Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song

Although most assumed "Marry You" would follow Bruno Mars' #1 hits "Just The Way You Are" and "Grenade," however, his label has thrown a curve ball and sent out "The Lazy Song." Personally, I find this breezy mip-tempo a gem and glad that he's switching it up from the previously released love ballads.



In "Lazy," Bruno proclaims "that today I don't feel like doing anything...nothing at all." I know we all had days like that. I chuckle everytime I hear "no I ain't going to comb by hair...I'll just strut in my birthday suit" because, that's real. Matter of fact, that's exactly how I plan on spending tomorrow, doing "...nothing at all."

Kanye West - All of The Lights

Kanye West has finally released the video for his latest single "All of The Lights." Unfortunately, I'm not impressed. The video starts out with a plot, but it ends randomly and turns into a performance video. Hype Williams was my favorite music director and inspired me to pursue a degree in Film; however, I'm not sure of the relative direction he's going in as of late. Rihanna appears uninterested and the solo (thus, random) addition of Kid Cudi is quite uneventful. Sigh. Well, at least the superb song is shaping out to be a sizable Urban hit.

Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me/Inside Out

Today Britney Spears finally premiered her new video for her #1 single "Hold It Against Me." Although an overall good video, I am somewhat disappointed by the limited dancing Ms. Spears exhibits. The dub step in this song is EPIC & it should have had a more in your face choreography. Maybe next time.


However, producer Dr. Lue also graced up with this snippet from Britney's new album "Femme Fatale." The track is supposedly titled "Inside Out" and it sounds like a winner...so at least the album seems like it will have some strong tracks. Whew!

Chris Brown - 2.4.1

Chris Brown has genuinely been impressing me with his music as of late. Although some of his words and public statements have been sketchy, he remains an amazing artist and musician. Notably, I'm pleased that Keri Hilson is releasing her duet with Chris Browm, "One Night Stand," as the third official single from her album "No Boys Allowed." I think it's pretty obvious what the song is about.

Also, Chris Browns duet with rapper, singer, & producer Kevin McCall (both of whom co-crote "One Night Stand" as well) "Between The Lines" is a catchy and exceedingly well written tune about trusting your man no matter the rumors or gossip. Trust, is yet another important factor necessary for maintaining a strong relationship.

Melanie Fiona - Gone & Never Coming Back

I'm totally on my R&B tip tonight and Melanie Fiona's "Gone & Never Coming Back" assentuates that real singers are back. After last years #1 R&B hit "It Kills Me" being the standout cut on her debut, I wondered how Ms. Fiona's career would progress. This song is a strong indication.



Within the track, Melanie tells the heartbreaken lover who is gone...and never coming back. Most notably, it seems that their relationship was obviously imperfect and even though Melanie "thought that memories never die" she realizes that her love is truly never returning. Can we give it up once again for real singers?

Musiq - Anything

Featuring Swizz Beats, Musiq's new single "Anything" is a winner. I swear that Musiq is one of the few conteporary Urban Adult R&B artists who consistently produces soulful jams. This track is no different. Musiq proclaims that he'll be honest with his lover and that she can trust him and tell him anything. As the adage goes, honesty is key within any relationship.

Jennifer Hudson - Where You At

I wanted to begin this week with posting some of my favorite new songs. First up, is Jennifer Hudson's new single "Where You At." The power-ballad was written by R. Kelly and is the lead single from Ms. Hudsons "I Remember Me" LP.



The track finds Jennifer asking where the man who promised her the world is when the hard times come about. Unexpectantly, he leaves her alone an underprotected. Although not as strong as her previous lead single, Jennifer's voice absolutely soars during the bridge and in music, really, what else is there without a great vocal performance?

Lloyd - Things I Like About You

I believe that Lloyd is allowing Polow Da Don to produce his "King of Hearts" LP entirely and "Things I Like About You" appears to have been recorded during a session with another producer. Regardless, this song is beautiful and should receive the single treatment. I never understand why an artist would throw away such a quality song?



He notes "the way we kick it like best friends" is one of the things that he likes about his lady friend. Notably, "the way you call my mother, just to check up on her, you care about family" is another point where he describes her positive attributes. I can only hope that "Cupid" (the rumored next single from his album) is half as good as this track.

Hyper Crush - Kick Us Out

My DJ at work has been playing Hyper Crush tunes for quite some time now, but "Kick Us Out" is by far my favorite. I honestly will always remember the first (and to date only) time I was kicked out of a club. This song embodies that feeling and takes it to the level of simply enjoying one's self at a party. Yes, it's arguably been done and said before, but this group spices up the concept and makes a banger in the process.

Dirty Money - Make Love To You/Yesterday

This morning, Dirty Money released a Love/Hate mixtape for Valentine's Day and the standout cut finds Dawn & Kaleena vocally personifying everything that is amazing about love. However, it's interestingly Diddy's chorus that truly takes the song to another level.



Diddy sings "when I make love to you, I swear a lie become the truth, that's when the fire turns to rain fail, and the pain is good to you...that's when the angels come to play, that's when the darkness starts to fade away, and your night turns back to day, when I make love to you." Pure poetry.

Dirty Money also released the music video for their track with Chris Brown today in the form of "Yesterday." Simply down, yet quite creative, the video finds Chris doing what he does best: visually shutting down basically ever other male R&B artist without breaking a sweat.