AOL Radio Blog

New Songs on the Radio -- September 2010

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T17:30:00 00:00

New songs on the radio this September give us a preview into Fall's highly-anticipated albums by the likes of Shakira, Linkin Park and Nicki Minaj. Kanye West even drops his new song 'Monster,' our first peak into the Jay-Z collaboration EP 'Watch the Throne.'

Additional new songs in September feature tracks by Blake Shelton, Travie McCoy, Keri Hilson, Drake and more. Click on any of the songs below for more details and to find out on which AOL radio station you can hear each song.

Latino

Shakira goes 'Loca' for a guy this September on her new song, our first look into her upcoming bilingual album, 'Sale El Sole.'
Shakira, 'Loca'

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Blake Shelton, 'Who Are You When I'm Not Looking' -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T17:04:00 00:00

'Who Are You When I'm Not Looking' is Blake Shelton's second single off his recently released EP, 'All About Tonight.'

The melodically-strolling, mid-tempo ballad has Shelton questioning his muse about her fetishes, especially the ones he never sees: "Do you break things when you get mad / Eat a box of chocolate 'cause you're feeling bad / Do you paint your toes 'cause you bite your nails."

'All About Tonight' is the second installment of Shelton's "Six Pak" series, following the March-released 'Hillbilly Bone.' To hear 'Who Are You When I'm Not Looking,' check out AOL Radio's New Country First station.

Listen to New Country First Radio

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Cali Swag District & Michael Jackson, 'Where You Are' -- New Song

Amar Toor — 2010-09-02T15:21:00 00:00

Cali Swag District, the same group that taught us all how to 'Dougie,' has just come out with a brand new song, titled 'Where You Are.' And, this time around, they've decided to sample a classic hit from none other than Michael Jackson.

The centerpiece of the new song is Jackson's 1972 hit 'I Wanna Be Where You Are,' which has been previously covered by Marvin Gaye and The Fugees, among others. In the hands of Cali Swag District, though, the song truly takes on an entirely new form.

Although Jackson's timeless voice and early Motown influence pervade the new song, Cali Swag District's lyrical dexterity and flow add a distinctly hip-hop hue to their musical mosaic. With each rapper taking his turn to drop a tight rhyme, the men from Inglewood, Ca. firmly put their own stamp on an undeniably classic R&B anthem....(read more)

Keri Hilson, 'Breaking Point' -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T15:08:00 00:00

Keri Hilson has reached her 'Breaking Point' in the new single of the same name, off her upcoming sophomore album 'No Boys Allowed.'

Over a strutting, mid-tempo Timbaland-produced back beat, Keri soars vocally, incorporating an improvisational gospel style, while she lays down the law of love, stating "some women can be lied to / And cheated on, and beated on," but admits, "See I done did that / But this time, there's a limit to my love."

Keri Hilson has a history of successfully pairing up with hip-hop producer Timbaland, on such singles as 2008's 'Scream' and 'Return the Favor,' as well as the 2007 smash hit 'The Way I Are.'...(read more)

Travie McCoy, 'Need You' -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T13:50:00 00:00

Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy releases another Top 40 contender, his new single 'Need You.'

Featured on his debut solo album, 'Lazarus,' the pop track is carried by a melodic, looping electric guitar run with tapping percussion, as Travie confesses to his girl that he needs more time to let down his guard: "But there's a safe around my heart / I don't know how to let you in / And that's what keeps us apart / And that's why I need time."

'Need You' follows the Top 5 Billboard hit, 'Billionaire,' also on his July-released debut album. To hear 'Need You,' tune in to AOL Radio's New Pop First station.

Listen to New Pop First Radio

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Linkin Park, 'Wretches and Kings' -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T13:40:00 00:00

Linkin Park's new track, 'Wretches and Kings' proves the alternative rock band is moving back to their rap-rock roots.

Opening with political activist Mario Savio's famous 'Bodies Upon the Gears' 1964 address ("And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop"), the song breaks into a full-disgruntled effort, with low-register, looping electro-beats helmed by Joe Hahn.

Mike Shinoda even comfortably slides back into his heavy rapping-role, despicably delivering lines of communist hysteria: "Don't fight the power, nobody gets hurt / If you haven't heard yet, then I'm letting you know, there ain't shit / We don't run when the guns are low / And no one make a move unless my people say so / Got everything out of control."...(read more)

Drake, 'What if I Kissed You' -- New Song

Amar Toor — 2010-09-02T12:21:00 00:00

In his new song, 'What if I Kissed You,' Drake proves once again that he's not afraid to bend and blend musical genres.

Although the Stargate-produced song's beat is definitely categorized within the hip-hop realm, both the artist's silky smooth voice and alluringly romantic lyrics seem to be a direct descendant of yesterday's R&B titans. At the same time, however, the track's refrain has a unique quality usually reserved for pure pop songs.

By the time the song winds down, most listeners are left wondering about which musical category Drake belongs to, while plenty of others will surely be fantasizing about what would really happen if Drake actually kissed them....(read more)

Nicki Minaj & will.i.am, 'Check It Out' -- New Song

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-02T12:09:00 00:00

Nicki Minaj teams up with Black Eyed Peas mainman will.i.am to celebrate the late-night lifestyle on their new collaborative single 'Check It Out.' The track will be included on Minaj's debut solo album, 'Pink Friday,' out this fall.

'Check It Out' features the nearly constant repetition of the piano and vocal hook from The Buggles' 1979 classic 'Video Killed the Radio Star,' which is famous for being the first video ever played on MTV.

As the incessant "Oh-a oh's" pretty much bore a hole in your head, the duo verbally flip the bird to their haters while on their way into the hottest dance club in town....(read more)

'DJ Hero 2' Song List -- A to Z

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-02T08:43:00 00:00

Activision has unearthed the 'DJ Hero 2' song list. The game is expected in stores Oct. 19 for the XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii. 105 dance-focused, hip-pop, pop, rock and indie-fused songs will be paired off into 80 unique mixes.

Just think, pretty soon you'll be able to create new work -- incorporating record scratching, streaming effects, crossfading and even singing and/or raping -- with mash-ups like: Iyaz 'Replay'/ Rihanna 'Rude Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs 'Heads Will Roll/ Basement Jaxx 'Where's Your Head At?' and even Lil Wayne 'Lollipop'/ Eminem 'Not Afraid.'

Check out the entire list of 105 'DJ Hero 2' songs below. To make it easy to find the track you're looking for, we've sorted this list alphabetically by artist name.

'DJ Hero 2' Song List:

Adamski, 'Killer'
Afrika Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force, 'Planet Rock'
Armand Van Helden, 'I Want Your Soul'
A-Trak, 'Say Whoa'

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Top Songs Lyrics -- September 2010

Cristin Maher — 2010-09-02T08:30:00 00:00

Although the seasons are changing and Autumn is closing in, this month's top songs lyrics remain stagnant. Even though Katy Perry released her highly anticipated album 'Teenage Dream' in late August, the No. 1 lyrics spot for September 2010 is still being tenaciously held by Eminem. However, Ms. Perry is still hanging in there, with her second single 'Teenage Dream' taking the No. 2 spot on Metrolyrics. Check out the rest of September's most popular song lyrics below.

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Saab 9-5 'Leaf' Commercial -- What's the Song?

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-01T17:26:00 00:00

A single, solitary floating leaf sets off a chain reaction of creativity in the commercial for the new Saab 9-5, which features the song 'New Way' by Ana Diaz. The single is currently available for purchase at most digital retailers.

As our hero, the leaf, skitters across an office filled with car designers, two piano lines, one bouncy and deep, one high and twinkling, mix with hand claps to form a jaunty musical soundtrack for the newly-inspired workers. The song's lyrics also focus on new beginnings:

"I've got secrets kept my own / A piano shooting arrows like a bow / And I've got stories for the road / I've got stories I can tell that you don't know / We'll light up the sky / With strangers and hearts / And I wanna go a new way."...(read more)

Shakira, 'Loca' -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-01T16:39:00 00:00

Shakira is 'Loca' for a guy, in her first single of the same name from her upcoming new bilingual album, 'Sale El Sole.'

Over horn-heavy merengue beats and techno dance percussion, the hip-knocking Colombian delivers her interpretation of El Cata's 'Loca Con Su Tiguere,' fervently singing about being erratic for a guy, more so than his other leading lady: "She's tied to your love / But your love's only mine, boy."

While Shakira lures in her man with 'Loca''s hypnotic chorus, British rapper Dizzee Rascal delivers a notable rap interlude, affirming that he is, in fact, enraptured by a "crazy girl": "She gives me the runaround / But I stay chasin' / But I mean, yo, I'm in love."...(read more)

Kanye West, Jay-Z, 'Watch the Throne' EP -- New Album Preview

Amar Toor — 2010-09-01T14:20:00 00:00

He may be busy working away at his new studio album, but that hasn't stopped Kanye West from putting together a brand new EP with fellow hip-hop icon Jay-Z, titled 'Watch the Throne.'

News of the new EP broke last week, when Kanye posted a tweet that read, "Me and jay bout to drop a 5 song album called 'Watch the Throne.'" So far, there hasn't been any word on when it will drop, and neither artist has released an official tracklist. As we reported earlier however, the rapper has already laid a new 'Power' remix track with Jay-Z, which will be included on the forthcoming EP.

West also recently unveiled the album's second track, titled 'Monster,' featuring contributions from Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and, curiously enough, Bon Iver. Considering his reaction to the song on his Twitter account, Kanye certainly seems pleased with the final product. "MONSTER... can we just talk about Nicki's verse???????!!!!!!!!! I toooooooooooooooold yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallll!!!!!!!!!!!!," reads one tweet....(read more)

Katy Perry Fulfills a 'Teenage Dream' by Topping the Billboard 200

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-01T14:11:00 00:00

Pop diva Katy Perry racks up her first-ever week atop the Billboard 200 album chart by selling 192,000 of her new album 'Teenage Dream,' according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Much of the credit for the success of the album can be attributed to Katie's two big hit singles, 'California Gurls' and 'Teenage Dream,' which together ruled radio airwaves much of this summer.

This is very good news for Perry, who recently told Rolling Stone magazine that "The second record is really important to me because I think it shows whether I'm meant to do this, or [if] I got lucky." (Technically, this is her third album; in 2001 she released a gospel album under her given name, Katy Hudson.)

Perry leads a whopping six new entries onto the Top 10 this week. First up, at No. 2 with 117,000 sales, we find former 'American Idol' champion and Broadway star Fantasia, who ends a four-year absence from the record bins with her third album, 'Back to Me.'...(read more)

Red Cafe, 'Money Money Money' Feat. Diddy & Fabolous -- New Song

Amar Toor — 2010-09-01T13:17:00 00:00

Red Cafe's new song, 'Money Money Money,' is, well, an ode to the luxuries of the good life.

The track, which features stellar contributions from Diddy and Fabolous, opens with an infectious beat that persists throughout the entire track, along with a hypnotically looped chorus of "Money money money." Produced by Jahil Beats, the song showcases Red's unique ability to blend a nearly effortless flow with jaw-dropping, lyrical wizardry.

Red Cafe -- Brooklyn-bred Jermaine Denny -- joined Diddy's Interscope/Bad Boy record label back in May, and is currently preparing for the release of his debut solo studio album, 'Red October,' which is due out later this year. "Red's lyrical skill and passion is unique. [His] raw talent brings a new sound and fresh perspective from the streets," Diddy told HipHopDX shortly after Red signed to the label. "I look forward to him sharing his talent with the world."

To hear Red's latest song, tune in to the New Hip-Hop First station on AOL Radio.

Listen to New Hip-Hop First Radio

...(read more)

R. Kelly, 'When a Woman Loves' -- New Song

Amar Toor — 2010-09-01T12:47:00 00:00

In R. Kelly's new song, 'When a Woman Loves,' he merges the soulful sound of yesterday with the urban vibe of today, creating a new sound space that's all his own.

Musically, the track is clearly rooted in the suave tradition of the great R&B crooners of the '50s and '60s. Lyrically, however, the song is all R. Kelly. In his emotionally textured voice, the masterful singer waxes poetic about what it means to truly have a mother love you, and when she's got "more faith in me than a beach got sand."

According to The Smoking Section, 'When a Woman Loves' will supposedly be featured as the lead single on 'Love Letter,' one of three upcoming new albums. To hear R. Kelly's new song, as well as the rest of today's hottest new R&B hits, tune in to the New R&B First station on AOL Radio.

Listen to New R&B First Radio

...(read more)

Top 40 Pop Songs Chart -- September 2010

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-01T11:36:00 00:00

The Top 40 songs chart for September features nine new entries, including four new residents of this month's Top 10. Flo Rida makes the biggest move up on the list this month by far, jumping 30 spots to reach No. 4 with 'Club Can't Handle Me.' Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' jumps nine spots to join 'California Girls' in the Top 10, but neither can dislodge Eminem and Rihanna's 'Love the Way You Lie' from the top spot.

We also have new entries from Train, Mike Posner and John Mayer. To hear the hottest Top 40 pop songs in the country right now, listen to AOL Radio's Fresh 40 station. Check out the entire Top 40 chart after the break.

'Love the Way You Lie' Feat. Rihanna

Enimem

iTunes | Lyrics | Top 10 Eminem Songs

iTunes

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Top 10 Robert Plant Songs

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-01T09:00:00 00:00

Robert Plant songs have proven to be a collection of amazingly tasteful and constantly exploring efforts. Over the course of 30 years and more than a dozen studio albums, the former Led Zeppelin frontman has created innovative mixes of rock, blues, country, folk, pop and world music, both alone and with a diverse list of musical collaborators. Okay, so we're gushing. But here's our list of the Top Robert Plant Songs.

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Natalia Kills, 'Mirrors' -- New Song

Matthew Wilkening — 2010-09-01T08:30:00 00:00

British electro-pop sensation Natalia Kills promises a steamy night on 'Mirrors,' the first official single from her forthcoming debut album 'The Perfectionist.'

By way of comparison, picture 'Sweet Dreams' by the Eurythmics all fueled-up on Red Bull and steroids, and then imagine a softer-voiced but equally risque Lady Gaga on the microphone.

Ms. Kills' lyrics concern, well, her romantic plans for the evening. Someone's in for a big night with her, provided they don't mind some bruises and bitemarks: "Turning the lights out / Burnin' the candles / And the mirrors gonna fog tonight! / Turning the lights out / Tighten the handcuffs / And the mirrors gonna fog tonight!"...(read more)

Kanye West, 'Monster' Feat. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross -- New Song

Sara D Anderson — 2010-09-01T08:00:00 00:00

Kanye West drops 'Monster,' a new song featured on his upcoming five-song collaboration EP with Jay-Z entitled, 'Watch the Throne.'

Not only does Brooklyn-bred hip-hop mogul Jay-Z grace us with a "monster" verse, Bon Iver, Rick Ross and even Young Money's femme fatale Nicki Minaj spit out littered expletives, warning the hip-hop scene of their merciless, "monster no good blood sucker" actions.

While West provides the catchy hook, Indie folk rock outfit Bon Iver frame the song; a hoarse, yet full-bodied layered verse introducing a 'Thriller'-like spook setting: "Whoa, just another lonely night / Are you willing to sacrifice your life?"

Meanwhile, Rick Ross introduces hip-hop's intimidation: "As you run through my jungle all you hear is rumbles / Kanye West sample, here's one for example."...(read more)