8 MUSIC COMEBACKS & HEARSAYS

THE BEAT LIST

Artists lose the spotlight at one point in their careers. Groups disband because their frontmen quit or they don’t sell records anymore. Solo artists, on the other hand, lose their edge and probably fail to reinvent their craft. But fans would never stop following their every step. Whether these artists are going solo, reuniting or releasing a comeback album, they’ll definitely make headlines soon. Also, there are never-ending, comeback gossips we can’t help but mention.

1. Dolores O’Riordan (formerly of The Cranberries)
The Irish rocker, famous for her high notes and hairstyles, is making a comeback as a solo artist. Fans wish the former Cranberries vocalist still has the edge after making hits like “Zombie,” “Ode to My Family” and “Linger.” Last month, O’Riordan finally released her first solo album Are You Listening? (with a brand new long black hairdo). Her first single “Ordinary Day” has that indie rock sound, which music lovers will find interesting. Its video says a lot about the Irish singer’s great fashion sense.

2. Chicane
Chicane has made songs that are iconic to clubbers. Fans now label his music as chillout. But we were disappointed when his single “Stoned in Love” (featuring the legendary Tom Jones on vocals) was released in 2006. It might have been Chicane’s attempt to duplicate the success of his biggest hit “Don’t Give Up” in 2000 (which featured Bryan Adams). Although Chicane departed from his label Universal, his fourth album Somersault is scheduled to be released on July 16. This album promises to be a hitmaker.

3. Mutya Buena (formerly of Sugababes)
Mutya Buena was probably the most popular girl from the Brit pop group Sugababes. The girl’s got unique voice and edgy look. Although she has left the band in 2005, the Fil-Brit singer has just recently released her first album Real Girl under Universal Records. The album introduces a more adventurous pop music, reminiscent of the Sugababes. Buena collaborated with Brit stars Amy Winehouse and Groove Armada in her critically acclaimed solo career.

4. Smashing Pumpkins
It was a sad day in alternative music when the Smashing Pumpkins disbanded in 2000. After the breakup, front man Billy Corgan released his solo album that critics wished would be an international success. But the world surely missed the most stylish band in the world.

In April 2006, Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin officially announced they were recording a reunion album with two new members. Scheduled to be release on July 10, their upcoming album Zeitgeist promises to bring back the unique sounds of the band. Watch out for the release of their first single “Tarantula.”

5. Shirley Manson of Garbage
Another rock icon from the ‘90s is Garbage’s femme fatale, Shirley Manson. The rust-haired girl with the punk attitude will be launching her first solo album soon. But Manson claims Garbage has not broken up. There’s no news yet if the Scottish rocker will make a crossover to pop or retain the badass image she’s been known for. Nothing’s impossible in Hollywood. Surely, fans will miss the dark tunes of Garbage hits like “Only Happy When It Rains,” “World Is Not Enough” and “Stupid Girl.”

6. Wolfgang
The local hard rock scene surely missed Wolfgang and their heavy riffs. Last Jan. 6 and 12, most of the Wolfgang members reunited at a Music Museum concert with Razorback. At long last, we’ll be hearing more of Basti Artadi and the gang with their new songs, including the first single “Deathsquad,” promoted online at Yahoo! Philippines.

7. No Doubt
Fans of the ska sensation claim Gwen Stefani did promise them a No Doubt reunion album. The question, however, is when. It’s not that they don’t like Stefani’s crossover to hippity-hoppity pop. They even hear No Doubt remains in her latest album. What fans are excited about is how each No Doubt member’s evolution will affect their music once they reunite.

8. Spice Girls

This is the biggest speculation for pop fanatics. Geri, Victoria, Mel B and Emma recently met in Los Angeles during the 32nd birthday of David Beckham, Victoria’s husband. There are rumors saying the girls will be producing a Christmas show in LA. But Mel C, who launched her latest album this year, is not a bit interested in producing a project with the group. Some fanatics say it will still be a big comeback without Sporty Spice.

Who's excited?