NUMBER ONE FLASHBACK

"I Hear a Symphony" became The Supremes' sixth number one song, hitting that spot this week back in 1965. After their previous single, "Nothing But Heartaches" failed to reach the top-ten on the pop chart (reaching only number eleven), Motown chief, Berry Gordy decreed that one of the company's biggest and most popular acts (featuring Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard) would only release number one hits. That put the pressure on the trio's production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland to come up with the right songs for The Supremes to make that happen. They decided to slightly alter the winning formula that had worked so well for the group, making the musical structure of "I Hear a Symphony" a little more complex. This worked as this song went straight to the top, holding this position for two weeks.

Although the next two singles, "My World Is Empty Without You" and "Love Is Like an Itching In My Heart" failed to reach number one (only making it to number five and number nine respectively), the Supremes' next four singles, "You Can't Hurry Love", "You Keep Me Hangin' On", "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" and "The Happening" each became chart toppers. The Supremes would go on to have a total of twelve number one hits, making them one of the most successful singing groups in pop history.

MISSY ELLIOTT - "WTF"

It's been a shocking TEN YEARS since Missy Elliott released her own new music to the world. The hip-hop star had been busy producing and was featured on several recordings for other artists. First, Elliott teased us with an electric appearance with Katy Perry at this year's Super Bowl and most recently on Janet Jackson's new track, "Burn It Up" but she has now finally dropped a new single, "WTF (Where They From"). The track is classic Missy with it's funky beat and offbeat lyrics. Pharrell Williams produced and adds his vocals to this amazing song. The music video (Elliott co-directed with her frequent collaborator, Dave Meyers) perfectly enhances the track with it's quirky imagery, over-the-top costumes and slick choreography. Enjoy this wild, whimsical and wacky clip from the one and only Missy Elliott:

NEW SOUNDS

GWEN STEFANI

After releasing two poorly received singles earlier this year, Gwen Stefani decided to scrap the music she had been working on for her third solo album and start fresh. That appears to be a very wise move. The singer just dropped a new song, "Used To Love You" and it's a step in the right direction. This touching ballad hits pretty close to home for Stefani is going through a divorce from former Bush front man, Gavin Rossdale after almost thirteen years of marriage. It's been said that great art can come from personal tragedy and this amazing track, co-written with Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter (of Semi Precious Weapons), and producer, J.R. Rotem, is admittedly inspired by this break-up.

"Used To Love You" - Gwen Stefani (2015) mp3

ARIANA GRANDE

In a very short period of time, Ariana Grande has gone from an adorable Nickelodeon TV star to a major player in the pop music scene. The twenty-two year old is prepping her next album (tentatively titled, "Moonlight") and has released the first single, "Focus". With production by Swedish superstar producer, Max Martin, Grande has delivered another slick club banger that is elevated by her soaring vocals. That's also the problem here as the song feels far too similar to her previous work (particularly her hit, "Problem"), lacking unexpected thrills to get thoroughly excited over. Hear the song through the music video (featuring her new platinum locks) and judge for yourself:



MIIKE SNOW

Miike Snow, an electropop collective featuring American musician, Andrew Wyatt and Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg of the Swedish production team, Bloodshy & Avant, first came on the scene with the catchy tune, "Animal" back in 2009. While their third album together isn't due out until sometime next year, the trio has delivered a hot track, "Heart Is Full" that offers a fresh new sound from the band. Using fragmented beats and staccato music samples, the song manages to feels oddly familiar yet highly innovative. It makes me curious to hear else what they have in store for us.

"Heart Is Full" - Miike Snow (2015) mp3