Only One Direction....

.....and that's all the way to the dizzy heights of the Top of the charts!

The One Direction boys have had a little help from the man that wrote Baby, One More Time for Britney. With their debut What Makes You Beautiful its sure to have girls swooning in their (cough) direction!

With a 90's pop feel to the record the team behind they lads have been clever to create a catchy number that appeals to everyone. They have already got the army of young fans, and now they need to appeal to everyone through their music.

Its a great debut and showcases all their voices particularly Liam and Harry. There is no doubt that these lads are a talented bunch and will surely be around for a long time. But right now they have a manufactured bubble around them, I look forward to the day they emulate the success of Take That.

What Makes You Beautiful is a quirky, catchy song that will keep you singing it all day long. Especially the nana's! And surely its been designed to make girls think they are singing it to them. Winning formula in my opinion. Well done lads! And ladies.....breathe. The official video is released Sunday.

She's so Lucky! She's a Star!

Nicola Roberts was the last lucky star to land a place in Girls Aloud back in the day. But after hearing her second solo single, Lucky Day she will be the one everyone remembers.

Admittedly I wasn't a fan of her debut offering at first, but Beat of my Drum is an acquired taste and definitely a grower. With Lucky Day Nicola will firmly establish herself as a credible artist. Going down the more mature solo path she is sounding like Paloma Faith and Rumer.

Her quirky look and relaxed image is brilliant to see now as Nicole oozes the confidence she lacked in the early days of the band. Finally we are able to hear her powerful voice, even on this slow number Nicola showcases her ability to convey a relaxed sweet sounding single!

After hearing this single and the album title "Cinderella's Eyes" I am really excited to hear the entire album. She has certainly created the most unique and inspiring music out of all the Girls Aloud solo ventures.

I look forward to a solo tour, Nicola. I'd be first in the queue!

The second single from Nicola Roberts is Lucky Day
Released September 18th 2011

Six D-elight!

Breaking out of the box and ready to jump into our ipods are the mighty Six D! Not since S Club have we had a group of boys and girls ready to set the charts alight and keep the dancefloors-a-rockin'!

So who are Six D? And what do they have in store for us, keep reading to find out.

Introducing Chantelle, Pierre, Kimmy, Levon, Cassie & Kieran. Debut single is Best Damn Night (see the video section below) and its a catchy pop / R&B tune to get your pulses racing and in the mood to party.

Six D are a street dance crew from the UK. They are not just expert dancers they are great singers too. They spent most of last year jetting from LA, Miami to London and back again working on their debut album with only the best producers and song writers.

Ready to launch and unleash their sound on the World Six D have under their belt a sterling collection of R&B  pop edged hits.

This uber talent group are a natural thrilling progression of the worldwide underground explosion in street culture, from the phenomenon of freerunning to the the explosion of street dance.

Signed to the same label as Britney, Jive Records, these guys are in good hands. The single is available now on iTunes for just 59p!

Brit Girls on Top!

Three British Female Artists are flying the flag in America this week. Adele, Joss Stone and the late Amy Winehouse each have their albums in the top ten Billboard charts.

Adele at Number 2 in Billboards

Adele's second album 21, is currently at number 2 following massive success here in the UK. Following her tragic death Amy Winehouse has dropped in at number 7 with Back To Black.

Its great to see Joss Stone returning to the charts with a brand new album LP1, she has debuted in the American charts this week at a respectable number 9. However she has failed to make the top ten in the UK, which is a shame as her new album is brilliant.

Welcome back Miss Stone

Its fantastic for the UK to have our artists representing us in the music industry on the other side of the Atlantic. With releases from Coldplay, Florence and the Machine and Noel Gallagher in the Autumn the success is likely to continue.

Tragic Talent Amy Winehouse

They tried to make her go to Rehab.....she said No, No, No!

The week she turned 24, Amy Winehouse sold her millionth album. With her auto bigraphical music she showed the World how talented she was and her timeless efforts will never be forgotten.

Its ironic that she wrote the song, then it all came true.

Amy began her road to stardom with a rough talent and burning ambition. It was clear early on that she was set to be a star as from the age of 12 when Amy won a scholarship at Sylvia Young's stage school.

Modest Amy always had an edge at school, so it became no surprise to classmates that she had a wild side.

Inspired by old classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra, the star quickly learnt that she could mimic these sounds and found her voice. It was this that inspired her debut album Frank. With genuine emotion about growing up and finding love.

Frank went platinum in October 2003, she won two Brit Awards and won the prestigious Ivor Novello award. It was a critical success but the singer did not feel satisfied that she had made it.

She told us, she was trouble that she was no good.in her lyrics on Back To Black. An amazing singer with heartfelt and meaningful lyrics. Amy bared her soul on stage through her music and thrived performing to small jazz crowds in smokey Camden town.

Later inspired by 60's girl bands and the 60's sound. She got her heart broken and poured it into her new record. Mark Ronson helped create the magic and new sound using old microphones to create the swinging sixties vibe. With the new sound, came a new image for Back To Black, released in October 2006. The Beehive was born with a couple of new tattoos.

With Back To Black Amy managed to break into the American market winning five grammys for the album inspired by her love for Blake. The most any British female artist has ever won.

An album that reached platinum around the world. Amy Winehouse was on top, and in demand. Reaching the heights of success and pushing the boundaries. The pint size star was battling alcohol addiction. Appearing at gigs and TV shows drunk and unwittingly damaging her image.

Amy's writing reflected her life, with a Motown underscore that paid tribute to the sixties. Now her music will always be listened to by her fans around the world. As a tribute to the troubled star, that will keep on shining.

Melanie C Has Thought About It.....

Melanie C is back with a brand new single - 'Think About It'. Taken from the forthcoming album 'The Sea'.


Looking and sounding better than she has before Melanie C is ready to set the charts alight! Her voice sounds stronger from her time treading the boards in the West End in Blood Brothers. 


New single Think About it was written in Copenhagen with Adam Argyle and new collaborators the Cutfather team who also produced the song.


With a fresh sound for Melanie and an elevating chorus its enriching melody is sure to win new fans and delight the loyal fanbase. The video is basked in light and colour making it the perfect for the summer anthem.


'Think About It' will be released in late August/early September.

Joe Gets By With A Little Help From A Friend.....

Talented Joe McElderry has landed a new record deal! With the help of old X Factor mentor Cheryl Cole.

After just one, brilliant album Joe was dropped from Simon Cowell's Syco label as the album was not the huge success expected. 

But the 2009 X-Factor winner went on to win Popstar To Operastar last month showing his can sing anything! Also proving he is still popular with the public and just needs a chance to shine. 

And shine he will as little Joe from Newcastle has signed a six-figure contract with Cheryl's label Universal on the back of his Operastar triumph.

Joe's album will be rushed out to coincide with the start of the new series of The X Factor on ITV1, on August 22 and tracks will be a mix of popular "classic songs"

Expect the following songs to be included Time To Say Goodbye, Over the Rainbow and Pavarotti hit Nessun Dorma.

Universal said: "Joe is ready for the next stage in his musical career." He will be on its classical label Decca.

Emergency Op Cancels Jessie's Summer Gigs!

Jessie J has been forced to cancel her summer gigs due to emergency surgery on her fractured foot!

The singer has been a trouper and has did not let her fans down performing at two shows before her operation. At Captial FM's Summertime Ball and Glastonbury last weekend.

It was strange not seeing Jessie J's energetic set jumping around the stage as for these two sets she was made to perch on her throne. Her amazing throne that was used in the video for Nobody's Perfect.

So due to her operation, where she has fractured her foot in two places, Jessie has had to pull out of 11 shows this summer. Absolutely devastated about letting her fans down, she was really excited about the summer festivals.

I am hoping Jessie J uses her time off to fully recover, ready for what will certainly be a fabulous solo tour in October where she tours the UK with her debut album 'Who You Are.

Get well soon Jessie!

Chezza Back With A New Do!

Cheryl Cole has not been out in public since losing her job on the X Factor USA. But Miss Cole is back with a brand new hair do for her 28th birthday celebrations.

Chezza's party was held at The Sanderson Hotel in London where her new blonde bob hair style was unveiled. 

The party marked her return to showbiz with a star studded event. With guests including Girls Aloud and Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am and X factor judge Louis Walsh.

Despite reports that she is back with cheating ex Ashley Cole, there was no sign of him at the bash. Also to no surprise Simon Cowell was not invited. 

With her new blonde locks it has raised rumours that Miss Cole is ready to settle back in to Girls Aloud and blend in with the group. 

This is probably a good move for her, as the UK is ready to embrace the band once again and hopefully they can bring some proper pop music and set the charts alight. 

Only The Saturdays are representing Girl Bands in the charts right now. With Wonderland, Parade and The Ultra Girls all waiting in the wings to storm the charts. 

Lady Gaga Ends Adele's 16 Week Reign!!

Lady Gaga's brand new record 'Born This Way' has replaced Adele at the top of the UK Album Chart. In the most exciting battle for the top spot so far this year. 

The outrageous singer has scored the best first-week album sales of 2011 so far. Her album Born This Way sold 215,000 copies in the first week - which is more than the rest of the top 10 as a whole! 

Adele has been sitting pretty at the top with her incredible second album, 21 for 16 weeks. She has now slipped to number two. Can the mighty Gaga keep hold of the number one spot for longer? Only time will tell!

Our British soul singer is also in third place with her debut album 19. Lady Gaga's debut The Fame is also still selling well, at number seven. British talent is flying the flag in our top ten this week.

The American star is said to be honoured at having the highest new entry this week and admitted she wrote her single Born This Way in Manchester after being inspired by the Mancunian fans!

Gaga's album cover sees the star as half motor bike and half woman. Whilst writing and recording her album the Lady was inspired by living her life halfway between reality and fantasy and this image fully reflects this.

For a full album review of Born This Way, see our reviews page @ www.totalbizreviews.blogspot.com

Hear The Crowd, Feel The Drums, Come on, Come on!

Melanie C is back and ready to rock you!!

Following her award-nominated performances and huge success in musical theatre, Melanie C has returned to the studio to work on her fifth album. 

While the finishing touches are made, Melanie has recorded an energetic and vibrant track entitled ‘Rock Me’ for one of the summer's biggest sporting events.

With its high energy and relentless beat, it is fitting that the track has been chosen as the official song for German TV channel ZDF’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup – taking place in Germany this summer.

Written by Melanie and Dave Roth, who also co-produced with Andy Chatterley, ‘Rock Me’ is a motivating anthem featuring an infectious chorus of Melanie’s exciting and distinct vocals.

The radio edit of 'Rock Me' has just been serviced to radio stations in Germany. To give fans worldwide the chance to listen to Melanie's new single.

'Rock Me' is released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on June 24.

Dance To The Beat of Nicola's Drum!

Solo dreams have finally come true as the last member of Girls Aloud is about to go it alone. After a year locked away in a recording studio the time has come for Nicola Roberts to set the charts alight with her debut single.

In a case of saving the best till last, Nicola has always been side lined in the group allowing the bigger personalities to lead the group. But from June 5th 'Beat of my Drum' will showcase the fun side of the red head.

She cries: 'dance to the beat of my drum' in the pop / dance track. The song is fun, energetic and very British. Nicola wanted to keep a very British feel to her music and really wants her fans to see that she does have bubbly personality that will reflect in her sound.

Her sound is very late 90's with a personal modern twist, as this is the music era that inspires the star. Its a long way off from Girls Aloud and is the most orginal solo effort from any of the other girls.

Nicola's debut album 'Cinderella's Eyes' is due out in Autumn. I hope the forgettable member of GA will over shadow the success of Cheryl Cole, as she has the voice and the style to become the most successful member of the group.

We can't wait to hear more from Nicola, her voice is incredible and there is a lot of excitement surrounding her. Fresh from the massive success of her make-up range Dainty Doll. The brains and talent of the Girls Aloud star will just keep getting better.

A signed CD single version of the single is available from July 18th.

Download 'Beat of my Drum' from June 5th from iTunes.

www.nicolarobertsmusic.com

Follow Nicola on Twitter @Nicolaroberts