This week's list ranges from the hip hop rock fusion of The Knux to a new song from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Paul Simon. It is also a good week for Swedish pop with great new songs from Lykki Li and Those Dancing Days. These are songs serious pop fans should not miss. Purchase and download them now.
1. The Knux - "She's So Up"
Courtesy Interscope
Don't miss this single. The Knux blend classic guitar based pop-rock with hip hop in a style that will make you want to get up and move. Take a big dose of surf rock, an edge of indie pop, and a bit of hip hop sensibility and you might have an inkling of the exciting sound of The Knux.
2. Lykke Li - "Youth Knows No Pain"
Courtesy Atlantic
"Youth Knows No Pain" is the lead track from Wounded Rhymes, the second album from Swedish singer Lykke Li. Classic 60s pop informs the huge, infectious, jangly sound of this song.
3. Marsha Ambrosius - "Sour Times"
Courtesy J Recordings
Former Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius takes a classic song by British electronic group Portishead and stretches it further with her gorgeous, heartfelt vocals. This is a track off her debut solo album Late Nights and Early Mornings.
4. Manchester Orchestra - "Simple Math"
Courtesy Columbia
This is the title song and lead single from the upcoming third album by indie rock band Manchester Orchestra. It amounts to something like a gorgeous indie power ballad.
5. Willow Smith - "21st Century Girl"
Courtesy Roc Nation
Following her debut R&B hit "Whip My Hair," 10 year old Willow Smith heads in a decidedly pop direction. It's an anthem for little girls, but many adult pop fans will be pleased too.
6. Those Dancing Days - "Keep Me In Your Pocket"
Courtesy Wichita Recordings
The five Swedish women that make up Those Dancing Days create stellar, ultra-catchy pop. Classic 60s soul and girl groups provide the foundation, but the group restlessly travels down its own path as well. This is a track off the group's new album Daydreams and Nightmares.
7. Big Sean - "My Last" featuring Chris Brown
Courtesy Def Jam
This is the lead single from the upcoming debut album by rapper Big Sean. He is a protege of Kanye West and shows strong influences from Drake as well. The Chris Brown chorus is honey sweet.
8. Joss Stone - "Back In Style"
Courtesy Stone'd Records
At the age of 23, Joss Stone has had more record label problems than most top performers in a lifetime. She is finally on her Stone'd label, and this single does present her big, soulful vocals at their best.
9. Paul Simon - "The Afterlife"
Courtesy Hear Music
Pop rock legend Paul Simon will release his first studio album in five years on April 12, 2011. This new single will be familiar musically to any of Paul Simon's fans, and the lyrics are filled with tongue in cheek humor.
10. Juanes - "Regalito"
Courtesy Universal Latin
Juanes continues his engaging Latin pop rock here. This is the third single from his fifth studio album P.A.R.C.E.
