Posts Tagged ‘Blonde Ambition’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When Christina released her oversexed video for Not Myself Tonight, I was not sure what to feel. Although I’m a huge Aguilera supporter, there’s often been times in her career when she comes off a bit too much for me. But honestly, I’ve come to think that’s a part of her charm, that a huge exclamation point she is creating with her music is that a woman can be both sexual and a lady all rolled into one.

When seeing a video as provocative as Not Myself Tonight, it’s easy to label Christina with the tramp stamp. But then the curtain closes to the dirrty Aguilera and exposes the beautiful one, letting down the walls with a raw, stripped down performance and I once again become instantly fascinated with what could be in store, as I seriously love Aguilera’s incredible one-of-a-kind voice on a pain-driven ballad.

As an artist, Christina has every right to experiment with any and all sounds she has the desire to explore. I respect the fact that she is, once again, taking risks–something no one can deny her of, from her style choices to her collaborations and production choices, Aguilera will always be a risk taker.

Bionic’s attitude hits your face like a punch. As a whole, it does remind me a lot of the Stripped album due to the fact that it’s loud and proud but also incredibly vulnerable in parts. I have said it before and I will repeat it now: I wish Christina didn’t feel the need to be overly sexy throughout the landscape of her music because she doesn’t need to be. It’s that simple. Certain tracks on the record (most of the provocative ones), come off a bit stale for me (for ex: Sex For Breakfast), a taste I’ve come to find a bit tired.

Aguilera’s power IMHO, remains in her pain, when the attention-getting devices are removed and the only thing plugged in is her vocals, bleeding truth.

Much like the Sia produced Stronger Than Ever (my favorite track on the album, which unfortunately is only on the Deluxe Edition of the CD).

Listen to the song below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Two of our favorites are releasing albums today: Christina Aguilera with Bionic / Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

BTB is hosting our first ever contest and you could have a chance at winning Christina Aguilera / Grace Potter prize packs. Follow these quick rules to enter!

1. You MUST “like” BiggerThanBeyonce.Com via Facebook. To join, click on the link in the sidebar.

2. You MUST suggest the Facebook fan page to each of your friends. Spread the love, no haters.

3. Once you do those two things, send an email to robbrayl@robbrayl.com: State a good deed you have performed lately (big or small). Also list any charitable organization you feel connected to. Tell us a little about why you feel connected to this organization. The more real, the better.

[Deadline: Noon, Friday 06.11]

The winners will receive notification via email + a shout out!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

One thing’s for certain: I love a Bedingfield. Natasha and her brother Daniel (which btw, where has he been hiding?) always create songs that are equally catchy as they are touching, fusing hooks with heartfelt lyrics.

This track is called Touch and the beat is definitely interesting, backed to a more electronic mix than what Bedingfield has gone for in the past. Even if Bedingfield is sporting a slightly new sound, she never strays away from showcasing her amazing vocals as she spews every line with the same soulful signature that fans are used to hearing.

Touch is the first taste of the British pop star’s forthcoming album, which is due in the fall of 2010. Since releasing her debut album in 2004, the former Christian music star has sold over 10 million records worldwide.

The specific release date and title for Natasha’s upcoming album are expected to be announced soon.

Listen to Touch below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

So let me just first say that I think this season of American Idol has been pretty boring. Yes, I ended up really liking both Lee and Crystal but overall, the contestants this year just seemed lackluster. No, I am not trying to hate, I clearly think that all participants are talented but it was the whole package, the wow factor, that was missing.

Basically, if you missed the show last night, all you missed was what you’re about to see below, which is Christina Aguilera’s surprise performance. Singing of smoking guns, lost magic, and the tragedy of a relationship falling apart due to someone cheating, Aguilera poured her heart and soul out, singing her song You Lost Me, from her upcoming Bionic disc. Aguilera may have entered the stage in an over-the-top pop star kind of way, but when the lights dimmed and she stood in the center of the stage for a solo, in nothing but simple black attire, hair pulled back, Aguilera proved that she doesn’t need smoke and mirrors, outrageous effects or costumes to prove that she is truly one of a kind.

Honestly, I was about to fall asleep until Aguilera showed up. The show seemed to be very outdated to me, so it was good to see someone who is current take the stage. All respect to any artist who has paved the way in shaping music, but seriously, I started to feel like I was watching American Idol: The Old Folks Home Edition. I get that it’s interesting to see entertainers who have been out of the spotlight for decades swoosh back onto the stage all of a sudden, but at the same time, it just felt like a bit too much. Or hey, maybe it was just me? Kudos to all the performers though, in the end.

As far as Lee Dewyze winning Idol, I called that a long time ago. Why? Because America always goes for the safe guy. Always. This never fails. Last season, Kris Allen (whose performance last night was on point, btw) took the title from not-so-safe Adam Lambert. Before Kris, we had David Cook (safe), Taylor Hicks (safe), Ruben Studdard (safer than safe), and now Lee Dewyze (safe). You get my drift. Unfortunately the show really does end up being a big popularity contest over voting for actual talent, because as much as I like Lee (who is a very talented dude), Crystal deserved that title IMHO, and that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Oh! And goodbye Simon, the show will probably suck without you. Paula was her usual self last night, and I have to say, I was actually very touched by what Simon said to the crowd. The man clearly has a heart of gold and will truly be missed. I personally cannot believe it’s been ten years. Boy, does time fly. Someone pass the Ovaltine.

In closing, if you missed the finale, all you truly missed (in my opinion) that’s worth watching is Aguilera’s number, which you can watch below.

Question: Who do you think deserved to win American Idol?

Sound off in the comments.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Robyn is out with a fantastic music video for her first single Dancing On My Own (from her upcoming Body Talk album series). The thing I love about Robyn is she’s taken a format of music, the electronic side, and actually made it have emotion. Often with electronic music, the focus is simply on the beats, but with Robyn her lyrics always shine with much attitude and heart.

Robyn announced earlier this year that her new album would actually be a mini-series (3 parts/discs in all). At first, when I heard the news, I thought this was either a bit much or a bit ambitious but after hearing the first single I have no doubts that the project(s) will be neon, heartbreaking, with the attitude driven fierceness that the Swedish singer usually brings to all of her music.

Watch the Max Vitali-directed video below.

Robyn ‘Dancing On My Own’ (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Too cool for skool!

Most 16-year-olds are not as cool as Daisy Coburn. Let’s face facts: most teens her age are awkward little people having mild panic attacks every time Justin Bieber comes on the radio. But not Daisy. Daisy’s writing her own creative music and shooting polished music videos, like the one you’re about to see.

Daisy Dares You is out with the video to the new single Rosie which features You Me at Six, the 2nd release from the British pop singer’s debut album Rush, due out soon via Jive. The single is out just one day after Independence Day on July 5th.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The pint-sized blonde bombshell formerly known as X-tina is back and this time around, she’s definitely not going back to basics.

Aguilera, who adorns more skin than actual clothes in the just-released video for Not Myself Tonight (via Vevo this morning), seems to be back to her roots and they’re definitely black. No bubblegum watered-down pop explosion coming from this diva and proud wife of music executive Jordan Bratman, who claims settling down and becoming a wife and mother has made her more confident in her skin. All I have to say to that is this: I had no clue she was lacking confidence beforehand? Lord, if Aguilera gets any more confident we may have to call for backup. Chick is definitely on fire and out of control yet in charge and in control all at the same time.

Aguilera is a bomb that’s exploded time and time again, leaving the other female pop singers lagging behind in the race as her vocal chords are, without a doubt, #1 in the game. According to Rolling Stone, Aguilera is the only female vocalist under the age of 30 whose voice was good enough to make the magazine’s list of the best voices of all time. And rightfully so, as Aguilera’s chops are undeniable.

My only beef: I wish the landscape of mainstream music would allow a woman to be stripped of all the nonsense of the exterior, to showcase what truly simmers underneath. In my opinion, Beautiful is Aguilera’s best work–a song that became an instant classic with its message of hope, acceptance, love, and compassion bleeding from a girl with multiple piercings, crazy sunless tanner lines, assless chaps, with a messy hairdo that stood on its own, which was a message in itself, backed against the lyrics of the song.

Even though, I am all for freedom of expression, I’ve got to say that my favorite Christina, out of all the personalities she’s tried on over the years, is the sultry, demure, classy one–the one who doesn’t need to show skin or act like a kitten in a video to get attention, for her talent shines without all the excess.

What are your thoughts on another re-invention from Aguilera?

Check out the racy premiere of Not Myself Tonight followed by the classic Beautiful, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Don’t be bothered if his eyes can’t see your beauty. Dance until you find someone who can.

Robyn announced earlier this year that her new album would actually be a mini-series (3 parts/discs in all). At first, when I heard the news, I thought this was either a bit much or a bit ambitious but after hearing the first single I have no doubts that the project(s) will be neon, heartbreaking, with the attitude driven fierceness that the Swedish singer usually brings to all of her music.

If you’ve ever been in love with someone who took you for a ride, someone who overlooked all you sacrificed, someone who lead you on only to turn you off without a second glance–then this song’s for you.

Somebody said you got a new friend
Does she love you better than I can?
There’s a big black sky over my town
I know where you at, I bet she’s around
Yeah, I know it’s stupid
But I just got to see it for myself

I’m in the corner, watching you kiss her
I’m right over here, why can’t you see me
I’m givin’ it my all, but I’m not the girl you’re takin’ home
I keep dancin’ on my own

Listen to DANCING ON MY OWN, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

You may believe she was the ruin behind Kurt Cobain. You may think she’s trash. You might even call her evil. But there’s no denying that Courtney Love is truly a raw & fascinating person.

“Courtney Love is dead,” said the Hole singer (via Us Magazine), who now apparently wants to be known only as Courtney Michelle. Michelle is Love’s middle name.

Says Courtney Michelle: “We’ve all decided we don’t like her (Courtney Love) anymore. We love her when she goes onstage, but I don’t need her in the rest of my life.”

Love’s new album with Hole is the first record the singer has recorded while sober.

The rocker who is known for being in sticky hot messes said: “Courtney Love is a way to oppress me,” and has determined a new name will deliver a new-and-improved Love.

Here’s to hoping!

Check out a very FASCINATING (and believe it or not, endearing) interview with Love (via Amazon), below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you’ve been a loyal follower of BTB from the beginning, you should know that I have a bit of a love rush for Robyn. The Swedish artist has announced the details of her next album, Body Talk Pt. 1, due for release this June.

The eight-track record will be the first installment in a trilogy of mini-albums. Robyn’s idea was to release new material as it becomes finished, rather than waiting for a normal length album to be completed.

Body Tal Pt. 1 will feature guest production work by Scandanavian artists like Royksopp, Kleerup, Klas Ahlund, and Mad Decent boss Diplo.

Tracklist
001. Don’t Fucking Tell Me What to Do
002. Fembot
003. Dancing On My Own
004. Cry When You Get Older
005. Dance Hall Queen
006. None of Dem
007. Hang with Me (acoustic)
008. Jag Vet En Dejlig Rosa

Universal will release Robyn’s Body Talk on June 7th, 2010.

Can’t wait!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Not Myself Tonight”
Written by Polow Da Don & Ester Dean
Produced by Polow Da Don for Zone4, Inc.

Christina Aguilera has revealed the art work for her brand new single (yet to be released). This will be the lead track off the upcoming disc, BIONIC.

More details to follow.

In the meantime you can check out a snippet of the first single, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Photo Credit: Alexei Hay

“I like to categorize the various levels of heartbreak. I’ve only had that happen once. A letdown is worth a few songs. A heartbreak is worth a few albums.”

-t. swift, in the upcoming issue of elle

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Totally diggin’ the positive vibes in this song!

Meet Coldwater Jane–two sisters (Brandon Jane & Leah Crutchfield) who grew up on 70s rock, and gospel music in their small hometown of Lucedale, Mississippi. As teenagers, the girls toured with their parents as a family gospel band. Their mother booked the band while their father played bass and their brother served as the drummer. The sisters handled lead/harmony vocals, and alternated between guitar and keyboard.

The duo’s name comes from Jane being a common name running in their family and Coldwater being inspired by Coldwater Canyan in Los Angeles. After recording for six months, the duo gained the attention of Mercury Nashville and the rest, as they say, is history.

Check out the music video debut for BRING ON THE LOVE, below.

Coldwater Jane   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Not long ago I mentioned Caldwell’s return to the microphone. Now the singer/songwriter is out with the premiere of her debut music video and it’s blooming with attitude. Judging from the gorgeous photo above, I would’ve loved to have seen a bit more of a darker vibe with the video, perhaps shot in black and white. But I do understand and realize that this approach would be more of a risk for a commercial artist who has a goal of getting played. Either way, Caldwell’s blonde mop with her husky voice provides for a pop ride worth taking.

Caldwell’s debut album Without Regret, comes out on Vanguard/Capitol Records on April 6th, 2010.

Check out the video for MESS OF YOU, below.