Jodie Connor Feat. Wiley - Now Or Never

This song is quite nice.  Cute nice.  Found this artist on a quite nice, cute dance track 'Higher State' & Roll Deep's nitty-gritty party anthem, 'Good Times'.  I honestly don't think she'll make a successful career out of herself, her voice is just pleasant.. That's about it.

B-

Nicole Scherzinger - Poison

This song spells HIT HIT HIT all over it!  This, undoubtedly is Nicole's best effort in both her music and music video.  The guitar riffs are amazing, the overempowering chorus, the 'Sin City'-esque video, and of course Nicole's stunning presence.  I can even imagine this landing at least Top 40 in the US.  It seems like it's doing really well debuting at #6 on UK's iTunes.  So all as well hope for Nicole's first Top 10 there!

A 

Juku's Top 20 Chart / November 2010

I've decided to keep track of my most favorite singles each month just for kicks.

This Month:

1- Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)

2- Take That - The Flood

3- Olly Murs - Thinking Of Me

4- Katy Perry - Firework

5- JLS - Love You More

6- Alexis Jordan - Happiness

7- Cheryl Cole - Promise This

8- Pixie Lott - Broken Arrow

9- Jamie Woon - Night Air

10- The Wombats - Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)
11- Tinchy Stryder Feat. Taio Cruz - Second Chance

12- Nicki Minaj - Right Thru Me

13- Will.I.Am & Nicki Minaj - Check It Out

14- Jessica Mauboy - Saturday Night

15- Enrique Englesias & Nicole Scherzinger - Heartbeat

16- Duffy - Well Well Well

17- Glee Cast - Teenage Dream

18- Far East Movement Feat. Ryan Tedder - Rocketeer

19- Mcfly Feat. Taio Cruz - Shine A Light

20- Glee Cast - Forget You

The Black Eyed Peas - Dirty Bit (The Time)

The song is blah at its finest, but I actually dig the video.  I guess it's safe to say that it's a song that's only great in parties and going to the club, but in any other occasion, I could easily get an instant headache from all the buzzing noises.  Pretty mixed about this one.

C

Mcfly Feat. Taio Cruz - Shine A Light

Was never really a fan of this band, until this song came along.  This song has strangely been stuck in my head all day today.  The video, however, is kinda meh.  Taio Cruz's part is a bit creepy with him just standing there as if he's moving in slow motion.  The background dancers are a bit odd of a fit to the video as well.  Overall, just a blah video and a ridiculous tune.

B+

Bruno Mars - Grenade

The video was deep, intense, and very unexpected.  Basically what you have here is Bruno roaming around the city encountering ways of how he could possibly die for his love.  Mainly bringing his piano with him in the middle of the street as anyone would think he's a psycho passing him by and wondering why he's doing it, going up a hill while bringing the piano up with him, as well of course, him almost getting jump and/or raped by a mafia of cholo members.  The ending was just above all unexpected. It just really shows the depth of the meaning of this song.  Fo' reals.

A

Taio Cruz Feat. Kylie Minogue - Higher

New single from Taio & Kylie.  Is it just me, or is it that none of these two have any great connection with one another at all?  I felt as if when you have these two artists separately individually in this video particularly, you have two completely different videos.  One side having Taio, his band, and his usual, leather jacket and shades, bland presence; whilst you got Kylie and her hot back-up dancers. Once you get the two together, you don't get anything but them awkwardly touching each other.  This new addition of Kylie to the song isn't really much needed either.  I rather prefer the original, rather than having these two taking turns singing like it's some kind of sing-off, and less of a duo really.

B

The Saturdays (Headlines - Expanded Version) - Re-Re-Wordshaker?

The Sats lately has been taking over my life, becoming my ultimate girlband group of the decade/century so far (Girls Aloud who?).  I guess it's safe to say that I can evaluate this screwed up re-re-EP, (now officially an album??) after being released this month for (according to Una) 'Christmas shopping'.  This re-updated 'album' now includes an addition of their last, but suddenly forgotten, Wordshaker; which weirdly does not seem to appear at iTunes nor Amazon anymore.  (What a catastrophe really, a golden album well wasted).

Westlife - Safe

New single from Westlife, and the title track is called "Safe".  The video is pretty touching I guess.  Again, it doesn't really grasp anything unique about them.  At this stage in time of their career, they are literally going overboard with this one.  All they do these days (though its not entirely surprising at all) are ballads, ballads, BALLADS.  A few years back I would be cool about it, but if they really are going to repetitively use this formula of putting us to sleep, then they might as well just call it break.  OR, they could go in another direction and ACTUALLY put out a single that would less fit their comfort zone (ala Take That's new album), then I'd probably stick around and listen to their music.  All I'm saying overall is, they need to think of something amazing in order for them to stay relevant and fresh these days.  Being extremely "safe" with the choices of singles they put will instantly lose one of its fans.  (Yeah, I admit).

C
Available now in Amazon UK

Rihanna (Loud) - Least Favorable?

Despite hearing Only Girl constantly everyday and not getting sick of it at all actually made me believe that this album was going to be the best Rihanna album I will ever hear.  However, I did not expect to the album to be just as.. Average.  It DOES actually have it moments, but most of the time I just question how dull some of these tracks here are.  Don't get too fooled with the album title either.  Listening to the album a bit too 'loudly' might actually be a pain...

Wynter Gordon - Dirty Talk

This brand new updated video of Wynter's 'Dirty Talk', which released as a single just months ago this year is released in the web today.  I must say, this video has 'HIT' all over it!  The lighting and video effects are completely spot on!  Love the fact that she's all by herself, and not with some under-aged fairies prancing around a bonfire at the beach... If this isn't getting any attention in the US, then it must be #1 sometime in the UK this year or early next year.  Wynter has charm, cuteness, and hotness at the same time.  Nowadays, who would you think can pull that?  This girl needs some recognition!

A
Now available in iTunes

OneRepublic - Good Life

After a year of 'Waking Up' being released, 'Good Life' finally gets its own treatment of a music video and being a single.  Well it's about damn time.  After Secrets has (sort of) been a success, OR should have released this song rather than 'Marchin' On'.  Although that song was really nice as well, I would have preferred this song being released first.  Anywho, the video I'm sad to say isn't really anything special.  It's just Tedder and his band in the middle of who knows where..

B
Now available in iTunes

Take That (Progress) - Outstanding

Words can't express how amazing this album really is.  The complex harmonies, the effortlessness on each of their voices, top quality tracks overall.  This I believe, is THE best album I have ever heard in years.  Knowing that I actually love all the tracks.. Or actually, I'm lying, I only dislike one track (silly man).  But what that means to me is that, I can actually keep this album and nurture it for the ages to come in my life.  If I'm being honest, I was never really a Take That fan, aside from loving two of their singles, Rule The World and Greatest Day, but after literally watching the whole disc (on youtube, of course) of their Circus live tour in Wembley Arena, I was completely astounded by how courageous and amazing they performed and presented themselves to such a massive audience.  Obviously, I knew they've been around for two decades, but I didn't realize how outstanding they actually perform live.  Anyways, let's just move on, and while I write, allow me to digest and soak on how each of these tracks had an effect on transforming me into a Take That fan.

Pitbull - Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor) (Feat. T-Pain)

Let's break this one down.  Pitbull, back with another undeniably cheesy, canny, catchy dance tune that for sure will be another (s)hit added to his musical career.  T-Pain, I guess he prefers appearing on "musician's" music videos nowadays because he's afraid he won't make another Top 10 track.  It's true though, his style in music, specifically his brilliant invention on autotune, (which every single Top 40 artist uses now) is so narrow and one-dimensional, that it seems he is struggling to invent something more creative.  Thus, his whole career in life will forever be him known as the guy who.. invented autotune.  Now for the video, it's atrociously hilarious.  I mean, it's so typical and straightforward, for such a dull and generic song I wouldn't think of any kind of director making such a brilliant music video for this.  Must I say, Pitbull's dancing is a bit... Laughable.

D

Jessie J - Do It Like A Dude

This song is for people who want to act like sluts thinking taking a shit in a pool is okay.  Top 40 trash at its best.

11/22/10 - I think I can actually tolerate this song without watching the video...  Still have the same opinion about it, but it's tolerable (and insanely catchy).

B

Rihanna - What's My Name (Feat. Drake)

Not too keen with this one.  It's quite bizzare how it ended up being #1 in the US charts already (for a week, I think?), despite being such an average track.  Oh well.  The video isn't really anything special either.  Her chemistry with Drake though was something.  Maybe he should ditch Minaj for her?  I mean, being with Rihanna seems more fitting don't you think?  On a whole, I guess I expected better from her, considering her last single was such a top, club stomper.

C+

Glee Rant // Never Been Kissed - Episode 28

Now, who isn't a sucker of Glee these days?  The amount of people buying the singles weekly while landing on the Top 40 charts is insane.  The way it got so popular in an instant... is INSANE.  I mean, there are many reasons why people watch Glee.  For me personally, I watch it on a weekly basis for the fact of being interested of what song they are going to cover next, as well as (of course) how the story line goes.  But since then between the middle of season one, Glee has been creating unrelated topics and sub-plots that doesn't really focus on their one main goal, which is go to nationals, regionals, or whatever.  It's fine, but the inconsistent flow of creating one theme show, then another "normal" kind of show somewhat irritates me.  Nevertheless, it is still an enjoyable show to watch, and a definite series that will stay in the biz for the long run.  Anyways, let's get back to the actual topic here, which is to basically "rant" the covers on this week's show.     

One Love (Get Ready)

On this song we got Artie and Puck singing 'One Love', originally by THE Bob Marley.  This song is pretty chilled, relaxing, a nice little first duet from the two of them.  On the downside, the song being toned and mellow as it is, I found it as nothing outstanding or made me feel like I'd want to buy the single.  As a whole, this addition was pretty much a filler, but pretty cool I guess. / B-

Teenage Dream

Out of all the songs this week, this one was ultimately the most clever, original, most creative cover Glee has ever done.  Like 'One Love', it was cool and chilled, but what 'One Love' didn't have was the spark and the newness of a cover I thought I would never imagine it being as the final outcome.  None other than that, the harmonies were executed brilliantly and Darren Criss' (sort of fixed) voice effortlessly made it so magical and ... INSANE. A+

Start Me Up / Livin' On A Prayer

Love Glee's mash-ups, especially how there's actually two on one episode (ie. Episode Vitamin D)!  Anywho, I honestly can't put out of who is the winner out of the girls and guys.  The girls had a bit more of attitude and edge in their performance/song.  It had power by two of the strongest vocalists of all singers in Glee (Lea Michele & Amber Riley), as well as the courage to actually grind up on the floor (no pun intended) and toss their hair around as if wind suddenly came into their way.. But seriously, where did all that wind came from? A-

Stop! In The Name Of Love / Free Your Mind

What I loved about this mash-up was the fact of how brilliantly the two songs were smashed into together.  More so than that, the song is catchy as ever (the stop in the name part especially), which literally sticks into your head while replaying that same line over and over and over...  What stood out for the guys (performance wise) was how much swag and charm they had.  Their choreography was a bit corny as if some of them can't actually dance at all.  But as a whole, it was more embracing and the song I felt was much stronger than what the girls had to sing.  All in honesty though, I can't have a choice of who to pick.  It's just not that easy... / A

Olly Murs - Thinking Of Me

Song is all 'round, an ultimately feel-good song.  Great to sing along to, great song to sing to a girl instead of that overratedly song that apparently woo's anyone in any gender, 'Just The Way You Are'.  The video is charming, charismatic and creative.  This song delights me, job well done.

B+

Alexis Jordan - Happiness

Happiness - a  brilliant dance track that contains a smooth grasp of fresh air from new artist, Alexis Jordan.  This song is executed with flawless and delicate vocals, delivering a well, suited track for an artist's first single.  Although it lacks originality, hence, the deadmau5 sample, I've grown to respect Alexis along with her producer's credibility to create a song that has not really has been heard in the music industry.  Overall, as a whole package, it is an adorably and catchy tune that will endlessly make you wanna say, (mmmm, mmmm, mmmm, mmm).

A

JLS - Love You More

JLS' new single.  Aside from the silly autotune, the boys settled down to do a sweet, sappy ballad for their next single.  Song sounds a bit outdated, something you'd probably hear a boyband do in 2004 or so.  The song, however, isn't so bad.  It has its preachy moments during the chorus, and that glorious choir gathering in the outro of the song.  Overall, although the song may not be as completely relevant in the current world of pop, it actually is one of JLS' better singles.

B 

Take That - The Flood

Yeah, just a group of dudes sailing their boat while competing no biggie.  (No wait, it's more than that..) That being said, the song is a bit holy and heart wrenching, not gonna lie. Although, the fact that that one dude who left his band for almost two decades (or was it completely), well anywho, TWO decades, sort of buggs me out.  I'm surprised they even had the audacity to bring his ass back to the group.  Regardless, he's taking over, so bye bye to those lines of yours old lead singer.

A

Shayne Ward - Gotta Be Somebody

What in the heck happened to this dude?  Nowadays he's got a hobo beard wearing around his face, trying to be the next sex thing, and covering one of the world's LAMEST bands?  Really Shayne?  Really?

F

The Script - Nothing

I don't think this clip specifically shows the entire music video, since it took me quite a while to at least find one that requires embedding. Anywho, the video is pretty neat.  It showcases the lead singer's heartache as he jumps out a bridge to water to provide us the realism of him (literally) getting soaked the rest of the video. By some odd way, this video had a bit of a 90's throwback of old alternative music videos.  Though I can't think of one to provide reason, the camera bit tilting sideways around the minute mark was a bit nostalgic.  Apart from the video, the song is meaningful and shouts out to the broken hearted.  The melody though, is nothing quite special really.  The Script has some sort of formula creating obvious meaningful songs as well as incorporating some generic alternative tone to a song.

B-

Jessica Mauboy Feat Ludacris - Saturday Night

This song is a complete smash.  The bounce and flow within the song is alluring and amazing.  I'm a bit worried about the music video, though I'm sure everyone should be...

B

Duffy - Well, Well, Well

I do fancy Duffy, oh yes I do.  Her last album was a complete smash, yet although I don't have the album anymore (Rockferry, that is), you may easily manipulate me from getting it because of how brilliant it is.  Aside from Rockferry, she returns with a sassier, more hip song about whale, whale, whales.  Oh, well isn't that something interesting to talk about.  (Just kidding)  This lovely tune will set you in the mood for a dance night out, or maybe a simple dance party while watching along to this video.

A

Nicki Minaj - Right Through Me

That whole talking part in the beginning was a bit unnecessary.  The whole 'you disrepectin' me' thing was so 2001.  Maybe artists still do that kind of 'talk' these days, but who knows.  Anywho, the song is pretty mellow, the story behind it is very directive. (How do you do that ish, how do you..) Have two very attractive people and you get one very, seductive video.  The whole situation with this song is kinda weird.  I mean, if the man's still 'doing' whatever to other women, why is Nicki still sticking around with him.  Maybe he's too good looking to let go? Hmm.

B+

will.i.am & Nicki Minaj - Check It Out

The video has a nice touch.  That part over at 1:02 when the dancers were duplicating was pretty trippy.  Didn't like the random swearing (which I felt was a bit unnecessary for such a happy-go-lucky, weirdly song like this), so thank goodness for the clean version.  Song wears tacky all over it, but will.i.am, being the usual genius that he is, makes this tune rather enjoyable to listen to.

B

Katy Perry - Firework

The video itself is very inspirational.  Usually I'm not that much of a deep person, but I must say, I was pretty touched by how the video brilliantly captured each scenario (the overweight girl insecure with her body, the magician that was about to get jumped by a bunch of misfits).  The song itself is pretty upbeat, but humbly moving at the same time.  Great work Perry.

A

Cheryl Cole - Promise This

Just heard this a few weeks back when Cheryl performed this on the X-Factor.  After being so hooked on that one performance; one, based on how hypnotically beautiful she is and two, the song being so hypnotically catchy, I decided to watch the video today.  Must I say, I was not disappointed.  The woman is sophisticated, beautiful, smooth, and beautiful.  Yes, I've repeated that word.  I especially loved that move that she does over at the  2:54 mark.  Generally, the whole choreography anyways.  Say what you want about Cheryl, but I do approve of her.

A-

Far East Movement Feat. Ryan Tedder - Rocketeer

Pretty catchy.  By far, a massive improvement from their ever so silly, 'Like A G6'.  That one rapper who sang the first verse sang a lot like Kanye West.  Not that it's a good thing, because what I usually expect for in an artist is they're unique and different from the others.  I'm still not so keen on this group, and I know for a fact their longevity in the business won't live on for so long.  So, good luck on them, and great job on the vocals Mr. Tedder.

B+

The Annual 2011 (Aussie Edition) - Unexpectedly Cool

A lovely edition of this year's Aussie annual.  Expect some highly cool, electrifying tracks all crumpled into one very dirty, sophisticating, luscious, and exuberant album.  Approach to the starters, tip toe!

The Annual 2011 (UK Edition) - Beh?

After being pleasantly surprised with last years edition, I literally had to get this one.  So I sat down over the week to listen a long pile of apparently future club hits, as well as the top tracks that dominated this year's world of dance music.  Well, let's take a look then shall we?

CLUBLAND 18 - The death of club music.

I swear, I think after this compilation, I'll be done with this album for good.  First of all, the album starts off strong.  Then after a set of maybe twelve or so tracks.  It's a whole shenanigans of Jorg Shit-land, lame Pop remixes, Random eurocheese music, etc. etc. etc.  So let's start off with the good.

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