New Music: Kelly Clarkson's Positivity, Nas' Dedication to His Daughter, Juanes Unplugged

"DARK SIDE"    KELLY CLARKSON

Following Kelly's #1 motivating smash, "What Makes You Stronger" comes her inspiring follow-up single, "Dark Side".   Kelly hasn't "gone Hollywood"  She's so sincere,  maintaining her small town girl image, you want to root for Kelly!   Her message here reminds us that no one is perfect, everyone has their faults and weaknesses, but true love sees past that and everyone is worthy of love.   The imagery in the video is so uplifting, should be another big hit!  

     

"DAUGHTERS"     NAS

The original leaked version of Daughters was explicit and didn't fit the beautiful theme of Nas' song dedicated to his 17 year old daughter.   The video is shot from her point of view from birth to her high school years.   Nas consistently has written some of the deepest, most intelligent rhymes.  While I'm not 100% sold on this song, I like seeing such a positive themed rap video promoting fathers taking responsibility for their children. 

"LA PAGA"     JUANES  (MTV Unplugged)

Juanes has been one of the most prolific Spanish artists since 2000.   Given the spotlight of an MTV Unplugged session, the Columbian superstar, Juanes, is back playing some of his biggest hits.  The beat of  "La Paga" with a horn section accompaniment feels like a fiesta but the translated lyrics carry a completely different emotion.  The theme of lies and deceitful emotions is conveyed in Juanes' passionate delivery and guitar playing.

Kelly Clarkson Japanese B-Side : Samantha Fox (DJ Alligator), Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, ir Charles Jones,

"TOUCH ME NOW"   SAMANTHA FOX (Dance Mix with DJ Alligator)

When I went to Ireland a couple of years ago, I ran across The Star, the tenth largest newspaper in circulation in the world.  European attitudes are so different from us in the States.  Much to my surprise, I turned to "Page 3", famous for their pin-up girl pictures often topless!  Imagine that in the Wall Street Journal daily!  Samantha Fox first gained her fame for her famous pictures then exploded onto the pop music scene with songs like "Touch Me" and "Naughty Girls Need Love Too".   Here's a techno remix with  Gunther and DJ Alligator.

"MY WISH"  (Guitar Mix)   RASCAL FLATTS

Gary LeVox (great name for a lead singer!) and his band, Rascal Flatts, were signed to the Disney Music Group, Lyric Street Records.   Fittingly, the band has the most wholesome, All-American image, and have huge appeal with the youngest country music fans.   Their concerts are extravaganzas with lasers, special effects, and audience interaction.   "My Wish" has such a feel-good positive message that you can only "wish" that someone would dedicate these words to you one day.

"CAN WE GO BACK"   KELLY CLARKSON

Kelly's CD "All I Ever Wanted" debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album charts and continued selling copies  spurred on by the big hits, "I Don't Hook Up" and "My Life Would Suck Without You".    Three of the better songs didn't make the final version, the rocker "The Day We Fell Apart", the acoustic "Don't Ever Give Up On Me" (one of her all-time best!), and "Can We Go Back".    The latter song has massive hit appeal, if you missed it, enjoy!

Flash Mob With Kelly Clarkson: Skrillex, Korn, Tongue Tied

"STRONGER"          KELLY CLARKSON

Kelly's back with a future #1 hit with this song.   "(What Doesn't Kill You Makes You) Stronger" features dancefloor beats, a repetitive but determined chorus, and a classic disco groove.    It isn't typical Kelly Clarkson but it's ready for DJ remixes and one listen to this song and you know it will dominate the radio in 2012.

"NARCISSISTIC CANNIBAL"               KORN FT. SKRILLEX

Like Linkin Park who changed their sound for their latest CD and lost a lot of fans but picked up a new audience, Korn is venturing into electronica on their new CD.   Skrillex (nominated for Best New Artist at this year's Grammy Awards) adds hypnotic beats to  Jonathan Davis' vocals.    But the song still has that classic Korn nu-metal sound.

"TONGUE TIED"                           GROUPLOVE

This U.K. Indie band is probably best known for their song "Colors" on the Madden 2012 video game or this song featured prominently in the Apple Ipod-Touch commercials.    The video is trippy (literally!) as some special brownies take the band on a wild ride.