Sugababes Update

Keisha Buchanan (far right in picture), the only original member of Sugababes remaining after two line up changes over the past decade, has left the group according to many media outlets. She is being replaced by Jade Ewen, a young singer who represented the UK in the campy European song contest, Eurovision this year. Jade's debut single My Man was released today in the UK. Apparently, Keisha will become a solo artist now. This really saddens me. Rumors were circulating last week that Amelle (far left) who joined the group in Dec. 2005 would be leaving the group, but I'm very surprised to see Keisha leaving. She seemed to be the spokeswoman for the group. She was honest, opinionated, and talkative. Reading her twitter page is quite fun. Music news website Digital Spy reports that the Babes new album, Sweet 7, will still be released in the UK on Nov. 23. Here's what Keisha had to say on her twitter regarding her departure: "Although it was not my choice to leave, it's time to enter a new chapter in my life. I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck. I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that led to this.

"Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things. I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me."

She added: "I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but accepted me for who I am... The feisty, funny, professional, fearless motor mouth. This is not the end... but the beginning!"

(quote and other article info courtesy of Twitter and DigitalSpy.co.uk)

With Keisha, the one constant mainstay in the group since its origins, gone, I don't know who will be the charismatic cheerleader of the group. Heidi Range (blondie in middle) is rather reserved so maybe Amelle can step up. She's got a cool, edgy haircut after all. Jade Ewen can't do it. She needs to prove herself first. She has HUGE HUGE stilettos to fill.

Another thing to note is that the Babes' upcoming single, About A Girl, the second release from the new album is much better than the "meh" Get Sexy. About a Girl is produced by Lady GaGa's partner in crime, RedOne (Fire Burning as well). His style doesn't totally overwhelm the track which can happen when he works with other artists. The song stomps along in the verses then has a chanting, sing-a-long chorus. The best, most sublime pop moment of the whole track is the splendid middle eight from about 2:10 to 2:37. Here are the lyrics for this glorious pop moment:

Girls bring the fun of life,
sugar like apple pie,
take a trip to paradise,
let’s have a party-oh!

Beauty like you never saw,
take your number never call,
bite the apple take your heart,
let’s have a party-oh!

Have a listen. Can you say irresistible kiss-off?



It's a fun, likeable tune that really grows on you. It will be re-recorded with Jade Ewen's vocals. Again sad news about Keisha. Wish you luck, Babes and Keisha.

Notable Ladies

Boston-bred girl group, Jada, have hit the scene with their first single, American Cowboy. It's produced by RedOne (he's a busy guy) and sounds similar to GaGa, but I love it anyway. The girls have their own way of singing over RedOne's beats, and this song is an absolute banger. They have sass and 'tude to spare. Some choice lyrics: "I know You know I’m sexy What would you do, would you sacrifice it all for me? How would you like if I woo yeah I need an all American cowboy Ah ah ah ah ah ah oh I’m too much for you boy", "I ain't in here snappin fo' sho', you can ask all these guys When my booty clap it's a go! And you'll see somethin so nice Your jealous girlfriend can't faze me Ain't my fault you can't control your lady", and best of all "Hold up, wait a minute Let me put my Jada to it" . That is genius pop songwriting there. Such a fun and catchy song. I'm addicted. Also, this song was on House (hahaha).



Jordin Sparks has returned. Her first songs from her debut album were very good specifically the epic No Air. She has returned with a ferocious beast of song called Battlefield. It comes to us courtesy of Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, the producer/writer behind Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love and Beyonce's Halo. Jordin's song outdoes those two though. It is MASSIVE. This song blows the roof off. There is undulating guitar in the chorus. There's a call back of "oh oh". Then at 2:04 all hell breaks loose and the song soars with the words: Guess you better go and get your armor. Then, the drums come thundering in. It is a moment of pop transcendence. Then comes a gentler piano part then everything but the drums stop and Jordin sings the chorus. Then guess you betta go and get your armor comes roaring back in. This song is also surprisingly cathartic. I am beyond impressed. I was not expecting this from Jordin. Huge pop moment from her. And props to Mr. Tedder: it sounds different from Halo and Bleeding Love. It's a behemoth. Here's Jordin and Tedder performing it on American Idol the other night. It's a fierce performance from Jordin. She's totally into it. With a song like this you have to go all the way.

Battlefeild AI Live
by yardie4lifever2