Monday, July 4, 2011
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez 'unleash the L-word'
Heavy-handed and predictable
Beyonce 4 (Sony) | Reviewer's rating: 2.5/5
Beyonce Knowles can sing up a treat, dance like a woman with three hips and five speeds, act perfectly well, co-write songs and run a business that turns over millions. At a pinch she can probably rewire your house and de-flea your dog.
However, what she doesn't have is a sense of humour. Not a skerrick. Does that matter? Last time I looked Weird Al Yankovic was still uglier, poorer and not squiring a fellow mogul like Jay-Z.
Yes, it does matter. Not because she needs to be making jokes or cracking wise but because it would, maybe, stop her taking herself quite so seriously. It might, possibly, remind her of her strengths and weaknesses and exactly why people have bought her records.
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Beyonce's latest album dishes up heavy-handed and predictable songs.
But I doubt it, because Knowles's previous three albums have all suffered from the same issue that begins with the fact that she is not an album artist. Each one has had a handful of cracking pop/R&B singles packaged with pedestrian ballads, corporate filler and an overall attitude that you might call, to borrow a line from her fellow Texan, Governor Rick Perry, a shade of American exceptionalism.
That would explain why for the first third of this album and several times afterwards Knowles goes again and again to the well of what she no doubt thinks of as deep and meaningful, though in reality they are heavy-handed and predictable songs of indomitable spirit, empowerment and trouble-conquering. She sees herself as a soul singer in a line from Aretha to Mary J. Blige.
While she has a big voice, she is too deliberate to bring real heart to a slow waltz such as I Was Here. Even when a song such as I Miss You, which has little more than a bare electronic pulse, gives her the chance to let the song be felt, she pushes it.
Too deliberate ... Beyonce Knowles performs at the Glastonbury Festival on June 26. Photo: Getty Images
Where Knowles then strikes trouble is that the bold and brassy side of her, which produced Single Ladies and Deja Vu, is not firing on all cylinders. Party, which features Andre 3000 of Outkast, never kicks off while End of Time feels stiff-legged for Caribbean-influenced dance music. The best of them, Countdown, throws together brass band, stuttering steps, brief splashes of dancehall and electronica and celebrates its near oddness, but you can't help wondering, what if it had been really odd and boldly different, maybe even funny?
Even less successful is the song presumably intended to fill the ''girl power via hip-shaking dance clip'' Single Ladies hole. Run the World (Girls) borrows from the Timbaland/Missy Elliott bag of tricks of weird sounds, cross-current beats and spiky vocals. The effort is there but unlike Missy at her peak, it never sticks fast. Much like the album, really.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Enrique Iglesias Brings 'Dirty Dancer' To 'American Idol'
On the same day he announced cities and dates for his fall arena tour,Enrique Iglesias took to the "American Idol" stage Thursday (May 12) to perform his new single, "Dirty Dancer," along with a rendition of his smash hit "I Like It," both from his 2010 album Euphoria.
Iglesias opened the performance with "Dirty Dancer" under a single spotlight, but soon the stage was lit with multiple spots and a bevy of lasers. Iglesias — dressed in blue jeans and a black leather jacket, his hair artfully disheveled — was backed by a video-screened Usher, who performed on the large wall behind him, as well as a full band and a team of backup singers. "She's a dirty, dirty dancer/ Dirty, dirty dancer/ Never ever lonely," Iglesias sang, telling the cautionary tale of a comely-yet-dangerous female (isn't that always the case?).
After a verse and a chorus, Iglesias switched gears and dove into "I Like It," his blockbuster single, which hit #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 last year. Fans flooded the "Idol" stage and jumped in unison, as Iglesias — who turned 36 earlier this week — high-fived them and bounced along. Balloons dropped from the ceiling, lending the song an even more celebratory, New Year's Eve-type feel. Iglesias waded into the throng of fans and urged them to wave their hands from side to side and let some of them fill in for him on vocal duties. As he made his way out of the group of fans, he popped a balloon with his microphone.
At the close of his performance, Iglesias — who made headlines in March when he dropped off Britney Spears' summer tour — gave props to the "Idol" enterprise. "You're amazing, 'American Idol'!" he said, as he was embraced by fans at the foot of the stage.
What did you think of Enrique Iglesias' performance? Let us know in the comments!
Don't miss "Idol Party Live" every Thursday at noon on MTV.com for analysis, celebrity guests and even some karaoke — get in the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #idolparty! In the meantime, get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Caught in the Act!
She's usually the one performing, but Britney Spearstook a break from her Femme Fatale tour for some entertainment with beau Jason Trawick and her boys, Prestonand Jayden. The pop star caughtdance crew Jabbawockeez's show MUS.I.C. at Las Vegas's Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. Laughing and cheering with the rest of the audience, Spears seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show and even bounced in her seat to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." On her way out, the pop star also scored some goodie bags.
Campaign to ban Shakira from entering Egypt after visit to Israel
A group of Egyptians have launched a campaign over the internet calling to prevent famous Lebanese/Columbian singer Shakira from entering Egypt, and cancel her scheduled concert in Cairo in the month of November, in response to her recent visit to Israel a week ago.
Many people denounced Shakira's visit to the Israel, and visiting Israeli children in a school in Jerusalem rather than visiting Palestinian children who are suffering from the Israeli occupation.
Shakira was also reprimanded for her visit due to the fact that she is half Lebanese, and there is strong hostility between Lebanon and Israel. The page that was created for the campaign stated that the attack is not on Shakira as a person, but its due to their strong rejection of normalization with Israel in any form or shape.
Many people denounced Shakira's visit to the Israel, and visiting Israeli children in a school in Jerusalem rather than visiting Palestinian children who are suffering from the Israeli occupation.
Shakira was also reprimanded for her visit due to the fact that she is half Lebanese, and there is strong hostility between Lebanon and Israel. The page that was created for the campaign stated that the attack is not on Shakira as a person, but its due to their strong rejection of normalization with Israel in any form or shape.
Members who created the page stated that a concert by Shakira will not add anything to Egypt, and her not holding a performance will mean so much more.
Organizers of the campaign resented Shakira’s acceptance of the invitation from President of Israel Shimon Peres, and her remarks of opening a new page with the Israelis, and expressed their shock at the actions of Shakira, demanding that she banned from entering Egypt permanently.
Shakira visited Israel with her boyfriend, Barcelona soccer star Gerard Pique, and spent the night in a hotel in Jerusalem. During her visit, Shakira attended a Presidential Conference, after Israeli President had invited her to attend the opening of this conference.
One of the Egyptian telecommunications companies announced the purchase of Shakira’s concert; which is scheduled to take place in Egypt in November, for 2.5 million US dollars.
Rihanna looks downbeat as she leaves BET afterparty following embarrassing Chris Brown award mix-up
After embarrassingly being named the winner of an award which actually belonged to her ex-Chris Brown last night, you wouldn't blame Rihanna skipping BET Awards celebrations all together.
But instead the 23-year-old Bajan singer dusted herself off and glammed herself up for the festivities in Los Angeles.
She did however look not too pleased as she left the bash in her sexy slinky satin gown.
Flanked by burly bodyguards, the singer could barely raise a smile as she made her way out of the party.
Rihanna accentuated her glamorous look with her fiery red hair coiffed in sophisticated waves and matched the tresses with Scarlett lipstick.
She accessorised with gold spiky necklace and carried a snakeskin clutch.
Rihanna was a no show at the awards ceremony, which she was expected to attend, but it was probably a good thing.
In the mother of all gaffs, television personality Tiffany Greene mistakenly announced Rihanna as the winner of the Viewer's Choice award, not her ex-Brown, who was the actual recipient.
While the drama unfolded, Rihanna was pictured at Los Angeles LAX Airport while Brown collected several honours at the event.
The farce started when Greene, along with 106 & Park hosts Terrence J. and Rocsi took to the stage to present the Viewer's Choice Award.
Greene look confused as she proclaimed the winner to be Chris Brown for his song Look At Me Now.
But then Terrence quickly stepped in an said: 'I'm sorry, it's Rihanna for What's My Name... this is awkward.'
Rapper Drake, who collaborated on the track with Rihanna, then came to the stage to accept the award.
He said: 'This is awkward,' before making a short acceptance speech and leaving the stage.
However around 30 minutes later, at the end of the show, the main host Kevin Hart clarified the matter by saying Chris Brown was in fact the winner.
Brown, who performed several times at the ceremony, was also on stage and was seen laughing and goofing around on a bike as Hart made the announcement.
Brown won a pair of prizes earlier in the show too.
The 21-year-old singer was named best male R&B artist and won best collaboration for his song Look At Me Now with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes.
Brown accepted the collaboration award after performing a medley that including the winning track.
'Public-speaking is not my strong suit,' he said, thanking BET and his fans before passing the microphone to Wayne, who expressed gratitude to Brown for including him on the track. Busta Rhymes rapped his acceptance.
Earlier in the ceremony, Brown also thanked his fans and the network: 'I appreciate all the support. I know it's been a long road, so I appreciate every blessing in front of me.'
Brown was of course referring to a difficult couple of years after he admitted to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the Grammy Awards back in 2009.
Both Rihanna and Brown have been making contact recently on social networking site Twitter, prompting speculation about their relationship status.
It is unknown whether or not they caught up inside the party last night
But instead the 23-year-old Bajan singer dusted herself off and glammed herself up for the festivities in Los Angeles.
She did however look not too pleased as she left the bash in her sexy slinky satin gown.
Flanked by burly bodyguards, the singer could barely raise a smile as she made her way out of the party.
Rihanna accentuated her glamorous look with her fiery red hair coiffed in sophisticated waves and matched the tresses with Scarlett lipstick.
She accessorised with gold spiky necklace and carried a snakeskin clutch.
Rihanna was a no show at the awards ceremony, which she was expected to attend, but it was probably a good thing.
In the mother of all gaffs, television personality Tiffany Greene mistakenly announced Rihanna as the winner of the Viewer's Choice award, not her ex-Brown, who was the actual recipient.
While the drama unfolded, Rihanna was pictured at Los Angeles LAX Airport while Brown collected several honours at the event.
The farce started when Greene, along with 106 & Park hosts Terrence J. and Rocsi took to the stage to present the Viewer's Choice Award.
Greene look confused as she proclaimed the winner to be Chris Brown for his song Look At Me Now.
But then Terrence quickly stepped in an said: 'I'm sorry, it's Rihanna for What's My Name... this is awkward.'
Rapper Drake, who collaborated on the track with Rihanna, then came to the stage to accept the award.
He said: 'This is awkward,' before making a short acceptance speech and leaving the stage.
However around 30 minutes later, at the end of the show, the main host Kevin Hart clarified the matter by saying Chris Brown was in fact the winner.
Brown, who performed several times at the ceremony, was also on stage and was seen laughing and goofing around on a bike as Hart made the announcement.
Brown won a pair of prizes earlier in the show too.
The 21-year-old singer was named best male R&B artist and won best collaboration for his song Look At Me Now with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes.
Brown accepted the collaboration award after performing a medley that including the winning track.
'Public-speaking is not my strong suit,' he said, thanking BET and his fans before passing the microphone to Wayne, who expressed gratitude to Brown for including him on the track. Busta Rhymes rapped his acceptance.
Earlier in the ceremony, Brown also thanked his fans and the network: 'I appreciate all the support. I know it's been a long road, so I appreciate every blessing in front of me.'
Brown was of course referring to a difficult couple of years after he admitted to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the Grammy Awards back in 2009.
Both Rihanna and Brown have been making contact recently on social networking site Twitter, prompting speculation about their relationship status.
It is unknown whether or not they caught up inside the party last night
Beyoncé goes for timeless over timely on her latest album, '4'
It's been a while since "Single Ladies" ruled the world. And neither of the first two singles off this album - "Run the World (Girls)," "Best Thing I Never Had" - have commanded the sort of attention Britney Spears and Lady Gaga enjoyed when their first singles hit the streets from "Femme Fatale" and "Born This Way" respectively.
Top 10 Beyoncé singles | New CD releasesThe bad news is, there's not much here that feels like it could put Beyoncé back on top, where she belongs. There's no "Crazy in Love," no "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" - although that's clearly what she's gunning for on "Run the World (Girls)" - and certainly no shameless bid to keep up with the Ke$has of the world.
It couldn't feel more out of step, in fact, with current trends in R&B or big dumb pop of the Ke$ha variety, as though she honestly bought into Jay-Z's "Death of Auto-Tune."
The good news is, it's timeless that way, overstuffed with soulful ballads. There's even a ballad called "Party" (which features guest appearances from Kanye West and André 3000 with harmonies silky enough to give some listeners flashbacks to the '70s).
In a pop scene that's hell-bent on keeping it frivolous, Beyoncé brings the drama, setting the tone with the slow-rolling gravity of "1 + 1," where she pleads for someone - we're assuming Jay-Z - to make love to her. Not for the sexual healing so much as the sexual therapy, whether the world is through, like it is in the opening verse, or just at war (see second verse).
There's more frivolity, in fact, on U2's latest record.
But Beyoncé sells that drama, investing her vocals with a sense that everything is hanging in the balance, whether the love of her life is still around to hear her plead, "Make love to me" or, in most cases, long gone, leaving her alone to pour her heart out in moments as wounded as "I'm crying and deserted, baby, but you don't care" (on "I Care," a song whose vocals venture into the Mariah zone) or "I thought that things like this get better with time/But I still need you/Why is that?" Even when she finds the inner strength to mock the fool who got away ("Best That I Never Had"), her heart sounds just as broken as she rubs his nose in it.
This is serious business, grown-up soul that may be best enjoyed by an audience old enough to understand why anyone would see the romance in a line as sad as "Nothing's perfect, but it's worth it."
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