Looks like Ashlee Simpson is planning one hell of a comeback for her upcoming 3^rd album due later this year via Geffen Records, as it has been reported that she’s been collaborating with the likes of John Legend (Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston), Tim “Timbaland” Mosley (Nelly Furtado, Madonna), Chad Hugo of The Neptunes (Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez), Mark Ronson (Christina Aguilera, Amy Winehouse), Stuart Price (Anastacia, Pussycat Dolls) and British pop group The Scissor Sisters (Kylie Minogue’s “I Believe In You”). Do you think she’s gonna make it this time around, or fall flat in the face just like her sister Jessica when she released her last album “A Public Affair”, in which she also took a different approach? All in all, I’m definitely looking forward to this one, and even though I haven’t bought any of her earlier albums, I still liked some of her songs, most notably “Pieces Of Me”, which is my favorite Ashlee Simpson song!

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Alternative artist Bjork will release her upcoming album "Volta" on May 8^th via Little Indian/Atlantic Records. The new set boasts collaborations with hitmaker Tim "Timbaland" Mosley, who produced 3 tracks on the album and they are "Earth Intruders", "Innocence" and "Hope". Is this info good enough to make you interested in buying the album? Given how artistically creative Bjork can be, I'm sure she's gonna come up with something totally unexpected, especially if Timbo is involved as well!

Here is the official track list for "Volta":

1. Earth Intruders
2. Wanderlust
3. Dull Flame Of Desire
4. Innocence
5. I See Who You Are
6. Vertebrae By Vertebrae
7. Pneumonia
8. Hope
9. Declare Independence
10. My Juvenile

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Pop/R&B group Danity Kane are planning to release their sophomore album by fall via Bad Boy Records, and even though the album hasn’t been titled yet, they’re planning to re-collaborate with producers Scott Storch (Amerie, Kelly Rowland), Bryan Michael Cox (Claudette Ortiz, Mariah Carey) and Tim “Timbaland” Mosley (Nelly Furtado, Paula DeAnda). Do you think it’s too early for them to come back again? If Rihanna can do it, why can’t they? You go girls :)

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R&B songstress Kelly Rowland’s upcoming sophomore album “Miss Kelly” is set to feature collaborations with none other than R&B crooner of the moment Robin Thicke, who’s apparently one of the many songwriters on the album. The “Lost Without You” singer is also known for penning hits for the likes of Mary J. Blige, Brownstone, Christina Aguilera, Raven Symone and Jesse McCartney. He’s also writing songs on the next albums by Usher and newcomer Tynisha Keli.

On the other hand, Rowland is unsure whether “Ghetto” featuring Snoop Dogg will be the 2^nd single from the album, even though she loves it very much! If you ask me, I’d like her to go with “Still In Love With My X” as it’s the perfect follow-up to the club banger lead single “Like This” featuring rapper Eve. The track was also produced by my favorite production team Soulshock & Karlin, so you know they always deliver the goods ;)

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Soul vocalist and former Groove Theory lead singer Amel Larrieux will release a new album via Indie label Bliss Records on May 22^nd called “Lovely Standards”, which is basically a collection of great American standards. Larrieux’s last album “Morning” was released in April 2006, and contained hot joints like “Weary” as well as my personal favorite “Gills & Tails”. She should really hook up with producer/songwriter Bryce Wilson again as they created magic when they were part of Groove Theory. I still listen to their tracks “Tell Me”, “Keep Tryin’” and the ultra-catchy “Good 2 Me”!

Here is the official track list to Natasha Bedingfield's upcoming sophomore album "N.B.", which is due April 30^th via RCA Records. The new set sports collaborations with Steve Kipner (Kelly Rowland, Christina Aguilera), Nate "Danja" Hills (Nelly Furtado, Katharine McPhee), Greg Kurstin (Jessica Simpson, Sophie Ellis Bextor), Mike Elizondo (Fionna Apple, Melanie C), as well as guest spots from Maroon 5's Adam Levine and rapper Eve.

"N.B." official track list:

1. How Do You Do?
2. I Wanna Have Your Babies
3. Soulmate
4. Who Knows …
5. Say It Again
6. Pirate Bones
7. Backyard
8. Tricky Angel
9. When You Know, You Know
10. I Think They're Thinking [Interlude]
11. [No More] What If's
12. Not Givin' Up
13. Still Here
14. Smell The Roses

Thanx Tom

Karen Poole shot to stardom by being one half of girl-group Alisha's Attic with sister Shelly, and after the band parted ways, she committed herself to songwriting for other artists, which is now a career she's extremely successful in. Some of the her well-known penned hits include Jamelia's "Beware Of The Dog", Shapeshifters' "Lola's Theme", Kylie Minogue's "Chocolate", Sugababes' "Caught In A Moment" and Dannii Minogue's "Put The Needle On It". I caught up with the British singer/songwriter to talk about the music industry, future projects, dream-collaborations, favorite clients, and Janet Jackson. Happy reading, and don't forget to post your thoughts :)

PS. Karen said that she stopped doing interviews since she became a songwriter, but fortunately for me, she was willing to make an exception, and I'll always love and respect her for that .....

Why did you split from Alisha's Attic?

We split because we got dropped from our record company, and it was very sad! But if I am honest, it was probably time.

Do you have plans of releasing a solo album, especially since many successful songwriters (Johnta Austin, Sean Garrett, Keri Hilson, Amanda Ghost, etc ...) are pursuing singing careers nowadays?

I am very happy doing what I do, and I'm singing everyday (just not in public) …But I do guest on friends' projects, and I will never say never!!!

You've worked with some of the best producers in the music industry, most notably Carsten "Soulshock" Schack (Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston), Christian "Bloodshy" Karlsson (Christina Milian, Britney Spears), Johnny Douglas (Kylie Minogue, Amerie) and William Orbit (Madonna, Pink), and I was wondering with whom you shared the best chemistry?

All of the above are Awesome! I do have favorites and people I know I do my best stuff with (in all different genres) … I love William, Bloodshy and Johnny Douglas for their strive for originality … They are good pals and genius as well.

Tell us about the song you wrote for Janet Jackson on "Damita Jo", "Put Your Hands On". And were you disappointed when the song didn't make it to the final cut?

I wrote the song with Anders and Arnthur at Murlyn … I wrote it in my hotel room in Stockholm and came in the next day with the idea …. The guys then finished the song with Janet, and it turned out cool …

Yeah, it's a shame that the song didn't make it to the album, but hey, water off a duck's back in this game!!!

You've had a successful working relationship with girl group Sugababes, as you've penned some of their biggest hits (most notably "Follow Me Home" and "Caught In A Moment"). Did you think your equation with the other band members will change once you started working with ex-member Mutya Buena?

I was working with Groove Armada which is how the Mutya thing came around … I am really happy with the song and it was great to see Mutya again …

I love the girls!!! The Sugababes are ace, and very special to me … So I hope to get work with them again … I hear their new stuff is Awesome!

How's your relationship with your sister Shelly, whose also leading a successful career in songwriting? And is there any competition between the both of you?

I think there is enough room for two Pooles in the industry!! I've been at it full time for longer (Shellie has been concentrating on her own … Very cool music, watch out for her new album, it's ACE!) and so my CV is a bit bigger, but Shell is catching up fast and is a wicked songwriter … I am stoked that we get to do what we love for living.

Out of all the singers you've worked with, whom did you enjoy working with the most? And why?

Well, Will Young is one of my very best friends, so I would have to say him ... He is a special artist! And my most inspiring session was writing with Annie Lennox … But I have to say I love almost everyone I work with :)

Which artists are on your collaborations wish-list?

• Gwen Stefani.
• Timbaland.
• Justin Timberlake.
• Christina Aguilera.
• Beyonce.
• Mindy Smith.
• Patty Griffith.
• Dolly Parton.
• Zero 7 ... and tons, tons more!!!

Can you tell the readers of Monica Mania about your current and future projects?

I am working with Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Nina Sky, and Will Young again … Mutya/Groove Armada, and Leon Jean Marie coming out soon.

Any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

Just a big massive hug :)

[Visit] Karen Poole on MySpace

“Untouchable” will be the lead single from Latin beauty Melissa Jimenez’s upcoming debut album “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, which is due later this year via SRC/Universal Records. The new set is expected to boasts star-studded alliances from Bryan Michael Cox (Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige), Adonis (Whitney Houston, Amerie), Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean (Brandy, Toni Braxton) and Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Beyonce, Angie Stone). Other tracks set for inclusion on the final track-list include “He Ain’t The Only One”, “Feel It In The Air”, “These Tears”, “Never Give You Up” and “I’ll Try”.

New girl group Prima J, which is made up of sisters Jessica and Janelle, are planning to release their upcoming debut album later this year via Geffen Records. The new set is expected to boast hot productions courtesy of Beau Dozier, who lent his talents to joints like “Go Hard”, “Flip The Script” and “911”. You may also remember Prima J from the track they contributed on Disney’s motion picture soundtrack “Jump In” called “Gotta Lotta”.

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Pop siren Kylie Minogue was recently photographed coming out of the studio with music producers Bloodshy & Avant, who are belting out hits for her upcoming 10^th album rumored to be titled "Lessons", and is expected to boast additional collaborations with songwriters Karen Poole (Janet Jackson, Enrique Iglesias) and Amanda Ghost (Beyonce, James Blunt). On the other hand, the Swedish production duo is also working on British girl band Sugababes' next album, so that should be dope!