Top 50 Singles of 2011: 35-31

35. The Sounds - Something To Die For



A late-career highlight. Sometimes all it takes is a well written pop song, and this definitely fits the bill.

34. Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (TGIF)



Katy Perry's chart run continued unabated this year, and this track reignited interest in her brand of young, glossy pop.

33. Donkeyboy - City Boy



Foregoing their usual, more wistful sound for something more electronic, this is something of a revelation for the band.

32. Cher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)



The X-Factor finalist's best single, and a perfect representation of what a Cher Lloyd album should sound like.

31. Salem Al Fakir - Split My Personality (Bassflow Remix)



Pair one of the best producers with one of Sweden's quirkiest pop artists and you have a cross-genre masterpiece like this.

Top 20 Albums of 2011: 18-17

18. Example - Playing In The Shadows



Though it still wasn't perfect, with each album release Example comes closer and closer to the artist that I think he can be. Preceded by amazing singles, Playing In The Shadows includes some unreleased gems, most notably the opening track, which shows how epic Example music is at its best. I still think, even though this is distinctly British, an album like this could make a huge splash in America.

17. Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones



If this debut would have totally lived up to the promise Lloyd showed on X-Factor, it would be a lot higher on the list. Even so, it's a pleasant pop album without one skippable track. That's a pretty huge accomplishment in 2011, where most pop albums could really have been cut in half and been all the better for it. The album succeeded in carving out a spot for Lloyd in the charts, and has a ton of potential singles just waiting to be released.

Track-by-Track: Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones

Post X-Factor albums are always an interesting prospect. More a chance to establish an artist's sound and image than an actual, cohesive album, they're best judged on their own standards. And using this criteria, Cher Lloyd's debut is definitely a success. Room for growth, but a success nonetheless.

1. Grow Up - A good, extremely catchy opening. The melody in the chorus reminds me of the Toys R Us jingle, which cracks me up (and is even funnier since Lloyd samples a lot throughout this album). The cameo from Busta Rhymes is also a nice little trip back to the 90's. 8/10

2. Want U Back - If this isn't a single, Lloyd's management are crazy. From the very first listen, it's a bonafide smash. The grunting noises totally make it. 10/10

3. With Ur Love - This is the track that made me come around to Cher's music career. It's laidback, subtly addictive and very cool. it wouldn't make a bad US single, either. Mike Posner's sort of extraneous, but doesn't detract. 10/10

4. Swagger Jagger - This fits much better in the context of the album, though the choice of sample still irks me. The production is great, though. A guilty pleasure. 8/10

5. Beautiful People - The last perfect track on the album. This is a great ballad and suits Lloyd's voice very well. It works alright as a duet with Carolina Liar, but probably would have been just as effective if she sang it alone. 10/10

6. Playa Boi - This song succeeds because of its excellent sample. That being said, the original song is miles more creative. I wish she would have just done a straight cover rather than augment it with some pretty lame lyrics. Still, that chorus melody is always welcome. 9/10

7. Superhero - A more laidback facet of Cher's sound, this has a very catchy melody and some nice lyrics. Even so, it's the first track to feel slightly underwhelming. 8/10

8. Over The Moon - A cutesy, nursery-rhyme sounding chorus battles with harder edged, rapped verses. It works surprisingly well, though the hook can quickly go from endearing to irritating. 8/10

9. Dub On The Track - The hardest track on the album, this is pretty much rap, dubstep, grime... all of that stuff thrown together. It's Cher's "street" side. It goes on too long, but it's not bad. 8/10

10. End Up Here - My least favorite track. That's not to say it's bad, but it certainly doesn't do anything interesting. It's pretty much the standard midtempo post-Ryan-Tedder pop/r&b track. Nothing more, nothing less. 7/10

* Worth noting are the album's two bonus tracks, the gorgeous cover of "Stay" and "Talk That," which should probably have been on the album as well.

Album Grade: 8.6/10

Cher Lloyd - Want U Back

"Remember all the things that you and I did first?"

Cher Lloyd's released a great little pop album this week with her debut, Sticks & Stones. I loved her during her run on X-factor, went a bit off with the first single, but am totally a fan again now. I must be crazy, because even Swagger Jagger's alright with me. Cher's love-it-or-hate-it attitude is totally present on many of the album's tracks, and this is one of the best examples. I love the grunting parts (I never thought I'd write that in a track review), but beyond that, this is a modern pop song that just works. Even the stupid helicopter bit at the end doesn't ruin it (why do artists insist on these unfunny little joke bits after songs?). Though they're spoiled for choice when it comes to singles, they'd be crazy not to send this to radio. It's concise, energetic and melodic with just enough attitude to make it unpredictable.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

November is the Month for Albums

November is always a reliably strong month for pop music. Historically, it's when most of the would-be blockbuster albums are released in time for Holiday shopping. This year, we need November more than ever. It's been a pitiful past few months for big pop albums. I can't remember a dry spell this lengthy in years. It seems like everything's just been shut down since the Spring. Even countries like Sweden, who are usually quality pop producers, have been quiet of late. Luckily, there are plenty of releases coming up in the next few weeks that I'm very much looking forward to:

The Sound Of Arrows - Voyage (11/7)
I've been waiting for this one for years. The singles have all been excellent, the videos even better. I can't wait to hear the album in full.
Samples



The Wanted - Battleground (11/7)
Their first album was a very pleasant surprise and I'm hoping for more of the same on this one.

Samples




Cher Lloyd - Sticks & Stones (11/7)
The new single is excellent and Lloyd is an undeniable pop star. Having heard most of this already, I know it'll be great.

Samples



One Direction - Up All Night (11/21)
My favorite X-Factor contestants of all time had one of my favorite singles of the year already. I'm eagerly awaiting more from them.
Samples



Rihanna - Talk That Talk (11/21)
There isn't even a tracklist yet, but Rihanna never disappoints. The new single is one of her best and the new video is the most riveting thing she's ever put to film.
Video



Olly Murs - In Case You Didn't Know (11/28)
I wasn't sold on his debut, but I've loved both of the singles from this. I'm hoping this will end up as a nice surprise.
Video



Eric Saade - Saade Vol. 2 (11/30)
Volume One left me mostly cold, but I have faith in Saade. He's representing Sweden this month, so he better not disappoint.
Single



Others that I'll give a try: Pixie Lott - Young Foolish Happy JLS - Jukebox, Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires, The Saturdays - On Your Radar

Cher Lloyd - Stay

"I'll make you beg for more"

When I hear studio tracks from folks like Cher Lloyd and One Direction (not so much Matt Cardle), it makes me realize that, while still super entertaining, this year's UK X-Factor doesn't have a hope of becoming as relevant as last year's. Especially if the public keeps voting for snooze-fest, anti-charisma performers like Craig and Sophie over contestants like Kitty and Misha. At the very least, let's hope that this year's series gives us a performance as perfect as Cher Lloyd's Stay. Even if it doesn't, we've got the track in studio form to enjoy for years to come. It's better than I could have imagined. Cher's problems in the competition were peaking too early and having a (gulp) personality. Out of the context of a reality show competition, everything that held her back is working in her favor. She's an incredibly relevant new talent and, despite releasing a dire first single, has done everything else right. I can't wait for the album and her inevitable X-Factor return performance (this weekend, right?). We need people like her to come in and show this year's crop how it's done!

And while on the subject of X-Factor, I'm totally behind Kitty, Johnny and Misha. In other words, the three contestants that are actually entertaining. For US audiences, it's all about Drew, Intensity and the Stereo Hoggz for me. And Australia? Well, I'm still reeling from Audio Vixen's undeserved boot (WTF?), but my favorites are definitely Reece and Christina (I haven't yet watched this week's eps yet, so if you're watching, no spoilers please!)

Too much X-Factor? Yeah, but it's the season for it. And I do have a reputation to uphold.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Pop Blitz 10/13/11

Hedley - Invincible
Canada's best modern rock band releases one of their most forgettable singles. They've released tracks like this before but they've all had better hooks. Too bad, as I've always loved them. C+

Marina & The Diamonds - Radioactive
This single has grown on me, but I'm missing the quirkiness of her debut. This seems so much more mainstream. Her instantly recognizable vocals are what end up setting this apart. B+

Nicole Scherzinger - Wet
I'm surprised at how many singles this album has actually produced. This is one of the better ones. Sure, it's nothing that's going to stand the test of time. Just fun, clubby pop. She's capable of more, but this will do. B

The Fray - Heartbeat
I've never been a fan of this band, but this isn't bad. I don't think it will be the kind of hit they used to have. Still, I like the amped up guitars. B-

LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It
It's a less-catchy version of Party Rock Anthem--higher on novelty, lower on melody. the outrageous video will get it the exposure it needs, and it's certainly fun in a trashy sort of way. B

Cher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)
After the disappointment of her first single, this makes everything right. This is exactly the type of song she should be recording. Melodic, full of attitude, and catchy without being too in-your-face. A-

Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That
This pretty much sounds like their last single. Slightly less annoying, but I'm just not sold on this band. I'm not sure what it is... it just seems so tailor made for US radio. C

Your Choice: What's your favorite Pop Blitz song this week?

Pop Blitz 10/13/11 Your Choice!

Hedley - InvincibleMarina & The Diamonds - RadioactiveNicole Scherzinger - WetThe Fray - HeartbeatLMFAO - Sexy And I Know ItCher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Pop Blitz 6/17/11

Black Eyed Peas - Don't Stop The Party
I'm not sure that BEP has released any singles from this latest album that I've liked. This definitely doesn't break the pattern. It's not as irritating as a few of the others, but it's not as effortlessly catchy as their best work. The production's better than the hooks. C-

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Bang Bang Bang
Not technically a single (just a promo release), but I wanted to include it because I (surprisingly) have really fallen for this song. It's like a tween version of La Roux's Bulletproof. I LOVE the synth production and the general laid-back coolness of this. She's growing up! A-

Nicole Scherzinger - Right There (ft. 50 Cent)
It's not up there with the prior two singles (particularly the brilliant Don't Hold Your Breath), and I hate the unnecessary 50 Cent feature, but this has grown on me. I like the hook, and that's about it. Problem is, it doesn't have much of an impact when all's said and done. B-

Eric Saade - Hearts In The Air (ft. J-Son)
It's not as strong as Popular, but this is still a decent follow-up. The verses are better than the chorus (which sounds a little too familiar). It's enough to get me excited for the album, though. B+

Shania Twain - Today Is Your Day
It is so GOOD to hear Shania again. This gets instantly higher marks just for that. The song itself is pretty underwhelming... not one of her better ballads. But she sounds great and there's a catchy guitar hook buried somewhere in here. B

Jason Derulo - Don't Wanna Go Home
This is probably the most important single for him as far as longevity is concerned. The multiple samples used make this more of a hodgepodge than an actual original song, but the production's reliably glossy. I think the jury's out. All this has done is confused me. B-

Cher Lloyd - Swagger Jagger
Oh, how I loved Cher Lloyd in X-Factor last year. However, this track is all of her worst tendencies thrown into one song. Whereas I'm not sure about the Jason Derulo song, the sample here (Oh My Darling Clementine? Really??) does not work at all. What the hell did they do to her? D+