Time to cut your hair, paint your toes and cry those happy tears once again, ladies and ladyboys: Miss Cheryl is back!

Following two massive lead solo singles–2009′s “Fight For This Love” and 2010′s “Promise This” (both of which peaked at #1)–the gorgeous Girls Aloud chanteuse and former X Factor UK darling is going three-for-three with her Calvin Harris-produced single: “Call My Name,” the lead track from her upcoming album A Million Lights.

If it wasn’t already clear from Ne-Yo‘s “Let’s Go and the Scissor Sisters‘ “Only The Horses,” it is now: Calvin’s sticking to a template–namely, Rihanna‘s “We Found Love” (and soon to follow, “Where Have You Been”)–and he’s not letting go anytime soon.

“How d’you think I feel when you call my name? You got me confused by the way I change!” Cheryl cries out on repeat over the Ibiza-friendly beat breakdown of a chorus. It’s got the exact same electro-Caribbean rhythms and hands-aloft euphoric energy as “We Found Love,” and nearly the same melody too–but for some reason, I don’t necessarily mind the lack of innovation. It’s a banga, and Cheryl owns the track in her own right…even if it doesn’t quite reach to a higher level.

The song seems to fizzle out a bit early as well, leaving Mizz Cheryl to ad-lib like a ’90′s House queen (“OOH-oh-oh-OH!“) for about a minute or so. It’s an unusual way to close out the track (where’s the bridge, Chezza?!), but once again, I can’t say I mind that much either. Actually, the ’90′s influence throughout is the best part.

Although unadventurous (can’t cope with the “We Found Love” comparisons? Try PopJustice’s 7 Stages of the Cheryl Single), “Call My Name” is still a solid, repeat-friendly (if not by-the-numbers) production from an artist back where she belongs: On the dance floor.

And keep your eyes peeled for what’s next: The Anthony Mandler-directed clip for the song hits Vevo on May 2.

BREAKING (1 PM): Cheryl’s “Call My Name” sounds VERY GOOD in a car with the windows down. Score adjusted accordingly.

BREAKING (2 PM): I CANNOT STOP PLAYING THIS SONG.

WE FOUND CHERYL IN A HORSE’S PLACE.

“Call My Name” will be released on June 10. (iTunes UK)

Three months ago, the boys (and über-fierce girl!) of Scissor Sisters unveiled “Shady Love”, their swaggerific electro-disco smut strut featuring Azealia Banks. Now, the troupe returns with their first official single off of their upcoming fourth studio album Magic Hour: “Only The Horses.”

Produced by Calvin Harris and Boys Noize, “Only the Horses” is essentially the Scissor Sisters’ own version of “We Found Love”: From the verses, to the soaring chorus, to the Ibiza-ready beat breakdown.

“Only the horses can bring us back home tonight,” Shears yelps during the chorus before the euphoric House synthesizers come blaring into the speakers.

On the one hand, it’s amazing: “Horses” might be the Sisters’ most mainstream-friendly effort yet, which could make for major chart success abroad (and perhaps even stateside). On the other, it demonstrates the slightly troubling fact that Calvin’s stuck on a template–and he’s not budging anytime soon. His new-ish song with Ne-Yo, “Let’s Go,” is almost exactly identical to this, which is already identical to Rihanna‘s 2011 smash.

Still, even if “Horses” may not be quite as innovative as “Shady Love, it’s still a smashing surge of energy. Just don’t yell too much when you’re sing-shouting that chorus–you might get a little hoarse. (See what I did there? AHAHA!!1!!!1)

“Only the Horses” will be released on May 13. (iTunes)

Queen Cheryl “Chezza” Cole, she of The Almighty Aloud and X Factor GIFs aplenty, recently put the finishing touches on her third studio album, which is due out later in 2012.

Now, the pop beans have been spilled by Sunday Mirror columnist Dean Piper, who confirmed earlier today that “We Found Love” hit-maker Calvin Harris worked with Cheryl on “a dance classic” which will likely act as the lead single from the upcoming campaign. (There’s also talk of will.i.am on the song, which is just…)

No. Let’s not get sad. If Cheryl can survive malaria, we can survive will.i.am.

Focus on Cheryl and Calvin. Dream of the possibilities. At best, we’ll get something as bright and shimmering as RiRi‘s “We Found Love” and “Where Have You Been,” Kylie Minogue‘s “In My Arms” or Sophie Ellis-Bextor/Róisín Murphy‘s “Off & On.” At worst, we’ll just get a reductive carbon copy of “We Found Love,” which would still be objectively amazing.

From what I’ve heard from my own sources, this is one of Cheryl’s biggest records yet, and it could even spell out an opportunity to dominate worldwide. 2012: Year of the Cole?

Does any other pop star’s album art talk the talk quite like Rihanna‘s?

Two years ago, the black and gray sheen and jagged metal “R” logo perfectly exemplified the grim, post-apocalyptic noir of Rihanna’s 2009 masterpice Rated R, as the singer menacingly peered out from behind her hand while suited in futuristic space gear, looking like Grace Jones beamed in from the year 3000.

Just a year later in 2010, Rihanna smoldered on the cover of LOUD with her fire engine red coif; her eyes closed and lips pouted with pristine 1970′s disco queen poise (where’s Andy Warhol when you need him?). Accordingly, the collection was largely colored by its StarGate-produced dance floor throbbers (“Only Girl (In The World),” “S&M”) and and airy Island-infused mid-tempo jams (“What’s My Name?” “Man Down”).

With Talk That Talk, her sixth studio album released on November 21, Rihanna has once again rih-invented, this time veering closer toward the Rated R menace, albeit not completely: She’s stripped away the metallic sheen of Rated R and given it a decidedly more street vibe.

Buttoned up in a sleeveless camouflage blouse, she appears sweaty and disheveled, her hair mussed as she grips her forehead. With a hungry glare and a dagger-sharp tongue firmly planted in the corner of her lips, she utterly oozes sex. But this isn’t a candle-lit dinner at the Four Seasons followed by a rose pedal-strewn romp in bed. This is a rough, rowdy back-alley FUCK on break during your mid-day work shift.

And that, in a nutshell, is the essence of Talk That Talk.

Read more…

NO, BUT ACTUALLY HOLD THE PHONE AND DROP YOUR BABY RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

FIRST OF ALL: Rihanna JUST announced on Twitter this evening that she’ll be Ri-leasing the Dr. Luke-produced “You Da One” on Friday, which will then hit on iTunes on Sunday night. Um, fuck YES! Flawless single cover is flawless.

Now then–let’s get down to bidness.

Beginning this week, Team RiRi has begun the listening sessions for Ri’s upcoming sixth studio album, Talk That Talk.

ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN FURTHER, FLOPTINA…

And now for the most exciting news in the history of ever: Madame Rihanna is about to kick off her new album campaign with a brand new single: “We Found Love.”

According to AllAccess, “We Found Love” is due to impact mainstream Top 40 radio on October 11. And, according to a buttload of online rumors, she’s premiering the single–produced by Calvin Harris (Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor)–live this Friday during Brazil’s Rock In Rio concert on September 23.

Princess RiRi even revealed a bit of the lyrics a few days ago on Twitter, which was just retweeted by Calvin Harris:

Sometimes it feels like we find love in the most hopeless place.

MY BODY IS READY.

Loud was released in November of 2010. (iTunes)

Well, here’s one press release I never saw coming!

Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s long awaited, much anticipated fourth studio album has finally been granted a solid release date in the UK: June 6.

On the same day, La Bex will release her latest single “Starlight,” an utterly lush mixture of chilly vocals and warm Italo-disco pulsations that first leaked a few weeks ago.

Haven’t heard it yet? Click below to hear the upcoming single streaming in full, courtesy of Purple Entertainment!

And now, the full press release:

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will release new single ‘Starlight, the follow-up to the international hit ‘Not Giving Up On Love’, on 6th June followed by her new album ‘Make A Scene’ on the same day.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is back with album number four, after baby number two, looking and sounding better than ever. With a sound that is a mixture of pop, Disco, Nu-Disco and 1980s electronica, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has become established as a multi-platinum selling artist over the past decade. With hit singles such as ‘Take Me Home (A Girl Like Me), ‘Get Over You / Move This Mountain’ and ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ under her belt, Sophie still remains one of today’s most exciting British female solo artists.

‘Starlight’ is a perfect chilled dance anthem that is instantly catchy with a soft but edgy beat. It is a track that can easily take you from sun lounger by day to nightclub by evening and is the perfect summer anthem.

Sophie’s new album ‘Make A Scene’ is an exciting and energetic pop juggernaut on which Sophie was heavily involved with all parts, including co-writing much of it and working with an in-demand team of writers and producers that includes Freemasons, Greg Kurstin, Calvin Harris, Cathy Dennis, Metronomy, Richard X and Armin Van Buuren.

Two songs on the record come from the renowned Freemasons. The first, ‘Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer)’ was not just a massive success in the UK but also went on to become one of Sophie’s biggest successes on the continent, particularly Russia where it reached number two in the chart. The second song is the single ‘Bittersweet’ which is a euphoric and emotive epic track with dramatic drum machines and cold eighties synths.

The albums opener ‘Revolution’ was written with Greg Kurstin (Kylie, Lily Allen and Ke$ha) and Cathy Dennis and with its catchy gritty bass and crunching beats it is the perfect upbeat introduction to ‘Make A Scene’. Sophie also worked with Calvin Harris on the album on track ‘Off & On’ which is an edgy, electro track which has the trademark Calvin Harris sound mixed with Sophie’s smooth vocals, and is sure to be a hit.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor emerged ten years ago with rare poise amidst the most memorable chart scuffle since Brit pop. ‘Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)’ with Italian producer Spiller, her debut solo release (after splitting with rock band The Audience), has recently been awarded the astonishing accolade of the decade’s most played track on radio.

Sophie will be touring the UK this summer alongside both Erasure and Bryan Ferry as well as performing at a host of boutique UK festivals.

I’M SO EXCITED!

Put your hands up for The Ting Tings!

I just stumbled upon the sweet little shout out above in my inbox tonight. Very nice…thank you much, Ting Tings!

The duo’s latest single–the Calvin Harris-produced “Hands”–is currently impacting the charts overseas as the first cut from their forthcoming sophomore effort due out in early 2011.

Click above to watch the song’s newly released ’80′s-inspired clip: Loads of sexy factory workers, suggestive machinery motions, and Little Boots-ian kaleidoscopic camera work. Nice! Oh yeah, and they’re so in the Illuminati. Just look at those triangles!

“Hands” was released on October 11 in the UK. (iTunes UK)