Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl has signed a deal with Universal Republic Records, and her debut solo album will be released this fall. This is the first leaked track, entitled “Birthday”, which is a collaboration with Awesome New Republic. Meester’s voice certainly works in this sugary pop context, but the song is slightly edgier than typical Top 40 fare. Not sure how it will play to her audience, but she’s not embarrassing herself by any means. It’s Friday, and I’m indulging my Gossip Girl obsession.