Justin Timberlake releases mammoth new song

Last night Justin Timberlake made a triumphant return to the Grammys stage. Following an X-Factor style introduction from Beyoncé and Ellen DeGeneres, Timberlake performed his comeback single 'Suit & Tie', along with rapper Jay-Z, and a new song from his upcoming album The 20/20 Experience called 'Pusher Love Girl'.

Today, hot off the heels of that performace, Timberlake uploaded another new song to his VEVO account, and at 8 minutes and 6 seconds long, it's one epic tune. Well, they don't call him trousersnake for nothing! Justin's well known for length...in fact, it's rare you hear a JT song that's under four minutes long; 'Suit & Tie' lasts for 5 minutes 27 seconds wilst 'Lovestoned/I Think She Knows' and 'What Goes Around.../...Comes Around' (from FutrureSex LoveSounds) both come close to the seven and a half minute mark. It seems that, thankfully, JT's songs aren't getting any shorter.

Impressive, right? I'm loving it; It has more commercial appeal than 'Suit & Tie' and it sounds like a classic Timberlake song already. But pop, as a genre, isn't known for songs of this length; when you think of sprawling, epic songs, you're probably more likely to think of Classic Rock and Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' than of Justin, Britney, Christina etc. But, in honour of Justin Timberlake's feat, here's a list of my favourite songs that last longer than 8 minutes (besides 'Mirrors' of course):

5. Don McLean - American Pie (8:33)

Widely regarded as a classic, it's probably the only 8 minute song that people can sing-along to. 'American Pie' is beautifully written, but it's also a crowd pleaser and, although I love Madonna, no-one else can really do it justice.

4. Donna Summer & Barbra Streisand - No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (11:43)

After Classic Rock/Led Zeppelin, Disco/Donna Summer are the next things you think of when you hear the phrase 'Long Songs' - after all, 'Love to Love You Baby' was an astonishing 16 minutes and 50 seconds long! Although I love that song, it's Summer's collaboration with stage/screen/musical legend, and fellow gay icon, Barbra Streisand that makes my list. The runtime of this song varies, but in it's fullest form it lasts for 11 mintes and 43 seconds; that's almost 12 minutes of the perfect disco/ballad hybrid, featuring the respective leading ladies of each genre.

3. Kanye West - Runaway (9:08)

 This song is a highlight from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, an album full of epic songs. 'Runaway' is a very different Rap song, with great production and even better lyrics. Like the whole album, it's a theatrical piece that serves as a kind of inner monologue.

2. Melanie C - Enemy (8:12)

The final track on Sporty Spice's fifth solo album, The Sea, is a treat. It might be long, but it never gets boring; it's atmospheric, it builds, it's also lyrically amazing and Mel C sounds great on it. One of my favourite tracks on a really underrated album.

1. Green Day - Jesus Of Suburbia (9:08)

Did you not take me for a Green Day fan? They may not be Pop, but they are right up my street. 'Jesus of Suburbia' was the final single to be released from the masterpiece that is American Idiot. In 9 minutes it goes through a range of styles and emotions (acts, if you will) and it's inherently theatrical - accompanied by an 11 minute music video and being included in Green Day's American Idiot! the Musical.

Popstar to Theatre-star

Kimberley Walsh’s solo album, Centre Stage, hits the shops (or iTunes) today and it is a far cry from those Xenomania-produced pop gems of the Girls Aloud oeuvre. As you probably know, Walsh has turned to the stage for inspiration and recorded an album of songs that are essentially showtunes. I admire Kimberley for taking this direction, but there are some tricky songs on this tracklist which made me doubt how well Centre Stage would turn out. Although Walsh is one of the better Girls Aloud singers, she has only really appeared in Shrek the Musical; she was fantastic as Princess Fiona when I saw her in it but then, this is not the most technical of shows and there are certainly no classic showtunes to contend with. The fact that Kimberley is a fairly new face on the Musical Theatre scene makes the album an even bolder venture.

Now, it is in my nature, as a musical theatre aficionado (almost), to be cynical and dubious of popstars who make the leap from Top 40 to Top Hat. However, there isn’t much to worry about here; Kimberley, for the most part, makes an effortless transition into these stagey musical theatre classics. There are some inspired song choices and a few new arrangements on the album that make her voice sound at home in this genre; theatrics seem to come naturally to her, particularly in one of the album’s new songs, ‘Dreams Can Learn to Fly’. There are only a few instances where Walsh seems overwhelmed; my only real issue being with ‘On My Own’. It might just be that I like this song performed a certain way, but her rendition feels slightly forced and the arrangement is certainly not one of my favourite things. (aside: nice Sound of Music reference there, Kieran).

However, that did not detract from my enjoyment when I listened to Centre Stage and Kimberley’s vocals sound gorgeous on the other tracks. There are certain songs that I would single out as highlights; these include Lloyd Webber’s ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, which suits her voice perfectly, and ‘Memory’ which I actually preferred to most other versions I've heard. I should also say that lead single ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ has grown on me a lot; it may have taken a while, but I do like Kimberley’s version.

Walsh is not the only member of a girlband that has branched out into musicals however; Anyone recall Sporty Spice’s West End debut in Blood Brothers, her judging stint on ITV’s Superstar or the subsequent arena tour of Jesus Christ? And last year, Melanie C released Stages, an album similar in concept to Centre Stage, which featured hits from both shows, as well as Hair, Company, Cabaret and there’s even a duet with Baby Spice on it! Like Kimberley, Mel C was one of the actual singers in the group and, although neither are my favourites (being ginger means that my heart belongs with Geri and Nicola), they have both proved their talent on stage 8 times a week and on their latest records.

The fact that both these women have delivered on these albums should prove to me that Popstars CAN make that move to the stage AND that they can do it well. However, I’m not quite prepared to see Kerry Katona as Elphaba or that girl from the Sugababes in Into the Woods just yet.

Beyoncé continues to dominate 2013

The hot topic of conversation last night/this morning was, of course, Beyoncé's stunning half-time show at the Super Bowl. Twitter was quite universal in praising the singers set, which included a medley of solo songs and a Destiny's Child reunion that was short but sweet (and also fairly quiet on Kelly and Michelle's part), which was big enough to cause a powercut in the Mercedez-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Watch the show here and take a moment to appreciate this moment:

And after such a fierce performance, this morning Beyoncé confirmed the details of her upcoming world tour. Yes, 'The Mrs. Carter Show' will make 46 stops around the globe, including 8 UK/Ireland dates, and is supposed to support her upcoming fifth album which is rumoured to be released in April (it's still tbc, but I'm hopeful). The tour will kick off in Serbia the same month (on April 15th) and pull up in Birmingham on April 26th. This will be followed by FOUR London shows between the 29th April and 3rd May and, as things stand, the UK leg will conclude in Manchester on May 7th, with Dublin dates on the 11th and 12th. Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 23rd February at 9:30am so there's still time to save. 

Now, please can Destiny's Child be the support? Only Bey could open for herself on a world tour, she's superhuman after all.

Tonight: Beyoncé performs and some Americans play Football

Has it really been a year since Madonna performed at the Super Bowl? In February of last year Madge 'vogued' her way onto the pitch at half-time, accompanied by Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, Cee-Lo Green and LMFAO, in an absurdly entertaining spectacle that attracted a record number of viewers. Around 111 million viewers tuned in to watch the Queen of Pop perform some classic tracks, M.I.A give the nation the finger and LMFAO rock their trademark animal print.

It might be a tough act to follow but this year's performer at the Super Bowl XLVII half-time show is none other than Beyoncé herself. She may have come under fire recently, allegedly miming the national anthem at Obama's inaugration, but she has proved time and time again what an outstanding performer she is. She even took the opportunity to remind everyone of the fact in a press conference this week.

We're also expecting to see a Destiny's Child reunion tonight as the trio prepare to release new music. I have waited a long time for this and thought it was going to happen when B headlined Glasto in 2011...but that dream was not realised. Finally the time has come and Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle will take to the stage together for the first time in 7 years. Hopefully, the 'big reunion' will live up to the hype and last a bit longer than the Spice Girls' at the Olympics.

So I'd like to dedicate this post to Beyoncé and Destiny's Child and look at some of the hits we might be hearing tonight/tomorrow morning (if you're in England and not an insomniac).

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

This is a dead cert, no? The 2008 chart-topper is one of Beyoncé's biggest hits and is also Kanye West's favourite video of all time. I'm sure some of this choreography will work it's way into tonight's show.

 

Survivor

A personal karaoke favourite so I am a little biased. However, it's got a strong message and everybody knows it, so I can't see why Bey would deny me the chance to sing along?

Crazy In Love

This one's surely guaranteed to be included tonight, but Beyoncé might surprise us. I'm still confident we'll see some booty action tonight though because this song put her on the map as a solo artist, in a big way.

 

Independent Women Part I

If Survivor is not the dead cert DC song, I'd say it's between this and 'Bootylicious'. The theme song from Charlie's Angels pushes forth that message of female empowerment that will be central to Beyoncé's show, I'm guessing.
 

Bills, Bills, Bills

The song that really made an impact for Destiny's Child hasn't aged since its release in 1999 and still sounds as good as ever. The video is also a bit of a winner too.
 

Listen

Beyoncé's torch song from Dreamgirls is stunning; a highlight in the movie and on her second solo album. Sadly, it's unlikely to make the cut tonight but the musical theatre geek in me had to include it here.
 

Love On Top 

I. want. those. key changes! If Beyoncé wants to hit back at her critics, this would be the song to do it with. Amazing.
 

And, of course, there's the possibility of new music!

What do we think of 'Nuclear'? I'm still undecided.

Whatever is performed tonight, it is sure to be a great show. But can Beyoncé match the record set by Madonna last year? Game on.