So Hot Songs has gotten pretty one-dimensional these days with Fall Out Boy's new album Folie a Deux coming out this week after over a month delay.
I've been streaming the album at http://www.myspace.com/falloutboy and plan to buy myself an early Christmas present when I pick it up this week.
My favorite track of the moment is "Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes", which reminds me a lot of "Thriller" from Infinity on High. It has the personal psychosis that characterizes much of Pete Wentz's lyrics ("Hey Doctor, I’m certifiable"), rocking music, and it's the first track. Another memorable lyric: "Detox just to retox."
The album as a whole is a big departure from their pop punk sound from their earlier albums. I'm sure I'll have a few more posts about a few of my other favorite songs from the album.
Stream it for yourself and let me know what you think.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
"Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet", Fall Out Boy
This single, Fall Out Boy's second off of Folie a Deux continues the trend of unnecessarily long song titles from the Chicago rock stars.
On the positive side, this is a really catchy song, better than "I Don't Care" (the first single off the new album), although I am not sure the upcoming album will have the mega-hits like From Under the Cork Tree or Infinity on High. Hopefully there's still a few surprises for us in store on November 4.
The lyrics in the track are intensely personal ("Does your husband know the way that the sun shines gleams from your wedding band?") and the music just rocks, with a sparse bit of piano added in for dramatic effect.
On the positive side, this is a really catchy song, better than "I Don't Care" (the first single off the new album), although I am not sure the upcoming album will have the mega-hits like From Under the Cork Tree or Infinity on High. Hopefully there's still a few surprises for us in store on November 4.
The lyrics in the track are intensely personal ("Does your husband know the way that the sun shines gleams from your wedding band?") and the music just rocks, with a sparse bit of piano added in for dramatic effect.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Faux Blondes Have Less Fun..."Lake Effect Kid", "Catch Me If You Can", "Take My Hand", "Cookie Jar" and other hits from the FOB Mixtape
Getting a mixtape (ok, a zip file with MP3s) with a preview of the new Fall Out Boy CD, Folie A Deux felt like a privilege. More than a week later, it still feels awesome to have a glimpse into what Fall Out Boy and Decaydence Records have in store.
What I didn't expect was to find some hot songs from bands other than Fall Out Boy. With an upcoming album dropping (as we say in the biz) November 4, FOB didn't show their hand too much...most of their tracks on the mixtape were 2 minutes or less.
Here's my top five from the mixtape:
1. "Catch Me if You Can", Fall Out Boy featuring Travis of Gym Class Heroes
I've been listening to this one over and over again. I hope it becomes their first official single, although they have put "I Don't Care" out their MySpace already (which I don't really care for yet). "Catch Me if You Can" is a neatly layered song, with an introspective rap from my favorite narcissist, Travis (he sometimes calls himself "Travi" too) from Gym Class Heroes. Apparently this track (albeit a different version) is also on GCH's album The Quilt, which comes out tomorrow, September 9.
2. "Take My Hand", The Cab Featuring Cassadee from Hey Monday
This was one of the most pleasant surprises of the mixtape, and my second most favorite song. I'd seen The Cab in passing on MTV, but didn't take much notice. Adding Cassadee from Hey Monday to the mix made "Take My Hand" made for a great duet. The back and forth between Cassadee and Alex DeLeon from The Cab made for a great contrast, and kept the song going at a brisk pace. I hope to see this track released as a single, because it's just plain awesome.
3. "Cookie Jar", Gym Class Heroes, featuring The-Dream
This single just came out in late August, and it sounds like it's going to be another big hit for the Heroes. The-Dream, who co-wrote Rihanna's "Umbrella", adds a lot with his super-high notes "I like girls/They like me/They look so good/In their 7 jeans" (that'll be stuck in your head, for sure!) Travis' lyrics are always memorable.
4. "America's Sweethearts", Fall Out Boy
This track was the biggest tease of the mixtape. We only get 37 seconds before Pete Wentz comes on and says "you're definitely not getting all of that one." So just a little taste, but I think I'll enjoy the whole track when it's available.
5. "Lake Effect Kid", Fall Out Boy
"Faux blondes have less fun" is one of the more memorable lines from "Lake Effect Kid." It's this kind of sophisticated wit that might be a little over the heads for FOB's mainly teenage fan base, but intellectuals (like me on occasion) get a kick out of these sort of lines. I also like when they go down to just drums and lyrics for dramatic effect.
So, even with just snippets, the mixtape did its job and whet my appetite for November 4. Even better, I discovered some great new artists in the process.
Jan 09 update: I wanted to track down a link to the mixtape for one of my friends, so I found it here: Fall Out Boy Mixtape by Clinton Sparks
What I didn't expect was to find some hot songs from bands other than Fall Out Boy. With an upcoming album dropping (as we say in the biz) November 4, FOB didn't show their hand too much...most of their tracks on the mixtape were 2 minutes or less.
Here's my top five from the mixtape:
1. "Catch Me if You Can", Fall Out Boy featuring Travis of Gym Class Heroes
I've been listening to this one over and over again. I hope it becomes their first official single, although they have put "I Don't Care" out their MySpace already (which I don't really care for yet). "Catch Me if You Can" is a neatly layered song, with an introspective rap from my favorite narcissist, Travis (he sometimes calls himself "Travi" too) from Gym Class Heroes. Apparently this track (albeit a different version) is also on GCH's album The Quilt, which comes out tomorrow, September 9.
2. "Take My Hand", The Cab Featuring Cassadee from Hey Monday
This was one of the most pleasant surprises of the mixtape, and my second most favorite song. I'd seen The Cab in passing on MTV, but didn't take much notice. Adding Cassadee from Hey Monday to the mix made "Take My Hand" made for a great duet. The back and forth between Cassadee and Alex DeLeon from The Cab made for a great contrast, and kept the song going at a brisk pace. I hope to see this track released as a single, because it's just plain awesome.
3. "Cookie Jar", Gym Class Heroes, featuring The-Dream
This single just came out in late August, and it sounds like it's going to be another big hit for the Heroes. The-Dream, who co-wrote Rihanna's "Umbrella", adds a lot with his super-high notes "I like girls/They like me/They look so good/In their 7 jeans" (that'll be stuck in your head, for sure!) Travis' lyrics are always memorable.
4. "America's Sweethearts", Fall Out Boy
This track was the biggest tease of the mixtape. We only get 37 seconds before Pete Wentz comes on and says "you're definitely not getting all of that one." So just a little taste, but I think I'll enjoy the whole track when it's available.
5. "Lake Effect Kid", Fall Out Boy
"Faux blondes have less fun" is one of the more memorable lines from "Lake Effect Kid." It's this kind of sophisticated wit that might be a little over the heads for FOB's mainly teenage fan base, but intellectuals (like me on occasion) get a kick out of these sort of lines. I also like when they go down to just drums and lyrics for dramatic effect.
So, even with just snippets, the mixtape did its job and whet my appetite for November 4. Even better, I discovered some great new artists in the process.
Jan 09 update: I wanted to track down a link to the mixtape for one of my friends, so I found it here: Fall Out Boy Mixtape by Clinton Sparks
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New Fall Out Boy Album Coming Out November 4!
I'm eagerly awaiting Fall Out Boy's new album dropping November 4 (Election Day)!
It's called Folie a Deux, and an online mix tape is available with a few cuts from the new album, along with some music from their friends Gym Class Heroes and Panic at the Disco.
I'll listen and let you know what I think!
It's called Folie a Deux, and an online mix tape is available with a few cuts from the new album, along with some music from their friends Gym Class Heroes and Panic at the Disco.
I'll listen and let you know what I think!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
"Disturbia"
So we're big fans of Rihanna here at Hot Songs. Her new album, Good Girl Gone Bad, features plenty of great material that has helped her go platinum all over the world.
There's a lot to like about "Disturbia." The song's many layers combine to generate a fantastic song. First of all, it has a great beat. Then there's the "bum, bum, be dum, bum, bum, be dum dum" chant (remember "'ella 'ella 'ella 'eh" worked out great before in "Umbrella"). Finally, Rihanna's voice adds a lot to the fittingly creepy lyrics. With lines like "It's a thief in the night/To come and grab you", you'll wish you stayed at home tonight. Don't watch the video before you go to sleep.
Rihanna's "Disturbia" might just be the 21st century's "Thriller." Well, at least this year's.
There's a lot to like about "Disturbia." The song's many layers combine to generate a fantastic song. First of all, it has a great beat. Then there's the "bum, bum, be dum, bum, bum, be dum dum" chant (remember "'ella 'ella 'ella 'eh" worked out great before in "Umbrella"). Finally, Rihanna's voice adds a lot to the fittingly creepy lyrics. With lines like "It's a thief in the night/To come and grab you", you'll wish you stayed at home tonight. Don't watch the video before you go to sleep.
Rihanna's "Disturbia" might just be the 21st century's "Thriller." Well, at least this year's.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
"Hot N Cold"
OK, it's been WAY too long since my last post. I think I'm going to take a different approach to blogging in order to get more entries available to you all.
"Hot N Cold", Katy Perry
America's latest bad girl delivers strongly on her second single off One of the Boys. With "I Kissed a Girl" on top of the charts, this song should creep up there as well. I like the frankness in the lyrics, and I think a lot of people will be able to relate it to someone they know. Katy has a distinct voice and isn't afraid to say what's on her mind.
The backing music (lots of keyboards and guitars) just sounds cool. The song has a great bridge where she highlights her distinct voice.
"Hot N Cold", Katy Perry
America's latest bad girl delivers strongly on her second single off One of the Boys. With "I Kissed a Girl" on top of the charts, this song should creep up there as well. I like the frankness in the lyrics, and I think a lot of people will be able to relate it to someone they know. Katy has a distinct voice and isn't afraid to say what's on her mind.
The backing music (lots of keyboards and guitars) just sounds cool. The song has a great bridge where she highlights her distinct voice.
Monday, June 04, 2007
"Makes Me Wonder", "Last Night", "Buy You a Drank (Shawty Snappin')", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Home"
Everyone's vying for the top summer jam, so I am happy to feature FIVE great new HOT songs. The summer's gotten off to a hot start, so I'm very optimistic more hot songs are on the way!
"Makes Me Wonder", Maroon 5
Mix together some guitar trickery, quick rhythm, and tightly staccatoed lyrics, and you get the burning hot new single from Maroon 5.
The album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long, has already gotten rave reviews, like this one from The Washington Post, calling it "too perfect."
Perfect or not, here's hoping for some more hot tracks from this quintet.
"Last Night", Diddy, featuring Keyshia Cole
This track is another great example of one of those song that grows on you after a few listens. "Last Night"'s refrain is simple: "Last night/I couldn't even get an answer/I tried to call/But my pride wouldn't let me dial/And I'm sitting here/With this blank expression/And the way I feel/I wanna curl up like a child." Simple refrain, but if you hear it six or seven times in one song, you just want to hear it again and again and again and again and again and again and again.
Diddy and Keyshia Cole's alternating lyrics fit the storyline perfectly, as two lovers desperately yearning for each other. To think, this could all be solved if Diddy would just pick up the phone and call. But his pride wouldn't let him dial.
"Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')", T-Pain, featuring Yung Joc
Rhyming "money in the bank" with "I wanna buy you a drank"...why didn't I think of that? T-Pain's second hit single features computer-processed vocals, a slow but sure pace, and a special appearance by Yung Joc. I love the intro to this song and the snaps as percussion.
"Big Girls Don't Cry", Fergie
This song is just a really catchy tune. In it, Fergie sings beautifully about saying goodbye to a lover, for the sake of moving on and finding herself. For those of you keeping track at home, Miss Fergie has had quite the solo debut, with "Fergalicious", "London Bridge", and "Glamorous". With "Big Girls Don't Cry", that adds up to FOUR huge singles, and an early nomination for me for some pop GRAMMYs in 2008. Fergie sweetens it up in my favorite verse of the song..."Like the little school mate in the school yard/We'll play jacks and UNO cards/I'll be your best friend and you'll be mine/Valentine".
Fergie may not be the vocal virtuoso that Christina Aguilera is, but she's a great singer and quite the entertainer, with or without the Black Eyed Peas.
"Home", Daughtry
Every time I post about an American Idol contestant, I consciously think about it. Have I been brainwashed, or is this just another pop artist who deserves a fair shake? Perhaps unexpectedly, it's even better NOT to win American Idol these days, merely placing in the top 12 gets you name recognition, a spot on the tour, and the freedom to negotiate your own contract.
Nevertheless, I like "Home", Daughtry's second single off his creatively-titled debut album, Daughtry. Here's another song where the lyrics make the song:
"I'm going home/Back to the place where I belong/And where your love has always been enough for me." It's a song about being away from the ones you love, but knowing that they're there for you no matter what.
"Makes Me Wonder", Maroon 5
Mix together some guitar trickery, quick rhythm, and tightly staccatoed lyrics, and you get the burning hot new single from Maroon 5.
The album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long, has already gotten rave reviews, like this one from The Washington Post, calling it "too perfect."
Perfect or not, here's hoping for some more hot tracks from this quintet.
"Last Night", Diddy, featuring Keyshia Cole
This track is another great example of one of those song that grows on you after a few listens. "Last Night"'s refrain is simple: "Last night/I couldn't even get an answer/I tried to call/But my pride wouldn't let me dial/And I'm sitting here/With this blank expression/And the way I feel/I wanna curl up like a child." Simple refrain, but if you hear it six or seven times in one song, you just want to hear it again and again and again and again and again and again and again.
Diddy and Keyshia Cole's alternating lyrics fit the storyline perfectly, as two lovers desperately yearning for each other. To think, this could all be solved if Diddy would just pick up the phone and call. But his pride wouldn't let him dial.
"Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')", T-Pain, featuring Yung Joc
Rhyming "money in the bank" with "I wanna buy you a drank"...why didn't I think of that? T-Pain's second hit single features computer-processed vocals, a slow but sure pace, and a special appearance by Yung Joc. I love the intro to this song and the snaps as percussion.
"Big Girls Don't Cry", Fergie
This song is just a really catchy tune. In it, Fergie sings beautifully about saying goodbye to a lover, for the sake of moving on and finding herself. For those of you keeping track at home, Miss Fergie has had quite the solo debut, with "Fergalicious", "London Bridge", and "Glamorous". With "Big Girls Don't Cry", that adds up to FOUR huge singles, and an early nomination for me for some pop GRAMMYs in 2008. Fergie sweetens it up in my favorite verse of the song..."Like the little school mate in the school yard/We'll play jacks and UNO cards/I'll be your best friend and you'll be mine/Valentine".
Fergie may not be the vocal virtuoso that Christina Aguilera is, but she's a great singer and quite the entertainer, with or without the Black Eyed Peas.
"Home", Daughtry
Every time I post about an American Idol contestant, I consciously think about it. Have I been brainwashed, or is this just another pop artist who deserves a fair shake? Perhaps unexpectedly, it's even better NOT to win American Idol these days, merely placing in the top 12 gets you name recognition, a spot on the tour, and the freedom to negotiate your own contract.
Nevertheless, I like "Home", Daughtry's second single off his creatively-titled debut album, Daughtry. Here's another song where the lyrics make the song:
"I'm going home/Back to the place where I belong/And where your love has always been enough for me." It's a song about being away from the ones you love, but knowing that they're there for you no matter what.
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