Bill's Top 40 / Pop Blog

Britney Spears returns with the first single from her upcoming Circus album. She says it's some of the best work of her career. Is Britney a good judge? Read more in the review of "Womanizer."

_{Single cover courtesy Jive}

Through most of this year Kid Rock has held out as one of the few remaining major recording artists who prevented his music from being sold for digital downloads. The primary reason for preventing the digital sales was a disagreement with iTunes and its business model.

Following on interview statements that his music would soon be available, this past Friday, October 3, 2008, Kid Rock's catalog became available in a 4-month exclusive arrangement with Rhapsody. The service has agreed to Kid Rock's terms that the music is only available as a purchased download by buying full albums instead of individual tracks. iTunes refused to abide by Rock's wishes in this requirement. Consequently, Rhapsody is the place to digitally purchase hits like "All Summer Long" in the album Rock 'n Roll Jesus for the next 4 months.

_{Photo by Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images}

This week Pink sets a UK chart record with her new #1 hit "So What." Find out all of the details in this week's coverage of the UK pop music charts.

_{Single cover courtesy LaFace Records}

It's a great, busy week of performances. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated will be when Kanye West spends 2 days with Ellen DeGeneres, first with an interview and then a live performance. Check out all the details in this week's schedule of Pop Music on TV.

Looks like logjams at the top of the charts this week as Rihanna holds on to the top of the pop singles chart with "Disturbia" and Metallica is camped at the top of the album chart for a 3rd week. Check out the details in this week's coverage of the US pop music charts.

_{Single cover courtesy Def Jam}

It's been a great year for women on the pop charts, but this week the men are back in full force. Check out the great new music in stores in this week's list of the Top 10 New Pop Albums.

_{Album cover courtesy Atlantic Records}

Pop and R&B fans alike are chomping at the bit for the next songs to come out by Beyonce. Columbia Records executives hope they will be pleased next week when not one but two singles are released to radio. "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies" are expected at radio Tuesday, October 7, 2008. One of the songs, "Single Ladies," is expected to be a rousing singalong and was put together by the team behind Rihanna's smash "Umbrella."

The release date of the album that will feature these singles is still a bit in doubt. The official expected date is November 18, 2008, but there are reports from studio insiders that the project may not make that date. However, we'll all be looking forward to those new singles next week.

_{Photo by Rob Loud / Getty Images}

Kanye West debuted this single at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. It is possibly the most innovative yet of his career. Read more in the review of "Love Lockdown."

_{Single cover courtesy Roc-a-Fella}

It seems an unusual thing to have new material from a top rock band debut on the website of an author. However, author Stephenie Meyer is the mind behind the book Twilight which is currently being made into a movie. Paramore's new single "Decode" will be featured in the soundtrack to the film.

To my ears it's an impressively mature effort with a big, big arena rock sound. Listen to the new single "Decode" and let us know your opinion.

Listen to "Decode"

_{Photo courtesy Atlantic Records}

Yes, it's October and that means it's time to get ready for Halloween. This is your guide to the best music for your celebrations and just keeping you in the mood for the season. Check out the Top 10 Halloween Pop Songs.