MTV News |
- Best Songs Of 2011
- 'X Factor' Singers Talk Rachel Crow's 'Brutal' Elimination
- Matisyahu Shaves Beard, Renounces Orthodox MC Tag
- Matt Damon: Jeremy Renner 'Obvious Choice' For 'Bourne Legacy'
- 30 Seconds To Mars Thank Fans For Best Live MTV Performance Win
- Lindsay Lohan Misses 'Ellen' <i>Playboy</i> Appearance
- Taylor Swift Celebrates Birthday With CMT's Artists Of The Year
- Jay-Z: J. Cole 'Already Won' Best New Artist Grammy
- Khloe Kardashian Says It's 'Perfect Time' For Kourtney's Baby
- Paramore's 'Brick By Boring Brick' Is MTV's #2 Best Live Performance Of 2011
- Beyonce, Britney Spears And More: 25 Best Songs Of 2011
- Future Looks Bright As Hottest Breakthrough Contender
- 30 Seconds To Mars' 'Unplugged' Wins MTV's Best Live Performance Of 2011
- Gym Class Heroes Call 'Ass Back Home' Video 'Gritty'
- Hottest Breakthrough MC To Be Crowned Wednesday!
- 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Trailer: Five Key Scenes
- 'First Date' With Outasight: The Pepsi Connection
- 'Dragon Tattoo' Reviews: How Did Rooney Mara Do?
- Roscoe Dash Brings The 'Awesome' To Hottest Breakthrough Race
- Kelly Clarkson To Drop iTunes EP
| Posted: 13 Dec 2011 01:15 AM PST MTV's Sway moderates a panel of our music experts as they count down the year's top 10 bangers.
MTV's list of the Best Songs of 2011 is like one of those old late-night commercials for awesome sampler albums: you've got your pop hit, a bit of rock, some hip-hop, R&B and a tune or two that you just can't fully define, but which you definitely shook it to at some point over the past 12 months. Last week, MTV correspondent Sway Calloway moderated a spirited roundtable discussion with some of our very own experts: James Montgomery and Rob Markman (MTV News), Yomi Desalu and Malika Quemerais (MTV Music and Talent) and Tamar Anitai and Nicole Rosner (MTV.com). The panel managed to narrow it down to their top 10. While we'll reveal #10 to #3, you'll have to tune in to MTV at 4:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday night (December 14) to find out which songs snagged the top two spots. We will say that the year's ultimate "Party Rock Anthem" made the cut, as did Rihanna's waltz into the world of dubstep, a kitchen-sink empowerment anthem for anyone who's ever felt marginalized, and an unexpected smash about a school shooting that is so catchy you might miss the sinister lyrics. Two of rap's titans are also on the list, as is a pop princess who hopped on the Empowerment Express, an R&B singer who went the Dirty South route with two hip-hop icons, and a Latin rhymer asking for some eye contact over a club-banging beat.
10. "Firework," Katy Perry
9. "Look at Me Now," Chris Brown 8. "N---as in Paris," Kanye West and Jay-Z
7. "Pumped Up Kicks," Foster the People 6. "Give Me Everything," Pitbull
5. "Born This Way," Lady Gaga 4. "Party Rock Anthem," LMFAO
3. "We Found Love," Rihanna We've counted down #10 to #3, but will Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" or Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" come out on top in the final two? Stick with us as we reveal the Best Song of 2011 at 4:59 p.m. ET on MTV! All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos |
| 'X Factor' Singers Talk Rachel Crow's 'Brutal' Elimination Posted: 14 Dec 2011 03:53 AM PST 'It felt like 'Gladiator' up there,' Josh Krajcik says of 13-year-old's exit.
It may have been one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in recent reality-TV memory. And while the sight of 13-year-old Rachel Crow collapsing into sobs and calling for her mommy made for great TV, it's also likely the reason "X Factor" is alone among major American singing competitions in allowing such young contestants.
When MTV News' Jim Cantiello caught up with the remaining semifinalists on Monday, he asked Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Marcus Canty and Melanie Amaro what they said to Crow on elimination night and how they're handling the aftermath of her ouster. "I was just telling her that she really cannot give up, because she's an amazing singer," said soul-diva-in-the-making Amaro, who was one of the first to embrace Crow onstage and console the tweenager. "She's only 13, and she can sing like that? She has a big career ahead of her. She really has to continue to work hard and do what she loves." Cantiello also unraveled the mystery of what Crow was saying to Amaro after their embrace, when the pint-size belter gestured emphatically to the only remaining female in the competition. "She said to me, 'You've gotta represent! You've gotta represent for the girls!' " Amaro said. "I was like, 'OK, I will represent for the girls.' " Rough-edged hip-pop singer Rene said the vibe backstage after the elimination was so uncomfortable that he just wanted to leave. "It felt like your little sister ... you see your little sister cry like that, it doesn't make you happy," he said. "You wish you could do something about it, and you can't." The scene was especially tense for Michael Bolton-esque crooner and sudden front-runner Krajcik, whose mentor, Nicole Scherzinger, took the brunt of the audience's anger when she voted against Crow and sent the contest to deadlock. Ever since that fateful, tear-stained decision — which clearly had an emotional effect on the former Pussycat Doll as well — Scherzinger has come in for some harsh criticism that Krajcik said she didn't deserve. "[It was] brutal," said Krajcik, who did not deny that he felt like he wanted to take a swing at every boo bird in the house when they turned on Scherzinger. "You get emotional; it was tough. It felt like 'Gladiator' up there. I thought that I was in the middle of a blood-soaked sand arena. It was really, really weird. It's something I will never forget. ... I was surprised by a lot of things that night." For his part, R&B smoothie Canty, who was standing beside Crow when she got the bad news, was still a bit miffed with host Steve Jones for setting a pick on him. "I said, 'Can I talk to her?' Obviously I didn't want to see her on the ground," Canty said. "Let her know everything was going to be all right." What was your reaction to Rachel Crow's elimination? Leave your comments below! |
| Matisyahu Shaves Beard, Renounces Orthodox MC Tag Posted: 14 Dec 2011 05:23 AM PST Reggae rapper said, 'I am reclaiming myself.'
Think about how mad Metallica's fans got when singer James Hetfield cut his hair. Now pretend you're a huge follower of reggae rapper Matisyahu and you logged into his website on Tuesday morning to find out that the 'Mat you knew is no more.
First came the Twitter posting of the "King Without a Crown" singer shorn of his signature long beard and side locks. Then came the surprise explanation of his new look. "This morning I posted a photo of myself on Twitter," he wrote. "No more Chassidic reggae superstar. Sorry folks, all you get is me...no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality--not through books but through real life. At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity...to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules--lots of them--or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission." Born Matthew Paul Miller, the 32-year-old rapper and former acid-dropping Phish-head who found religion at age 19 released his debut album, Shake Off the Dust ... Arise in 2004. He followed up with the 2006's Youth and 2009's Light, interspersed with three live albums along the way. His live shows have long mixed the thudding bass-heavy sound of dub reggae with rapping as well as touches of punk. In the note he promised that the next year will be filled with "music of rebirth." And if you're stressed about his naked face, "don't worry...you haven't seen the last of my facial hair." Some fans were clearly confused by the move, asking the singer why he would make such a radical turn. On Twitter, Matisyahu comforted them and promised that he is still attending prayer services at his synagogue, further proving his belief by posting a series of inspirational quotes from Psalms. Related Artists |
| Matt Damon: Jeremy Renner 'Obvious Choice' For 'Bourne Legacy' Posted: 14 Dec 2011 03:53 AM PST 'He's such a good actor and can carry a movie,' actor tells MTV News.
In August, when "The Bourne Legacy" opens in theaters, the man behind Jason Bourne, Matt Damon, won't be anywhere in sight. At least that's what the actor says. Damon sat down with MTV News' Josh Horowitz while promoting his new film, "We Bought a Zoo," and he insisted he had no part in the fourth "Bourne" movie.
"No, I'm not in that one. I haven't even read the script," he said. But as a key component of the series, Damon was able to give his take on how "Legacy," which is being directed by Tony Gilroy, fits in with the previous three films. "My understanding is that it's like if you think of 'X-Men' and then 'Wolverine,' the spin-off movie, just think of it in reverse," he explained. "There's the Bourne character, and then there's this whole world. It doesn't preclude [director] Paul Greengrass and I from doing another ['Bourne' movie]." Damon had spoken with the star of "Bourne Legacy," Jeremy Renner, briefly, but he insisted the conversation didn't have much to do with the series. "We didn't really talk about the movie much. I'm just a huge fan of his," Damon said. When Damon and Greengrass — who directed the second and third "Bourne" films — met to move forward with the series after "Ultimatum," Renner was a topic of conversation. "When Paul Greengrass and I were talking about the character and maybe doing a fourth one a couple years ago and maybe passing it off to somebody, Renner was the guy we talked about. He's an obvious choice, because he's such a good actor and can carry a movie," he said.
For Damon, the "Bourne" movies strike a difficult balance that he feels Renner can successfully handle. "Those movies are really tough, because you need the guy to be internally tortured about something, and Jeremy's the kind of guy you could watch," Damon said. "You could remove the action and watch Jeremy just angst over something for two hours, and it could be really compelling." Check out everything we've got on "The Bourne Legacy." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos |
| 30 Seconds To Mars Thank Fans For Best Live MTV Performance Win Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:57 AM PST 'Once again, the unstoppable Echelon,' frontman Jared Leto marvels of band's dedicated fanbase.
On Tuesday afternoon (December 13), 30 Seconds to Mars took home the inaugural Best Live MTV Performance award for their stirring, scintillating "Unplugged" version of "Hurricane."
Thanks to the votes of their fans, 30STM withstood a late charge from Paramore's "Brick by Boring Brick" to win the honor. Now, with their trophy firmly in hand, they're reacting to their triumph — and, as always, sharing their glory with their fervent Echelon fanbase. "This is so incredible. We had an amazing time doing ['Unplugged'], and thank you to everybody who voted," frontman Jared Leto said. "Once again, the unstoppable Echelon. We love you guys. "If it wasn't for the Echelon, we wouldn't have ever won a single award," he continued. "I think that's the blessing of living in this digital age, is that people have a voice, and the Echelon Nation out there has made their voice heard again and again, and we're so proud that they're able to gather together, to organize themselves, to fight for a common cause and to make dreams a reality. It's pretty special." In a week when there was no shortage of highlights for the band — they were awarded their hard-earned gold record plaques for the This Is War album and entered the "Guinness Book of World Records" with a sold-out, celebratory show in New York — Leto counts their Best Live Performance win as one of the biggest moments. It was almost enough to bring a tear to his steely-blue eyes. "We're very surprised. ... It's been an insane week already. We got a gold record, we did a Guinness World Record-breaking show," he laughed. "There's gonna be a few tears rolling down these hardened, leathery, road-dog cheeks." All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! |
| Lindsay Lohan Misses 'Ellen' <i>Playboy</i> Appearance Posted: 13 Dec 2011 04:00 AM PST Lohan, who missed a flight, was scheduled to talk about her Playboy pictorial on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'
Lindsay Lohan just can't catch a break. The problem-plagued actress has been faced with a string of new hardships in recent weeks, beginning with the anonymous hacker-produced leak of her Playboy spread, which forced Hugh Hefner and company to move up the magazine's publication date, followed by her being robbed at a party in Hawaii. The list of stolen items includes a $5,000 Chanel purse, which contained $10,000, a passport, probation papers and other forms of identification. And Tuesday (December 13), MTV News has learned that Lohan's streak of trouble continues, as she will not be making her much-anticipated appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." "Lindsay Lohan's appearance has been canceled due to a missed flight," a rep from "Ellen" confirmed to MTV News. Lohan was scheduled to appear on the show to talk about her Playboy shoot for the first time. There is no word on whether the appearance will be rescheduled. In the January/February issue of Playboy, set to be released Friday, Lohan opens up about her ongoing problems. "Looking back, I probably would have listened to and taken more advice from the people whom I admire and would have followed through with it more," she told the magazine. "My stubbornness at 18 and 19 years old got in the way. During the past five years, I've learned that time flies faster than you think, and because you only live once, you have to learn from your mistakes, live your dreams and be accountable." |
| Taylor Swift Celebrates Birthday With CMT's Artists Of The Year Posted: 13 Dec 2011 03:51 AM PST Swift, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley are honored at the show, which premieres tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Taylor Swift turned 22 on Tuesday (December 13), and what better way to celebrate another banner year than with CMT's Artists of the Year special?
CMT caught up with Swift on the red carpet of the event, and she opened up about being honored alongside fellow Nashville pals Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and Brad Paisley. "What I love about this event is it feels very low-key and fun and you can bring your friends, you sit at a table. It's very unlike any other award show," she said late last month at the taping in Music City. "Because you're not sitting there wondering who's going to win. There's no anxiety, because you know who's being honored, and it's all about hearing the way the music is presented by other artists. It's really exciting." The All-American Rejects were picked to perform one of Taylor's tracks at the show, which airs on CMT at 9 p.m. ET tonight. For their homage to the country superstar, they decided to take one of her particularly country-tinged Speak Now singles and do it up AAR style. "It's special. We have a special performance for Miss Taylor Swift," lead singer Tyson Ritter said. "We're performing her song 'Mean.' We definitely sort of took a country song and made it not anything like what it was. It's going to be a tribute to the fact that any song can stand in any genre, and we definitely brought it into ours. We're like the Osmonds, except we're the side that's a little more rock and roll." Ritter went on to gush about Swift and her work ethic. "She's the real deal," he explained. "She doesn't take sh-- from anybody while she does it. And strong women, that's something to be feared and adored, right?" Having the All-American Rejects put their stamp on a track is the opposite of whatSwift did on her Speak Now Tour. Stop after stop, she reimagined songs from artists like T.I., Flo Rida and Usher, with the artists themselves right by her side. "I would sum up this past year as being a spontaneous, exciting, wonderful year of collaborations with artists I never expected would come up on my stage and perform for my fans," she explained. "I see flashbacks of stadium shows and Usher coming out on stage and James Taylor coming out onstage and all these different artists coming out and playing with me, which was an amazing time for me." Don't miss CMT's Artists of the Year, premiering tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Related Videos Related Artists |
| Jay-Z: J. Cole 'Already Won' Best New Artist Grammy Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:01 AM PST 'Whether he was nominated or not, he was the best new artist to me,' Jay tells MTV News of his protégé.
Grammys are nice, but for Jay-Z, it has always been about respect. Despite winning a golden gramophone in 1999 for his Vol. 2 ... Hard Knock Life LP, Hov boycotted the show after the committee failed to nominate DMX that same year. "I didn't think they gave the rightful respect to hip-hop," Jay told MTV News back in 2002.
Jigga has, of course, been nominated and won numerous times since, including a Best Rap Album nomination for his and Kanye West's Watch the Throne album. Jay's Roc Nation signee J. Cole also picked up a Best New Artist nom, and though the statues won't be handed out until February, the God MC believes Cole is already a winner. "I think it's great for him, because I'm sure it's a dream of his. We grew up seeing Michael Jackson, and I'm sure he grew up seeing whatever moment stuck in his mind, so I know it's great for him to do that," Hov told MTV News following a press conference announcing a pair of charitable shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. "I think he's already won Best New Artist, to me. His journey is what I'm really excited about." Cole first broke out in 2009 after releasing The Warm Up mixtape online. Unlike most rap up-and-comers these days, Cole was actually signed before his breakout tape was released. After hearing his coming-of-age love story "Lights Please," Jay signed the young rapper/producer to his Roc Nation label. Rather than commandeer the youngster's project, Jigga let Cole find his own voice. Many, including Cole, expected his debut album to come out in 2010, but it didn't — maybe for the best. When Cole World: The Sideline Story did drop in September, it sold more than 218,000 copies in its first week, hit #1 on the Billboard albums chart and is now certified gold. "The person he is today is not who he was when he first walked in," Jay said of Cole. "He got a chance to really go out, see what worked, see what people connect to, figure out how he was gonna tell his story." With Cole, and Roc Nation as a label, Jay is stressing artist development, an art that is seemingly lost in an industry constantly searching for the next big thing. "That artist-development thing, I think we need more of it," Jay said about hip-hop in particular. "We need to ensure that this thing is around for future generations. This thing that fed our kids and our family and took us to these heights needs to be held intact by the people who are doing it. "Whether he was nominated or not, he was the best new artist to me; sold 200-and-something-thousand records in his first week; he was the best new artist," Hov added of Cole. "I'm sure it's great for him." Do you think Cole will take home the Best New Artist Grammy? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Related Artists |
| Khloe Kardashian Says It's 'Perfect Time' For Kourtney's Baby Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:32 AM PST Will Khloé have a new niece or nephew? 'Either way, the baby is going to be so cute,' she tells MTV News.
Next year is gearing up to be another busy one for Khloé Kardashian. The "Keeping up With the Kardashians" star will be making the move from Los Angeles to Texas following husband Lamar Odom's trade to the Dallas Mavericks, and she will be helping big sister Kourtney get ready for baby #2.
Just last month, Kourtney Kardashian announced she was expecting her second child with longtime boyfriend Scott Disick. MTV News caught up with Khloé at Z100's annual Jingle Ball concert, where she said that her big sister has been feeling a little under the weather during her pregnancy. "She's good. She's a little more nauseous this time around, which I feel bad about, but she's great, and it's so exciting," Khloé said. "She doesn't have any belly yet, of course — only her — but Mason's second birthday is coming up [Wednesday], so it's crazy. But I think it's the perfect time for her to add another baby. Mason's old enough." Does Khloé know if Mason will have a little brother or sister? "I have no idea," she said. "Either way, the baby is going to be so cute." When news of Kourtney's pregnancy was announced, Khloé took to her blog to express her elation over the news. "I am BEYOND thrilled to fiiiiinally be able to share with all of you the fabulous news that my beautiful big sister Kourtney is expecting yet again!" she wrote. "Can you believe it?! Masey is going to be a big brother! We are all so overjoyed by this wonderful news and are counting down the minutes until we get to meet the newest member of our family." Kourtney, Kim, Scott, Mason and Kim's soon-to-be ex-husband Kris Humphries are all currently starring on the second season of "Kourtney & Kim Take New York." |
| Paramore's 'Brick By Boring Brick' Is MTV's #2 Best Live Performance Of 2011 Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:01 AM PST Fans voted in force for the band's set at Fueled by Ramen 15th anniversary concert.
Forget all that talk about never being able to go home again. Paramore are living proof that you can and, in the process, rock so hard that fans will vote you to the #2 position on our list of the Best Live MTV Performances of 2011.
After revealing the other top 10 finishers, which included Odd Future, Adele, Beyoncé and Mac Miller, voters settled on Paramore's set at the Fueled by Ramen 15th anniversary concert as the second-best live MTV performance of the year, falling short only to 30 Seconds to Mars' "Unplugged" take on "Hurricane." Clearly psyched to be rocking the stage as headliners for the event, the band's take on "Brick by Boring Brick" was typical high-energy Paramore goodness. Bassist Jeremy Davis and guitarist Taylor York spun and lunged around the stage as singer Hayley Williams looked shot out of a cannon, bouncing and pumping her fists as she let the audience handle the first verse of the tune. Wearing skintight red jeans and a leopard-print top, Williams took over the vocals soon enough and served up the rest of the verse in her breathless best, leaving enough space for the sweaty, ardent fans to chime in at strategic points. She also climbed on the monitors to peer into the packed house and brought it all back home with gusto as fans shot their arms up in the air and fast-clapped the "ba-da-ba-ba-da-ba-ba-da" ending. The triumphant return was the capper to a dramatic year for the band, which bounced back from the departure of founding members Josh and Zac Farro. They rediscovered the joy of playing music during a South American tour and reconnected with fans through the debut of their song-a-month "Singles Club." So it is somewhat fitting that, in a year where so much was focused on the inner workings of the band, the year is ending with Paramore taking the #2 spot for their rousing run-through of their biggest hits (and a couple new tunes) in front of a sold-out, spirited crowd. In a year when MTV featured plenty of performances, it remains one of the highlights. All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Beyonce, Britney Spears And More: 25 Best Songs Of 2011 Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:04 PM PST We count down the year's most memorable musical moments, in Bigger Than the Sound.
In 2011, we shuffled and shook it out. We found love and decided to dance until the world ends. We rolled in the deep and celebrated the boys with the booming systems. Shoot, at one point, we even went to Paris with Will Ferrell. It was, to say the very least, an interesting 12 months.
So, how else to sum up the year than with my picks for the 25 Best Songs of 2011: odes to partying and pumped-up kicks, songs of sadness and beauty, tunes about getting loaded and getting revenge. Pop, hip-hop, rock, bed-tronica, they're all here, and they're all important in some way, mostly because they all helped guide us through a rather tumultuous time. But that's enough from me, let's get to the songs. Oh, and I'd like to hear your picks too — drop me a line in the comments below. So now, on with the countdown. 25. Nicola Roberts, "Beat of My Drum": Supremely saccharine single from erstwhile Girls Aloud member mashes together every notable pop moment in recent history, yet somehow manages to be better that the sum of its parts. That's thanks mostly to the supercharged, sing-a-long chorus, where the whole thing comes together in a head-spinning rush. She should go solo more often. 24. Against Me!, "Russian Spies": Searing, surging punk from Gainesville lifers proves their time on Sire Records didn't soften them one bit. It only made them more resolute. And, strangely, sadder too. 23. Kreayshawn, "Gucci Gucci": Either the smartest song of 2011 or the dumbest, the beauty of "Gucci Gucci" — and Kreayshawn, for that matter — is that the answer is probably both. The goofy, horror-movie synth squiggle, the dollops of low-end whomp, the part where Kreay claims to have swag coming out her ovaries ... it's all good. Even if it's not. 22. Gospel Music, "This Town Doesn't Have Enough Bars for Both Of Us": Peppy, poppy, pocket-rock that laments the lack of quality drinking establishments in Owen Holmes' hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and dares to ponder one of life's great post-breakup quandaries: When does our place become just my place? He's not smart enough to know the answer; instead, he spends his genius on barroom bon mots like, "I'm not drinking anymore/ But I'm not drinking any less." Works for me. 21. Demi Lovato, "Skyscraper": For about a week, this was the biggest song in the world (or the Internet), a fact that had nothing to do with irony, our nascent sense of superiority or kittens, and everything to do with the startling connection Lovato makes with the track itself. Oh, and the fact that she sings the absolute beejezus out of it. Given everything that's happened in Lovato's life, that connection makes sense, but it's the maturity she shows on the song — and that final, chill-inducing chorus — that opened eyes, and served notice. Welcome to the club, Demi. 20. Lykke Li, "Get Some": Overlooked, otherworldly single off Li's equally overlooked (and otherworldly) Wounded Rhymes album, this one is very much about sex. Thumping, bumping, panting ... and then Li pushes it all over the top with her smoldering, sumptuous vocals. The kind of song that requires a cigarette and a cold shower after repeat listens. 19. The Black Keys, "Lonely Boy": After spending portions of their breakout Brothers album getting slightly contemplative, the Keys roar back with "Lonely Boy," a song that only contemplates how best to make a guitar rev like a V-8 engine. A hard-charging, and even harder-chugging treat (with an equally hard-partying music video), it's the kind of classic claptrap you always knew they were capable of making. 18. Chris Brown, "Beautiful People": Folks can talk about Brown's hip-hop turn on "Look at Me Now," but this single represents his biggest reinvention to date. A slippery, shiny club track helmed by Benny Benassi, like most of Breezy's work it is undeniably sexy, but it's also subtly smart too. And that's where he made his biggest strides. Also, unlike "Look at Me Now," he doesn't even mention Mr. Miyagi once. 17. YACHT, "Dystopia (The Earth Is on Fire)": Every day the sky gets lower (lowerlowerlower!) And every day the flames get higher (higherhigherhigher!) So, with apologies to Rock Master Scott and the Dynamic Three, this disco duo just decide to let the motherf---er burn. 16. Washed Out, "Eyes be Closed": Massively ebbing and echoing bed-tronica (or, you know, "chillwave") from some dude in Perry, Georgia. Bonus: Sounds nothing like Perry, Georgia. 15. Lil Wayne, "6 Foot 7 Foot": Weezy and producer Bangladesh may still hate each other (or maybe they've made up, I can't remember), but there's no denying that both men are better off together. "6 Foot" starts with Harry Belafonte's "The Banana Boat Song," then twists it into something else entirely. Knotty and slightly seizure-inducing, it's like "A Milli" times, well, a million. 14. Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass": The unlikely champion of the Summer Jam Sweepstakes, it started life almost as an afterthought (a bonus track on the Pink Friday deluxe edition) and ended up being Nicki's breakthrough hit. Sometimes things just work out that way. Here's to the guys with the booming systems. 13. LMFAO, "Party Rock Anthem": It's either the stoopidest song in recent memory, or perhaps LMFAO's magnum opus (or maybe both), but why ponder points like that when the end result is this good. From its ebola-catchy hook to party-hearty machinations, this one is just begging to be blasted ... and shuffled to. 12. Foster The People, "Pumped Up Kicks": The year's catchiest rock tune was actually last year's catchiest too — it just took folks a while to realize it. Hazy, loping and scratchy like a mohair sweater, it recalls a headier era when bands wrote ultra-hooky singles about ultra-dark things (Eels' "Novocaine for the Soul," the Smashing Pumpkins' "Today," etc.) and earned repeated spins on radio as a result. Also known as the 1990s. 11. Rihanna, "We Found Love": A few weeks ago, someone told me that this would ultimately end up being Rihanna's signature hit and, at the time, I sort of laughed him off. I mean, did he remember "Umbrella"? But, the more I think about it, he may be right. Or at least on the right track. From the icy synth strains to Calvin Harris' hard-charging pre-chorus, it most certainly is the song that best represents pop, circa 2011, and given RiRi's standing in the field, perhaps in time, it will become her set-closing number too. For now, at least, I'm content to bask in "Love's" masterful mix of the carnal and, well, the club. 10. Britney Spears, "Till the World Ends": I have been accused (many times) of being a Brit basher and, sure, that's probably true, but not even I could deny this song. Super-charged star-burst synthesizers, robo-vocals and, of course, that iconic "Woah-Oh-Oh" chantalong, it's the party jam for the post-apocalyptic future. And because of all that, it's also an important song; not only a reminder that Britney is still capable of making truly terrific pop music, but that, really, she never stopped. And coming from one of her most ardent critics, that's high praise indeed. 09. Beyoncé, "Love on Top": You wanted a throwback jam, you've got a throwback jam. Big, bold, brassy and blissed-out, it represents everything B was going for on her 4 album, recalling roiling old R&B classics and the supreme diva-tude of the all-time greats. Sure, I could've gone for something like "Run the World (Girls)" or even "Countdown," but "Love on Top" is where it all clicks, sublimely so. Joy for days, which, given our dire times, made this one an absolute lifesaver. Oh, and as is the case with all of her best tunes, Beyoncé belts here. And really, what else do you need? 08. Nickelback, "Bottoms Up": Take away my cred card, but I am unapologetically in awe of this song. I wrote an entire column about its boozy brilliance earlier this year, but suffice to say, it is without a doubt the greatest thing Nickelback will ever do, in that they are first and foremost a party band, and this is their ultimate party jam: a song about getting supremely sh--faced, about drinking everything from Jim Beam to "straight gasoline," complete with a crushing, ALL-CAPS chorus and appropriately chugging riffs. Oh, and at one point, Chad Kroeger rhymes "bar" with "fire," mostly because he can. Hammer down, now and forever. 07. Bright Eyes, "The Ladder Song": For as much noise as Conor Oberst is capable of making, it's often the quieter moments where his rickety, ramshackle genius shines brightest. And "Ladder Song" — a heartbreakingly raw tribute to a friend who committed suicide — is not only his quietest, it's one of his best. Backed by little more than a piano and a handful of otherworldly room tones, Oberst plumbs the depths of despair, his voice reedy and wavering, and, when he reaches bottom, discovers there are small beauties that make life worth living. It's too bad, he ultimately laments, that his friend didn't discover them too. The year's most achingly beautiful song, by a hair-raising mile. 06. Drake, "Take Care": There are no shortage of memorable, mystifying moments on Drake's Take Care, but for me, none were quite as memorable (or mystifying) as the title track, which combines Jamie XX's sparse reworking of Gil Scot-Heron's "I'll Take Care Of U" with Rihanna's aching vocals and Drizzy's bleary-eyed boasts. The end result is a song that's so dark it's practically nocturnal, echoing and empty. Perhaps 2011's best example of a prime-time artist taking a major risk, it not only paid off in spades, it proved that Drake's more than just a pretty face. He's got brains, too ... even if most of the time he's too fried to realize it. 05. Florence and the Machine, "Shake It Out": Part regret-filled lament, part old-fashioned revival, "Shake It Out" is a prime example of just what makes Florence Welch so great. It's a heartrending song with an absolutely uplifting chorus, a mixture of somber metaphors and messages that ultimately decides to be an anthem for the downtrodden. It's ethereal, otherworldly and, yet, decidedly visceral, too. And when combined with Welch's hurricane vocals, it packs a punch few other songs could match. Be blown away. 04. Lady Gaga, "Heavy Metal Lover": Buried toward the back of Born This Way, "Lover" was just about the only song Gaga didn't release as a single this year, which is odd, considering it's far and away the best track on the album. A masterful mix of "Transformers"-size techno pump and supple, slipstream synthesizers, it pulses and twitches, expands and contracts, and is probably the best example of what we all hoped BTW would be. As an added bonus, "I want your whiskey mouth/ All over my blond south" was unquestionably the pick-up line of the year. 03. Jay-Z and Kanye West, "N---as in Paris": NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS, BUT IT'S PROVOCATIVE. IT GETS THE PEOPLE GOING. 02. Girls, "Vomit": A haunting, haunted song that follows frontman Chris Owens as he drifts through deserted city streets, ghostlike, searching for his long-lost love, "Vomit" most certainly is not an uplifting thing. But it never tries to be anything of the sort. Instead, over the course of six-and-a-half minutes, it is content to work itself up to a frothy, gospel-tinged peak — recalling Pink Floyd and Spiritualized — and as Owens begs "Come into my heart," you sort of realize that sometimes it's OK to go it alone. Or at least that's what you try to keep telling yourself. 01. Adele, "Rolling in the Deep": Not only the song of the year, it's also quite possibly the song of our time, which is an odd thing to say, considering "Deep" is about as artfully anachronistic as popular music gets: a crackling, breathy thing that roils along on little more than a stubby guitar and some primal pounding, it positively roars to life the second the chorus hits, powered entirely by Adele's prodigious pipes. No Auto-Tune, no mention of partying or material excess (and not even a single Will Ferrell sample), "Deep" is a throwback in every conceivable way to a time when artists actually sang (and sang about real, genuine emotions like sadness and anger), when a single could push an album for months and months at a time and, most of all, when people still bought music. And despite all that, it was still the crossover smash to end all crossover smashes, the song that not only dominated 2011, but defined it, too. Sort of gives you hope ... or makes you realize we truly are living in the strangest of times. Did he get it right? Sound off on Bigger Than the Sound's Top 25 Songs of 2011 in the comments! All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Future Looks Bright As Hottest Breakthrough Contender Posted: 13 Dec 2011 01:36 AM PST MC began dominating Atlanta airwaves this summer with the help of big names like T.I. — vote in our Hottest poll now!
A few months ago, if you didn't live in or near Atlanta, you would be hard-pressed to know who Future was. However, if you did live in or near Atlanta, you be hard-pressed not to hear one of his songs on the radio every five minutes with "Magic," "Ain't No Way Around It," "Go Harder" and "Never Been This High," to name a few.
Now, he's getting national recognition as a contender for <"http://www.mtv.com/specials/hottest/mc/index.jhtml">MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough MC. Future was the hook man on YC's "Racks," which was probably the most infectious track of the first part of this year. However, the rest of the country got the memo in early July when Drake hopped on a remix of the ATL-ien's "Tony Montana." The song features Future rhyming in a faux accent as if he were the beloved upstart Cuban drug lord. Drizzy not only adds a verse, but he seemingly adds his stamp of approval to what Future has been building. While their relationship seems to have soured, it hasn't stopped Future from spreading his name. The MC dropped a number of mixtapes this year (including Dirty Sprite, True Story, Streetz Calling and Free Bricks with Gucci Mane), which helped him build his base and dominate the ATL airwaves. Even Atlanta stalwarts like Gucci, Young Jeezy, T.I. and Big Boi jumped on tracks with the Astronaut Kid to help maintain their own buzz in the city. At the same time, their co-signs helped him get nationwide attention. Future also comes from a sort of hip-hop royalty. He is the cousin of Organized Noize's Rico Wade. Organized Noize have produced tracks for the likes of Outkast, Ludacris and TLC. It's a part of Atlanta's iconic Dungeon Family, making Future a second-generation Dungeon Family member. While their members are known for their lyrical prowess, few people would put Future in their weight class. But he promised his mixtapes weren't a reflection of what fans could expect on his debut album, Pluto. Only time will tell how bright his future truly is. Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established by MTV News in 2010 as a fan-driven initiative that spotlights, celebrates and cultivates new talent. MTV News chose a pool of young rappers and urged fans to vote for their favorite. When it was all said and done, Wiz Khalifa emerged as the Hottest Breakthrough of last year. The competition was tough, but the Taylor Gang General beat out runner-up Nicki Minaj, ATL group Travis Porter, Diggy Simmons and J. Cole. This year, you can vote for Future (or your favorite up-and-comer) over at RapFix.MTV.com, and be sure to check back for daily updates and poll results. Each day, we'll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before we conclude Tuesday (December 13) when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during Wednesday's "RapFix Live," during which the winner will appear as our in-studio guest. There will also be a special announcement about MTV News' upcoming Hottest MCs in the Game list and debate. To be considered a Hottest Breakthrough MC, an artist cannot have released a major-label full-length album. Finalists from 2010's Hottest Breakthrough MCs poll will not be eligible for 2011 consideration, so unfortunately, Diggy Simmons and Travis Porter won't be part of this conversation. Who do you think should be 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC? Share your picks in the comments! Stick with MTV News as we profile the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs before announcing the winner Wednesday on "RapFix Live" — vote now! |
| 30 Seconds To Mars' 'Unplugged' Wins MTV's Best Live Performance Of 2011 Posted: 13 Dec 2011 02:01 AM PST Fans voted 30STM's stripped-down rendition of 'Hurricane' the year's best, ahead of Paramore, Beyoncé and more.
If, over the course of their This Is War album, 30 Seconds to Mars have not proved the following point, please allow me to state it once more: They are a band that truly only operates on a massive scale. From their globe-spanning, record-setting tour to their big-budget, high-concept music videos (ahem, "short films"), they are eternally going for the grandiose.
Which is why it's noteworthy that fans voted their MTV "Unplugged" version of "Hurricane" #1 in our contest for Best Live MTV Performance of 2011 — besting Paramore's #2-ranked "Brick by Boring Brick" — because it represents them at their most stripped-down and, really, their most minimal. Of course, that's a relative term. Because while "Hurricane" does feature acoustic guitars and Jared Leto's sparse vocals, it also comes backed by a stirring string ensemble, and the band's ever-present Echelon, who chant and sing backup on the chorus, imbuing the song with a powerful air. The mood inside the studio is undeniably somber but, like pretty much everything 30STM do, there's a raging, revelatory undercurrent too. Their performance is very much a communal thing, one where a celebration never seems all that far off. And speaking of that communal vibe, that it was the band's fans who voted them to victory on our Best Live MTV Performance countdown is proof enough that they love their 30STM any way they can get it — full-blown or scaled back. In a way, that connection is more powerful than a stack of amps or a 15-minute long music video ... it's truly the secret to the band's success. Now they've got the hardware to prove it. All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! |
| Gym Class Heroes Call 'Ass Back Home' Video 'Gritty' Posted: 13 Dec 2011 01:05 AM PST Travie McCoy says the clip, featuring Neon Hitch, shows the 'struggle' of a long-distance relationship.
Life on the road can be tough for a musician — just ask Gym Class Heroes. On Monday, the group premiered their video for "Ass Back Home," the third single from their latest album, The Paper Chronicles II. The clip was shot while the group was on tour and shows frontman Travie McCoy struggling with a long-distance relationship while spending his life on the road.
MTV News recently caught up with Gym Class Heroes at Z100's annual Jingle Ball concert, and they told us how they came up with the concept for their latest video. "It's us on the road and it's shot really gritty," McCoy said. "So it kind of gives people a behind-the-scenes at what it's like to be on the road, traveling nonstop and also that tension, that struggle of trying to keep a relationship afloat." Bassist Eric Roberts added:" I remember when I was watching some cuts of the video, I totally just lost thought of the song, and I was just paying attention. I was like, 'Oh, it's kind of like a movie.' " Playing McCoy's love interest in the video is British newcomer Neon Hitch, who also sings the chorus. The electro-pop singer, who describes herself as a "free spirit," was the perfect choice not only for the song, but for the video as well. "They just thought I would fit the song perfectly," Hitch told MTV News. "So it just happened magically." It seems like Gym Class Heroes couldn't agree more. "The song was actually produced by Benny Blanco, and Benny's worked with Neon in the past," McCoy said. "I think if anybody gets the song and as far as the message of the song and what the song's about, it'd be her, because she's kind of in the midst of all this. Not only did she go above and beyond the call of duty as far as singing it, but it's something that she can totally relate to, so it's perfect." Last month, Gym Class Heroes were forced to cancel the remaining dates of their North American tour due to illness, but fear not, GCH fans: They are planning to get back on the road in the new year. "We wrapped this year up with all the Christmas shows and top of the year, next year, we head overseas," McCoy said. "And then we come back here to destroy the U.S." What do you think of Gym Class Heroes' latest video? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists |
| Hottest Breakthrough MC To Be Crowned Wednesday! Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:24 PM PST Don't miss 'RapFix Live' at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com to see which rookie rapper comes out on top.
There has been a ton of new hip-hop talent to emerge this past year, but there can only be one 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC. On Wednesday's "RapFix Live," the winner of MTV News' Hottest Breakthrough poll will be announced and appear on the show.
Last week, Machine Gun Kelly, Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, Roscoe Dash and A$AP Rocky all stopped by "RapFix" to kick off the Hottest Breakthrough MCs race. On Tuesday (November 13) at 11:59 p.m. ET, the polls will close, the votes will be tallied, and the Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2011 will be crowned Wednesday. Over the past week, A$AP, Future, Freddie Gibbs, French Montana, Lamar, Mac Miller, MGK, Meek Mill and Lil Twist have been battling it out as fans vote for their favorite MC. It's been a tight race so far, with Miller, Twist and Machine Gun Kelly jockeying for the #1 spot. Will either of the three take it, or will another MC make a last minute push for the top? You have to tune in to "RapFix Live" to find out! All this will lead up to MTV News' next Hottest MCs in the Game list. On Wednesday, "RapFix" host Sway will make a special announcement about MTV's much-talked-about list. In 2010, Eminem was voted the #1 Hottest MC in the Game by the MTV News Hip-Hop Brain Trust, but who will take top honors in 2011? Only time will tell. Tune in to "RapFix Live" on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com to see who will be crowned the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC. Be sure to join in the Twitter conversation using the hashtag #RapFixLive! All this week, watch "AMTV" on MTV every day at 8 a.m. ET for our Best of 2011 lists. Then, come to MTVNews.com at 5 p.m. as we reveal our top picks of the year! Related Videos |
| 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Trailer: Five Key Scenes Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:29 PM PST Channing Tatum's days as Duke might be numbered in Jon Chu's sequel.
Either Jon Chu and I have a lot in common, or the "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" director was checking in on me during my formative years and caught me spending hours playing with my Joe toys. At least that's the impression I'm getting from the brand-new "G.I. Joe" trailer, which looks like it was lifted directly from my childhood and projected onto the big screen. (You could have said hi by the way, Jon!) Between fan-favorite character Roadblock (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) ripping enemies to shreds with an automatic heavy gun, Snake Eyes and Jinx repelling from a mountainside cleaving bad-guy ninjas along the way, and a perfectly delivered one-liner from Bruce Willis, it's safe to say that every square inch of the "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" trailer is filled with win. But in the midst of all that action, there are some hidden details you may have missed. To that end, here are five key scenes from the "G.I. Joe" trailer you'll want to pay attention to. Warning: Some potential spoilers ahead. Bye-Bye, Duke? Mouse Trap Cobra Rises Hail to the Chief Kiss Those Lips Goodbye! Tell us what you thought of the new "G.I. Joe" trailer in the comments section! Check out everything we've got on "G.I. Joe: Retaliation." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Photos |
| 'First Date' With Outasight: The Pepsi Connection Posted: 12 Dec 2011 11:24 PM PST Singer's 'Tonight Is the Night' is featured in Pepsi campaign alongside footage of Kanye, Britney and Michael Jackson.
In all honesty, most people are probably more familiar with Outasight's song "Tonight Is the Night" than they are with him. And that is in no way a knock on Outasight. After all, the song is a big part of Pepsi's "Who's Next" campaign, having been featured in the soft drink company's latest legacy commercial, which includes footage from past Pepsi ads featuring Kanye West, Britney Spears and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. But hopefully those commercials will start to win Outasight some attention.
The song actually debuted on the second episode of Fox's reality competition show "The X Factor," and it's been slowly gaining momentum ever since. The Dori Oskowitz-directed video for the pop, party anthem was dropped early last month, and it features Outasight and friends preparing, embarking and wrapping up an incredible — or typical — night of fun in New York City. The Yonkers MC and singer is already seven mixtapes deep in his relatively short career, and his still-unnamed debut album is expected next year. He's been making music for as long as he can remember, but it wasn't until he discovered he could combine both of his talents of singing and rapping that he found he could really be Outasight. "Singing and rapping were separate entities," Outasight said. "Then Mos Def and artists like that inspired me. I saw you can do it — you can sing and rap and make it gel. I started taking my craft more seriously and just kept working on it. It's just a natural thing. It's never planned out. It kind of flows." Related Videos Related Artists |
| 'Dragon Tattoo' Reviews: How Did Rooney Mara Do? Posted: 13 Dec 2011 08:35 AM PST Moviegoers won't be able to take their eyes off the American actress' Lisbeth Salander, critics rave.
Rooney Mara owns "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
That is to say, while the film shows off David Fincher at his meticulous, moody best and Daniel Craig delivers yet another stellar performance, the beating heart of the picture — or, if you will, the exposed pierced nipple — is Mara as the spiky-haired hacker, Lisbeth Salander. For all the shortcomings of "Dragon Tattoo"— and there are a bunch, from a pacing that sometimes drags to Swedish author Stieg Larsson's deeply unsatisfying ending — you walk away unable to shake what you've just seen from Mara. Alternately vulnerable and vicious, her Salander is an entirely different creature from the one presented by Noomi Rapace in the Swedish version of the film and, what's more, an entirely different creature from anything Mara offered in "The Social Network" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street." Let's stop right there, before we go from gushing to outright hero worship. At least we're not alone. With the "Dragon Tattoo" review embargo officially lifted, critics have been celebrating Mara's performance. The Transformation The Chemistry The Sex Scenes The Awards The Final Word Check out everything we've got on "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Videos |
| Roscoe Dash Brings The 'Awesome' To Hottest Breakthrough Race Posted: 13 Dec 2011 09:59 AM PST Atlanta MC builds on 'All the Way Turnt Up' momentum to land a spot on our list — vote now!
It's hard to believe Roscoe Dash has yet to put out an album. "All the Way Turnt Up" was such a big record last year that hip-hop fans didn't even think it was his. With Dash being a relative unknown — even within Atlanta's unique hip-hop scene — people thought the record was by 2010 Hottest Breakthrough MC nominees Travis Porter. But once that was cleared up, everyone from Lil Wayne to Lupe Fiasco was ready to spit over the beat.
Dash's next single, "Show Out," was a solid effort, but it wasn't nearly as successful as "Turnt Up." It looked like Dash might've succumbed to one-hit wonder status. But then Roscoe turned up (get it?) on one of 2010's most overlooked songs, Waka Flocka Flame's "No Hands." The song cemented Flocka as a viable mainstream artist, lent Wale a much-needed lifeline and established a market for Mr. R-O-S-C-O-E as a hook man — and helped land him on MTV News' 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs list. Dash's raspy drawl would appear on DJ Drama's "Oh My" with Fabulous and Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean's "Marvin and Chardonnay" with Kanye West. These songs have helped bring about a second wave of interest in Dash. He recently dropped the videos for "Awesome" and "Good, Good Night." Both songs are featured on his EP, J.U.I.C.E (Just Understand I Control Everything), which is set to drop later on this month. "Music is something I just never stopped doing, especially in high school," Dash told MTV News. "I remember staying up burning CDs one by one every night until I had, like, 300 CDs, stuffing them in a backpack and going to school the next day, passing them out. "The biggest lesson that I've learned coming up is that your fans are going to be the most important people that you come in contact with," he added. "They're going to life you up whenever you don't have the hottest song. They're just going to rock with you for you." Hottest Breakthrough MCs was established by MTV News in 2010 as a fan-driven initiative that spotlights, celebrates and cultivates new talent. MTV News chose a pool of young rappers and urged fans to vote for their favorite. When it was all said and done, Wiz Khalifa emerged as the Hottest Breakthrough of last year. The competition was tough, but the Taylor Gang General beat out runner-up Nicki Minaj, ATL group Travis Porter, Diggy Simmons and J. Cole. This year, you can vote for Roscoe (or your favorite up-and-comer) over at RapFix.MTV.com, and be sure to check back for daily updates and poll results. Each day, we'll spotlight a new Hottest Breakthrough MC before we conclude Tuesday (December 13) when the polls close at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC will be revealed during Wednesday's "RapFix Live," during which the winner will appear as our in-studio guest. There will also be a special announcement about MTV News' upcoming Hottest MCs in the Game list and debate. To be considered a Hottest Breakthrough MC, an artist cannot have released a major-label full-length album. Finalists from 2010's Hottest Breakthrough MCs poll will not be eligible for 2011 consideration, so unfortunately, Diggy Simmons and Travis Porter won't be part of this conversation. Who do you think should be 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MC? Share your picks in the comments! Stick with MTV News as we profile the 2011 Hottest Breakthrough MCs before announcing the winner Wednesday on "RapFix Live" — vote now! Related Videos Related Artists |
| Kelly Clarkson To Drop iTunes EP Posted: 12 Dec 2011 10:26 PM PST Nine-track EP includes tracks from Stronger and revamped versions of older songs.
Kelly Clarkson is reimagining some of her songs for a special iTunes sessions album. The nine-track EP will drop December 27, with pre-orders kicking off Tuesday (December 13).
According to a press release, the album will include three songs from Clarkson's latest album, Stronger, including its lead single, "Mr. Know It All," along with "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" and "You Can't Win." She will also kick it old-school with revamped versions of "Never Again," "Since U Been Gone," "Why Don't You Try" and "My Life Would Suck Without You." The final two tracks include the holiday classic "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and an interview with the star. Clarkson's Stronger 2012 world tour is slated to kick off January 13. She will start in Connecticut at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods before making her way around North America, with stops in New York, Austin, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The tour will end April 10 in San Diego. Stronger, Clarkson's fifth studio album, dropped in October and debuted at #2, right behind Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto. Clarkson is readying the release of her next single, "What Doesn't Kill You." "There were a few different titles that were going around, and I think the reason why we came up with Stronger was just because every song was about empowerment and almost, like, overcoming stuff," Clarkson told MTV News about the album title. "So, even if it was a bad situation and a sad song, it was about overcoming that. ... So I think that's why [we named it that], and I think after 10 years of doing it, you feel a little stronger personally and musically. People know you better. It's just easier, I think." Is your favorite Kelly Clarkson hit included on the new iTunes album? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos Related Artists |
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