New Music: Cee-Lo, N.E.R.D, John Steel Singers + More

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (The Dirty Bit)

... ... ... ... right. So after The E.N.D comes The Beginning, the BEPs new album due at the end of November. The first song to be offered up is 'The Time (The Dirty Bit).' Is there really any point in offering some sort of logical explanation as to why I don't like it? Will.I.Am & co. know what they have to do to make money. They will make money off of this, which is sad but true. What do you kids think, hit or miss? All I know is, I didn't have the time of my life... and I owe it all to the Black Eyed Peas. Lame? Oh yeah. True? Definitely.

Rating: N/A

Katy Perry - Firework

I am shocked. Shocked that Perry didn't release 'Peacock' as the third single from Teenage Dream. What of 'Firework' then? It's not bad... it's not good. Just one of those generic pop songs with a mildly catch hook. The first time I heard it was when the future Mrs. Brand "sang" it on the UK X-Factor. Maybe that has something to do with why I'm less than impressed by it.

Rating: 2/5

N.E.R.D - Nothing On You

This is more like it, even if it comes across as a more subdued version of 'She Wants To Move.' Pharrell manages to maintain his cool factor after all these years by turning up the funk a little more than usual on 'Nothing On You.' Kudos.

Rating: 3.5/5

The John Steel Singers - Overpass

I've had a soft spot for The John Steel Singers since seeing them open for The Grates a couple of years ago. They have a fun stage presence (which saw them fit in nicely with the aforementioned Grates, The) and you can't help getting caught up in their energy. 'Overpass' is a nice step forward for this emerging Brisbane band and will hopefully gain them a whole new bunch of fans.

Rating: 4/5

Duffy - Well, Well, Well

An interesting change of direction, 'Well, Well, Well,' sees Duffy embrace the tease within. Well (well, well?) at least in the video. The chorus can get a bit grating on the ears at times, but overall it's not too shabby. I have no doubt that we'll hear her amazing voice used to its full potential on some other tracks on her second album, so there's no cause for concern. If her (record label's) mission was to come back with a bang and get people talking, mission accomplished.

Rating: 3/5

Cee-Lo Green - Old Fashioned

No one's expecting it to be as successful as the unforgettable 'F**k You,' but we could be in for a surprise. Cee-Lo's voice is perfect as he belts out arguably the best R&B ballad of the year. It's My Kind of Scene's pick of the week.

Rating: 4/5