Although there’s not been much feedback about the new format, I’d like to share with you why I personally prefer it.

Mostly, I enjoy the excitement of not knowing what is coming up next. The fact that I simply put my iTunes on shuffle in order to come up with songs to review keeps everything spontaneous, which means I enjoy writing this article every week so much more than simply writing all about one album the whole time.

Also, there’s a bonus for everyone who reads it: having 5 artists every week gives you all extra information on a whole bunch of artists you may have never heard of previously. Cool beans!

Moving on with the actual review.

Song #1: Early Mornin’ – Britney Spears: Out of every song I’ve reviewed during this new format, I’m pretty sure Britney Spears is the artist that needs the least introduction. You probably know her best for shaving her head, smashing car windows with umbrellas and occasionally partying without underwear on. The rest of you know that Britters actually has 6 studio albums and 4 compilations and EPs under her belt, along with an array of glittering number one hits in the US, UK and a selection of smaller countries.

This track is taken from her fourth album (released in 2003), which is also possibly my favourite of her albums. This track is sexy and sultry, with a generic pop twist. It was never released as a single – it’s far too sexual and not catchy enough for any of that – but it is actually a great song. Whether you listen to it do dance to or to *ahem* make love to it, it’ll suit every purpose. With the possible exception of a children’s birthday party. Buy it HERE (US) or HERE (UK).

Song #2: Who Knew – P!nk: Well, it looks like the princesses of pop are battling it out to appear in Music Monday this week! I’m not sure I’d call P!nk so much of a pop princess, but more of a rock princess. She’s edgy, raw and makes a statement with her music. Just one behind Britney, P!nk (real name Alecia Moore) has 5 studio albums to her name and each one of them did exceedingly well in the chart run. She’s also been known to clinch several music awards for her music videos, which are stunning, by the way.

Unlike Britney’s ‘Early Mornin”, this track was released as a single. It climbed to number 5 in the UK, but it peaked only at number 19 on US BDS Airplay Charts. The single was practically ignored by radio stations in the US, but I fail to see why. This is a stunning song, filled with emotion and has a gorgeous set of lyrics to back up the classic P!nk electric guitar. US citizens, you should be ashamed. Buy it HERE (US) or HERE (UK).

Song #3: Monsoon – Tokio Hotel: This is a track I’ve owned for quite a while but also one I rarely listen to. Apparently, TokioHotel are a German band led by the girly-looking and girly-sounding Bill Kaulitz. No, no, no, he’s not gay. He’s simply quite androgynous and gender bending. Each to their own, right? Enough about him. Tokio Hotel have put their name to 5 studio albums, meaning they must be pretty good to be so successful, surely.

I’d say this song was the best of the grand total of 3 tracks I’ve heard from the band. It’s slightly emo-fixed with quite a rock/metal edge, so I wouldn’t listen to it if you are solely into pop princesses like the 2 mentioned above. The song is actually pretty good, but it doesn’t peak or ‘explode’ as I like to describe it as many rock anthems do. When you think of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen, you think of Brian May’s guitar solo as the peak of the song. This track simply doesn’t really have one. Buy HERE (US) or HERE (UK).

Song #4: Standing In The Way of Control (Soulwax Nite Version) – The Gossip: Most of you will have heard this song in it’s original form by this Washington originated band. Fronted by larger than life front-woman Beth Ditto, this band are loud, proud and really rather gay. This remix by Soulwax (an alternative Belgian electro band) appeared on their album ‘Most of the Remixes…‘ (click for full title) as the opening track alongside LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk and many others.

I wouldn’t say I prefer the remix to the original version (many of you will have heard it, as it was used as the original soundtrack for the promo adverts for UK teen drama Skins) but I wouldn’t mind dancing to this in a pub or club. I’m a fan of electro music as it is, so anyone who remixes a song as fabulous as this deserves a medal in my book. Quality. Buy HERE (US) or HERE (UK).

Song #5: Celebrity Skin – Hole: It seems riot grrrl rock band band ‘Hole’ are making a comeback this year, especially in the UK.The band have an impressive 4 albums released from a much less impressive 19 years, spanning an even less impressive 6 record labels. Nevertheless, the band still have their original leading lady Courtney Love, girlfriend of late Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain, even if there are 11 ex-members to the band. Did you keep up with all that?

Although a lot of people despise this band, I actually think they do girl rock justice. We could do worse with nit-wits such as Miley Cyrus putting on their rock chick façade and Courtney Love is definitely a whole lot cooler than people like her. I wouldn’t say this track was their best (that award goes to ‘Violet’) but it is pretty good and I do recommend you buy it if you’re up for a bit of a disco and head-banging session, this track should be on your playlist. Buy HERE (US) or HERE (UK).

Top Track This Week: Standing in the Way of Control (Soulwax Nite Version) – The Gossip.