MR. WILL-W.'S SONGS OF SUMMER 2012

Karmin

Summers for me always have been defined by Songs. The trigger of hearing a Track instantaneously can prompt a chain reaction of memories and place me in a mood, even if momentarily. Although we’re only into late May, our iPods and Airwaves already have been infiltrated by a bevy a solid Summer Tunes and here are my Top Five!

1. Karmin – Brokenhearted

Although it took me several listens to enjoy, this Los Angeles-based Real Life Couple have me clicking repeat with this infectious number which received a major profile boost with their appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Their signature rap-singing, Electropop takes an edgy concept and spreads it to a mass audience.

2. Nicki Minaj – Starships

Thanks to Lady Gaga, RedOne has been placed internationally on-the-map as a Game Changer in Pop Music and to this day he remains a force to be dealt with as the Pop Elite clamour to collaborate with him. Anyone who listens to Starships needs little explanation why this rightfully is "The Song of Summer 2012". It has a widely international sound and Minaj is improving leaps and bounds as a Vocalist - at least on-recording. A starship quite literally has risen.

NEW MUSIC: KELIS - ACAPELLA

Kelis has been pretty quiet since her departure from Arista Records, which was responsible for propelling her to stardom with international hit Milkshake. A new single surfaced online today from the R&B singer/songwriter and it is produced by red-hot French DJ/producer David Guetta. Guetta of course, brought us two of this summer's biggest hits When Love Takes Over (Kelly Rowland) and I Got a Feeling (Black Eyed Peas). The streak doesn't appear to be coming to a halt any time soon as this new single from Kelis titled Acapella sounds every bit a hit too.

Many will note that the track contains similarities to the Giorgio Moroder-produced classic I Feel Love (Donna Summer), which has inspired many great moments in pop music like Kylie Minogue's Light Years and Madonna's Future Lovers. Lyrically, Acapella is a metaphor for how bare Kelis' life was before her son Knight came into her life; he added the music to her life and made it complete. Definitely lots of potential here and a track to listen out for. Kelis' next studio album will be released early 2010 through Geffen Records.

Listen below to Acapella by Kelis (courtesy of Geffen Records/Universal Music):