Showing posts with label top 10 review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label top 10 review. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2015

BILLBOARD REVIEW: Week Of 7/18/2015

Well, 5 new songs have entered the top 10 since my last Billboard review, so it's about that time. First, a reminder of the ratings I gave to the songs I already reviewed:
9) Hey Mama by David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack - 4/5
7) Shut Up & Dance by Walk The Moon - 5/5
5) Trap Queen by Fetty Wap - 4/5
4) Bad Blood by Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar - 3/5
1) See You Again by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth - 5/5

Alright, on to our new arrivals.




10) Song: Fight Song
      Artist: Rachel Platten

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc

You guys ready to get mad? Well, be prepared, because *flameshield up* I really like this song. Yeah, as far as empowerment anthems go, it's pretty generic, but generic doesn't quite equal bad, and I feel like this song is a perfect example of that. Fight Song basically talks about how Platten is going to take back her life and not let anyone hold her down. An admittedly done to death concept, but Rachel just absolutely sells the song with her passionate vocal delivery and explosive yet lush backing instrumentation. I do wish the song had given a little more detail as to how people have doubted her or the methods of how exactly she would take her life back in to her own control, but for what it is, I can appreciate it and really jam out quite a bit, actually. 4/5




8) Song: Where Are Ü Now
    Artist: Skrillex & Diplo feat. Justin Bieber
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntGTK2Fhb0

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but..... Justin Bieber, of all people, has a song under his belt that's actually......good. No, for real, this song is actually quite excellent. In fact, same goes for Skrillex & Diplo, the producers of this track, as Skrillex is awful outside of First Of The Year (Equinox) and Diplo is a mixed bag, and it really is their production that shines through on this song with its blend of trap production with EDM and Middle-Eastern elements with tons of flavor and texture backing it. That's not to say, though, that Bieber should be left out of this, though, because he, too, is also really good on this song. His vocals have a lot of vulnerability and emotion in them, and his singing of how he was there for this girl in question yet she left him in his time of need is actually really impressive. Again, I do wish there was more detail in the lyrics as to how the girl broke his heart or the specifics of what exactly Bieber did for this girl, but again, I can't complain too much. It's good for what it is. Another 4/5.




6) Song: Can't Feel My Face
    Artist: The Weeknd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqt8Z1k0oWQ

The Weeknd getting his Michael Jackson on? Hell yeah, I'm on board with this. We have The Weeknd being his awesome self on this track, a fun bass line, ominous strings that open up the song that fit surprisingly well as a transition in to the rest of the song, goofy lyrics about how he loves that he goes numb whenever he's with this girl in question, it's really energetic, it has a lot of bounciness to it, you know what? Yeah, I like this. 5/5




3) Song: Watch Me
    Artist: Silento
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjW8wmF5VWc

...........Okay, really guys? This song is not only in the top 5, but incredibly close to being #1?
I hate all of you. I.....I really do.
On a serious note, though, where I found my pick for my favorite hit song of the year so far in my last review of the top 10, I've found my pick for the worst hit song of the year so far in this one, and really, is it any wonder why? Between its incredibly messy synth work, limp percussion and finger snaps, and lacking any and all energy, who seriously finds this song any fun? On top of that, the lyrics are not only super repetitive, but also rely on referencing a deluge of dance crazes, most of which are really outdated, thus adding an extra layer of infuriating laziness to this song that, needless to say, only makes this song even less listenable. Worst of all, though, is Silento himself. This Rae Sremmurd reject has a voice that I have no idea how anyone can find even tolerable as it's so high pitched and grating that I dare anyone to not hear it and then not turn the song off after 1.5 seconds (and that's being generous). I'd give this a negative rating, but I gotta pretend like I have some semblance of integrity, so it's no surprise that this song is getting a big fat 0/5. Seriously, f**k this song.




2) Song: Cheerleader
    Artist: OMI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGflUbPQfW8

*Sigh of relief* Thank god, a good song. In fact, an amazing song. One of the best songs of the year, to be more specific. The original version of this is good, but if you ask me, I feel like the Felix Jaehn remix just works so much better. The tropical flavored EDM and horns combine for this really easy listening experience full of energy and fun, and the autotune and reverb added on to OMI's vocals really added a ton of personality to that of what already existed within him. Oh, and the lyrics are awesome, too. It's basically about how OMI has found a woman who will stand by him no matter what and really loves him for who he is, and nowhere in this song does he ever come off as undeserving of any of it. Man, this song is awesome. Yeah, it's a 5/5.

Overall, this week gets a score of a 3.9/5. Not quite as good as last time, but damn good. See you guys next time.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

BILLBOARD REVIEW: Week Of 6/13/15

Hello, guys, and as part of a new series here at the blog of BackstreetMarceline, I am going to review the current top 10, and anytime there's 5 new arrivals (not including returning entries), I will let everyone know the rating of the previously discussed songs while I review the new entries. With that said, let's begin.




10) Song: Nasty Freestyle
      Artist: T-Wayne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGKK8eGQQEk

Aaaaaaand we're starting off with the worst song currently in the top 10. Yaaaaay. -_____-
Yeah, there is absolutely no redeeming quality to this song whatsoever. The beat is just this dismal mess of synth and piano cords, T-Wayne's autotuned vocals are not that listenable, and there's no connection at all anywhere within the lyrics. It's just this huge word salad of rap cliches and stupid, mind numbing punchlines. If you needed further proof as to just how much Vine hits usually suck (I would say all of them do, but Turn Down For What and Hot Boy exist), then this is it. Obviously, this one's getting a big fat 0/5.



9) Song: Sugar
    Artist: Maroon 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg

Talk about a complete 180. Seriously, Maroon 5 went from Animals, one of their worst singles, to Sugar, which is easily one of their best. The thing about this song is that it's just so much damn fun. I like the funky instrumentation that has a lot of texture to it, and I'm really into Adam Levine's performance on this song (yes, even the falsetto). Even the lyrics are pretty good. All they're about is just needing some good loving every now and then. A simple concept, but it's one that I think was handled pretty well in this song. This is definitely going on the best list at the end of the year. 5/5



8) Song: Hey Mama
    Artist: David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, & Afrojack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO59tfQ2TbA

Speaking of surprises, here's a song by David Guetta, usually thought not to make very good music (and, in some cases, lives up to that) that's actually pretty great. I do have a few technical gripes such as how monotonous the flow of the verses can get along with the fact that a line from Birthday Cake (one of the worst songs EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) was used for the chorus, but aside from that, yeah, it's really good. Guetta and Afrojack did a really good job with this beat and how energetic, wild, and chaotic it is while keeping it sounding good, Nicki's performance is great, and Bebe Rexha's vocals are amazing. While I don't really buy Minaj as a standard cooking and cleaning housewife, like, at all, it doesn't really come off that way to me. It's really more of an "I'll be faithful to you and right by your side" type of deal, which I can get behind. Overall, pretty good. 4/5



7) Song: Want To Want Me
    Artist: Jason DeRulo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rClUOdS5Zyw

Another funky song? Hell yeah. I'll be damned if this isn't DeRulo's best single to date. Everything from the instrumentation to the vocals right down to the lyrics is just so full of life and passion that it's hard to deny. Every element of this song feels very cohesive, and it all culminates in to this wonderful piece of music. I don't think I need to tell you that this is a 5/5 song for me, but I will just to inform you. Also, is it just me, or is anyone else reminded of late 80s to early 90s synthpop from this?




6) Song: Earned It
    Artist: The Weeknd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waU75jdUnYw

So.............people hate this song?
I gotta be honest, I wasn't expecting anything good to come out of the trash that is 50 Shades Of Grey, but to my amazement, we got TWO amazing songs out of it, and believe me, I'll be talking about Love Me Like You Do later this year. Earned It is just a sexy song, pure and simple. It's orchestral production, the chamberish feel that works surprisingly well, oddly enough, with the atmosphere in the song, and The Weeknd's voice is smooth and beautiful. I don't think I'll ever forgive him for being the guy who said "do you like the way I flick this tongue or nah," but as long as he continues to make songs like this, I just may be able to forget about it. 5/5




5) Song: Uptown Funk
    Artist: Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0

Everybody and their third uncles twice removed have already praised this song to high heaven, and really, can you blame them? The funky instrumentation, the sheer amount of force and energy in this song, Bruno Mars' charisma and excellent voice, everything about this song is just plain fun. Sure, it's a song where Bruno Mars brags about how awesome he is, but never once does it ever feel like he's being condescending to the listener nor does he ever come across as insulting. In fact, at the end, he actively encourages the crowd to join in with him. 5/5, no doubt.




4) Song: Shut Up & Dance
    Artist: Walk The Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q

I got this song alllllll the way back when it was free on iTunes, and let me just say, easily the best free song I picked up from there. When it comes to a song that aims to be nothing more than just a glittery, fun pop-rock jam, man does Shut Up & Dance deliver. The bouncy instrumentation with its rollicking guitar work and shiny synthesizers combine perfectly with Nicholas Petricca's vocals, and the whole thing is just a huge jam. Also, can we just take a minute to discuss how much fun that music video looks? No? Okay. Whatever, the song's still a 5/5 (wow, there are a lot of those in the top 10 this week),




3) Song: Trap Queen
    Artist: Fetty Wap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_kF4zLNKio

Look guys, I tried. I tried to hate this song. I claimed for the longest time that I absolutely despised this song. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't resist the infectious amount of silliness that this song has to offer. Sure, the lyrics are nothing special, but it really is Fetty Wap's loose delivery and the production that hold this song together. Oh my god, I can't believe how much I like this song. This is really embarrassing. 4/5




2) Song: Bad Blood
    Artist: Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcIy9NiNbmo

1989, let me just say, is a phenomenal record, not to mention Taylor Swift's best record by a country (or should I say pop :P ) mile. Shake It Off, Blank Space, and Style were all amazing songs, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I was excited as heck to find out what the fourth single was. So how is Bad Blood, exactly? It's......okay. K-Dot easily steals the spotlight with amazing flow, a ton of energy, and a plethora of clever punchlines, and T-Swizzle's voice is amazing as always with a really well done chorus. The beat, however, while not terrible at all, is pretty weak and is mostly percussion. Also, Taylor pretty much just handed the song to Kendrick. She really doesn't do much aside from sing the chorus and bridge. This is definitely not as good as the album version, which is actually quite a bit better. As a whole, I do like this song, just not nearly as much as I'd like to, so I'll give this one a 3/5.




1) Song: See You Again
    Artist: Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgKAFK5djSk

Well, who knew Wiz knew how to be good at rapping about something other than weed? And actually be BETTER at it? Guys, I've found my favorite hit song of the year so far. The rapping is done with so much passion and heart that it really does tug at my heartstrings, and same with Charlie Puth's chorus (seriously, his vocals are amazing). Let's be real here, though, it really is the lyrics that drive this thing home (no pun intended). Even ignoring the fact that this is a tribute to the late Paul Walker, this song is still emotional and well written as hell heaven. The message of holding a lost loved one in your heart in hopes that you'll one day see them again is just sweet, and I defy anyone who says otherwise. At no point does the song ever just feel like a cheap cash grab. It stays 100% genuine the whole way through, and that really comes in handy, especially for these types of songs. With all that said, this song is easily a 5/5.



So yeah, as a whole, this week of the Billboard top 10 scores a 4.1/5. That's an amazing score, and all of those 5/5's definitely help. Let's hope the top 10 stays awesome. I'm Halston, and I'll see you guys next time.