Rihanna has teamed up with Kanye West & the great Paul McCartney for a single that seems to be getting plenty of love from Top40 programmers. “Forty Five Seconds” (DefJam) is the track that includes this unlikely pairing but I suppose stranger things have happened in the music business. Jessie J continues her winning ways with a new track destined for greatness. “Masterpiece” (Republic) is the jam everybody is talking about and radio really needs this strong vocalist. The Calvin Harris pairing with  Ellie Goulding seems to be paying off. “Outside” (Columbia) is getting huge support from our music and program directors, a sign that they are doing something right.   

Nick Jonas is on fire and make no mistake about that. “Chains” (Safehouse/Island) is his latest and this one appears to be just as strong as the last one out in “Jealous”.  Nick just performed it on the Miss Universe Pageant (NBC) and I have to admit he did an excellent job considering he had to play to most of the top contestants. Ne-Yo has joined forces with Juicy J for a real winner. “She Knows” (Motown/UMG) is the track that many of you out there are raving about. Ne-Yo is a brilliant vocalist and a very bright guy so it’s great to see good things happening for him a radio.  

 Weezer is back and that always makes for a good time. “Da Vinci” (Universal/UMG) is their latest and from the looks of it, they may really have something here. One artist that really has something is Taylor Swift. Her latest and greatest in  “Style” (Big Machine/Universal) keeps her right on top where she belongs. She’s come a long way from the Blue Bird Café and what a story and career she has carved up for herself and what a job Scott Borchetta has done for this superstar.    

Ellie Goulding has a solo effort out that is worth reporting. “Love Me Like You Do” (Polydor) really shows the talent of this stunning young lady. We’ll see how this track plays out but so far it’s getting some rather strong support at radio. Maroon 5 are as hot as any act out there at the format. Their new single “ Sugar” (222/Interscope) shocases lead vocalist Adam Levine at his very best. There is no doubt that his addition to The Voice (NBC) has helped the band in many ways, but ever since “Moves Like Jagger” powerful things have happened for Maroon 5 that are hard to explain.

 The pairing of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars are bringing big dividends. “Uptown Funk” (Columbia) is a huge record and although Mr. Ronson had to travel all over the globe to get Bruno to make this record, the time and pain appear to be well worth all that trouble. Let’s hear it for Ok Go! Their new single “I Won’t Let You Down” (Paracadute/BMG) is such a good time you can’t put it down. Watch for some bold and beautiful things to come from them on this one. One Direction can boast about their very best as “Night Changes” (Columbia) takes flight. I’m not a huge fan but this song can actually make you a true believer, believe it or not.

 Nicki Minaj has joined forces with Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown for a real gang bang. “Only” (Cash Money/Motown) is the jam that has phones and emails shaking all over the music world. Kelly Clarkson is back with a super red hot single. “Heartbeat Song” (RCA/RLG) is Kelly at her very best and this has to bring smiles all around to the American Idol producers. J Cole has a good thing going and make no mistake about that.  “Apparently” (Roc Nation/Columbia) is the single that may be worth your time. Chris Brown and new found pal Tyga are getting it one with “Ayo” (RCA/RLG) and this one has what it takes to go all the way. Natalie La Rose has teamed with Jeremih for the single “Somebody” (Republic) and it’s oh so good. This is also our annual New Music Weekly Nomination so please get out the vote my good people.