These days Toni Braxton is more known for her sisterly drama on her hit reality show, “Braxton Family Values“, more than her music. But that’s all about to change with the release of her new single “I Heart You“. The track literally dropped just a few hours ago and has all the makings to becoming a huge summer club anthem. Written and produced by Toni, the up-tempo electro song sets the dance floor ablaze with Toni’s signature sultry baritone vocals over a sonic thumping electro beat.
“When I wrote this song I was thinking about the feeling you get when you walk into a club and you hear the melody..you feel the beat and you just know it’s going to be a good night..” – Toni Braxton
The second I heard “I Heart You“, I instantly loved it. With over 60 million records sold worldwide to her credit, along with a slew of Grammy Awards, MTV VMAs and American Music Awards, the “Breathe Again” singer has a good shot of adding to her impressive haul with her new dance record. Welcome back Toni, you’ve missed. Her last effort, “Pulse“, in 2010 barely made ripples despite featuring top-notch producers including David Foster. This is the comeback her fans have been waiting for. Listen to the club banger track below. You’ll love it.
Author: Donovan
Date: Jan 27, 2012
In: Donovan, Music
Earlier this week Kelly Rowland debuted her “Keep It Between Us” music video and now she’s back with another tasty treat. This time the 30-year-old singer provides guest vocals for Sean Paul’s new track from his new album, “Tomahawk Technique“. Lately, we’ve heard Rowland on pop tracks, club anthems and R&B grooves. Now she’s giving us a little island flavor in form of a dancehall track and me likey.
“How Deep Is Your Love” sounds very similar to Sean Paul’s lead cut off his latest album, “Got 2 Luv U“. That track featured Alexis Jordan but stalled at No. 84 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, but was a huge hit in international markets including Germany and Austria. With Kelly Rowland possessing more star wattage than Jordan, the mid-tempo breezy track might have a better shot at becoming a hit. Produced by Stargate and penned by Ester Dean, “How Deep Is Your Love” certainly has the potential. Only time and, more importantly, radio stations will determine that. Check it out below.
Author: Donovan
Date: Dec 18, 2011
In: Donovan, Music
It’s been three years since Ashanti released her under-performing fourth studio album “The Declaration“. In 2012, the singer is looking to reclaim her spot at the top of the charts with her brand new single “The Woman You Love“. The now 31-year-old has an uphill battle now that she’s without a major record label backing her. She parted ways with former label Murder Inc after years of behind-the-scenes drama. Ashanti’s doing it on her own and created her own label called Written Entertainment. Believer it or not, she’s now an indie artist.
Hearkening back to the sound of the 90s that made her a huge R&B star, the track features some bumpin’ hip-hop beats. With Ja Rule in the big house, Ashanti enlisted Busta Rhymes to add some street swagger to the track. Rhymes plays the role of her jilted ex. “The Woman You Love” is the lead single of her yet-untitled fifth studio album. Recently, the singer told US Weekly the process for choosing songs for the record.
“It’s excruciating to decide [which songs to include]. I’ve tried so many different sounds, some out of my comfort zone, but I feel good about it,”
Author: Donovan
Date: Nov 18, 2011
In: Donovan, Music
Straight men better watch out. Mary J. Blige and Beyonce are out to teach you how to treat and love the ladies right. The two team up on “Love A Woman“, a sorta how-to-guide on how to take a relationship to the next level. You know the one that involves poking, and not in the Facebook kinda way. The instructional slow jam is from Blige’s upcoming album “My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I)“. Man, that’s a mouthful.
The album is Mary’s tenth studio album and serves as a sequel to her multi-platinum sophomore album, “My Life” released in 1994. Judging by the tracks I’ve heard so far, it’s a worthy successor to that much-cherished album. Personally, I love, love, love that CD. “I’m Goin’ Down” was epic. “My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act I)” hits stores on November 21, the same day as Rihanna’s “Talk That Talk“.
“Love A Woman” was written and produced by Sean Garrett who’s worked with Usher, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Rihanna, Britney Spears to name a few. Garrett, once again, works his magic and churns out a sultry ballad where Mary and Beyonce’s vocals shine. With electro-pop dance tracks dominating charts and radio these days, it’s nice to hear a soulful heartfelt jam. It totally reminds me of those classic old school jams from back in the day. The instant I heard it, I became obsessed. That being said, I’m curious to know what a dance remix will sound like. Can you blame me? No one ever slow dances at the club and Papa likes to dance so I need a remix. Check out the track below.
If you read my recent post discussing all of Rihanna’s Billboard’s Hot 100 chart toppers, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of “What’s My Name“. A year later Rihanna and Drake have collaborated once again on a new duet. This time, the single “Take Care” is for Drake’s new album of the same name. His LP is scheduled to hit stores on November 14 and will include other collabos with Nicki MInaj, Andre 3000 and Lil Wayne. Thanks to a leak, we get to listen to “Take Care” an entire week ahead of its release.
“I am not sure if the album leaked. But if it did thank god it doesn’t happen a month early anymore,” Drake tweeted. “Listen, enjoy it, buy it if you like it…and take care until next time.”
Will their new duet live up to their previous successful partnership? It’s not an instant hit like “What’s My Name“, but definitely has potential. I like the fact Drake once again chooses to sing-rap instead of going hardcore with his rhymes. It perfectly compliments Rihanna’s choice to show off her lower register. This will definitely become an upcoming official single from his sophomore album. It’s too good to become a B-side or album filler. Check out the track below.
Author: Donovan
Date: Oct 2, 2011
In: Donovan, Music
Robin Thicke is BACK. After two straight disappointing selling albums, Thicke is hoping to return to the glory days of his 2006 platinum selling release, “The Evolution of Robin Thicke“. That CD was fantastic. Everything that a sexy, sensual, emotional rhythm and blues album should sound like. I remember watching this blue-eyed soul man open for Beyonce that year and he blew me away. Instantly, I became a fan.
Based on his new single “Love After War“, which is the lead cut from his fifth studio album, he’s back on track. The single has a smooth groove with great lyrics. It chronicles a passionate make-up after experiencing a breakdown in a relationship. As always, his vocals are on point.
Since his last album, Robin welcomed his son Julian with his gorgeous wife Paula Patton. It’s this experience which has served as the inspiration for the concept of his new album. His new release will follow the ups and downs of a married young couple as they start their family. Art imitating life, right? “Love After War” will hit iTunes on October 11 with the album scheduled for a November 15th release. In the meantime, check out his new track below. It’s hot.
You know that feeling when you put on a piece of clothing you haven’t worn in a while and find money in the pockets. That’s the kind of pleasant surprise I felt when I heard VV Brown was back with a new single. I had all but forgotten about the British singer. Such a shame since I loved “Shark In The Water” from a couple years back. Hopefully, this time around she’s here to stay.
The 27-year-old singer’s new single “Children” is in the vein of “Shark In The Water”. It has the same nostalgic sing-song feel, which is a smart move on Brown’s part. This time around she included a bit of swagger by enlisting rapper Chiddy for a few lyrical rhymes. It also includes a sample of the classic kids playground anthem, “Do Your Ear Hang Low”. The track was produced by Chuck Harmony who’s credits include Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette“, Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock” and Fantasia’s “Bittersweet“. Check it out below.
My favorite Swedish import since Ikea is back with a new hot single. For those who don’t know singer Agnes, she’s the Leona Lewis of Sweden. Born Agnes Carlsson, she got her big break when she won Swedish Idol’s second season back in 2005. The adorably cute pop star scored an international smash hit with “Release Me“. Til this day, I love that track. It reminds me of an amazing night dancing in Amsterdam a couple years ago.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is the lead cut from Agnes’ forthcoming fourth studio album. It doesn’t have the instant catchiness of “Release Me” but still a very solid dance track. I have no doubt this gem will permeate to dance clubs, especially gay ones, across the world. I can’t wait to see the music video and hear all the hot remixes that will undoubtedly follow.
After numerous delays, we finally get to hear her new track. She first performed it live during Stockholm Pride Festival. Agnes obviously knows her market. LOL. The track was co-written by herself, her boyfriend Vincent Pontare and Magnus Lidehäll. Fun fact. In between her album releases, she performed at the Swedish Royal Wedding. Maybe prepping for that gig delayed her project. Either that or she was busy flirting with that sexy Prince Carl Phillip of Sweden. Boyfriend or not, a little innocent flirting never hurt anyone ;)
listen to the new track after the jump