Loving the Single Life

In this whirling, technocratic time period, our minds are dominated by quick sound bytes and text messages that can only carry a couple hundred characters. Buying full albums is so passé and iTunes keeps suggesting that you purchase Rihanna’s new single. You know better, but what clicks are worth your precious 99 cents and which ones can you leave up to the radio to spin? Good question, baby. We’ll let you know.

Britney Spears “Womanizer”

In the vein of her 2007 album “Blackout,” Spears is set to release another comeback album called “Circus” in December.

The first single, “Womanizer” is layer upon layer of electronic dance beats, thumping bass and a stuttering chorus that mashes into a phenomenal Spears symphony. Unlike “Blackout,” Spears managed to find producers with talent to touch up her vocal misgivings. It looks like our little disaster will finally be airbrushing and gyrating her way back up the charts.

Kanye West “Love Lockdown”

Though West claims that his upcoming album will be his best yet, he better not expect to rely on “Love Lockdown,” the first song to hit radio stations.

The song lies somewhere between what West can pull off (cocky, original electronica with several references to how much he's had to overcome) and an overly heartfelt rap ballad. The results are mumbling lyrics intermingling with West's tone-deaf attempts at singing and dull taiko drums. Put this down before you put those headphones on.

Kings of Leon “Sex on Fire”

The much-anticipated Kings of Leon album “Only By Night” that hit the web last week feels a little falsified when compared to their earlier garage band style.

The lead single's trite lyrics mix with a few raw drum beats and guitar strumming that sounds like a looping sample. It is nowhere near awful, but “Sex on Fire” is a far shot from the rough angst we expected.

Cold War Kids “Something is Not Right With Me”

The epic new single from the Cold War Kids’ album “Loyalty to Loyalty” is a slamming introduction to post-relationship aggravation. “Tried to call you collect. You said you would not accept. Your friends are laughin' ‘cause nobody uses pay phones.”

This song is a must for anyone with functional eardrums. Its hammering rock beat and shouting lyrics are an immediate pick-me-up.

The Killers “Human”

The Killers really brought it this time. “Human” begins like a rock ballad with an emotive verse, breaking into a strong, shouting, keyboard chorus: “Are we human or are we dancers? My sign is vital. My hands are cold.”

Regardless of several lines that ring a little shallow, this song just works. It's emotional availability with style, contemplation without angst. The Killers' new album, “Day & Age” hits in late November.

T.I. “Ready for Whatever”

“Ready for Whatever” is T.I. doing exactly what he does best, yelling about the hardships of his life and laughing at everything he's trying to leave behind. The bare beat mixes flawlessly with his smooth lines and intermittent shouting.

We know our boy isn't lying when he hollers “I'm ready for whatever. Somebody better tell 'em. I'll be here when the smoke clear and errthing settle. Ferreal”

Kinky “Hasta Quemarnos”

Mexican electronic rock group Kinky’s new track “Hasta Quemarnos” is a crash landing of retro dance beats, looping electronic drum minglings and repetitive Spanish lyrics.

Combine a little bit of Mexican funk with a whole lot of attitude, and you’ve got a song that should be the soundtrack to your morning routine.