Graded Song:T-ARA N4 "Countryside Life"

T-ARA hasn't had a lot of success since the whole bullying incident went down . Their promotions really suffered, tearing neitzens apart and "Sexy Love" was essentially a flop. Now after doing some exile time in Japan, T-ARA is back, well four of them are. T-ARA N4 is comprised of members Jiyeon, Eunjung, Hyomin, and Areum and I guess this is a way of testing the Korean market before the rest of the group makes a comeback. The girls have premiered their debut single "Countryside Life", produced by Double SideKick (NS Yoon G's "If You Love Me, SISTAR's "Loving U"). Are the girls and LOEN Entertainment going in the right direction with this one? Overall, I was satisfied with the song.The intro is pretty weak, but as it goes along, it gets stronger and more enjoyable. Enjung really gives the song the kick with her pre-chorus and I'm wondering about the random rapper and why he wasn't credited. However, the other members get overshadowed by Double SideKick's awesome production, which sounds like a blend of Edward Maya's "Stereo Love" and G-Dragon's "Crayon". The kicker in this song is the "why you hatin'" part, which should have pro-T-ARA neitzens singing along and antis gritting their teeth in frustration.
Final Grade:B-
(There are two videos for this song: a dance version (the dance looks like taebo) and a drama version, which was directed by the same guy who did "Gangnam Style")

Graded Song: 4Minute "What's Your Name?"

4Minute has made a comeback. The group had a major hit with their song "Volume Up" and HyunA's own solo effort "Ice Cream" did decently as well as did the group's debut subunit 2Yoon's single "24/7". The new tune, "What's Your Name" was produced by Brave Brothers. Are you ready?
Oh no! Another underwhelming K-Pop comeback! This is just a poor man's "Ice Cream" to be honest. The thing that saves the song from being a complete disappointment is Gayoon's pre-chorus and the chorus itself. All the other members, (including HyunA's squeaky vocals) don't stand out in the song,. Was anyone else by the barking dog part in the beginning of the song? Again, not a bad song, but when you have songs like the genre-bending "I Got a Boy" and "Sweet Dream", you need to do more than have a song with a twerk-ready beat and Rihanna-esque chorus.
Final Grade:C+

Graded Song:SHINee "Why So Serious?"

SHINee's back...again for the second time this year. Back in February, they dropped part one of their "Misconceptions" album and promoted it with the Maroon 5-inspired "Dream Girl" and slayed the charts. Now they are back with the second half "Why So Serious?-The Misconceptions of Me" and the respective title track. They decided to continue on without member Jonghyn, who was in a car accident and was recently discharged from the hospital. Underwhelming. Underwhelming. Underwhelming. At least with "Dream Girl", I was able to get into it (and obsess over it) with a few plays. This sounds like it should have been on "Misconceptions" part one as filler rather than the lead from their second half of the album. The beginning melody is misleading. It sounds as if they are setting us up for a awesome rock inspired. Then Taemin begins to sing (oversing if you will). and it falls flat. The sound of the single is very 80s, but not the good sounding 80s like with Sweetune's productions, but generic one-hit wonder 80s. The fact that Jonghyn's vocals are nowhere to be found also gives the song less charisma. The song isn't bad, but I honestly expected more after "Dream Girl".
Final Grade:C

Disclosure "You and Me" Music Video

UK garage duo Disclosure have released the music video for their soon-to-be smash hit, "You and Me" featuring Eliza Doolittle. The video was given a parental advisory warning, probably because of the one scene where the girlfriend starts beating on the guy with the dildo. Ha ha. Check it!

Rudimental "Free" (Feat. Emeli Sande)

One of the UK's most anticipated debut albums: Rudimental's "Home" will be available to the public in a few days. The producers have already racked up three successful hits, including their two #1s "Feel The Love" and "Waiting All Night". UK singer Emeli Sande took to Twitter earlier to exclusively release a song that will be included on the album. "Free" reminds me of a more spiritual heartfelt version of Sande's own hit "Next To Me", which is awesome since "Next To Me" is extremely gospel-influenced. Do you think this should be a single?

Beyonce "Grown Woman" (Live)

After trolling the world by teasing "Grown Woman" in her Pepsi commercial, Mrs.Carter (aka Beyonce) premiered the full track at her Mrs.Carter world tour stop in Paris. The quality of the video isn't the best, but the Timbaland-produced song sounds like a smash, now all we need is a studio version. Check the performance below! 

David Guetta "Play Hard" Music Video

David Guetta doesn't know when to properly end an era and move to the next. The DJ has released over nine singles (which varied in success)from his latest studio effort "Nothing But The Beat" and its subsequent 2.0 release. The latest was a copy and paste effort of Alice Deejay's dance hit "Better off Alone" re-titled "Play Hard" featuring Akon and Ne-Yo. Guetta then redid the song a bit for the single release and gave it some pretty bizarre visuals. The video was filmed in Mexico and involves a rodeo/dance contest with an appearance from dancers the Les Twins. Hopefully this will be the last and he takes a much needed break.

More From "The Great Gatsby" Soundtrack (Updated)

Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful" has already leaked and now the full tracks seem to be rolling out left and right. First we have Florence and The Machine's contribution "Over The Love". Florence always slays when she does anything so there is no surprise here that this has to be one of the better songs on the soundtrack. I would have rather had her do another one and have will.i.am's "Bang Bang" removed. Next, we have the most unorthodox and clear standout of the bunch, UK dubstep trio Nero "Into The Past". The song creates an ethereal atmosphere with heavy breaths and a bass drop that Skrillex should be striving for (and know he can achieve). [Added The xx's Minimalist "Together" and Sia's heartfelt ballad "Run and Kill"] Take a listen to the tunes below.

Jay Park "Welcome" Music Video

After dropping his official comeback single "Joah" two weeks ago, K-Pop star Jay Park is back with the visuals for the ultra steamy B-side "Welcome". The R&B slow jam fits perfectly with the rest of Park's catalog of tunes like "Turn off Your Phone" and "Star". The video has already caused a slight controversy in Korea, garnering a 19+ rating (their equivalent of rater r). Watch and you will see why.

Richard Osborne "Just Leave" Remix (feat. Dice Raw)

UK singer Richard Osborne has remixed the standout track on his second EP "Late Night Thoughts" "Just Leave" and dropped it today. The plodding, electro-soul tune was one of the songs that I play consistently from the EP, which was released back in February, as it reminds me of a Drake tune. For this remix, he linked up with Dice Raw, a Grammy nominated producer, known for his work with acclaimed band The Roots. Could the remix could be a indicator of bigger things for Osborne, maybe a mainstream label deal? I don't know, but either way, this is a tune, so share with your friends if you will!

Lana Del Rey "Young and Beautiful"

With one of the biggest films of the year, there has to be an equally big soundtrack. "The Great Gatsby", based on the great American novel of the same name, hits theaters soon and a soundtrack with some of music's biggest names are on there, including indie chanteuse Lana Del Rey. Her song, "Young and Beautiful" will be the first single from the soundtrack and it fits perfectly with the almost tragic tale. How do you like Lana's song? Will it be a US hit for her?

Disclosure "You and Me" (feat. Eliza Doolittle)

The sibling production duo played the song for the first time at last weekend's Coachella, now one of the UK's most talked about new acts Disclosure has released their latest (and debatable) best single to date. The song features Eliza Doolittle after being absent from the music scene for almost three years. After a rough starting electro-house intro, there is a seamless transition to Doolittle's strong soulful vocal work, much like Sam Smith did with "Latch" and with the more heavy and upbeat garage instrumental coming into play later, Disclosure makes a return to the music that hyped them up in the first place. In other words, it slays and I hope this gives them their first #1! The song will be included on their debut album,"Settle" due in June and their singles EP in the States, due out April 30th.

Azealia Banks "Yung Rapunxel" Music Video

Azealia Banks is known for stirring up controversy because of her Twitter wars with various celebrities. But her video for "Yung Rapunxel" is going to have people talking for different reasons. The visuals for the industrial house/screamo-esque track shows a number of occult and Illuminati symbols, including the all seeing eye, many owls, yin-yang sign and triangles: lots and lots of triangles. This is a departure from her cool and 90s inspired videos, which I was looking forward to. I'm waiting to see who she''s gonna attack about this one.

Daft Punk "Get Lucky" (Feat. Nile Rodgers and Pharell)

It's beginning. Daft Punk will be releasing their third studio album, "Random Access Memories" next month and after teasing their comeback single at last weekend's Coachella festival, the full thing in all it's 1970's funk glory is here! The song features multi-instrumentalist and producer Nile Rodgers and producer/singer Pharell. Do you like the new Daft Punk single? Are you excited for their album? (Edit: apparently the other version was just a looped version of all the snippets we have been hearing, but this is the actual version, now available on iTunes)

Calvin Harris "I Need Your Love" Music Video

Can they be a real couple? Calvin Harris is having a very successful era with his 18 Months LP and is on single #7 with the Ellie Goulding-assisted "I Need Your Love". Now the video is out and it shows the Scottish DJ and the English beauty in a relationship and recording their every moment together. But it just so happens that a couple of other people get their hands on the camera as well. Check it!

PSY "Gentleman" Music Video

The music video for PSY's new single, "Gentleman" has finally arrived. It features a brand new dance, which is actually the hip dance made iconic by K-Pop group Brown Eyed Girls in their iconic video for their iconic dance tune, "Abracadabra". To pay homage, singer Ga-In makes an appearance in the video, much like HyunA did in the "Gangnam Style" video. The video itself is 10x more hilarious, with PSY being less than gentlemanly and being pretty ratchet. If PSY is gonna continue this trend, I want to see NS Yoon-G or Son Dam Bi in the next one.

Bastille "Laura Palmer" Music Video

UK alt-rockers Bastille have released a music video for "Laura Palmer", one of the least sleep inducing tracks from their debut album "Bad Blood". The track will be released as the second single in June following the massive success of  their breakout hit "Pompeii" which reached the top 3 of the charts earlier this year. The video intertwines two stories with lead singer Dan filming the video and has a creepy "Hills Have Eyes" feel to it. Check it!

Graded Song:Jay Park "Joah"

Jay Park has really made a name for himself after leaving the clutches of JYP Entertainment. A successful solo album, sold out tours variety show work, a rabid and loyal fanbase (J-Walkerz) 2PM could never. Mr. Park offered two servings of hardcore hip-hop/rap that didn't really satisfy the cravings but now we finally get his official comeback single "Joah" (I Like You in Korean).
Jay turns the charm on high for this one! He returns to the R&B stylings that he offered up on "Nothing on You", his first big hit away from JYP. His falsetto puts Justin Bieber's in "Boyfriend" and JLS' "Hottest Girl In The World" to shame (take lessons boys). You can really feel the emotions running when he sings about the girl he likes and it comes off extremely genuine and pure.
Final Grade:B+

Graded Song:PSY "Gentleman"

While North Korea is busy threatening us with nuclear warfare, all eyes are on their southern neighbor. PSY, who unexpectedly took the world by storm with his ridiculous yet infectious single "Gangnam Style" breaking Justin Bieber's hold on YouTube and topping charts worldwide. Now he is back with the follow-up "Gentleman" and I as a K-Pop fan hope it slays. So how is PSY's follow-up to the iconic horsey dance song?
 As much as I want to like this, I can't. I'm guessing YG didn't want to deviate too far from "Gangnam Style" so they made a less inspired, emptier version of it. The production feels half-assed, draining all of the fun that made "Gangnam Style" well "Gangnam Style", but I did enjoy the build up to the chorus and the breakdown. I'm sure it will do well in Korea, but it may cement him as a one hit wonder in other territories.
Final Grade:C-

Ed Sheeran "Lego House" (Lego Stop Motion Version)

Ed Sheeran has released an alternative version of his song, "Lego House" which is the 2nd US single from his successful "+" album. The whole original video, which starred "Harry Potter" actor Rupert Grint, is remade with Lego figurines in stop motion. Pretty cool right?

Graded Song:Selena Gomez "Come and Get It"

Selena Gomez is poised to release a brand new album this year and now we have the first offering with "Come and Get It". Penned by Ester Dean and produced by Stargate, this is Selena's first single since "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" that doesn't feature her "band" The Scene. Does Selena have what it takes to strike out on her own?
Did Rihanna skip on this when she was recording "Unapologetic"? Selena sounds like her at some parts, much like how Nicole Scherzinger sounded like her on "Right There" (which was also penned by Ester Dean). The faux-step production actually sounds good on this. Instead of the obnoxious ear deafening parts, Stargate toned it down and allow the Bollywood and electro-pop pattern work wonders, giving it an edge over any top forty pop songs. Miss Gomez's vocals could use some work. Try for some higher registers as she sounds a bit bored. Plus, people need to get over themselves when they say its about Justin Bieber (because their broken up so...)
Final Grade:C

Demi Lovato "Heart Attack" Music Video

Demi Lovato has released the music video for her smash single, "Heart Attack". In it, Demi looks super hawt in a black rocker-chic ensemble playing with a band and scenes with her hair pulled back tight as she covers herself in a black ink like substance. The video could have had more effects especially during the times she said heart attack", plus I don't really know what direction the video was going, it had nothing to do with the song! Anywho, check it below

Florrie "Live a Little" Music Video

Xenomaina camp member, model, singer, drummer Florrie is coming for the wigs of your faves with her mainstream debut due out later this year. How do we know? Miss Florrie has released a music video for her tune "Live a Little" which doubles as a promotional video for some Sony headphone campaign. Essentially, Florrie takes Jonas Brothers questionable comeback single "Poms Poms", re-sexifies it and makes it 100x better all on her own! The video shows Florrie playing a plethora of instruments and performing the songs. Check it!

Fall Out Boy "Young Volcanoes"

Fall Out Boy are building up the hype for their comeback "Save Rock and Roll". The tickets for the tour of the same name went on sale today and to celebrate, they treated fans to a shiny new tune in the form of "Young Volcanoes". A blend of Imagine Dragons with a dash of "Hey Soul Sister" Train is what you get with this one and it sounds amazing! It is less intense than their previous two tracks, but still anthemic in nature. They are three for three so far and I'm pretty stoked for the album!

Jay Park "1Hunnit" Music Video

Jay Park has released the music video for one of the three songs that will be included on his "Joah" digital single. "1Hunnit" features frequent collaborator Dok2 and was produced by Lo Def. The lyrics are a bit more explicit (which isn't bad but I'm not used to the extreme cussing). The music is similar to "Appetizer", which I wasn't too fond of. Hoping that the other two songs will be better and when he releases a full LP, he gives us what made "New Breed" so iconic.

2AM Club "Not Your Boyfriend"

After killing the masses with their epically flaw-free mixtape "Moon Tower" (which a review will be up shortly) only two weeks ago, 2AM Club are continuing the slaughterfest with the release of the first (or second, not sure if "Too Fucked Up To Call" is the first) single from their sophomore effort. "Not Your Boyfriend" is much more dancier than their previous material and like its predecessor, it screams mainstream smash! If people like Mac Miller and Hot Chelle Rae, who make similar sounding music to can chart decently, there is no reason why 2AM Club shouldn't at least hit the top forty with this one! Check the single below and make sure to purchase it on iTunes!

Graded Song:G-Dragon "Michi Go"

YG Entertainment has been giving G-Dragon the major posh treatment. He came back with his group Big Bang in addition to having a solo album last year. This year, he is doing a major tour and gets to have a comeback ahead of people who should have given us two minis by now (sides eyes 2NE1). But yes, Big Bang leader and main rapper G-Dragon has premiered his brand new single "Michi Go" (Go Crazy in English). Now how does it stack up to his other songs? Someone tweeted beforehand that the song was just the male Korean language version of Rihanna's iconic "Fresh Off The Runway" and they were right. Aside from the annoying faux-step that could have been done without, the production is an exact clone of the aforementioned song. GD's rapping is decent enough, but I felt like it could have been stronger during the verses, while it was a bit too strong during the chorus. It still slays pretty much anything that has been released by male K-Rappers aside from MFBTY's "Sweet Dream" and Jay Park's comeback single (which will slay you all).
Final Grade:B-

Graded Song:Jonas Brothers "Pom Poms"

The brothers Jonas are back together after each went and did their own thing. Nick, Kevin, and Joe have been hyping up their new music with teasers K-Pop style and now we have the music video (thanks to a handy dandy leak) for their lead single "Pom Poms".
The song is pretty Disney-esque, it sounds like it would be on the next High School Musical. Lyrically, it doesn't show much growth (then again their demographic is now the Bieber demographic) and the more mature lyrics just sound off for them. It's like with "Boyfriend" where he attempted to sing in a falsetto and failed. At least with songs like "When You Look Me In The Eyes" and "Burnin Up" it sounded like they enjoyed what they were singing while this is pretty uninspired and vapid.
Final Grade:C-
The video is ridiculous. It shows the bros performing on a football field intercut with people dancing, jiving and doing other things. We know all of you are of age, but aren't they supposed to be very devout Christians? The video is anything but, with girls ass shaking, dropping it like it's hot, and that dance breakdown with Nick is just embarrassing.

Jessie Ware "Wildest Moments" (Feat. A$AP Rocky)

Miss Jessie Ware has finally revealed the second track to be included on the US and gold editions of her debut album "Devotion". This one is her stellar single "Wildest Moments" featuring one of today's go to rappers A$AP Rocky. Amazingly, the only thing added are some low growls in terms of the production. The placing of the raps and the beginning verse were kind of awkward and everything else is kept in tact. Hopefully, this will get Jessie a decent chart position here across the pond.

Chris Brown "Fine China"

Chris Brown, aside from his personal drama, is a great artist. Sure, he has made two bum albums, can't decide if he's an R&B or pop artist, but I still appreciate it. Breezy has dropped the visuals for his new single "Fine China". The song is the first offering from his "X" album coming soon. The video give me serious Michael Jackson teas as does the song. That falsetto is kinda annoying though. I mean, it's ok. Nothing special. I guess if he decides to label this an urban single, I'll wait for the pop one.