Crazy Cat – Selena Gomez – Stars Dance: Undercover
Eh… maybe if this song had been released one or two years ago, it would have smashed. But in today’s musical climate, I doubt that there would be much place for this song, what with its blaring synth and its thumping uhn-tiss-uhn-tiss beat. Dance pop still has a presence on the charts, but it’s not nearly as prominent as it was before. Come and Get It was unique enough to get attention (with its worldbeat- style instrumentation), but when I listen to this I just hear more of the same stuff that David Guetta and his peers were offering us in 2011 and 2012.
I mean, you say that there’s something special about it, but you never try to explain what that ‘something’ is.
5/10
BlazingLovatic – Demi Lovato – Demi: Heart Attack
Not bad at all! Your observation that it’s told from the opposite perspective of Give Your Heart a Break was particularly interesting (I honestly hadn’t noticed that before). The dramatic, violin- driven opening
does leave quite an impression on the listener. In fact, most of the comments you made about the song were confirmed when I listened to it in full.
…except for the whole genre versatility comment. While it’s more ‘fierce’ than her previous output, I don’t see it as being radically different, genre- wise.
Also, purposely keeping your hair unwashed is just unhygienic. Don’t do it.
8/10
theREALslimSHADY – OneRepublic – Native: Counting Stars
VERY solid entry. While I think the current trend in music is more geared towards folk than straight up rock, it’s hard to imagine that Counting Stars wouldn’t have gained an audience, with its brisk tempo and inspiring, thought- provoking lyrics. Also, while I normally can’t stand Ryan Tedder’s falsetto, I don’t really mind his occasional dips into his upper register on this track. I especially like the way the hook is sung normally and then repeated an octave higher.
I suspect that, just like last season, you’ll be spending your time here introducing me to great album tracks by artists I’m usually semi- indifferent to.
8.5/10
MusicLoverDude – Rihanna – Good Girl Gone Bad: Umbrella
A bit of an obvious choice, but a sound one nonetheless. Unfortunately, while you say that Rihanna needed to bring her career to the ‘next level’, you don’t really take the time to explain what that next level
is, or how Umbrella differed from her previous output. Then again, you were told to limit your essay to five lines, which I think is unfairly restrictive (no offense, Pedro). And I do like how you mentioned that it was released in 2007, when the urban format was still dominant and the dance pop craze hadn’t arrived yet.
No mention of Jay-Z’s verse, though? Surely Rihanna’s collaboration with such a high- profile artist would have helped her reach the ‘next level’, as you put it.
7/10
Marooner5 – Hurts – Exile: Miracle
I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of Hurts before, but after hearing this, I’m pretty excited to hear more from them. The vocalist kind of reminds me of the lead singer of Depeche Mode, and the lead guitar has this sharp, piercing tone that you don’t often hear in mainstream rock. I’m not sure that I’d describe this song as ‘anthemic’, though. Powerful, yes, but not anthemic.
Also, I’m going to tell you the same thing that I’ve told at least a few other people now: your essay was too vague. What are the typical Hurts elements? What specific characteristics define their sound? Saying they have great lyrics and production doesn’t give me a clear picture of what the band’s usual fare is like. And you said that this shows a ‘new side’ of Hurts, but I guess I’m just going to have to take your word for it because I have no idea what their old side sounds like.
Detail, people. DETAIL.
6.5/10
Inner Insanity – My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade: Welcome to the Black Parade
You know, when I was in high school, I had a friend who was
obsessed with My Chemical Romance. Personally, I could never get into the whole emo scene, but I have to say, this is a damn good song. I love the way the marching band style instrumentation at the beginning transitions into the hard rock instrumental so seamlessly. I’ve heard that MCR are absolutely fantastic live, and if this is the kind of music that they typically play, I can believe it. This song sounds like it was written specifically to bring down arenas.
And yes, after listening, I can totally see why WTTBP was the lead single. Good work.
8.5/10
!Blue! – Ke$ha – Animal: Tik Tok
Well, it’s kind of hard to disagree with you, considering what a world- conquering success Tik Tok was. That said, your essay was a little on the weak side. You say that it represents Ke$ha’s persona well, but so do quite a few of the other tracks on Animal, and you never really explain what made Tik Tok special. I’m disappointed that you don’t talk about the bizarre, quasi- humorous nature of the lyrics, which I think was a major part of the song’s charm.
As it stands, your essay doesn’t say much besides the obvious (the mainstream public likes fun, catchy songs?! You don’t say!)
5.5/10
collin – Avril Lavigne – Let Go: Complicated
Not a bad choice on its own, but your description of the song is frustratingly vague. I would have loved to hear how the single helped her gain a reputation as the ‘Anti- Britney’ and how female pop was changing at the time. Hell,
Let Go was released around the same time as
Stripped, so this would have been a perfect opportunity to talk about pop girls embracing a rawer, less polished image and releasing songs that were deeper and more personal than what Britney and her colleagues were offering at the time. In that respect, ‘Complicated’ couldn’t have been released at a better time, what with its angsty lyrics and punk sensibilities (I mean, the video features Avril smashing a guitar Pete Townshend- style).
Though you did compare it to her other singles and explained why they wouldn’t have done as well, so you get points for that.
6/10
Mickey – Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway: Breakaway
Short, sweet and to the point. It does seem to contain elements of both light adult alternative and heavy pop rock, so it would help listeners ease into her new sound, which would be more sharply defined by Since U Been Gone and Behind Those Hazel Eyes. Though didn’t she dabble a little in pop rock in her debut album?
Also, you really didn’t have to mention that it was included in Princess Diaries 2. You were supposed to focus on the musical/ lyrical qualities of the song that make it first single- worthy. But that’s forgivable.
7.5/10
Fraser – Ciara – Ciara: I’m Out
I’m not sure what the main argument of your essay is supposed to be. You mention risk taking once, but you never elaborate or explain what risks Ciara was taking, and honestly, I don’t hear anything in this song that can be construed as risky (though it does sound harsher and more abrasive than your typical R&B fare, sonically). Now, you talk briefly about how ‘Sorry’ represented the feelings of regret and sadness that resulted from her breakup, and that ‘I’m Out’ was written to represent her recovery from the grief. If you had just focused on that, your essay would be stronger, but I don’t see how Basic Instinct’s commercial failure is related. And again, where is this risk that you’re talking about?
It does look like you put effort into this entry, though, so you get points for that. Just make sure that your thoughts are more organized next time.
4.5/10
Spbb123 – Britney Spears – Blackout – Break The Ice
It’s been a while… I know I shouldn’t have kept you waiting…
Actually, I think this is an even better introduction to the album than, “It’s Britney, bitch”. I mean, imagine hearing that on the radio for the first time, after four years of nothing but silence from Britney. And I LOVE the angelic chorus that accompanies her right at the beginning; that was a very nice touch. Overall, the song isn’t as pulse- pounding or intimidating as ‘Gimme More’, but it’s still a fine choice for a first single.
8/10
TheSeenScene – 2NE1 – To Anyone: Can’t Nobody
Admittedly, I’m not the most qualified judge to evaluate this song, since I know about as much about K-pop as I do about 18th century Burmese poetry. I’m not sure I’d describe the lyrics as ‘hard hitting’ or ‘fierce’; I mean, most of what I heard wouldn’t sound out of place in a will.i.am song. But then again, I don’t speak Korean and I can only understand half of what they’re saying, so what do I know?
As for the song itself, it’s… all right. It’s decently catchy, but nothing particularly new or interesting. But if this is the kind of music that 2NE1 tends to make, then I guess it’d work as a lead single.
6.5/10
Boyonce – Janelle Monae – The Archandroid: Tightrope
First and foremost, let me just say how ecstatic I am that you’re using
The Archandroid. I absolutely LOVE this album.
Now, as for your entry… I adore this song, and I fully agree with your analysis. Unlike many of the other tracks, ‘Tightrope’ can be fully appreciated outside the context of the overarching story, and it’s arguably the most radio friendly song on the entire album. Actually, this was the song that introduced me to Janelle Monae, and it instantly made me fall in love with her. I also liked your description of the single’s purpose (to entice the listeners into checking out the album by giving them just a bit of a taste of what’s to come).
9/10
Potentbreakupsong – Ed Sheeran - +: The A Team
Well, Ed Sheeran is the guy who wrote ‘Little Things’, so I’d hesitate to call him a step above his peers. Then again, he DID write it when he was seventeen… but I digress.
I’ve always had mixed feelings about this song, and I find it a little troubling that he uses such romantic, lush language to describe a drug- addled prostitute (seriously, an angel covered in white?). That said, you do make an impressively strong case for the song being a lead single; sonically, it’s easy enough on the ears to smash on pop radio, but lyrically, it gives Ed Sheeran credibility as an artist. And I liked how you mentioned that the idea of using pop music as a storytelling medium has sort of died in recent years (which really is a shame).
8/10
Mr. Link – Alexz Johnson – Songs from Instant Star: Let Me Fall
It’s one of the five tracks that she co- wrote? OK… kind of faint praise if you ask me.
That said, the song is quite pretty, and your analysis of the lyrics was really interesting to read. What really made your entry stand out was the fact that you wrote it with the assumption that I’ve never heard of Alexz Johnson before (which I hadn’t), so you made sure to explain exactly what the song means to her as an artist. A commendable effort overall.
8.5/10
By the way, I’m just curious; how do you pronounce her name? Is it Alec-zee? Alec-zuh? Alezz?
N1cki F4N: Kelly Rowland – Talk a Good Game – Kisses Down Low
…
http://wiki.teamfortress.com/w/image...20100625232613
Seriously? That’s it?
It’s not a bad song at all, but your essay tells me absolutely
nothing. It represents the ‘fun’ side of the album? As opposed to what? The somber side? The angry side? The experimental side? And why did you put ‘fun’ in quotation marks? You never even try to explain why the single had the potential to smash besides saying that ‘it’s fun’.
2/10
Hunter_13: Haley Reinhart – Listen Up!: Free
Ooh, I like this! Haley has a very impressive voice. You said that the song shows off her great vocal techniques, and it definitely does. She reminds me of the crooners of the 1940s/ 50s.
Your essay was a little sparse on detail, but it did mention that the soulfulness of Haley’s voice is a large part of her appeal, which I can believe.
7.5/10
Nait Phoenix – Ne-Yo – Because of You: Because of You
Okay, dude, I already know that artists often use title tracks as lead singles. You don’t have to elaborate by giving me examples. XD
Also… I’m not sure I hear anything in this song that’s uniquely Ne-Yo. It’s a pretty good song overall, but I can easily imagine it being given to, say, Usher. Or Trey Songz.
6/10
Sumthintoxic82 – Girls Aloud – Tangled Up: Close to Love
Well, I definitely hear the fierceness. Maybe it’s just because I’m not familiar with the full discography of Girls Aloud, but this single does not sound safe. At all. It’s actually really abrasive and heavy, especially for its genre. That said, I do have a soft spot for pop with just a hint of rock (LOVE the power chords during the first verse!) and the beat is very ‘addicting’, as you put it.
7/10
HeLikesMusic – Will Young – Echoes: Jealousy
I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of Richard X, but I’m digging the instrumental here. Its sweeping, grandiose atmosphere kind of reminds me of Calvin Harris, in a way. From what I hear on this track, Will Young’s delivery is polite and reserved, but still earnest and sincere. He’s a bit like the male Ellie Goulding in that respect.
I like that you pointed out the contrast between the upbeat tempo and the sour, regretful lyrics, but I wish you could have elaborated a little more on how that contrast makes the song so striking. Still, a strong entry nonetheless.
8/10
fiercE – Lawson – Chapman Square: Taking Over Me
I’ll just come right out and say it: this song is dull, and you don’t exactly do a stellar job of defending it. It’s catchier than ‘When She Was Mine’? I’ve never heard When She Was Mine, so that bit of information means nothing to me. After reading your entry, this is what I’ve learned about Lawson: they have one song that’s catchier than another one of their songs, and they have a ‘pop’ side (and assumedly another side that is not pop).
I mean, Christ, people. Don’t assume that I already know everything about your artist.
2/10
Tylerbv - Skylar Grey – Don’t Look Down: Wear Me Out
This is the girl who sang the hook on I Need a Doctor, right?
As for the song itself… it’s not a bad choice. Skylar Grey has a pretty unique voice, and the song has a 6/8 time signature, which is a little unusual in mainstream pop. My only problem with your entry is that it’s, once again, too vague. It is pretty easy to get into, as you said, but I’m not sure that I can see it becoming an instant hit… which is assumedly what you meant by ‘instant’, right? And what exactly is relatable about the lyrics, in your opinion?
On top of that, there’s a pretty glaring Captain Obvious moment at the end. Obviously, yes, having an instant smash would make her work more accessible, but that sort of goes without saying.
6/10
ImRihannaFan – Jessie J – Who You Are: Price Tag
Not bad. I do like how you mentioned the purpose that B.o.B.’s verse serves, and lyrically, the song was unique enough to get people talking. That said, your descriptions were rather vague at times. I have a bit of a problem with your last sentence in particular, since it’s kind of pointless to mention that it’s pop. I mean, of course it’s pop, but what would have made it a better choice than, say, Domino? Domino is pop too.
Then again, after she released Domino everyone accused her of copying Katy Perry, so maybe Price Tag
was the best choice. It still lets Jessie J’s unique personality shine through, but it’s catchier and more universal than, say, Do It Like a Dude (I mean, I had no idea what the heck a ‘mandem’ is before looking it up).
7/10
Mr. Loco – Maroon 5 – Overexposed: Payphone
Sorry, dude, but you’re going to have to do better than this. While Payphone
did end up being a worldwide smash, I’m inclined to believe that One More Night would have done just as well as the lead single, and your essay doesn’t say much to convince me otherwise. First of all, why is it important that their lead single has a ‘ballad feel’? Ballads typically don’t do that well as lead singles (though there are some exceptions). It tells us what we can expect from the album? What
can we expect from the album, exactly?
Also, I’m not sure where you got the idea that Payphone is ‘danceable’.
3.5/10
Strangergab – Hilary Duff – Metamorphosis: So Yesterday
So what I think you’re trying to say is that ‘So Yesterday’ marked a turning point in mainstream pop, and that it opened the doors for other Disney girls.
You know how much that tells me about the actual song?
Nothing. Why was it so successful? Where did its appeal come from? What was so revolutionary about it? What made it stand out from the other songs that were on the radio at the time?
Not once do you actually describe the content of the song. Hell, you don’t even compare it to the rest of the album, so I have no idea what makes it a better choice than, say, ‘Come Clean’.
Seriously, this is the best you can do? I remember your entries for
My December last season being a HELL of a lot better than this. Try harder next time.
1.5/10
t.A.T.u – Natasha Bedingfield – N.B.: I Wanna Have Your Babies
Okay… honestly, guys? Honestly? I know Pedro told you to limit your entries to five lines, but in five lines you can write a lot more than this. All you say about this song is that it’s catchy and happy and radio friendly. So… are you implying that the rest of Natasha’s album ISN’T catchy or happy? If not, then what makes it the best choice out of all the other tracks? Pedro asked you to choose the BEST single to start the era, not just a decent single to start the era.
3/10
Lucky#17 – Danity Kane – Welcome to the Dollhouse: Damaged
‘Brilliant’ lyrics? Eh… kind of pushing it. ‘Killer’ vocals? Eh… REALLY pushing it. That said, I can see this doing fairly well on pop radio, since the lyrical themes are simple, relatable and universal. Breakup anthems
do tend to do pretty well, commercially. I don’t know if the fact that there’s no clear rhyme scheme would really make it stand out to the average listener, though. I mean, your average joe isn’t going to monitor every lyric and say, “What’s this?! The line I just heard did NOT rhyme with the previous one! WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?!”
6/10
Pedro – Jennifer Love Hewitt – BareNaked: BareNaked
Okay, I want everyone participating in this competition to take a good, hard look at Pedro’s essay. THIS is how you write an entry.
In this short, five sentence- long entry, Pedro lets me know what the song’s most important characteristics are, why those characteristics would make it such an effective first single, and why some other choices for the first single may not work (well, one other choice, anyway). On top of that, he ends his entry by explaining what he thinks people tend to expect from first singles, thus strengthening his argument that BareNaked’s upbeat, empowering tone makes it first single material.
If you want to make it far in this competition, here’s my advice: do what Pedro does.
9.5/10