New Pop on the Block

Gavin Degraw – Stay (Listen)
I bought Gavin’s first album in 2003, and I loved it. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he released his second, and I enjoyed that one, but the excitement and momentum of the first had definitely waned after all those years. Now, to make up for it Gavin is releasing his third album, Free, on March 31st, i.e. 17 days from now! And I only found out about this yesterday! The problem is, the first single is really nice, but it’s far from Gavin’s best work. So why release another album so quickly if he hasn’t even got a fantastic lead single? I’m just confused, really. Pleased to have new material, but I’ve hardly settled in with the last album yet. Let’s hope there’s better stuff on the album than Stay, anyway.
84% Poptastic!

Jesse McCartney ft. Ludacris – How Do You Sleep? (Watch)
I thought this had been released last year, but apparently not as it’s out now with a new (rather boring) video and a (very boring) rap from Ludacris. Nonetheless, this song is still a million times better than anyone who knew of Dream Street would ever imagine that a member of that band could create. It’s supremely poptastic, but much better enjoyed without the video evidence of Jesse’s complete lack of charisma or attractiveness. And what is the point of a young male pop singer with an unattractive face and no sign of a personality? It baffles me. I suppose this is just one of those occasions of someone average and ordinary being lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, and getting a song that’s way above their level of aceness. He’d better enjoy his shining moment while it lasts, cos it won’t last long.
94% Poptastic!

Ballas Hough Band – Do It For You (Listen)
A video has been released for this song, but I want you to listen to the song on the link above before you watch it, because clearly we have another case of record company madness here. Instead of recording a proper music video, they have just released a live performance of the single, with a few added behind the scenes clips of the band. This is their debut single, and it’s a seriously fantastic pop song as well. On what planet does it not deserve a proper music video? Certainly not this one. Anyway, rant over: If you don’t know who this band are, head over to ITG for my explanation, then we can get on with enjoying the song and deliberating whether it would be better for them to release it here themselves, or to kindly donate it to A1 for their comeback single. The boys wouldn’t even need to re-record it as it already sounds just like them!
92% Poptastic!