It’s been nearly a decade since the world watched Kelly Clarkson, the Texas-native girl next door, take the title as America’s first Idol. Nine years later, and still one of the show’s most successful spawns (aside from country Queen Carrie Underwood), Clarkson emerges with her fifth album entitled Stronger. No stranger to pop-anthems and power ballads – Clarkson’s last efforts taught the master class -, it’s those missing elements that keep this album from actually living up to its title. Sure, the disco-inspired title track “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” has all the makings of a Top 40 mega-hit. It bursts into the turbulent, feel-good chorus we’ve come to expect…

Coldplay‘s video for “Paradise,” the second single from Mylo Xyloto has emerged. Shot by director Mat Whitecross, who had his hand in directing the band’s “Christmas Lights” video, and shot in South Africa, the clip follows the band as they travel to meet up for band rehearsal and a live show. Oh, and all the while they’re dressed like elephants. The video is not yet available in America, but you can watch it below. Enjoy! Coldplay – Paradise by news-de-stars

When news broke that Coldplay had collaborated with Rihanna on their upcoming record, Mylo Xyloto, many doubted that the pairing would fit together.  But frontman Chris Martin assured fans when he told MTV that “her bit on the record is his favorite bit.” He explained, “When the song came out, it sort of asked for her to be on it.” “And I think at this point, we have nothing to lose, and so we’ve been trying some new things and trying to break down the perceived boundaries between different types of music. Because from where we’re sitting, it seems like you can try and sound any way you like nowadays. You don’t…

The new single from pop-rockers The Fray emerges today – its the first from their upcoming album, dropping in early 2012.  Following the formula that has garnered the band a number of top 10 singles and tons of radio play, “Heartbeat” sounds like another carefully crafted, manufactured production from their hit factory. And with the “if you can love somebody, love ’em all the same” hook and a memorable melody, the track seems like a strong start to kick off the band’s new project. Listen to “Heartbeat” below and share your comments, thoughts and feedback on the new uptempo single from The Fray.

When Kaleidoscope Heart was released last year, I fell in love with the sweet vocals and charming lyrical style of Sara Bareilles. Of course she had me in 2007 with her massive hit “Love Song”, but until her sophomore LP it wasn’t clear where her place would be in this fickle industry. Now, with two hit albums under her belt, a seat at the judges table on NBC’s hit series The Sing Off and a catchy new single impacting radio and quickly climbing the charts, she’s captured the hearts of millions. Her latest single “Gonna Get Over You” comes with a new version of the track featuring the unstoppable Ryan Tedder.…

When I moved to Nashville last year, there was a stigma: country music was king. But when Chancellor Warhol proclaims “the King is in the building” on the new single, “Elvis”, from his sophomore LP The Silver Factory, I believed him. In Nashville, the hip-hop scene is one of two things. Chancellor Warhol is neither of them. His indie flare keeps him relevant with the city’s tastemakers and trendsetters, while his clever rhymes and strong lyrics give him enough street-cred to go up against hip-hop’s finest. His first solo record, Japanese Lunchbox, was released last year and set the bar for his unique electro-rap style that urges listeners to the dance floor.…

Today Coldplay released the second single from their highly anticipated new album, Mylo Xyloto – out October 24th worldwide – and it’s pure perfection in every way. Stream “Paradise” now and be sure to download it on iTunes.

I stumbled upon this video this morning and it was too good to not share. Jeff Tweedy, of the band Wilco, stopped by a party to celebrate the launch of Dan Sinker’s novel The Fucking Epic Twitter Quest of Mayor Emanuel. And while fans were bewildered by the frontman’s appearance, they soon erupted into laughter when Tweedy chose, not to play one of the new tunes from his band’s upcoming release, but instead to recite the lyrics to the Black Eyed Peas‘ “My Humps”. While it is sure to make you laugh, it may forever change your view of one of your favorite party tunes. So watch with caution, but…

Kelly Clarkson announced via Twitter a few weeks ago that her fifth album would be released on October 24th.  Yup, that’s right, she’s taking on the juggernaut Coldplay. This afternoon, Clarkson tweeted again revealing the album’s artwork. So we clearly know who will win on the charts, but who’s winning the creative battle?  You decide.  VS. 

Kelly Clarkson shared her handwritten lyrics to the new single, “Mr. Know It All It All”, on her socials today as a teaser to the track’s upcoming debut. The track will kickstart the promotional efforts behind her fifth record Stronger, which hits stores on October 24th. Could this be the ultimate showdown between Miss Independent and her scorned lover?