Jedward - Ferocious

"I'm setting free my inner wolf"

It might be hard to believe, but Jedward are now on their fourth album. Let's rewind a bit. Back in 2009, Jedward were the joke act on the sixth season of the X-Factor. They couldn't sing, they looked ridiculous, and yet still managed to be insanely entertaining. In fact, they were way more interesting and fun to watch than any act on this year's X-Factor. And ironically, they'll most likely end up to be more successful and long-lasting than any act from this year or last. It really all comes down to the twins' love for pop music and hard work. Yeah, they're not "singers," but when produced well, that's not a huge issue. They've worked with some great collaborators in the past, but now they're writing their own material and it seems that they've got an ear for melody. The verses, in particular, to new single Ferocious are great. The chorus can get a bit irritating in its repetition, but all in all it's a surprisingly solid dance track.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 10-6

10. Foxy Shazam - Holy Touch



Carrying on the best of glam rock, this is the kind of over-the-top, stirringly produced single that doesn't come around much these days.

9. Icona Pop - I Love It



They came out of what seemed like nowhere to deliver one of the strongest musical statements of the year. A blistering assault.

8. Jedward - Waterline



Pure cheese, in the absolute best way possible. This is Jedward as good as they will ever be, with a song that you may want to dislike, but won't be able to.

7. Scissor Sisters - Let's Have A Kiki



In an off-year for the Sisters, it's amazing that they were still able to deliver a career highlight. Silly fun, yes, but sometimes that's just what you need.

6. Matt Cardle - It's Only Love (7th Heaven Radio Edit) 



I would've laughed hysterically if anyone told me a Matt Cardle song would have been on my list, especially in the top ten. But, this is a Matt Cardle remix, and it's perfect. The Delays song they never recorded.

Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 25-21

25. Bigbang - Blue



A melancholic, melody-driven single with some definite earworm production. Signaled the return of a band who would go on to have their best year yet.

24. Fun. - We Are Young



Single-handedly revived anthemic, theatrical pomp rock. Next step? Push it even farther, please.

23. Ola - I'm In Love



Another reinvention of his sound, this was one of Summer's most effortlessly cool tracks.

22. Elton John vs. Pnau - Good Morning To The Night



An exhilarating brew of old and new. Hearing Elton's 70's vocals over a modern dance beat was nothing short of spectacular.

21. Jedward - Luminous 



Proving that with the right production and song, they could be very credible indeed. far surpassed any expectations I had.

Top 20 Albums Of 2012: 12-11

12. Jedward - Young Love



I would have never predicted a Jedward album to make this countdown, especially so high. But against all odds, they upped their game and created an album that far eclipses their past efforts. Better songwriters, better production, and a sense of naive fun that's utterly contagious. I wish more people would give their music a chance. They definitely have the ability to surprise.

11. Loreen - Heal



A major new force in international pop world. For me, the album didn't quite live up to her potential, but Loreen's brand of soulful, electronic pop is still a ridiculously exciting prospect. The highlights on this album (and there are many), reach for the stratosphere, delivered with vocal performances that defy expectations and reach for something grander than traditional pop.

Jedward - Luminous

"We've got the stars and moon in us"

If you're still viewing Jedward as that joke act on X-Factor, I urge you to reevaluate their music... starting with the new album. Though their vocals are still pretty average and their attitudes more than a little "novelty-esque," their music has morphed into an excellent brand of teen power pop. I credit the awesome, mostly-Swedish songwriting and production teams behind the new album. The tracks are uniformly entertaining--a sort of mish-mash of current trends delivered with a pop precision that keeps things moving. Luminous is kind of a Firework/We Found Love mash-up and the guys sound surprisingly good on it. Of course, like most of the album, it's all about the shiny production. If you like this track, even a little, you should definitely give the album a try. I can't say it enough: you'll be surprised at how credible it is.



(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.

Jedward - Waterline

"I know this is bound to go down as the big one"

Jedward are the luckiest guys in pop music. I mean, at best, they're a novelty act. Their increasingly abrasive personalities eclipse any talent they might have, and their hair just keeps getting higher and sadder. Yet, people keep giving them amazing, awesome pop songs. Last year it was Lipstick, and this year it's Waterline. It just gets better and better. They're competing to represent Ireland again in Eurovision, and if there's any justice this song should see them on their way to Baku in May. Waterline is perfect, anthemic pop. Its simple and celebratory melody takes me back to what Eurovision used to be (I'm thinking Abba, Bucks Fizz, etc). It's undeniably lightweight, but all the better for it. Personally, I would have never expected the guys to record something this fantastic. I can't stop listening to it. I mean, that chorus! I was surprised to find that it wasn't written by Tony Nilsson, as it echoes his work quite closely -- that whole massive, 80's pop hook thing. You don't hear it nearly enough in this day and age.



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

Top 50 Singles of 2011: 40-36

40. Jedward - Lipstick



Jedward in the top 50? Yep, they finally released a song worthy of their bonkers brilliance. If only it had won Eurovision.

39. Britney Spears - I Wanna Go



When we're talking pop music, there's no denying the little earworms in this song. Honestly, it's less about Britney and more about the brilliant production.

38. Lady Gaga - Marry The Night



A triumphant dance track that brings Gaga's latest album full circle. It's one of her best videos, too.

37. Nero - Promises



Dubstep gone mainstream, with a wonderful La Roux-esque melody. An unexpected, deserved hit this summer.

36. Mika - Elle Me Dit



The first French track ever on one of my countdowns. It doesn't matter what the language is, though, when the melody is so persistent and uplifting.

Jedward - Bad Behaviour

"I've got a little problem that I can't seem to solve"

Jedward are back! After their Eurovision success of the fantastically catchy Lipstick, they're embarking on a complete album of original material. Now, this isn't exactly "real" music, but I don't care. Sometimes you just need something a little fun, and this has the potential to be the guilty pleasure of the year. The producers have used just enough autotune to make it sound like these guys can almost sing, and the boys have been surrounded by huge, blockbuster hooks. It's totally bubblegum, but I'd expect nothing less from Jedward. Now, if only the American X-Factor could find a novelty group with this much sticking power. After all, they've been (by far) the biggest successes of their season. Who would have thought? UMG is being real quick about taking down any trace of this song on the internet, so this is a video rip... not quite HQ.



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

Jedward - Lipstick

"She's got her lipstick on"

It's Eurovision week! More specifically, today is the first semifinal where roughly half of the acts for the final will be chosen. None of my favorites are in this round, but I'm still interested to see what happens. My favorite in the contest, though, is ex-X-Factor novelty twins Jedward and their ridiculously fun (and kinda stupid) Lipstick. Jedward have always entertained me, from their off-key antics on X-Factor to their train wreck of a reality show, but I never thought they'd actually record a song that I'd like. I don't know how they'll do in the contest (their live "vocals" leave much to be desired), but I think they'll either place really well or really poorly. There's no middle ground for an act like this. (fun fact: Ireland, the country these guys are representing, have won the contest more than any other country, including a three year (!) streak in the mid-90's)



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

Pop Blitz 2/3/10

Marina & The Diamonds - Hollywood
I'm still not entirely in love with Marina's voice, though that's more of a personal thing. However, the song's quite nice. Subtle in a way... it doesn't really hit you over the head the first time. It's a real grower. Hopefully that means longevity. B+

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
I'm not a country fan but I can see why this is taking America by storm right now. Somehow it sounds more like a big 80's ballad than anything. There's nothing like it on the radio right now. Very pretty. A-

Jedward - Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby) (ft. Vanilla Ice)
I'd probably hate this if I hadn't followed John & Edward on X-Factor. As it stands, it's a super fun slice of novelty pop. And it does the impossible: makes Vanilla Ice tolerable! B+

Pink - Glitter In The Air
Her performance at the Grammys catapulted this non-single to hit status and unearthed a buried gem. It's one of her most delicate ballads. Reminds me of the late 90's. A-

Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be
This is absolute crap, and represents the worst side of BEP. It's not a song. It's noise. The military could use it to drive Bin Laden out of hiding. F

Iyaz - Solo
Horrible. Basically, he took a classic song, changed the lyrics and sang it horribly. I can't believe that something like this could even be deemed radio-worthy. D-

Jason Derulo - In My Head
Maybe he won't be a one hit wonder, after all. This sounds a hell of a lot like Chris Brown, and possesses exactly 0% originality, but it's pretty catchy. Could've been a LOT worse. B