"Just Want You to Raise My Roof"

Well...it doesn't get much more pop culture relevant than a comeback single from Britney Spears. About 16 years ago, she was the definition of Pop music, but she hasn't evolved her music over the past decade, which has resulted in her popularity dwindling. It's been about three and a half years since she's released new music and I'll admit, back in 2013 I was just as tired of her music as you were.

But to her credit, Britney came through with something new and relatively fresh sounding this week. Make Me Move is more of a super slow trap ballad that relies heavily on her sultry vocals and a rock solid cameo from G-Eazy. In fact, in not sure she could have picked a better rapper to deliver a verse on the track. His easily understandable diction and meaningful lyrics fit the vibe of the track to a T. If you're looking for a club banger, you'll be sorely disappointed, but if you're open minded enough to not let your pre-conceived notions of Britney get in the way, you might end up liking her new one...#MakeMeMove

Britney Spears feat G-Eazy - Make Me...

"Cause Baby I'm Fragile, Fragile, Fragile"

It's crazy to think that we're now five singles deep on Kygo's upcoming Cloud Nine album with two full months to go before its release. The most recent of the five singles, Fragile, takes on a much different vibe than his previous releases. Normally you'd expect some bubbly synths and Tropical House rhythms from Kygo. Instead, we got an emotionally deep ballad that leans heavily on the somber vocals of Labrinth. For further context, check out the debut performance of the track on Senkveldt TV2...

While it's never going to be my favorite Kygo track, I appreciate the ways he's trying to expand the perception of what music he's capable of making. Sure, he might have helped pioneer Trop House, but that doesn't mean it should be the only type of music he makes. The underlying punchline here is that Kygo is a great producer of music, not just one type of music. Undoubtedly, Fragile is a power ballad directly aimed at Top 40 radio, but every album needs a few tracks that people can latch onto and sing along with. There's plenty of broken people out there who are going eat up these lyrics and turn it into a personal anthem. Chalk this one up to another solid addition to an album that's shaping up to be one of the better releases in the past few years...#Fragile

Kygo feat Labrinth - Fragile

"Magic Hour With Super Powers, We Can Be Famous"

Everything that RAC touches seems to turn to gold. They don't make a type of music, specifically, other than good music. Their tracks are generally upbeat and addictive, which are two adjectives I'd use to describe Magic Hour.

Sure, it's as sugary as bubble gum coated in sugar, but my goodness does it go down smooth. Led by the angelic voice of Little Boots and a gradual guitar build up that gives way to a celebratory hook, there's a lot to like. The gentle synth ride out on the beat is even more easy-going if you're in the mood for something you can slowly nod your head to. Not sure if you're picking up on this, but there's a good chance I'm going to be heading over to iTunes to cop this one in a minute...#MagicHour

RAC feat. Little Boots - Magic Hour

"I Was the King Under Your Control"

It's not very common, but I've been known to fall for catchy electro-pop every now and again. The latest example of which comes from the UK in the form of up and comers Years and Years. Tonight we venture off the path of EDM and Hip Hop to throw some dap in the direction of the trio from London.

First and foremost, Olly Alexander has "it' when it comes to vocals. The catchy synths and soulful undertones are icing on the cake, but the well executed verses and sugary sweet hook are what I will take away. I sincerely hope they aren't going to wait until March 1st to release King because it's going to get more than a lot of plays before then. They've got more of a focus on instrumentation than you're average boy band, which is why I'm refusing to categorize them as such. Simply put, after one single, I'm on board and excited to hear what else they're capable of producing...#YearsAndYears

Years and Years - King

Imagine Dragons Are Back With "I Bet My Life on You"

Vegas odds would put Imagine Dragons matching their debut album's success at about 100 to 1. It's damn near impossible to go double platinum nowadays, yet ID's Night Visions has gone double platinum since being released in 2013. Needless to say the expectations for their sophomore album are sky high.

Right now, I'm trying to figure out how they managed to exceed my expectations with their lead single I Bet My Life. What starts out as a chill ballad erupts into an uplifting chorus around the 46 second mark. Following their tried and true formula of powerful, celebratory sing-along music Imagine Dragons did everything they could to make me excited about their new album. My only advice is, consume it quickly before the masses get to it because top 40 radio does not know moderation when it comes to music like this...#IBetMyLife

Coldplay Goes Full On EDM With Avicii's Help

There are very few collaborations nowadays that force me to get out of my chair due to sheer excitement. Chalk that type of response up to the collaboration below between Coldplay and Avicii. You've got the legendary band who crafts picturesque ballads in their sleep combining forces with the current trendsetter in EDM. Add to that the fact that Coldplay very rarely goes uptempo and you've got yourself an attention grabbing track. Press play before you listen to me wax poetic...

To put it simply, it's what you'd expect from Coldplay ballad wise, but this time you get a crisp, harmonious chord progression mixed together by Avicii. The track is every bit as triumphant and feel good as your favorite U2 track. While most epic collaborations usually fall short, this one hit the nail on the head and delivered exactly what I would have hoped. You better believe I'm adding this to any and every chill EDM mix I will be putting together in the near future. Oh and look out for that new Coldplay album, Ghost Stories, out May 19th...#SkyFullOfStars

"I'll Be Runnin', Til the Love Runs Out"

I've never been two feet in on contemporary bands, but I will always make an exception for One Republic. They consistently make soulfully powerful music led by one of my favorite vocalists on earth (Ryan Tedder). Evidently their new single, Love Runs Out, was supposed to be the lead single off their previous album Native. The problem was, they didn't have a finished chorus to the track, which meant releasing it as a single would have been like selling a car with no tires. So rather than selling us a car with no tires, they kept at it and finally finished the track.

For those getting super excited about a new album, cool out for a minute because the new single is being re-released as an addition to existing tracklist of Native. If you're a fan of piano driven ballads that have a penchant for getting people out of their chairs clapping and singing along, you're going to enjoy this one. Shoot I'd consider copping it simply because of the energy Tedder brings with his high powered vocals...#LoveRunsOut

One Republic - Love Runs Out

O.A.R. is Back With a Peaceful Ballad

I'd had an off and on relationship with O.A.R. over the years. When Craziest Game of Poker came out, they were the coolest band since Sublime. Their unique style that includes reggae, acoustic, and pop was such a breath of fresh air.

As the years went by, I had a tough time continuing the same love I had for them because their style wasn't as unique anymore and, frankly, my music tastes shifted. They've now released seven albums, which makes for an extensive discography that I'm probably a few albums behind on. That being said, when I saw them live about four years ago in Philly, they made it abundantly clear how far their live show has come. They have evolved into such a crisp professional act that I'd easily recommend to anyone.

With their new ballad, Peace, they're now on to album number eight. The yet to be titled album will be out in May, just before they embark on a summer tour. If you're in the mood for a calming, peaceful, well-crafted ballad I'd recommend the track below...#Peace

O.A.R. - Peace

Coldplay Sets the Tone for the New Hunger Games

I'm not sure you can do any better than Coldplay when it comes to setting the tone for a movie soundtrack. As a band they're incapable of making anything but emotional music, which is usually a plus for getting people interested about a new flick. What's more exciting than the actual song is the lyric video that recently hit the interwebs. Check it below and don't be afraid to be amazed...

I'd argue that enough people are so gung-ho about the Hunger Games series that getting Coldplay to captain the soundtrack is merely icing on the cake. I say that because people are already talking about tickets going on sale for part 2, Hunger Games: Catching Fire, on October 1st. That wouldn't sound weird if I didn't tell you the movie is hitting theaters on November 22nd. Yea that's a little nuts, but I'd be lying if I wasn't a little excited for it and another Jennifer Lawrence movie...#CatchingFire

Coldplay - Atlas

"Kids, Kids Are Gonna Do What They Want"

I'll be the first to admit, I did not know who Mikky Ekko was until he surfaced on Rihanna's track Stay. It goes without saying, he shined all over that track vocally and was a worthy choice for the duet. Long story short he hails from Nashville, TN and had previously been known more for his writing prior to Ri Ri puttin' him on.

You can consider his Benny Benassi and John Hill produced lead single Kids his starting point toward a major label debut album. The track is about as easy listening as it gets with it's catchy, electro-pop sound. I find his southern folk-ish style Tom Petty-esque delivery interesting over soothing synths and I'd normally characterize him as an Indie artist, but this single will probably get it's share of top 40 love before it's all over. Keep an eye on Mikky, he's got a unique style that's worthy of note...#Kids

Mikky Ekko - Kids (prod by Benny Benassi & John Hill)

"When the Music's on She Can Do No Wrong"

Awww yea, back to the grown and sexy vibes of Mayer Hawthorne today. With the help of Jessica Ware, Mayer just let loose a lead single off his upcoming album Where Does This Door Go. The funky, new school jazz sound to Her Favorite Song is as smooth as it is catchy. If there's a genre called jazz pop, you better believe your boy Mayer is leading the way on that movement. Feel free to latch onto the appropriately conceived hash tag...#YachtClubMusic

Mayer Hawthorne feat Jessica Ware - Her Favorite Song

"For Once There is Nothing Up My Sleeve"

I'm about two months tardy on the track below, but I don't watch the HBO Original Series Girls and my exposure to pop music is limited, so tracks like Fun.'s Sight of the Sun sometimes slip by the goalie. Even worse, I'm guilty for not giving Fun.'s latest classic effort, Some Nights, the publicity it deserves. Luckily, the Grammy's had my back, so now they're a household name, but I fear that the track below slipped through the cracks since it hasn't made it to radio or been prominently featured on an album.

As a quick aside, you may not have noticed that they are going on an epic world tour this summer. I say epic because they had to zoom out to the globe view to mark all of the places they are going this summer. Sadly, they have yet to mix their new ballad below to their set lists, but I'm betting that may change once the US part of the tour starts...#SightOfTheSun

Fun. - Sight Of The Sun

"You're the One That I've Been Searching For, Joy"

Back in October @RyanMcDMusic made a splash with his G.O.O.D. Music debut single Paradise. I swung and missed posting it, so if you're like me and missed it, check it out below...

It shouldn't surprise many people that the best Hip Hop record labels like @G_O_O_D_Music and Young Money are expanding beyond just Hip Hop into Pop and EDM by recruiting artists like @itsKevinRudolf and @HudMo. If I were asked to compare Ryan McDermott to say...Kevin Rudolf, I'd say they both compete in the same Pop realm with Ryan taking more of the R&B/Jazz style, while Kevin takes a more alt rock approach. Ryan's new one below has a breezy, calypso R&B vibe to it with @Hit_Boy pitching in a verse and production on the track. It's harmonious, uplifting and shows off Ryan's vocal potential quite well. Hopefully artists like Ryan can help fill this gaping void of talent in R&B right now...#Joy

Ryan McDermott feat Hit-Boy - Joy (prod by Hit-Boy)

Fall Out Boy is Back!

Literally out of nowhere, @falloutboy reformed, released a lead single to go with a list of tour dates. Their new album is evidently out May 6th and will be titled Save Rock and Roll, which @petewentz explained by saying,

"Rock and Roll is an intangible- its an attitude- something that you feel. Fun, Danger, whatever you want to call it. When we started this band- it wasn’t for anything but ourselves- we wanted adventure, play loud music, and do it with our best friends. fast forward to 2013. we wrote some songs we felt we needed to. we feel like were back there at the beginning with only adventure and loud music again. We just want to feel real again. Save Rock and Roll is a personal statement for the band as much as anything else- because at the end of the day rock and roll saved us." -Pete Wentz

Pete was nice enough to put together a list of FAQs have come his way the past 30 hours via twitter. I can only imagine the volume of tweets and mentions they've gotten strictly on the announcement.

As far as the track is concerned, it's a attention grabbing, crowd inspiring anthem that will invite you to get up out your seat. Truthfully, the threshold for awesomness is greatly lowered when you've got @PatrickStump behind the mic. He has one of the best rock and roll voices of my generation and it really has made my day that I can look forward to another full album of material with him leading the way. Although I'll say that I really hope their new album is more Take This to Your Grave and Cork Tree than Infinity on High or Folie a Deux. In other words get back to your roots of awesomness and make more uptempo, passionate tracks like Sending Postcards or Spacecamp...#saverockandroll

Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)

"If I Lose Myself Tonight, It'll Be You and I"

I know it's not just me noticing this, but this week especially it seems like every artist that hasn't dipped their toe in electronica yet, did so this week. From Childish Gambino to Lil Wayne/YMCMB and now @OneRepublic who managed to incorporate some upbeat synths into their usual ballad. With Ryan Tedder at the helm, you know you're going to get consistently well written and produced track with great vocals, but I like that they went outside their usual sound on If I Lose Myself.

Their new single isn't the only great thing that One Republic has done this week either. They managed to raise over $73,000 for Newtowns' victims families (as of Tuesday). Check their video below addressing the issue and asking folks to donate...

Kudos guys, that was a good message and I'm hoping that they did in some way ease the financial burden on those unfortunate families.

The track below is going to surface on One Republic's new Native album due out some time in early 2013. It's hard to argue against their consistency in churning out chart topping singles and their new one is no exception to that statement...#Quality

One Republic - If I Lose Myself

"Why Does it Feel So Good an Hurt So Bad?"

Despite being a somewhat foreign name to Americans, @ollyofficial is about to become a household name and radio mainstay in the US. You may remember his from his stint on X Factor, but I've been more intrested in his work with one of my favorite Hip Hop artists/writers @ClaudeKelly. With damn near 3 million followers already in tow and a few Hip Hop singles on the way, his US debut Right Place Right Time is on the right track.

In case you missed it, Olly recently put out a single featuring @chiddybang called Heart Skips a Beat. His follow up single below has a @maroon5 sound to it's about as delightfully pop and catchy as you can get for Top 40 radio. My only critique is that it's a little slow for @official_flo's usual pace, which makes his verse sound a little out of place, but I can see how the big name collabo will go a long way towards $ales. Still a solid track that will get gobbled up by the masses as Olly ascends mainstream pop significance in the US...#RightPlaceRightTime

Olly Murs feat Flo-Rida - Troublemaker
|iTunes

"Let's Make the Most of Tonight Like We're Gonna Die Young"

Every now and then I allow myself to indulge in the sugary delight of a soon to be #1 and extremely over-played single. In this case it's @keshasuxx's new lead single Die Young off her upcoming album Warrior. The proof is in the ingredients too with the usual suspects @THEDOCTORLUKE and @ItsBennyBlanco behind the boards. It's getting a little ridiculous how many top singles Dr. Luke has had his name attached to the past few years.

If this isn't catchy, I'm not sure what is. Good luck trying to get this one out of your head after you listen a few times. You'll be singing along too, don't even trip...#DieYoung

Ke$ha - Die Young (prod by Dr Luke & Benny Blanco)
|iTunes

R&B Rewind Emeli Sande - Next To Me

I admitted earlier this week how behind and generally out of the R&B game I've been the past few months. Case in point the absolute gem below delivered by @emelisande. Forgive me for being about a half year late on Next To Me, but even delivered late, it's a standout track. Video below if you want the full the full experience and visuals on Emeli's Janelle Monae style haircut...

It's hard not to draw Alicia Keys comparisons because she's got that unmistakeable soulfulness in her voice. The single below is off her debut album Our Version of Events if you want to hear more. I know I need to catch up on the Scottish diamond in the rough's debut because those pipes are not to be trifled with...#NextToMe

Emeli Sande - Next To Me
|iTunes

"Our love is Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma Madness"

For all of you who were more than a little annoyed by The @muse's journey off the grid into dubstep, this one's for you. The track below will be their second official single off their upcoming album The 2nd Law, due out on October 2nd.

When listening to Madness, I can't help but think of Queen and more specifically Freddie Mercury. The storytelling is key to that comparison, but the vocals delivered by lead singer @MattBellamy is main reason I'm drawing the parallel. I like that they deviated from their usual guitar riff dominated single too and were able to showcase their equally talented mellow side.

Let's call a spade a spade. I don't usually post rock tracks, but The Muse is growing on me. I'm trying to stay true to the whole open minded, good music knows no genre attitude. Shoot I became an EDM fiend when I got bored of most Hip Hop, so whose to say I won't stop there with a little alt rock every now and then. We'll see how good their album is first before I start making wild assumptions...#2ndLaw

Muse - Madness
|iTunes

"We Can't Wait to Burn it To the Ground"

Even though I primarily post Hip Hop/R&B/EDM music on a daily basis, there are a few Alt Rock groups that I've always really enjoyed. I've always believed that the most consistent and awesome live show that I've seen multiple times is @311. Big or small venue, their wide array of sounds and flavors always translates to a great live performance. On the flip side, if you want to attack it from a more classic perspective, Rage Against the Machine will always be on my concert bucket list. Now if they'd only get back together and go on tour...#IWish

In that same upper echelon of high energy, slightly Hip Hop flavored rock is where @LINKINPARK lives. Even though @CHESTERBE gets a lot of the publicity for being the lead singer, the main reason I've always been such a fan of Linkin Park is @m_shinoda. From the start the way he's been able to produce and rap on the majority of their singles has been the highlight. Also, Linkin Park aside, his Rising Tied album that he released as Fort Minor will always be classic in my mind. I'd be remiss if I din't give a shout out to Linkin Park's resident DJ/Turntablist @joehahnlp whose scratches, keyboard work and background vocals give the group an added element that not a lot of bands have.

Their new singles below, Burn it Down, is a characteristically synth laden, melodic track. It's got a whole lot of harmony from Chester, a few well delivered bars by Mike Shinoda and production from the legendary Rick Rubin. It's the Top 40 single that'll give their new album Living Things a solid boost in hype and sales when it hits shelves on June 26th. I don't know about you guys, but I'm pumped to hear their new album...#Anticipation

Linkin Park - Burn it Down (prod by Mike Shinoda & Rick Rubin)
|iTunes