♫ THE NEW MUSIC REVIEW ♫

September 19th, 2008

♫ Leona Lewis feat. Cassidy – Nowhere Left to Go (full) – listen
Check out a new track from Leona Lewis, produced by Stargate and featuring Cassidy. The song was apparently for the US release of her album, Spirit, but didn’t make the cut. It seems as though Leona is rereleasing the project in the UK, just in time for Christmas, with this track on the set. I like the song, it shows that Leona can do midtempos, and that her voice isn’t only suited for ballads, which is what my first impression was, after hearing her smash, “Bleeding Love.”

♫ Musiq Soulchild feat. Mary J. Blige – If U Leave (full) – listen
I was expecting something different from Musiq this time around, especially after the release of that first single, “Radio,” but “If U Leave” definitely finds Musiq going back to his soul roots. His voice sounds amazing on this song to me, I’ve always appreciated him as a vocalist. He and Mary compliment eachother very well on this song, it will definitely be in constant rotation in my iTunes. Love this sound.

♫ John Legend feat. Kanye West – It’s Over (full) – listen
I am really digging this new sound that John Legend is going for on this new album, Evolver. I knew I was in love with this new direction when “Green Light” dropped. John Legend tapped Kanye, who has worked with before, as well as The Neptunes for this new album, and it seems like he’s adding some more electronic elements to the album. I would love to hear this as next single, rather than the other song that leaked recently.

♫ Robin Thicke – Dreamworld (full) – listen
I’ve always been a fan of Robin Thicke’s material, his voice, his writing, his delivery, everything since the release of his debut album, A Beautiful World, so I’m already sold on “Dreamworld.” The material from his upcoming third album, Something Else, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Evolution of Robin Thicke has all been pretty solid so far, so I’m definitely anticipating the release. He and John Legend are both giving it to me this time around.

♫ Kanye West – Love Lockdown (New Version) (full) – listen
Another new version of Kanye’s new single, “Love Lockdown” from his forthcoming new album, 808′s & Heartbreaks has surfaced. He’s been updating us about the single via his blog. I like this version a lot better, it brings me towards the live version that I liked so much on the VMA’s. I really wonder whether or not Kanye is going to be singing to us through this new album too.

♫ Jarvis feat. Yung Joc – Everybody Luv Me (full) – listen
DTP signee Jarvis is still working on his album. I’m wondering what they’re going to do, considering that the single that was supposed to drop over the summer (remember “Pretty Girls,” featuring Ludacris?) never really did anything. He’s been doing some performances around the Atlanta area, but other than that, I haven’t really seen or heard much from Jarvis. The son “Everybody Luv Me” isn’t really all that promising. Maybe 2 summers ago, I would’ve liked this song.

  1. 1.
    d

    Concreteloop has fallen off big time quality not quantity …. seems like there isn’t as much quality out there becuase all i basically see if who rock what better and pictures of celebs at events the political piece is a plus… you guys have been a little low on the quantity try harder at finding more things to post my visit to this site has changed from once a day to once every other week… It is what it is take this as constructive critisism… one thing I beg is that you keep your ads on the sideliness and not interupt the reader with the flash ads they are sooooooooooooo annoying ….. I am sure that most people who see the flash wait for the ad to load and press skip ad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two thumbs down to the webmaster….

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  2. 2.
    LGD

    This is a better version. I can actually understand what he’s singing. It sort of sounds like a diss record. I never been in love so help me out folks.

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  3. 3.
    Greatestloveofall

    Where did Cassidy come out of hiding? Haven’t heard from him for a minute.

    Musiq Soulchild’s the ONLY one I care about in this post, and I love the track. Better yet, it’s got Mary on it too.

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  4. 4.
    DA UNDACOVA BROTHA

    Hmmm…not feelin any of these joints but Musiq..an thats kinda mediocre

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  5. 5.
    Aries

    Leona- Its ok

    Robin- Loves Him…VERY dissapointed that he didnt show up for the concert in N. Chas SC

    Didnt feel the need to listen to the others

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  6. 6.
    SYLTHEDEAL

    Interesting

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  7. 7.
    SYLTHEDEAL

    Leona Lewis does nothing for me. . . She never has that “feeling” when she’s singing.

    Try again Jarvis,

    Kanye, different sound.

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  8. 8.
    DA UNDACOVA BROTHA

    and to #1…i think Brian does a great job with the music….i dont like ALL of it like today for example but 80% of the sh1t he post i like…so you need to fall back cause ConcreteLoop is the buisness..gets me through alot of days @ school ( praise god) its a ENTERTAINMENT WEBSITE so what do you expect? if you want to see shit like the weather & politics take your ass to CNN.com but until then..your dismissed so Brian keep doin you..you help me keep my car bumpin and my bass jumpin..KUDOS

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  9. 9.
    AMBITION

    I love KANYE WEST!

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  10. 10.
    krissy

    I’m loving the direction of John Legend’s album and Musiq too.. I can’t wait to get them. Thanks Brian for keeping me updated on good music

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  11. 11.
    the_one

    I dont like the Leona Lewis song, she could have skipped the rapper on this one, she sounds like a wanna be Mariah Carey and I cannot stand Mariah. Play your position, what kind of backwards ish is that…

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  12. 12.
    MissMarcJacobs

    John Legend & Kanye Song….is Okay!

    Jeeze!

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  13. 13.
    Anonymous

    I only listened to Robin Thicke’s track. I love him as an artist and I would love to live in his Dreamworld. I’m not a fan of any of the rest so it doesn’t matter what they sound like. I won’t be buying or downloading their material so there is no reason to bother.

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  14. 14.
    the_one

    MJ saved that Musiq song, sorry I cannot stand his begging a$$. She is always putting the MJ touch on everything making it so much better. I would rather have heard John Legend sing this song with her, ohhh that would have been sick.

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  15. 15.
    Afroartmami

    I’m loving that John Legend and Robin Thicke! I look forward to both albums and I definitely like this version of Ye’s song, I awlays want to hear what he has to say, I think this album is going to be full of pain b/c of his loss. Music is great therapy, I hope it helps him.

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  16. 16.
    Meechi

    To comment on what #1 said….I actually like listening to the new songs and snippets and reading the writer’s take on what’s going on in the music world. The posts are good and photos are also. I do, however, miss the political section. It was good to see that you were keeping everyone informed on more than just music and fashion. Luv the black history posts too! Keep up the good work!

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  17. 17.
    MzTrici

    That Robin Thicke is nice…a little socially conscious as well. Good one.

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  18. 18.
    the_one

    I heart john Lengend his voice is so sexy, I am not in love with him, but that voice makes me think of love. That song is messed up, but there are a few people I had to ask the same question about–stop calling its over. Love it! I cannot wait till the album drops.

    BRIAN DO YOU HAVE ANY RELEASE DATES, CAN YOU DO A POST WITH A LIST SO WE CAN KNOW WHEN ALBUMS DROP, I KNOW A LOT IS COMING OUT IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, I WANT TO MAKE SURE I GET THEM WHEN THEY FIRST COME OUT–thanks BRIAN AND CONCRETE I LOVE YOU GUYS!

    YOU MAKE WORK SO MUCH BETTER TO GET THROUGH WORKING ON THAT DREAM JOB UNTIL THEN CONCRETE BREAK UP THE DAY.

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  19. 19.
    What?

    Musiq-Great with Mary. Love it
    John-Love his voice but would rather hear it over a ballad.
    Robin-Can’t get better.
    Leona-Who even knew Cassidy was still famous? Don’t like the song.
    Jarvis-NO! I totally agree with the “two summers ago.”

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  20. 20.
    the_one

    I thought the Robin Thicke song was a little slow at first but then when you talked about what he wished would happened it made me think wow okay I like this song. Nice, especially the part about his wife, yeah American is still ucked up about race.

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  21. 21.
    The London Lady

    Leona really surprised me with that track I think it’s one of the best on her album. I hope they get a video and it’s better than the one she did for Forgive Me… Leona’s a lovely girl so I don’t know why they felt the need to make her so orange but they still seem unsure what to do with her IMO

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  22. 22.
    the_one

    I love this Kanye song, I wonder who its about…hmmm. I wonder if he used this song to get Alexis back…just wondering. I really like it, it has a native american feel in the background, who know he could sing, okay, I am exaggerating he can hold a note, but I love his music so I am going to quit it but I am over hear laughing.

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  23. 23.
    the_one

    @2 it’s not a diss record, he his basically saying he could not love her right so he had to run from her, he is in love with her, but the vibe is wrong, you never know until its over, because he wasnt loving her the way he wanted to, he keeps his love away and when you keep your love locked down you lose. Its a good record. Its I’m sorry I cannot love you song not a diss record.

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  24. 24.
    *Sigh*

    Wasn’t a fan of “Bleeding Heart” but I love this track w/ Leona & Cassidy.

    Musiq’s song is pure fiyah! I would have preferred a different female singer on the track. Mary’s voice can be a little annoying. He should have used someone more soulful. Like Keyshia or Jazmine.

    John Legend’s track is okay. I don’t care for his vocals.

    I’m starting to really love Robin T. The material that’s leaked so far is really hawt.

    I’ve always loved the ‘Ye track. Can’t wait for the album from his arrogrant @ss

    Jarvis track sounds like the same bullhsyt on the radio. NEXT —->

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  25. 25.
    MURDA

    clearly the john legend and kanye is the winner. we need the evolver album out now.

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  26. 26.
    the_one

    Okay last comment, umm that last dude not feeling that song. Sorry its a song about nothing, with a over used beat. Sorry not feeling this Southern ish…WACK!

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  27. 27.
    Greg_Arious

    If kanye decides to use that T. Pain voice jiggler on all his songs I will not be purchasing his next album. I thought your were an innovator not an imitator Kanye. And I hate that Love lock down song.

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  28. 28.
    d

    my point is that this site has changed over the last year it is not as intersting … I wasnt taking shots at any indiviual poster (ie. brian, angel etc) I would like to see more period. I used to look at the site daily and if I look at it weekly it is still ok becuase I haven’t missed much

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  29. 29.
    Opinion

    I can’t stand the Kanye song. I appreciate that he’s trying something new but I’m not buying what he’s selling.

    I’m not checking for Musiq or John Legend this time around.

    Never heard of Jarvis so I’ll pass.

    I love that Robin’s songs have substance. I’m loving all the songs that have leaked so far.

    Leona bores me. This song is progress but I’m still not interested.

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  30. 30.
    ebbi

    that version of lockdown is wayyyyyyy better

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  31. 31.
    Danny

    Love the musiq and mjb song. as far as the rest of them blah

    Reply /0
  32. 32.
    Speeakz

    I’m feelin all these tracks bar the last one! Think KanYe is killin’!

    ConcreteLoop, your work is appreciated!

    Don’t forget to hit http://www.pinboardblog.com for you fix of daily dopeness!

    Peace,

    Speeakz

    Reply /0
  33. 33.
    Aleisha

    I like Kanyes new version! Its hott!
    Leona Lewis shoulda put that song on her album it would have made it sum wat better. Her album wasn’t all that good.
    Im feelin musiq n Mary J’s song 2! Thas real rnb ri thea.
    John Legend doin his thang 2!

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  34. 34.
    Aleisha

    I love me some RObin Thicke =]

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  35. 35.
    Chokl8queen

    @ 24 its definitly BLEEDING LOVE … LOL

    kant wait to hear Ye wen i get home … i love that song ….

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  36. 36.
    JAZZO

    I love Kanye’s “LOVE LOCKDOWN” I think anything he does is brilliant so mabey I’m being a lil bit biased.

    I agree with Leona L. comment. I think I’m the only one in the world that didn’t like “Bleeding Love” . . . but this joint is cool . . . I like it.

    John Legend has started really strong and I’m willing to bet the album will do well.

    And as far as Musiq . . . I like the song but it sounds so similar to evrything else he’s done. But hey if aint broke don’t fix it . . .

    And as for all the other artist . . . I’m not interested…

    Great Post

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  37. 37.
    CGJ

    I like the Musiq/Mary song – their voices really compliment one another’s.

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  38. 38.
    Prince of Soho

    Agreed @ 37 that was my favorite as well

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  39. 39.
    tia

    john legend song is ok,its too much going on in this song…even though ye singing again i actually like what he brings to the song….then again he does no wrong in my eyes

    That robin thicke song is to die for i love it to pieces and i love him to death. his songs always have that real composing,not that audio computer shit (which im learning about in school so i guess thats the irony,but hey i gotta learn it lol)

    this version of ye song is wayyy better then the others,some might think there is no difference but to me there are obvious differences

    the jarvis track ight,it sound like about 30 other tracks i’ve heard before but its cool for a newcomer…i know the teens will feel it

    Musiq song is really nice i like it alot

    didnt listen to leona cuz i’m not a fan,i dont know why i just cant get into her,i think its something a lil fake about homegirl sometimes.

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  40. I agree with you D (#1 & #28). I couldn’t go a day without the LOOP, and now, I’m checkin’ in about twice a week. I love the site, don’t get me wrong, but the content has taken a different direction. CL will always be my #1 and I’m here til after forever.

    movin on > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

    leona – don’t listen to her music at all, cute girl and i’m sure she can sing, but don’t really care for her music

    music – sounds like the 2008 remix to Love (after the breakup, and then add MJB fto put a lil bit of umph in it)

    john – it’s aiight, nothing i will listen to errday

    robin – love his music, will def cop his new CD, i expect nothing but pure hotness from him

    KANYE – LOVE 98.9% OF ANYTHING THIS MAN MAKES………HE DA BEST!!!!!!!!! WHO???? YE NINJA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    jarvis – someone…..plz…..stick a fork in me……i am so done

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  41. 41.
    kikifromtexas

    love musiq’s song

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  42. 42.
    sharmita

    Leona will NEVER be Mariah. Simon Cowell please stop trying to make a Whitney/Mariah with plastic black barbie warble queens.

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  43. 43.
    London girl

    I like the musiq song but the sound is very similar to his song “Teach me.”
    And Robin Thicke seems to have a habit of not turning up to shows….! It’s taken almost a damn year for him to even step foot back in London (and this time i aint even able to bloody make it).

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  44. 44.
    D Hen

    The John Legend-Kanye joint is 90s R&B…kinda has a Guy feel. I dig it.

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  45. 45.
    pete

    i love leona lewis`s track…..hmmm i can imagine myself cruising in my benz going to pick up my date hmmm thanks leona ..thanks
    she sounds very much like mariah carey though…and i`m sure mimi must be pissed..lol

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  46. 46.
    FallBackHaters

    KanYezzy!!!!!!!!!! Love this version much better. Dude is hot.

    Love ya Leona…you know

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  47. 47.
    FallBackHaters

    KanYezzy!!!!!!!!!! Love this version much better. Dude is hot.

    Love ya Leona…you know

    Reply /0
  48. 48.
    Chris

    I agree with the 8th comm, “D” needs to fall back, but I actually like most of these songs. Leona Lewis’ is not her best but it’s okay. “If U Leave,” “It’s Over,” and “Love Lockdown (New Version,” are hot. And I think Robin Thicke song is pretty good. And I don’t really care for Jarvis’ song: it’s okay; maybe I was expecting a little more.

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  49. 49.
    jAZZ

    I AGREE WITH #1. IT’S NOT THAT INTERESTING ANYMORE. THEY JUST POST A BUNCH OF RIHANNA PHOTOS EVERYDAY, SOMETIMES TWICE A DAY. I’M TIRED OF SEEING THAT NO-SINGING HOE! AND MOST OF THE POSTS I’VE ALREADY SEEN ON OTHER SITES TOO.

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  50. 50.
    Whenandwhere

    OMG Leona is the new Mariah! I can easily see Mariah on this, but Leona rides it!!!

    Reply /0
  51. 51.
    Kellz

    Hated that Leona song w/ a passion. Bad production w/ bad duet is never a good look (even on a chick who’s talented). John’s song… wack. Could’ve brought it better and harder but this sounds half-assed. Musiq and Mary’s track was okay but not iPod worthy. Why the hell is Kanye putting out so many versions? LOL this is a prime example of the perfectionist he is. Anywho, I don’t like it. I like the 2nd version that came out. This version sounds over-produced which means he must be frigidity w/ emotion (poor baby). Regardless, I saw the outfits the females are wearing in the vid so I can’t wait to peep that (even if the vid features this version)! Robin’s song (lyrically) is interesting BUT the song itself isn’t. Javis suffers from the same problem Keri Hilson has… ATL. Get the HELL outta ATL!!! LOL seriously because its trashing your music….

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  52. 52.
    Dame( No one on the corner has swagger like Dame)

    I love Ye version better I hated it at first but I listened to the song really listened to it and now I love it.

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  53. 53.
    Mimzy

    Im not feelin the song by Jarvis…
    Leona Lewis? Wow, I didnt expect this from her…. it’s nice, but am i the only one who thinks she kinda sounds like Mariah Carey?
    Whoa, the music from ‘If U Leave’ is close to that from “Teach Me”. but I still like it.
    I just digg John Legend!
    I really can’t get into this track by Robin Thicke…. it’s not me
    I liked the first version of Love Lockdown, but honestly is there a difference between the two? This one is just as good as the first…

    Reply /0
  54. 54.
    chevy

    *due to the comments I wasnt gunna even bother listenening to Leona, but something told me to, so I did and this song IS HOT. I honestly think people dont like it cuz its different for her. and cuz its HER, so basically she needs more people. If this was Mariah, yall would ALREADY be cosigining. Lets keep it funky.

    Jarvis: I am SO sick of people takin samples from Its Goin Down and using them as hooks!!! Isnt this like the 3rd song that has done this! No boo boo! Try again.

    Kanye: This is what orginality sounds like!! Relax and take notes Jarvis and a WHOLE bunch of others,

    Havent listened to the others yet but will when I get home….

    Reply /0
  55. 55.
    Charisma

    Leona-The song would have been nice without Cassidy. He messed it up when he kept saying “play your position girl”. Leona has a great voice but she bores me. I agree #42, Simon and Clive keep trying to make her the new Mariah and it’s annoying. IIt seems like she’s trying to be something she’s not. They need to let her have her own swag. I think that’s why she’s boring to me. I’ve already heard what she’s doing before. The real things are still here (Mariah and Whitney (comeback in Dec.) )so like I said she needs to find her own niche, or she’ll always be compared.

    Musiq’s and Robin Thicke’s songs are excellent. They will be added to my ipod.

    I can’t get into Kanye’s new version. I guess I just like how he performed it at the VMAs. I really hope he doesn’t use auto tune on majority of the new album. That would be overkill.

    I only listened to a couple of seconds to Jarvis’ song. The beat is played out, plus Young Joc. I agree with Brian, this sounds dated. It would have been alright around 2 years ago.

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  56. 56.
    BX2

    I’m loving the Robin song. I like the content/subject of the song too.

    The John Legend song is cool, very smooth. Something to listen to on a long drive somewhere.

    Now that’s what I like to hear from Musiq, not that first song he put out. This one reminds me a lot of Teach me, from his Luvanmusiq cd. Mary J. does her thing too.

    Reply /0

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