NEW SOUNDS

I grow more and more skeptical of new music by anticipated artists somehow mysteriously being leaked online before the official release date and how outraged these musicians claim to be about the issue. That happens to be the case for pop superstars Lady Gaga and Katy Perry who both have their latest singles make it out to the world before they said so. I'm sure it's some kind of a game but whatever. They are now actually released, so here are the songs in question:

LADY GAGA

"Applause" is the title of the first song from Gaga's upcoming album, "ARTPOP" that is due this November. The singer's vocal styling here makes me think of 80's new wave songstress, Lene Lovich (and yes, you need to be of a certain age to know who the hell she is) which she actually has a lot in common with.. This electro-beat heavy song is what you would expect and certainly seems accurate as she sings about how she "lives for the applause" as we know the Lady gives her entire body and soul to make sure her little monsters happy and satisfied.

"Applause" - Lady Gaga (2013)

For those who don't know, here is Lene Lovich on the UK show, "Top of The Pops" performing her song, "New Toy":



KATY PERRY

This is no longer the bubble-gum soft Katy Perry of "Teenage Dream" as she has grown-up, toughen-up and ready to "Roar".  That is the name of the first release from her forthcoming third album, "Prism" scheduled to come out in October. This is another catchy, self-empowering tune that she is well-known for and while it offers no surprises it also doesn't disappoint.

"Roar" - Katy Perry (2013)

JAY Z

Inspired by performance artist, Marina Abramović, Jay Z has created a short film for his new single, "Picasso Baby" . With director Mark Romanek on board, Jay has documented the creation of this fascinating art piece as well as shown highlights of the six-hour experience. Although they are given a credit at the end, see how many famous faces you recognize in this clip from the art and film worlds: