Music Premiere: Where We Came From - Phillip Phillips

Here's a track from Phillip Phillips' upcoming album, Where We Came From, off his debut album, The World from the Side of the Moon, which will be released on November 19, 2012. At first, I figured it's his follow up single after Home, but Phillip himself confirmed that this is just an instant gratification track.

As for the song, I think is a grower. Not as catchy as Home, but it has a nice chorus, decent melody and a mildly memorable hook. That said, the verse and chorus don't sound like they are in the same song and slightly suffers from a multiple personality disorder. Haha. At least, it's not generic.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Little Things - One Direction

Here's One Direction's new single written by the talented Ed Sheeran, Little Things, which is part of their upcoming sophomore album Take Me Home.

I'm actually torn between my love for anything Ed Sheeran related, and my general dislike for Cowell-manufactured groups. Haha. I'm kidding, of course. Not going to lie, One Direction had some seriously catchy songs and it's surprising to hear something more serious from them. This has a nice sound to it with just their vocals and subtle background music, but it's like an extension of their other song, What Makes You Beautiful. I guess, they are the boyfriend band for girls with low self-esteem? Haha. I can't believe we're critiquing a One Direction song. At this point, as long as they remain young and cute, take off their shirts from time to time, talk about their crushes, and prevent the next boyband from getting too hot, they can release Mary Had A Little Lamb and it would go platinum. Enjoy!

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Don't Rush - Kelly Clarkson (ft. Vince Gill)

Look, it's Kelly Clarkson trying to go country with country star Vince Gill. She has had a couple of successful songs in that genre from the remakes of her hit songs Because of You with Reba McIntire and the country version of Mr. Know It All. But her duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Wanna Stay, had the biggest splash, I think.

Don't Rush is a complete departure from Kelly Clarkson's anthemic sound from her previous album and even her latest single from her Greatest Hits compilation, Catch My Breath. Not sure if this is country exactly, but I love that it has an old school vibe to it. It's definitely a little throwback, but it's soulful, bluesy and I like the more mellow style of it than some of the things we've heard from her recently. Plus, it's refreshing to hear such a laid back vocal from the original American Idol. This makes me happy.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Catch My Breath - Kelly Clarkson

Check out Kelly Clarkson's new single, Catch My Breath, which is her official lead single off her very first hits compilation, Greatest Hits - Chapter 1, due out November 16, 2012.

Hmm. The opening verse is great, it's strong lyrically and she sounds stellar as usual, but I somehow find the chorus a bit underwhelming. It lacks that catchy hook, which most of her singles have. Still, it's pretty much the typical Kelly Clarkson song. To be honest, I actually don't understand why they cut short the Stronger era when the album seriously has some STRONG tracks in there and release a Greatest Hits record. Enjoy!

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Skyfall - Adele

Check out the new James Bond theme song Skyfall sung by the possibly the biggest artist today, Adele. The movie is due to premiere on October 23, 2012 in the United States.

This song has that classic James Bond sound that's rousing, anthemic and lush. I like how they incorporated the James Bond trademark of the slow building crescendo that transitions to the bridge with the accompanying orchestra. The verses are lovely and the final seconds of the song is gorgeous. Of course, Adele sounds impeccable. This woman can do no wrong no?

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Red - Taylor Swift

That's right, another Taylor Swift single! Apparently, during the four weeks preceding the debut of her new album, Red, one track will be released digitally on iTunes as promo single. This week, she released her second promotional single entitled Red - same title as her album.

I must say, Red is possibly my favorite track off her upcoming record. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was catchy as heck, Begin Again was lovely, but this one has that replay value and stays in your head like a little earworm. The reverb electro effect, which almost seems like a vocal stutter, is a nice surprise and the bridge is particularly excellent. It also has an interesting blend of genres. It's clearly pop, but just as country as everything on country radio right now with the fiddle somewhere in there and some more banjo buried under the guitar solo. Not a BIG fan of Taylor Swift, but I can't get this out of repeat. Like, never. Haha.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars

Check out Bruno Mars' lead single, Locked Out Of Heaven, off his sophomore album Unorthodox Jukebox set to be released on December 10, 2012.

At first listen, I admit that I was disappointed as the melody seemed weak for a Bruno Mars song, but it certainly has that retentive prowess - meaning, the song's a grower. I find the production really nice, it's original and non-generic. I definitely didn't expect this sound and I was bopping with the tune from the start to finish. Not as grandiose as Just The Way You Are or Grenade, but it evokes a vintage atmosphere that is typical Bruno Mars.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Diamonds - Rihanna

.. and yes, we have ourselves another Rihanna track - this girl seriously needs some rest. Haha. Diamonds is her lead single off her seventh studio album set to be released in late November of this year.

With Rihanna, I guess you just don't know what to expect no? I was seriously expecting another club banger a la We Found Love and Where Have You Been - heavy on euphoric beats and pulsating club rhythms - but instead, we get a mid tempo track that's relatively light but still has that incredibly catchy hook. This is definitely a nice change of pace from her usual hectic dance beats and it's really refreshing to hear a song that's built around her voice and not the other way around. Great.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Die Young - Ke$ha

Listen to her lead single, Die Young, which will be part of her sophomore album Warrior due for release on November 30, 2012.

While I'm not a big fan of Ke$ha, I find most of her songs entertainingly trashy and ridiculously catchy. Yes, there's nothing wrong with a mindless pop song, but Die Young is a little underwhelming. I think the song lacks a certain spark compared to her previous materials despite her distinctive sing/talk signature. It's still catchy, but I feel like Ke$ha can do better than this. To quote a friend, "the song doesn't have that Drunk-Pop + Dumpster Diva feel I enjoy." That said, radio will eat this up instantly. Oh, is it just me or is the opening riff sounds a lot like Flo Rida's Good Feeling? Haha.

Listen to the song after the jump!

Music Premiere: Begin Again - Taylor Swift

As part of DAM NATION's new "segment" - and since I don't think I'll continue with the monthly playlist since that screwed up my previous blog - I thought of another way to feature new songs released by big artists today.

Here is Taylor Swift's second single, Begin Again, off her upcoming fourth studio album Red to be released on October 1, 2012.

Her new song is actually a nice contrast to her first single, We Are Never Getting Back Together, as this is less pop and more country - if only for the mandolin and pedal steel mixed into the production. I think it's a lovely bittersweet song that may not exactly be a total departure from her previous materials melody wise, but it's lyrically more mature in the veins of Safe & Sound and Ronan. Plus, Taylor sounds great in this song.

Listen to the song after the jump!