Les ATRLers - Season 03 ∙ Episode 8: Entries (1 of 2)
Episode 8: Entries
The judges will get a private message from me.
You guys should read every entry and discuss them here in the thread.
Deadline: Tuesday, April 28th 4pm ET
Hugamari
Quote:
Originally posted by Hugamari
Favorite single
My favorite single by Iggy is her breakthrough smash hit "Fancy". It's catchy, addictive, and jam packed full of memorable quotes, including the very first line, "First things first, I'm the realest", which serves as a strong first impression to the world. "Who dat, who dat? I G G Y", and "I'm in the fast lane from L.A to Tokyo" are among other quotes to gain prevalence in pop culture.
This song, which was Billboard's Song of the Summer in 2014, is my favorite Song of the Summer this decade. I even covered this song in Acapella once, in appreciation of the summer anthem.
"Booty", which only has Iggy Azalea as a feature, is my least favorite single by her, and that's because it was a rushed project.
The song originally featured Pitbull, but after Iggy's meteoric rise to fame, Jennifer knew she needed the new hottest rapper on the market to feature on her new single. There was little time to spare to get the collaboration going, so Iggy was left to pop a quick verse out. Her verse is great, but it could obviously be better if she had more time to perfect it.
Least favorite single
Favorite music video
My favorite music video by Iggy Azalea is "Bounce", which is also where my avatar is from. This is my favorite music video because it's bright, vibrant, colorful, and it feels like a huge celebration of life. Similarly, the song has a care-free attitude (rather than a don't-care one usually found in hip hop videos) so it fits the video really well!
The video feels larger than life, and it's symbolic of the character that is Iggy Azalea.
posh
Quote:
Originally posted by posh
videos for selected songs
Rihanna has quite the impressive videography, so impressive that I wouldn't be at all surprised if she was presented with a VMA Vanguard Award very soon. From dark and somber videos like "Russian Roulette," to beautiful and fresh with "Only Girl (In The world)," and then of course sexy and cool, like in "Pour It Up" - however, there is one video that stands out the most to me. That video is the 2012 "Where Have You Been," directed by Dave Meyers. This was a true rihinvention, a long awaited step up in Rihanna's game - serving some incredible choreography, Rihanna took the final step towards becoming a complete triple threat superstar. Everything about this video was amazing and fresh. The award winning dance routine, the channeling of a Hindu God, the stunning scenery, the sex Rih was serving throughout, the hair whip, and of course, the birth of the now iconic kitty pat! This video was, and still is, everything.
This may seem like a random and arbitrary choice, but "Pon de Replay" is my favourite single by Rihanna. Not because I think it's her best song, but because of the memories that it holds for me. It's one of those songs that instantly transport me to better and more innocent times. For me, every time I listen to this song, I go back to the summer of 2005. My cousin babysat me every day, and like every other Canadian teenager, she'd spend each day watching Much Music (Canada's answer to MTV). I was at an age where I was starting to discover music on my own and gaining a new appreciation for the art; and I can so vividly recall watching the Much Countdown every day, just waiting for it to get to the top 10, where I knew "Pon de Replay" would play. It was the first song that I liked not because my parents or cousin introduced me to it, but because I heard the song and decided that it was something I wanted to listen to a lot more. Memories aside, the song is sonically fantastic - A dance-pop track infused with just the right amount of reggae and dancehall. Rihanna really took pride in her roots with this song. Honestly, I'd love it if she did more songs with this sound today.
For my least favourite single, I chose "Right Now" for no other reason besides the fact that it's a godawful song. Rih and her team are usually good when it comes to single choices, but they really missed the target on this one. From the moment 'Unapologetic' was released, this song sounded like a generic, commercial song that really had no business being on such an innovative and personal album. This song was written with the sole intention of being another cheap hit, but it fell flat, just as it should have. It's far too safe for an artist like Rihanna. Leave her alone, Guetta. LEAVE HER ALONE! Even if this song got a music video, I probably wouldn't have wasted my time making a gif for it.
!Blue!
Quote:
Originally posted by !Blue!
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Les ATRLer
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Favorite Single:
I didn't really know why i loved my favorite Gaga single (which is LoveGame btw) so much so i am going with the next best choice, which is Bad Romance.
I always really like BR and it is one of those tracks i instantly fell in love with. It has the weird lyrics that i love from Gaga, an epic chorus and production and additionallly a great video which all makes this single so perfect for me. But i think a big reason why i consider it among my fave Gaga single/ songs is the nostalgia. I remember always hearing it on the radio and getting my life to it. It is one of the few songs that define 2009/10 musically for me
My favorite Gaga Music Video is Telephone. I genuinly love both videos of the Paparazzi/ Telephone saga since there are not only very well shot but also because they incoperate a storyline, something i always appreciate in a music video but the reason why i prefer Telephone is that it takes a funnier approache. Especially memorable and funny for me are all the kitchen scenes and in particual the sandwich recipe part.
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Least Favorite Single:
There's only really one contender for this since i like all other singles and that's Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say). The song is just boring and uneventful to me. It is incredible basic and honestly barely memorable inbetween Gaga's other singles.. heck her discography in general (imo one of the low points of TF). It isn't necessarily bad but just something i don't care for at all.
Though i must say the video is cute. At least something good related to it.
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Santaus
Quote:
Originally posted by Santaus
Challenge #8: The Stan Swap
Don't mind me stating the obvious, but what is there not to love about Ciara. She's got the whole package: gifted all-around, from hands-on creating the music to performing and expressing herself through movement, bringing it all to life! On a personal level, I admire the way she carries herself like a lady. She's so real and down-to-earth, not acting like a celebrity or trying to groom her image to appear perfect. One of us, with exquisite talent. I think that's essentially why I'm so gravitated towards her.
Ciara at her best...
Ci is the undisputed queen of slow R&B jams, which is why my choice should come as no surprise. She truly plays to her strengths on Promise vocally. It's smooth and sensual, and yet so infectious. The seductive feel really gets to your hips and calls for some grinding action, at the very least. This easy-on-the-ear song I just can't get tired of. I think it's fair to call it a R&B classic.
At her visually most stunning...
What's the first attribute people immediately connect to Ciara, something very distinctive to her? Dancing, without a doubt. It's a vital part of her artistic identity. So naturally, that's always been a focal point in her videos. The Missy-Elliot-assisted Work is a prime example of that, highlighting her commanding, high-energy dance routines. That, along with the fierce looks and rough setting will surely leave no one cold. Britney, hew? It's Ciara, bitch.
And at her least impressive...
First off, what good have ever come from T-Pain? Seriously though, we can clearly hear his influence in the blatant use of auto-tune, completely ruining the smooth delivery I so dearly love about Ciara. It gives the song this lazy, hollow appearance that I simply can't overlook, no matter how I've tried. There's not much else to say about it. Should have stayed hidden on Fantasy Ride. Go girl No sir!
Keri HIlson's best single (solo) would definitely be "Knock You Down" featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West. It serves as her breakthrough hit as a lead artist and is the fourth single from her gold certified album, "In a Perfect World". I like pretty much everything about this single. The production is top notch. The overall theme of being head over heels in love is something that i like as well. Keri's vocals mesh well with Ne-Yo's & Kanye's verse is nice. I'm also a bit partial to it as it takes me on a nostalgia induced trip, it reminds me of going on summer vacation in '09.
Other Contenders
Turnin' Me On
Pretty Girl Rock
Explanation & Video
Keri Hilson's worst single is "Breaking Point", The flop lead single from her second studio album, "No Boys Allowed". In all honesty, the song isn't THAT bad, it's just... cheesy & cheesier than all of her other singles. The production isn't bad by any means, but she has better. This song is basically catered to women but for some reason, I don't feel empowered to listen to it again. Also the vocals, Keri is trying to serve some powerhouse mess but it doesn't work because she has a weaker voice. She should have given this to J.Hud or MJB or something. Maybe it would've charted.
Explanation
I shouldn't really have to go too in depth on this one. Keri looks beautiful and pays homage to many great & inspiring women in the vid (Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Diana Ross, Donna Summer,Janet Jackson & TLC). It's her most visually presentable video.
Les ATRLers - Season 03 ∙ Episode 8: Entries (2 of 2)
Episode 8: Entries (2)
Buddy!
Quote:
Originally posted by Buddy!
Christina Aguilera
Commonly known as Legend X or Legendtina
My favorite Christina single:
"Hurt"
Like obviously my favorite single. This was a hard one for me to chose, since imo she has a lot of great singles. However, I feel like this song is extremely underrated, and I definitely think it's her standout single. It's a song about losing someone, or rather anything that you held close to you and lost. And in a way I felt a connection with this song, after losing several loved ones over the past year. It's definitely unique to her discography, because prior to this songs release, Xtina had never sung a song about losing a loved one. A common comparison is with Beautiful, however they are two different songs (and both have different meanings.) Both are great songs, however I think Hurt takes it. It's far more emotional, and will forever have a place in my heart. The video is pretty sad, circus themed and it shows Xtina in a lot of pain, primarily as it seems she lost a lover
My favorite Christina video:
"Not My Self Tonight"
Bitch serving for the GODS. Easily the best video in her discography, it fits the song well, and she looks hot af. I mean, I'd for straight for her. The lead single from her album "Bionic" (which is criminally underrated). She's sporting latex, whips, and chains. She goes down on both men, and women in the video. Queen serving several fetishes in one video. According to Xtina the video is a tribute to Madonna..which..yeah. But, either way I think this video is great. There are so many scenes in this video that scream sex. I mean, when was the last time Xtina was serving pure sex in a video? Dirrty? Even then, I don't even think the visuals are are great as this. I mean that final scene, where she's just in her underwear grinding on a man. Woo. It was definitely a different side of Legend X, after coming off the "Back to Basics" era.
My least favorite single:
"The Voice Within"
Ugh, girl. This song is beyond boring, and thinking about some of her singles, I had to chose this. Stripped is arguably one of her best and has some of her strongest material to date, and her label and her chose this song a as a single. It's a song about being one to yourself, and believing in yourself. Cool. And the accompanying video was boring as well, but it makes sense for the song itself. The song has a great meaning behind it, but it falls flat everywhere else.
Melvin
Quote:
Originally posted by Melvin
ROAR has always been one of my favorite music videos by Katy Perry. It's so empowering. I love the effects that were used, I love the bright, vibrant scenery, and I overall love the entire message. The song, and the video encompass what it takes to be on top. It's all about taking what you do best, and making it THE best, so EVERYONE can hear you ROAR.
Teenage Dreams reminds me of a relationship I had in the past. That person always made me feel like they were the one, and that we were going to be together forever. We would listen to the song, and I would always get butterflies in my stomach because the words she spoke were what was happening to me, and it feel like she wrote that song to me and my Ex.
"I'mma get your heart racing, In my skin-tight jeans. Be your teenage dream tonight"
This is my favorite single from her because it reminds me of a happy and secure place in my life.
I literally never taken a liking to this song. This was always my most disliked Katy Perry song. When I first heard it, I was hoping that the video would help draw me to it. But if anything, it pushed me more away from the song. It sounds like it was put together in 1 day, and recorded in 15 minutes. Kanye West, who usually does really good on songs, sounds like he was added last minute, and pushed the recording time to 17 minutes.
Superiore
Quote:
Originally posted by Superiore
STAN SWAP
I was excited to face this challenge because I missed it in Season 2 and I was pleasantly surprised when DOMINO revealed the artist who I had to faux-stan for was Beyoncé. She's never been one of my favorite artists for a number of reasons that don't really need to be told but I really appreciate a lot of music by her and I recognize her amazing talent so this has been the occasion to listen to her catalog and voice once more. #SpotifyForAll
My favorite Bey single
It took a single listen, when 4 leaked got released, to make me fall in love with this amazing song. We know Beyoncé's records are plenty of love songs, often in the form of emotional ballads, but Countdown stands out amongst all of them. It's totally different from her other songs and from the songs of other contemporaries. Starting from the first harmony (sorry if it's not the right term for it), the song is a beautiful escalade of complex vocal runs and epic production. The way she's happy throughout the song puts me in a good mood as well everytime I play it and that doesn't happen with a lot of songs. It feels like a classic but still very modern and always fresh. If some songs I obsess with grow old on me, slow or fast that it is, this still hasn't happened with Countdown after 4 years, may that also be because it's connected with one of the happiest periods of my life. Such a work of art!
My favorite Bey video .
My least favorite Bey single .
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Bey has loads of middle-of-the-pack, boring, singles that got released, especially early during her career, but the one I can tolerate the least is actually one of her biggest hits worldwide, Beautiful Liar. I'm not the biggest fan of Latin-influenced music, to begin with, except for some well-done exceptions. I don't see any alchemy in this duet, just two similar voices that often don't stand out. It's just too much of a calculated hit for me to enjoy it. I can understand the desire to have the then-biggest artist worldwide but my desire is for these kind of duets to be actually good and not just pandering to the market. The fact radio totally overplayed it made it even harder for me to try and like this. Sorry! [/rant]
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When it comes to videos, I think Beyoncé re-peaks every new era with them. The self-titled visual album gave us some of her best ones and, amongst them, Haunted takes the crown, for me. Jonas Åkerlund directed it, thing that you can recognize watching the video even without knowing he was behind it. It took a lot from Madonna's videography, and that's a bonus. Everything is amazingly on point: from the story to the location, from Bey's outfit to the direction. It tells a story but it also gets freaky with her walk in the corridor showing all the mess happening in the mansion's rooms. It's most definitely her most visually suggestive video thus my favorite one. .
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umich
Quote:
Originally posted by umich
Nelly Furtado
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Favorite Single: "All Good Things (Come To An End)" Spotify | YouTube | Tidal
This is my favorite single and overall song from the flawless Loose album. The opening guitar and soft flute combined with the constant snares throughout the song were enough to lure me in. As with most songs that I instantly begin to like, I didn't start appreciating the lyrical content until some years later. Particularly, she sings in the first chorus, "don't like reality. it's way too clear to me" and "we are what we don't see -- miss everything daydreaming." These stood out to me because it reminded me of a relationship I was in that I knew wouldn't last, but I did not want to think about letting it go because I was in fear of being alone. We both just kept each other around for the sake of not wanting to hurt each other by letting go. It was pretty complicated, but we had to let each other go. For those reasons, I appreciated this song even more.
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Favorite Music Video: "Do It"
I discovered the video for this single well after it was released -- maybe sometime in 2008. As a fan of small things and not being too much over-the-top, this video became one of my favorite of hers. To this day, it still remains my favorite (very closely followed by Turn Off The Light). In Do It, Nelly shows off her silly side and is seen having a great time with her girlfriends. Most of her videos (up until this one) had been very tranquil and/or complex, but it was great to have Nelly in an element that we weren't really used to seeing from her. Also, the video was shot in my hometown of Detroit! The other great thing about this video is that it doesn't put Detroit in a negative light like most of the media does these days.
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Least Favorite Music Video: "I'm Like A Bird"
I think it's a great song, but the video happens to be my least favorite because I simply cannot get over the cheap factor of it. Granted, it was her very first video, so I won't hold it against her that much. Overall, while it was a great concept, I think it could have been executed slightly better. When I first heard the song, I immediately thought of Jenny from Forrest Gump, so it would have been nice to see something like this in the video. Just my personal thought. I think a tinge of my pressed-ness may stem from the fact that this song beat Janet Jackson's Someone To Call My Lover for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2002 Grammys, but that's neither here nor there.
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T-Swizz
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Originally posted by T-Swizz
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Marina & the Diamonds, a 29 year old bundle of bite and attitude, chomping at the bit of indie cool. With the pop landscape becoming increasingly homogeneous, it's refreshing to see more artists like Ms. Diamonds experiment, & the variety displayed across her discography shows just that. It is this individuality that show’s Marina is far from a factory produced pop princess. Her music has crossed the divide between the cool and commercial. And bursting with both infectious energy and instant likability. I'm actually extremely thankful to whichever poor guy Dom snatched this idea from & wrote his name all over, for if it wasn't for this challenge I wouldn't have discovered this diamond in the rough that is Ms. Diamonds.I genuinely enjoy the way she approaches music as a whole & the thought of stanning for her has crossed my mind a few times.
An interesting fact about Marina is that she does not refer to her band as "the Diamonds"--instead, she has stated that the "Diamonds" are actually her fans. She chose her stage name because she wanted to feel as if she had company in her fame. She has stated that she never felt like she belonged anywhere growing up, but including her fans in her stage name helps her feel like she is no longer alone and is liked for who she is. Judging by my previous entry, it's no surprise I found this act of kindness extremely admirable.
Froot is a stomping synth-pop gem. The track is a bit unusual in structure, it dalliances with disco & some sort of 8-bit video game pulsation. Her vocal tone compliments the beat well, her voice is tremulous and quirkily operatic, & rich with vibrato. It's lyrical content is as sly and witty as ever, laced with fruity metaphors and puns. ‘Baby I am plump and ripe, I’m pinker than shepherds delight’, as she purrs seductively. The reason I chose this track as my favorite is rather simple, it felt like an encapsulation of all that Marina has accomplished so far; the pop sensibilities of Electra Heart combined with the lovable quirks of The Family Jewels. Add to that the fact that she wrote & produced this song herself, & it’s kind of a no-brainer why I chose this single.
“Obsessed with the mess that’s America”, Marina takes aim at the false and shallow US culture, sniping shots from all angles with an intellectual approach. What Marina lacks for in terms of high budget productions she makes up for with an abundance of symbolism to help break the MV a bit more dimensional. The surging synths sparkle like a 80s disco ball, dazzling and blinding your brain into submission. While her smooth voice pours bouncing beats into your brain as the words spring around in your mind like a Disney sing-a-long, forcing you to take notice as she barks “oh my god you look like Shakira, no no more Catherine Zeta, actually my name’s Marina”. The video describes how American media can often be "infectious", though most of it is over glamorized and dramatized. The visuals paint pictures of people who constantly have celebrities and celebrity culture on their minds and, as a result, they lack depth. The protagonist, Marina, claims to know "why their thoughts turn grey." It is because "Hollywood has infected their brains."
“Wait, you’re choosing a catchy pop song with a music video that objectifies men as her worst single?! What gives.” Well, two days ago that’s exactly what I would be telling myself, but after analyzing her discography for the past forty eight hours, I had a mini-epiphany. There’s a sense of personality to Marina’s music, her deep, hiccupy voice, and a promising sense of audaciousness that's been all but lost here. Working with Dr. Luke made the song fall into all the wrong categories: the bland & swampy bangers (Katy Perry-lite). I fully support the message behind the song & appreciate her distinctive approach at trying to normalize women utilizing actions that are usually affiliated with men, but that's about it. The execution was all wrong, she completely lost her sound in the process & tried to conform to the pop landscape to try & churn out a hit.
#JusiceForJorge
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videos for selected songs
