Back On Team Bey

I have been the biggest Beyoncé fan for almost 20 years now, from the second I heard 'Boy I know you want me, I can see it in your eyes' on the amazing single 'No No No' right through to 'Y'all haters corny with that illuminati mess' on the stand up and be counted anthem that is 'Formation'. She has had a very prominent position on my playlist for as long as I have been able to buy music. For me she is The Idol, as a non religious person she is probably as close I will get to having Jesus in my life. Through her professional and personal life she has taught me a lot, she has encouraged individuality, she speaks for those who can't get a word in and she has achieved a standard that can never be beaten - can you even imagine living in a world with a performer that rivals Beyoncé? No, me neither.

As hard as it would be to imagine a time my head hasn't been up her arse, there was. I am shocked aswell. It happened around the time of the self titled 'Beyoncé' album two years ago. Beyoncé kind of changed. We had glimpses of this change on 'Four', but she kind of flipped the script and introduced the world to Yoncé in 2014. Yoncé was much more of a free spirit, she cursed on her songs, she sang about sex and we lost the family friendly songs. A few years ago it would have been unimaginable to conceive Beyoncé 'on her knees' - as a lifelong fan it made me take a step back. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination but it was just a little shocking for me to hear her this way. I may have given her the side eye and thought that she was trying too hard. However I don't think ever in music the genres have blended as much, or people have experimented the way they are now. I applaud Beyoncé for the growth in her music, but I just held on to the old days too much. Don't get me wrong I have some favourites on the album - special shout out to 'Heaven' (I will be seriously pissed if someone doesn't suggest this song to be played at my funeral), just as an overall it wasn't my favourite collection she has released.

One week ago the world was suddenly aware of 'Lemonade' in a way we have never experienced it before, what once was a sugary citrus beverage now had a whole other meaning. 'Lemonade' will forever be synonymous with Beyoncé. I FREAKING LOVE THIS ALBUM! Maybe I have grown into a more mature listener, but something about it ticks all the boxes for me. I need a depressing song - check. I need a sad song - check. I need an angry song - check. I need a happy song - check. I need a dance song - check. This album has it all for me. The range of genres on this album is phenomenal, I wouldn't be surprised if she was nominated for a country music award for the song 'Daddy Lessons'. She is playing with her voice more than ever, she even sounds like she is attempting to rap in 'Hold Up'. My favourite song has to be 'Freedom' which features Kendrick Lamar, and one could argue some of her other songs are inspired by Lamar's previous work. Favourite line has to be 'Imma keep  running, cus a winner don't quit on themselves' - put that on a t shirt and I will hand over my notes.

The short film that accompanied the album was just stunning, I had to watch it in two sittings because it was a bit overwhelming. There is a lot going on. I applaud Beyoncé for shining a light on women of colour, they don't get the attention and admiration they deserve in popular culture. It is an emotional experience, I do feel like I want to sit her down and ask her if everything is good. Did Jay Z cheat or is this a whole story concocted for the album. On one hand if it's true then she has harnessed the emotions into a positive outcome and we have been gifted an incredible album. If it isn't true then my days what a story teller Beyoncé is, she has fooled the world in to believing her through words and images.

My Top 10 Girl Bands - Worldwide Edition

I recently wrote my Top 10 British Girl girl bands, and I was racked with guilt that I completely discredited the music of the non British folk.  There is such a variety of girl bands out there, past and present, and I feel as lover of them all I should impart my knowledge. Plus you never know, I may introduce you to the next song you skip to when you mistakenly put your music on shuffle and regret it. I am not going to put them in a top 10 because I have picked quite a pick and mix of genres. We have country, K-Pop, rock, R'n'B, pop and hip hop to get through, so lets get going.

Destiny's Child

I fell in love with these ladies the second I heard the word 'no' repeated 3 times in rapid succession. They came out at the time that slow jams of the 90's was deteriorating and pop was coming back. They captured both the audiences and went on to sell over 60 million records. Yes, we all know the lame jokes about line up changes (they only had 3 line ups, and 6 girls in total!) but the music never lost quality. We have girl power anthems after girl power anthems. I had the honour of seeing the ladies on their final tour and they were outstanding (Michelle is seriously underappreciated). For any nay sayers out there, if it wasn't for Destiny's Child we wouldn't have Beyonce where she is now, so respect that. 

The Veronicas

I couldn't step away from Destinys Child more if I tried. We have taken a quick trip to Australia and found two beautifully talented twins by the names of Lisa and Jess Origliassio. I, for some reason, resonate with twin acts, been a twin myself I always champion other twins. However, take away whether they share a womb or not these girls are perfection. They created some of my favourite albums of all time, rocked my world twice in Manchester and basically supplied my soundtrack for last few years. They had some issues with their record label but they are back and better then ever. I'm a Veronica.

2NE1

So South Korea do things a little differently, this amazingly talented band didn't just come together by chance; they were hired and had four years training before releasing their debut song in 2009. Boy, did it pay off. They exploded on to the scene, becoming the face of K-Pop and churned out hit after hit. Yes, their songs are mainly in their native tongue but they have recorded some english versions - plus their choruses are predominantly english. However, for some reason it doesn't matter that they don't sing in english - the talent shines through and their videos are spectacular. And their fashion? Forget about it - flawless.

Pussycat Dolls

Hey! Don't argue with me here! I am fully aware this girl band was basically Nicole and her dancers - I don't care. That is what they were paid to do and god damn it they did it well! I love the Pussycat Dolls. They are pop perfection. Everyone knows the words to 'Don't cha', everyone wishes they had the flexibility of a doll and everyone should respect what they did. There is a reason they are the fourth biggest selling girl group of all time with more than 54 million albums sold from only two albums recorded. They sold more than The Supremes, En Vogue and Sugababes combined. These ladies are a guilty pleasure that actually I don't feel guilty about at all.

Pistol Annies

What happens when you combine three talented country singers? Magic, thats what. These ladies decided to join forces for two albums and they are perfect albums to say the least. Don't look any further when you want to find country goodness, great lyrics and vocals that could only be compared to the greatest. I was saddened that they decided to call it quits after only 3 singles and 2 albums. They are for sure on my bucket list for live acts I have to see. For now I will have to listen to them separately and pray to Jesus for a reunion. 

Salt-N-Pepa

First of all let me get this off my chest, I never quite understood why they completely discredited Spinderella in the title of this band, but whatever - I'm guessing her accountant isn't too mad about it. These ladies were ahead of their time, a trio of ladies in the hip-hop world was unheard of, they were true trailblazers. They rapped and sung about things that most women shied away from, they weren't afraid and they have been celebrated for it ever since. It is my dream to be able to rap 'Shoop' word for word one day. 'Whatta Man' is such an iconic song and is often sang by myself when by myself - its just one of those songs you have to belt out once in your life.

TLC

When I mentioned earlier about having a bucket list for live acts, these ladies top it. I have been a massive fan for as long as I can remember. They never got the attention they deserved over here and that really upset me, of course everyone knows 'No Scrubs' but they were so much more than that. I could sit here and list every great song they did, but I would literally be listing every song on record. They never faltered. Devastated wasn't the word when I heard of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez's passing. It was probably the first time I had experienced a non relative death that affected me. However she left a legacy that can never be beaten, the original and the best. TLC have pledged to make one more album and I pray to all the saints that I get to go see them on tour- I need closure god damn it.

Haim

I have never felt that an album was written with me in mind more than I thought theirs was. Every song touched me in a very inappropriate way. I just fell as soon as I heard them. Then to see who was singing this music from the heavens made it even better. These beautiful sisters, who all played their own instruments, wrote their own songs and had a style every girl was envious of  had this amazing album. And I will be forever proud that us Brits made it number one!! Well deserved. I had the amazing honour of seeing these ladies live, thanks to my gorgeous friend who bought me tickets for my birthday. I wasn't expecting the emotional response that I had - when they played 'My Song 5' I didn't know what was happening, I was in a trance, yet very in the moment. That will stick with me for a while.

Danity Kane

Oh what these girls could have been. Why couldn't they put their differences away for the sake of the music. They were put together on Diddy's MTV show 'Making the Band', they recorded two number one albums (a record they set for american girl bands), released great r'n'b/pop singles and could put on a hell of a show. Their vocals were unmatched at the time. Unfortunately they just didn't get on, whether it be with their management, with Diddy or even with each other. They were going to make a comeback this year, but apparently they couldn't even sit in a recording studio without one of them clocking the other around the back of the head. We will always have what they released but I will always want more.

Fifth Harmony

These ladies have filled the hole left by The Saturdays for me. They are pop perfection. Every song they have released I have had a solo bop to. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the music of these talented women. They were formed on The X Factor US and have become the stand out stars of the show - and they didn't even win, go figure. This is just the beginning for them and I see big things. They are five normal lasses given a chance by the big guy Simon Cowell. Camilla's voice alone is one for the books, so special and unique. Listen to 'Bo$$' and lie to me that you didn't shimmy that body. 

Notable Mentions

En Vogue

The Supremes

SWV

Wilson Phillips

The Go Gos

Girls Generation

Wonder Girls

Girlicious

t.A.T.u

No Angels

Pointer Sisters

B*Witched

The Cheetah Girls

GRL

The Runaways

Those Dancing Days

Return Of The Girlbands

For a while it seemed like Little Mix and The Saturdays were having to hold the fort down when it came to girlbands. However we can now all take a joint sigh of relief - we have some more girlbands breaking through. There has always been a hole in the music industry where girlbands just couldn't make the cut. Ever since the Spice Girls, Sugababes, Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child and Girls Aloud all left us to fend for ourselves we have needed a group of females to come out and kick the boyband's arses. Little Mix and The Saturdays have done a dame good job but they need a little help. And lets face it, The Saturday's next album is a Greatest Hits, this is normally the beginning of the end. They will say that they are going on a break and we all know what that means. The Spice Girl's break lasted 7 years and they only came back with one single and one tour, Girls Aloud's break lasted 3 years and they only came back with one single and one tour and Destiny's Child's break is currently on it's 7th year. 

So now we have a bunch of new ladies ready to take the stage. I have shortlisted 4 girlbands that I am quite excited about. Lets go -

Neon Jungle

This british 4 piece have already made waves with two singles in the top 10 and a 3rd released this week already in the iTunes top 10. I like these girls because they have an edge about them. They aren't singing your generic pop music, they have more of a dubstep vibe about them. Although saying that my favourite song so far is 'Louder', its a pop ballad that really showcases their voices. And yes, all four of them can sing. I was a bit unsure of them when I first heard them with their song 'Trouble' as I wasn't quite sure why they were shouting at me, but I have warmed to them in a big way and I am very excited for their album.

M.O

Another british band we should be taking notice of. Once again they are taking a step away from the happy pop music and they are bringing a more urban vibe. I first heard them as a soundtrack on a TV show and had to find the song instantly. The song was 'Ain't Got Time', the chorus was so catchy and I guarantee that with one listen you will be singing the words as you walk around town. The single didn't do great in the charts but I am happy to say it hasn't stopped them, they are releasing new music and videos as I type.

Fifth Harmony

You may already know who these are as they were finalists in last years The X Factor US. They were put together on the show after all auditioning solo, and what a great idea it was (except maybe Camila, she kind of shines on her own). I fell in love with their voices straight after hearing them sing Shontelle's 'Impossible' - if you get the chance YouTube it. They released a couple of songs after leaving that were extremely pop and sold them to a tween market. However their latest single 'Bo$$' is showing some growth, some may argue too much growth but at the end of the day they aren't stepping on Miley's toes with this song - its fun, very powering for a female and a good time.

GRL

I can almost guarantee that you have heard these ladies sing, or at least one of them. These are the five girls singing behind Pitbull in his song 'Wild Wild Love' and the blonde lady is the singer on LMFAO's single 'Party Rock Anthem'. However they no longer have Feat. infront of their names and they have released music on their own. There has been a lot of comparison to the Pussycat Dolls - it's an easy one to make as they have the same creator, Miss Robin Antin. And to be honest I don't think they should be judged for this, the Pussycat Dolls are no longer around so why not bring 5 fresh faces to come and fill the void. They are fun and I absolutely love their latest single 'Ugly Heart'. I have a feeling these grl's will be around for a bit, I mean Britney Spears has already given her approval and who are we to argue with Queen Pop herself.

C Festival

I have been to a few festivals and they have been very hit and miss. My main issue is the people that go. Some are great do not get me wrong, but there are a few that ruin it for everybody. Everyone I know can have fun and be respectable, I don't want to sound like a Dad but everyone can be happy if everyone is considerate. Be loud, be energetic but don't throw cups of piss over the crowd and intimidate people. If you can't handle your drink then know your limits, if you can't handle drugs then don't take them. 

Another problem for me is the music, I like a lot of bands from a lot of different genres but there isn't a lot of festivals that cater just to me (regardless of my intense letter writing). I love country music (and proud of it) but England doesn't, there are so many other types of bands or acts that also don't get a chance to show themselves off. Even if they aren't popular they should get a shot in front of a large crowd.

The toilets. Enough said. How can so many people be so disgusting? Flush the toilet, poop in the toilet and use the toilet for toilet reasons only. Simple.

So I have come up with an idea - C Festival. A festival for me. Stay with me - it will have all the music I like and because my taste is diverse there is something for everyone. Plus I have some reunion surprises like Destinys Child and Mis-teeq. Acts from all walks of life will have a slot. Food is free - I would get food vendors to donate food with the promise that this will get their company attention for the future and never disregard word of mouth. Also free alcohol will be available. I would get major drink companies to sponsor the event.

So hands up who wouldn't like this, no one? Thats good. All I will need is a couple hundred companies to sponsor me, a good place to put the festival on and a few thousand people to attend. See ya there folks.

You don't know you're beautiful? Listen to these.

There is a type of song that I absolutely love, and that type of song would be the girl power song. I know I know I am one of those penis carriers. I shouldn't even listen to these songs as they aren't for my kind - the men. However they clutter my iTunes. There is something so beautiful about them, these music icons are putting aside their own dramas and lives to write and sing songs that let their young female fans know that they aren't alone out there. For every insecurity they have and every issue they are currently dealing with they are letting their fans know they aren't alone. These fans can bond over this and maybe just maybe listen to these songs and find the courage to face their demons and live. So, as I do I have written a short list of some of my favourite acts that sing some kick ass girl power songs:

1. Destiny's Child - Story Of Beauty/Independent Women Part 1/Survivor

This band can be described as a true champion of women. They have written a few songs for woman to chant, fist bump and scream too. My favourite girl power song would be 'Story Of Beauty'. It tells a story of a young girl who doesn't know her worth after she has had a troubled life.

Favourite lyric - 'I hope one day she realise and sees the beauty in her eyes. All she needs is prayer and strength because she is beautiful'

2. TLC - Unpretty

This has to be an anthem for a generation of girls who never felt pretty enough. Instead of being condescending they sing about feeling the same way. TLC have always been about girl power, mainly about how girls are not be messed with and they are just as strong as men - so it must have been comforting for the female fans to know that Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli also have their insecurities.

Favourite Lyric - 'Why do I look to all these things, To keep you happy. Maybe get rid of you and then I'll get back to me'

3. Little Mix - Little Me/Change Your Life/Wings

Instead of singing about boys and love, these girls came running out the gate singing about girl power. First song 'Wings' was a marching anthem for all girls to know they can fly and do what they want. For young girls these girls are great, as we have watched them from the audition stages we know they are four average lasses who achieved the impossible. Favourite girl power song of theirs would be 'Little Me' - it sings about being who you are and not being afraid, the catch is the song is actually written to their younger selves.

Favourite Lyric - 'You gotta speak up, you gotta shout out, And know that right here, right now, You can be beautiful, wonderful, Anything you wanna be'

4. Christina Aguilera - Beautiful/Fighter/Can't Hold Us Down

Everyone knows 'Beautiful' and most will know the words. Its an amazing song about feeling beautiful in ugly situations. Fun fact about this song is that the released version is the first demo she did, the writer liked the rawness and organic feeling it had, she didn't want another version. This is definitely a song that young girls need to hear and take in.

Favourite Lyric - 'We are beautiful in every single way. Yes, words can't bring us down, oh, no. So don't you bring me down today'

5. Jessie J - Who You Are

If its not her killer vocals that slay you then its the message of this song. It tells about the struggle to just be you. Its hard to express one's self sometimes, Jessie captures the thoughts of so many of us in the song. It is one my favourite songs of all time (and also one of my favourite songs to scream along to when home alone, or when I want to piss off the twin). For the past 4 acts I have picked favourite lyrics, but basically every word is perfect - but to keep the flow I have chosen one.

Favourite Lyric - 'Its okay not to be okay'

6. Selena Gomez - Who Says

This is one of those songs that we would love to shout at our bullies. She is basically calling out her tormentors and asks them why, whilst also talking to her fans about how they are entitled to feel beautiful even if others pull you down. I love the message of this song, I mean it is so right. Who says we can't be what we want to be? No one has that control.

Favourite Lyric - 'I’m sure you got some things. You’d like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.'

7. P!nk - Fuckin' Perfect

If theres one thing that I love about P!nk its her brutal honesty. She sings about what she wants and does what she wants. This song didn't come as a shock because she has always been a champion of the underdog. This song is just fucking perfect. The video made me weep like a hungry child. This is one of those songs that you know helped a lot of people.

Favourite Lyric - 'Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me'

8. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

This song isn't just about girl power, its about humans. It is written for all of us. It is a song we can raise a fist too and scream at the top of our longs if we ever feel like we can't be us. Don't apologise for not been like someone else. We are who we are. She does a lot for her fans with making them feel special and I feel like she encapsulates in this song. If she was to leave this earth tomorrow that would be her legacy.

Favourite Lyric - 'No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive. No matter black, white or beige Chola or orient made, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to be brave.'

9. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

She recorded this song after a very dark period of her life. This song was her coming out song if you like, she didn't let her illness bring her down. It is a beautiful song with even more beautiful vocals behind it. It sends a message that if your truly believe in yourself you can do whatever you want.

Favourite Lyric - 'Go on and try to tear me down, I will be rising from the ground, Like a skyscraper'

10. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger/People Like Us/Mr Know It All/Miss Independent/Dark Side

Our Kelly sure knows how to belt a powerful song out. Her voice is flawless and really can make you stop in your tracks sometimes. My favourite songs of hers are always her positive anthems. The power of her voice really reflects the power of the message she tries to tell. My favourite is probably 'People Like Us', this song came and went rather unnoticed which was unfortunate as it says a lot that people should hear.

Favourite Lyric - 'People like us, we've gotta stick together. Keep your head up nothing lasts forever. Here's to the damned, to the lost and forgotten. It's hard to get high when you're living on the bottom'

Honourable Mentions

Beyonce - Pretty Hurts

One Direction - That's what makes you beautiful

Ke$ha - We Are Who We Are

Alicia Keys - Girl On Fire

Nicki Minaj - Fly

Katy Perry - Firework

Glee Cast - Loser Like Me

30 Seconds To Mars - The Edge

Kellie Pickler - Don't You Know You're Beautiful

Aretha Franklin - Respect

Des'ree - Gotta Be

Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock

I HATE CHRISTMAS SONGS!

So its the beginning of December and of course every radio station, music channel and shopping establishment think there is only one type of music we want to listen to - Christmas songs! I may be a one man army when it comes to my hatred of christmas songs and for that I apologise, but as soon as I hear Noddy Holder scream 'IT'S CHRISTMAS' I can feel my eyes just roll into the back of my head. 

I understand people's love for them, they are happy songs that remind us of this great time of year. It's just I don't choose to listen to them. This will be my 25th Christmas that I have experienced and just for once I would like to not be slapped in the face with them. I work in a restaurant so of course all the other music has been shunned for the christmas cheer. I wouldn't even mind if we had a new bunch of christmas songs to enjoy, but we don't. We get the same ones again and again. Every 'Top 20 Christmas Songs' on the music channels is the same 20 songs. 

However, me being me, I do enjoy a bit of hypocrisy and there is some Christmas songs I do not hate.

• Mariah Carey 'All I want for Christmas'
• Danity Kane 'Home For Christmas'
• Destiny's Child '8 Days of Christmas'
• Boney M 'Mary's Boy Child'
• Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson 'Winter Song'
• Britney Spears 'My Only Wish'
• Greg Lake 'I Believe in Father Christmas'

My all time favourite Christmas song is by Jackson 5. 'Santa Claus is coming to Town' will get me in the mood for yuletide celebrations.

One thing that irks about some christmas hits is the songs that aren't actually about Christmas. You pair any random, slow, romantic song with a winter themed video and BAM you have a Christmas song. Every year they are brought back and we accept them as christmas songs. For example - 

• East 17 'Stay Another Day'
• S Club 7 'Never Had a Dream Come True'
• Spice Girls '2 Become 1'
• Gary Jules 'Mad World'
• Every X Factor single

I don't mean to spread hate especially within the season of joy its just they really bother me, there is no other type of music we are forced to listen to straight for a month or two. And in all honesty do you like Christmas songs? The last Christmas song to get to number one was in 2004 with Band Aid and before then it was 1990 with Cliff Richard! I am however excited to hear Leona Lewis' and Kelly Clarkson's Christmas albums though - their voices slay me.

Supergroups!

Inspired by the formation of McFly and Busted as one big supergroup; I thought I would create some that world needs/wants. Before you say, yes they are all female. I can't help it; I love a good female singing voice.

Little Saturday
A combination of Little Mix and The Saturdays. Unfortunately we live in a world where there can only be one raining girl band at a time, fortunately for us when one goes quiet the other one steps in - so they both get chart success and the attention they deserve. Combining these two groups would be genius, it was give us one amazing girl band that would be unrivalled! They are pure pop fun and they deserve more than what we give them.

DCTLC
What would happen if you put the two biggest selling girl groups of all time together in the same room? Magic I am sure of it. Separately they have dominated - together they would conquer. The tour would be a spectacle and would sell out in minutes the world round. Just like TLC were going to at the American Music Awards (but didn't!) they should hologram in a Left Eye and it would literally be the best show on Earth! I am actually getting excited and its not even happening - it was created by me, boredom, 4 am and Photoshop.

Jessie, Paloma, Adele, Ellie and Florence
Arguably the five best voices we have birthed in this country in the last few years. Just now I thought about Emeli Sande as a sixth member - chills. The shows would be epic and beyond any vocal performances anyone has ever seen, Separately they have sold out arenas - together they could sell out stadiums around the freaking world. I need this to happen, I am too excited for it not to happen.

I'm With The Band

I am going to lose some major man points (not that I had a whole lot to begin with) but I feel like it is time to make this statement. I love Girl Bands. I own a bunch of their albums, I watch all of their music videos and I pretty much know most the words to all the songs (including some of the dance moves, something I am not 100% proud of).

I am not sure if it is a feminist portion of my brain that loves them so much, but I support them so much. I want to see a girl group do well. When they get a number 1 I do feel proud. For example when The Saturdays got their first number 1 I told people as if it was my own personal news, I wanted/needed people to know. When a girl group enters a talent competition I instantly want them to win (can you imagine my happiness when Little Mix won 'The X Factor'!) Some of my favourite concerts I have ever been to were girl bands (Spice Girls and Destiny's Child in particular).

I often feel alone in my love for girl bands. They aren't a popular thing to admit you like. I will get the occasional 'oh yeah, I liked that one song' but never 'I love their album!'. Girl bands come and go so quickly because it so hard for them to get a fanbase. Younger girls who these bands are marketed for only want to fully support the new hit boy band and then younger boys will never admit to liking them for fear of ridicule. Older folk won't even give them the time of day, instead casting them off as girls being used for their appearance and having no talent.

So as a favour from me to you I thought I would create a little playlist of girl band songs for you to fall in love with and join my crusade to get them the respect they deserve. So here goes -

Spice Girls - Let Love Lead The Way

Destiny's Child - Through With Love

Sugababes - Ugly

Little Mix - Cannonball

Girls Aloud - Sexy! No No No ...

2NE1 - Lonely

Stooshe - Black Heart

The Saturdays - Fall

Atomic Kitten - Someone Like Me

En Vogue - Free Your Mind

All Saints - Pure Shores

TLC - Dear Lie

The Pussycat Dolls - I Hate This Part

B*Witched - Blame It On The Weatherman

Honeyz - Won't Take It Lying Down

Eternal - I Wanna Be The Only One

Cleopatra - Touch Of Love

YouTube them, Spotify them and bask in the girl group goodness. These are probably the more slower songs by these bands but they are some of my favourites.

Unreleased Opportunities

The best thing when an artist announces a new single is the music video. For 3 or so minutes we get to watch them tell their story through pictures instead of words, or in some cases a theatrical, all singing all dancing showcase of their talents. Some videos are so creative they are put up there with some of the greatest films of all time. Me and the twin can often be found flicking through the music channels - we love them. I would pick a music channel over the radio any day. However, I believe some artists have missed opportunities and completely skipped over songs from their albums and moved on to the next one or in some cases making a video for one of the not so good songs on the album. Below I have listed 6 songs that either I would have loved to see a music video for or think it should have been released so it got more attention.

Destiny's Child - Through With Love

This song is an epic anthem. It really shows the girl's abilities as individual singers aswell a harmonising group. They sang this live the last time I saw them and it was nothing but amazing, the whole audience felt it. Michelle's bit towards the end would shut any doubters up.  

Taylor Swift - Better Than Revenge
Such a great song. Most people expect Taylor to sing about love and relationships; but this a song that tells another type of story from her diary - having her man stolen. There are rumours this song is about Camille Belle stealing Joe Jonas, but of course she never reveals the subjects of her songs. The video would have been great, full of attitude and a laugh a minute.

Robyn - Eclipse
We all love Robyn for her dance beats and catchy lyrics, her songs will fill a discotheque in seconds. This song shows a completely different side to her and shows off her voice beautifully. Its a song about someone falling out of love with you because you hurt them. The video could have been simple, emotional and stunning to watch (I imagine similar to Sugarland's 'Stay' video).

The Veronicas - Revenge is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)
 This song is one my favourite Veronica's songs ever (as a huge fan this quite a huge statement). The song is about similar to Taylor's in the sense its about having someone stolen. Its from a different angle as they are angry at the guy. The vocals are top notch, especially the chorus. The video would have been dramatic and amazing. The song alone is dramatic and amazing.

Rihanna - Fire Bomb
I may be standing alone with this choice but I love this song. Its more of a rocky edgy song. I love the chorus. Rihanna sounds amazing. The video would have been very cinematic and emotion full. A good revenge video. I can only imagine how good the fashion would have been. Love me some angry Rihanna (her condescending attitude in 'Take A Bow' shows how good she can be.)

Lady Gaga - Speechless
One of my favourite songs of all time. Its obvious she loves the song as she sang it with Elton John at the Grammy's. I am gutted it never got a video. I feel like it would have been a really sad video and epic the only way Lady Gaga knows how. If there is one thing we know about Gaga is that she is unpredictable so who knows she might revisit the song and make a video. Fingers crossed.

Divas Live

I have been to my fair share of concerts. For some reason about 80% of them are female performers. I love a show where a female is singing her heart out and putting on a spectacle for us to sit back and watch in awe.

My first ever concert was the Spice Girls. It was when they were a 4 (I have since seen them as a 5 on their reunion tour). It was amazing, it felt even better because we got the tickets for free (they arrived in the mail and we didn't question it). Since then I have made sure I go to concerts of all my favourite singers.

When seeing a show I prefer arena gigs. The production value is awesome - there is fire, lasers, screens, lights, smoke and on multiple occasions flying. One of my favourite concerts I ever went to was Destiny's Child on their Destiny Fulfilled and Lovin' It (they were sponsored by McDonald's). at the beginning the whole arena went black, then the screen came on and simply said 'Say My Name' and BANG toaster pop and the girls were on stage. I almost pissed myself with excitement.

I have been to smaller venues to see the likes of The Veronicas, Ke$ha and Ellie Goulding. These are special because it is purely about the talent. Their voices are perfect and there is a real vibe of community as the whole crowd is feeling the music. Another thing I like to do is festivals - I haven't been to as many as I would like to but I will always be thankful for V Festival for getting Taylor Swift. I got so close to the stage and I was in awe.

When huge acts come to England, more precisely Manchester I have to go. I have seen Carrie Underwood, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera live and it. was. awesome. They live upto the hype and standing in the same room as them gets me a little bit starstruck.

I don't have a lot of gigs to look forward to right now except from V Festival and Ellie Goulding. I hope to see a lot more and 30 Seconds To Mars have just announced a tour so I will be looking for someone to go with me. There is something about being in  dark room, sweating and listening to music that just gets me.