in the coming weeks; and there will inevitably be more music for the 5SF. Let’s get to this week’s fresh crop:
Shayne Ward – Future Love
Normally, the B-side isn’t as good as (and certainly is not better than) the single itself. However, that is exactly the case with Shayne Ward’s latest single, Gotta Be Somebody, taken from his upcoming album Obsession. Unfortunately, Gotta Be Somebody isn’t stellar (perhaps it being a cover of a Nickelback song has something to do with that), but at least Future Love (another, much better cover) makes the grade. Sadly, Future Love didn’t make the cut, and will not be on Obsession, which sucks, because it is far superior to the aforementioned lead single. Oh well, at least we can cherish it on its own, even though it’s just a B-side. Listen to Future Love here.
Alexis Jordan – Happiness
First and foremost, I want to say, that I do not understand why in the hell the artist for this song isn’t marketed/labelled as Deadmau5 feat. Alexis Jordan, because they “heavily sampled” Deadmau5’s Brazil (2nd edit), for this song; which really means they just used it in its entirety, and gave him no credit. I would prefer to put credit where it is due, and while the lyrics and her singing definitely liven it up, and make it more poppy and enjoyable for me, I do think Deadmau5 deserves his due; the backing track is brilliant, and it is why I fell in love with this song in the first place (a big thanks to my pal Steve for giving me the heads up on it too). Now that I have said what I had to say about that, let me talk about the song; it’s saccharine sweet, and totally groovy. I love this song, and her sweet vocals over the brilliant Deadmau5 house music is pure pop perfection. I expect to hear this on the radio, and have been listening to it on repeat for a few weeks now. Watch the video for Happiness here.
Cee Lo Green – Love Gun ft. Lauren Bennett
I first heard this song playing in the background during the pole dancing scene between Steve Carrell and Tina Fey in the movie Date Night. I loved it, and tried to download it, but according to the internets, it wasn’t available, and wouldn’t be; everyone said that it was going to be covered/released by Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton instead (and her version can’t hold a candle to this one). Hmpf! Well, low and behold, Cee Lo Green released his new album The Lady Killer this week, and there was my song! Hot!! I love the sexy swagger of this song, and how it just begs you to dance to it. The juxtaposition between both Cee Lo’s and Lauren’s voices is a perfect marriage in this throwback track. I am thrilled that Cee Lo decided to throw this on his new album, because it just meant that I would be sure to pick it up (especially after the fantastic Fuck You, which was featured not too terribly long ago on the 5SF). Listen to Love Gun here.
Fitz and The Tantrums – MoneyGrabber
Keeping the throwback swag going today, I have been enamored with this fun little song for a few weeks now. I saw the video, and immediately had to hear the song again. Thankfully, you can go to Fitz and the Tantrums website and download it for FREE (just look to the left about 1/3 down). This is a great old-school jam, one that sounds like it would have fit perfectly in the soul sounds of yesterday. This is a refreshing new song that harkens back to time gone by, and if acts like Duffy and Amy Winehouse can succeed, so can these guys; they’ve definitely got something going on. Watch the video for MoneyGrabber here.
Westlife – Safe
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a beautiful ballad, and if it’s Westlife singing it, I am definitely all ears. I have loved these guys for over a decade, and each new release shows that not only do they know their fan base extremely well, but that they have access to a plethora of wonderful ballads and love songs to feed us with. Their last album, Where We Are, came in at #18 on my top 31 albums of last year, and was filled to the brim with beautiful songs much like this one. Imagine my glee when I found out they have a new album, Gravity, coming out in the coming weeks. I cannot wait to get more music from my all time favorite boy band; these boys will always have a place in my heart, and space on my ipod. Watch the video for Safe here.
What did you think of this week’s crop? Please let me know in the comments; and give me the heads up on what you are downloading and enjoying right now as well. You never know; it may be on next week’s 5SF!