Secret Shame #2: (sometimes terrible) British Pop music

I cannot deny that I have a love for a catchy song with a good beat every now and then, but sometimes I find American pop music to be dull and repetitive and existing of either artists that have been around forever or typical one-hit wonders.

It's just not enough variety for me, which is why I have recently taken a liking to listening to BBC Radio1.

Keeping with my general fondness for all things British, I find that I really like their pop music. It's super catchy, uses lots of synthesizers, but I've noticed that all these singers (or at least the majority of them) can actually sing. The list of American pop stars that CAN'T actually sing grows longer every single day (sorry, Miley Cyrus, you're definitely on there).

The Saturdays


I'm shamefully enjoying select songs from their sophomore album (which is not out in the U.S. so don't ask me how I got it) "Wordshaker." Now, if that's not the greatest word for a guy who spews lies and tries to take back things he has said, then I do not know what it. This word better enter the American vernacular. I'm going to make it happen...which means it probably won't.

"Ego" and "Wordshaker" are the best tracks and they make me want to dance/run so that's always good. I don't necessarily know if The Saturdays would make a splash in the U.S. if they decided to come to this side of the pond. Sometimes I think girl groups with actual talent have gone by the wayside here, but you never know. They should at least try.

Cheryl Cole


Truth be told, I did not know who she was but I kept seeing her name pop up on the BBC entertainment website so I Googeled her. She is from the all girl group "Girls Aloud" and is now embarking on a solo career and she's married to a famous footballer. So, essentially she's Posh Spice, er, Victoria Beckham. Whatever.

I looked her up on YouTube and I was like, 'meh, it's alright' but suddenly I have 'Fight for This Love' stuck in my head all the time. Her new single '3 Words' with Will.I.Am is decent and catchy as well. I get excited when it comes on my BBC radio. So lame.

Pixie Lott

To give a quick description of Ms. Lott that cuts right to the chase is "girl can sing". Holy moly. I really like her style and just the sheer sound of her voice. For some reason there is a hint of something in there that reminds me of Kelly Clarkson. Anyways, be sure to check out "Cry Me Out" and "Mama Do" on YouTube. Those two tracks are by far her best. "Cry Me Out," which really shows off her vocals, is the kind of song I would sing in the shower or in the car at the top of my lungs when I'm sure that no one can hear me.

Pixie's look and her music videos seem to be void of any real personality, though there are hints of it in "Cry Me Out." She sometimes wears outfits that are like the awkward little siblings to the wardrobe of Lady Gaga, so something tells me that we aren't getting the full picture of Pixie's real image.