Ed Sheeran took Pop music by storm in 2015. His last album, x, was a huge crossover success. He obviously didn’t believe in taking much of a break. He released two new songs, “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You”, earlier this month. The singles are the predecessors to his upcoming third studio album, Divide. Although he has already proven himself to be a star, he has the pressure of topping his previous feats. Many fans are waiting to see if his new album will be comparable to his previous stellar works.

Let’s break down “Castle on the Hill” first. The song has a very folky pop sound, which pairs well with his gritty vocals here. He sings about drunken tales with friends and how he yearns to be home again. This song could pull nostalgia from practically anyone. Although I don’t think this would be the best choice for a first single (unless it’s strictly being served to the Pop market), it’s a solid song nonetheless. I see this song capturing his more mature audience. There’s no denying his clever songwriting ability and strong vocals.

Now, “Shape of You” waltzes into the room. Everyone brings their attention to the center of the floor. This song easily sounds like something Maroon 5 wish they had gotten their hands on first. However, Ed Sheeran doesn’t copying anyone’s style here. This vibe is all his own. The tropical sounding production, layered with his smooth vocals are a surefire formula for the dance floor. By the time the drums come in, you’re already hooked. This song will surely please his current fan base and gain him some new listeners as well. He croons, “I’m in love with the shape of you/We push and pull like a magnet too”. In addition, the song has already reached No. 1 on the UK charts. 

Look out for the release of Divide on March 3rd. The album is available for pre-order on iTunes now. What are your thoughts on his new singles? Does he have what it takes to recapture his brightest musical moments again? Will you be getting his new album?

Check out both of the songs for yourself below:

2017 marks the 20 year anniversary of the start of Destiny’s Child. They are one of the biggest girl groups in history, selling millions of records worldwide. Although Michelle Williams made more of the chart topping hits with the group, I still liked the idea of the original lineup more. LeToya Luckett has been the more active of the 2 former original members. She is preparing for the release of her third studio album, Until Then. Her new album will mark the end of a 7 year gap since her sophomore release, Lady Love.

LeToya knows a thing or two about heartbreak. In fact, her biggest singles (“Torn”, “She Don’t” and “Regret”) all have some elements of love gone sour. Last week, LeToya released “Back 2 Life”, the premier single from her new album. The song finds her disappointed, yet composed over a breakup. Basically, the guy wasn’t who she thought he was and now she is faced with moving forward….without him. The song alone has a fresh sound that should assist in helping her permeate the current musical landscape.

However, the song’s movie style music video is what really sets it off. The slick visual finds LeToya recounting a perfect love story and the point where it goes wrong. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s a story many of us have seen or been a part of. She states that her album will still be mostly R&B music. There will also be a bit of an alternative flare this go round though. Hopefully this project gives her the recognition she deserves. Check out the video for “Back 2 Life” below.

What are your thoughts on the song and video? Would you Bump It or Dump It?

Also, look for LeToya Luckett to play Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic about the singer’s rise to fame.

Elle Varner has left fans pining for a refill since her solid Perfectly Imperfect debut album dropped in 2012. That was four years ago. She has released some hot like fire singles in the interim. However, the absence of a new Elle Varner album has left some supporters with some four letter words. Oh, yes that album. A couple of years ago, Elle Varner quietly teased tracks from her upcoming sophomore album, 4 Letter Word. The intrigue of her appeal lies in her model looks and around the way girl attitude. Songs like “Cold Case”, “F$%k It All” and “Where Your Man Is” are all clever, witty masterpieces. Nonetheless, the album has still not been released.

I’m not sure who should be held accountable here. Perhaps it’s Elle herself trying to perfect her sound and concept. Maybe the record label is dragging its feet. The recent songs Elle Varner showcased found her more aware of her gift. She was deliberately sexier this time and so….well, angry. She gave a glimpse of some Left Eye burning down the house tendencies this time around. I was here for every blazing minute of it. She clearly had some pent up aggression to let loose. Still, with all of this fury, there was no new album.

Just when the sting had subsided, she resurfaced a couple of weeks ago for a special “One Night Only” performance. The show featured surprise guests Maxwell and Ro James. However, no one was able to steal Elle Varner’s well deserved shine. Now we just need a surprise release of 4 Letter Word. Love. Lies. Loss. Hate. Lust. #@%^. You name it, Elle Varner needs to hurry up and deliver this CD quickly. I have full confidence it will dodge anyone’s skepticism (unlike Frank Ocean’s disappointing Blonde let down).

Check out part of Elle Varner’s December performance below. Also, here are some of the stellar singles she has dropped over the last couple of years. Surely, she won’t leave us hanging and unleash another album (preferably 4 Letter Word) soon.

“Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere”. This is a famous quote from former Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown. Ironically, this is also how the UK alternative Rock group, Everywhere, got their name. The band was formed in 2012, spearheaded by lead singer Max Berga. Now, the group has returned with their sophomore EP, Fiction Act. At first listen, Everywhere may remind you of groups like One Republic or U2. However, they definitely prove they have their own flare and style. 

“Shades At Night” kicks off the EP on a high note. The song details a woman who hides her true feelings behind shades. The song has clever lyrical content that depicts heartbreak nearing its trenches (“You wear your shades at night. You cannot see how hard I fall. I clench my fist so tight. Try to burst through your brick wall”). Please remove this woman’s shades immediately. “Heroine” follows in a similar vein where the group describes being intoxicated by love. The production is slick, delectable pop at its best without coming across too sugary. There are just enough elements of rock here to roughen up the smooth edges and pristine vocals. 

“Some Other Dude” is a comical showstopper that instantly sounds like a surefire hit. The song is also Fiction Act‘s first single. This track serves as a rhythmic pep talk for the guy who waits too long to dance with the hot chick on the dance floor. Well, she eventually moves on and dances with “some other dude”. “Let It Go” is the hypnotic ballad that closes out the EP. Everywhere is a group that has mass appeal, witty lyrics and smooth production. Isn’t that all we ever ask for in good music anyway? 

Get Fiction Act on iTunes today.