5 SONGS WE WISH WERE JT'S COMEBACK SINGLE

"Suit & Tie" may have debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 and edged close to some chart history records but a month on and the excitement has all but faded. 

We've had several discussions about the impact and influence "SexyBack" and "My Love" had on music when they were first released, and even the excitement and promise of "Cry Me A River" and a good share of Justified when JT's music was forward-thinking and innovative. Sadly, neither "Suit & Tie" or "Mirrors" feel like they've struck the same chord, which can really only be attributed to one thing; the writers and producers this time around aren't on the cutting edge of the genre. 

This kinda got us thinking, why didn't JT and Timbaland bring in the new crop of creative producers and writers like Hudson Mohawke, Disclosure, Jai Paul, Frank Ocean, Miguel, Cashmere Cat, Hit-Boy, The Weeknd etc? If FutureSex LoveSounds had Danja, The Clutch and other fresh young writers, where are they this time around?

Keeping in mind JT's vocal stylings, overall direction and a focus towards innovation, we've selected 5 songs we wish were JT's comeback single, rather than "Suit & Tie".

Miguel - Do You?

Usher - Climax

Disclosure - Latch

Jeremih - 773 Love

Labrinth - Earthquake

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Some honorable mentions

The Weeknd - High For This

Jai Paul - Jasmine

Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven 

Frank Ocean - Swim Good

Justin Bieber - As Long As You Love Me

What would you pick?

VIDEO: BRUNO MARS - WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

Bruno Mars' Unorthodox Jukebox was one of my favourite pop albums of last year. He comes through with a very late 70's looking video. Really good. 

R&B CLASS OF 2011

About two years ago I had grand plans to write a post about emerging R&B songwriters who I believed would be the future of the genre, however I procrastinated and before I knew it a majority of the songwriters on my 'to-be-written list' hadn't exactly materialised into what I had expected.

Now its the first quarter of 2011 and the state of R&B has deteriorated so far that I find myself disinterested and often disgusted in a lot of artists and producers who I'd check for religiously through the period of 2005-2008. With that said, I feel there is still hope beyond the bad euro house production, 'in the club, hands to the sky, on the dancefloor' limited subject matter and Antares Auto-Tune on ZERO (full) setting.

So here is my 2011 list of emerging R&B artists/songwriters who I believe can steer things in a creative, forward thinking, genre-testing and well written direction:

James Fauntleroy

The dude has been around for a minute now (he has over 100 leaked demo's online), but most recently writing for Diddy's Dirty Money project. "Shades" from Last Train To Paris is a perfect example of how intelligent and interesting Fauntleroy's songwriting style is. Also check out:

James Fauntleroy - Draw

James Fauntleroy - Salt Water

Rihanna - Te Amo



Kevin Cossom

KC has been responsible for almost all of those super catchy Rick Ross/DJ Khaled hooks we all love to shout along to in the club as well as Keri Hilson's biggest hit "Knock You Down" but you have to listen to the songs he writes for himself to really appreciate the creativity and technicality of his songwriting. Having Danja in his corner also helps. Check out:

Kevin Cossom - U Know What U Doin

Kevin Cossom - Hang It Over My Head

Kevin Cossom - On & On

Labrinth

Its only been a little under a year since we first heard of Lab on Tinie Tempah's "Pass Out" and he's widely known as one of the most talented songwriter/producers in UK. From his production and songwriting on Tinie Tempah's "Wonderman" to Loick Essien's "Drunk Love" … Really excited to hear his forthcoming debut on Simon Cowell's Syco label:

Loick Essien - Love Drunk

Labrinth - Let The Sun Shine

Frank Ocean (Lonny Breaux)

A lot of demo's leaked between 08-09 that Lonny had written with Midi Mafia for various artists, including the incredible "Quickly" for John Legend & Brandy. He has recently signed with Tricky Stewarts Red Zone Entertainment as a solo artist under the name Frank Ocean. His new mixtape Nostalgia,Ultra. displays just as well as his older demo's how creative and outside the box his songwriting is. Also check out:

Frank Ocean - Strawberry Swing

Frank Ocean - Swim Good

Bruno Mars

Doesn't really need an introduction at this point. "Grenade" is one of the best R&B records in recent memory. "Fuck You" by Cee-Lo is another fantastic Bruno penned song. Pretty much anything he touches right now is gold. Excited to hear how is debut LP comes out.

Janelle Monae

The ArchAndroid was a great musical experience but I find it difficult to listen to beyond "Cold War", "Tightrope" and a couple other songs. Theres so many scattered moments of greatness in every song but only a few great songs. Once she manages to channel her talent and musical ability into songs that connect and relate to a wider audience, she will be un-fuck-with-able.

Have I missed somone? Let me know!

VIDEO: BRUNO MARS - GRENADE

One of the best songs of the year, imo.

VIDEO: CEE-LO - FUCK YOU

Here go the official visuals for the biggest viral driven pop record in a minute.

Written by Bruno Mars don't forget...

UPDATE: Whilst WMG go on a rampage taking down all the YouTube rips, check it here at the official Cee-Lo Facebook.

VIDEO: BRUNO MARS - OTHERSIDE FT CEE-LO & BOB

Fantastic fucking song.

VIDEO: B.O.B FEAT BRUNO MARS - NOTHIN ON YOU

It's video central on here lately but couldn't not post this could I?