Posts Tagged ‘Breakup’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A lil’ bit depressing yet full of hope…

Secondhand Serenade’s Something More, the first single from the upcoming third album, Hear Me Now, is one beautifully broken track. The song, which dives into the realm of torn meandering lives delivers a message of hope even when heartbroken and hopeless.

Secondhand Serenade is the product of singer/songwriter John Vesely, who worked with producer Aaaron Johnson (from The Fray), to create intimate, pensive, somber pop rock full of meaning.

The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, fits the track’s somber sound.

Billboard’s review of the track said it best: “As Vesely sings of the internal strife that a breakup can cause, he powerfully conveys the very human message that everyone makes mistakes. A no-brainer for top 40 and hot AC radio formats, “Something More” is sure to saturate the summer airwaves.” –Alex Vitoulis

Check out the music video below. Hear Me Now is due out in August.

Secondhand Serenade – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Get ready to be moved (in more ways than one)!

Robyn has just released the music video for her brand new single Hang with Me. The video takes fans behind the scenes of Robyn’s touring life. But don’t worry, it’s not the typical video we’ve all seen before, this behind-the-scenes vid was directed by Max Vitali and is shot in an original manner that holds your attention, each shot a photograph all its own. There’s also live performance footage, studio time shots, and other promotional specks, like a fan signing and radio interview. If you look close enough you will also see BTB fave I Blame Coco.

Hang with Me is the lead single from Robyn’s second album (Body Talk Pt. 2) of a three part trilogy.

Robyn described the song as: “Pop should be seductive and sweet when it can. And I felt like I could be on Hang with Me, in a uncompromising way. It’s like a sweet and sour bon-bon wrapped in melancholy.”

The new album will be released September 6th.

Watch the music video followed by a beautiful live acoustic performance, below.

Robyn – Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn recently performed at London’s Rimmel Room and as usual, her acoustic renditions overflowed with emotion, sure to melt hearts. Watch my favorite number (Dancing On My Own) from Body Talk Pt. 1, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although Aguilera’s new album Bionic hasn’t been as commercially successful (so far) as her previous records, Aguilera could prove us all wrong once again in the long haul. Her Stripped album wasn’t recieved well at first (due to the over-the-top themes in the Dirrty video) — but that all changed when she later released the powerful ballad for Beautiful and catapulted the record to become one of the best-selling albums of the year in the US & worldwide, winning awards galore. This could be the case with Bionic, which despite some not liking its artistic direction has been called “THE BEST MAINSTREAM POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR” by Billboard Magazine.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: Christina Aguilera shines the most to me, when she isn’t selling sex but selling substance. And with the new music video for the Sia produced ballad You Lost Me, Aguilera does just that, broken with raw emotion.

Check out the just-released video below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[photo by: matt vardy]
Totally diggin’ this video/song at the moment!

There For Tomorrow is out with the music video for the single Deathbed, from their album A Little Faster, and the outcome is pretty radstical (it’s a making up words kind of day).

The energetic heartbreak jam features the band playing in a dark warehouse, with duct-taped microphones smashing the hell outta some TV (and other various objects). Which basically sets perfect against the message of the song (ya know, with deathbeds and all). In all honesty, I think the track meshes perfectly with the video.

Hey, dudes of TFT: I’m really feeling this one!

Check out the Jonathan Bregel-directed video below.

There For Tomorrow – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I can’t live without it. As kids we were so on fire for God. And then you grow up, travel and experience things and stop reading the Bible every day. You don’t realize that you’re taking important things away from yourself. If all this were taken away from me right now I would still have my faith. If you don’t have faith the world will eat you alive.”

–Kelly Rowland / The Scotsman

I’ve always been rooting for Kelly Rowland. The girl seems like a total sweetheart if ya ask me. The former Destiny’s Child starlet recently revealed her new single from her forthcoming third studio album (which is currently untitled), and I’m really diggin’ it (which I’m excited about because I wasn’t too crazy about Commander)!

Rose Colored Glasses was produced by Dr. Luke and written by Ester Dean. Rowland spews love torn lyrics on the track, laced over an infectious beat.

Rowland has yet to set a release date for the new project, but is expecting a September release.

Listen to Rose Colored Glasses below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Can all cheaters seriously have their balls cut off? Just sayin’!

One thing that’s always been consistent in Fefe Dobson’s music is attitude splashed with a pure pop paintbrush. And her new single is no different. Who else could sing about a scumbag in the vein that Dobson spews?

Joy, Dobson’s official sophomore studio album, will be released August 17th on Island Records. Apparently this title was chosen because her second album, Sunday Love, was never released. During production of the new album, she was re-signed (from 21 Music) to her original major record label (Island Records). Both labels are now working on the album that is set to drop later this summer (as mentioned above).

The just-released music video to her new single Ghost, is the first release from the upcoming album Joy. Watch the video (directed by Alan Ferguson) via MTV.com below.

Fefe Dobson – New Music – More Music Videos

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

If you read BTB on da regular you would know my favorite cup of music is pop. Although, I also love some good indie rock and pretty much all things music oriented, I fall quickly for a simple pop tune, especially when backed by strong female vocals in the vein of Ryan Tedder production characteristics.

Not long ago I wrote an entire post on alcohol and somehow managed to tie this to the fact that I miss JoJo (see kids, you don’t need alcohol to be scatter-brained). Many tracks have leaked from JoJo’s recording sessions but due to some issues with finding stability at a label, it appears it may be some time before we see a new album and this BLOWS MY MIND, because the leaked tracks I am hearing are pure pop perfection, just like the one you’re about to hear.

Do I really need to bring out a picket sign and a megaphone?! [Ha]

WE WANT A NEW JOJO RECORD!!!

Listen to Wrong Man For The Job below.

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

Whew! That’s a mouthful.

May 6th was quite a day for me. I had been working on a project and was hoping it would see the light of day and in the midst of it all, I forgot what the day meant for me. May 6th is my anniversary of giving up the bottle, marking two years of life lived without alcohol.

Now, don’t worry, I’m not going to get too preachy. I just wanted to write a more journal style entry (which I don’t often do) to get a few things off my chest (while of course keeping with the theme of BTB, which is music).

For the record: I did not have a Courtney Love moment and end up in rehab, nor did I wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy brushing my teeth with a bottle of Jack. But it could’ve happened at the rate I was going…

Without going into extremely personal territory or depth, I simply felt that alcohol was a distraction for me and wanted to refocus my energy. I also wanted to get fit and to be as healthy as possible. With that being said, the first couple of months without drinking were really weird. Like super weird actually. If you’ve ever gone to a bar/club drinking only seltzer water/Shirley Temples you may know what I mean when I say this. The most sobering thing I experienced was going to a place I would normally go to drunk and seeing it for what it truly was and what I saw was not all that cool (like I had imagined) to begin with.

A huge lesson I’ve learned from this is that if you’re used to drinking til’ you can’t feel your face, give it up for a month or so and I promise you, you’ll quickly find out who your real friends are. Drinking often gives the illusion that you are super connected to these buddies that you get wasted with, but when the lights come on and the music ends and you drop the bottle, you realize that some of those connections are true but most are pretty surface. Alcohol may give you confidence to feel more comfortable on the outside, around people, but it will never give you the confidence to feel comfortable within yourself.

I know I know–what does this have to do with you or music. I just wanted to make a statement (to anyone, but specifically teens/young adults who feel pressured into drinking to fit social norms) to say that you shouldn’t give in if it’s something you do not want to do. It will not make your problems disappear and it will not make you a better person. If drinking is something you want to try, then try it but do it responsibly. Because I know from experience how messy a freakin’ bottle of Jack can be (no wonder Ke$ha thinks her name is spelled with a dollar sign instead of an “s”).

May 6th was also a bit random for me due to things in my private life that I don’t wish to disclose (crap you could care less about and rightfully so). But it’s not rocket science as you should be able to understand once you hear the song below by the MIA JoJo, who has had a hard time with finding stability at a label the past couple of years. Talk about the need for tequila! I kid.

In late 2009 she signed with Interscope Records and began working with Chad Hugo, Pharell Williams, Jim Beanz, and Timbaland (among others). The first single is slated to be released this summer, but I won’t hold my breath, as her label keeps going back and forth. I hardly ever listen to the radio but when I do, I wouldn’t mind JoJo thrown into the mix. Afterall, the girl’s got chops and usually sings about things that aren’t shallow as crap. Plus, the song you’re about to hear is pop perfection and reaffirms the reasoning behind why I could use a new JoJo record.

I guess this long ass post can be summed up by saying — We’re often told to forget, to forgive, and to move on from pain, tests, and heartbreak but my motto is this: HOLD ONTO IT and USE IT to better yourself. And if you decide to be a sloppy hot mess, do it by mistake, not because someone pressured you, you think it will make you more confident, fix your issues, or because you think it’s the “cool” thing to do. The always cool thing to do is to be your own person and to follow your own route.

Much love everyone, thank you for supporting BTB, I truly appreciate it.

Aiiight, I’m done!

Check out a leaked track from JoJo’s new record, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Band you should know!

Southern (Ft. Worth, Texas) and full of soul, comes Green River Ordinance, a 5-piece pop/rock band that displays heartfelt chemistry through the lungs of sound. The Texan boys refer to Third Eye Blind, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Radiohead, Lifehouse, Tonic, Goo Goo Dolls, & Flickerstick as their musical influences.

The band took their name from a street sign found in a back yard. The Green River Ordinance outlawed door-to-door salesmen from visiting homes without an approval from the house owner. This appealed to the band as their fan base was growing in a door-to-door direction it seemed by word of mouth.

Check out the music video to the beautiful On Your Own, below.

And for a free mp3 download from Green River Ordinance, click here.

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

“Even though they can have a deep subject (such as un-returned love in Release Me) I want my songs to inspire people to have fun and dance,” –Agnes // in an interview with Scan Magazine.

At the ripe old age of 17, small-town girl Agnes Carlsson was the youngest contestant to ever win Swedish Idol. Now at 22, after huge success in the UK where she is known simply as Agnes, the pop tart (who says Beyonce is her role model) is planning an international takeover. And judging by her video for her massive hit Release Me, Agnes might have the Leona Lewis-esque vocals to pull it off.

Check out the video for Release Me, below.

A breakup/heartbreak song that actually makes you want to move…on.

Agnes – New Music – More 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.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Bringin’ nerdy back!

Motion City Soundtrack’s major label debut with Columbia was produced by Blink-182 member Mark Hoppus and it shows. The music video for HER WORDS DESTROYED MY PLANET is endearing and full of indie rock sass. The choreography at the end, besides making me smile, showcases how awesome, non-pretentious, and fun the boys are. Basically, they got mad skillz and are about to erupt. VOLCANO STYLE!

If we’d only stayed together
I might not have fallen apart
But the words you said destroyed my planet.
I stall before I start.
I stall before I start anything at all.

Check out the action, below.