Britt Love - Music Makes You Lose Control

"Come on, I command you"

Oh, Britt Love. It was such a nice surprise to see her on this season of X-Factor UK, but such a disappointment that she didn't make it through to judge's houses. Still, I hope the show gave her a bit more exposure, because this is an artist worth breaking into the big time. Music Makes You Lose Control is a brand new track she posted earlier today and, like her other solo stuff, is an excellent slice of funky electro pop. The song samples Abba's Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight),
which--although overused--is never a misstep. But it doesn't rely on that sample, focusing instead on some propulsive production and a big, bombastic sound. I hope we get a Britt Love solo album sometime. Until then, I'll just have to listen to all the unreleased Mini Viva tracks!


(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Listen to more of her stuff here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Britt Love - Come With Me

"We'll make a world of our own"

I was a huge fan of UK girl duo Mini Viva, back when it looked like they could be the next big thing. Unfortunately, after releasing their best single (One Touch), they were dropped before even getting to record an entire album. Luckily, the more interesting/unique voice of the two, Britt Love, is going solo with some dynamite dance pop. The clips on her facebook page sound amazing, but to fully whet your appetite, Come With Me is available to download for free. All you have to do is "like" her page and sign up for her mailing list. Well worth it, definitely. The song has a major Robyn "With Every Heartbeat" vibe, though it's more easily pinned to a specific era (ie: the 80's). And even with all of the pulsing electronics and flourishes, Britt's one-of-a-kind vocals are the highlight. This girl is a pop star, through and through.

Britt Love - Come With Me by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Download the song and listen to more here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 50 Singles of 2010: 20-16

20. Robyn - Hang With Me



A gentle, late summer electro gem. I didn’t think much of the acoustic version, but this is about as perfect as pop gets. One of my favorite videos of the year, too.

19. Liam Lever - Welcome To Earth



This may just actually become a real hit single in the future, but a music video was filmed this year so it makes my 2010 list. One of the best choruses of the year.

18. The Bang Bang Club - Chemistry



Another track that never took off the way it deserved to, this was a fixture of my Spring. From the scratchy vocals to the incessant chorus, this was pop music as cotton candy.

17. Mini Viva - One Touch



At once their death knell and their best single release, this song will always be a little bittersweet. I almost wish Girls Aloud would have recorded it so that it would have had the chance to be a proper hit.

16. Bjørn Johan Muri - Yes Man



The slow-burning single of the Spring. As hummable as Donkeyboys’ Ambitions was last year, this may do it one better (it was written by the same people). A song that never gets old.

Pop Blitz 5/5/10 (Diva Edition)

Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed
Despite some cringe-worthy lyrics, Cyrus maintains her string of great pop singles. It's more dance/urban this time around, which shouldn't really work with her husky voice. But it does. B+

Kelly Rowland - Commander
After her big dance hit last year, Rowland's decided to stick with the genre. Good move. Shame this isn't as strong as last year's. It's not bad, but the vocals do get a little shrill at points. B-

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)
It was written for the World Cup and certainly works in that context. Taken on its own, it's a great piece of African-inspired Shakira-pop. Not catchy enough to be a major hit, but pleasant. B

Christina Aguilera - Not Myself Tonight
The song, and accompanying video, just screams desperation. Worst of all, it's virtually hookless. A big step back for her, and hopefully not a sign of what's to come from the album. C-

Janet Jackson - Nothing
A one-off soundtrack cut from Jackson, and thank god for that because this is pretty sleepy. An attempt to replicate past, better, ballads, it comes up a little short. C

Mini Viva - One Touch
I'm in love with this. It's got one of the strongest bridges of any pop song this year and is a great example of that old-school Xenomania pop. Stuffed with hooks. A

Kelis - Acapella
Her foray into dance music, and definitely a success. The hypnotic beat stands out more than anything else, though I bet there's better stuff on the album. B+

Top 50 Singles of 2009: 25-21

25. Erik Hassle - Don’t Bring Flowers



Even better than Hurtful, this straddled the line perfectly between acoustic, electro and pure pop. Puts its American counterparts to shame.

24. Mini Viva - Left My Heart In Tokyo



Xenomania proves their worth yet again with this adrenaline-pumping dance track. A new duo couldn’t ask for a better introduction to the charts.

23. Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment



Many expected him to go rock, but instead the Idol runner-up released his version of what sounds like a Britney Spears song. The difference is he can sing like nobody’s business.

22. Mika - We Are Golden



The most over-the-top single in a career of over-the-top singles, this annoyed many but delighted me. It’s approaching Freddie Mercury territory.

21. Malena Ernman - La Voix



A perfect melding of opera and dance, this deserved so much better than it received in Eurovision. The chorus is still stirring.

Mini Viva - I'm Hooked

"Do you want to stay?"

I, along with almost every other pop-minded blogger out there, am very excited about Xenomania's Mini Viva. They have a specific sound that mixes Girls Aloud with something a little funkier. I've liked everything I've heard so far, though nothing quite touches the brilliant Left My Heart In Tokyo from this summer. I'm Hooked comes close, riding along on a disco beat with shimmering synths and a laid back groove that lets the melody and vocals shine. It becomes more and more impressive as it builds, and the chorus in particular really shines after a few listens.
On another note, I'm going to start using soundcloud rather than imeem for music, at least for now. Hope that works for everyone!

Mini Viva - I'm Hooked by alienhits

(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the new single here. Follow me on twitter at nickajames)