Vanessa Hudgens – Sneaker Night (Audio)
Of all the HSM-ers, Vanessa’s the one who’s released the most serious music, actually placing herself in competition with acts like Rihanna and Cassie. I think this is very much in the vein of Jamelia’s 2nd album, or Robyn’s 3rd. I like it a lot, but she had 2 better songs on her last album, Come Back To Me and the unfairly little-known Make You Mine. I don’t know if this’ll be a big hit in the main US charts, as she may be hoping, but I’m sure the Disney crowd will love it and it’s a zillion times better than most of the half-baked imitation-pop that comes out of the Disney music factory.
81% Poptastic!
Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Video)
I’ve heard this song a lot recently, and wondered why, because I thought it was an old song. Well, it turns out that it’s in fact his new single, the first from his new album, but I’ve had a version of it as an mp3 for years! This meant I had no idea he had a new album out – it’s even got a duet on it with James Morrisson, of all people. I’d forgotten James Morrisson even existed! Anyway, I’m Yours is a sweet and lovely low-key song, but since I’d had it for so long and never thought much about it, that suggests it’s probably not going to make a huge impact. Then again, if those who like Jack Johnson bought Jason’s CD instead, as is quite possible with this lead single, the world would be a much better place.
79% Poptastic!
Boomkat – Runaway (Video)
I’m not sure if you can call it a comeback when they were sadly never very successful in the first place, but Boomkat can at least be said to be back for another try. Taryn is looking rather more demure these days, no longer the burst of sparkly attitude she used to be, and the song is far more r’n’b than her debut album. Where is the great fun band I was obsessed with when I heard The Wreckoning and What U Do 2 Me? This is still nice but I’d rather have the old Boomkat back. I’ll be interested in hearing the album anyway, though.
73% Poptastic!
Alphabeat – 10,000 Nights of Thunder (Video)
Obviously this is far from new – it was my 3rd fave single of 2008 after all – but it’s got a new video for its UK release, which seems to me a plenty good enough excuse to mention my darling Danes. After the successes of Robyn and Alphabeat, and perhaps soon September, I don’t even feel the need to emigrate anymore. Well done UK, I knew you had it in you! Now how about Private for the next big thing?
99% Poptastic!