August 13, 2011 - Top 10 Singles (Billboard Hot 100)

As I venture into the world of writing for popular music this month I think it would be helpful to take a look at the top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and review them. Because I tend to be very critical on some musical styles I will try and present more of a review on why I believe the song is so popular right now. Of course, seeing is this is my blog and my review, I will be liberal with my comments pertaining to what I do or do not like about the song.

I finally took the time to sit down and listen to this entire song. I keep hoping there is going to be some light switch that reveals the huge success that is this song, but honestly I do not see what is so great about it. As far as I can tell the only reason it is popular is because I can see it being a theme for teens and maybe something to enjoy in the club.

Now, believe me I am a big fan of dance and pop music, but I just do not see anything very creative or brilliant about this song. I am sure of one thing however...it's melody, message, and beat are so simple that it is bound to be infectious by some degree. For me; however, it lacks a fresh feel and the lyrics are downright boring with hardly any feeling put into the song.

You listen to it once and it will get stuck in your head. (And I do think it could possibly grow on me...maybe just a little.)

Katy Perry has a really great set of pipes and even though I do enjoy her fun-loving party music with goofy-strange lyrics, I would love to hear her sing some actual ballads or something that really reveals the musical depth that I feel she can express. (Perhaps she would not sell as well, but I would like to hear it regardless.)

The only thing I am really curious about this song is how much Kenny G gets/got paid to perform that crazy saxophone solo in the middle which I'm sure has been edited so far beyond what it originally sounded like on the sax.

The song is rather catchy and once again brings the whole party theme to the table which is great, but I do not feel it even comes close to her last two singles: E.T. and Firework which were huge and also had aspects of musical interest, message, and originality.

By the way, if you have not had the opportunity to do so you should view the music video for this. I found it to be quite entertaining...

Nikki Minaj is an upcoming super star that is currently on tour with Britney Spears. Super Bass has turned into her biggest hit to date. The song is not only catchy but it has aspects that are original to Nikki. (As a side note, Nikki co-wrote all the songs on her Pink Friday album.) I used to hate rap, but for some reason I don't find Nikki to be quite as obnoxious as others. As a matter of fact, I find her rapping to me fun and creative. Yes, some of it is over the top...I will admit that.

My favorite part of the song is right at around 2:15 where she actually shows her true colors as a singer. I was a little put off by this at first because I thought she was strictly a rapper (seeing her only featured on other artists' songs). She actually has a great voice and range.

So, I believe this song is worthy of the #3 position.

Pitbull is actually a pretty fun artist to listen to. I like how the beginning starts but the chorus melody and lyric content of "give me everything tonight" is quite boring and unoriginal. Of course, great melodies are hard to come by now a days as I think there has been a stronger push to concentrate on the beats and synthesizers.

Once again...it's all about partying. Perhaps when the summer is over we can get some different topics...

Lil Wayne telling us how to love...what an interesting concept. No, seriously I think this is a more enjoyable and better written song then #1 or #4. At least he is trying to be musically emotional. Melody wise I think is the best in the top 5.

I actually had no idea that he sang either! I am really misinformed when it comes to these so called "rappers". Gotta get on the ball!

Wait a minute...Adele is no longer #1!?!?!? Sadness! (No, seriously...it's okay.)

I will let you in on a little secret about Adele...she is DIFFERENT. She's got her own style and brings a totally fresh song to the table. She's got a nice set of pipes and writes great music. I don't listen to this song all the time, but everyday I am thankful because it was about time someone brought something new to the music business.

I love pop music, but too much of it sounds the same and I think it is well past time for artists to start experimenting musically. (I'm sure they already are...but we as the listeners have to let them in!)

This is a great song and was well written. It deserved all the time it spent as the #1 single and album. However, I do think they should feature some other songs on the radio....this one has been overplayed.

I was okay with this song until Eminem came in. I can take rap but like one of my friends told me his rapping is not only vulgar but "violent and angry"...the chorus is actually well written and so I'm not sure why they mix good music with pure garbage.

This song really has no business being in the top 10.

Now, this is what fun party music should be like! I love this song! It is unusual for me to just automatically like a song the first time I hear it, but this one I did. I like the feel and overall character. Life gets too serious for me sometimes and really all I need to say is "Whatever!".

The melody with the "Whoa" and repetition is sure to keep this one on the charts for a while.

I will let you know up front that I am partial to Britney Spears. She is one of my absolute favorites. I listen to her virtually everyday. So, course I think this song is amazing, but let me explain why I think it is such a smash.

Like some of the other songs on the top 10 it is very fun and playful, but the beats, lyrics, and the Power of Three is what I feel helps to give it that "can't get you out of my head".

I, I, I wanna go, oh, oh...all the way , eh, eh.

(1,2,3...............1,2,3.....................1,2,3)

Britney has some of the best writers and producers working for her. It is no surprise that all of her singles thus far on Femme Fatale have been partially done by the brilliant and songwriting powerhouse that is Max Martin.

I don't usually care for Lada Gaga that much, but this is probably my favorite single she has released on her Born This Way album. The vocals are actually really strong, and wait...ANOTHER saxophone solo! (Sounds like Katy and Gaga need to get together...maybe Kenny G recorded this one as well.) Actually, that saxophone section makes no sense whatsoever in this song, but neither does Lady Gaga's choice of clothing and music video content.

Whoever said music has to make sense to be enjoyed!?! This is catchy and I'll admit it...I like it.

(If I had control over this list it would read as the following...)

1. I Wanna Go by Britney Spears
2. Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
3. Rolling in the Deep by Adele
4. The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga
5. Super Bass by Nikki Minaj
6. Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) by Katy Perry
7. How to Love by Lil Wayne
8. Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
9. Give Me Everything by Pitbull
10. Lighters by Bad Meets Evil

How would your list read?