November 2008 will go down in history not just as the month in which loads of Americans voted for their new Presidentman, but also the month in which four she-titans of popular music faced off against each other in the bloodiest arena of all - DA CHARTS.
Britney, Beyonce, Christina and new poppet on the block Leona Lewis are the artists involved in this four-way wail-off. Who am the best? Let’s opine.

Beyonce - “Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” / “If I Were A Boy”

[video: OfficialVideosTV]
There can be no doubt that the video for “Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” is eye candy of the most addictive sort. As a song, though, “Ladies” feels a little underwhelming, as does “If I Were A Boy”. Yes, blokes can be rubbish, and yes, ladies deserve to be treated well blah blah blah - CHANGE THE RECORD PLEASE.
I suppose it’s good that Beyonce isn’t going down the slushy route that can emerge when pop stars get married, but, with this following the marvellous “Irreplaceable”, methinks Beyonce needs to look at a few more angles of the male/female dynamic.
Britney Spears - “Womanizer”

[video: ITN]
Don’t call it a comeback, because it isn’t really - she released an album last year, ‘member? Nonetheless “Womanizer”, alongside Britney’s apparent rehabilitation, feels like Spearsmint back at her best. It is a bit barking, but remains undeniably delicious pop music. All those “oh-oh” and “ah-ah”s shouldn’t really work, and there are many bits during the course of the track when it feels like she’s going to get her tongue twisted. But she gets away with it, and the result is a song that’s up there with the best stuff Britters has produced.
Christina Aguilera - “Keeps Gettin’ Better”
Watch video here
To me this sounds a bit like Aggers on autopilot. It’s pleasant enough, but the chorus is more functional than mindblowing. Arguably the lady with the best voice of the four, I’m glad Christina doesn’t just go in for ballads that would allow her to showcase her pipes. But as the lead single for her forthcoming album this underwhelms to the point where, despite having listened to it twenty minutes ago, I can’t remember what it sounds like.
Leona Lewis - “Forgive Me”
Watch video here
Leona’s journey from reality show contestant to globe-straddling pop goddess has been remarkable to behold, and no mistake. Having said that I did wonder if she had the requisite fluffy pop numbers in her arsenal, but “Forgive Me” puts that fear to rest - it’s a catchy confection which will appeal to schoolgirls and drunk-ass party girls alike. If you want to pursue the rather tired “Leona is the new Whitney” comparison, think of “Forgive Me” as her “How Will I Know”. Let’s just hope somebody keeps her out of the way of the crack.
Verdict: It’s a close-run thing between old hand Britney and new pop princess Leona, but Britney gets my vote. Better things will probably emerge from Christina’s album. Beyonce, I’ve just decided, is actually disqualified for trying it on with two singles. Maybe I should have mentioned that earlier.

Posted by Stuart Waterman on Monday November 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm