Music 2010

2010 has been a very interesting year in music for me. The year produced a lot of good albums and good music as well as a few disappointing moments. All in all, I am excited for 2011, but for now, let’s concentrate on 2010 from my perspective!

View our look back on the Year 2010 in Music

Year-End Charts

Every year, Billboard recognizes the most successful songs of the year. Remember, these declarations are solely based on sales and radio airplay. Quality is relative; however, numbers simply do not lie. Many times, the numbers areobvious. Otherwise times, the top track or album is a surprise. I wanted to list of few of the record holders for your enjoyment.



#1s
Artist of the Year - Lady Gaga
Song of the Year - Tik Tok by Ke$ha
Album of the Year - I Dreamed A Dream by Susan Boyle
Radio Song of the Year - Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Digital Song of the Year - Tik Tok by Ke$ha
Pop Song of the Year - Tik Tok by Ke$ha
Adult Contemporary Song of the Year - Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Adult Pop Song of the Year - Hey, Soul Sister by Train
Dance Song of the Year - Rocket by Goldfrapp
Dance Album of the Year - The Fame by Lady Gaga
R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year - Unthinkable (I'm Ready) by Alicia Keys
R&B/Hip-Hop Album of the Year - Recovery by Eminem
Rap Song of the Year - Nothin' on You by B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars
Rap Album of the Year - Recovery by Eminem
Rock Song of the Year - Savior by Rise Against
Rock Album of the Year - Battle Studies by John Mayer
Country Song of the Year - Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice
Country Album of the Year - Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Gospel Song of the Year - The Best in Me by Marvin Sapp
Gospel Album of the Year - Here I Am by Marvin Sapp

Don't you just love music? Statistics like these, bring me such pleasure, and for the rest of the charts do visit Billboard's website at www.billboard.com. Also, please enjoy DJ Earworms Mash-up of the Top 25 hits of the year!

Albums of the Year

Tomorrow we will bring in the year 2011. To commemorate, I have compiled a list of my Top 11 favorite albums released in 2010. They are not in any particular order because that would be far to difficult! You probably know some of them, other's may be unfamiliar.. To me, all of them are amazing representations of the best that 2010 had to offer and are definitely worth the money. Enjoy, and of course, I'm excited for what next year has to offer!

1. Monica - Still Standing
2. Bruno Mars - Doo Wops & Hooligans
3. Far East Movement - Free Wired
4. Rihanna - Loud
5. Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
6. Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed
7. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
8. Drake - Thank Me Later
9. Travie McCoy - Lazarus
10. Ciara - Basic Instinct
11. Trey Songz - Passion, Pain, & Pleasure

Pop Songs of The Year

Tomorrow we will bring in the year 2011. To commemorate, I have compiled a list of my Top 11 favorite Pop songs released or promoted in 2010. They are not in any particular order because that would be far to difficult! You probably know some of them, other's may be unfamiliar album tracks. To me, all of them are amazing representations of the best that 2010 had to offer. Please also enjoy mash-up of my Top 11 favorite Pop songs of the year!



1. B.O.B. featuring Hayley Williams - Airplanes
2. Katy Perry - Hummingbird Heartbeat
3. Taylor Swift - Enchanted
4. Ke$ha - Hungover
5. Rihanna - Rude Boy
6. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
7. Lady Gaga - So Happy I Could Die
8. Leona Lewis - Can't Breathe
9. Jojo featuring Travis Garland - When Does It Go Away
10. Far East Movement - Fighting For Air
11. Far East Movement - Don't Look Now

R&B Songs of the Year

Tomorrow we will bring in the year 2011. To commemorate, I have compiled a list of my Top 11 favorite R&B songs released or promoted in 2010. They are not in any particular order because that would be far to difficult! You probably know some of them, other's may be unfamiliar album tracks. To me, all of them are amazing representations of the best that 2010 had to offer. Please also enjoy a mash-up of my Top 11 favorite R&B songs of the year!


1. Bruno Mars - Our First Time
2. Keyshia Cole - Take Me Away
3. Jaheim - Finding My Way Back
4. Monica - Love All Over Me
5. Tank - Amazing
6. Alicia Keys - Unthinkable (I'm Ready)
7. Avant - Graduated
8. Jazmine Sullivan - Excuse Me
9. Trey Songz - Can't Be Friends
10. Melanie Fiona - It Kills Me
11. Usher - Mars Vs. Venus

Tank - Amazing & Foreplay

Tank is another shining male vocalist in the R&B world and his new album "Now or Never" is far and away one of the best of the year. Aside from the singles, the album is full of songs with hit potential. What's more impressive is that Tank doesn't sacrifice music quality for commercial viability.

Notably, Tank's duet with Chris Brown is a real winner. The sexually charged "Foreplay" finds the two singers swapping verses about the necessary precursors to making love.



Another standout cut is amply titled "Amazing." The simple ballad finds Tank whispering that his love interest is gorgeously astonishing.



Tank sings "You're amazing, outstanding, incredible...that's what you are...mind blowing, your beauty's showing, amazing, that's what you are..." Both tracks deserve the single treatment, most definitely.

The Black Eyed Peas - Whenever

It seems just like yesterday that The Black Eyed Peas album "The End" came out. Now, less than year a later, "The Beginning" is continues where that album left off. Techno beats infused with futuristic sounds and inspirations make up the primary direction in which BEP has evolved as it relates to their music.



Another evident evolution within BEP is the presence of singer Fergie. On the track "Whenever," which was written by the songstress and produced by Will.i.am, Fergie once again proves why she is the major force within the group. Not only is the track single worthy, but it also has me anticipating another solo album from the fergalicious diva.

Back to the song, "Whenever" which features a small verse from the aforementioned producer and is a tale of dedication to one's significant other. Fergie proclaims that she'll go "wherever, whenever" with her significant other. All I know, is that "whenever, if ever" this is released, it will be a hit. Good stuff.

Jaheim - Closer

Every so often, a song will just hit you. That happened to me with Jaheim's previous single "Find My Way Back" and has occurred once again after listening to his latest album "Another Round." Honestly, I'm not a fan of expletives and what I like to call "gangster R&B" which I feel Jaheim sometimes relays through his music.

However, "Closer" is a real winner. It's a beautiful ballad about looking for a love. To be honest, Jaheim is an amazing vocalist and his impassioned tone works well on this track as he subtly pours his heart out through song.

Jazmine Sullivan - Excuse Me

"Excuse Me" is simply a breathtaking song by Jazmine Sullivan. She proclaims that we'll just have to excuse her if she's sounding or acting crazy. She has found a love that is so special and amazing that, at times, its difficult to believe that such a love exists within her reality. I'm calling this to SMASH at R&B radio in 2011. Absolute, smash, hit groove wonder!

Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed

Let me start off with one word: BOW! Keri Hilson returned this week with her sophomore effort "No Boys Allowed" (even though it contains a number of male features). I have found that many argue its not as good as her first; however, I would beg to differ. On "Boys," Ms. Hilson has found a way to infuse her style with modern beats and production that make for a most commercial and enjoyable album.

The album kicks of with the banger Buyou featuring J. Cole. Not a personal favorite; however, the cut has a similar vibe to Keri's #2 hit "Turnin' Me On" and I can see this following suit commercially.

"Pretty Girl Rock" is highly catchy, as is "The Way You Love." Interestingly, those two tracks were chosen as the first "official" single and a teaser track; however, they are no where near the strongest on the album.

Now let's move onto "Bahm Bahm." Produced by Polow Da Don, this reggae infused track is sensual and finds Keri absolutely bouncing and riding along the beat. "One Night Stand" featuring Chris Brown (their third collaboration) is an album highlight. The pair sing "You should stay another night with me, a one night stand is all I need" and the chemistry between the young artists is undeniable on record.

"Lose Control" is screaming to be released. Keri belts "Shake! Wind! And roll! Let's lose control!" The mid-tempo jam features a short (albeit unnecessary) verse from Nelly and if released, should definitely be another hit for Ms. Keri baby. Pop radio needs this track.

At this point, Keri finally slows down with the Danja produced "Toy Solider" and the Timbalad/J Roc produced "Breaking Point." The production on these tracks really help elevate their quality, as Keri's voice is layered for a surround sound-like audio experience. These two tracks are most reminiscent of her earlier work, as is the closing track "All of The Boys."

However, the party doesn't slow down long. Also produced by Timbaland/J Roc is my favorite album cut "Beautiful Mistake." This jam relays the tale of a relationship that has just sort of fizzled out. Keri singes "Wish we never crossed the line, wish I never gave you this booty" over a thumping beat. She then goes on to declare that the pair was a beautiful mistake "but it is what is it." No hard feelings, sometimes people really are better of as friends.

Nearing the end, of the standard version at least, Keri delivers that absolute best song on the LP, "Gimme What I Want." This song MUST be an Urban single. No questions about it. This is a true southern, club ANTHEM! The lyrics "I want it up, down, round and round, pull it down on me NOW," which can be found in the chorus, solidify Keri's return.

No Boys Allowed is a stunning effort by Keri Hilson that is simply a collection of amazingly well produced and crafted, single-worthy songs. I'm definitely going to have this one on repeat, well in the the new year!

CWH's Picks: Gimme What I Want, Lose Control, & Beautiful Mistake

Ciara - Basic Instinct

I hate to say it, but "Basic Instinct," the fourth studio album from Ciara, has truly grown on me. The record is actually quite solid. Thus, I hope that her label finds the time (money and energy) to properly promote it now that it's already been released.

Let's start with the low points. Although the title track is strong in that it finds Ciara venting about past misconceptions, it's definitely not something I find worth listening to on repeat. However, the album steadily improves after that. First single, "Ride" is a sexual charged jam. Most importantly, Ciara sounds confident and in control.

Similarly themed (and likewise produced by The-Dream/Tricky Stewart) "You Can Get It" is my personal favorite cut on the album. Ciara coos "you can get it, not him, not him, not him (but,) YOU can get it." If that doesn't inspire lust than I don't know what does. Taking it back to her Crunk N 'B roots, "Heavy Rotation" and "Yeah I Know," if released, are sure to set the club dance floor on fire and are the most commercial-sounding songs on the album.

Although "second" single "Gimme That" is a hot, the revamped remix is spectacular. With a new, more sensual beat and sultry vocals from Ciara, the track produced by Soundz deserves to be re-sent to radio later on. "Turn It Up" produced by T-Minus and featuring Usher is decent, although it doesn't necessarily fit the tone of the rest of the album, being a euro-pop, dance track.

As previously noted, the album does have a couple stinkers. "Girls Get Your Money" isn't nearly as infectious as the previously mentioned up-tempos. In fact, it's quite mediocre and is the only true album track that I don't recommend.

Slowing things down a bit, "Speechless" and "I Run It," both also produced by the aforementioned The-Dream/Tricky Stewart are strong mid-tempos in the vein of Ciara's previous hit "Promise." Personally, I generally prefer Ciara's up beat songs; however, all of the slow jams on "Basic Instinct" make for an enjoyable listen.

CWH's Picks: You Can Get It, Yeah I Know, & Heavy Rotation

Keyshia Cole - Take Me Away

As I predicted, Keyshia Cole has found love and her new album truly showcases that notion. Produced by Chink Santana, "Take Me Away" is a notable standout on the mostly urban adult contemporary album. In the hook, Keyshia sings "I'm so in love with you, no lie, I'm telling the truth...baby, take me away, I love my baby, I love my baby..." Vocally, Keyshia sounds amazing and confident. Definite single material.

Chris Brown + Kevin McCall - In My Zone 2 (Selections)

Let me just start by saying that I think that Chris Brown and Kevin McCall make really great music together. On My Zone 2, there are a number of interesting collaborations between the two. Aside from writing and producing the bulk of the mixtape, they vocally carry execptional tracks.

"Another You" is mostly sung by C. Breezy; however, I think I can hear K. Mac on background vocals. He sings "when God made you, he broke the mold and they'll never be another you." Hands down, best song on the 'tape.

"Life Itself" is a soultry ballad where Chris Brown singes the verses, will Mr. MccCall sings the hook which relays "I'm never ever letting go, cause I love you more than life itself." Who knew C. Breezy could make such a non-mainstream ballad where he is really emoting and sanging. Good stuff.

"All Off" takes a different turn where the duo command their significant other to "take it all off." It's a more upbeat rendition of a collabo on their previous 'tape, "No BS."

"Quits" is a highlight because K. Mac is sings lead. His voice is stronger than I originally thought. Reminiscent of Brown's "Say Goodbye" the song finds the young singers in a situation where they have to end the relation because it just isn't working.

"Talk That Shit" is my personal favorite on the mixtape, if only for the bridge, where Chris sings "I hate you, you ain't shit, but I love you." That's so real. In relationships, arguments and disagreements may arise; however, one has to remember that even the negative can turn into a positive. Notably, it's often comical when someone talks sh!t, knowing good and well that they don't really mean it.

Two thumps up.

Kanye West - All of The Lights

I'm sorry, Kanye but this song would have been so much better with just you and Rihanna; however, I digress. This is obviously the commercial standout on 'Ye's recent LP. Rihanna kills the hook and Mr. West deliver a slew of fire verse.

Apparently, Mr. West has found his former love interest with a new man. Even so, 'Ye professes to "turn on the lights" so that one can see how he fights to, at least, remain in his child's life. He professes his mistakes and fights to "do the right thing." Sounds like a hit to me.

Ciara - You Can Get It

"404, 612, hand me the phone, I'll put it in for you" is the opening line of Ciara's "You Can Get It." Produced and written by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, respectively, the song is the runaway standout cut from the songstresses fourth album "Basic Instinct."

Basically, Ciara tells the story of being in love with a man who can get "it." However, she proceeds to shut down other, apparently interested men, by singing "not him, not him, not him." The overly sensual tune reminds me of why her previous R&B #1, "Promise," was such a huge hit.

She even offers her lover, her home number "310, 412..." Although, I'm not sure if it'd be a huge hit. I'd wager releasing this as a single because I can imagine women (and subsequently men) going crazy for it in the club. I do wonder, though. Can I get "it?"

Avant - Graduated

Produced by Coop The Truth, the opening track on Avant's fifth album "The Letter" is a quite retrospective tune. It tells the tale of a young man seeing a young women whom reminds him of someone from his past. Eventually, he discovers that the woman is the "nerdy," "glasses wearing girl," who at one point "sat in the front row of the classroom."

He sings that she has "Graduated" and blossomed into a beautiful, attractive woman who is now worth his attention. Arguably, he doesn't ever seem to acknowledge that he was the blind one who didn't originally notice her inner beauty (as he obviously should have).

However, the song is an interesting take on the "ugly duckling." In this sense, it just proves that we as people should open our eyes to those who exude special and notable qualities outside of the general and common good looks. Good stuff.

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday

I seriously have been anticipating Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" debut and I must say that I am overwhelmingly pleased with the result of the album. First off, I must relay that the album is a far cry from her featured offerings, in that Nicki's many personas take a backseat on most of the album tracks. This isn't a hardcore rap album and if that's what you're looking for, you will be disappointed.

Instead, Nicki delivers an album full of depth and emotion. She ties in her rapping with signing, of which, she executes magnificently. The album has legs and is sure to open Ms. Minaj to a wide variety of opportunities in the future with her eclectic range.

The album opens with "I'm The Best" and as the title explains, this track shows why she is leading the rap game uncontested. The second verse is absolutely the highly of the entire album where she proclaims that she can remember when she couldn't afford to buy her mother a coach and how it felt growing up without a father because he was addicted to crack.

Of course, Nicki flips it and raps "now I'm sitting at the closing, bought my mother a house...and even when my daddy was on crack, I was crack, now the whole album crack, you ain't got to skip a track." She notes that people may never understand her hustle, but she grinds for those close to her and all the girls "that never thought they could win cause before they could begin you told them it was the end, but I am here to reverse the curse that they live in." Hands down, this is true hip-hop and is one of the most inspiring opening verses that I have ever heard in my life.

I'm sure you've all heard "Roman's Revenge" featuring Eminem by now, and of course, Nicki slays; however, Em's verse is quite tacky and uninspiring. So much so that I'd rather it not there at all. That little misstep is resolved by the Kanye assisted "Blazin." Not a huge Kanye fan, I must say that both 'Ye and Nicki kill their respective verses. It's also the overall highlight of the album. Must be a single because it's the best representation of Nicki that most have gotten used to as a result of her numerous features.

As previously noted, Nicki sings on almost every track and like the introspective "Right Thru Me," Nicki delivers beautifully on "Save Me" where she finds herself driving back to find her lost love, hoping that he will save her from her own insecurities. Similarly, "Fly" featuring Rihanna finds Nicki proclaiming that she "came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive, I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise...to fly."

Rumored fourth single "Moment 4 Life" featuring Drake is inspirational in that it argues that we should cherish our best moments alive and live them to the fullest. Drake raps that "everybody dies, but not everybody lives." Obviously, even Nicki knows that this is her moment, a moment that she will never get again, and that she is not about to let it go to waste.

"Dear Old Nicki" and "Here I Am" are both a bit alternative and give a very old school vibe, while "Last Chance" featuring Natasha Bedingfield is very Pop and somewhat feels out of place on the album. Likewise, I now understand why Nicki Minaj didn't originally want her #1 Rap hit "Your Love" on "Pink Friday." It just doesn't fit with the mood of the rest of the album.

Interestingly enough, if you're looking for the other sides of Nicki Minaj, then you may want to cop the deluxe version with bonus tracks "Super Bass," "Blow Ya Mind," and "Muny." They're are definitely in the vein of her verse on "Monster" to say the least. They're on pair with regular edition track "Did It'On Em, which is a high energy track full of punch lines.

All in all, "Pink Friday" is a welcome edition to any hip-hop lover's collection and that's coming from a non-rap fan. This album is just that, good. Cop that tomorrow on November 22, 2010!

CWH's Picks: Blazin', Save Me, & I'm The Best

Keyshia Cole - Long Way Down

Keyshia Cole recently said that she was going back to the feel of her first album, with her new LP "Calling All Hearts." Teaser track "I Ain't Thru" was definitely in that vein; however, I was severely underwhelmed by the song. Follow-up ballad "Long Way Down" is a step in the right direction.

In fact, the song is nearly a flawless combination of the standouts on her first album and the superb productions on her second album. In the song, Keyshia proclaims that she "already had a betrayer, something like a player." Now she's looking for a new love. Fortunately, she feels that she has found that special person.

Even so, she is acutely aware that it's a "long way down from heaven" and doesn't want to take that road again. So she's working, and demands that her significant other works, to make their relationship work. If the rest of "Calling All Hearts" is as good as this cut then Keyshia Cole may very well be on her way to crafting another R&B classic album (ala her second album "Just For You").

The Beatles on iTunes

You can now buy music by The Beatles on iTunes. This is about to be an EPIC digital takeover of the music charts.

Rihanna - LOUD!

Rihanna's fifth album "LOUD!" will be released tomorrow and I must say that I'm glad my most anticipated album of the Fall season did not disappoint. After the commercially flawless "Good Girl Gone Bad" and the critically acclaimed "Rated R" I hope that Rihanna would return to her commercial roots and create an album of POP perfection. And she did.

The album opens with the Stargate produced "S&M," which is rumored to be the third single. A hot, and sexy dance track, Rihanna claims that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me" and that gets be hot and bothered off jump. "S&M" is followed by another Stargate produced, the Drake assisted "What's My Name" is in the vein of Rihanna's previous smash "Rude Boy" and Drake's "square of 69 is eight something" is golden.

The Avril Lavigne sampled "Cheers (Drink To That)" is another winner and definite single material. It's just a feel good song about not letting others get you down. "Life's too short to be sitting around miserable" and I definitely feel Ms. Fenty on that one. "Fading" is an amazing ballad which finds Rihanna falling out of love with her significant other because "things just ain't the same and I'm (she's) ready for change." More over, "And I opened up my eyes and I finally realized" is the standout line on the album for me.

First single "Only Girl (In The World)" definitely had to grow on me; however, like most of Rihanna's Stargate collaborations, I now love it. It's just she's really "Loud" on the chorus, but after hearing the full album I understand that was the point. This album is "Loud" and full of energy, even the ballads.

Speaking of ballads, I thought "Fading" would be my favorite track upon hearing it but The Runner's produced "California King Bed" is miles away an overall stronger track and is arguably the best song that Rihanna has ever produced. She sings that her and her California king are "10,000 miles apart," even in the California king bed. Epic is the only world that can possible describe this song. It MUST be a single.

"Man Down" is a reggae-inspired song that I am happy Rihanna recorded. Although, not necessarily single material, the song is a winner and brings Rihanna back to her Barbadian roots. The "rum pa pa pum, rum pa pa pum" hook is super catchy. This part of the album is arguably more Urban-tinged, especially with the Nicki Minaj assisted "Raining Men" which sounds like a mix of Beyonce's "Diva" and Mario's "Break Up"." As Rihanna says "it's a 2 times 5, for real."

Slowling it back down, "Complicated" is another ballad; however, it's chorus is "Loud" and in-your-face. Here, Rihanna battles both the good and bad that can be found in any and ever relationship. You'll have to listen to this one see it the complicated relationship is enough to push her away.

The album ends the overly sexually "Skin" and the Part II to Rihanna and Eminem's smash single "Love The Way You Lie." Even first listen, I find that this will be another hit album for Rihanna. The album is full of single-worthy material and also includes reflective songs to show that, artistically, Rihanna knows how to put together a well crafted album.

CWH's Picks: California King Bed ~ What's Your Name ~ Fading

Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock

After Soulja Boy released his smash "Pretty Boy Rock" I knew that it was only a matter of time before an official "Pretty Girl Rock" would be released (aside from Ciara's tight remix of the former track). With that Keri Hilson delivered and knocked this track out of the park. The video is a stunning tribute to leading women in music history (The Surpremes, Janey, TLC, etc.) and I hope that Ms. Hilson can finally score a solo hit.

In the song, she tells us that "(Her) My name is Keri, I'm so very, fly, oh my, it's a little bit scary. Boys wanna marry, looking at my derri, yeah you can stare but if you touch I'ma bury, pretty as a picture, sweeter than a swisha, mad cause I'm cuter than the girls that's wit ya, I don't got to talk about it, baby you can see it, but if you want, I'll be happy to repeat it." And repeat it, she does.

All in all "Pretty Girl Rock" is anthem for women (or anyone, really) to have confidence in themselves and "rock" whatever it is that they've got.

Far East Movement - Free Wired

This summer I worked at my local Top 40/CHR/POP radio station and my DJ always played Far East Movement's "Like A G6." Thus, I was presently surprised when the song went mainstream and eventually reached #1 on the Hot 100 chart. I was skeptical at first about their album, but I must say that it is a winner.

The Keri Hilson assisted "Don't Look Now" is a standout album track and follows two individuals meeting for a possible one night stand; however, feelings seemingly develop into something more. Keri sings "I know I promised you I'd take it slow...but I can't resist..." while the group proclaims "I'm not looking for no strings, you're not looking for a ring..." Should definitely be a single down the road.

Speaking of singles, "Rocketeer" which features Ryan Tedder has recently been announced as the second single. Somewhat of a chance of pace, the Euro-Pop ballad announces they are are rocketeers and to fly away with their significant other. However, the full on dance track "If I Was You (OMG)" is a return to form for the group. With Snoop Dogg on the hook, the track is a winner and sees the group falling for a gorgeous women who they argue would kiss herself in the morning, dance in the club alone, play with herself under the covers, and stare at herself in the mirror. Most because, they would...if they were her.

My favorite track is "Fighting For Air." The line "I don't need you in heals but I need you head over" is uber-sexy and such an infatuation leads the group, literally fighting for air. Third single, please? Going forward, I must reiterate how much I was pleasantly surprise by this album. Their are number of possible radio smashes on "Fire Wired" and I'm excited to find an Asian group dominating the American airwaves. Lighters up for diversity.

Monica - Still Standing

After the relative failure of her last album (which I arguably enjoyed), singer Monica went back to the basics and recorded an R&B-ballad heavy album reminiscent of her 1990s material. The opens with the empowering "Still Standing" (which also boasts the only featuring on the album with a verse by Ludacris).

The album continues with a number of traditional ballads that have returned the songstress to mainstream ready. Like the title cut, "Superman" was produced by Brian Michael-Cox ands Monica comparing her man to superman. She proclaims that "there is no other place that I'd rather be, there's no other face that I'd rather see" referring to her lover.

The classic ballads "Everything To Me" and "Love All Over Me" were released as the albums first two singles. Both of which, reached #1 on Adult R&B radio and were Top 2 hits on the mainstream R&B chart. The later includes the line "now where there was black and white, you've come made me iridescent." If that's no some good love, then I don't know what is.

The inspirational tracks "Mirror" and "Believing In Me" are standard Monica fair in that they are likewise empowering and discuss rising out of a negative situation to be able to look at one's self in the mirror and believe in themselves.

The most interesting tracks on the LP are the Bei Maejor produced "Stay or Go" and the Polow Da Don produced "Here I Am." The former finds Monica give her ultimatum, while "Here" finds Monica moving on from a lover, and arguably proclaiming, that she is willing to leave her man for another.

Honestly though, I can say that this album is flawless. It seems that there will only be three singles from it with the Trey Songz remixed "Here I Am" being pegged as the final single to make way for a new album. Even so, I hope that Monica continues this direction of music with her next album because she truly is a legend in the R&B game. When I saw her live a couple of months ago, I was absolutely blown away. True talent.

Ke$ha - Hungover

With the re-release of Ke$ha's "Animal" just around the corner, I don't think that "Hungover" will be released; however, it remains my favorite song from the trashy (not an insult!) singer. After so many songs about partying and debauchery, it was refreshing to hear her take that ideology and flip it in this song.

The chorus goes "Now the party's over and everybody's gone, I left here with myself and I wonder what went wrong and now my heart is broken, like the bottles on the floor, does it really matter or am I just hung over you?" I think it's interestingly play on words where Ke$ha finds herself hung over a guy.

Katy Perry - Hummingbird Heartbeat

Katy Perry has successfully bypassed the sophomore slump with her album "Teenage Dream." Haven already scored 2 #1 singles and another Top 10 off of this album, I sincerely hope that she keeps her streak by releasing "Hummingbird Heartbeat" (and "Last Friday Night" for that matter) as a single.

I am enamored when Katy sings "the taste of your honey so sweet" in the chorus. The mid-tempo jam is a breezy and summery love song where her significant other makes her heart flutter like the wings of a heartbeat whenever he's around. If, released, I swear that this will S.M.A.S.H.

Jojo - When Does It Go Away

As I eagerly await Jojo's third album, her mixtake "Can't That Away From Me" will have to suffice. Mixtape track, "When Does It Go Away" featuring Travis Garland is the best song on the collection and is a really winner, as far as I'm concerned.

The song was when does love go away after a breakup. Interestingly, both individuals appear to be struggling with the same issue; however, they are simultaneously pretending that everything is OK. Seems to me like a catch 22, where both parties need to realize that they aren't done, yet, and that maybe they should try again.

Jojo's voice has definitely matured over the years, and Travis notably holds his own on the track. Here's to both of them releasing albums soon. We need more artists with actual vocal talent on the airwaves.

Lady Antebellum - Our Kind of Love

Lady Antebellum consists of a trio of country performers who have also been a new force within country music. Their hit crossover single "Need You Now" should definitely end up as on of the Top 5 most success singles, overall, in the U.S. this year and has an offside chance of being the #1 single of the year.

While I love "NYN," my favorite single from them so far is "Our Kind of Love" because both Charles and Hillary sing the song perfectly. Their kind of love is the love that doesn't have any boundaries and where everyday is a new experience and adventure "just like driving on a open highway, never knowing what we're going to find." Thats the kind of love I'm looking for, too.

Taylor Swift - Enchanted

When Taylor swift burst on the scene four years ago, I never would have thought that she would become the biggest country superstar of my generation, but she has. The singer wrote her most recent out "Speak Now" completely by herself and after winning this years Grammy for Album of the Year for her previous LP "Fearless" I don't see anything standing in her way from continuing her rein.

(Besides riding that line between country and pop, which has the potential to alienate some of her fans) Taylor has built a strong rapport, leading to the 1 million in one week sales of "Speak Now." My favorite song on the album (standout cut and hopefully, future single) is apparently about Adam Young (also known as Owl City, singer of the hit "Fireflies").

I tells thats Taylor was "Enchanted to meet" Adam. The tune is an absolutely beautifully produced and performed song. The refrain after third verse and final chorus touches my spirit every time I hear "please don't be in love with someone else, please don't have somebody waiting on you..." She even uses Adam's catch phrase and notes that she was also "wonderstruck" when she first met him. I can't stress how much this will smash if released.

Nicki Minaj - Right Thru Me

Another artist who has completely taken the industry by storm is Nicki Minaj. The third release from her debut album is a retrospective cut where Nicki raps and sings about a lover being able see right into her soul and find Onika Miraj (Nicki's true self & real name).

Smashing on both the Hip-Hop/R&B and POP charts, I appreciate Nicki for being up front and saying that although she is a rapper, she wants to more than that. She wants to be a (pop)ular superstar and I can't blame her because that's where the money is and where the potential for longevity can be found. Two thumps of for the breakout star.

Willow Smith - Whip My Hair

In late 2010, Willow Smith, daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smitt, released her debut single "Whip My Hair." The song was an immediate internet hit and she subsequently signed to Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records. Although only 10 years old, the track is an anthem for women to stand strong and to obtain their goals.

The pre-teen sings "When I'm down and I feel like giving up, I think again again whip my hair (back and forth)." The song has since gone Top 10 on the R&B charts and during my first homecoming as a Howard alum, all of the sororities performed some rendition or another of the track. Guess you're never too young to start making your dreams a reality, eh?

Steph Jones - B E A Utiful

To keep up with the abundance of male singer's that I have posted about recently, I introduce to some and reintroduce to other's, Steph Jones. The model/singer is currently dating American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and has released a mixtape track where he claims that all women are "beautiful, so d!mn beautiful..."

I especially how he slows down the word by chanting "B! E! A! Utiful!" It gives the song an extra kick and is extremely catchy. One of my summer 2010 jams for sure.

Jason Derulo - Fallen

Jason Derulo debuted with two #1 Pop hits and the majority of his debut followed the euro-pop formula. However, one track, "Fallen" has a more hip-hop(y) production and is a standout. I don't think he even says the word "Fallen" in the song. Instead he focus on slithering around the chorus of "I can't get you out of my brain" to allude that he has fallen for someone. Good stuff.

Jaheim - Find My Way Back

I bought Jaheim's first album but I sort of distance myself from his music afterwards because I felt that it was too explicit for R&B music. "Finding My Way Back" reverses that notion because the song is one of the best male ballads I've heard in a long time.

The song finds Jaheim searching for a way back to love. I think production on this song is magical and really accentuates Jaheim's voice. I hope he creates more music like this (and his 07 hit "I've Changed" featuring Keyshia Cole) in the future.

Bei Maejor - Gamez

"Video game lover, we should $%&@ with each other!" If that line doesn't interest you, I don't know what will. The humorous track by Bei Maejor feauturing Keri Hilson is one of my favorite summer tunes this year.

The mid-tempo finds Bei Maejor comparing a love affair with a video game. He even incorporates classic game sounds, such as Mario Brothers and PacMan, in the instrumental beat of the track. The song can be found on his mixtape and is a catchy, pop tune if I ever heard one.

Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

After signing the hook of B.o.B.'s #1 smash "Nothin' on You" and the hook on Travie McCoy's "Billionaire," Bruno Mars released his own solo single "Just The Way You Are." A laid back love song appreciating the beauty that comes with someone's natural "flaws," the tune was an instant smash and became Mars' first solo #1 hit.

Interestingly enough, his debut album is chop full of ballads similar to "Just" and Bruno Mars may have found his niche by returning to the old school feel of soulful love songs. His second single "Grenade" follows a similar pattern. Thus, Mars is a breath of fresh air among a sky full of re-hashed Euro-pop tunes.

B.O.B. - Fame

After three Top 10 hits, B.o.B. had set himself up to have a strong future career in the rap/pop arena. Released in 2010, his debut album also included the uptempo famous where he raps that everyone wants to famous, but are you prepared for everything that comes with fame? That is the question.

Whitney Houston - Worth It

Ya'll know Whitney came back right? Well, the album was decent and the standout cut, "Worth It" finds Whitney belting that love is worth it, and when you find it, you have to work to keep it. It's up there in quality with her classic 80s and 90s ballads for sure.

Trey Songz - Be Where You Are/Does He Do It

With his "Ready" album, Trey Songz forged a new path for his career with overly, sexual songs and hip-hop features. This worked in his favor as the album produced 6 Top 10 R&B hits, all of which I found enjoyable. Fortunately, the album itself was a winner and there are many notable songs.

Two of my favorites are "Be Where You Are" and "Does He Do It." Both of which, like many Trey tracks, are direct in meaning. "Be" finds the crooner signing that he'd rather be wherever his significant other is and "Does" asks a friend the simple question of whether or not her lover does "it" as well as Trey.

Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Taio Cruz burst on the scene with the Ludacriss assisted #1 "Break Your Heart" and followed it with the dance/pop "Dynamite." Yet, another #1 POP song, "Dynamite embodies everything that is Euro-Pop and has become the standard fare template for numerous similar tracks. The song was inescapable the summer of 2010 and deservedly so.

Rihanna - Fire Bomb/Rude Boy

Tracks seven and eight on Rihanna's "Rated R" album are two of her best records to date. "Fire Bomb" tells the painful story of a relationship gone sour where Ms. Fenty is the victim. She noted that she "wants to set you (him) on fire so that (I) she doesn't have to burn alone." The vocal performance truly grow on me and now I feel it's stunning.

"Rude Boy" was my instant favorite song on the album because Rihanna and Stargate produce magic together. Knowingly, the song went on to be a 5 week #1 smash on the Hot 100 and returned Rihanna to happier-themed music. With it's overly sexually lyrics, "Rude Boy" is my favorite song by the Bajan singer so far.

R. Kelly - Elsewhere

R. Kelly's "Elsewhere" is a return to form for the singer who seems to have lost touch with the music that put him on the map. No need to review. Just listen to it and see for yourself.

Pleasure P - Gotta Have You

Throughout the summer of 2009, Pleasure P's "Gotta Have You" was my anthem. It finds Pleasure P hurt that he has let the love of his life get away and now she's with someone else. However, Pleasure's not giving up and is fighting to get his love interest back. The catchy and comical "come get this pleasure, shawty see about this pleasure" refrain at the end if pure gold.

Melanie Fiona - It Kills Me

I wasn't immediately taken by this song; however, over time, it grew on me immensely. "It Kills Me" is the best song off of Melanie Fiona's debut album. It is so strong and filled with emotion that it's one of the strongest debut (actually second...) singles I have heard in a long time.

Melanie had ever women scorned asking "Should I be a lady, oh maybe, cause I want to have his babies..." A multi-week #1 on the R&B charts, the raw emotion and passion that is easily felt within this song is undeniable. She should definitely craft more material similar to "It Kills Me."

Mariah Carey - Ribbon

I am a HUGE Mariah Carey fan and "Ribbon" off of her most recent studio album "The Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel" gives me everything that I need. Co-written and co-produced by The-Dream the mid-tempo is reminiscent of some her classics like "Fantasy" and "Honey" (unfortunately it was released as a single).

When the #1 songstress sings "Baby, I could spend my life with you...wrapped up, packed up, ribbon with on bow on it" I feel that she's talking directly to me. That's what I love about Mariah. The majority of her classic material is so relatable and transcends time. "Ribbon" is no different.

LeToya - Over

When I first heard the snippet of LeToya's "Over" I was floored. When I first heard the complete version, I died of happiness. The song is a simple ballad where LeToya warns her significant other that if he cheats, it'll be over. Simple. Direct. And to the point.

Leona Lewis - Can't Breathe

Even though Leona Lewis' sophomore album wasn't a strong as her debut, the album still had a number of gems (especially "Happy," "I Got You," and "Naked"). My favorite album track is "Can't Breathe" because I'm a fan of any artist with a high coloratura and Ms. Lewis kills the high notes throughout the chorus.

She sings that she "can't breath" and "gets weak" without her significant other and relays that the ever present use of her astonishing soprano coloratura that the average signer can't even dream of hitting.

Lady Gaga - So Happy I Could Die

So Happy I Could Die by Lady Gaga is a music event that must be heard and experienced. This is all.

Keri Hilson - Alienated

Keri Hilson is a pretty decent writer and no she has moved on into being a performer in her own right. On her debut, the track "Alienated" always stood out to me (aside from the #1 Airplay smash "Knock You Down"). In fact, it should have been a single. I really don't understand record labels who sit on smashes.

Kelly Clarskon - Impossible

As you guys should know by now, I love uplifting songs. Kelly Clarkson isn't the artist I usually go to for that (you all know she's a man basher); however, "Impossible" is a winner regardless. She belts that "it's impossible to you, not impossible to me!" To me that is a powerful statement because people are always trying to bring others down by saying "you can't do this" or "you can't to that." Well, Ms. Clarkson disagrees and so I do. It's just "not impossible to me!"

Jojo - Lose Control

Jojo's "Lose Control" which is on Timbaland's "Shock Value II" is such a fly track that you have to listen to it yourself to get the full experience of its magic. I need a knew Jojo album ASAP!

Drake - Sooner Than Later

In early 2009, Drake burst on the scene with another mixtape, "So Far Gone." This mixtape and a number of its hit singles would launch the Canadian rappers career and arguably make him the biggest rap star of today.

One of my favorites from the mixtape is the track "Sooner Than Later" where Drake sings that "you don't need no one else" and proclaims that if he pulls it together "sooner than later" than their relationship can blossom and grow. Its times like this that we have to man and realize what we have before...we don't have it anymore.

Colbie Caillat - I Won't

Colbie Caillat is one of my favorite new albums and on her second album she opens with the stunning love song "I Won't" where she sings "I won't do what you told me, I won't do what you said, no, I'm not gonna stop feeling, I'm not going to forget, it, I don't want to start over, I don't want to pretend, that, you are not my lover, that you are only my friend, I won't."

Colbie. We've all been there and I'm thankful for this blissful track about refusing to runaway from a love that is good. Often times, as human beings, were get scared with something appears too good. However, I believe that we all deserve to find love and "I won't" runaway from something I know I deserve.

Carrie Underwood - Play On

At first, I was not pleased with Carrie Underwood's third album. I didn't feel as strong a connection with the tunes as I did on her previous LPs. What I later realized after repeated listens is that Ms. Underwood was in love (and is now married) when she recorded this album. That time of situation obviously brings a different feel to an artists music.

My instant favorite on the album was "Unapologize." Yeah, I know that it's not a word; however, Carrie turned into one with the pop/country song declaring she wants to take back her apology because "She meant every word, won't take back the way she (I) feel about you." This all occurs after she slips and tells her lover that she loves him. There's no need to apologize for such honesty, in my book.

However, the more traditional country ballads find Carrie in a place I've never heard her take her voice to before "Look At Me" is a stunning song where she sings "I've fallen like a fool for you, darling can't you see, I'd do anything you want me to, I tell myself, I'm too deep, then I fall a little farther every time you look at me." Album highlight, "Someday When I Stop Loving You" is arguably the best song Ms. Underwood (or is it Mrs. Fisher now?) has ever recorded. The raw emotional that comes after being left by a significant other is so pronounce, one cannot help but place themselves exactly where the country starlet is signing.

Mid-tempos "Quitter" and "This Time" are amazing and further exemplify the fact that Carrie is in love. While similarly themed "Mama's Song" finds Carrie talking to her own mother and telling her that she has found a good man. However, no Carrie Underwood album would be complete without a rousing man-basher found in third single "Undo It" and fan favorite "Songs Like This" (which are written for dirt dogs like you!)

Like all of her albums, "Play On" is filled with a ride range of tempos; however, it is chop filled with love songs that relay the amazing feelings that Carrie Underwood must be feeling right now. I can dig it.

Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)

I post this on the week of the last Billboard chart week of the year with the hope that Alicia Keys will be able to score her 3rd (after "If I Ain't Got You" and "Like You'll Never See Me Again") #1 R&B song of the year with "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)."

The Drake co-write is a winner as was, by far, the standout cut on her fourth album. Telling the tale of a women who is ready to take that plunge into a deeper and more meaningful relationship, if only, her significant other would ask. #1 for 12 consecutive weeks, the song is A. Keys' longest chart topper. Stay tuned.

Taylor Swift - Fearless

"Fearless" is the title track and obviously the name of Taylor Swift's second album. Focusing on the song itself (even though the album is amazing as well, and won the 2010 Grammy for Album of the Year), the mid-tempo finds Taylor in a relationship that "drags her head first" and finds her "dancing in a storm."

Released as the fifth single (when it should have been the fourth), the song is a real winner as the album opener and I too don't know "how it gets better then this" because Taylor sounds perfectly in control and confident while singing this song. It's definitely one of her best.

Pussycat Dolls - Elevator

Darkchild does it again with the Pussycat Dolls "Elevator." A stomping mid-tempo, the track compares a turbulent relationship to an elevator that constant goes up and down and the two lovers continuously find themselves on different floors.

Jennifer Hudson - Invisible

I honestly cannot wait for J. Hud to deliver a second outstanding album. Her first included the outstanding album track "Invisible." On the track, Jennifer sings that "she's going to live her life for her (me)" and that she is "invisible for the last time."

Produced by the Underdogs, "Invisible" is an anthem for anyone who feels that they have been held back and ignored at the hands of another. She sings "No more feeling insufficient, I'm going to make my own decisions."

At the end she asks "Can you see me?" and then proudly states "I know you see me!" Yes, we can see the Grammy and Oscar winner. There's nothing invisible about that.

Solange - T.O.N.Y.

I feel bad for forgetting this gem of a song. Solange recorded "TONY" for a her second album. The title is actually an acronym for "the other night, why?" Within the laid back cut, Solange sings that "tony won't call no more" or that "tony doesn't come around anymore." It's actually quite a catchy little tune.

"TONY" takes us to a scenario after Solange has apparently had a one night stand with "Tony." Morever, she states that "she could have been in love my now, if it wasn't for Tony" alluding to the idea that she may have previously been involved with someone else. I like to assume, as according to the video, that the "Y" in "TONY" is actually another metaphor for the Y-chromosome relating the fact that, in real life, Solange is a single mother to a young son. With somewriters, music is almost always shaped by one's own experiences. Think about it.

Musiq - SoBeautiful

When Musiq performed "SoBeautiful" at the R&B concert my alma mater held for my last homecoming as an undergraduate everyone in the entire audience was standing and signing along. I had long forgotten how many hits Musiq had collected over his near decade long career; however, this ranks among his best where he proclaims that is significant beautiful in every imaginable way.

Mariah Carey - I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time

Produced by DJ Toomp for E=MC2, "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" is everything a Mariah Carey single should be. The track is a laid back, summery jam where Ms. Mimi proclaims her love for her significant other. As far as I'm concerned, Mariah's etherial tracks (such as "Fantasy" and "Honey") are where she truly shines and this track is no different.

Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

Paparazzi by Lady Gaga is a music event that must be heard and experienced. This is all.

Katy Perry - Thinking Of You

Katy Perry's third single off of her debut album has so far been her least successful single. However, I feel that "Thinking of You" is the best song that Katy has ever recorded. Even though the vocal performance isn't necessarily strong, I believe Katy on this one. She isn't trying to be, say or do anything that isn't within her character.

I feel that "Thinking of You" showcases the real, artist Katy as it tells the story of falling in love again after losing a previous lover. She notes that "when I'm with you, I am thinking of you" and it pains her deeply. Not sure if the song was inspired by such an event, but the music video portrays Katy losing a lover to war and that although she has found a new lover, she can't help but remember the lover she lost.

Cases like this are especially touching because Katy and her first love didn't break up. He died. Moving on and loving after being a widow is extremely difficult and comparing one's new lover to another who has passed is only natural in such an instance. Thus, the song just emotes so much truth to me that it ranks an A++ in my book.

Janet Jackson - LUV

On Janet's last album, Janet and her label had a touch time choosing the second single. Her label pushed for "Rock With U" while Janet wanted "LUV." I'm going with Ms. Jackson on this one. The Darkchild tune compares falling in love to get into a car crash.

Janet swoons that he "hit her with his love and now she's in love" he has even got her "caught in a wreck." This is one of those times where fans really needed pushed for their preferred singles, since this was an immediate fan favorite and the mid-tempo should have saw an official release.

Fall Out Boy - America's Suitehearts

You know, I never knew exactly what "America's Suitehearts" by Fall Out Boy was about; however, when I interned at a POP station by boss loved it and played it constantly. I immediately fell in the track for its sing-song-y hook "Let's hear it for america's suitehearts, I must confess, I'm in love with my own sins!" Take that for what you will.

Day26 - Come In, Co-Star, Come With Me

"C" was the letter of choice on Day26's debut album. "Come With Me," "Co-Star", and "Come In" are all winners. The band delivers some of their best vocal performances on these tracks, especially "Co-Star" where they inform their love interests that they only want to be the co-star and that they are willing to do whatever needs to be done to please their significant other.

David Archuleta - My Hands

David was a refreshing face on America Idol. That young man can sing. I really need to cop his sophomore album; however, I did get his debut and one track, "My Hands" is amazing. He sings "It's harder to hold on to your hands, in the hands of time, I need a hand, girl I'm try to hold on, losing strength in these hands of mine, I need you here, I'm trying to hold on, I'm standing here open hands and I know I can't do this alone, hold on hold on...to my hands, don't let go."

In the song, David finds himself losing his significant other because of his failure to stand strong and maintain their relationship. However, David isn't giving up, so he acts her for strength. Knowingly, it takes two to tango and in a relationship both partners have to put an effort to make it work.

Danity Kane - Poetry

Once again I must say that I miss Danity Kane. Their vocals, harmonies, and presence was refreshing. "Poetry" was one of the songs they recorded on their reality show and I am please to say that the song delivers. "Poetry" is a wonderful term to use when describing a conflicted love affair where every other word is a blatant contradiction.

"You say don't love me, then say that you love me...you're hiding behind the words you speak, changing the words of the story" is a classic lyric that many women can relate to when their significant other simple can't seem to tell the truth. Did I say that they sound stunning on this track? Well they do. Dawn and Aundrea especially killed it. I mean, their vocal performances are breathtaking.

Britney Spears - Out From Under

Can you say single material? "Out From Under" from Britney's album "Circus" should have been the CD's fourth single, hands down. Similar to previous hit "Everytime" the ballad showcases a softer side of Britney that is often forgotten. Literally, when she sings "when I'm out from under..." at 3:12, I get chills thinking about a lost love that I just can't seem to get over and waiting on the day when I can.

Ashanti - Struggle

Welcome back Ashanti. As previously noted, Ashanti's debut album was one of the first CDs that I ever purchased. Fourth album "The Declaration" produced the declarative "Struggle." Produced by L.T. Hutton who co-penned that majority of the album with Ashanti once again demonstrates the songstresses amazing ability to take a pen and putting feeling onto a piece of paper int he form of meaningful lyrics.

For example, the bridge relays "I don't want to be alone baby, cause you are everything I know baby, see you everything I need, and you're everything I see, and you're everything I feel, and you're everything to me...over and over and over and over and over, over again, again, again, hey, hey, said I don't want to be without you babe, cause I love you baby, said I want to be in your life so I'm a keep trying..." Sometimes, I really just can't when listening to Ashanti's music. She is one of the best lyricists of my time.

Tank - Heartbreaker

The second single from Tanks "Sex, Love, & Pain" album was a solemn ballad called "Heartbreaker." Often times in R&B music, and most music in generally, when find the man doing wrong, being a cheater, an abuser, or a jerk in general. Tank turns this old notion around and croons a tune that finds the man asking his significant to be honest with him.

However, as noted in the song, sometimes learning the truth can be heartbreaking. It's never relayed exactly what Tanks significant other did but it is clear that whatever it was has immensely hurt him. He even sings that he "Thought the truth was something I (he) could take but it wasn't supposed to feel like a heartbreak." Yeah, women do dirt, too.

Rihanna - Sell Me Candy

Although Rihanna's third album contained the worldwide smashes "Umbrella" and "Don't Stop The Music" along with a number of other hit singles, album track "Sell Me Candy" has since become one of my favorite songs from the Bajan. Initially, I remember finding the song weak; however, with time I have grown to believe tha the Timbaland produced track is sexy, sultry, and captivating.

At under three minutes long, the song is quite short and leaves me wanting more. It's truly a summery track that simply emotes everything about a nice, breezy day. The song lyrically showcases with RIhanna encouraging her love interest to "sell (her) candy" or really, anything, because whatever he's selling, she's buying. Hot.

Rascal Flatts - No Reins

Once again my favorite country group, Rascal Flatts, has recorded an inspiring tune about moving on and making time for one's self. Album track, "No Reins" is a winner with its upbeat production and strong vocal performance. The song compares the protagonist of the song to a painted wild mustang that breaks free of its chains and is able to fly across the open range with "No fear, no fences, nobody, no reins!"

My favorite part of the song is when lead singer Gary LeVox belts "that mustang!" following the final chorus of the country tune. I even dedicated this song to a close family my of member of mine whom I feel truly embodies that message of the song by living his life without pretenses or caring about what others think.

OneRepublic - Apologize

At the end of 2007, Timbaland updated the instrumental of OneRepublic's "Apologize" and the single became a worldwide smash. Although "only" peaking at #2 in the U.S., the song transcends its peak and is one of the best reviewed songs of the decade and there's nothing to apologize for that.

Ne-Yo - Go On Girl

I must say that I am happy Stargate and Ne-Yo have long since moved on from making clones of Beyonce's #1 smash "Irreplaceable." However, since Ne-Yo wrote the aforementioned and "Go On Girl" I give him a pass for creating another catchy tune about moving on from a bad relationship. If only had releases this as a single. It would have smashed, too.

Leona Lewis - Yesterday

Leona Lewis burst on the scene in late 2007/early 2008 with her worldwide smash "Bleeding Love." Her debut album "Spirit" was filled with similar contemporary ballads and one in particular, "Yesterday" is a personal highlight. In fact, as an undergraduate film maker, I recorded a music video of the song with an actress who went to college with me.

The song tells the story of a love that has end; however, Leona proclaims that as "she looks back on yesterday" that no matter what, no one can ever take away those moments that they once shared. Those moments, to Leona especially, will always have a special place in her heart. The high notes that are prominent throughout the song showcase Leona's naturally ability to flat out, sang and sang she does on this track.

Keyshia Cole - Just Like You

Haven't done this in a while, but Keyshia Cole's sophomore set isn't an album that I can easily pick on or two songs that standout out. In fact, first single "Let It Go" would suffice, since it featured Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott and was the songstress for #1; however, that song alone doesn't represent how good the album is. An female anthem proclaiming that if your significant other isn't able to respect you and love you, then you need to "let it go" and move on.

Third single and R&B #1 "I Remember" more accurately showcases the growth that Ms. Cole has gone through since her first album. The song breaks it down that, although we forgive, we never forget all of the pain that anyone else brings upon us. In her case, per usual, that man is a women because she is the eternal woman scorned. Album track "Fallin' Out" is a prelude to the aforementioned where she warns her significant other she she is "fallin' out" of love and if he doesn't act right, she'll be gone.

Aside from "Let It Go," I never thought that I would truly ever appreciate up-tempos from Keyshia Cole; however, both "Didn't I Tell You" and "Shoulda Let You Go" are both winners. However, the standout track on the album was the fourth single "Heaven Sent." Her biggest hit and the 3rd R&B #1 from this album, the ballad channels a different tunnel for Keyshia Cole in the that is a ballad about loving a good person who is "heaven sent."

Album track "Work It Out" and bonus track "Trust" (eventually re-released as a duet with Monica on the singers third album) are other standout ballads where Keyshia's emotions and raw ability to express herself shines again. Amazing album.

Kenny Chesney - Don't Blink

I remember crying my eyes out the first time that I saw this music video. Kenny Chesney just has a legacy of releasing powerful songs. A huge #1 for him, the chorus says it all.

Don't Blink
Cause just that
Your six years old
And you take a nap
And you wake and your 25
Then your high school sweetheart
Becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies
Growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads
Next thing you know
Your better half of 50 years
Is there in bed
And you're praying GOD
Takes you instead
Trust me friend
A hundred years
Goes faster then you think
So don't blink

#TRUTH

Katharine McPhee - Each Other

There are many songs that go left unheard because they albums weren't arguably successful or they, for some reason or other, remained as album tracks. "Each Other" by Katharine McPhee is one of the tracks. After being runner on season five of American Idol, Katharine's debut received lukewarm success.

However, "Each Other" is a stunning ballad and showcases the potential that her voice has with emoting. She sings "I'd give it all up for you, do anything you'd ask me to." Albeit simple and done before, I found that love songs will always be needed to remind casual listeners that the emotion truly does exist in reality. One just has to find it. It's definitely a must listen.

Kanye West - Good Life

For those who haven't notice, I am not a huge rap fan. However. "Good Life?" By Kanye West? Featuring T-Pain? Is arguably one of the best feel good songs that I have ever heard. It's a real. Kanye raps that "before he had it, he closed his eyes and imagined." Truly inspiring considering how far he has come in his lifetime.

Jordin Sparks - No Air

One of the best duets of the past decade, "No Air" finds American Idol win Jordin Sparks blending perfectly with singer Chris Brown. They proclaim that its hard for them to breath without the other because the love that they have supplies them with the air needed for survival. A worldwide smash, the track was released in early 2008 between their other respective singles that awarded both singers numerous Top 10 hits.

Joe - You Should Know Me

If it's not obvious, yet (Have I said that before?) Brian Michael-Cox is my favorite R&B producer. One of my favorite cuts of his is song by Joe and is called "You Should Know Me."I usually find it upsetting when someone uses the things that they do for a person financially to prove their love or relative quality of love. However, here, the notions work because Joe incorporates them with a honestly that is hard to find.

Carrie Underwood - Twisted

Twisted by Carrie Underwood is on of my favorite country/pop songs, ever. The song finds Carrie having her barriers breaking down by a twisted love affair that is "crazy" but she proclaims "so what?" Many times in relationships, friends and family know best when people rush into relationships. They often know best when people are just blinded by their own emotions that they can't see that their significant other simply isn't good for them.

However, sometimes, love can be twisted and no one else can understand it but those involved. This song describes a case like that and Carrie's amazing voice delivers on the Hilary Lindsey track, who also wrote my favorite country "Wasted," also by Ms. Underwood.

Britney Spears - Break The Ice

It's Britney b!tch. Wait, that was on this album...anyway, third single from "Blackout" was the infectious uptempo "Break The Ice" where Britney finds herself seducing a lover and relaying that she doesn't mind being the initiator. It's definitely up there among her best and should have been a worldwide smash. Tisk.

Boys Like Girls - Thunder

I really fell in love with "Thunder after it was released as a single nearly two years after it first leaked. The song by pop/rock group Boys Like Girls uses thunder as interesting metaphor for the person whom they love when they sing "your voice was the soundtrack of my summer, you know you're unlike nay other, you'll always be my thunder outside, your eyes are the brightest of all the colors, I don't want to ever love another, you'll always be my thunder, so bring on the rain, bring on the thunder." Great track.

Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again

I was somewhat disappointed with "No One" and I wasn't really a big Alicia Keys fan to begin with; however, the second single off of her third album blew me away. "Like You'll Never See Me Again" took elements from Prince and was a heartfelt ballad about making every time the best time because one never knows when it will be the last time.

The breakdown after the first verse, where she sings "How many really know what love is?" is the most stunning and mesmerizing thing that Ms. Keys has even put on record. Notably, most fans will probably agree considering it was a seven week #1 R&B single in early 2007 and ended up the overall #1 R&B single of that year.

Deep Side - Lovely

Relatively unknown R&B group, Deep Side, produced "Lovely" for the Step Up Soundtrack. I was so engaged by this lovely ballad that I played it constantly in my dorm room my Freshman year and it truly was a "Lovely" time.

Taylor Swift - Mary's Song (Oh My My My)

In 2006, Taylor Swift burst onto the scene and she is now the biggest country star of the past decade. Her debut album was full of hits; however, fan favorite and album track "Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" is a testament to the young artists' songwriting abilities. Within "Mary" she tells the story of a young boy and girl, friends who grew up together and fell in love.

Their dad's joked about the two of them, while their mom's just smiled and said "my, my my." The last verse of the song tells how after being friends, dating, breaking up and getting back together, they eventually decide to get married. Taylor sings from him to "Take me back to the time where we walked down the aisle, our whole town came and our mommas cried, you said I do, and I did too, take me home where we met so many years before, we'll rock our babies on that very front porch, after all this time, you and I...when I'll be 87 you'll be 89 I'll still look at you like that stars that shine in the sky oh my my my my."

It was songs like this, along with "Cold As You" and second single "Teardrops on My Guitar" that set Ms. Swift up for an amazing career as a songwriter who is able to connect with her audience lyrically that no other has been able to do on a mainstream level in a very long time.

Tamia - Can't Get Enough

I apologizing for going back again, but I can't end out 2006 without noting Tamia's "Can't Get Enough." When I heard that line "Make me what a cigarette and I ain't no smoker chick but you got me waiting it" I knew that this would be an R&B smash. I mean, a love so could that it can make you do things you would never do on your own? That's love and this song personifies that love between two people.

Rodney Atkins - These Are My People

I find it hilarious that I grew up in South Carolina but never listened to country music until I came to D.C. Released as the third single "These Are My People" is one of the countriest songs I have ever heard. It was also his 3rd consecutive #1 country single. My family used to want to kill me every time I played this song but I absolutely adore it.

Can't you feel that "These are my people, this where I come from, we're giving this life everything we've got and then some, it always pretty but it's real, it's the way we were made wouldn't have it any other way!" I feel it.

Rascal Flatts - Stand

As previously noted, I feel in love with country music my Freshman year of college. Rascal Flatts was one of the first groups I dabbled in because they had crossover pop hits. One of their #1 country hits was the song "Stand," an inspirational tune about get up, starting over and making all of your dreams come true no matter what. Notably, thats why I love country music. The songs are so more personal, reflective and strong that you just can't help to connect with the lyrics. Especially these:

Cause when push comes to shove
You take what you're made of
You might bend til you break
Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad
You get strong
Wipe your hands
Shake it off
Then you stand

P!nk - Long Way To Happy

P!nk is a boss. There's really no way else to put it. Her fourth album produced some of the best songs of her career and delivered her with 2 successive #1 POP singles. Album track "Long Way To Happy" is my favorite off of the LP. Within the song, she declares that "It's going to take long time to learn, it's going to take a lot to hold on, it's going to be a long way to happy, left in the pieces that you broke me into, torn apart but now I've got to keep on rolling like a stone but it's going to be a long way to happy." Even when vulnerable lyrics, P!nk comes across in control and strong giving even the casual listener that notion that she P!nk can get through heartbreaking situations, so can I.

Nick Lachey - Shades Of Blue

Although a fan of 98 Degrees, I was skeptical about lead singer Nick Lachey releasing a solo album so quickly after his divorce from ex-wife Jessica Simpson and relative failure of his previous solo album. However, he produced a solid album sophomore set full of songs dedicated to the singer, including both of the hit singles

"Shades of Blue" for me was an instant standout on the album where Lachey sings "dreams fade into shades of blue, where I wait for you, pray love reaches through, all these shades, shades of blues, when you close your eyes, feel me by your side, I will wait for you, in all these shades of blue." With lyrics like that it's undeniable that, at the time, Nick loved and missed his former wife. At the end he even sings "Why did you have to leave, why did you have to set me free, why did you have to go?" Brings a tear to my eyes when someone, especially a man, can honestly express that type of intense feeling within a song.

Monica - My Everything

Going back to my first Howard homecoming, singer Monica performed at our annual concert on The Yard. I remember purchasing her latest album the week before, so I was ecstatic when I learned she would be performing live. I can still remember singing many of her newer album tracks word for word and the crowd around me hyping me on. One track she didn't perform, the album track "My Everything" has gone on to become one of my favorite Monica songs rivaling many of her earlier hits.

The song relays that she has found a lover who is her "everything" and that she has finally found peace within herself to be able to enjoy and sustain a good relationship. I always knew Monica had vocal talent; however, on the end of "My Everything" where she sings "Everything, now I got, Now I got, now I..." is breathtaking.

Nelly Furtado - Say It Right

Similarly, Timbaland also produced the Nelly Furtado album "Loose" which, along with Just Timberlake's second album, changed the sound of POP music as synths, electronica, and Euro-pop slowly made its way into mainstream American music. One song in particular was Nelly's "Say It Right." To this day, I honestly have no idea what this song is about; however, it was a smash #1 singer for the singer and that's what really counts, right?

Justin Timberlake - My Love

I can't even attempt to go down music history without mentioning the Timberland produced second album from Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/LoveSounds." One of two albums that completely revolutionized POP music in 2006, "FSLS" was full of progressive material including 4 #1 POP singles. The second of those was "My Love," which featured rapper T.I. There really isn't much to say about a song that, as I said, help changed the sound of POP music for years to come.

Jojo - Let It Rain

Taking it back to another Freshman memory at Howard, Jojo released her sophomore set right around the time of my first homecoming as an undergraduate. I must say that "The Hight Road" was nearly a flawless album. Album tracks "Good Ol," "Anytime," and "Like This" are stunning.

However, it was "Let It Rain" that I became obsessed with. Produced by Norwegian duo Stargate, Jojo proclaims that "When you need someone to set your heart free...I need you show me how love should really be..." Rain is used as a metaphor for love and Jojo finds in necessary for her significant other to let his love rain down and break down all of the barriers that she has put up to protect herself from pain.

Jessica Simpson - If You Were Mine/The Lover In Me

After her 2004 smash "With You," I was curious if Jessica Simpson could comeback with as heartfelt. Amazingly, she did, and this was after her divorce! Album track "The Lover In Me" showcased that in order to find love, we often to open ourselves to others and the love that they offer us.

Similarly, "If You Were Mine" goes further by relaying all of the amazing things that she and her significant other could do if they were together. Once we get past to this Euro/Pop phase (which I enjoy) I hope that POP radio can get back to lush POP mid-tempos with true emotion and feeling that Jessica emotes on both of these songs on her album "A Public Affair."

Gwen Stefani - 4 In The Morning

This song got my in a lot of trouble which my friends at Howard. Reminiscent of early hit "Cool," "4 In The Morning" is a lovely allad by Gwen and the video, albeit simple was gorgeous. Unfortunately, I let it slip that I loved her porcelain "white" skin in the music video and my African-American female friends have never let me live that comment down.

Back to the song, Gwen confuses her love to her significant other and notes that even when that fight she stays up until "4 in the morning" crying and thinking about him because she only wants him to come back. Her only condition is that "he has to giver her all of him" because he knows "she gives him all of herself." As previously stated Ms. Stefani shines on her love ballads.

Fergie - All That I Got

When "The Ducthess" was released, I always wanted "All That I Got" to be the ballad single. However, Fergie's label went with the eventual worldwide #1 smash "Big Girls Don't Cry." Go figure. Anyway, I now am proud that this little ballad remained an album track that I can enjoy and share with all of you.

In the song, Fergie sings. And I mean, Fergie signs. This is definitely one of her best vocal performances and I hope she creates more songs like this on her future albums. She sings "would you love me if I don't work out or if I didn't change my natural hair." Although done before, I feel Fergie because in this world we are often consumed by the superficial. It's refreshing to hear a diva of her stature state that she'd rather strip down and give "all that she's (I) got" and by that she means, the real her, Stacy Ferguson.

The ending note on "Don't let our love end..." Is my favorite part, even though it seems random and out of place. I love it.

Fantasia - I Feel Beautiful

As you can probably tell, I love inspiring songs. One in particular that struck a chord with me was Fantasia's "I Feel Beautiful" Growing up, I always felt like an outcast and in many ways I still find myself feeling alone. However, this song let's me know that I am beautiful and I won't let anyone tell me any different.

"I feel beautiful, beautiful, I feel beautiful beautiful, you could not crush my soul, crush my soul, nothing you could do to me can take away my right to feel, beautiful beautiful, I was down so low, down so low, but I won't be, won't be broke down anymore, I stand with my head held high, I feel beautiful...got back my pride and took back my life, now I feel beautiful!"

Daughtry - Over You

Third single from Daughtry's debut album was always my favorite track on the LP. With the closing lyric "The day I thought I'd never get through, I got over you!" The song personifies a feeling where in life people hurt each other on a constant basis. Many times, the pain that comes with that hurt is inescapable and impossible to deal with. However, as a 4th place finisher of American Idol (yet 3rd most successful, beating all of the winners except Kelly & Carrie), Daughtry notes that the day will come when we can "put our heart(s) back together" and move on.

Danity Kane - Ride For You

There are some songs that will always have a special place in my heart and DK's "Right For You" is one of them. I will never forget walking around Howard University, my Freshman year, blasting this beautiful song, which is yet another B. Cox production. The vocal harmonies between the five girls were flawless and let me know that "they were by my side." I truly do miss Danity Kane.

Ciara - Promise

I remember first not really liking this song. However, I know feel that even though it may not have successfully crossover like her previous hits, "Promise" is the best song that Ciara has ever and will ever produce. In fact, I remember rooting for it to go #1 on the R&B Charts after Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" was #1 for what seemed like forever.

The lead single from her second album, "Promise" seduces her significant other by saying "there's nothing (I) she won't do" and that "she'll give her all to (him)." In fact, she goes on to "promise" that these statements are true. The video also epitomizes the sultry feeling of the song and stands as her best overall single.

Christina Milian - Gonna Tell Everybody

Speaking of standout cuts, Christina Milian's "Gonna Tell Everybody" was hands down the best song on her album "So Amazin." Unfortunately, Def Jam records dropped the ball on promotion when the album leaked ahead of schedule. Just take a listen and you'll find that this could have been a major hit for the Cuban songstress.

Beyonce - Irreplaceable

In 2006, Beyonce released her sophomore set "B'Day." To this day, it baffles me who choose her first couple of singles from the album. "Deja Vu" was nowhere near as good as album track "Upgrade U" and "Ring The Alarm" was subpar to stronger album tracks such as "Get Me Bodied."

However, I did originally note that "Irreplaceable" was the strongest song on the album and quite possible the best song that B' had ever recorded. Of course, the song became her fourth #1 single, was the #1 song of 2007, and reigned for an amazing 10 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100. I mean, even as a third single, it was no-brainer that this was the standout cut.

Toni Braxton - Sposed To Be

Released in 2005, Toni Braxton's "Libra" remains one of my Top 5 albums of that year. Notably, the album track "Sposed To Be" reminds me of my first Christmas living in D.C. when I began my colllege tours. My older cousin's fiance absolutely loved this song because it remind her of him. Essentially, the song tells that her man is perfect for her. I was once told that true love comes when you can look past someone's flaws and accept them for the person that they truly are. I honestly believe that because that is how love is "Sposed to Be."

Nivea - Complicated

Complicated by Nivea, written and produced by her then husband The-Dream is a song that means everything to me. Every time I hear this track, I can't help but cry because it reminds me of the time when my only sister was born (I was 8 years old) and the two most important people in my love (my grandmother and great-grandmother) passed away within a year of each. Since then, I have felt that my purpose on this Earth, has been to do whatever I can for my sister, as my grandparents did for me. Although this particular song, focuses on finding a lover, I interpret the song as finding the person whom I care the most about.

One day you're
Standin' in the middle of the road
And you don't know where you're goin'
All of a sudden your whole life changed
And life finally gives you somethin' back
It's been a mean world without you
(Sis) I love you, I love you.

Nickelback - Photograph

Funny. The first time that I really heard this song was late 2006, as I neared my high school graduation. "Photograph" was a #2 hit for Canadian rock back Nickelback. The hook of the song goes "every memory of looking out the backdoor, I have the photo album spread out on my bed room floor, it's hard to say it, it's time to say it, goodbye, goodbye" making "Photographs" not only one of the bands best, but a poignant song that is sure to resonate with audiences for a very long time.

Mary J. Blige - Ain't Really Love

I must admit, that Mary has sort of decline in recent years. However, as per usual, she always shines on tales of a women scorned. "Ain't Really Love" personifies the notion that being in even an emotionally abusive relationship is not really love. Produced and written by Brian Michael-Cox, the ballad finds Mary going in on her significant other.

The best line, hands down, finds Mary snapping back when her significant other says "you'd never have these problems from a white chick." Mary quickly notes that he took her "to the level of some bull shit" with that statement. I died of happiness when I first heard that because it's just such a powerful notion.

However, Mary goes further my relaying the universal notion that "I know I love you but I love myself too." In life and love, sometimes, we as humans, just have to put ourselves first because their will be many times when no one else will.

Mariah Carey - We Belong Together

It wouldn't be right if I didn't review my favorite artist of all-time. In 2005, Mariah Carey returned with "The Emancipation of Mimi," the #1 selling album of the year and scorend three Top 2 hits. One of those was the monster #1, and eventual, #1 song of the decade "We Belong Together."

Co-writing and co-producing the song with long-time friend Jermaine Dupri, Mariah crafted a simple ballad in the vein of many of their earlier collaborations such as 1995's "Always Be My Baby." Like the aforementioned song (also a #1 hit), "We Belong Together" finds Mariah crooning that no matter what, she knows that her and her lover belong together forever.

Unlike many Mariah songs, Ms. Carey remains vocally in control throughout the majority of the song. That is, until the last chorus where belts "when you left I lost a part of me, it's still so hard to believe, come back baby please, cause we belong together, whom I going to lean on when times get rough, whose gone talk to me til the sun comes up, who's gon' take your places, there's nobody better, we belong together!" Classic.

Keyshia Cole - Love, I Thought You Had My Back

One of my favorite new artists to emerge in the 2000's was Keyshia Cole. SHe brought a refreshing and energy that modern R&B music had been missing for a long time. Although her first two singles weren't major hits, her label supported the singer and hellped both her third and fourth singles go Top 10 on the R&B charts.

Although a little too hood (with all the rent-a-rappers) for my tastes, the album did produce a number of soulful jams. Notable, "Love, I Thought You Had My Back" remains my favorite Keyshia track to date. The songs sings that she didn't think that love would hurt her again, after all that she'd been through. However, yet again, she's been knocked down by the pain that often comes with "loving" someone else.

Luckily, Keyshia doesn't stay down and rises to admit that relationships may come and go, but she is sure that there is someone out that will truly love her one day. She subsequently set herself up for a strong career singer black women scorned power ballads.

Ginuwine - Betta Half

Although I wasn't particularly pleased with Ginuwine's 2005 CD, the album did have a couple of notable gems. One in particular, Betta Half, is another testament to his vocal talent and ability to emote. Honestly, no review can show how strong this song is so I'll just leave you with the lyrics to chorus and let you feel for yourself.

"It hurts me, just to know you're hurting, and it kills me, just to know you're sad, you're all I need, you're more than just a friend to me, you're everything, cause you're my better half..." - Betta Half.

Chris Brown - Ya Man Ain't Me

I've been going back in forth lately with my posts, but that just how my iTunes journey is flowing. In 2005, Chris Brown hit that scene with his #1 hit "Run It." In late October, his label released snippets to a few of his album tracks. One that caught my attention immediately was "Ya Man Ain't Me." I literally played that snippet at least one hundred times over the next month.

Upon hearing the full version, after buying the album, I knew that Chris Brown had the potential to be a star. As straight forward as any song title can be, Chris Brown tells his love interest that "Ya (her) man at him (me)." As a 16 year old, no one could tell me anything with that song dropped.

Carrie Underwood - Wasted

All these post about POP music, brings me to another musical revelation. In 2006, Carrie Underwood scorned a huge crossover hit with "Before He Cheats." Although that song was good and initially got me interested in the 4th American Idol winner, it was her fourth single "Wasted" from her debut album "Some Hearts" that caught my attention.

Hook heavy, "Wasted" illustrates a battered women and an alcoholic man who come to the realization that they don't want to "let all these years go by wasted." Lyrics such as "I don't want to keep on wishing, missing, the still of the morning, the color of the night" truly tug at my heart because this was a point in my life where I found myself at a crossroads.

I had to make the personal choice to leave home and attend a college far away from home. This song, like many others, inspired me not to waste any more time and to follow my dreams because that's the only way to live in this world. To this day, "Wasted" remains my favorite song by the beautiful and talented Carrie Underwood.

Usher - That's What It's Made For

Going back a bit, in 2004, Usher released his now Diamond selling "Confessions." That album not only debut at #1 with over a million copies in its first week, the first R&B album to do so, it also produced four consecutive #1 singles including the title track. However, my personal favorite on the album was the sexy and sultry "That's What It's Made For."

I appreciate Usher as an artist because he tells intense, relatable stories through his music and "That's..." is no different. In fact, the tune is very direct in relating that the male/female anatomy is "made" for being intimate. Bed room burner at its best.

Kelly Clarkson - Behind These Hazel Eyes

As previously noted, 2005 was a good year in my musical history. Although she had already won the first season of American Idol and had at that point released two albums, it wasn't until I first heard "Behind These Hazel Eyes" that I first paid attention to Kelly Clarkson. Put simply, she woman can sing and these emotive song was everything to me when it was released.

Like many of Kelly's tracks, this was starts off where the songstress has moved on from the fact that her lover has cheated on her. She has moved on, and although the pain remains, "she doesn't cry on the outside anymore." This song was third among of string of hits that made Ms. Clarkson the #1 female artist of 2005.

Jojo - Leave (Get Out)

I can still remember the summer of 2004 when "Leave" by Jojo came out. I remember wondering who this girl with the loud voice could possibly be. By the end of the summer, she had become the youngest female artist to score a #1 debut pop single.

With a voice (and lyrics) well beyond her age, Jojo delivered a stunning performance where she tells her significant other to "get out" and to "leave." Proving, that everyone hates to be cheated on and that it's even more painful when you're young and feel that you're in love.

Gwen Stefani - Cool

In early 2005, I truly began to found myself involved and invested in purchasing pop albums. One of the second that I personally purchased was Gwen Stefani's debut album upn the release of fourth single "Cool." With its thumping beat, the love song narrates Gwen's own personal experiences with maintaining a friendship with a former.

Knowingly, Gwen once dated one of her band mates in her group No Doubt. This was a turbulent breakup for the singer, but it now seems that everything is good and their "cool." I personally prefer the No Doubt songstress when she performs laid-back, mellow tracks in the vein of the aforementioned.

Destiny's Child - Bad Habit

In 2004, Destiny's Child returned witht heir final album "Destiny Fulfilled." Included on the album is a song that features solo vocals from the groups, Kelly Rowland. "Bad Habit" is yet another stellar song produced by Brian Michael-Cox and, in my opinion, is one of, if not the best song that Kelly has ever created. Honestly, I think her solo career would skyrocket if she were to create more tracks like that. Amazing.

Avril Lavinge - My Happy Ending

Looking back, I realize now that I was always found of pop/rock music. Second single from Avril Lavigne's second album is a standout cut. Her 4th Pop #1, "My Happy Ending" tells the story of a relationship gone sour, where in the end, the singer doesn't have a happy ending. Instead, the relationship falls apart. Per usual, Avril stuns with her energy and pure emotion that instantly felt throughout the song.

Monica - What Hurts the Most

Monica delivered with her comeback in 2003. Not only did she score a #1 R&B hit with "So Gone" but she always released the classic "U Should've Known Better." However, album track "What's Hurts The Most" is my personal favorite from her album titled "After The Storm."

In the song, Monica finds out the her on-again/off-again lover has moved on and has found someone else. As of the old adage goes, sometimes you just don't know what you have until its gone. "What Hurts The Most" proves this as Monica sings "I thought for sure you'd always wait for me..." Guess not.

Ginuwine - Our First Born

As usual, Ginuwine delivers a stunning vocal performance on "Our First Born." Simply, he tells through song the overwhelming emotions that he went through we he found out that he was having his first child.

In the ballad he sings "I will always be there for my child cause I love, I love my child. Oh yes I do...as long as I live on this earth, you don't have to worry about thing, oh no no no you don't, do you hear me? I scream these words, I love my child, I love my child with everything in me."

If that doesn't make for a touching listen, I honestly don't know what does.

Beyonce - Yes/Be With You

Had to do a double take with this one. In 2003, lead singer of Destiny's Child, Beyonce, broke out with her first solo effort. Aside from the four major singles which included the #1s "Crazy In Love" and "Baby Boy" as well as the Top 5 hits "Naughty Girl" and "Me Myself & I" the songstress produced an immensely strong debut.

Two of my favorite cuts from the LP are the Focus produced "Yes" which tells the story of a women scorned the first time she told her lover "no." Doing a complete 180, "Be With You" erases history and sensually tells Beyonce's lover that she'd rather be with him because of all of the positive things he does.

Ashanti - Carry On

One thing Ashanti can do, and do well, is write a song about a women scorned. Song, "Carry On" from her sophomore set, "Chapter II" proves just that. Within the song, the metaphors and word play that Ms. Douglass uses to relay her pain is astonishing.

I'm tired of fighting, I'm tired of spiting, my life is a storm full of raining and lightning, my insides are bleeding, from all of this screaming, sometimes I just feeling like I'm no longer breathing, I look in your eyes, all I see is a demon, I'm tired of wearing my heart on my sleeves, and I just don't know, why I stay, because day after day, I continue to say...I can't carry on...living life like this."

In the wake of her previous hits "Foolish" and "Rain on Me," Ashanti delivers yet another strong R&B cut that proves why the industry needs her presence despite any other negative assumptions.