Did some major turf war break out in the UK? Well, no. This is what happens when I am stuck in traffic with Radio 1. While I was grooving to “Break Your Heart”, my mind started thinking about Taio’s chances here in the US, and that lead to fellow UK R&B crooners JLS. So what are the chances of either of these acts even getting a chance to crack the American market, let along actually get a hit? Check out the breakdown below…
Taio Cruz – “Break Your Heart”
“Break Your Heart”, at least to my ear, sounds like a male version of “Just Dance” that doesn’t need Akon as a guest because, well, Taio handles that part of the equation just fine. This record would fit perfectly into the current pop landscape, and GaGa’s stratospheric rise proves that the marketplace is open to a complete unknown making it big. Is there a drawback to this record? Honestly, it would be Taio’s name. Could be a blessing or a curse. But that’s a minor drawback. If his A&R folks back in the UK aren’t already grooming him for the US, they should have their heads examined.
JLS – “Beat Again”
Even though these X Factor veterans are already on single #2 (“Everybody In Love”), the only chance they have of breaking in America right now is their upbeat jam “Beat Again”. Sadly, I don’t know that this is the environment to try and reinvigorate the boy band concept in the US, although the makeup of the band is perfect from a demographic standpoint. You’ve got the buff guy, the skinny one, the more realistically good looking dude, and the average joe. Someone for everyone!
Winner? Not even close. Taio should have a happy career ahead of him here in the US, as long as his handlers get it right.
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Boy, I hope you’re right about Taio (and that his A&R people/handlers do what they should). I’d love to see “Break Your Heart” become a hit and him get some deserved American success.
We’ll see. I haven’t heard anything about him getting a chance here, but it needs to happen.
I could never get into JLS. I much prefer V Factory and even One Call over them…::sigh::
As for Mr. Cruz — I adored his previous album, despite it never being released here (right?), but I don’t really get “Break Your Heart.” Perhaps I haven’t listened to it enough. But I intend to look into the full set sometime in the next few days. Work has totally hijacked my life and I don’t like it. Haha.
Sorry to hear about work, but I would definitely give “Break” another listen. i think the car might be a good place to start, but I know that’s not necessarily an option for you.
Break Your Heart is the male version of Just Dance? Seriously? LOL~ I personally think both songs are so different but great songs, of cos. Oh, I think Everybody in Love is so much better than Beat Again. Love your analysis of JLS, something for everyone. LOL.
I meant from a sound standpoint, not from a drunken anthem standpoint. And I like “Everybody In Love”, but it just doesn’t fit with the current US sound.
It’s great that the UK’s R&B scene has really crossed over to score lots of #1 hits of late. But is any of it ready for the US market? Jay Sean may be the exception, but we’ll see. I agree JLS doesn’t have a chance, but I don’t if Taio Cruz could do well here.
Well, you are also talking to the guy that thought Liberty X would be a shoo-in. My bad.
Liberty X! Loved them.
I love Beat Again but I think there’s something very British about JLS that might hinder them from making it in the US. As for Taio Cruz I like his songs but he comes across a bit too nice (trans: boring) for me. Of course it would be great if either could break America.
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