Rihanna’s “Rehab”, featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, is a pretty cool track, that lately, I can’t seem to get out of my head.

The first time that I heard it was on digital radio…and the first thing that came to mind was “this sounds like a Timberlake/Timbaland production”. Sure enough, the DJ came on and announced that is was. “Rehab” was written by Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Hannon Lane, with Timberlake and Timbaland contributing backing vocals.

At times, the lyrics in the verses, believe it or not, are quite challenging to sing along to – they’re very rhythmic and the vocal placement is unexpected, which I like a lot.

Watch “Rehab” video:

The sexy video that goes along with the single stars Rihanna and Justin Timberlake.

Rihanna on amazon.com

Rihanna on amazon.co.uk

Rihanna Official Website

Justin Timberlake Official Website

Timbaland Official Website

By: Jenny May

Madonna scores her 10th #1 album!

Outselling its nearest competitor 2-1, ‘Hard Candy‘ is Madonna’s tenth #1 album.

The albums’ staggering first single “4 Minutes To Save The World” featuring Justin Timberlake, also tops the single’s chart for a second week.

Incredibly this is the fourth time Madonna has had a single and album simultaneously at #1. No other solo female artist has done the double more than once.

Madonna has had more UK number 1’s than any other female artist and is the most successful female solo artist, ever!

Madonna’s Double’s…

1986 – album: True Blue – single: Papa Don’t Preach
1989 – album: Like A Prayer – single: Like A Prayer
2005 – album: Confessions On A Dance Floor – single: Hung Up
2008 – album: Hard Candy – single: 4 Minutes

“4 Minutes To Save The World” is a global smash, topping the European and World charts and notching up over a million downloads.

‘Hard Candy’ is the highly anticipated creative collaboration between Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams.

Madonna performed an incredible set at New York’s Roseland Ballroom on Wednesday April 30th, 2008 and will headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend, May 10th.

Madonna on amazon.co.uk

Madonna on amazon.com

Madonna Myspace
Madonna Official Website

Proving that it’s lucky for some, Madonna has scored her 13th UK #1 hit with “4 Minutes To Save The World” featuring Justin Timberlake.

After four weeks in the top 10 the single has notched up 126,000 downloads.

Madonna has had more UK number 1’s than any other female artist and is the most successful female solo artist, ever!

She has had no less than 60 top ten singles and 9 UK top 10 albums.

Taken from her eagerly anticipated new studio album, ‘Hard Candy’, out April 28th, 2008, the single was written by Madonna and Justin Timberlake who also produced the track with Timbaland, and is released physically today.

Madonna’s 12 Previous Number 1 hits:

Into The Groove (July 1985)
Papa Don’t Preach (June 1986)
True Blue (October 1986)
La Isla Bonita (April 1987)
Who’s That Girl (July 1987)
Like A Prayer (March 1989)
Vogue (April 1990)
Frozen (March 1998)
American Pie (March 2000)
Music (August 2000)
Hung Up (November 2005)
Sorry (February 2006)

Madonna on amazon.co.uk

Madonna on amazon.com

Madonna on Myspace
Madonna

With their ‘Red Carpet Massacre World Tour’ now underway, in support of the release of their 12th studio album, musical innovators Duran Duran have announced details of four special UK shows that will form part of an extensive 30 date European summer run.

Taking in Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham and London, the four original members of Duran Duran: Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor will be bringing a spectacular new production to British shores that will showcase their latest record, alongside all of the fan-favourites from their vast catalogue of hits.

This will be the first time that the band have performed at some of these venues – namely, their first outing in the O2 Arena in London, the Liverpool Echo Arena and the NIA in Birmingham.

The four Duran Duran 2008 UK shows are:

(Check local venue websites and www.duranduran.com for the most up to date information)

3 July O2 Arena, London 08444 775 775 or www.aeglive.co.uk
5 July Liverpool Echo Arena 08448 000 400 or www.accliverpool.com
6 July Nottingham Arena 08444 775 775 or www.aeglive.co.uk
7 July Birmingham NIA 08444 775 775 or www.aeglive.co.uk

Tickets for all of the shows on this upcoming UK run will go on sale to the general public on Friday 11th April, 2008 at 9.00 am GMT.

Prior to that, Duran Duran’s fan community will be offering both exclusive pre-sale opportunities and VIP packages for members starting at 2.00 pm GMT on Wednesday 9th April, 2008.

Members should visit www.duranduranmusic.com

This upcoming leg of the tour will see the group’s first performances in the UK since the release of ‘Red Carpet Massacre’ (Epic Records), which the band launched late last year with an unprecedented two-week Broadway residency in New York, and a one-night-only engagement, that was filmed for television at the Lyceum Theatre in London.

In a bold move, Duran Duran performed their new record in its entirety to sold-out houses in both the UK and US, prior to the album’s global launch. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from fans and critics alike, the band are now taking a specially tailored version of this three-act show on the road around the world, starting in Australia and New Zealand, headlining the V Festival series, alongside their own shows.

‘Red Carpet Massacre’ marks an all-time creative high for the band members, who wrote and recorded this ground-breaking album with producers Timbaland and Nate ‘Danja’ Hills, alongside today’s reigning king of pop, Justin Timberlake.

Duran Duran have also confirmed that the critically acclaimed Sheffield indie band the Arctic Monkeys have remixed the bands second single “Skin Divers”. The track remixed by Arctic Monkey’s drummer Matt Helders is also rumoured to feature sampled vocals by Helders and lead singer Alex Turner.

The Arctic’s association with the eighties pop legends extends to the bands last album ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’ in which they pay homage to several Duran Duran tracks on “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” where the band use the lyrics “Your name isn’t Rio, but I don’t care for sand” and on the acclaimed “Teddy Picker” which contains the lyrics “I don’t want your prayer, save it for the morning after”. Duran Duran’s John Taylor is one of their biggest fans. “I love them, they are one of the best bands to have come out in the last five years, probably the best.”

The band are also teaming up with Grammy award winning artist, producer and re-mixer Mark Ronson in the Summer.

Duran Duran’s spokesman said: “I can’t confirm any specific details at the moment, other than to say that they are definitely discussing working on some material together and a possible live collaboration for the Summer of this year, there is a mutual respect and admiration of each other’s work.” Ronson has also made no secret that he is a fan of Duran Duran, “I have a soft spot for some of that 1980s production and I love great bands from that era such as Duran Duran.”

Garnering them some of their best reviews to date, RCM has been described as:

“… their best album since Notorious” by British dance music bible, MIXMAG

“another promising sign of the creative and commercial rebirth in the 21st Century of Duran Duran…without doubt the strongest thing they have put out since their 1992 comeback (The Wedding Album)” by the Sunday Times Culture

Writing for the Saturday Times Magazine, revered music critic Craig Mclean remarked: “‘Red Carpet Massacre’ is a collection of super catchy tunes that deftly marry the band’s proven way with a melody, with edgy hip hop and R&B influenced production from Timbaland.”

Marie Claire magazine adds that it’s “a guilty pleasure indeed”

During an illustrious career spanning three decades, Duran Duran have remained at the forefront of popular music, consistently pushing the creative envelope and breaking new ground. Since their inception, the band have sold over 70 million albums, recorded countless hit records, received numerous accolades, and have been presented with no fewer than five prestigious “Lifetime Achievement” awards since 2002 (MTV Video Music Award, Q Magazine, The BRITS, Ivor Novello, Spanish Ondas).

Speaking backstage from their concert in Perth, Australia, Duran Duran front-man Simon LeBon said how much they were looking forward to performing again in England with a new production. “These are going to be extremely exciting shows for us”, he said, “taking a very different format to the last world tour we did in 2006. We are introducing a lot of new elements into the mix – both musically and in terms of the staging. We have been working on completely different arrangements for some of the older material and will be integrating a lot of our latest record into the performances. We need to keep things fresh – not only for ourselves, but also for our audiences, who can be assured of a lot of surprises with this new production.”

Duran Duran – Red Carpet Massacre (CD/DVD) on amazon.co.uk

Duran Duran on Myspace
Duran Duran

Madonna’s 11th studio album for Warner Brothers Records ‘Hard Candy’ will be released in the UK April 28th, 2008 (US – April 29).

‘Hard Candy’, the follow-up to Madonna’s ‘Confessions On A Dance Floor’ which debuted at No. 1 in 30 countries and sold over 8 million copies, has been described as a brilliant up-tempo collection of 12 songs in which Madonna remains ensconced in club mode but this time adds an urban hip hop beat in collaboration with musical partners Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes and Nate ‘Danja’ Hills.

The debut single, the pulsating “4 Minutes”, will be released digitally on March 26th, 2008 and physically on April 21st.

“The album title is a juxtaposition of tough and sweetness…kind of like I’m gonna kick your ass but it’s going to make you feel good. And of course, I love candy” laughed Madonna.

Madonna is the biggest selling female solo artist ever. A multi-Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, stage performer, children’s book author, director and documentary film maker, she has sold over 200 million albums in the course of her unprecedented two decade plus career and is slated to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 10th, 2008 (other 2008 inductees: Leonard Cohen, The Dave Clark Five, John Mellencamp and The Ventures).

Madonna on amazon.co.uk

Madonna on amazon.com

Madonna on Myspace
Madonna Official Website

Universal are pleased to announce that ‘Brits Hits 2008′ is to be released on 11 February 2008! Containing the best tracks from the UK and the US, the album is a true reflection of the diversity of music hitting the charts and being downloaded over the last 12 months. Released just over a week before the BRIT Awards 2008 with Mastercard, which is held at Earls Court, London on 20 February, this is a perfect way to gear up for the music event of the year!

2007 was a truly magnificent year for music – with a tremendous mix of all genres battling it out in the UK charts, from R’n'B to indie, pop to rock. From Kate Nash, The Hoosiers, Mark Ronson and Scouting for Girls, who have been firmly flying the indie flag for the UK this year, to Avril Lavigne, Justin Timberlake, Fergie and Ne-Yo, who have been the heavyweights of US pop and R’n'B, this fantastic compilation has it all! Also featured are top hits from Fall Out Boy, The Fray, Calvin Harris, The View, Gym Class Heroes, Just Jack and Sean Kingston.

BRITs HITS 2008 is released through Universal on 11 February 2008.

The BRIT Awards 2008 with Mastercard will take place on 20 February 2008 at Earls Court and will be hosted by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. The event is televised live on ITV from 8pm.

CD1

1. Take That – Shine
2. Rihanna Feat Jay-Z – Umbrella
3. Mika – Grace Kelly
4. Kylie Minogue – 2 Hearts
5. Justin Timberlake – What Goes Around Comes Around
6. Girls Aloud – Call The Shots
7. Plain White T’s – Hey There Delilah (Abby Road Mix)
8. Leona Lewis – A Moment Like This
9. Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend
10. Sugababes – About U Now
11. Just Jack – Starz In Their Eyes
12. Nelly Furtado – Say It Right
13. Beyonce & Shakira – Beautiful Liar
14. Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls
15. Gwen Stefani Feat Akon – The Sweet Escape
16. Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry
17. 50 Cent/Timberlake/Timberland – Ayo Technology
18. Neyo – Because Of You
19. Cascada – Every Time We Touch
20. Robyn with Kleerup – With Every Heartbeat

CD2:

1. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
2. Kate Nash – Foundations
3. Adele – Chasing Pavements
4. Mark Ronson Feat D Merriweather – Stop Me
5. Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
6. Scouting For Girls – She’s So Lovely
7. The Hoosiers – Worried About Ray
8. Fall Out Boy – This Ain’t A Scene It’s An Arms Race
9. Muse – Knights Of Cydonia
10. Maroon 5 – Makes Me Wonder
11. Hard-Fi – Suburban Knights
12. James Blunt – 1973
13. McFly – The Heart Never Lies
14. Gym Class Hereos – Cupids Choke Hold
15. The Fray – How To Save A Life
16. KT Tunstall – Hold On
17. Newton Falkner – Dream Catch On Me
18. The View – Same Jeans
19. Calvin Harris – Acceptable In The 80’s
20. Mutya – B-Boy Baby

Brits Hits 2008 on amazon.co.uk

Brit Awards Official Website

‘With Love x’ opens with “A Moment Like This”, the sensational debut single from the delectable Leona Lewis.

This brand new collection of heart-felt songs is perfect for Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day 2008 with songs from this century’s biggest selling artists including; Westlife, Shayne Ward, Il Divo, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, this compilation also contains timeless and exquisite classics from the greats Nina Simone, George Michael, Billy Joel, Toni Braxton, Elvis and Take That.

Show you care during the season of tenderness…With Love x.

Scheduled for UK release February 4th, 2008 on SonyBMG.

Track Listing: (To Be Confirmed)

CD1

1. Leona Lewis – A Moment Like This
2. Westlife – Home
3. Shayne Ward – Breathless
4. Scouting For Girls – She’s So Lovely
5. Alicia Keys – No One
6. Natasha Bedingfield – Soulmate
7. Il Divo – Nights In White Satin
8. Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are
9. John Barrowman – If You Leave Me Now
10. Pink – Nobody Knows
11. Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway
12. Lemar – Someone Should Tell You
13. Aqualung – Pressure Suit
14. Manic Street Preachers – You’re Love Alone
15. George Michael – Amazing
16. John Legend – Used To Love You
17. Jem – Wish I
18. Nina Simone – The Look Of Love
19. Toni Braxton – Unbreak My Heart
20. Eric Carmen – Hungry Eyes
21. Luther Vandross – Your Secret Love
22. Leanne Rimes – How Do I Live
23. Beyonce – Irreplaceable

CD2

1. Justin Timberlake – Lovestoned
2. The Fray – How To Save A Life
3. Avril Lavigne – When You’re Gone
4. Christina Aguilera – Hurt
5. Newton Faulkner – Dream Catch Me
6. Take That – How Deep Is Your Love
7. Teatro – Love Changes Everything
8. Elvis Presley – The Wonder of You
9. Michael Jackson – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
10. Dionne Warwick – All The Love In The World
11. The Zutons – Valerie
12. Gloria Estefan – Don’t Want To Lose You
13. Delta Goodrem – Born To Try
14. Anastacia – Left Outside Alone
15. Natalie Imbruglia – Glorious
16. Dido – Thank You
17. Cyndi Lauper – I Drove All Night
18. Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply
19. Backstreet Boys – Quit Playing Games (with my heart)
20. John Mayer – Your Body Is A Wonderland
21. Travis – Flowers In The Window
22. Will Young – Leave Right Now

Valentine’s Day is nearly here! Show that special someone just how much you care with R&B Lovesongs 2008, set for UK release on 28th January 2008 on Sony BMG. R&B Lovesongs 2008 is an album packed full of the most powerful, romantic and meaningful songs of the past decade.

This is THE one stop shop for all the biggest down tempo R&B tracks of recent times, led by the massive No. 1 hit “Umbrella” from the delectable Rihanna.

There really is something for everyone, including huge number ones from Timbaland (“Give It To Me”) and Usher (“You Make Me Wanna”) and Sugababes (“About You Now”). If that isn’t enough to entice you the romantic collection also features love classics from Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Christina Aguilera.

As it says on the front of the album this is “The very best of R&B love Songs 2008″.

Tracklist:

CD 1

1. Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z – Umbrella
2. Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
3. Fergie – Big Girls Don’t Cry
4. Christina Aguilera – Beautiful
5. Justin Timberlake – LoveStoned/I Think She Knows
6. Akon – Don’t Matter
7. Amerie – Take Control
8. Mario – How Do I Breathe
9. Usher – You Make Me Wanna…
10. Nelly – Hot in Herre
11. Ralph Tresvant – Sensitivity
12. Angie Stone – I Wanna Thank Ya
10. Lumidee – Never Leave You – Uh Ooh, Uh Oooh!
14. Solange – White Picket Dreams
15. Chris Brown featuring T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
16. Cassidy featuring R. Kelly – Hotel
17. R. Kelly featuring T.I. & T-Pain – I’m A Flirt Remix
18. John Legend – Ordinary People
19. Luther Vandross – Stop To Love
20. Michael Jackson – Rock With You

CD 2

1. Alicia Keys – No One
2. Timbaland Featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado – Give It To Me
3. Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon – The Sweet Escape
4. Sugababes – About You Now
5. Ne-Yo – Because Of You
6. Jennifer Lopez – Baby I Love U!
7. Beyonce – Crazy In Love
8. The Game – Dreams
9. Mary Jane Girls – All Night Long
10. The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started
11. Kelly Rowland – Can’t Nobody
12. Brownstone – If You Love Me
13. Taio Cruz – I Just Wanna Know
14. Shakira – Underneath Your Clothes
15. SWV – Right Here
16. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U
17. Ashanti – Only U
18. The Pussycat Dolls feat. will.i.am – Beep
19. Marvin Gaye – My Love Is Waiting
20. Mary J Blige – Family Affair

R&B Lovesongs 2008 on Amazon.co.uk

R&B Love Songs [Import] on Amazon.com

For some, it’s not cool to like Justin Timberlake. For others, he’s the one. The Prince of Pop. The ‘it’ guy.

The more singles that Justin Timberlake releases, the more he’s growing on me. His voice, the harmonies, the feel of the mix and the production on his songs are quality. When I first heard “Cry Me A River” I thought, “What is this?” It’s got to be one of the best pop songs that I’ve heard so far in the 21st century.

Also, people want to work with him. His collaborations with other singers, producers and musicians confirms to me that there is ’something there’ when it comes to not only his music, but his character as well. Established names in the music industry like 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Rick Rubin, Reba McEntire, Duran Duran and Snoop Dog are just a few of the names that he’s already worked with.

On November 25th, 2007 Channel 4 in England aired FutureSex/LoveShow, Justin Timberlake’s August 2007 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. I just happened to turn on the TV just a few minutes into the 2-hour show. I didn’t plan on watching the whole thing, but that’s what I ended up doing.

I can’t recall ever seeing live footage of a Justin Timberlake concert like the FutureSex/LoveShow before. I was impressed. The concert came across as a great party atmosphere that included a spectacular light show with songs from the ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ album and more. The dancers were fun to watch – dressed in casual clothes most of the time – with the exception of the strippers/dancers for one of the songs!

At times Justin would dance on his own, which takes some nerve and a lot of confidence. The backup singers sounded and looked good. Timbaland made a guest appearance and for some songs, Justin played the piano/keyboard. His voice sounded great when he was dancing and he seems to be at the top of his game.

The word Future in both the title of his show and his album seems appropriate. With all that he’s done so far, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Justin Timberlake. It seems for him, the sky is the limit.

The FutureSex/LoveShow that aired on TV didn’t include all that is available on the DVD that has just been released. It mainly showed the live performances with just some backstage footage.

Here’s a track listing that I found for the Australian DVD release…not sure if this is the same track listing for the US and UK release:

(Unconfirmed Track Listing)

Disk 1
1. DVD1: Opening Conversation
2. FutureSex/LoveSounds
3. Like I Love You
4. My Love
5. Senorita
6. Sexy Ladies
7. Until The End Of Time
8. What Goes Around…/…COMES Around
9. Chop Me Up
10. Intermission – Jt & Timbaland
11. Rock Your Body
12. Gone
13. Take It From Here
14. Last Night
15. Damn Girl
16. Summer Love
17. Losing My Way
18. Cry Me A River
19. Lovestoned / I Think She Knows
20. Sexyback
21. (Another Song) All Over Again
22. Goodnights & Credits

Disk 2
1. DVD2: 1 On 1 With Jt
2. The Making Of FutureSex/LoveShow
3. Open Mic
4. Under The Stage
5. Lovestoned/I Think She Knows (Justice Remix)

Futuresex/Loveshow – Live from Madison Square Garden DVD on amazon.com

FutureSex/LoveShow DVD on amazon.co.uk

For more information go to:

Justin Timberlake Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

It’s good to hear Reba McEntire’s voice again, as it’s been awhile since I’ve heard her music. Duets seem to be the trend lately for singers ‘of a certain age’, and I’m sure Reba McEntire’s new album will be a great success for her. It’s amazing how many country music awards Reba McEntire has won over the years and I wouldn’t be surprised if she wins another one for Reba Duets.

There’s an exciting lineup of singers featured on the album that includes LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Trisha Yearwood, Carol King, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Justin Timberlake and Kelly Clarkson with her hit song “Because Of You”. The CD would be a great Christmas gift for anyone looking for ideas this early in the year.

Buy Reba McEntire – Reba Duets on amazon.com

Watch Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson video – “Because Of You” duet:

Track Listings for Reba Duets are as follows:

1. When You Love Someone Like That (LeAnn Rimes)
2. Does The Wind Still Blow In Oklahoma (Ronnie Dunn)
3. Because Of You (Kelly Clarkson)
4. Faith In Love (Rascal Flatts)
5. She Can’t Save Him (Trisha Yearwood)
6. Everyday People (Carol King)
7. Every Other Weekend (Kenny Chesney)
8. These Broken Hearts (Vince Gill)
9. Sleeping With The Telephone (Faith Hill)
10. The Only Promise That Remains (Justin Timberlake)
11. Break Each Others Hearts Again (Don Henley)

Reba McEntire’s upcoming live show dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Reba McEntire’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

July 2007
20 – Minot, ND – North Dakota State Fair
21-22 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days

August 2007
3-5 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl (”South Pacific”)
24 – Fresno, CA – Chukchansi Park
Opening Act – Melissa Peterman
25 – Lancaster, CA – Antelope Valley Fair
Opening Act – Melissa Peterman
26 – Kelseyville, CA – Konocti Harbor Amphitheatre
Opening Act – Melissa Peterman
31 – Morton, MN – Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel

September 2007
14 – Puyallup, WA – Puyallup Fair

Reba McEntire Official Website
Reba McEntire on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Macy has recruited some special guests to help out on the new album. Produced by Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas, Big also features collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Outkast and Sleepy Brown, Linda Perry and Natalie Cole.

I remember the fist time I heard Macy Gray. I was driving in my car in Vermont and I had just pulled into my friends driveway when “I Try” came on the radio. I had to sit there and wait until the song was over before I got out of the car because I was so blown away by what I had just heard. There was no one like her out there at the time, and there still isn’t. When Macy comes on the radio with her distinctive, raspy voice it’s easy to tell that it’s her – and so far no one even comes close.

Watch the video for Macy Gray’s hit song “I Try”

By: Jenny May