I wanted to try something new so I thought I’d survey my top 40 radio station and do reviews of selected songs of interest. I’ve included my commentary and a link so you can hear each song for yourself. My personal music tastes range more towards pop and electronica but I’m open to anything, as you’ll soon see.
La Roux “Bulletproof”
I loved this song from the first time I heard it. It’s a true pop gem. Catchy electronic beats and cool lyrics. This is one of the best songs currently on the radio. Hearing it makes me think of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) dancing in the clubs in the 80s in the movie American Psycho.Grade: A
Lady Gaga “Alejandro”
This song is a true pop classic. It takes me back to the days of Ace of Base when I was a kid and I first heard the song. The video is on the way and I can’t wait to see what they come up with for it. This is one of the best songs currently on the radio today. Grade: A
Lady Antebellum “Need You Now”
I don’t really get the Lady Antebellum craze sweeping top 40 radio. The song is passable I guess, but it’s full with country music cliches and amateur hour lyrics. It sounds like a less inspired Taylor Swift knockoff to me. I’ll take the Rednex any day of the week.
Grade: C
Jason Derulo ” In My Head”
This song is everything right about summer pop songs. It’s light, catchy, and forgettable. You can listen to it and forget all about it 60 seconds later. A decent followup to Jason’s first big single, it’s still derivative as Hell. It should appeal to those who remember LFO.
Grade: B-
Taio Cruz/Ludacris “Break Your Heart”
This is another basically average jam that is brought up a notch by a catchy chorus and some very cool synths. Even Ludacris isn’t annoying in the song, a rare feat.
Grade: B
Black Eyed Peas “Imma Be”
I don’t get the Black Eyed Peas even a little bit. “Fergie Ferg” was better off on Kids Incorporated and Will I Am is a weak producer whose grasp of dance music is shaky at best, but what do I know, they’ve sold millions of CDs and it hardly matters what I think of them. This is BEP at their most annoying, sans awful anti-war songs.
Grade: D-
OneRepublic “All the Right Moves”
This is another group I don’t understand. The song is bland and dreary and I don’t understand its popularity. The lead singer sounds like he’s got a mouthful of marbels. It tries for something “different” but it sounds like more of the same to me. Epic Fail !
Grade: D
Justin Bieber/Sean Kingston “Eenie Meanie”
This would be my pick for worst song currently on the radio. The popular Justin Bieber kid teams with the annoying, untalented Sean Kingston and some crappy lyrics. I don’t care if shorty is an “eenie meanie minie mo lover” or not.
Grade: F
Train “Hey, Soul Sister”
I’m shocked that I actually like this catchy slice of pop/rock, but I do. Train’s rock lite annoys fans of the more “hard” groups like Nickleback and Creed, but they sound great here. Welcome back, Train.
Grade: B+
Rihanna ” Rude Boy”
This is like Rhianna’s 3rd single in a row that I’ve hated and now I’m getting worried. Darker is one thing, tuneless is another. Her militaristic, creepy videos and tuneless songs make me think that maybe Rihanna is headed towards oblivion.
Grade: D
What are your best/worst current songs you’ve heard on the radio? Share and comment below.
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Paladin
Apr 8, 2010 -
There is still a radio? I thought that went out with the MP3 player?
I haven’t listened to the radio for years, I’d rather be in the dark of what’s, what and who’s, who than listen to a pound of crap with a good one every now and then. Hail to Hard Drives and CD’s!
Great article, a lot of videos for people to see what’s flawed and whats hot.
Cricket
Apr 8, 2010 -
That Soul Sister song is the only good going for those Samsung 3D TV ads.
It’s all about Bieber and Ludacris, that song is catchy. LOL.
John Kaufman
Apr 9, 2010 -
Now that radio is ruled not by inspiration but by corporation, the “music” one hears is throwaway pop ear candy destined for a shelf life of about a week at best.
Let’s see if anyone remembers any of this stuff thirty years from now.
Paul
Apr 9, 2010 -
Jason Derulo ” In My Head” sounds just like Lady Gaga “Just Dance.” I’m just saying.
Paul
Apr 9, 2010 -
Jason Derulo ” In My Head” sounds just like Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance.” Shame on you Jason, first “Watcha Say”, and now this.
Magnus782
Apr 9, 2010 -
I’m surprised that I liked ”Hey, Soul Sister” by Train; I never cared for their other singles much. As for One Republic, their best single to date is ”Apologize.” ”All The Right Moves” is just incoherent and boring.
Reboot
Apr 9, 2010 -
i listen to talk radio about 90% of the time in my car(which is the only time i listen to radio) the other 10% is music in the backround when i have friends in the car.
I usually listen to my predetermined playlist while im playing games.
Ive heard of a few of these bands(nice to see train making in attempt at music again) but i dont particularly care for any of these bands. I cant stand Lady GaGa, my wife likes her, i dont understand it.
Great artical non-the-less!