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MUSIC
Nicki Minaj

Playlist: Nicki Minaj, plus 10 more

Nicki Minaj rocks a more natural look for the 2014 MTV Movie Awards on April 13, at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

"I'mma keep it movin', be classy and graceful," Minaj says in this troubling but riveting song about coping with betrayal. The Dr. Luke-produced Pills N Potions, unusually understated both for him and Minaj, is the first official one from Minaj's forthcoming album The Pink Print. Its rapped verses are heartfelt but barbed (and contain recurring n-words that'll get edited for radio) with a chorus that's straight out of the Rihanna playbook. -- Brian Mansfield

THE PLAYLIST

USA TODAY music critic Brian Mansfield highlights 10 intriguing tracks found in the week's listening.

Strange Birds, Birdy
The English rara avis finds love and acceptance inside this hauntingly romantic tune from her Fire Within album.

All of the Stars, Ed Sheeran
Sheeran's contribution to The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack sees stars as connecting points between separated lovers.

Dark Moon, Amy LaVere
Memphis songstress gives Bonnie Guitar's 1957 country-pop hit the spectral-pop treatment on her Runaway's Diary album.

Lie Like You Love Me, Hannah Aldridge
Second-gen Southern songwriter Hannah Aldridge internalizes country's knack for self-deception on this track from Razor Wire.

A Hanging On, Kelly Willis/Bruce Robison
The Texas husband-and-wife duo sound positively countrypolitan on this stirring love song from their wonderful Our Year.

A Broken Wing, James House
The writer puts a new spin on Martina McBride's 1997 hit on Broken Glass Twisted Steel, his first album in a decade.

Lay Your Hands On Me, Dolly Parton
Further proof she can do anything, Parton transforms the Bon Jovi hit into an outpouring of charismatic gospel fervor.

Addicted to You, Mindi Abair
Organist Booker T. Jones adds a steaming helping of Memphis soul to this track from the saxophonist's Wild Heart album.

Frisell's Rag, Bryan Sutton
This hillbilly-jazz acoustic-electric guitar duet between Sutton and Bill Frisell would've made Chet Atkins proud.

My Sweet Lord, Crowder
Emmylou Harris joins the "folktronica" artist on this tender plea from his solo debut, Neon Steeple.

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