Top 10 Albums of 2011

But What About...: The most acclaimed album of the year, Adele's 21, was a major improvement over her debut and featured six or seven killer tracks. But, in all honesty, a good portion left me completely cold. Maybe 23 will be the album where it all comes together for me...Rihanna's Talk That Talk had the best opening three songs of any album released this year. The rest of the album: miserable, monotonous "jams" about how horny Rihanna is. We all know you can do better, Miss Fenty.

The Also-Rans: Kelendria Rowland finally released her long-delayed Here I Am, and it proved to be far better than I expected...Kelly Clarkson's Stronger has many high points, but 18 tracks is far too long for any album to sustain greatness. Cut about five songs and this would have been a far greater album...Alexis Jordan's Alexis Jordan was certainly a pleasant debut. Nothing groundbreaking, mind you, but she has charm and personality to spare...My most anticipated album of the year, Demi Lovato's Unbroken, also proved to be one of the strangest. Her bizarre attempts to become a generic pop star are embarrassing to say the least. Thankfully, though, the album's second half shines, with deeply felt ballads and exciting, emotional uptempo tracks. This is the Demi we want on album number four, thank you very much.

The Top 10 Albums of 2011

10. Cher Lloyd, Sticks + Stones

The X-Factor Princess (she doesn't want to be the Queen) wasn't as sanitized as I figured she would be on her debut album. It's not perfect, but it establishes the Cher Lloyd identity very well.

Three Moments:

- The post-chorus breakdown at the very end of "Swagger Jagger"

- The mix of rap and pop in "Playa Boi." Everything that's great about Cher in one song.

- "I'm the princess, I don't want to be the queen." The perfect summation of Cher's persona in "Grow Up"

09. Nicola Roberts, Cinderella's Eyes

Although not my favorite album of the year, I feel like this is one Girls Aloud solo album we will be looking back at fondly in years to come.

Three Moments:

- The final "Please don't/Break my porcelain hearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt" on "Porcelain Heart"

- The "Ding dong" intro to "Gladiator"

- The Diplo production on "Beat of My Drum". Audacious way to start an album and a campaign. Who is this woman?

08. Foster the People, Torches

The most welcome surprise of the year. Indie music done with a pop sensibility. It's not Britney, but it doesn't shy away from big choruses, either.

Three Moments:

- The quiet mysteriousness of "Pumped Up Kicks". I still couldn't tell you what this song is about.

- Whistling on "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)". More songs should have whistling.

- "And every daaaaay that you wanna waste." Surprisingly epic chorus in "Waste."

07. Frankmusik, Do It in the AM

Oh Vincent. Why didn't this album make you the household name you should be? Many accused him of selling out, but if "selling out" sounds as glorious as this album does, a lot more popstars should do it.

Three Moments:

- The chorus of "Running." That beat makes it feel like you are running, or at least like you should be.

- His blazing chemistry with Colette Carr on "No I.D." I've said it before and I'll say it again: one of the best genuine duets in ages.

- "We Collide." Now that's an album opener. What a defining statement of his new sound.

06. Natalia Kills, Perfectionist

Is she trying a bit hard to channel Gaga circa the Fame Monster era? Perhaps. But can you think of a better era to channel Gaga? Besides, Natalia still manages to build her own persona through her referencing.

Three Moments:

- The easy breeziness of the opening to "Kill My Boyfriend": "I'm rolling the dice, got the wind in my hair/I'm gonna kill my boyfriend." Killer (ha!) contrast.

- The sound of "Mirrors."

- "Wanna be like Midas/But my bank account is minus." The wordplay on "Free" is fun and clever as hell.

05. Same Difference, The Rest is History

Everyone's Favorite Loveable, Slightly Incestuous Brother & Sister Pop Act came roaring back with the follow-up to their ingenious debut Pop. Not only have they updated their image, but their sound is a good deal more mature. This duo obviously knows their shit when it comes to pop music.

Three Moments:

- "Karma Karma" is a three minute orgasm of pop perfection.

- The moodiness and vocal distortion on "Souled Out" is unlike anything Sean & Sarah have done before. No surprise, it works.

- For once, Sean gets the lead vocals on "Best Mistake" and absolutely nailed it. Snaps for you, sir.

04. One Direction, Up All Night

This is the album I wanted from these boys and more. I can't stop listening.

Three Moments:

- "If only you saw what I could see/You'd understand why I want you so desperately" from "What Makes You Beautiful." One of the most heartwarming lyrics I've heard in ages. Seriously.

- The heavy, RedOne-esque dance club feel of "Save You Tonight."

- "It's everything about you, you, you/The way you make it feel new, new, new" from "Everything About You."

03. Selena Gomez & The Scene, When the Sun Goes Down

The future of pop music matures her sound even further from her last album. When did the also-ran of Disney's princesses become the best?

Three Moments:

- "My Dilemma." It became the song people associate with me for a reason.

- The bridge in "Whiplash." The way she says, "Hello, darling" makes me love her even more than I already did.

- "And I keep hitting repeat-peat-peat-peat" from "Love You Like a Love Song."

02. Beyoncé, 4

Not going to lie, it took ages to get into this album, but 4 was ultimately worth the wait. Finally, Beyoncé stopped phoning it in with her albums. This is an incredible tribute to 90's-era R&B.

Three Moments:

- I could jam out to "Rather Die Young" all day long, singing hardcore into my remote control while imagining it was a microphone. "I'd rather die than live, and, OH!"

- The actual countdown in "Countdown."

- "Who needs a degree when you're schoolin' life?" Most people need a degree, actually, but Beyoncé doesn't when she's spitting out tracks as hot and fun as "Schoolin' Life."

01. Britney Spears, Femme Fatale

Producer Dr. Luke, after the release of this album, rightly declared that Britney is "her own genre" of music. If there was an album to prove that, Femme Fatale is it. Can you imagine anyone else singing these songs?

Three Moments:

- The hard verse/soft chorus contrast in "Hold It Against Me". This proved to be 2011's most imitated musical trend.

- "Sh-sh-shame on me/To need release" and the accompanying whistling in the background on "I Wanna Go"

- "I can be your treble/Baby, you can be the bass." No one has more fun than Britney with double entendres.

The Rest Is Same Difference

Same Difference, aka Sean & Sarah Smith, everyone's favorite lovable, slightly incestuous, brother and sister pop act, are back with a new album! Even better, it's available for purchase in the States! The album is called The Rest Is History and you need to buy it now.


As you can see by the cover, The Rest Is History is the group's attempt to move past the kiddie-friendly image they adopted over the course of their X-Factor run a few years ago into more adult territory. They've ditched the cardigan sweaters, lollipops and massive key changes that dominated their first album, Pop, for sleeker, less obvious production and a more mature, age-appropriate wardrobe. Their transformation was subtle--this certainly isn't Rihanna on her Rated R campaign--but it's noticeable, which is clearly the point. They want the world to see them as serious artists, not just the relentlessly cheerful pop tarts they were marketed as. Change is definitely necessary in order for this to happen as Sean & Sarah are talented individuals, but was the transformation a success?

I must admit that I was a little sad that the Pop era had come to an end. Without that album in the first few months of 2009, I don't know how I would have survived. Their optimism and cheerfulness warmed this cold cynic's heart in ways I had never experienced before. Just a year before, I probably would have laughed them off, but they came in at the right point in my life for me to appreciate their ridiculousness. While it's true that The Rest Is History captures a more mature-sounding Same Difference, they haven't lost the one thing that made their music so unique: the all-encompassing joy that comes through in their music. Just like with David Archuleta, everything Same Difference does never fails to put a smile on my face. With The Rest Is History, Sean & Sarah are their bouncy, joyful selves on something like the infectious 'Karma Karma' without limiting themselves to the BIGNESS of their earlier stuff. The album has some great jams, but the best in my estimation is 'Souled Out.' We've been hearing bits and pieces of it for well over a year now but nothing has prepared us for how gloriously epic the track is. It's everything we loved about the old Same Difference wrapped up in everything we love about the new Same Difference and is a huge leap forward for the brother and sister duo. The album title may suggest that Sean & Sarah are trying to forget the past but the music proves that they have only taken it in a new direction, not forgetting what made them successful in the first place.

Now buy the damn album now!

New Same Difference

Wow.

When we last left Same Difference, they had just been dropped by their label after lower than expected sales of their phenomenal debut album Pop. This would have been the death knell for most pop acts and we never would have heard from them again. But, as they have done time and time again, Same Difference have proven resilient and ready to bounce back from anything with more gusto than before. Free from Simon Cowell's meddling hand, Sean and Sarah have ditched their Disney-friendly, rainbow and sunshine personas and have now adopted an edgier look. I must say, at first I was a little sad at the passing of their light-hearted look, but I am absolutely in love with it now. I'm glad they are maturing for, as fun as their old look was, I don't think they could have explored it any further than they did on Pop. From the bits of their newest single, 'Souled Out,' that I've been able to hear, it appears that they are definitely moving beyond High School Musical and ready to take on some of Britain's great pop acts. Here's hoping we continue to hear great things from Same Difference in 2010.

P.S. According to their website, an international release is being planned for Pop! Woohoo! I know I'll be first in line to pick up my copy.

You Better Love Me

Sad news, Same Difference fans! According to Popjustice, the eternally cheerful brother and sister act has been dumped by their label after their single "We R One" and album (one of the ten best of 2008) both apparently didn't meet their expectations. First of all, on a personal front, this is very upsetting. I know they weren't meant for everyone, but their limitless amount of energy and optimism and insanely catchy/cheesy pop tunes were a much needed outlet during these past few months of recession talk and family medical problems. Secondly, I'm upset that their record label gave them such a small amount of time to really prove their worth. We all hear about artists like Britney Spears and Lady GaGa hitting it big with their first singles, but for every one of them, there are 30 artists who need time to grow and catch on with the public before they can get their first big hit. Sadly, Same Difference wasn't given that chance. Hopefully, this will give our beloved Sean and Sarah a new opportunity to find a label that trusts them and will take the time to grow with them. I have faith that once they find the perfect behind their kid-friendly, bubble gum persona and epic, Xenomania-style pop music that is burning the charts in the UK, Same Difference will be unstoppable.

On the plus side of this news, this now means that they are totally available for High School Musical 4. Can someone please get on this now, especially since the producers have decided to ditch The Rocketman and Tiara?

And, finally, what is a Same Difference post without a picture of Sarah looking absolutely psychotic.

You're welcome.

The Top 10 Albums of 2008

10. The Saturdays Chasing Lights
I was actually quite surprised by this debut album from British girl group The Saturdays. Most acts would have a tough time recording an album that were even in the ballpark of their epic first single "Up"; for The Saturdays, this was a walk in the park. Chasing Lights is simple, clean and gets right to the point, delivering an album that didn't even need to be half this good.
Key Tracks: "If This Is Love", "Up", "Chasing Lights", "Issues"

9. Same Difference Pop
Was anything on The X-Factor finalist Same Difference's debut album anything as groundbreaking and original as some of the other stuff on this countdown? Not a chance. Did most of the songs sound vaguely similar? Sure. Does any of that matter? Hell to the no! Pop is silly, squeaky clean, honest to goodness fun and, the best part is, it doesn't apologize for it. It's only superficial, ridiculous pop, but we like it. A lot.
Key Tracks: "Better Love Me", "We R One", "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", "I Need a House"

8. Santogold Santogold
Anyone that knows me knows I usually don't like to take a chance on music that's outside my normal "Top 40" zone. I would rather listen to Fergie than Bob Dylan or listen to that new indie rock band everyone's talking about- and I'm completely fine with that. So when Glenn heartily recommended Santogold's debut album, I took a shot on it and, needless to say, I was very impressed. The songs are so unique, combining insturments in ways I don't think I've ever heard before, and Santogold's voice is so alien, so unique that it's always a treat hearing her explore her range on tracks as completely different as "Lights Out" and "Say Aha."
Key Tracks: "Lights Out", "L.E.S. Artistes", "Creator", "Say Aha"

7. Madonna Hard Candy
A lot of people hate it, but I love the new direction Madonna took for her latest CD, Hard Candy. Here she proves that she can hang with the pop tarts of this generation and she can do it better than anyone 30 years her senior. On first listen, the album doesn't seem like much of anything. But after hearing it a few times, the things becomes damn near impossible to put down. With this impressive album out of the way, the only question is now that she's divorced from Guy Ritchie and her British phase is pretty much over, what "new" Madonna are we going to get next.
Key Tracks: "Miles Away", "4 Minutes", "Heartbeat", "Voices"

6. Sugababes Catfights and Spotlights
Catfights and Spotlights (great title, by the way) may not be a departure from the usual Sugababes formula, but when you have a formula as proven and immaculate as theirs, sometimes you don't need to tinker with it. Their usually powerful writing is especially so on this go-around (you won't find a track as cleverily written as "Murder One [Every Heart Broken]" anywhere else) and their production sounds more American than ever before- which is more proof that foreigners are doing better American music than we are.
Key Tracks: "Murder One [Every Heart Broken]", "Side Chick", "You On a Good Day", "About You Now (Acoustic)"

5. Jesse McCartney Departure
If you had told me last January that Jesse McCartney would have not only one of the 10 best albums of 2008, but also the best album by an American, I would have had you committed right on the spot. Overnight, this bland, boy band-ish young fellow grew up and matured into a hip-pop dance king. He may be trying a bit too hard to imitate Justin Timberlake in all of his "Sexyback" glory, but, honestly, if you're going to imitate someone, you can't do much better than JT.
Key Tracks: "How Do You Sleep", "It's Over", "My Baby", "Leavin'"

4. Kylie Minogue X
I feel like I've been talking about this album for years now, but since the album was finally released in America early last year, I figured I had an acceptable excuse to include it in this year (does anyone else really put this much thought into their lists?). With a career as illustrious as Kylie's, with as many great songs as she's put out, many from this 16 track collection deserve to stand head to head with some of her best. X is dance-pop perfection and deserves more respect than it received stateside.
Key Tracks: "In My Arms", "The One", "Wow", "Speakerphone"

3. Duffy Rockferry
A lot of critics attacked Duffy because she doesn't sound like another certain 60's soul-inspired chanteuse from the UK and even, God know's how, ended up on Entertainment Weekly's Worst of 2008 list. Well, to all those critics, I have but one thing to say to you: "poo poo." In my opinion, Rockferry was one of the most deeply felt and emotionally resonant albums of the year. I'm guessing people were turned off by the quietness and introspection of the music and lyrics, especially towards the middle, but I found Rockferry to be totally soothing and relaxing.
Key Tracks: "Warwick Avenue", "Delayed Devotion", "Serious", "Rockferry"

2. Sam Sparro Sam Sparro
This is the album Blake Lewis' Audio Day Dream tried to be and only half-succeeded. Sam Sparro's out-of-this-world dance hall fantasia was one of the most exciting albums I heard all year. Every song offered either something very interesting (the fascinating look on modern day inconveniences in "21st Century Life") or totally brand spankin' new (the solemness of "Black and Gold" and the entirety of "Clingwrap") to my ears. I will definitely be interested to hear what comes out of his mouth next.
Key Tracks: "Black and Gold", "21st Century Life", "Clingwrap", "Pocket"

1. Girls Aloud Out of Control
Say you're a pop group and you've just released a masterpiece of an album- wouldn't it be the safest to make an album vaguely similar to said masterpiece and reap more acclaim. Most groups would milk this cash cow for all it's worth; thankfully, Girls Aloud aren't all pop groups. Out of Control is a completely bewitiching, absolute stunner of an album. This album takes a complete left turn from their last album, switching from the hardcore electronic, dance floor ready Tangled Up to a quieter, dreamily surreal electric pop that's so hard to describe you really need to listen to it yourself to get the full scope of it. Out of Control is an epic masterwork for a group often dismissed as nothing more than a "pop"group; kudos to the Girls for realizing that "pop" doesn't neccessarily have to be a derogatory label.
Key Tracks: "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time", "Live in the Country", "The Loving Kind", "We Wanna Party"

HSM4 Casting in a Perfect World

We all know that HSM4 is a given, right? No matter how much we protest the fact that they'll continue the East High legacy without Troy, Sharpay, Ryan and the rest of the original cast, it's going to happen and we need to accept it. With the cast they introduced in HSM3, which includes The Rocketman (whom a lot of people can't stand), Tiara (whom I can't stand) and The Rocketman's little friend who looks like he's 8 (seriously, did I really need to see him without a shirt on longer than I saw Zac Efron's naked torso?), I totally understand why no one is excited for this film. This afternoon, however, I totally thought of the perfect way to make HSM4 less excruciating and maybe even slightly enjoyable while banking on the talents of a up-and-coming pop act who could use the exposure to make their big American crossover. Who am I talking about?

Why, SAME DIFFERENCE, of course!

Seriously, can't you just imagine how amazing this would be? Sean and Sarah can be Tiara's school mates from the London Dramatic Academy who transfer to East High when they hear how great their dramatic department is (minor detail...doesn't matter in the HSM movies). Since she was so amazing at that school (according to the film anyways; in real life, we all can see that she sucks major balls) she didn't even pay attention to these up-and-comers, but now that they're invading on her newly claimed turf, she's scared for her position. Imagine her (and everyone in the drama department's) surprise when they turn out to be the sweetest people imaginable and would never do anything to backstab anyone. This, of course, makes Tiara nervous and she sabotages their audition to make sure she (and The Rocketman, of course) gets the lead. When everyone finds out, they turn against Tiara and really start to get along with Sean and Sarah. Pretty soon, the entire school is even happier and more optimistic before and the choreographed routines in the hallways are all done with psychotic grins on their faces and tons of glitter. Eventually, of course, Tiara learns her lesson and shares her lead with Sarah on alternating nights or something and then comes the "We're All in This Together"-esque song that's pretty much a given in these films. There also has to be a moment where La Tisdale, during her cameo pretty much obligated by the ending of HSM3, sees Sean and Sarah rehearsing and says something along the lines of, "Jesus...and people thought Ryan and I were fucked up."

So, if anyone who works for Disney is reading this and is trying to come up with a way to retain the audience from the original HSM trilogy, all you have to do is put in Same Difference and I can guarantee that you will get more people than with just Tiara and The Rocketman. And because I love my loyal readers so much, here's a special Same Difference clip just in time for the holiday season:

Same Difference is the Most Ridiculous Group on the Planet...And That's Why I ♥ Them

About two months ago, I talked for a bit about Same Difference, the eternally cheerful and unapologetically cheesy British brother and sister duo who took third place on the reality show The X-Factor. This past Monday, they released their debut album, simply titled Pop, and let me be the first to say it's utterly fantastic. It's not as groundbreaking as something like Girls Aloud's Out of Control and sounds vaguely similar to S Club 7's first album, but it's full of energy and spunk and is compulsively listenable. The first single, "We R One," is as cheesy as you would expect, but it's done without any shame and is actually quite inspiring. I'm not going to lie- it definitely puts a smile on this grouchy face every time I hear it. Remember when I mentioned that they remind me of Sharpay and Ryan from HSM? Well, they don't sing one of their songs, but, of course, they take on one of the Troy and Gabriella tracks ("Breaking Free") on their album and it's 100 times better than the original.

What I love most about Same Difference is, however, how deliriously happy and upbeat they always are. In every picture I see of them, they're always grinning like a bunch of insane children who have never gotten their picture taken before. Normally, I would want to punch them in the face, but Sarah and Sean are just so adorable I can't help but to grin like a moron right back at them. Plus, check out their website. Isn't it the most amazing thing you've ever seen? Have you ever seen a group this committed to their cheesy, loveable persona? If you click on the "For Grownups" link, look on the far right for their video diary and click on the Zac Efron one. Who knew stalking Zac Efron could be so endearing? I don't know about you, but I'm sad at the end when *spoilers*Sarah doesn't meet him (and Sean doesn't get to meet Vanessa Hudgens, whom he "fancies")*end spoilers* They really need their own so-crappy-it's-good movie à la Spice World pronto. I would watch that in a minute.

We're psychotically happy all of the time!...But loveable and oh so cute!

The Most Obnoxious Sharpay and Ryan Act Not Done By Sharpay and Ryan

I had never heard of the British duo Same Difference until reading a post about them on Popjustice and stumbled upon this clip on Youtube. Hearing a snippet of their upcoming single "We Are One," I decided to investigate. Apparently, they competed on the British talent show The X Factor (which boasts Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne as judges) and made it all the way to third place. The fact that they did so well is further proof just how completely different America and Britain really are. These two would have gotten crucified on American Idol if they recreated this relentlessly upbeat and cheerful rendition of the Wham! classic "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." America hates unapologetically cheesy pop music and would have laughed these two seemingly lovely people off the stage.

On another note, doesn't this look exactly like a deleted music scene from one of the High School Musical films? Can't you imagine Sharpay and Ryan completely dominating everyone else with a performance like this during some random audition or rehearsal?