Knowing that SingStar is more fun with friends, I packed up my PS3 and all it’s essentials, PS EYE, Mics, game disks, and lugged them over to a party. SingStar is slowly growing on those of my friends that don’t count themselves as singers. I think it’s because it lets you be that rock star you’ve only ever dreamed of.

With the kit set up, names typed in and photo’s taken the group sat down to play. As with all the PS3 versions of SingStar the interface is a breeze, so much so that you may just spend a few extra seconds in the menu because it’s so good looking.

With SingStar Pop a new update has been added to the game that is definatley worth a mention. After the last SingStar update added harmonies I was curious to see what other features Sony would be able to come up with. Introducing the voice control option, no more messing around with silly remotes, simply tell your PS3 what you want and it’ll play it for you. Looking for a Jordin Sparks song? Just say, “Show Artists,” followed by, “Jordin Sparks.” Select the song with your voice and off you go. Although it’s certainly not perfect, I love the new addition. Unfortunately though, when there’s a lot of shouting going on SingStar doesn’t understand you as well. I say unfortunately because when  a group of friends is playing SingStar there is a lot of shouting involved.

The new SingStar pop has some fantastic new songs that’ll have you jumping on your coffee table and performing for your adoring fans. “So What,” from Pink leads the pack with the opening game song, a fantastic SingStar tradition. The Killers are feeling ‘Human,’ and Kings of Leon adds another of its latest hits to the SingStar library.

The new songs take full advantage over the harmonies feature this time around, something which adds an interesting new challenge to the game. Singing No Air with Jordin and Chris will have you finding new ranges you never thought you had. But the best news about Pop is that as you browse through the songs you will know a lot of them. Although the oldies are there they are mostly popular songs, after a bit of a wobbly play list on the last SingStar Volume 3 it’s great to see the songs back to the usual high standard.

Below is the play list for SingStar Pop edition.