Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
Who among us doesn't love a pop comeback? The more remarkable the better, and few have been as impressive as Houston's, even if the 46-year-old has employed a strategy known as "pretending the last 10 years never happened". From the brink, she has returned with a huskiness that only hints at her past and a song which ignores it completely. Million Dollar Bill revels in bass-heavy disco joviality, an unabashed shout-out to all the women who are lucky in love. It's tremendous fun, and even with "the voice" sounding a little weather-worn, Houston's vocal prowess can still knock stripes off most singers out there in popland.
Watch the video to Million Dollar Bill
TI featuring Mary J Blige – Remember Me
Speaking of comebacks, how do we feel about artists launching them before the worst is over? TI's latest single comes midway through a year-long prison stretch for firearms charges. It was recorded before the rapper actually went down, and ponders the fate that awaits him on release. "By the time you hear this, I'll be halfway home," boasts the 29-year-old Atlantan, clearly confident that good behaviour will ensure he keeps to his release date. But forget the weapons charges that landed him in jail in the first place, TI's biggest crime is demoting Mary J Blige to a wailing support act. No one puts the Queen of R&B in the corner!
Reverend and the Makers – No Soap in a Dirty War
War, domestic violence, capitalism – Jon McClure has an opinion on everything. It's a trait critics usually adore, but most agree mouthiness is no substitute for decent music and, until now, Reverend and the Makers have cornered the market for squalling, ham-fisted indie. That's right, until now, because No Soap ... is actually a pretty decent pop song. McClure sketches the sad moment when you realise you have nothing in common with childhood friends: "I don't wanna die in the same hole I was born … I don't wanna get married in the same church as you all." More choruses like this, and people may actually start listening to his opinions on Venezuelan socialism.
Little Comets – Adultery
There's something endearing about this Newcastle quartet's shrieking, angular noise. "This is a tale of a boy and a man, of a girl and a wife … for putting your hand into trousers and knickers can destroy a life," screeches Robert Coles, sounding less like a scorned lover than the product of divorced parents. It's a mature take on the pain of infidelity, which is surprising given the laddish front the band project. But you'll have to really love the clever wordplay to overlook the singer's overly emphatic vocals.
Miley Cyrus – Party in the USA
The worst thing to happen to music since Akon covered a James Morrison song on bloody Live Lounge.
