Playlist: New year brings new sounds

At the close of 2009, pop music reigned as the leading genre but with 2010, expect a new influx of alternative styles. This month we strolled the Boulevard and asked Blazers for their track picks for January. We found an eclectic mix of electronic pop, alternative hip-hop and retro reggae music. Instead of listening to the radio and waiting for that perfect song to come on among the commercials, tune into Silver Chips Online's playlist for January.

"Blah Blah" - Ke$ha
Electronic-based tunes will soon dominate the pop arena as electric guitars, vocoders and sound synthesizers are used to rev up typical pop music. Several artists are already charging in with electronica, including new artist Ke$ha who brings pop into the mainstream with her tantalizing hit single "Tick Tock." Her other chart-topping record, "Blah Blah" has a similar rock-punk beat and blasts computer-generated sounds and vocals. Ke$ha is bringing back a combination of Madonna and Britney Spears, and her new album, "Animal," is already gaining recognition.

Download "Blah Blah" from iTunes.

"Imma Be" - Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas, like Ke$ha, are reviving electronic music. Their songs boast electro-hop as they fuse rap styles, electronic tunes and funk. Drum machines and samplers make their hooks hypnotic. "Imma Be," an addictive song with heavy, bold effects courtesy of digitally-altered mixers, is creeping up on the Billboard Hot 100.

Download "Imma Be" from iTunes.

"Pretty Girls (Remix)" - Wale
Rapper Wale is successfully emerging on the music scene. Wale is an expert at alternative styles and in this updated version of "Pretty Girls" featuring Gucci Mane and Weensey, the group creates a cool fusion of gogo and drum sounds.

Download "Pretty Girls" from iTunes.

"In My Head" - Jason Derulo
Although a new artist, Derulo is distinguishing himself with a signature style. The Haitian-American singer has a dynamic voice and knows how to bring R&B and pop together. His premier single, "Whatcha Say," leans more to the pop side, but "In My Head" offers a unique mixture of rock and pop. Derulo also shows his excellent vocal range with this new single - look out for a younger version of Usher.

Download "In My Head" from iTunes.

"I'll Do It All Again" - Corinne Bailey Rae
U.K. artist Corinne Bailey Rae released her third album, "The Sea," a few days ago, and it is primed with a blend of soulful and blues records. One of these songs, an emotional ballad called "I'd Do it All Again," features a more mature sound with nuances of jazz and R&B styles. In this single, Rae evokes such personality in her vocals, simultaneously emphasizing sadness and heartache.

Download "I'll Do It All Again" from iTunes.

"Mambo" - Fito Blanko ft. Drake
New rapper Drake collaborated with reggae artist Fito Blanko on a fast-tempo record infused with Caribbean flavor and natural grit. "Mambo" is made for the dance floor, and reggaetone seems to be edging its way into mainstream music.

Look for Silver Chips Online's playlist for February at the end of next month.