Oh, you want MOAH? Well, I’ll give you more!

On Friday, I posted the first batch of MuuMuse’s Most Anticipated releases of 2012–round-up of what we already know, what we’ve already heard, what we want to hear in the next year. Naturally, one post just isn’t enough–so here’s round two!

Girls Aloud, TBA (Sixth Studio Album)

What it is: The epic return of the Almighty Aloud.
Expected shelf date: Late 2012.
Confirmed tracks: TBA
Production by: Xenomania (?)
What we know: It’s been two painful years since Girls Aloud announced their temporary hiatus in 2009. (Don’t remind me!) Earlier this year however, manager Hilary Shaw confirmed to MTV UK that the girls would return in 2012 to perform a few live shows. Now, there’s whispers of new music altogether: Nadine Coyle told me personally that she assumes new music’s in the works. Kimberley Walsh said “we’re doing something next year – we never intended to stop for good.” Queen Nicola vaguely told RWD Magazine that she would “hope there was something from us.” And, if you trust him, Perez Hilton says an album’s coming in December 2012.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Anything. We are not worthy.

Christina Aguilera, TBA (Seventh Studio Album)

What it is: Floptina’s chance to rise from the ashes.
Expected shelf date: Spring/Summer 2012.
Confirmed tracks: TBA
Production by: Dr. Luke (?)
What we know: Aguilera’s last album–2010′s severely misguided Bionic–redefined the concept of commercial failure. The album performed poorly on the charts, worse in the press, and earned the notoriously egotistical diva a new moniker: Floptina. Now, a diva needs her comeback. Christina herself told Croatia’s RTL earlier in 2011 that the upcoming record would be “very heartfelt, deep-rooted and introspective.” According to Hot 99.5, RCA’s Joe Riccitelli says she’s been recording everything from “uptempo dance” to ballads, and Dr. Luke may be working with the fallen-from-grace princess. Recent rumors suggest the first single may come as soon as January.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Stripped part deux, and the triumphant return to form of Legendtina.

The Veronicas, TBA (Third Studio Album)

What it is: A power-pop Aussie sister act’s long-awaited third act.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: “Cold,” “Let Me Out,” “Dead Cool”
Production by: Nellee Hooper
What we know: After almost five years since their 2007 studio album Hook Me Up, the Aussie electro-pop/rock sister duo are finally returning to the scene with a studio album in 2012. The girls recently confirmed working with Nellee Hooper, describing their new music as “a really new sound” that includes some rock influences, as well as “trip-hop and drum and bass.” In August, the duo previewed several promising new tracks during a showcase at L.A.’s Viper Room, including “Cold” and “Let Me Out.”
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Even more infectious hooks, jagged electro-pop/rock and darker, angst-ridden lyricism.

No Doubt, TBA (Sixth Studio Album)

What it is: The ten year reunion of a legendary pop-rock outfit.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: “Push and Shove,” “One More Summer,” “Settle Down,” “Undercover”
Production by: Spike Stent, Diplo, Anthony Gorry
What we know: The band’s been writing and recording this upcoming LP since 2008 (their first in over a decade since 2001′s Rock Steady). In June, Rolling Stone described some of the tracks off the upcoming record during a preview at producer Spike Stent‘s studio, including the “party-ready reggae” of “Settle Down” and the “pounding dance beats” of “One More Summer.” More spoilers have come by the way of Twitter, including a Major Lazer (Diplo) collaboration back in July, as well as a tweet from Brixton Angels‘ Anthony Gorry from inside the studio.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Ska-pop for the 22nd century and beyond.

JoJo, Jumping Trains (Third Studio Album)

What it is: One of pop’s most talented vocalists finally breaking free.
Expected shelf date: Early 2012
Confirmed tracks: “Disaster,” “Jumping Trains,” “Lie To Me”
Production by: Mario Marchetti, Darkchild, Danja, The Interns, The Messengers
What we know: Shady dealings at her former label kept JoJo’s third record under lock and key for over four years. Now that she’s signed to Interscope Records, the talented chanteuse is finally ready to go. Earlier this year, JoJo told MuuMuse that the upcoming album would feature production by Darkchild, Danja and The Messengers and that the music will sound more aggressive–or as she described it, “pop with an anger management problem.” Apart from her current lead single “Disaster,” JoJo’s been performing new tracks from the record, including “Jumping Trains” at Girls Who Rock 2011 and the punchy “Lie To Me” while on tour with Joe Jonas and Jay Sean.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: The pop equivalent of a T.K.O.

Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Second Studio Album)

What it is: The pink-haired princess of rap-pop returns–as a boy.
Expected shelf date: February 14, 2012
Confirmed tracks: “Roman in Moscow”
Production by: StreetRunner, Sarom
What we know: To record the follow-up to her 2010 debut Pink Friday, the Young Money rapstress has enlisted one of her alter-egos: Roman Zolanski, a mischievous gay boy. Weeks ago, the singer unleashed the first taste of the upcoming record called “Roman in Moscow,” a rapid-fire attack of ferocious lyricism and hilarious accents on top of a hectic beat, suggesting a return to the spitfire Minaj of her early mixtapes. Recent rumors suggest the first single will be called “Va Va Voom.”
MuuMuse hopes to hear: Pre-fame Nicki: All fire-hot hooks, no singing please.

Adam Lambert, Trespassing (Second Studio Album)

What it is: Pop’s reigning bad boy coming back stronger than ever.
Expected shelf date: March 20, 2012
Confirmed tracks: “Outlaws of Love,” “Trespassing,” “Better Than I Know Myself”
Production by: Dr. Luke, Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams, Benny Blanco, Nile Rodgers, Claude Kelly
What we know: It’s a big one: MTV confirms that the singer worked with an staggering array of top pop producers, including Dr. Luke, Bruno Mars and Pharrell (who co-wrote the title track). Earlier in November, Lambert told The Advocate that he was crafting his “dream album,” promising a “more personal” record mixed with “singer-songwriter tracks, electrofunk” and “Nine Inch Nails meets George Michael” synth-pop. The album’s lead single, “Better Than I Know Myself,” just dropped this week–which we quite like.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: An unexpected pop masterpiece that propels Lambert from pop star to music royalty.

Neon Hitch, Beg, Borrow & Steal (Debut Album)

What it is: The UK gypsy-pop princess’ grand entrance to the music scene.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: “Get Over U,” “Silly Girl,” Bad Dog,” “Fuck U Betta”
Production by: Benny Blanco
What we know: Hitch has been banging out smash Benny Blanco-produced hits from her debut record for well over the year now–from “Get Over U” to “Silly Girl” to “Bad Dog”–as well as performing new songs live, including “Fuck U Betta.” As soon as the singer comes off of her high as a feature on Gym Class Heroes‘ new single “Ass Back Home” which is currently building at radio, the new album should be ready to go.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: More kick-ass power pop that’ll give Neon the credit she so dearly deserves.

Nelly Furtado, TBA (Fifth Studio Album)

What it is: Furtado’s first English record in over five years.
Expected shelf date: TBA
Confirmed tracks: “The Edge,” “Mystery”
Production by: Timbaland, Salaam Remi, Ryan Tedder, Mike Angelakos
What we know: After Furtado’s stellar collaboration with Timbaland on Loose in 2006, the multilingual singer-songwriter returned to the studio with the acclaimed producer for another go. But that’s not all–since then, she’s been working with Salaam Remi, Ryan Tedder and Passion Pit‘s Mike Angelakos. Last year, she told the New York Post that the new record shares the “organic and raw feel” of her debut Whoa, Nelly! and described it as a “refreshing, clean pop sound.” In February, Furtado tweeted about an upcoming song feauring rapper Nas, which has yet to be released.
MuuMuse hopes to hear: An updated Loose, with folk and dance elements.

This week marked the release of Kelly Clarkson’s fifth album, Stronger. But then again, you already know all about that thanks to my good friend Bradley’s stellar review.

Fans who pre-ordered the album from Kelly’s official website were also given the option to treat themselves to her debut EP, The Smoakstack Sessions. Recorded at the Smoakstack Studios in Nashville, the 6-track EP is made up of alternate versions of select tracks from Stronger, a reworking of “If I Can’t Have You” and a cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Interestingly, the EP does not include Stronger’s lead single, “Mr. Know It All” or confirmed second single, the anthemic “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger).” And while I was disappointed to not see “Honestly” or “Dark Side” (which I reviewed upon its initial leak in July) make the tracklisting, I’m also appreciative that the EP is shedding a spotlight on some of Kelly’s lesser buzzed about tracks.

I have to admit that as a whole, I actually prefer the EP recordings of these songs to the versions included on Kelly’s albums. Allow me to guide you through each track to explain why.

Read more…

This past Thursday, the West Coast was given a gift of epic proportions. The Veronicas, Australia’s superstar female twin pop duo, performed a one-night only exclusive event at The Viper Room in Los Angeles to showcase songs from their eagerly anticipated upcoming album.

Best known in the United States for their singles “Untouched” and “4Ever,” The Veronicas played to a sold out crowd of fans dying for a taste of the girls’ new material.

While I was unable to attend the show (due to a rude case of “I live in New York and can’t afford airfare”), watching fan videos posted online after the concert got me hyped for the new record in borderline unhealthy ways.

Read more »

And now, the first (maybe-kinda-sorta) comeback of 2011: Avril Lavigne!

“What The Hell” is the raucous, pop-rocky lead single from Lavigne’s upcoming studio album, Goodbye Lullaby, due out in early March.

Much in the same vein as 2007′s “Girlfriend,” Lavigne’s first single in almost three years is packed full with rallying chants and a severely bratty ‘tude: “All my life I’ve been good, but now I’m thinking ‘What the hell?’” cries out on top of the song’s colossally catchy, guitar heavy chorus.

“I Do Not Hook Up” this is not, as Lavigne goes on a raging rampage of naughtiness–raging hard, making out with dudez, and breaking hearts without apology along the way.

Along with Lavigne, the track was co-penned by Max Martin and Shellback, the Swedish smash hit scribe who’s been a part of the Martin songwriting studio (Maratone Studios) since 2007. Together, the songwriting team brought us such smashes as Britney‘s “3,” P!nk‘s “Raise Your Glass” and Usher‘s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.”

“What The Hell” has all the makings of a radio smash: Is it different from what we’ve heard? Not at all–it’s very much in line with the musical output of Ke$ha or The Veronicas or P!nk as of late. But who cares? It’s a total guilt-ridden pop anthem that’s already passed the dance-around-my-room-in-my-underwear test, and I’m totally loving it to bits and pieces.

Even if the rest of Goodbye Lullaby won’t sound like this (expect a “more stripped down, deeper” experience, according to Lavigne), it’s still got me itching for more. Bring on the album!

Goodbye Lullaby will be released on March 8. (iTunes)

So, this is something new and interesting.

The night before my interview with Sky Ferreira, I received a vaguely mysterious e-mail from MuuMuse reader Sam Lansky with an attachment entitled “Fame Fatale.” The e-mail suggested that the attached may assist me in preparing for my interview.

As soon as I began reading, I already knew: This had to be published immediately.

“Fame Fatale” is not only a remarkably in-depth analysis (and personal account) of Ferreira’s curious rise to fame, but a thoughtful contemplation of the manufacturing of the modern pop star and the very conventions of the music industry itself. It’s extremely well-researched, poses tough questions, and deserves your full attention.

With his permission, I’ve asked Sam to feature his article on MuuMuse. It’s an incredible piece, and I do highly recommend that all of my Muusers give it a thorough reading–even if it’s “tl;dr” territory.

I do, after all, hope to keep a literate company.

Click “Read More…” to read Sam Lansky’s “Fame Fatale: The Rise of Sky Ferreira.”

Read More…

I meant to post this one right as it cropped up before Christmas, but then the holidays came ’round and whatnot, and then–alright, so I forgot about it. In fact, it wasn’t until I saw them featured on an episode of Styl’d on MTV tonight that I suddenly went “Oh! Right! That video I meant to post!”

BUT IT’S THE RE-THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.

On Christmas Eve, The Veronicas posted a new clip on their YouTube account, in which they perform a newly written song entitled “Could’ve Been.” According to the video description, the girls are beginning the recording process for their as-of-yet untitled third studio album this month. It’s unconfirmed whether or not the new track will make the final cut.

“Could’ve Been” is a gorgeous little number, providing us with a signature Veronicas style hard-hitting chorus and spot-on harmonization. while at the same time sounding more mature than ever before. So excited to hear the new record!

Oh, and am I the only one who thinks they should cut a track with the other, other twin sister act, Tegan & Sara? Maybe so.

And there you have it.

Thanks to NME, here’s the full list of dates for Kelly Clarkson‘s North American Fall Tour, featuring The Veronicas and Parachute as the opening act for all dates.

The mere possibility of hearing “4Ever” and “Since U Been Gone” played live at the same venue literally makes my body quiver. I’m so there.

Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (October 2)
Portland, ME Cumberland County Civic Center (4)
New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom (6)
Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel & Casino (9)
Fairfax, VA Patriot Center (10)
Boston, MA Agganis Arena at Boston University (13)
Orillia, ON Casino Rama Entertainment Centre (15)
Youngstown, OH Covelli Centre (17)
Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center (19)
Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum (21)
Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theatre (23)
Detroit, MI Fox Theatre (25)
Chicago, IL Rosemont Theatre (27)
Lincoln, NE Pershing Center (29)
St. Charles, MO Family Arena (31)
Cedar Park, TX Cedar Park Center (November 2)
Lubbock, TX United Spirit Arena (4)
Las Vegas, NV The Joint (6)
Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair (7)
Victoria, BC Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (18)
Calgary, AB Saddledome (20)
Kelowna, BC Prospera Place (22)
Seattle, WA WaMu Theater (24)
Reno, NV Reno Events Center (28)
San Jose, CA Event Center at San Jose University (29)
Fresno, CA Save Mart Center at Fresno State (December 1)
Las Cruces, NM Pan American Center (3)
Beaumont, TX Ford Park Arena (5)
Corpus Christi, TX American Bank Center (7)
Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center (10)
Pensacola, FL Pensacola Civic Center (11)
Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena (13)

The Veronicas are back for more. The latest single from the platinum selling Hook Me Up by the talented Aussie sisters, “This Love” is being released soon. No, not in America. And no, it’s not a cover of the Maroon 5 song. This is a fast-paced synth-rocker that plays like a well done dance mix of a paced little ballad. Even still, the song teeters dangerously between sophisticated and bubble-gum dance-pop, and is ultimately salvaged by the driven chorus. It’s not as good as the seductive Goldfrapp-lite “Hook Me Up,” but it’s falls far from flat. Just be thankful that I’m focusing on other Australian acts apart from the Minogue clan. It takes a considerable amount of self-restraint.

DL: The Veronicas – This Love