If you even feel the need to compare a seven year old song to a recent smash - then I think that answers your question.
Toxic was revolutionary, not just for Britney, but for the pop-scene & the industry as a whole. It kick-started the block-buster-esque music video trend & alerted every other bitch to step up their game - BIG TIME.
Song wise, Toxic could be released today & still smash. It's a timeless unique production unlike any other at the time & was loved by both fans & haters alike.
I'm not even speaking as a Britney fan here, I'm speaking as a realist. Toxic wins.
The Ennio Morricone influenced "Toxic" blew me away.
I had stopped listening to pop music at this point and this song brought me back to it.
All Hail "Toxic" !
I favor Toxic. It stands out in the mainstream pop world as something wholly unique in terms of production. It would be difficult to think of another commercial pop track that pre-dates Toxic from which you could say Toxic was derived. Musically speaking, Toxic is so completely off-trend for songs released in 2003/2004 (music had a decidedly urban sound with dancehall/reggae music also coming to prominence)*that I still find it somewhat shocking it was able to be as successful as it was (at least in the United States). Ultimately, the fact that Toxic was a hit is just a testament to the undeniable quality of the track. You can argue that the electronic presence in pop music was on the rise for years prior to Toxic's release, but you will be hard pressed to find a mainstream electro pop track pre-dating Toxic that's of a similar nature to Toxic, and for what it's worth you aren't likely to find another pop track post-Toxic that can begin to rival the grandness that is Bloodyshy & Avant's stellar production and Britney's captivating performance.
Bad Romance was distinctive in it's own right, and I have always thought it sounds slightly different from Gaga's other hits, but despite the few eccentricities the song has it is still firmly rooted in the foundations of the RedOne sound, which, while novel at one point in time, was certainly well established at the time of Bad Romance's release. The song is amazing, but I think it could have been even more amazing had RedOne's presence not been so identifiable.
I'm going to have to go with Toxic, got hook on it the first time I heard it whereas Bad Romance didn't really click on me until I saw the video...which still took time for me to like it.
What made Bad Romance was the video and the "rah rah" part, if you took those away, you'll get a generic pop-dance song, at least in my opinion. The song itself is very repetitive, though the production is pure gem. Needless to say, Just Dance & Paparazzi are way better than BR.
Toxic is one of the best Britney songs (that I've heard ) and also one of the best songs released last decade. Considering it was released during the time when urban was ruling the airwaves, it was truly a stand out track. Even if it was released today, it would still be a stand out track since it doesn't really fully follow the electro-synth-dance club trend. It's edgy without trying too hard.
EXCELLENT POST!!!!
I love "Bad Romance," but "Toxic" is just untouchable.