1) DVD with bonus CD set of her live concert

2) Special Limited Edition DVD boxed-set with CD set of the live concert

3) Blu-Ray DVD with a bonus 3D DVD

The setlist of her amazing concert is as such:

The Birth of Aphrodite intro
Aphrodite
The One
Wow
Illusion
I Believe In You
Cupid Boy
Spinning Around
Get Outta My Way
What Do I Have to Do
Beautiful
Slow
Confide
Can’t Get You Out Of My Head
In My Arms
Looking for an Angel
Closer
There Must Be An Angel
Love At First Sight
If You Don’t Love Me
Better The Devil You Know
Better than Today
Put Your Hands Up
Million Dollar Intro
On A Night Like This
All The Lovers

Here’s a preview:

Leona Lewis, Collide

I have been very impressed by Jennifer Hudson since her American Idol days because her voice and attitude always stood out among the contestants. And she really made it big-time after her award-winning and career-changing role as “Effie” in “Dreamgirls”, even outshining Beyonce in that movie I would say.

So she is back with a brand new album called “I Remember Me”. Firstly, she looks absolutely amazing, and so different compared to the days before she lost weight. Secondly, unlike her debut album, her sophomore album is less commercial, catering less to mainstream tastes, but it showcases her soulful and big voice nonetheless. Emotions and confidence are overflowing in this album, for instance, in track like “I Got This”, “Don’t Look Down”, “Still Here”.

Alicia Keys penned 3 songs in this album, and they definitely are reminiscent of her style, and you could even “picture” her singing these songs. Other than Alicia Keys, there’s also R.Kelly, who penned the album’s first single “Where You At”, as well as Ryan Tedder, who co-wrote the title track with Jennifer Hudson.

The only misstep in this album I think will have to be the cover “Feeling Good”. I do not think that her treatment of this song impressive. Then again it could be because of the song, or that it is just not for a singer like her.

Anyway, I think this album is a better showcase of Jennifer Hudson than her debut, which was more market-driven.

3.5 out of 5

Anyway, I was blown away already on the first listen! It has been a very long time since I liked an album from top to bottom on the first listen, and I am not talking about an album that is full of catchy brainless tunes. ’21′ is quite a mature effort, considering Adele is only 21! According to her, this album is actually inspired by her relationship. By now, we should all be very familiar with her 2 singles, “Rolling in the Deep”, as well as “Someone Like You”.

Other than these two hits, my favourites would also include “Don’t You Remember” (my absolute favourite), “One and Only”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”. The album in general is rather cohesive and flows very well. Also, Adele’s an amazing storyteller, to be able to emote and bring out the meaning of the songs. They are afterall, inspired by her relationships.

This is definitely pop music at its very best!

4.5 out of 5

I am a fan of Beyonce’s, and I am always excited to get my hands on her (new) albums/ materials. Her latest album, ’4′, is definitely an interesting one – more experimental than B’day, has more slow to mid-tempo tracks, and is quite a departure from her usual style. It is still impressive nonetheless.

The album kicks off with her third single “1+1″. She sounds amazing on this track, and I think it probably has to do with her marriage. Her voice floats above this simple arrangement below, and she sounds so much in love. The best rendition of this song that I have heard so far has to be that on American Idol, when she sings with just piano accompaniment. Equally just as emotional is the track “I Miss You”.

I have to say that the mid to fast-tempo tracks sort of stands out more on her album (maybe because there are less of them). There’s “Best Thing I Never Had”, which is essentially “Irreplaceable” part II in a way; “Love on Top”, “Countdown”, ” End of Time”, and her first single “Run the World (Girls)”.

My most favourite track on the album has to be “Love on Top”, the song which she performed at the 2011 VMAs! It has this retro-feel, and it is just so catchy! Simple and effective song! “Countdown” is another favourite. I really like the arrangement for the song, and is sort of reminiscent of her B’day era.

Overall, while it is a great effort by Beyonce, it may not be a very listenable album for the first few runs. One will definitely need more time to get used to most of the songs, and once you do, you will realise how amazing an artiste she has become over the years.

4 out of  5

1) Kylie Minogue – All the Lovers

The video clip may look like a mass orgy of sorts, but I really like this song, her first single off her “Aphrodite” album!

2) Goodbye Happiness – Utada Hikaru

Unfortunately for us, Utada Hikaru is will be going on a hiatus (hopefully not quitting the industry) from next year. “Goodbye Happiness” is a song taken from her compilation album “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.2″. I just hope it’s not the last.

3) Runaway – Kanye West

I like how the whole song is put together with the various layers, and then in the background you have the piano key being played continuously. It has been really a great comeback for Mr. West!

4) California Gurlz – Katy Perry

This has got to be everyone’s summer song of 2010! Always looked forward to it being played on air!

5) California King Bed – Rihanna

She may have 2 #1 hits with her latest album “Loud”, but my favourite track on that album has to be this rock ballad!

6) Not Myself Tonight – Christina Aguilera

7) Hard Times – John Legend

Never Gonna Leave This Bed – Maroon 5

9) 美人计 – Jolin Tsai

10) O Come All Ye Faithful/ Hallelujah Chorus – Mariah Carey

11) Say Goodbye – Katharine Mcphee

12) 需要人陪 – Wang Lee Hom

13) 寂寞寂寞就好 – Hebe Tien

14) Even Angels – Fantasia

1) Loud – Rihanna

I really like her latest album. It’s very current, upbeat and it’s just a very enjoyable album to listen to. I thought her previous album was her best yet, but this definitely tops that, in that it’s less dark. On the album, you also have the number 1 hits “What’s My Name”, “Only Girl in the World”. She’s definitely singing better now, and has really evolved as a singer and performer since her first album “Music of the Sun”. I can’t wait for her future releases!

2) Merry Christmas II You – Mariah Carey

No favourite list of mine can be complete without an entry by the lovely and talented mom-to-be, Mariah Carey! Even though it’s a holiday album, I think I can play this album the whole year round. It’s just an amazing album by an amazing singer, writer and producer. On one hand, you have the Christmas Classics – O Holy Night, All I Want For Christmas Is You – and on the other, there are new songs like “When Christmas Comes” and “Oh Santa!”, both of which are definitely my favourites on the album, alongside many others. Also, there seems to be songs for all occasions, whether you are at a party, with family etc. Get this album in time for the holiday season!

3) Bionic – Christina Aguilera

Alright, critics may have panned her latest album and the sales of her album may have flopped in comparison with her previous ones, but there is no denying that she has an amazing voice.  Personally I think this album is really one of the albums out there this year, the only problem may be that it’s just too eclectic in a way. The tracks don’t flow too well somewhere near the middle and at the end. Also, she has a movie that she has to promote as well, and hence affected the promotion of her album. Was really looking forward to her summer concerts, which she unfortunately cancelled or rescheduled. Oh well, maybe next time. Anyway, other than her singles “Not Myself Tonight” and “You Lost Me”, one of the gems on the track would have to be “I Am”. Go listen to it!

4) Unbroken – Katharine Mcphee

I have been a fan of Katharine Mcphee since she appeared on American Idol. It’s been 3 years since her previous album, and I was worried if she were going to release any more music.  Thankfully she did! And she released 2 this year – Unbroken and Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You! Katharine must have had some voice lessons because her voice has really grown and become much better. So anyway, you must have heard “Terrified” already, since it became an overnight hit for her when a certain American Idol finalist performed it. In addition to that, there are also awesome tracks like “Say Goodbye”, which is a personal favourite of mine, as well as “Surrender”. Hopefully she will not take another 3 years to release her next album!

5) To Hebe – Hebe Tien

This has got to be my favourite Mandarin pop album of the year. Hebe always been known to be the one that sings the best in S.H.E., the Taiwanese girl-band she belongs to. This solo effort attempts to demonstrate just that, with her tackling various genres of music. There is really a great selection of songs on this album, something which I haven’t really heard in quite a while, especially for a Mandarin album. Among my favourites of the album include “寂寞寂寞就好”, “Love!”, “你太猖狂” and “超级玛丽”. Alright I really like a lot of tracks in this album. However, I still feel she still has some way to go as a solo artiste, and definitely a lot of room for improvement. I mean it’s definitely easier in when you’re singing in group, but as a solo artiste, there’s definitely more that is demanded. to Despite this, it is definitely a great effort!

6) Myself – Jolin Tsai

The dance diva of the Mando-pop industry, Jolin is the probably one of the most hardworking female artistes, and it really shows in every album that she releases. With every album, she tries to pick up a new type of dance, and to bring out a different sound. And while many other artistes get carried away by the other aspects of the album promotion, like having good music videos and costumes for the album, Jolin still focuses more on the music than these aspects.  Also, she has also become so much better as a singer compared to when she started out, and I would say she is really in a class of her own. Alright, so on this album, I am really wow-ed by the first single, “美人计” , because it has an international vibe to it. Most of the tracks are uptempo and catchy, and interspersed with interludes. Of course you have the ballads “无言以对” and “小伤口” as well to complete the whole album. Can’t wait for her Asian concert tour!

7) Wake Up! – John Legend & The Roots

Alright, I listen to guys as well. I am really a fan of John Legend, and was quite disappointed that I was overseas when he came to perform here in, and hence missed his concert. Firstly, I have to say that I have no idea where these songs came from – I read that they are covers of artistes which I personally haven’t heard before, so pardon my ignorance. However, they sound really current, so I guess they have probably brought a new life into these music. Also, you can really feel the emotions coming through in John Legend’s voice, and together with the amazing talents of “The Roots”, this album almost like it was recorded “live” and not in the studio. I should think that all the instruments are “live”. And unlike many albums out there that are overproduced, this album really comes through as being very “true” and “real”.  My favourite tracks for the album include “Hard Times” and “Wake Up Everybody” and “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free”. I really hope they pick up some Grammys next year (think they are nominated for 5, including Best R&B Album).

More to come!

Anyway, she performed “You Lost Me” on American Idol last week, and I thought it is an amazing song!

Was sort of looking forward to her tour. Quite disappointed that she had to cancel it due to promotional efforts for her movie, Burlesque. Oh well, she knows herself well, so I guess it is for a good reason. Hope she tours Asia again for her new album! I will definitely go for her concert this time round.

Bionic will be released next week (8th June)! Be sure to get a copy!