The music scene has been dominated by massive hits from male solo artists in the first half of 2013.
The music scene has been dominated by massive hits from male solo artists in the first half of 2013. We’ve been treated to the long-awaited comeback of Justin Timberlake, the social commentary of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Pharrell collaborations that have gone on to become international megahits.
But with Miley Cyrus’ ‘We Can’t Stop’ topping the charts this week and imminent material from Katy Perry and Lady Gaga due, can we expect girl power to take us into the New Year and beyond?
Girl power returns
Katy Perry’s new single ‘Roar’ has had much promotion. From the giant gold truck she has visiting important US cities to the teaser videos showing her (literally) burying her Teenage Dream candy-pop image, the first cut from third studio album Prism was sure to represent a change of direction for the singer.
It’s quite a euphoric pop anthem probably referencing her split from Russell Brand again but with a more mature sound. Katy released eight songs from her previous collection (including from the 2012 reissue, The Complete Confection) and her chart domination lasted over two years! Will she be able to do the same again? Prism is due for release on 22nd October.
Teasing sends fans Gaga
Lady Gaga has kept her monsters waiting for her latest effort. She announced the title for her third album in August last year and has been teasing fans with details ever since. Originally due for release in March this year, Gaga’s tour injuries delayed the announcement of ARTPOP (stylistically written in capitals) which is to be released as an album-app on 11th November.
Her latest innovation, due for pre-order on the same day as release of lead single ‘Applause’ on 19th August, has been promoted in typical Gaga-style with multiple wacky (mostly naked) photos and intriguing single artwork.
Beyoncé started the year with the world at her feet: singing at the presidential inauguration, performing at the Superbowl Half-time show, premiering her own HBO documentary, embarking on her Mrs. Carter World Tour and becoming the face of Pepsi and H&M. All of this without any official announcement of new material (with the exception of the mind-boggling ‘Bow Down/I Been On’ mash-up).
Grown woman’s dramatic haircut
It’s PR gone horribly wrong as rumours suggest she’s had to go back to the drawing board having rejected over 50 songs for her fifth collection. Maybe her recent dramatic haircut is all in preparation to launch some classic Beyoncé – I’d be happy if she just released fan-favourite ‘Grown Woman’ (the one from the Pepsi ads).
Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears have also promised new material before the end of the year. Original princess of pop, Kylie, recently signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label and released ‘Skirt’ as an album taster track which was hit-and-miss with her hard-core fans. With will.i.am as executive producer on Britney’s untitled new album, we’re sure to hear some more chart-friendly hits from her.
Reigning Queen of Pop, Madonna, is unlikely to release any new music any time soon following the critical panning of last effort, MDNA. The world doesn’t need her to talk her way through another dance record anyway.
Look out for an assault on the charts
Rihanna has released images of her back in the recording studio following the release of last year’s Unapologetic, her seventh studio album in as many years. Although she’s a guaranteed hit-maker and could probably do with a break, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if she manages to churn out another record by the end of the year.
So we can look forward to an assault on the charts later this year with friendly but fierce competition between these established female solo artists. It looks like it could get quite crowded though, so it’ll be interesting to see who will emerge victorious.
What do you think? Who will win the battle of the pop princess? Is there a single or album you’re looking forward to? Have your say in the comments section below, on Facebook or on Twitter.
