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The Bottom LineLady Gaga lets the love monsters out of the closet and they are stepping to a martial beat. If you had any fears that Gaga would be a one album flash in the pan, the room filling beats and melodies of "Bad Romance" should help dispel them. The song is an intense litany of nearly pathological romantic entanglements all set to beats designed to crowd the dance floor. Lady Gaga's singing is at its best so far here as she moves from snarling threats to floating sweetness and back again.
 
Pros

That huge martial beat and room-filling sound
Best vocals yet from Lady Gaga
Arresting nonsense syllable chorus

 
Description

Written by Lady Gaga and RedOne
Produced by RedOne
Released October 2009 by Interscope

 
Guide Review - Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance"
"Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-Roma-ma-ah! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la! Want your bad romance!" It's Lady GaGa's call to arms against the monsters of negative love relationships. This is one of the songs she wrote over the last year while touring and turning into one of the world's biggest pop stars. She has stated in press releases that the songs are all about the various monsters she faced during the time. One of those was the love monster. RedOne is back in the collaboration chair, and this is their biggest achievement yet.
 
"Bad Romance" may not be as instantly engaging as "Poker Face" or "LoveGame," but songs about the seamier, uglier side of life do not endear themselves quite as quickly. However, seen in the light of the love monsters it is attempting to chase down, "Bad Romance" becomes a powerfully cathartic exercise.
 
Musically, "Bad Romance" is a creature of the fashion runway. It was no coincidence that the song had its official premier in Paris fashion week. The music is a perfect, driving soundtrack for viewing arresting fashion designs. However, it remains quite listenable and danceable apart from that context. It is a reminder that the Lady Gaga experience is visual as well as musical. The full effect involves video, clothing, and stage sets in addition to sounds.
 
"Bad Romance" should easily keep Lady Gaga front and center in the very crowded pre-holiday music release schedule. It is an intriguing introduction to the eight new songs that will be included on the re-release of The Fame titled The Fame Monster. There is depth here that goes well beyond the party and drink atmosphere where we first met Lady Gaga on "Just Dance."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shakira was already a huge Latin star when she crossed over into the US mainstream pop charts. All of her biggest hits on the US pop singles charts were recorded in English. This is a list of the five biggest of those songs. Highest chart ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 is included.
 
1. "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean - 2006 - #1
"Hips Don't Lie" begins with Wyclef Jean's 2004 release "Dance Like This." Shakira wrote new segments and the song was re-christened "Hips Don't Lie" fusing reggaeton with salsa and Cumbia dance styles. The result was a worldwide smash hit single. The song became Shakira's first #1 pop hit in both the US and the UK. That made her the first South American artist to hit #1 in the US. "Hips Don't Lie" was a #1 hit in dozens of countries around the world and was performed for a worldwide television audience at the 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin, Germany.
 

 
2. "Beautiful Liar" with Beyonce - 2007 - #3
Beyonce has stated in interviews that she and Shakira met at various awards shows through the year and expressed the desire to create a musical collaboration. The opportunity presented itself in recording a new song for the re-issue of Beyonce's hit album B'Day. The result was a top three hit single that was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and an MTV Video Music Awards citation for Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration. The song was recorded in both English and Spanish versions.
 
 

 
3. "Whenever, Wherever" - 2001 - #6
"Whenever Wherever" was released as the first single from Shakira's first English language album Laundry Service. It became her breakthrough single in English language markets around the world reaching #2 in the UK and the top 10 in the US. The song hit #1 in 29 different countries. A Spanish language version titled "Suerte" (meaning "lucky") was recorded as well.
 

 
4. "Underneath Your Clothes" - 2002 - #9
"Underneath Your Clothes" was the second single from Shakira's album Laundry Service. The video accompanying the song was directed by fashion photographer Herb Ritts. The video poignantly depicts Shakira's loneliness as a recording artist on tour.
 

 
5. "She Wolf" - 2009 - #13
"She Wolf" is the first single and title song from Shakira's third English language studio album. The song uses strong influences from classic disco to depict the sexual animal lurking inside a woman. "She Wolf" debuted at #34 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest debut for Shakira thus far in her career.
 

The Bottom Line
Ever since her “Pon de Replay” arrival in summer 2005, Rihanna has been ubiquitous on pop radio. After topping the charts with two killer dance-pop records, the Barbados singer changed things up with the hit soul-searching ballad “Unfaithful.” Her label Def Jam is once again wasting no time in releasing new material, jumping forward with new single “Umbrella.” The song combines Rihanna’s serious side with her dance floor sensibilities to make for her best track yet.
 
Pros

Rihanna's maturing voice
Irresistible chorus
Uniquely effective rock-r&b production

 
Cons

Unneccessary Jay-Z cameo

 
Description

Drum kit and driving bass line create an edgy, rock-hop sound
Rihanna's aggressive vocal performance
Uniquely pronounced “umbrella” makes for an addictive hook

 
Guide Review - Rihanna featuring Jay-Z - Umbrella
In past work, Rihanna’s teenage voice has carried about as much charisma as a bowl of water. Five-star production and her uncanny knack for melody, however, have been able to make up for any vocal shortcomings. On “Umbrella,” Rihanna is beginning to show major signs of musical growth as she sports her most impressive and aggressive vocal performance to date.
 
“Umbrella” is unique in that it is constructed of a hip-hop beat but has an edgy rock sound. The song is somewhat stripped-down and consists mostly of a standard drumbeat up until the chorus. At the hook, however, Rihanna kicks her vocal up a notch alongside a roaring bass line, creating an aura of desperation, as if the whole thing could explode at any moment. The experience culminates in Rihanna’s catchy, repetitive pronunciation of the song’s title.
 
Although “Umbrella” kicks off with an unnecessary and somewhat uninspired rap from label boss Jay-Z, Rihanna more than makes up for the early misstep as she convincingly sings about keeping a relationship together no matter the circumstances. If this lead single is any indication, the upcoming third album, Good Girl Gone Bad should be her best yet.
 
 

This list is an all-purpose selection to get any party crowd moving and in a great mood for fun. What makes a great party song? Sexy, danceable, and fun to sing with friends are 3 key elements.
 
1. Lady GaGa featuring Colby O'Donis - "Just Dance" (2008)
This is the song that made Lady GaGa a star. The sly lyrics about partying a bit too much and one of the most infectious beats in all of music combine to make this the top party standard of today.
 

 
2. Flo Rida featuring Ke$ha - "Right Round" (2009)
Flo Rida, the current king of pop rap, gets a big boost here from party favorites of another era, the new wave pop group Dead or Alive and their big hit "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)." Flo Rida will have you singing and dancing along instantly.

 
3. Kevin Rudolf featuring Lil Wayne - "Let It Rock" (2008)
As soon as he stepped out from behind other musicians, Kevin Rudolf grabbed the spotlight with a vengeance. He brought the fire and takes us higher.
 

 
4. Kid Cudi - "Day 'n Nite" (2009)
There's a hint of sadness here along with one of the most infectious backing tracks in recent history. Join that lonely stoner and free your mind at night.
 

 
5. Pink - "Get the Party Started" (2001)
Pink's #1 smash has been a party classic from the moment of release. There is no better way musically to kick off your party.
 

 
6. Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson - "The Way I Are" (2007)
Timbaland saved one of his best production jobs for himself. Grammatical concerns in the title aside, this will be one of the hottest dance tracks at your party.
 

 
7.Lil Wayne - "A Milli" (2008)
The in your face wit of Lil Wayne has a place at your party. If you are sensitive to language, you may want to think twice, but otherwise this is an instant classic. Most of us can only dream about Lil Wayne's money.
 

 
8. Asher Roth - "I Love College" (2009)
For all those who remember college parties fondly whether it was last night or 10 years ago.
 

 
9. AC/DC - "You Shook Me All Night Long" (1980)
It may be over 25 years old, but AC/DC's hard rock classic remains one of the most in demand party tunes of all time.
 

 
10. 3OH!3 - "Don't Trust Me" (2009)
In the words of 3OH!3, "Do the Hellen Keller and talk with your hips."
 

The Bottom Line
 
Guide Review - Lady GaGa - "Paparazzi"

Lady GaGa has ridden to the top reaches of the pop singles charts with three successive singles produced by RedOne. All three are extremely catchy, danceable, and deserving of success. However, there is a certain feeling of emptiness in "Just Dance,""Poker Face," and "LoveGame." Now we turn our attention to one of the songs created with veteran producer and songwriter Rob Fusari who can be given much of the credit for "discovering" Lady GaGa. He was a key player in coming up with the stage name Lady GaGa. "Paparazzi" is easily the most affecting and moving single release yet.

 
Pros

Knowing acknowledgment of the symbiotic star and paparazzi relationship
Swirling emotion present in words and music
Light but insistent vocals from Lady GaGa

 
Cons

No significant negatives here

 
Description

Written by Lady GaGa and Rob Fusari
Produced by Rob Fusari and Lady GaGa
Released September 2009 by Interscope

 
Guide Review - Lady GaGa - "Paparazzi"

Lady GaGa has ridden to the top reaches of the pop singles charts with three successive singles produced by RedOne. All three are extremely catchy, danceable, and deserving of success. However, there is a certain feeling of emptiness in "Just Dance,""Poker Face," and "LoveGame." Now we turn our attention to one of the songs created with veteran producer and songwriter Rob Fusari who can be given much of the credit for "discovering" Lady GaGa. He was a key player in coming up with the stage name Lady GaGa. "Paparazzi" is easily the most affecting and moving single release yet.
The paparazzi who trail stars looking for a lucrative photo opportunity are easy targets for scorn as seen in Britney Spears' scathing "Piece of Me." However, here Lady GaGa points out there is a sort of symbiotic relationship between a star and those who, for better or worse, are there to document and, in a sense, create the stardom. Musically, "Paparazzi" relies on slightly langourous synth textures and dense percussion to convey the swirl of emotions that accompany the interaction between celebrity and photographer. Sexual desire, dread, resigned acknowledgment, and an insistence that fun is still possible all swirl together in an effective stew of emotion. Lady GaGa's voice floats over the top enticing the listener into the complex world of stardom.
Special mention should be made of the accompanying music video for "Paparazzi." Jonas Akerlund, long time video collaborator with Madonna, put together the clip that amounts to a mini-movie. In the words of Lady GaGa, "The video explores ideas about sort of hyperbolic situations that people will go to in order to be famous. Most specifically, pornography and murder." The imagery is both disturbing and stunningly beautiful. It is a perfect accompaniment to the mixture of sometimes conflicting emotions in the song.

The Bottom Line
Beyonce rolls out another adventurous song from the Sasha Fierce half of her latest album. "Sweet Dreams" heads heavily into synthesized electronic pop territory. The haunting lyric and Beyonces' self-assured vocals make this track another solid success.
 
Pros

Beyonce's gliding vocals that ratchet up the tension at exactly the right moment
Haunting lyrics
Aggressive and exciting electronic pop arrangement

 
Cons

Misses that intangible element of pure magic

 
Description

Written by Beyoncé Knowles, James Scheffer, Wayne Wilkins, and Rico Love
Produced by Jim Jonsin, Wayne Wilkins, Rico Love, and Beyoncé Knowles
Released June 2009 by Columbia Records

 
Guide Review - Beyonce - "Sweet Dreams"

"Sweet Dreams" kicks off with a bassline that would have been comfortable behind classic 80's funk, but as Beyonce's voice kicks in and meets the chorus the first time, we hear something closer to classic electronic pop. Arrangements are primarily courtesy of Beyonce's collaborators here, members of the songwriting and production team known as the Runaways as well as producer Jim Jonsin. Then we think about that line, "You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare," and it all sounds slightly creepy in a good way. This is Beyonce heading in a different direction, but it is immediately identifiable as her and only her. It would be very easy for a star of Beyonce's calibre to take significantly fewer risks musically. Instead, she is recording music that stretches her sound in new directions. She's not always successful, but more often than not the result is...in a word, fierce.
The vocal performance here possesses an elegantly gliding tone that perfectly maintains the tension in the lyric and arrangement. Beyonce has kept the ability to ratchet up the excitement level of a song by rising into her upper range from the time of her first megahit "Crazy In Love." However, she tempers it with a stunning sense of control. Each time she climbs into agitation here it is almost as if she takes a quick breath then settles herself back to a slightly less tense state. The expertise in the sound is breathtaking.
Watching the accompanying video is necessary for the full impact of "Sweet Dreams." By three minutes into the clip when she appears in a gold metallic outfit, it's clear we are watching another Beyonce classic. She is at the top of her form as an artist and taking chances that often only the hungriest of artists take.
 
 

The Bottom Line
 
Lady Gaga lets the love monsters out of the closet and they are stepping to a martial beat. If you had any fears that Gaga would be a one album flash in the pan, the room filling beats and melodies of "Bad Romance" should help dispel them. The song is an intense litany of nearly pathological romantic entanglements all set to beats designed to crowd the dance floor. Lady Gaga's singing is at its best so far here as she moves from snarling threats to floating sweetness and back again.
 
Pros

That huge martial beat and room-filling sound
Best vocals yet from Lady Gaga
Arresting nonsense syllable chorus

 
Cons

No significant negatives

 
Description

Written by Lady Gaga and RedOne
Produced by RedOne
Released October 2009 by Interscope

 
Guide Review - Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance"

"Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah! Roma-Roma-ma-ah! Ga-ga-ooh-la-la! Want your bad romance!" It's Lady GaGa's call to arms against the monsters of negative love relationships. This is one of the songs she wrote over the last year while touring and turning into one of the world's biggest pop stars. She has stated in press releases that the songs are all about the various monsters she faced during the time. One of those was the love monster. RedOne is back in the collaboration chair, and this is their biggest achievement yet.
"Bad Romance" may not be as instantly engaging as "Poker Face" or "LoveGame," but songs about the seamier, uglier side of life do not endear themselves quite as quickly. However, seen in the light of the love monsters it is attempting to chase down, "Bad Romance" becomes a powerfully cathartic exercise.
Musically, "Bad Romance" is a creature of the fashion runway. It was no coincidence that the song had its official premier in Paris fashion week. The music is a perfect, driving soundtrack for viewing arresting fashion designs. However, it remains quite listenable and danceable apart from that context. It is a reminder that the Lady Gaga experience is visual as well as musical. The full effect involves video, clothing, and stage sets in addition to sounds.
"Bad Romance" should easily keep Lady Gaga front and center in the very crowded pre-holiday music release schedule. It is an intriguing introduction to the eight new songs that will be included on the re-release of The Fame titled The Fame Monster. There is depth here that goes well beyond the party and drink atmosphere where we first met Lady Gaga on "Just Dance."

Each year many new albums of Christmas music are released. This year's releases range from a collection from an American Idol to albums by legendary singer-songwriters. These are the 10 most eagerly awaited new pop Christmas albums for 2009.
 
1. David Archuleta - 'Christmas From the Heart'
David Archuleta's second studio album is a Christmas collection. His warm, inviting voice would seem a perfect match for holiday music. The album includes a duet with Charice and a new Christmas song "Melodies of Christmas" written by David, his father Jeff Archuleta and two other songwriters.

 
2. Sting - 'If on a Winter's Night...'
Sting's new release is a collection of songs meant to conjure up the winter or "season of spirits." He takes traditional British carols and lullabies as a starting point. A wide range of guest instrumentalists are featured playing such traditional instruments as Northumbrian pipes and metal string Scottish harp.
 

 
3. Bob Dylan - 'Christmas in the Heart'
The latest studio album from the legendary Bob Dylan is a collection of holiday classics. All proceeds from this album go to Feeding America to help feed people in need across the US.
 

 
4. Andrea Bocelli - 'My Christmas'
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is tremendously popular around the world. This is his first holiday collection. His songs will be a major part of an upcoming PBS holiday special.
 

 
5. Neil Diamond - 'A Cherry Cherry Christmas'
Neil Diamond has experienced a tremendous resurgence in popularity in recent years. This is his third holiday collection and includes the original song "A Cherry Cherry Christmas" that references a number of his past hits.
 

 
6. Jackson 5 - 'Ultimate Christmas Collection'
This collection includes the original 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas album plus loads of extras including a rare unreleased Michael Jackson Christmas song.
 

 
7. Michael McDonald - 'This Christmas'
This is the third holiday collection to be released by blue-eyed soul master Michael McDonald.
 

 
8. Straight No Chaser - 'Christmas Cheers'
Originally formed at Indiana University in 1996, Straight No Chaser is one of the most popular a capella singing groups.
 

 
9. Sugarland - 'Gold and Green'
This is the first Christmas album from country duo Sugarland. It includes five original songs.
 

 
10. Irish Tenors - 'Irish Tenors Christmas'
The trio of Irish tenors have reached tremendous popularity through a series of PBS shows. They now lend their voices to a collection of holiday songs.
 

1. Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
Fergie has stated that this video represents the Black Eyed Peas' "birth into the digital afterlife." The "Boom Boom Pow" music video was directed by Matthew Cullen. The computer seen at the beginning of the clip is an HP TouchSmart.
 

 
2. Kelly Clarkson - "I Do Not Hook Up"
The director of the "I Do Not Hook Up" video is Bryan Barber, the director behind Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" and OutKast's "Hey Ya" videos. Kelly Clarkson has said one of the things she likes about this video is, "I'm throwing guys around."
 

 
3. Ciara and Justin Timberlake - "Love Sex Magic"
One of the sexiest current pop videos, the clip for "Love Sex Magic" was directed by Diana Martel, a 15-year veteran of directing music videos. She also recently directed the video for "Mad" by Ne-Yo. This video was inspired by the Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris.
 

 
4. Green Day - "Know Your Enemy"
The music video for "Know Your Enemy" was directed by Matthew Cullen, the man behind the Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" clip. It was shot in downtown Los Angeles, and Cullen says he was influenced by street artist Banksy.
 

 
5. Britney Spears - "If U Seek Amy"
Britney Spears' video for the single "If U Seek Amy" references many points in her career. Some complained that in the wake of controversy over the song, the video was not controversial enough. It was directed by Jake Nava who directed the videos for Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."
 

 
6. 3OH!3 - "Don't Trust Me"
This video kicks off with the words, "A global virus of catastrophic proportions has attacked the entire male population. Only two male models from Colorado survive...this is their story." It's your opportunity to see the duo 3OH!3 in their underwear.
 

 
7. Beyonce - "Halo"
"Halo" is the first video in color from Beyonce's album I Am...Sasha Fierce. The simple concept of exploring a loving relationship fits the song like a glove. Philip Andleman, the video's director, is a prolific director of music videos. One of his most recent was Miley Cyrus' "Fly On the Wall."
 

 
8. Eminem - "We Made You"
Filled with Eminem's commentary on celebrity, among the works taken on in this video are the movie Rain Man and MTV's reality show Rock Of Love. Director Joseph Kahn is one of the best known music video directors, and he's responsible for the definitive Britney Spears videos "Womanizer" and "Toxic," as well as Eminem's "Without Me."
 

 
9. Miley Cyrus - "The Climb"
Miley Cyrus takes an inspirational approach here with the first hit song and video from her film Hannah Montana: The Movie. The clip was directed by 20 year video veteran Matthew Rolston who recently directed the video for Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo."
 

 
10. Pink - "Please Don't Leave Me"
This is probably the most controversial video on the chart. It is similar in concept to Stephen King's book Misery. Eric Lively portrays Pink's boyfriend who suffers a wide range of horrific injury throughout the clip. The approach utilizes dark humor to illustrate the lyrics of the song. The video's director Dave Meyers won a Grammy Award in 2005 for directing Missy Elliott's "Lose Control."
 

1. 2003 - Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera
Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera perform two unforgettable kisses. One of the most audacious pop music performances in the history of television.
 

 
2. 1992 - Nirvana - "Lithium"
One of the moments when everything seemed a little out of control. Krist Novoselic tosses his guitar into the air. It lands whacking him in the head and he stumbles offstage. Kurt Cobain starts tearing into the amps and everything descends to chaos.
 

 
3. 2009 - Taylor Swift Wins Best Female Video and Is Interrupted by Kanye West
Everyone was a little surprised that Taylor Swift, country singer, won the award for Best Female Video, but what Kanye West did next was an even bigger surprise.
 

 
4. 2001 - *NSYNC with Michael Jackson - "Pop"
What better way to close out a performance of the song "Pop" than with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Justin Timberlake beatboxing while MJ dances is a moment to treasure.
 
 

 
5. 2000 - Eminem - "The Real Slim Shady"
It was a whole sea of Slim Shadys who started out in the open air and then followed Eminem into the theater to take over the stage.
 

 
6. 1994 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley Kiss
It was really not that big of a surprise to see the newlyweds together, but the kiss was a bit of a shocker. The biggest kiss in MTV Video Music Award history until another pair of kisses almost 10 years later.
 

 
7. 1993 - Neil Young and Pearl Jam - "Keep Rockin' in the Free World"
One of the more serious music moments at the MTV Video Music Awards: two generations rock together in a singularly intense fashion.
 

8. 1990 - MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This"
I'm not sure if there have ever been more people onstage in a single performance before or since at the MTV Video Music Awards. Few performers did dance spectacle better than MC Hammer.
 
9. 1988 - Guns 'n Roses - "Welcome to the Jungle"
For many years, this performance defined rock at the MTV Video Music Awards. This is the glory that was Guns 'n Roses.
 

 
10. 1995 - Courtney Love Disrupts Madonna Interview
First she threw things and then, after being invited up by MTV's Kurt Loder, Courtney Love took over in inimitable fashion.