First Listen: "A Little Bit Longer" by the Jonas Brothers

It didn't take long, huh?

It turns out the Jonas Brothers have already performed "A Little Bit Longer" on their huge "When You Look Me In The Eyes" tour. The song will appear on their next album with the same name, and will probably be the next single, following "Burning Up".

I have heard two versions; there is the concert version with the ridiculous screaming girls (seriously, how are they able to speak after that?) and the Stripped version. Because the concert version is basically inaudible, I chose to base this review on the other version.

Lyrically, the song is pretty amazing. I was surprised at how bluntly he referenced diabetes, the disease he has. Some of the lines were quite heartbreaking and struck a chord with me, as a fellow diabetic, like:

So I'll wait 'til kingdom come.
All the highs and lows are gone.
A little bit longer and I'll be fine.

Its even more surprising considering Nick is only a year younger than me, yet he is able to write something so poignant and powerful. There is something to be said for that kind of talent.

However, there is still one problem that is really keeping me from fully enjoying this song and others from the band, and that is the vocals. I will grant Nick the acknowledgement that he sings the song with a lot of emotional depth. However, there is something still very annoying about his voice. He's not a bad singer, but when he hits his higher register, it doesn't work and makes it hard to listen to. Maybe the completion of puberty will rectify the issue, I don't know. Musically, its a simple piano ballad in the beginning, then halfway through, Joe and Kevin come in with the guitars and the song morphs into a pop-rock ballad. The song goes back to the sole piano when the above lyrics are sung.

Objectively, its one of the best songs I have heard come out of the new Disney pop era, and hasn't even been officially released yet. It's because it isn't about something saccharine or juvenile; its a serious topic discussed frankly and honestly by a guy wiser than his years imply.

I will make my final decision about the song when I hear the final version recorded, but from what I hear, this could be the song that helps break them from the terrible Disney stigma.

Rating: 7.5/10

First Listen: "Take a Bow" by Rihanna

Honestly, Ne-Yo never has to make a record again if he continues songwriting.

For the re-release of Good Girl Gone Bad (despite her singles success, her album sales are B-A-D), Ne-Yo wrote her another song, titled "Take a Bow". The only thing annoying about the song is the title and the chorus. The whole "boyfriend/girlfriend is a liar, which means they're an actor" motif has been done so many times (most popularly by Madonna in 1995). I wish Ne-Yo he chose a different metaphor. Anyway, the song follows a string of really good songs by Rihanna. Many will probably call this a Beyonce knock-off but that is not the case. It's a lot slower in tempo, and far less severe. The mood of this song is very somber, without slipping into balladry. "Irreplaceable" was a big middle finger to all cheating boyfriends. "Take a Bow", much like Madonna's #1 smash, is more of a lament of her lost relationship. She's not kicking his ass like "Breakin' Dishes". Instead, she sounds tired of her boyfriend's cheating, and wants him to go. Rihanna can even find a bit of humor in the situation, slipping in a giggle as she considers her boyfriend's "act".

The fact that I can take so much away from a Rihanna song shows that this is very best vocal performance. I'm not going to gas her head up, she's no Whitney, Mariah, or Beyonce. But considering how tailored the song is for her voice, she can do nothing but truly shine. Honestly, as good as "Umbrella" and "Don't Stop The Music" are, I prefer the slower stuff, especially "Unfaithful". Producers Stargate, who are Rihanna's go-to production team, worked wonders with this song. The piano and simple beats are their trademark, but it sounds even better in this song. The fusion makes it versatile. It can be listened to as a groove or as a sad pseudo-ballad with a bowl of rocky road ice cream and Kleenex, which will definitely extend it's radio appeal.

For all the people who didn't buy the original album, this gem makes it worth your while to pick up the re-release.

RATING: 8/10

Until then, here is your "first listen":

Introducing....UK Girl Groups (Part 2)

The Sugababes have been together since 1998, if you can believe it. Actually, only Keisha Buchanan has been there since 1998, since the Sugababes are the UK Destiny's Child in terms of member changes.

Compared to their contemporaries Girls Aloud, Sugababes are funkier, dirtier, even a bit kinkier. Their biggest hit is "Push The Button" which has more sexual connotations than can be listed. Despite the sharper edge, the Ssugababes are still a pop group at heart, an exceptional pop group.

The Sugababes are more R&B influenced than anything else, which relly sets them apart. There is also their gorgeous harmonies that help break the mold. Evidence of their seamless voices can be heard in songs like "Ugly", "Change" and "Denial".

I am far more familiar with their latest stuff from their album "Change" than their old stuff, like when Mutya Buena was in the group. I think "Change" was horribly underrated. To me, it was a wonderful ballad, better than most these days. "Denial" is also one of my favorites on the album. However, I have also become familiar with their early work, specifically from Taller in More Ways and Three. On a funny note, I realized that "Too Lost In You" was actually on US soap As The World Turns a while back.

The girls have switched things up since their 1998 formation. In 2001, member Siobhan Donaghy left the group, being replaced by Heidi Range. In 2005, another founding member, Mutya Buena, left the group as well. She would be replaced by Amelle Berrabah. Keisha Buchanan is the group's only founding member.

Despite the switches, the Sugababes were able to keep those pitch-perfect harmonies. Vocally, their are in the top tier of all groups in this day and age.

BWU Recommends: Push The Button, Ugly, Hole in the Head, Denial, Change, and About You Now (the last three haven't been released in the US yet)

UNbelievable First Listen: Mariah Carey's Migrate

Give me a second while a huge part of me dies inside...

OK, what on Earth is this? Is this the same woman who gave the world "Vision of Love", "Hero", "Without You"???

Mariah performed her new single "Migrate" last night on Saturday Night Live. In my opinion, its her worst single. Ever. I really liked "Touch My Body", so I would've been okay with an album following that formula, but this doesn't work, on any level that exists.

Her voice is being watered down to fit a style not right for her.

The song itself is stupid.

T-Pain is on the record (OMG, I am sick of hearing him every time on turn on the radio!)

This is very disappointing, and I hope this is just a dark spot in a strong album!

Here is the performance:

Migrate SNL
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2