Oops ...

Kelly Clarkson's new album, All I Ever Wanted, was leaked on iTunes thanks to Norway a few days ago. The CD isn't set to be released for another few weeks. I was quick to jump, naturally, to see how she handled the much anticipated album. I knew from the sound of My Life Would Suck Without You that she was re-rooting herself in mainstream pop, I just wasn't prepared for this.

The album traipses from one bubblegum pop track to another without ceasing. She seems to lose her personality throughout the album, caught up in the sugar-coated productions and run-of-the-mill pop motifs. Tracks such as I Do Not Hook Up and Whyyawannabringmedown are rather dire but some eighth grader out there will find comfort in them.

This really could have been an amazing album had she melded the power pop of Breakaway with the personal touch of My December. I was most anticipating a polished version of Ready, a demo that leaked months after the release of My December. The vulnerability in her voice and simple production fit perfectly. The final vocals, however, are void of any sort of personality and placed on top of an over-produced score. While it is sure to be a commercial success, All I Ever Wanted is by no means a classic, nor an artistic venture.

Three of a Kind

After recuperating from the split with her former Wreckers bandmate, Jessica Harp, Michelle Branch is set to release her third solo studio album. Continuing with a country twist, Branch remains true to her pop rock style on Everything Comes and Goes. The first single, This Way, debuted earlier this week on her website. It's nice to hear new music from Michelle, she was one of my favorite artists years ago and then she kind of disappeared (granted she got married, had a child, and toured for quite some time). She is still recording songs for the album and therefore no date has been confirmed yet for release. This will be her first solo album since Hotel Paper back in 2003.

A track from fellow singer-songwriter, Natalie Imbruglia, recently leaked titled, My God. It's in a similar vein to the new songs on her greatest hits album in 2007. It's alright if you ask me; what you would expect from Natalie. The album drops next month.

Finally, the first single from newly-engaged Mandy Moore's upcoming album, Amanda Leigh, leaked. The album will be her sixth studio album! Who knew she made that many? The track, I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week is the first taste of the album, which seems to be reminiscent of her previous work, Wild Hope. Look for a May release of Amanda Leigh.

Download/Michelle Branch - This Way
Download/Natalie Imbruglia - My God
Download/Mandy Moore - I Could Break ...

Lady Gaga vs. Heidi Montag

I was checking out the soundtrack to the upcoming film, Confessions of a Shopaholic to see if it would at all to the music from The Devil Wears Prada. Long story short, it doesn't; but the point is that on the tracklisting is Fashion by Lady Gaga. Listening to a quick sample of it I realized it's the same song that leaked by pop prodigy Heidi Montag. Delving into the history of the song, it was actually penned by Lady Gaga and given to Montag to use in her forthcoming album.

Sadly enough I actually prefer Heidi's version. She gives it more personality and owns it! Montag is supposedly going to be doing a club tour in LA and NYC to promote her album which is rumored to have a March 2009 release date. Can't wait!

Download/Lady Gaga - Fashion

Download/Heidi Montag - Fashion

Blame It On Guy Ritchie

Madonna landed her own 46-page portfolio in the upcoming W magazine and it is delicious. Titled "Blame It On Rio," the pop diva was shot in sensuous Rio de Janeiro by Steven Klein (and yes that is her rumored boy toy Jesus Luz she's with). I cannot wait to see these in the big, glossy pages of W. Take that Guy!

Some People Won't Go Away

Timbaland protégé Keri Hilson is still releasing singles to promote her continuously pushed-back album, In A Perfect World, which was originally set for a release in mid-2007! Now slated for a March 2009 release, the album has already produced three failed singles (maybe only two). The Hilson team is gearing up to release, Turn Up the Radio another upbeat R&B track, similar to those released before.

Answer me this; why is her record label pouring so much money into her when she hasn't produced a smash hit? It's like a black hole. My follow-up question is why was Nicole Scherzinger's solo project scrapped so early! Her efforts are underrated and underappreciated. In A Perfect World hits stores March 24. Meanwhile, Her Name Is Nicole sits collecting dust on a shelf at Interscope Records.

Download/Turn Up the Radio

New Pussycat Dolls

Not too long ago the Pussycat Dolls released their new single, Bottle Pop, sans Snoop Dogg. The video is what's to be expected from the troupe: dancing, cabaret-inspired, leg lifts, etc. Not that the Dolls are known for their budget-busting videos but they always work with what they have (sex appeal, choreography, etc.). With this video the styling is off (Nicole does not look good), the choreography is lackluster (um, what is with the whole ground humping bit?) and the camera work is a little shaky. While the video isn't as bad as their previous effort, Whatcha Think About That ... oh, no one knew they even released that?

In my opinion, I think they should have scrapped Bottle Pop and released Magic instead. It's one of the best on a so-so album and with a fresher radio mix it could revitalize the plundering Doll Domination. Check out both Bottle Pop and Magic below:

Download/Bottle Pop (Video Version)
Download/Magic