R&B Pop -- Alexandra Burke, Broken Heels

Alexandra Burke should hopefully be just as famous as Leona Lewis is in America in the next coming year. Alexandra, like Leona, is an X Factor (the British "American Idol") winner, but as you can tell from the song above, has a much different style from Leona. I heard Alexandra's already performed on So You Think You Can Dance, so hopefully that's given her more exposure on this side of the ocean.

If you like what you hear, also check out her other brilliant song, Bad Boys.

GRIME -- Dizzee Rascal, Holiday

Sure, the album cover may look like a box for macaroni and cheese, but Dizzee Rascal is the real deal. He's a popular UK grime artist who sticks with simple lyrics and catchy beats, a formula that works well practically all the time. His new song, Holiday, is a must-listen, especially in this freezing cold weather.

Also, check out Bonkers.

Special Charity Single -- I Got Soul, Young Soul Rebels

YouTube won't let me embed the video for "I Got Soul," but here's the link to go watch the video. This song is a single by Young Soul Rebels, which isn't a band, but a group of UK artists who have joined forces to make a charity single for War Child, an organization that provides aid for children in war-torn areas. "I Got Soul" is a cover of The Killers' "All These Things That I Have Done" and it's such a good rendition that I had to feature it here.

"I Got Soul" is definitely a poppier version of The Killers' song, but by no means is it mere fluff and autotune. The featured artists are up and coming British singers (including my favorite, Pixie Lott) who definitely have the chops to be the next best thing in the music industry.

This song is worth a listen. Hope you enjoy!

"WONKY" POP -- Pixie Lott, Cry Me Out

I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it. The lyrics are great and even though it was this that stuck out to me, Pixie Lott's vocals are a very close second. Even though the video's a bit boring, the song is definitely worth listening to over and over again.

HIP-HOP --- K'naan, ABCs

The blog is back! After a semester-long hiatus, I'm back and hopefully for good now since I'm practically done with school. So here's your first treat since my return:



Do I understand what he's saying? No. But these are sick beats nonetheless.

POP ROCK -- The Feeling

Twelve Stops And Home

POP ROCK -- Melee

Gosh, I really must love American expatriate bands. I was at work on Friday and as I was scrolling through my iPod trying to find music to listen to, I came across Melee, a band I hadn't listened to in a really long time. Now, I'm falling in love with them all over again.

They're simple, clean, fun pop rock. Okay, their beats are not the most elaborate, but why should every band have to try so hard that it's borderline too hard? It's really funny how although these guys are known throughout the world, they're virtual unknowns (just like Orson) in their home country.

The first song that I heard from them, thanks to Capital FM, was "Built to Last." Chris Cron's voice really sits right on top of the music; it's light, yet assertive, and has a very genuine touch to it.



After I got their album, Devils and Angels, Rhythm of the Rain was a stand-out to me. So many songs start off the way this one does, but this one manages to set itself apart from other "imitations." I really do credit the sincerity of Chris' voices, as well as the simplicity of the lyrics.

I've also gotta point out Frequently Baby (She's a Teenage Maniac) because it's such a great car song. Kinda retro, total fun.



There are so many good songs on Devils and Angels (including Can't Hold on and my personal favorite, You Got) that it's one of those albums that you can listen to in its entirety without skipping filler tunes every 3rd song. Definitely check these guys out.

Official website: http://www.meleerocks.com/