300K In Sales Expected For X Factor Charity Single

The X Factor charity single is expected to bring in some of the biggest sales of the decade!

"Hero", a Mariah Carey's 1993 hit, was covered by the 12 X Factor finalists for two charities; the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and Help For Heroes. It was released last week, and is so popular, its being called one of the biggest singles of the decade.

The success of the single has many British retailers scrambling to fill out orders to refill their emptying shelves. UK retailer HMV has reported sales of over 100,000 in just two days. According to the chain's spokesman Gennardo Castaldo, "the only thing that may hold back sales this week is whether the manufacturers can keep pace with the growing demand for the CD single."

Amazon UK revealed earlier in the week that they sold out of the CD single within a few hours of release. It is also #1 on UK iTunes and Play.com.

The single, which was performed live on the live results show on Saturday, is seeing sales projections of over 300K, making it one of the biggest opening week sales of the year, if not the decade. This isn't the first time that the X Factor has yielded huge sales. Leona Lewis' coronation single "A Moment Like This" sold half a million copies in its first week.

Leona Lewis Performs "Forgive Me" on UK's National Lottery Show

The Leona single blitz begins with the first official performance of her new UK single "Forgive Me".

The rising diva performed the song on the National Lottery show. Check out the performance below:




Amazing as usual. Nothing else to say.

Cloris Leachman Voted Off Dancing with The Stars!

Well, it had to end some time.

Oscar-winning crowd pleaser Cloris Leachman and her partner Corky Ballas were voted off this week, probably because of their platry 15 from the judges.

Cloris has been a fan favorite since day one of the competition, escaping elimination many times because of her wacky dances and her lovable defiance against the judges and the insufferable co-host Samantha Harris (who denied any hostility towards her earlier this week).

The show just got a little less interesting now that she's gone....

Damn those judges!
We'll miss you Cloris!

DOTD UK 10/28: "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele

Bob Dylan's simple masterpiece "Make You Feel My Love" has been covered by everyone from Billy Joel to Kelly Clarkson. This week, Adele takes a stab at it when her version is released on CD in the UK.

Adele, as always, delivers an absolutely stirring vocal, revitalizing a decades old song with the soul we come to expect from the young Brit. Backed by a piano and a violin, Adele injects the song with her special kind of sorrowful soul, reminiscent of Billie Holiday. Her voice is mixed with passion, desperation, and lament, perfectly interpreting Dylan's lyrics. Even when she reaches the higher notes with that huge voice of hers, she never loses that emotional connection that has made her one of the artists to watch on both sides of the pond.

The 4th single from Adele's album 19 is available in UK shops now. The album is also available on both sides of the Atlantic now.

Check it out below:

Music Video Premiere: "Keeps Gettin' Better" by Christina Aguilera

It's nearly a month late, but the video for Christina Aguilera's single "Keeps Gettin' Better".

Unlike the two previous videos I reviewed, this one is actually interesting. Here, Xtina actually puts together clips from different colorful periods in time. My favorite was her dressed as Catwoman. The video is very lively and the concept works for the song.

Well done, Christina!

Her Greatest Hits album will be released next month.

Music Video Premiere: "I Stay In Love" by Mariah Carey

After two flop singles, Mariah tries again with the great "I Stay In Love". She premiered the video for the song on BET's Access Granted last night.

In the video, she plays a showgirl who falls for this guy, but gets her heart broken when he starts hanging with another showgirl. At least that's what I got from it.

I'm just gonna blame director/husband/pet Nick Cannon for this video's storyline. Mariah looks gorgeous as usual, and the B&W effect is cool, but the concept doesn't match the video at all.

I hope this doesn't keep this song from being a success, but if it does, I think Mimi should get back in the studio STAT!

Check the clip out here.

Music Video Premiere: "Greatest Day" by Take That

Call me crazy, but how do you come off of a multi-platinum album and deliver such a cheap, boring video. With a title like "Greatest Day", it should have been epic, not just four guys standing on top of a building moving awkwardly and making "king of the world" poses.

This is going to be a very curious album era for Take That, huh?

Jennifer Hudson's Nephew Found Dead In Stolen Car

The worst has been confirmed.

The FBI has revealed that Julian King, Jennifer Hudson's 7-year old nephew, is dead. His body was found in the rear seat of an SUV. He reportedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including at least one to the head

Jennifer reportedly identified the body.

This is one of the most shocking, tragic events I have ever heard of. It's disgusting, and I hope whoever is responsible rots in hell for eternity.

Again, my condolences are extended to Jennifer, Julia, and the whole of the Hudson family at such an unspeakable time.

DOTD Album Tracks: "The Loving Kind" by Girls Aloud

What happens when you combine Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys, and Xenomania on one track?

You get a brilliant piece of pop music.

"The Loving Kind", off of their upcoming Out of Control album, follows "Call The Shots" as one of the best pop songs of the year. In fact, the two songs have a lot in common, which make them amazing. Both songs are slow-grooving electropop ballads, paired with great lyrics about a broken and/or strained relationship. 

What sets "The Loving Kind" apart from its sister song is the lyrics. While "Call The Shots" was a slightly confusing song to interpret lyrically, this song is very clear. The girls sing about desperately trying to revive a struggling pairing. They sing about proving their lovers wrong; they are capable of being loving and attentive, even if they don't necessarily show it. We can thank PSB for the wonderful words.

The collaboration wouldn't work without the always innovative Xenomania production team. They pair the Boys' thoughtful lyrics with a slow, energetic electropop sound. The melody sounds young, wistful and downright magical, even with the sorrowful lyrics. The sound lightly blankets the girls voice, making the song sound smooth and slick like previous GA efforts.

Those sick of the "one-woman show" will be glad to see that Nadine doesn't lead this song. Although she gets to sing the best lyric on the song ( "I want you, to kiss away the tension, the issues never mentioned, with all the best intentions, but you turn away"), the best part is the chorus, which sounds as angelic as a synth ballad could get.

"The Loving Kind", which should become their 20th top 10 single (and maybe their 5th #1), is another showing of what brilliance can come from pop music. It's no surprise that GA, easily the best pop group of the last decade, was the one to prove that fact to us.

Rating: 10/10

To hear a clip, listen below:

X Factor Watch: Ruth Lorenzo

If ever there was a game-changer on UK's X Factor, this was it.

In the bottom two last week, Ruth Lorenzo (aka the sexiest contestant ever) performed in a sing-off with final girl group Girl Band. She chose "Purple Rain" as her possible swan song. What followed was one of the best performances I have heard on that stage, ever.

This should definitely extend her reign for a few more weeks, if not to the Finals.

Check it out below:

DOTD Classics: "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban

There is something to be said for vocalists.

Yes, we all love a booty-shaking dance smash (one of my best friends, a huge classic rock fan, has "Disturbia" on his iPod) or hard-rocking anthem. Yet, sometimes we just need to appreciate a great vocalist; someone whose voice can send shivers through us and evoke powerful emotions.

Josh Groban is a great vocalist.

Scratch that; he is a brilliant vocalist.

His voice is rich, powerful, emotional, soulful, operatic, and everything else in between. It's a voice that can translate the feelings others don't have the words to express. In this day and age, where many voices are vocoded and Auto-Tuned to death, its a true treasure to find someone who could really, really, really sing.

One of his most defining vocal performances is "To Where You Are", a song off of his eponymous debut album. The song is about reuniting with a lost loved one. In today's cynical world, that may cause the eyes to roll a bit, but its a truly beautiful song, and that fact is highlighted as Josh Groban sings it.

Josh begins the song softly, showing off a deep lower range. As the piano plays though, his voice raises into its upper register, maintaining the rich tone from before. Once he hits the chorus, he unleashes the magic, hitting a jaw-dropping, tear-pricking power note in the middle. As you absorb the stunning combination of his voice and the beautiful piano, you also take in the lyrics, which are given a more powerful significance. Suddenly, you realize that his singing is expressing what you have been feeling, if you have ever lost someone close to you, which many have. If you haven't, you still are mesmerized by the beauty of his voice. What you get, by listening to this song, is a deep, emotional experience that could make even the most rough-and-tumble person rubbing their eyes.

As I said before, we live in a world where such emotion is often frowned upon, where such vocal beauty is either classified as over-singing or ridiculously sentimentality. Still, it shouldn't be this way. It's a gift to have someone whose voice can deliver in a way that touches a deep part of us, no matter what type of genre we enjoy. We should celebrate those who can convey messages of hope, fear, passion, grief, and love. That is why today's "Download of the Day: Classics" post belongs to the excellent Josh Groban.

Album Review: "Funhouse" by Pink

The sleeper hit "I'm Not Dead" brought Pink back on the radio and pop charts, and now she's back with an all-new album, bouyed by the worldwide smash "So What". Here is a track-by-track (in order) review of the album:

"Sober" - The song lives up to its title; listening to this track has a very sobering effect, especially after jumping around to "So What". The second single is a mid-tempo ballad adorned with many different instruments; drums, violin, and a few guitar riffs make up the backbone of this song. Pink, very passionately, sings about being at a party where everyone's drunk except her, and she feels better than the others (a real-life event apparently). It's a great song, not as radio-friendly as her first single, but its definitely noteworthy. Rating: 7.5/10


"I Don't Believe You" - Pink drops the rock sound for this track, singing about denial in a relationship. With all the screaming and rocking, you tend to forget that Pink is actually a really good singer. In fact, this is one of the best vocals she has ever delivered. Her voice is vulnerable while still powerful. While the lyrics make the song seem like a typical "please don't leave me" ballad, the magic is all in Pink's voice. Rating: 8/10


"One Foot Wrong" - The most interesting thing about the song is the subtle use of amp feedback throughout this slow-burning rock song. Other than that, there is nothing really special about this song. Of course, Pink sounds great, but the rest of the song lacks the energy she provides in her voice. Rating: 6/10


"Could've Had Everything" - Another OK song following the previous track. Pink follows the broken relationship theme with this song, talking about she "screw[ed] herself over". The repetitiveness of that basic theme is pretty annoying, distracting from a decent song. Pure filler. Rating: 5.5/10


"Please Don't Leave Me" - I didn't even realize I used the song title in my review of "I Don't Believe You". Anyway, the song is pretty good, thanks to some really good lyrics and a 60s rock sound, something you bop along to. She doesn't sound as desperate as the song would imply, but then again, you will never see Pink at someone's feet. Rating: 6/10


"Bad Influence" - Finally, some fun! Following the vein of "So What", this song is delicious mix of rock and pop, with some cool, funny lyrics. Pink sounds like she's having a pretty kick-ass party here, singing with attitude like she did on her #1 hit. What I love about this song is that instead of being about a relationship, its just about having fun, and being bad. This definitely a pop-banger in the waiting (4th single maybe). Naughty and fun, this track is one of the highlights. Rating: 8.5/10


"Funhouse" - For the title track, Pink goes for some Maroon 5 as she sings about a house haunted by something. The funky sound is pretty cool, but I'm not feeling the lyrics at all. There is a short deviation in the middle of the song, making it even weirder. Honestly, this is a song I suggest just listening to the music. Rating: 5/10


"Crystal Ball" - Another standout track for me. I love the stripped-down sound, leaving just guitar strums and Pink and a partner singing some pretty metaphoric lyrics. Everything about this song is pretty, from the melody to her voice. While I personally feel she may have oversung a bit, its not enough to detract from this awesome, gorgeous ballad. Despite what the song, there are very little cracks in this song. Rating: 8.5/10


"Mean" - Back to the relationship stuff. To further get her point across, she switches things up, turning to classic Southern rock. Here she sings about a broken-down relationship where the two can barely tolerate each other's presence. It's another "pretty good" song, and she gets points for expanding the album's versatility. Still, the song is adding to the pile of relationship baggage. Rating: 6/10


"It's All Your Fault" - Remember "Since U Been Gone", Kelly Clarkson's smash hit? Well, this song is that, but better and more modern. The song blames the lover for ruining everything, and is definitely a pick-up from the previous somber. Pink excels at the "F--k you" sound, and it shows here. The electronic embellishments throughout the song are pretty innovative. Rating: 7/10


"Ave Mary A" - Yes, its a play on words, based off the Christmas album staple. This song is a near polar opposite. The verses are rapid-fire, and its a full-blown midtempo rocker. It's not a standout song for me (or anyone), but it definitely helps balance the album out. Rating: 7/10


"Glitter in the Air" - Best song on the album next to "So What" and the true standout. It's an absolutely stunning piano-driven ballad, one of the best she has ever recorded. She sings metaphorically about the ins and outs of love, and its one of those love songs that everyone, regardless of your musical taste, should be able to identify with. The lyrics are sweet, without being sappy. Her voice is powerful, without being overblown. It's utterly perfect. Rating: 10/10


"So What" - Probably the best song on the album. It's everything you expect from Pink: fun and filled with attitude. It also helps that the chorus is ridiculously catchy and that she even fits a celeb zinger in there (sorry Jessica). Pure pop anthem right here, and one of the best singles of the year. Rating: 10/10


Final Thoughts: Pink's new album is definitely not expected, but then again, expectations aren't very cool. Neither is half the album being filled with the remnants of Pink's divorce. When she did it right, it was awesome. When she did it wrong, it was annoying. Still, the album has some great moments, and two moments of brilliance. What can be said about this album is that its well-rounded and it definitely has something for everyone, making it one of the best of the year so far.


FINAL RATING: 7.5/10

Girls Aloud Tops, Leon Jackson Drops On The UK Singles Chart

Girls Aloud have reason to celebrate today, after debuting at the top of the UK Singles Chart this week with "The Promise". It is their first number one since "Walk This Way" with the Sugababes, their first solo number one since "I Stand by You" in 2004, and their first non-charity number one since their debut "Sound of the Underground".

Falling from #1 to #2 this week is Pink's "So What", which spent three weeks at the top.

In the many songs falling out of the top 10, the most notable was Leon Jackson, whose single "Don't Call This Love" fell from #3 to #11, still one spot behind X Factor spoof single "The Winners Song" by Geraldine McQueen, who falls to #10 this week.

The Saturdays hold pretty firm this week, only falling to #6 from their debut of #5.

Song Review: "Love Lockdown" by Kanye West

I've been a little behind with this song.

I wasn't paying attention when Kanye West performed it at the VMAs last month. I didn't download it when the other 150+K did to push the song onto the chart at #3. I barely watched the video.

Now, a month after its release, I added it on iTunes.

First off, Kanye singing is just wrong. He is an excellent rapper, and if he did his homework, he should know that rappers who sing usually don't work (Ja Rule, for instance). In fact, his voice is so unremarkable that he has to pull a T-Pain and Auto-Tune the hell out of the song. It can be either innovative or annoying, depending on your mood. The repetitive lyrics don't make it any better.

Honestly, that's the only gripe I have with the song. Everything else is awesome. The arrangement, the soft beat during the verse, the short, repeating piano melody, and those kick-ass Taiko drums during the chorus are truly superb, showing how far Kanye is willing to push the envelope of hip-hop. The song, without a doubt, is his most ambitious and interesting song to date.

His voice just sucks.

Rating: 7/10

Suspect Caught In Hudson Murders

William Balfour, the man suspected of killing Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother yesterday, has been arrested but not charged.

He is reportedly not cooperating with police, and won't tell them the whereabouts of the still-missing nephew Julian.

His mother, Michelle Davis Balfour, has made a plea to allow her to see her son.

Balfour, according to his MySpace page, is married to Julia Hudson, Jennifer's sister. He also mentions a connection to Jennifer on his profile. On his mood, he set it to "Forgotten", leaving one to wonder whether feelings of neglect were somehow involved in this tragedy.

It's also been clarified that Julia herself was the one to discover the bodies, and she called police.

Absolutely horrific.

Picture from the Chicago Sun-Times

Cover This: David Archuleta and David Cook's Albums

  

Both albums are self-titled. Both albums will be released in November. Both albums have an artist named David.

Both album covers suck.

Archuleta, whose look on AI could be mistaken for an injured puppy, looses all of his teen charm in this cover. He looks about 10 years older and looks like a kid who just broke out of juvie. 

Cook looks like he borrowed money from governor Palin's $15K makeup budget. Either that, or someone attacked him with a mascara brush.

The other common thread of these crappy album covers is the hideous fonts. I get it; they're supposed to edgy and cool, but they just aren't attractive.

Whether or not you love them, but wouldn't you be the least bit embarrassed walking out of Wal-Mart with these two albums in your bag? Just a little bit?

Jennifer Hudson's Mother and Brother Murdered

This news is absolutely devastating to hear.

Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were shot and killed by an unknown assailant today in their home in Chicago. Hudson's mother, 57-year old Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson, were found dead at 7019 South Yale Road in the Englewood area of Chicago. The bodies were reportedly found by a cousin who lived close by. Police officials believe the murders to be of a domestic matter.

Police are also looking for Hudson's nephew Julian King, who could have been kidnapped from the scene. They put out an Amber Alert, and are looking for a 1994 white Suburban SUV with the license plate X584859.

If ANYONE has ANY information about this horrific murder, please contact Chicago police as soon as possible.

My heart goes out to Jennifer, who is reportedly flying from Tampa to Chicago.

Here is a picture of Julian King (via TMZ.com): 

UPDATE (As of 9:54 pm): More news is coming in regarding the Jennifer Hudson incident. The suspected murderer/kidnapper's name is William Balfour, the ex-husband of Jennifer's sister Julia. He is reportedly armed and very dangerous. Julia has also gone missing, after doing a shift as a bus driver in Chicago.

Girls Aloud Perform "The Promise" on Jonathan Ross

UK pop group Girls Aloud delivered an amazing performance of their new (possible UK #1) single "The Promise" today on the Jonathan Ross Show on BBC1. Check it out below:

I love all the girls, but Cheryl Cole just does it for me. It was a much better performance than last week on the X-Factor. I hope they make it to #1 this week.

If you haven't picked up a copy of "The Promise" across the pond, do so.

Download of the Day 10/24: "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon

America is known for its disconnection from the rest of the music world, creating an near-impossible gap for international artists to reach the US charts. But what about for US artists who are more successful overseas?

Kings of Leon are actually from Tennessee, but you wouldn't know that from their chart success. Their single "Sex On Fire" is a smash everywhere else, including the UK, where it spent three weeks at #1. Yet, it didn't even chart on Billboard Hot 100 here (their album did peak at #5, though). So, why is it that a song so popular everywhere else isn't here?

I honestly don't know , because this song is truly great. I'm not a big fan of rock music, but there is something about "Sex On Fire" that is just awesome. There is an appreciation of rhythm that I've never really heard in rock music before, while still maintaining its identity. Lead singer Caleb's soulful voice adds to that sound, filled with energy and, ironically, fire. It's a song that truly sticks with you, a rarity in a world of pop music toss-aways.

"Sex On Fire" may not be the US hit it should be, but its still one of the best songs of the year, hands down.

Rating: 8.5/10

Take That Unveil "The Circus" Album Cover

The "walking in the desert" theme of Beautiful World was pretty cool, and I get the album is titled The Circus but there is something about this album cover that reeks of bad.

The album will be released on December 2nd in the UK, with the single "Greatest Day" coming out the week before.

UNBelievable! Westlife Performs "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls?

Irish boyband Westlife is known for covering popular songs, but this is just unspeakable.

During their Face to Face Tour in 2006, the four bandmates performed an eye gouge-worthy rendition of the Pussycat Dolls smash hit "Don't Cha".

Sounds bad? It gets worse.

The boys, who have been criticized for their milquetoast, lite-pop music, got down and VERY dirty, performing dance moves that would make a stripper blush. Seriously, three out of the four were gyrating, pelvic thrusting, and shaking in ways men approaching their 30s shouldn't be doing; ever. Imagine from my perspective, who had only seen them do minor choreography during a performance of "World of Our Own" on Dancing on Ice on YouTube. It was awkward, cringe-inducing, and overall hideous. Plus, it kinda reinforced the belief that Shane and Mark have the best voices in the group, by far.

Whoever told Westlife to perform that song and do what they were doing on stage (Louis Walsh) should be smacked in the head, because that almost made me retch. The boys are too good of vocalists and too old to singing and dancing to a song performed by glorified stripppers (no offense Nicole).  

DOTD Album Track: "You On A Good Day" by the Sugababes

The Sugababes, after a 6 month absence from the pop charts, return with their new album Catfights and Spotlights. While there are some really good tracks, including the lead single "Girls", there is one song that is just perfection.

"You On A Good Day" is the best throwback to the Motown era since "Tears Dry On Their Own" by Amy Winehouse. The song pulls from one of music's golden ages without ripping it off, thanks in part to its modern lyrics. The girls decide to pick apart their boyfriend's many issues, while maintaining their unwavering support to them. The song has some really biting zingers ("You're messed up from your chromosomes to your enzymes"), while still remaining fun, light, airy, and very very cool, like Motown. I know that "No Can Do" is the planned second single, but this song really deserves some serious recognition for continuing the soon-to-be tired 60s revival in style.

Rating: 9.5/10


 

Girls Aloud Tie BWU Chart Record!

UK pop group Girls Aloud have tied Leona Lewis' "Better In Time" for the most weeks at the top of the BWU Hot 40.

"The Promise", the girls' first single from the upcoming Out of Control album, spends a fourth week at #1, tying the record Leona set in July. If they last another week at the top, they would set a new record.

Beyonce holds steady at #2 with "If I Were a Boy", while her other single "Single Ladies" moves up behind it at #3.

Leona sees a boost this week, with "Forgive Me" re-entering the charts at #6, which kept "Better In Time" from re-entering the top 10, stalling at #11. The Greatest Gainer of the week is Rihanna, whose single "Disturbia" rises up from #29 to #12.

Two UK group debut this week; Take That's new single "Greatest Day" enters at #8, while Westlife's "Something Right" enters at #30.

To see the full chart, click the link on the top of the site.

Britney Spears Catapults to #1 With Womanizer

It took Britney Spears a decade.

The recovering pop singer has finally topped the US chart again, with her new single "Womanizer". The song moves up an astonishing 96 spots from last week to the top spot, the largest jump in chart history.

This may surprise some, but this is only the second time Britney has topped the Billboard Hot 100. The first time was with her debut "...Baby One More Time" in January of 1999. The closest she got to the top was with "Gimme More" last year, which peaked at #3.

Song Review: "Greatest Day" by Take That

UK boyband Take That are a pop enigma.

Basic music fact says that any pop group should expire after a few years of mega-success, then reunite for a greatest hits album and tour, before breaking up again and going on with whatever careers the members choose.

Not Take That.

A decade after their last major hit, the group (minus Robbie Williams) reunited for the blockbuster Beautiful World record. The album's success cemented their status as pop legends, still incredibly relevant after their supposed prime.

Now, the four-piece are coming back with their new album Circus, which will be released on December 1st. Before that though, they will release the single "Greatest Day" a few weeks before. The song debuted on the Chris Moyles Show on Radio 1 yesterday to much anticipation. What would it sound like? Would it be a guaranteed smash?

"Greatest Day" follows in the vein of many of their latest hits, including my favorite "Rule The World". The song is a slow-burning, rousing ballad that is perfect for a ride home from work (my favorite kind of song). Lyrics, although not very complex, still match the tone of the song perfectly. It's a song meant to lift spirits, although the more appreciated in these times of economic strife. The warm lyrics are lifted up further by the powerful vocals from Gary Barlow. There is something about his voice that is both dramatic and soothing at the same time. It must be why he sings the lead on most of the songs.

"Greatest Day" is a great pop song; there is no question about that. It would've been nice if they tried something a bit different, since they've done songs like this one better ("Rule The World" is near-genius level). That definitely shouldn't deter anyone from the song. Take That have proven once again that they know pop music better than most, and that they deserve a nice, cushy spot in the pop canon.

Rating: 7.5/10

Take That Launch UK Chart Battle With Britney Spears

V.S.

The pop chart battle of the year has been launched across the pond.

Earlier this year, Mariah Carey, Madonna, and Leona Lewis dueled it out on the US charts with their new singles, with Leona ultimately winning. Now, the ever-important holiday market is the stage for another chart battle, this time between a recovering pop princess and the elder statesmen of UK pop.

Take That, arguably the biggest boyband in recent UK history, premiered their new single on the Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 yesterday called "Greatest Day". Group member Gary Barlow revealed that the single would be released on November 24th, the same day Britney's potential US chart-topper "Womanizer" drops in the UK.

It gets even better. The name of Take That's new album is The Circus. Britney's album title is Circus. Coincidence? Both albums will be released on the same date; December 2nd.

It's a tough chart battle to predict. Take That made a huge comeback in 2006 with their album Beautiful World. It is their best-selling album to date, with 2.1 million copies shifted in Britain alone. They also garnered two UK #1s from the album. Britney's chart fortunes are less inspiring. Her album Breakout only sold 10% of Take That's, despite the top three placings of "Gimme More" and "Piece of Me". Still, her comeback is more than impressive.


We'll see in a month, but my money is on Take That. Their fanbase is too great to ignore, no matter huge Britney's return is slated to be.

Music Video Spotlight: Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"

Beyoncé can DANCE!

The R&B/pop queen released her music video for the single "Single Ladies" yesterday, and all she does is shake everything she's got!

With just a black-and-white treatment, Beyoncé and two other dancers just dance and dance, with no stop for 3 minutes. All of the classic Bey moves are there; the hip shake, the booty slap, the grind to the floor, and of course, the all important weave shake (if you've ever been to her concert, these won't be foreign concepts).

The video is pretty fun to watch (although it fails a bit compared to the brilliance of "If I Were a Boy"). I wished it had something to do with the song itself, but its still prety good.

Britney's "Womanizer" Video = Hottest Video of the Year

Remember when Britney was a stinkin' hot mess last year?

Well you shouldn't, after seeing this video.

Britney, in less than 4 minutes, has reclaimed three thrones she used to have: pop princess, sex goddess, and video star.

"Womanizer" premiered last night on ABC's 20/20, and the Director's Cut premiered on YouTube. I suggest you see the DC, for full effect.

The only thing I could say is that Britney looks AMAZING in this video. Her in the steam room (again, director's cut people) is her best video moment since she wore the skin-tight red catsuit in Oops I Did It Again in 2000. Plus, she has TWO kids, looking like that.

Anyone still doubting Britney's full-scale comeback need to get their eyes checked. Stat.

UNBELIEVABLE! Sarah Palin Is Related To Princess Diana and FDR!

Two of the world's most beloved figures have connections to one of the GOP's most disastrous choices in history.

According to Ancestry.com, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is related to both the late Princess Diana and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Princess Diana, one of the most famous, beautiful, graceful women of the 20th century. FDR, one of the greatest presidents of all time.

Sarah Palin?

What the freakin' hell?!?!

Will Michael Jackson Ever Release New Album?

There is no contesting the fact that Michael Jackson is the "King of Pop". However, it seems like MJ might never reclaim his throne.

That's at least what Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am alludes to. He had been helping Michael with the album, which was slated for release this year. However, no new material has surfaced, except for a duet with Akon called "Hold My Hand".

In a new interview with the BBC, Will.i.am said,

There's all these artists in the world like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and Usher, Justin Timberlake, Fergies and Rhiannas and then there's Michael Jackson... Michael Jackson has a different pace and you can not put Michael Jackson in that category especially when a lot of those artists have been inspired by Michael Jackson... So, Michael Jackson is gonna release his record when he releases his record.

The rather cryptic statement leads one to wonder if the comeback album will ever see the light of day. Michael, in an interview with ABC's Good Morning America for his 50th birthday claimed that more was to come, but that may impossible. The pop legend doesn't have a record label after an ugly split with Sony Records over the direction of his 2001 effort Invincible. Also, his newly attained age could possibly make the performances he is legendary for difficult (although Tina Turner just went on tour, at 18 years his senior).

I think it would be a shame if Michael Jackson never released another album. His impact on pop music is undeniable, and it just seems tragic that we might never hear anything from him again.

BWU Hot 40: Girls Aloud On Top Again

UK girl group Girls Aloud continue their reign as queens of the BWU Hot 40, spending a second week on top with "The Promise". They kept Britney Spears off the top, whose new single "Womanizer", enters at #2.

Also making big waves is Will Young, who sees a gain in chart fortunes as his single "Changes" moves up 7 spots to #4 and a new song "Love" charts at #35. As he makes the biggest jump of the week, "Up" by The Saturdays sees a steep 18-spot drop, from #3 down to #21.

Other Chart Information

• "You Pulled Me Through", a song from Jennifer Hudson's debut album, debuts this week at #12
• Also debuting this week is "My Beautifully Elegant Flower of Evil" by ALI Project, "My Love" by Celine Dion, "Light On" by David Cook, and "Gotta Be Somebody" by Nickelback.

For the full chart, visit http://www.freewebs.com/brandonbestworst/bwuhot40.htm