Track of the week
Adam Lambert Ghost Town An intriguing track (not least for its cryptic lyrics), this Max Martin (aka King of Bangers) offering could be a step in the right direction for Lambert. There are elements of Summertime Sadness, an excellent whistled hook, and a surprising change of tempo in the chorus. All of which means that what starts out as a low-key ballad turns into something for stomping defiantly around the dance floor.
Charli xcx had to learn to stand up for herself early, she told ASOS magazine. "It's a constant fight to get people to understand my vision and do things my way. I thought I'd sign a record deal and be like Britney Spears." She went on, "I didn't know how much I'd have to fight and defend my ideas. A lot of people think that because I'm a girl and I'm young that I'll be like, 'Yeah, that's cool,' and stand on the stage and look pretty."
Zeros of the week are Sam Smith's vocal chords. He had to cancel a series of shows in Australia thanks to a throat injury, but is now on the mend. "Just to let all my beautiful fans know, I'm ok," Smith posted on Instagram. "I am insanely relaxed and am somewhere in the middle of Australia with no phone, no laptop and I haven't spoken a word in three days. So amazing to have this time to turn off, but it does make me realise how much I love what I do, and how much I miss you all when I'm not on stage."
Hero of the week is Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding's friendship. Ellie told US radio that "what we have in common is, I think, we're all just really quite strong women. All those girls are all so smart and they're all so fun. I find hanging out with smart girls stimulating, fulfilling, and also funny."
