AAC

Hopefully they don't wait too long to release "I Got You" over here. It's doing OK on U.S. radio at the moment. It's gaining more than a few positive spins per day, which is fine considering you wouldn't expect this to take off until after Christmas. Here's to hoping they release the video early January, and she gets on the promo-train.

Can't believe this didn't reach the top 10 on iTunes. Considering the audience she performed in front of, it's pretty wild that it didn't. I hope she's not becoming irrelevant... Anyway, I hate the choice of song, but the crescendo was performed beautifully. And DAMN, the girl gets hotter by the month.

Wow, you guys must be the only collective group who love this. I personally think it's a song that's been crafted terribly. There's virtually no hook whatsoever, and the key change(s) are all over the place. Seriously, I can only feel positive about the production. With the hype of it being compared to "My Heart Will Go On", I was expecting something mind-blowing. It's the definition of average and I'm glad it's not been chosen as an official single release.

Yeah, Nicki Minaj's inclusion to "Up Out My Face" should be off the chain. So excited for this.

Who the hell would buy this? Damn. Hopefully it's eventually decided to be packaged with the actual remix album as this will completely tank. I don't think the remix will save this era, but who knows. I'm pumped for "Up Out My Face" now Nicki Minaj is confirmed to feature. Perfect song for Nicki to be apart of, you just know that's going to be hot. I hope the remix to "Angels Cry" isn't just going to be a new thrown in verse by Ne-Yo. I want something fresh, because if that's the case I can't see it being much of a success.

It's a strong record, but a lot of people are disappointed. It was inevitable, considering people are waiting for "The Carter IV". Anyway, "Knockout" is killer. Nicki Minaj has got to be the hottest female rapper in the game at the moment, she murders it. Another track I can't stop playing is "Runnin'" featuring Shanell. Great hook, and sounds like something an alternative band would release. The Young Money album leaked aswell, and that's hot. Some of the verses from the lesser known rappers are poor, but as a whole it works. Weezy's all over it, which is great. The production is the only weak point, as it's pretty standard. He needs to rush release "Rebirth" now as it'll be circulating round the internet for too long before February. I'm not expecting great first week sales for this.

WOW, I'm all for new talent winning gold, but seriously, Sheamus? The most uninteresting character to be pushed in a long time.

The bonus tracks are great, too. I can't stop listening to "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)". It's a serious jam. It's now one of my favourite Alicia tracks. The production is just magical. Oh, and "Put It in a Love Song" featuring. BEY is great. I don't know why people are hating on this. It seems to garner either immense hatred or love, there's not much inbetween. I personally think it's great Alicia is trying something new, showing her swagger, you know? She sounds dope, man! I don't think it will surpass "The Diary of Alicia Keys" in terms of overall quality, but it's my (joint) album of 2009 (w/ Maxwell).

Winning formula... last era. People want something new from Leona, and although I really think "I Got You" is a great track, like I said before it reminds me of a song that would be successful if it followed a hit. I hope she finds success with the second single though, something seriously needs to happen otherwise we're in for a dim sophomore era.

Wow, I'm just in shock. This album is everything I wanted it to be. Just beauty. Seriously, it's near orgasmic, LOL. Totally dig all of the tracks, but "Distance and Time" stands out at the moment, but I'm really loving it all. A few Prince inspired songs, which is so cool. I'll write more on this stunning record later.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to get around to listening to their new record, it's seriously amazing. This blows their debut album out of the water, even if there's no standout smash. A serious contender for album of the year, in my eyes. "Waking Up" is just pure bliss, as is "Good Life". I'm also digging "Marchin' On", well, more than I did when I heard Timbaland's version. This record deserves so much more.

I can't believe that I'm actually warming to this (as I've been totally uninterested in her as an artist before). Maybe it's because it reminds me of home? LOL, it's so infectious.

"Happy" is one of my least favourite songs, and I still quite like it. "Can't Breathe" is the stand-out, no question. Nice production, a catchy hook and some beautiful vocal aerobics. This has to be a single at some point. Not many people will agree, but I'm also in love with "Alive". The verses are a little plain, but I love her soaring voice through the chorus. To me it's anything but filler.

We can all say it could've been much worse, but it's still pretty terrible. I'm just glad J Records are sending "I Got You" to radio soon, even though the second single should've gone for adds a long time ago (before the holiday freeze kicks in).

I'm so impressed with the current chart performance of "Doesn't Mean Anything" on iTunes. It's doing better than I ever thought possible, and I'm so proud. "Empire State of Mind Part II" is just incredible. It's an Alicia classic, that's for sure. I'd be inclined to say I prefer it over the version w/ Jay-Z, and I love me some HOVA.

Not that great of album, in my opinion. It's all too familiar. He peaked a long time ago, in my book. "Meet In the Middle" featuring Bran' Nu is the highlight. Damn, Brandy can spit hard, LOL. After hearing all of the leaks, I wasn't expecting much so it's not a huge disappointment.

01: Betcha Gon' Know (The Prologue) 02: Touch My Body 03: Obsessed 04: Stay the Night 05: We Belong Together 06: H.A.T.E.U. 07: Circles 08: Side Effects (Feat. Young Jeezy) 09: Candy Bling 10: Up Out My Face 11: Don't Forget About Us 12: Fly Like a Bird 13: I Wish You Well

I'm not sure about this. It's definitely a great song, but it sounds like one of those tracks that would be a success if it followed a hit, you know? I really think "Outta My Head" is the most sensible option, even though I prefer "I Got You".

It's not really that nice of a peak... It's impressive that it made such a jump based on sales alone, as it's not had any airplay in the last week. It's still an extremely underwhelming chart performance though, and you can be sure her label recognise that.

LOL. Belittle? People take things way too seriously. But yeah, the X-Factor performance was clearly her best in a long time. I'm glad it's performing better on iTunes than many expected. It definitely would not have been my pick for a single, but at least it's going to be a minor hit (over here, anyway).

This is going to out so out of place on the remix album...

Bad choice. "No Parade" was the only potential hit left on the album.

Yeah, it's flopped in the U.S. Those sales are poor, but considering "Happy" wasn't given a chance on radio it was to be expected, and could've been much worse. Hopefully "Echo" will have consistency, unless the next single flops, and if so, it's all over.

Saw her at Westfield. An hour late, which was extremely frustrating, but I'll forgive her "Diva" ways. She was welcomed with a great reception. Got an album cover sleeve signed, too. I was pretty starstruck, to be honest.

I never said they should send it now, they should've sent it some time ago now. "Happy" has been around the same position for such a long time now, it was clear it was over a long time ago.