New Music: Nelly, Lissie + More

Nelly - Just A Dream

Nelly was a consistently reliable hit-maker during the majority of the first decade in the 2000s. Evidence? Billboard magazine listed him as the third most successful artist of 2000-2009 in the USA. He was one of the biggest names in rap during its commercial golden age. Unfortunately, with comeback single 'Just A Dream,' it would seem he's sticking firmly in the 'was' camp. Nelly seems like he's just going through the motions here, offering nothing that's actually memorable in terms of lyrics and music. It's a shame, considering this is the same guy that gave us hits like 'Hot In Herre,' 'Dilemma' and 'Ride Wit Me.' Grammatical errors aside, there's some decent tracks in his catalogue. Hopefully we'll see a return to form, but it's not going to be with 'Just A Dream.'

Rating: 2/5

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

Katy Perry doesn't have dreams of changing your life through her music. She offers serviceable pop music that will get stuck in your head and she looks good while doing it. 'California Gurls' (seriously, we need to start spelling song titles correctly) has become the song of the summer in North America and spent time at the top of the charts in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Moving away from the electro-pop of 'California Gurls' to the more standard pop-rock of 'Teenage Dream' would appear to be an interesting move. Why not stick with what's working for her now? Could it be, Perry herself has chosen 'Teenage Dream' as her single instead of her record label Capitol shoving more of the same down our throats (or ears, whatever). Regardless, 'Teenage Dream' is much better than 'California Gurls' but not as good as 'Hot N Cold.' Worst review ever?

Rating: 3.5/5

Lissie - Bully

She's being talked up everywhere you turn. Magazines, online, tv, radio. Everyone LOVES Lissie and you HAVE to listen to her. Weirdly enough, she's deserving of the hype. 'Bully' is a great track off her debut album Catching a Tiger and you can be sure that it will be making an impact on It's My Kind of Scene's Top 20 very soon. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5/5

Estelle ft. Nas - Fall In Love

I feel like you could sing 'American Boy' perfectly over the beat and tune for 'Fall In Love.' In fact, while I'm listening to 'Fall In Love' I feel like I'd much rather be listening to 'American Boy.' Nas does his best Kanye impersonation... translation, his rap segment fails. No one can do Kanye but Kanye. Estelle is clearly talented. She's got the look, the voice and the attitude down pat. It's just a shame she hasn't lived up to the expectations put upon her following the overwhelming success of her debut song. 'Fall In Love' isn't bad, but it does leave you with the feeling that you've heard it all before.

Rating: 3/5

Twin Sister - Lady Daydream

One of the best songs you could treat your ears to this year. Need some music to relax to? Try 'Lady Daydream.' Seriously, just listen to it.

Rating: 4.5/5