Leona Lewis "Happy" Unplugged at FFH Hit FM

The first time I heard "Happy", I knew it was a special song. I was moved by the emotion and the message of the song. And let's face it, Leona Lewis is an amazing vocalist. What makes "Happy" special for me is the darkness and sadness, along with the determination and optimism. Although the song is called "Happy", it is about someone who is not happy, but longs to find happiness and understanding. 

Leona Lewis is an amazing vocalist and has performed this song beautifully on many occasions. I came across this haunting performance on a German radio station. I tend not to like acoustic/unplugged versions of ballads, as they seem to lose the intensity and the powerful moment in the song or are very similar to the album cut. But not in this version; Leona captures the essence of the song and the lyrics.
 
I've heard this song at least a few hundred times in the last few months, but it was only on the second viewing of this video that I really heard the second verse. It is tragically beautiful. The song now has new meaning and a new role in my life.

"Holding on tightly
Just cant let it go
Just trying to play my role
Slowly disappear, oh.
All these days I feel like they’re the same
Just different faces, different names
Get me outta here
I can’t stand by your side, oh no
Watch this life pass me by, pass me by"

Cheryl Cole - "3 Words" Music Video

"3 Words" is the second single from Cheryl Cole's brilliant debut album by the same name. The song was co-written by Cheryl Cole and Will.I.Am, who is also featured on the song.

The song is quite odd, but grew on me. It is definitely different and unique, unlike anything I'd expect from Cheryl Cole, but very pleasant. I really like the beat of the song and the unconventional timing of the singing. It almost plays like an awkward conversation.

The video is interesting. I'm not sure if I enjoy it. It is quite artsy, and I admit that I don't fully comprehend it. I really like the start and the split screen, as it fits the format of the song, but then it just gets too weird. I prefer the music video for her first single, "Fight For This Love". I'm not the biggest fan of the video, but the song, album, and Cheryl Cole are brilliant.

Pixie Lott Meets Lady Gaga's "Poker Face"

Pixie Lott is a super talented teenage singer-songwriter from the UK. She puts her own stamp on the Lady Gaga classic, "Poker Face".

I really like that Pixie Lott stripped the pop song and put some soul in it. I love her sexy raspy voice, and she proves that can sing.

Are you a fan of Pixie Lott's rendition?

Sharon Corr - "Me And My Teddy Bear"

Sharon Corr has finished recording her debut album! It won't be out for a few months, but I'm really excited to hear some new material. In the meantime, she recorded a track called "Me And My Teddy Bear" for the Children in Need Charity. The song is a cover of a kids song originally by the legendary Rosemary Clooney.

This single is for charity, and it is a song for children. I'm not the biggest fan, but I do like the video and the appeal of it. I support the song as it is for a good cause, and Sharon Corr is amazing. I can't wait to hear her new material, and if the few tracks she played at the RTE Hot Press Music Show are any indication, the album is going to be fantastic. Stay tuned for more updates...

"Turn It Up" by Pixie Lott

When I first heard Pixie Lott's debut single, "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)", I thought it was infectious pop at its best, but didn't think anything of it. I thought she'd have a few hits, and would fade in the pop world. But I was wrong. I decided to give her a shot, and picked up her debut album, "Turn It Up" and was pleasantly surprised.

Pixie Lott is not only talented, but she is extremely versatile and sassy. She is also very young, born in 1991! She wrote/co-wrote many of the tracks on the album, which range from Soul/RnB, to Pop/Dance Anthems. She has also written for other artists including Alexandra Burke and Girls Can't Catch.

The album "Turn It Up" was released in the UK in September and debuted at #6 on the album charts. Her first two singles reached the top spot on the charts, "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)", and "Boys and Girls". Both songs are super catchy and fun. Her third and current single is "Cry Me Out" and is a fantastic soulful slow jam. Other standout tracks on the album include "Turn It Up" which is a fun pop song. "Gravity" is another great track that has a great RnB vibe. "My Love" is another track that is brilliant, it's very current and very radio friendly.

Pixie Lott has an amazing voice and style, she is cool, modern, and fresh. She is only 18 years old, and writes her own material. Pixie Lott is one of my current favorites and she is going to be around for a while, check her out and start enjoying Pixie Lott.