According to most fans, “Halo” is the probable candidate for the second single from Beyoncé‘s I Am… double album. It’s a fairly instant, by-the-numbers slow stomper similar to that of Rihanna‘s “Umbrella,” though far less brilliant. The umbrella, as I’m sure we can well agree, is much more aurally pleasing than the halo…Especially when in it’s four syllable format.

I rather enjoy Beyoncé’s lower register as exhibited within the verses of “Halo.” I wish she wouldn’t have to resort to shouting so often! PopJustice says the track was meant for the likes of Leona Lewis, who would have probably delivered a better rouse of emotion and a better control. Shame!

Yeah, I said it.

DL: Beyonc̩ РHalo

So too shall we watch Michelle Williams learn to go solo properly with her new video for “We Break The Dawn,” her brilliant first single from the upcoming album. Yeah, I know she had that whole “Christian solo career” business back in the day, but no one actually appreciates that type of work. So let’s all just agree to forget. Now, I think the dances could have been much more choreographed, and there could have been more outfits up in this shoot, but the brief paparazzi glamour shots and all that flinging in betwixt the male dancers were moments of pure love. I don’t know, did anyone else find her motions to be slightly reminiscent of those of the Queen of poshes herself, Victoria Beckham? Especially all that refusal to dance and voguing going on.

Anyway, I’m proud. It’s a solid attempt. I don’t know if she’ll capture the right audience, please the crowds, and all that nonsense, but she’s doing all that she should for this type of music. So fly away, chickadee…fly. Anywhere that Beyonce isn’t standing with a bloodied pair of clippers and a vengeful pair of eyes.

Well, this was a surprise! I came into listening to the first single from baby B‘s second album, “I Decided,” with lower expectations and a high preparedness for nausea inducing vocal works. But wait…what’s this?

Far from the searing style of her sister, Solange‘s song is a nice, refreshing nod to the Motown era. The verses are straight out of the pop classic, “Heatwave,” and the chorus is a lazy, loungey breeze of air. All in all, I found no booties a’ poppin’, dresses a’ freakumin’, or even alarms a’ ringin’. Just a bit of good ol’ croonin’.

And here I thought they were laying the brand to rest after riding the high of their ultimately successful album, PCD. But alas, I was mistaken! The Pussycat Dolls are back with a comeback single–and boy, it’s a hot one. “When I Grow Up” isn’t so much a departure from the sound of the first album as it is a continuation of the music that’s worked for them in the first place. It’s busy, it’s flashy, and it sounds like a musical carnival ride. There’s tons to be said about the song, but this is a well crafted, of-the-moment pop track. Simple as that. Nice to see you’ve come to your senses and given up the solo career, Nicole. It’s not you really…it’s your last name. Fire that agent for allowing you to enter the business without changing it.

And…Beyonce? Yep. Another leaked track from her latest recording sessions. This one’s called “Should Have (Now I Know)”. It’s a trippy, pulling track surrounded by moans and laments and a super sliding, slippery back beat that reminds me of “Starstruck” by Santogold and “Discipline” by Janet. I’m enjoying it, if nothing else because this one doesn’t have any Beyonce-invented words that end up being added to the next year’s dictionary.

As you all know, Beyoncé’s camp got a bit careless and allowed a song from her upcoming album to leak while still considered a work in progress. Now if you’re anything like me, you found the song to be intensely perplexing, featuring vocabulary such as “beautiful,” “stars,” and “rain.” Thankfully, a visual accompaniment has surfaced to illustrate the song’s comprehensive plot line:

This also serves as a proper excuse to hear the song once more and declare it “a little good, but kind of not.” Many thanks to my reader Erica for bringing this video to my attention.

This got pulled pretty quick from YouTube, so I don’t know the deal is, though I assume it’s a brand new clip/demo from the upcoming dance-oriented album pegged for the latter half of ’08. The sound is far from what she’s done before–it’s very dancefloor, and reminds me of a big ’90′s club hit, but riddled with Beyoncéistic vocal spatterings. It’s a bit dark, too. I happen to like it a lot more than the recycled format she’s been maintaining as of late. Give me some feedback on this.

Oh, and I don’t know the proper spelling of the second word…I’m assuming the file name is the accurate spelling.

DL: Beyonc̩ РBeautiful Nitemare

When she’s not too busy recording Spanish language duets with herself or devouring the souls of babies, Beyonce Knowles likes to entertain herself by starring in biographical movies about famous black singers that have made the mistake of rising to prominence. Luckily, Beyonce is quick to make sure that nobody forgets about the greatest singing legends of our time…by portraying them in films.

Cadillac Records is an upcoming film that focuses on Leonard Chess, the founder of Chess Records, which became the home for budding stars such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and…Etta James, one of my most truly cherished vocalists.

Luckily, Beyonce will be filling her shoes. Considering the fact that Beyonce’s voice, image, and personality all have literally nothing in common with that of Etta’s, it’s rather fantastic to hear that she’s signing on to represent Etta. Who, by the way, is still very much alive.

Don’t get me wrong, now. While I still love me some Knowles from time to time (mostly in the form of a “band” once known as Destiny’s Child,) but if I had to choose someone to represent Etta, she wouldn’t even come close.