Bill's Top 40 / Pop Blog

This week new artist Simon Collins follows his well-known father Phil Collins into the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for the first time. Simon's single "Unconditional" will debut at #30 this week on the chart Phil Collins has visited with 31 solo singles and 13 with his group Genesis. Simon Collins was born in London, but he considers himself a Canadian recording artist. His first album All of Who You Are was released in 2000 and sold well in Germany. The new single is from the album U-Catastrophe which is available via iTunes and will be released in stores September 30, 2008. One listen to "Unconditional" and you will recognize the vocal family resemblance.

Listen to "Unconditional".

_{Photo courtesy Razor & Tie}

Leading off this week's list is the first new studio album in 14 years by New Kids on the Block. There are also 9 other great albums in stores this week. Check out the full list of the Top 10 New Pop Albums.

_{Album cover courtesy Interscope}

Last year Britney Spears kicked off the MTV Video Music Awards celebration with a comeback performance that caused many jaws to drop clear to the floor. It became the subject of derisive water cooler talk across the country the following day. Speculation has run rampant about whether she would try this year to dig herself out of that hole with a new performance. MTV confirmed today that she will indeed appear on the show, but not in a performance role. MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler said that she will make an appearance at the show doing something "fun and unexpected."

The MTV Video Music Awards are known for producing some of the most memorable and surprising awards show moments in the industry. Reportedly negotiations are still under way over whether another icon, Michael Jackson, may make an appearance.

Related links:

• Top 10 MTV Video Music Awards Moments
• MTV Video Music Awards Videos of the Year

_{Photo by Ethan Miller / Getty Images}

It has collaborations with Ne-Yo, Akon, and the Pussycat Dolls, but is the first album from New Kids on the Block in 14 years a good one? There are moments to savor. Read more in the review of The Block.

_{Album cover courtesy Interscope}

One of the most independent minded of all major female pop artists leads off this week's chart. Find out more about this hot hit and check out this week's entire chart in the list of Top 10 Hot Pop Songs.

It's a 4th big week at the top of the UK pop singles chart for Katy Perry. However, the big action of the week is on the album chart with 5 brand new albums in the top 10. Check out all of the action in this week's coverage of the UK pop music charts.

_{Single cover courtesy Capitol Records}

It's a great week of performances. Most likely the highlight of the week is the return of New Kids on the Block. Check out this week's full schedule of Pop Music on TV.

The new album The Block isn't due in stores until next Tuesday, September 2, 2008. However, you have the opportunity for a sneak preview. Check out "Grown Man" with the Pussycat Dolls and "Put It On My Tab" with Akon in addition to the hit single "Summertime" and the already previewed track "Single" with Ne-Yo. It looks like the New Kids are back in it for hits.

Listen to 4 tracks from The Block

_{Album cover courtesy Interscope}

Oasis' Noel Gallagher, speaking of the just released song "The Shock of the Lightning," said on the band's official web site "If ‘The Shock of the Lightning’ sounds instant and compelling to you, it’s because it was written dead fast. And recorded dead fast. ‘The Shock of the Lightning’ basically is the demo. And it has retained its energy. And there’s a lot to be said for that, I think. The first time you record something is always the best."

The UK's venerable NME magazine has given the song a rating of 9 out of 10. The song has already landed in the top 40 of the US modern rock chart. The band is planning an intimate performance at New York City's Terminal 5 on September 12, 2008 in advance of the release of the upcoming album Dig Out Your Soul due in stores October 7, 2008. Check out the official video below.

Watch "The Shock of the Lightning"

_{Single cover courtesy Big Brother}

Usher rolls out a new single from his hit album Here I Stand. Don't miss the guest rap from producer will.i.am. Listen to "What's Your Name" and let us know your snap judgment!

Listen to "What's Your Name":

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  _{Photo by Rick Diamond / Getty Images}