Song Review: James Durbin - Love Me Bad

Why is it that American Idol's great rockers always come in 4th? Chris Daughtry, Allison Iraheta and most recently James Durbin of Season 10. Despite his elimination, James seems to be one of the most popular Idols to come out of last season, and kicked off his solo career with his first single "Love Me Bad."

Off of his debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster, "Love Me Bad" has James Durbin wanting love in this rock ballad. Photos scattered across my wall, Maybe someday I’ll take them off, But I miss you, Yeah I still miss you, James sings, his longing voice adding emotion to these clever lyrics. When the song gets to the chorus, James shows off his strong, rockstar voice as he begs and repeats to "love him bad." This heartbreak rock song shows off everything you love about James and is the perfect debut single.

Elliott Yamin's new music video + new album deets

Check out Elliott Yamin's music video for his new single "3 Words" below:



Elliott is set to release his new album Let's Get To What's Real on March 27. "This new album is all of me: my heart, mind, and soul. I feel like for the first time, I’ve been able to make a record that personifies who I am as an artist and where I’m going creatively." Yamin says in a press release.

Haley Reinhart to release single on March 1

American Idol Season 10 sweetheart Haley Reinhart has just announced (and teased) to her fans that her debut single will be released on March 1!

"I feel like I’ve made yaz wait long enough. So I won’t make you do any of that much longer… Like I am right now….;) heheeee! All the hard work is finally coming together to pay off….. Thanks for sticking around and ya know, helpin’ a girls dream come true…My first single will be released… Bum bum bummmmmmmmmm!!!!! Onnnnnnn…………………………………………. March 1, 2012." Haley tweeted.

Haley was signed with Interscope Records after being eliminated from American Idol.

Demi Lovato performs at People's Choice Award + wins Favorite Pop Artist award

Demi Lovato arrived at the People's Choice Awards in a gorgeous pink dress, then rocked a red hot dress as she performed her new single "Give Your Heart A Break." Watch the performance below:


Credit to leordystaly

Along with the excitement, Demi also won the award for Favorite Pop Artist. Demi posted on facebook, "I can’t believe it!! I won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Pop Artist and I could not have done it without my AMAZING Lovatics!! I love you all so much!!"

She later tweeted this picture of her award, along with, "My fans are EVERYTHING to me... My world, my life... Thank you SO much for my PCA!!!! FAVORITE POP ARTIST!!! YAYYY!!!"

Demi Lovato releases "Give Your Heart A Break" lyric video

Off of her latest album Unbroken, Demi Lovato has released her second single, "Give Your Heart A Break." Demi will debut the song live on New Year's Eve, and just recently posted this lyric video for the song.

The video features Demi outside sitting on a bench, writing the song lyrics in her journal. Watch the new lyric video below:

Song Review: One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

With all the hype the UK band One Direction have been getting lately, I thought I'd finally search their music to see what it is everyone loves about these boys. Well it didn't take too long to find out when I lent my ears to my first listen of "What Makes You Beautiful." This new pop song is super cute and so catchy! About a girl who just doesn't realize how beautiful she is, and that's what makes her beautiful. What an adorable concept for an even more adorable boy band. This song is the perfect blend of love-struck lyrics, a catchy guitar and drum beat and the sweet tones in Harry, Zayn, Niall, Liam and Louis' voices. Almost reminding me of a UK version of Big Time Rush, this five-guy group will definitely be winning over hearts with this song, if they haven't already!

Song Review: Lady GaGa - You And I

I may be a little late to the party, but I just heard this song for the first time today, and I have to say, I loved it from the first few seconds I heard of it.

Is it a little bit country, or a little bit rock 'n roll? Well, this song seems to be a little bit of both! Unlike her dance-floor, electronic pop songs we're all used to, "You And I" brings a new sound to Lady GaGa's music and voice. This retro ballad is refreshing compared to most of her other singles, and her voice holds a certain realness in it as she sings out in a husky, yet strong way that fits this song perfectly.


This song has a catchy and feel good beat with lyrics that tell a story and show off a less "monstrous" side of Lady GaGa. As intrigued as I am by the outrageous side of her, I'd love to see this side of her more often.

Song Review: David Cook - Fade Into Me

"Fade Into Me" is David Cook's next single off of his sophomore album This Loud Morning. A different sound compared to his first single "The Last Goodbye", "Fade Into Me" is more of a rock ballad, starting out slow and getting powerful as the song goes on. I have to admit, I'm always a sucker for Cook's soft voice and this balladeer side of him.

With a beautiful melody, meaningful lyrics and Cook's usual strong, defining sound, this song is the perfect second single and is sure to be a hit on tour. You can catch Cook along with Gavin DeGraw all month long on their fall tour.

Song Review: Daughtry - Renegade

Is there a Daughtry song that isn't good? My first thought when hearing this was that it's a bit different from Daughtry's previous singles. It's faster and upbeat compared to the more soft rock vibe they've had in the past, but this sound definitely does not disappoint! This edgy, rock song showcases a rougher voice from Chris Daughtry, and the rocker in him, that is sometimes hidden, definitely appears. Even though it's a brusque rock anthem, this song still has expressive lyrics and an infectious beat. This song is completely raucous, and I mean that in the best way possible!

You can pre-order Daughtry's new album and listen to "Renegade" HERE!

Song Review: Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All

Kelly Clarkson is back and better than ever! "Mr. Know It All" is the first single off of Kelly's new album Stronger, due out in October. As she says in the song, "You don't know a thing about me" Well, I definitely didn't know a thing about this side of Kelly! She seems to have taken it down a notch, different from her singles in the past, this song is less rock and instead is deep and powerful with more of a message.

In my opinion, I like this sound from Kelly a lot better than her usual loud, rock songs. This song is softer and Kelly's voice sounds more fierce, bringing the sass, but still in a profound way.

Judging by this song, it seems this album may be a little deeper, and definitely stronger!

Blast from the past: David Archuleta - Crush

Here's a blast from the past for ya! Three years ago today David Archuleta's first single "Crush" premiered on New York's Z100!

Though it's been three years and David's had a lot of great singles since then, "Crush" tops them all. Making #2 on the Billboard 200 and selling 166,000 copies in it's first week, "Crush" was one of the biggest hits of 2008. A contemporary pop song, perfect for the then 17 year old crooner's break out into his solo career. "Crush" played night and day on airwaves all over the world for months during it's long run in 2008. And if radio wasn't enough, "Crush" was also used on commercials for the show Lincoln Heights and the 2008 film New in Town. Barely a show has gone by where David hasn't performed "Crush", it still be a crowd favorite, the audience singing along every time.

Now, with a little more confidence and an understanding of what he wants his music to be, the 20 year old singer has another new single on his hands, "Everything And More". Though David has a lot more experience and certainty in his own music, nothing will ever compare to the feeling and response everyone got from his debut single back in 2008.