Exactly four decades ago, the world received one of its most cherished musical gifts. This week’s From The Vault celebrates Michael Jackson’s ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’, the first single from his ‘Off The Wall’ album, which turned 40 this week.

Though MJ had released solo material before, ‘Enough’ and its parent album are widely considered his “debut” offerings, primarily because of the creative control he finally was able to enjoy during recording.

The track – like most of ‘Off The Wall’ – was written by Jackson who also co-produced  alongside music wonder Quincy Jones. It was there and then that the world would be introduced to their magic, as well as Michael’s legendary falsetto and classic vocal tics.

Commercially, ‘Don’t Stop’ was an instant success and was the artist’s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 in seven years. It reached the top spot in several European countries and peaked at #3 in the UK.

Nick Saxton directed the track’s iconic visual which stunned the masses back in 1979 because of its high-end technology and the entertainer’s charismatic choreography.

It is often considered one of pop culture’s first “music videos” (in the contemporary sense) and remains oh so impactful.

Just like George Michael’s ‘I Want Your Sex’ in ’87 and Beyonce’s ‘Crazy In Love’ in ’03, this track was Michael Jackson’s breakout moment, one where he was able to express for the first time the immensity and entirety of his talent and artistry.

40 years on, it’s still crystal clear why this very track kick-started a whole new chapter for the man who went on to become (and still reigns as) the King of Pop.

Your thoughts?

Undeniably, this week’s top Pop news came in the form of the comeback of one of the biggest selling group in history – the Spice Girls!

To celebrate the tour de force, From The Vault journeys back to the 90’s with their retro-sounding jam ‘Stop.’

A tribute of sorts to the Motown era, ‘Stop’ was written by the ‘Girls alongside production duo Absolute. It was released as the third single from their sophomore effort ‘Spiceworld’ in March 1998. This single is also infamous for breaking their consecutive streak of #1’s on the UK chart, after peaking at #2.

It was a Top 5 in both Canada and Australia as well as a Top 20 hit in the US.

For the song’s visual, the British belles took it to the streets of Dublin for a carefree affair.

The clip saw Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger, and Posh perform Supremes-like choreography but also interacting with the locals and later on performing at the town fair to wide acclaim.
Notably, it was their last video to be released that featured Geri Halliwell until their comeback as a five-piece in 2007.

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This week marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Spice Girls. Once again a foursome, they’re about to embark on a mammoth UK stadium tour.

With the scheduled dates literally selling out in a matter of minutes as soon as they became available and the girls already adding extra dates, word is that 2019 will see the band expanding the tour to the rest of the globe.

Now that’s we call Spice World!

Welcome back, ladies!

Your thoughts?

To some Justin Timberlake‘s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ is one of the most annoying songs in recent memory. To others, it’s the smash that defined 2016.

Whatever side of the fence one sits on, the fact is that the song, issued as a single from the ‘Trolls’ soundtrack, is an Oscar nominated recording.

To celebrate said feat, JT opened Hollywood’s biggest calendar night with a spirited showing of the Max Martin production.

Watch him in action below…

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Beyonce and Rihanna aren’t the only chart titans hoping to dominate 2016 with new releases.

For, a silent sales battle brews between Bruno Mars and The Weeknd.

Facts and figures below…

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Billboard’s planned Prince tribute with Madonna has not impressed certain corners of the late singer’s fanbase.

The Pop queen has been tapped to perform at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards and, as at writing, she’s the only act enlisted for the “unmissable” tribute at the May 22nd ceremony.

Angered, a supporter of the Purple one started a petition demanding an amendment to the mono Madge line-up. And it’s gaining traction.

Details below…

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Still rocking across the United States on her hotly-selling ‘Formation’ tour, pop diva Beyonce took to the NRG Stadium (in hometown of Houston, Texas) last night and took the crowd to task belting some of her greatest hits and new numbers found aboard her sixth solo LP, ‘Lemonade.’

But, while the audience inside were on their feet from start to finish, there was another group on their feet and making noise outside the stadium – members of Houston’s ‘Coalition of Police and Sheriffs’ (COPS).

Standing in silent protest a mile away from the facility, the coalition’s assembly was in direct response to the singer’s alleged ‘anti-police’ SuperBowl 50 performance.  See video below:

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Pop force Justin Timberlake returns tonight with new single ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ – the first taste of new material since 2013’s double album ‘The 20/20 Experience.’

The track, which is produced by music maestro Max Martin, is lifted from the soundtrack to Dreamworks movie ‘Trolls’ and serves as the precursor to a more robust re-emergence later in the year.

Want to hear what JT is gearing up to drop? Take a listen to a newly released preview below…

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When she isn’t serving as the backbone of many a Pop princess’ career through song the creative force that is Sia can be found pushing her own material.

The name of her latest body of work? ‘This is Acting’, set to find its way to retailers on January 16th.

Fortunately, or unfortunately for fans of Katy Perry, the lyricist now finds herself on a promotional run where she is often quizzed on her experiences with the artists who seek her when crafting new albums.

Why this unfortunate for fans of the ‘Teenage Dreamer’?

Read below…

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“An artist’s personal and/or moral failure has no bearing on his or her ability to do a job (singing, acting, etc.)” – an argument lent by many-a-diehard fan of stars embattled in scandals.

From the most recent controversies surrounding songstress Ariana Grande and entertainer Bill Cosby to King of Pop Michael Jackson and King of R&B R. Kelly, some of entertainment’s most celebrated faces have found themselves royally discharged by even their staunchest supporters after news broke of their involvement in an illegal or immoral dealing.

And, while some careers suffer temporary setbacks while others see more permanent mar, the truth remains: many of these offenders commit infractions that in no way changes their ability to perform nor does it negate any of their professional achievements to date.

As such, it begs the question:  how much should personal decisions affect one’s professional dealings?

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It seems the U.S. isn’t the only market falling head over heels in love with Pop princess Rita Ora.

For, her household name status in the U.K. is to thank for her latest Top 40 bop in the country this week, pushing her above and beyond her contemporaries in the country.

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In a sea of acts trying to catch a wave, Fifth Harmony are on the quite the upswing.

Fresh from bouncing up to #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Bo$$’, the budding divas debuted new song ‘Reflection’ this week.

Soaked is sass with killer bass-line, we previewed the cut – which features on their upcoming debut – earlier this week.

Now, the ladies full performance at a live concert has surfaced. Peep their dynamite showing of the self-loving anthem below…

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Lady GaGa’s current run on the ‘Billboard 200‘ may pale in comparison to her feats of yesteryear, but that hasn’t stopped the ‘Cake‘-maker from birthing  sold-out world tour this year, kicking off the ‘artRAVE:The ARTPOP Tour’ in North America last week.

Far more captivating than her ‘Born This Way Ball‘ outing, her latest touring venture kicked off before the release of her ‘ARTPOP‘ LPs second half, yet to score a release date but set to feature production from her long-time collaborator DJ White Shadow, following the release of 2013’s ‘Applause.’

Now, before she does all of the above, watch her rock her audience with a killer performance of ‘The Fame‘s ‘Paparazzi.’

Watch her work below!

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