1. Beyonce –Love On Top
Beyonce releases yet another single from her top selling album ‘4’ which thus far the singles released with videos to match have been anthems played across clubs in London such as ‘Run The World (Girls), ‘Best Thing I Never Had’, ‘Countdown’, ‘1+1’ and now ‘Love On Top’.
This classic sounding RnB song is a smooth laid back old school groove packed with that feel good sound of soul music, which has been missing in this electro dance pop era. Produced by Shea Taylor and Beyonce herself the pair have ensured that creatively the song is packed with strong melodies, horns, synthesizers, and a likeness to Raydio – You Can’t Change That, and New Editions – Mr. Telephone Man.
Lyrically the song is a mature view on being in a loving relationship and the feeling you get when that person puts you first, makes you the center of their world as you grow together having fought past issues and him finally making you feel special, the chorus says: “Baby it’s you, you’re the one I love / You’re the one I need / You’re the only one I see / Come on baby it’s you / You’re the one that gives your all / You’re the one I can always call / When I need you make everything stop / Finally you put my love on top.”
This song is a firm favorite amongst RnB lovers, and the video pays homage to New Edition style choreography which naturally mirrors the Jacksons and should land easily in the UK Top 10 as it is truly a breathe of fresh air and definately one that you’ll be hearing at many New Years Eve parties in London and over the festive season this year. |
2. J Cole feat Trey Songz - Can't Get Enough
Roc Nations latest discovery J.Cole returns with his second official single taken from his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story.
The laid back tropical sounding track is produced by Brian Kidd who has created hits for Enrique Iglesias, Nappy Roots, Ruff Ryders, Pitbull, and many more. Can’t Get Enough samples the classic 1980’s song ‘Paulette’ by Guinean band Balla et ses Balladins.
Sounding like something you would expect Timbaland to produce the tracks uses the guitar riff and vocal idea from the original song ‘Paulette’ with some 2011 drum beats, smooth bass line and Trey Songs adding extra sex appeal to the song.
J.Cole’s cheeky rhymes on the chorus say: ‘I cant get enough of what you got, good god you hit the spot, try to let go but just can not, so don’t you stop I need that’. Obviously the song covers the usual song topic about hot girls that you can’t get enough of blah blah blah, but it has all the elements that the ladies love to slow wind to across London clubs.
The video is shot on the sun island of Barbados which of course they couldn’t film a video in without boats, beach parties, ladies in bikinis, and cameo from Rihanna. This song is as hot as the video, and probably wont chart in the UK Top 10 but will certainly be popular in club land and across many New Years Eve parties this year. |
3. Willow Smith feat. Nicki Minaj - Fireball
The daughter of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air is back following up from her hit pop single ‘21st Century Girl’ which had all females especially in the United States dancing in the streets to the empowering anthem.
It seems Willow who recently turned 11 in last October is bursting with confidence and a tremendous work ethic, which she no doubt gets from her entire family. It’s no wonder why her new single is titled ‘Fireball’ with a Karate Kid brother actress mother and legendary alien fighting, rapping, Hollywood blockbusting father she is a serious ball of fire.
The child star packs a punch on her new single and ensure it’s a guaranteed knock out she has recruited Nicki Minaj to sprinkle her platinum selling rhymes onto the hip hop infused track produced by Stoopid Boots.
Fireball is hot and certainly contains an infectious repetitive chorus, which will hopefully be another smash like her viral London nightclubs anthem ‘Whip My Hair’. The subject in nutshell is ‘I’m the fireball of the party’ repeated hundred times with verses that talk about being strong, lightening up parties as says "My whole crew is fresh and they rolling with me".
Nicki naturally brings her Young Money fire to the song heating up and helping Fireball to burn baby burn. No doubt kids around the world will sing this song making up new dance routines, which shall be shared throughout YouTube. |
4. David Guetta feat. Jessie J - Repeat
The Frenchmen is back with his fourth single fresh on the heels of his third hit ‘Without You’ featuring Usher taken from the no.1 selling album ‘Nothing But The Beat’.
So far Guetta has enjoyed success across London RnB clubs and throughout the world with his first two singles from the album ‘Where My Girls At?’ featuring Nicki Minaj and Flo-Rida, not forgetting the Taio Cruz, Ludacris collaboration ‘Little Bad Girl’.
Guetta has always been great at selecting powerful vocalist to sing on his euro dance rhythms so it’s no surprise he has called upon the likes of BRIT and MOBO Award winner Jessie J to feature on ‘Repeat’. Produced by David himself, Giorgio Tuinfort, Federic Riesterer and written by Jessie J, The Invisible Men and Ali Tennant.
The fun dance-pop song is certain to be a huge top 10 hit as it’s packed with guitars, good vocals and a catchy chorus “So go out and party, like you’re not broken-hearted
Cuz you’re now one just mistake on my beat
It gets stuck on repeat, repeat, repeat
Gets stuck on repeat, repeat, repeat”.
Yes it’s another typical Guetta record but there is no denying that he picks good pop songs to light up dance floors and get everybody singing along. So be careful, as too much exposure to this record will unfortunately have you humming to it and expect to hear this everywhere soon especially at New Years Eve parties and over the festive season. |
5. Taio Cruz feat. Flo-Rida - Hangover
Once again Taio Cruz is back with a new album titled TY.O which is due for release on 2nd January 2012, thus far digital singles have been released in the United States but the UK are forced to wait until December to find either ‘Trouble Maker’ or ‘Hangover’ via iTunes or CD Stores.
The singer/songwriter and producer is giving the world another dose of his electro, dance-pop that the US can’t seem to get enough of. The song is created by Dr. Luke the man behind hits for Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Nicole Sherzinger to name only a few and is set to be another top 10 hit played across New Years Eve parties in London this year.
Hangover is titled after the hit movie as the UK star sings about having a crazy night out doing all of the worst things, his chorus follows his signature style: “I’ve got a hangover (WOAH), I’ve been drinking too much for sure, I’ve got a hangover (WOAH) I’ve got an empty cup pour me some more. So I can go until I throw up, and I don’t ever ever want to grow up, I wanna keep it going, keep keep it going.”
The video is fun, living up to its name and highlighting a wild and reckless night out but to be honest once you’ve heard a Taio Cruz song you know exactly what to expect as his style is growing rather tedious, however a wise man once said ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. |
6. Jill Scott – Light Of The Sun
The neo soul songstress, actress and mother is back with her fourth studio album following the successful ‘Words and Sounds’ volumes aka ‘Who Is Jill Scott?’ ‘Beautiful Human’, and ‘The Real Thing’.
It’s been almost 3 years since her last album, and the Grammy winning singer has become a mother, featured in Tyler Perry movies and starred in the BBC 1 hit show ‘The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Now her most personal, bold and experimental album to date is preparing for its release in June 2011.
The singles leading the way for this soon to be classic album are ‘So In Love’ featuring Soul singer Anthony Hamilton, which is a feel good throwback love song with all the qualities of old school soul music. You can imagine people dancing to this at summer BBQ’s and family reunions. The other release is the funky ‘Shame’ featuring rapper ‘Eve’ and ‘The A-Group’, already being played around many London nightclubs due to popular demand.
Producers on this album are real musicians, and legendary creators such as JR Hutson who has worked with Teddy Riley, Zhane and Boyz II Men, plus the respected Terry Lewis who’s production alongside his long time partner Jimmy Jam have generated award winning hits for Janet Jackson, Mary J Blige and too many to mention prove the quality of music on this album.
With Jill taking more control of her career you can expect to hear tales of love, heartbreak, frustration and triumph on songs such as ‘Missing You’, All Cried Out Redux’, ‘Blessed’, Womanifesto’, ‘Rolling Hills’ and ‘So Gone’ (What My Mind Says) to name only a few.
If you love, powerhouse vocals, sensual, thought provoking, poetic music then purchase this R&B/Soul/Funk extravaganza. |
7. Jennifer Lopez – Love Album
The American Idol superstar judge, actress, dancer and singer has released her 7th studio album having taken a break to be a mother and enjoy precious time with her twin children and husband, London parties are already jumping around to the many club songs on it proving absence makes the your fans grown fonder.
Now the singer of numerous London nightlife anthems is focused on what could be her most successful album to date. The Island Def Jam Music Group released ‘Love?’ is packed with a mixture of styles from R&B, Hip-hop, pop and dance by some of the most sought after producers in the business. Tricky Stewart, The Dream and RedOne were all commissioned to provide the majority of the album’s content.
Up-tempo songs such as clubs in London hit ‘On The Floor’, ‘Papi’, ‘Invading My Mind’ and ‘Hypnotico’ produced by RedOne and co written by Lady Gaga, meanwhile mid-tempo and party songs like ‘Run The World’, Good Hit’, ‘Villain’, come courtesy of Tricky Stewart. Even Taio Cruz penned a song for the star in the form of her current single ‘I’m Into You’ featuring Lil Wayne and produced by Stargate.
The album has received mixed reviews from music critics in the UK and US, it certainly isn’t the best album on the market, but it does fit in to the electro, dance pop Gaga era, some of the R&B tracks sound a tad bit dates but then perhaps the intention was to bring back that old school feel. Subject matters could have dug a little deeper but overall it’s a good comeback from a 4-year hiatus, and is the sign of more to come. |
CURRENT BIG CLUB TUNES
FUNKY HOUSE & DANCE
1. Don Omar - Danza Kuduro
2. Cover Drive - Lick Ya Down
3. Dev - Bass Down Low
4. Chris Brown - Beautiful People
5. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
6. Major Lazer - Pon De Floor
7. Tinie Tempah - Pass Out
8. FM feat. The Cataracs - Like A G6
9. Donaeo - Party Hard
10. Crazy Cousins - Funky Anthem
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CURRENT BIG CLUB TUNES
R&B and HIP HOP
1. Rihanna - We Found Love
2. Pitbull ft. Neyo - Give Me Everything
3. Wiz Khalifa - Black & Yellow
4. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts
5. David Guetta ft Ludacris- Little Bad Girl
6. Kelly Rowland - Lay It On Me
7. Jeremiah - Down On Me
8. Dappy - No Regrets
9. Sean Paul - Got To Love You
10. T Pain - 5 o'Clock ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen
Updated Nov 2011
Chart compiled by DJ Back 2 Basics |
CURRENT OLD SKOOL FLAVA'S
90'S SOUL & CLUB CLASSICS
1. Cameo - Candy
2. Ginuwine - Pony
3. Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It
4. Notorious B.I.G - Juicey
5. Luther Vandross - Never Too Much
6. 112 - Only You
7. The Mac Band - Roses Are Red
8. Robin S - Show Me Love
9. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With..
10. Bob Marley - One Love
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