Season's Greetings..."I Wanna Love You", "Wind It Up", "Coming for You"

"I Wanna Love You", Akon featuring Snoop Dogg

Akon has found great success in his collaborations ("Soul Survivor" with Young Jeezy was huge), and he brings Snoop Dogg in to help him out with "I Wanna Love You."

This is Snoop at his best. He steals the show with some incredible rhymes. Akon's smooth voice provide a great refrain. The music on this track lays low, but it's a decent backdrop for Snoop and Akon to do their thing.

And just so you know...the lyrics are ahem...more adult in the explicit version.

"Wind It Up", Gwen Stefani

This song has it all...quick lyrics, a sublime bass line, funky beats, and yodeling? I admit I was skeptical this track would make it big, and could probably still live without the yodeling, but the fact is, Gwen has made it all come together as another big hit for her solo career.

"Coming for You", JoJo

After insisting a few blog entries ago that JoJo must have it in her to see some good in men, she comes through on "Coming For You", a song off her new joint The High Road. This time, she admits she's the one that messed up, but is determined to make things right. The song moves along fast and furious, with snappy and steady percussion and the ever-popular haunting piano melody rounding out the tune. As usual, JoJo sounds great and holds a couple notes to amaze us with her strong young voice. This song hasn't been released as a single, but it's a great track that deserves Hot Songs recognition.

Hot Songs Redux: “It Ends Tonight”, “When You Were Young”, “Show Stopper”

Interesting note about today’s blog post. Each of today’s artists has received at least one prior mention in Hot Songs. It’s commendable to the artists that know how to stay hot over the years, not an easy thing to do in the world of pop music. So along with my reviews of these three great songs are links to where I mentioned them before. Enjoy!

"It Ends Tonight", All-American Rejects

I’m not sure what’s so appealing to me about dreary piano rock ballads lately, but the All-American Rejects’ "It Ends Tonight" has caught my ear lately. It must be the weather. Thankfully, the dreariness only lasts the 1:15 before the Rejects start rockin’ it the rest of the way.

I love the desperation in lead singer Tyson Ritter’s voice, especially the fact he isn’t afraid to crack it now and then to make a point. The song’s lyrics are especially poignant, with lines such as “Your subtleties/They strangle me” and “I look at you with such disdain.”

Link to past hot song: (June 2006)

"When You Were Young", The Killers

The Killers’ newest single, "When You Were Young," kicks off their sophomore album in a big way. With an enormously catchy riff, steady beat, and lyrics just as unintelligible as "Somebody Told Me" (this time it’s "He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus"), the Killers conjure up another electrifying hit, like they had never left in the first place.

Link to past mention: (August 2005)

"Show Stopper", Danity Kane, featuring Diddy and Yung Joc

First of all, let me just say this is the best rap I’ve heard from Diddy. It’s not often that a remix tops a single, but I think Diddy brought his A+-game and added a lot to an already spectacular song. My favorite line? "I’ve been around the globe, my English is rusty/Trust me/You can hear the ocean when you touch me." Now that’s hot.

I like the delicate contrast of elegant harmonizing and the street corner call and response chorus from these five girls. It sounds like this song gave everyone a chance to shine in some way. Anyone who’s watched MTV’s "Making the Band" knows how hard these girls have worked to get this far, so I’m glad to see they’ve found success, finally making it on the hottest pop blog in town.

Props to Diddy for not giving up on making a band, oh…and letting Danity Kane host the song on mySpace! Definitely a show stopper!

Link to prior props to Diddy: (August 2005)

Hot Songs for the Fall: "Maneater", "My Love", "Little Too Late", "Hate Me", "How to Save a Life"

"Maneater", Nelly Furtado

Sometimes it takes a bit to warm up to a hot song. I wanted to dismiss "Maneater" as a mediocre follow-up single to "Promiscuous," as I'm still bitter about Nelly Furtado punishing my ears so much with "I'm like a bird, I only fly away." This time around, she's spiced up her act with some great club hits, leaving the adult contemporary genre in the dust, which is exactly what 27-year-olds should be doing. Maneater has a steady beat, some devilish chords, and a haunting, mantra-like chorus.

"My Love", Justin Timberlake and Timberland, featuring T.I.

J.T. and Timberland hook up again with a synthesizer-laden jam for the fall. This song just sounds cool, right from the start. Timberlake's lyrics even seem a bit on the personal side (I know what you're thinking, "Justin, getting personal?" Well, go listen to "Cry Me a River.") He refers to a ring, and you have to wonder if it's going to Cameron D. or if he's patched things up with Mrs. Federline. T.I. patches on a forgettable rap onto the end, with lyrics that pretty much contradict the romantic aura Justin was trying to create. Justin's flow on this track actually reminded me a lot of Twista's "Celebrity." Still, it's another Timberland hit, and now even I'm wondering if he's somehow got me under some secret spell, like he mixes subliminal messages such as "must buy Timberland-produced tracks" in with his creative beats and melodies.

"Little Too Late", JoJo

This girl's got some pipes. Not surprisingly, JoJo has another #1 on her hands. Unfortunately, she achieves this with the exact same formula as her 2004 smash "Leave (Get Out)" -- some flirtatiuos lyrics, a little tease to her man, and then she drops the bad news...you're out of here, boy! JoJo's vocals are out of this world, and only Christina Aguilera (who actually played a part in her discovery) can top the way JoJo belts it out. I love this song, but I have to say I'm looking forward to when she meets the right fella. Forgive my harping on the subject, but maybe if she can go from "Leave (Get Out)" to "Little Too Late", maybe she's about to cut guys a break. How about a cover of Mariah's "Dream Lover?"

"Hate Me", Blue October

This song is just great. I'm not sure if it falls into the "emo" genre, but I love the mix of delicately sung verses with a rockin' refrain. "Hate Me" deals bluntly in the first person about a tough breakup, alcoholism, and depression. Not the typical formula for a hot song , but it's a huge hit on radio right now. It's rare to see a rock star be so hard on himself, and that's what makes it refreshing, and HOT at the same time.

"How to Save a Life", The Fray

Lead singer Issac Slade starts this song with some delicate mumbling like he just woke up, but gradually crescendoes the vocals, finishing strong. With little more than a driving drumbeat and piano, the 4 minute song moves at a steady pace.

The song is the perfect blend of rhythm, melody, and vocals.

I just watched the Grey's Anatomy version of this on Yahoo Music videos, a great source for music bloggers such as myself. I highly recommend it as a good alternative to navigating through MTV's site (maybe I'm getting too old).

And if you were wondering about the title, according to SonyMusicStore.com, Slade's inspiration from this song came from his experience as a mentor to a crack-addicted teen, and like Slade sings, you pray to God he was able to help.

"Sexy Love" and "Bossy"

It's been a bit since I've posted, I've been enjoying the summer and avoiding computers as much as possible. Still, I've heard some great music that I just had to recognize on Hot Songs.

"Sexy Love," Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo's having a great year. He earns himself a second nod on Hot Songs with this sweet little ballad that's blowing up on the charts. "Sexy Love" has a steady beat, a delicate tune, and Ne-Yo's smooth (like butter!) voice, making it a fantastic song. With lyrics like "She makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, with just one touch," Ne-Yo sets the mood in a way few others can.

At the wedding I was at yesterday, the couple even chose this song as their first dance. Great selection, I thought, and not too slow either.

I don't buy a lot of albums these days, but "Sexy Love" pushed me over the top, and I'm enjoying Ne-Yo's fantastic debut, In My Own Words.

There's even a remix of "Sexy Love" out on the radio with Keyshia Cole on it, although I prefer the solo version myself.

"Bossy," Kelis

Kelis is the boss. After hearing "Milkshake" about 1000 times on my cross-country journey in 2003, I wasn't sure I could handle another big hit from this sassy lady. Then I remembered, hey, at least she's not Macy Gray.

"Bossy" is a fun song in which Kelis basically brags about her dominance over all, men, women and the world of hip hop. She kindly reminds us, that yes, it was her that brought all the boys to the yard (a la Milkshake). Her breathy "diamonds on my neck, d-diamonds on my grill" provide a nicely planned segue into the chorus. The track is rounded out with an impressive performance by Too $hort, who further testifies to Kelis's claim, that yes, she's bossy and she'll cost ya (about a million dollars if you are budgeting). "Bossy"'s music is wacky, but I like songs with a creative layer beyond just the typical drum and bass.

I'd like to hear more from Kelis, and hope her new album provides more than just one hit this time around. I'm personally surprised this song didn't do better on the charts, but then again, no one likes a "Bossy" chick.

"When You're Mad", "Move Along", and "Promiscuous"

“When You’re Mad”, Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo does a great service for men worldwide in delivering one of those songs you can just play for your lady and have them melt in your hands, even when they’re mad.  I like the steady beat and the musical arrangement of this song.  If having an R. Kelly CD makes you feel dirty, Ne-Yo’s a cleaner (although not much) alternative to R. Kelly.  I’m disappointed that I haven’t heard this more on the radio, but maybe it’ll get as hot as “So Sick” did a little while back.

“Move Along”, All-American Rejects

From the creators of “Dirty Little Secret” comes another great hot song, “Move Along.”  What stuck out for me in this song was the lyrics, which are often an afterthought when I’m reviewing pop songs.  The song has a great message of encouragement, and hey, all of us need a little boost now and then.  If you listen closely, you’ll hear the Rejects took a page from Pink Floyd’s playbook.  If your song is missing just that one little thing to make it a hit, add some kids singing in the background.  Works every time.

“Promiscuous”, Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

Timbaland hooks up with Nelly Furtado to deliver another catchy club banger.  This song is full of surprises (I actually had to look up who the artists on the track were), and it’s sure to be a HOT SONG in the near future.  It is great to see Timbaland establish himself as a producer who can lay down the track and rap on top of it.  How else would an artist finish a masterpiece?  The call-and-response of Tim with Nelly moves quickly but is highly entertaining: “I want you on my team/so does everybody else” is hands-down my favorite line from the song.  Zing!

"S.O.S.", "Rompe (Remix)", and "Hips Don't Lie"

“S.O.S.”, Rihanna

As the saying goes, some girls have all the luck.  This former beauty queen was plucked out of Barbados and made a star.  Rihanna’s sophomore effort has proved to be extremely strong from the start.  I was able to catch Rihanna in concert last month, and was very impressed with the number of fans who packed into Reston Town Center to hear her sing.

S.O.S. features a fast beat, an improved-upon sample of Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”, an oft-repeated chorus (“S.O.S., please someone help me”), and a couple impressive vocal breakouts from this young diva.  

Readers of this blog also like her second single off of A Girl Like Me, the haunting piano ballad “Unfaithful.”

“Rompe (Remix)”, Daddy Yankee, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck

Daddy Yankee is the Jay-Z of reggaeton.  Bringing G-Unit stars Lloyd Banks and Young Buck into the mix was a wise move, making this mix of reggaeton and hip-hop one of the best club tracks of the year.  I don’t understand a lot of what Daddy Yankee says, but I loved “Gasolina”, and I love “Rompe” even more.

“Hips Don’t Lie”, Shakira

My initial reaction to this song was “Hips Don’t Lie?  Shakira, come on!”  After a few more listens, I discovered the greatness of this track and completely understand what the fuss is all about.  The music on this track (them crazy mariachi-style horns) gives it a unique sound and a great background beat makes it extremely danceable.

This is a great “comeback” for Wyclef, who belongs at the top of the charts, not off of them.  His raps fill out the track perfectly, my favorite line being “refugees own the seas ‘cause we own our own boats.”

My only complaint is that this track isn’t even available for purchase on Napster or Wal-Mart.  However, if you absolutely must hear it online, shoot over to Shakira.com for a low-quality stream.

International Day on Hot Songs – “Unpredictable”, “Everytime We Touch”, and “Had a Bad Day”

“Unpredictable”, Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx suxx.  The man can act, and now sang his way onto my blog.  I’m a little jealous, I guess you could say.  

After wowing audiences in “In Living Color”, “Booty Call”, and “Ray”, Foxx hooked up with Kanye West and quickly became a music star as well.

“Unpredictable” is a charming little ditty in which Jamie boasts of his spontaneity in the lovin’ department.  His voice is smooth like butta over the peppy track.

Ludacris comes on the track to add the rap that’s become almost a necessity on R&B tracks looking to be big hits.  As usual though, Luda’s rap rounds out the song pretty nicely, as he rhymes “take you to another world” with “feeling like another girl.”

No doubt, you’ll soon be singing “Girl get comfortable, we’re about to do something you’ve never done before!”

“Everytime We Touch”, Cascada

Techno just ain’t my thing.  But every few years, a song crops up that just makes me smile, or better yet, makes me want to DANCE.  

“Everytime We Touch”, a hit from German/British Cascada, is one of those songs.

The song combines the requisite thumping techno beat with a playful synthesizer tune.

Techno artists tend to suffer the “one-hit wonder” syndrome in the U.S., does anyone remember DJ Sammy, who gave the world “Heaven”?  Well, here’s hoping for more hot songs from Cascada!  Thank you Europe!

Cascada's Site

“Had a Bad Day”, Daniel Powter

Only a Powter complains this much!  OK, now that I got the obvious pun out of the way, I have to tell you this is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year (hey, it’s still early).  Not surprisingly, it’s the #1 song in the nation.  Although I’ve got to ask, who the heck is this guy and where did he come from?  Is he just a hanger-on to the James Blunt phenomenon (sad ballads by guys)?  If you like Train, you will hear a bit of a resemblance in Daniel’s voice and the style of music.  Like Blunt, Daniel mixes a downer of a topic with a peppy tune and memorable refrain…a great recipe for a pop hit!

This Canadian hit it big on the European charts last year, and it kind of makes you wonder, why’d they get him first?  Was it the accent?  If so, you should hear mine!

Touch It

“Touch It”, Busta Rhymes

I’ve liked Busta’s style from day one, anything distinct than the average rap always catches my ear.  I liked his part in Diddy’s (you may also know him as Puff Daddy, Sean Combs, P. Diddy, and so on and so forth) “Victory,” and loved his solo stuff—“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See”, “Break Ya Neck”, “Dangerous”, and “Woo Ha” are all incredible.  

I respect Busta’s solo mix of “Touch It”, but I especially appreciate his ladies’ remix…featuring Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and Flipmode Squad rapper Rah Digga who all had decent raps.  Another remix features Lloyd Banks, from G-G-G-G-G-UNIT!

I’ve heard that Busta records all the time and has plenty of stuff the world hasn’t heard yet.  Well Busta, I can’t wait to hear it.

And if you were wondering…“Touch it- bring it - pay it - watch it - turn it - leave it - stop - format it.”

Some "Love", Some "Poppin'" and Some Stuff "She Says"

“Love and Memories”, O.A.R.

It’s good to have some rock songs on my blog.  It’s also good to have something in common with my younger and possibly hipper little sister.  When she said she was going to an O.A.R. concert, I was O.A.R. who?  So I was pleasantly surprised when I tracked down the artist of this great song.

It’s well sung, has a great driving backbeat, and sounds very different in a good way.  Take note young rockers, as there’s not a lot of great rock songs that have caught my ear these days.  I especially like how the lead singer dramatically stretches the first lines of the first couple of verses.  Not a bad bridge either.  (Nothing’s worse than a bad bridge on a great rock song!)

I’d also like to applaud Atlantic Records for hosting some lyrics.  It’s a much better approach than shuttering existing lyrics sites, and we benefit by having the right lyrics.  Competition leads to the best product, so I encourage this.  

Atlantic Records has a ton of great artists, including James Blunt, Pretty Ricky, Trina, Missy Elliott, and a great web site to boot.  I’ll have to start tuning into their new artists.

Lyrics to "Love and Memories" (Atlantic Records)

Atlantic Records

“She Says”, Howie Day
Let me preface by saying I haven’t figured out what this song means.  Does any one have any ideas?  Well, I was a bit confused, so I thought I’d consult the masses.  Teenagers have more time to think about these things than I do, so I looked here.

Song Meanings - Howie Day, "She Says"

There’s no consensus on if “me” is supposed to be Howie himself or another guy trying to get his lady.  Whoever it is, Howie insists he’s got no chance, and he’s not afraid to tell him so.

It’s good to hear this guy get a little angry after the melancholy blahness of “Collide.”  I certainly wouldn’t want to meet Howie in a dark alley when he’s screaming “Yeah and I don’t know where I’m coming from/and I don’t know where I’m coming to/and I don’t know what it means to me/and you don’t know what it means to you/whoa!”  After hearing this, I was like “aw yeah, go Howie!”  Great climactic moment to prove himself as not just another young fellow with spiky hair strumming a guitar.

“Poppin’ My Collar”, Three Six Mafia

After another close listen, I gotta say there isn’t much to the raps on this track, but the really catchy chorus helps get the group back on my blog.

It’s also got a fun video with the six as young’ns bouncing around an SUV.  It has similar music to “Stay Fly”, which isn’t a bad thing to me.

So if I had to pick one of the six?  Juicy J.  He’s got the personality and wardrobe to stand out from the six.

Congratulations to the 36M on their Oscar.  Although “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” has sparked some controversy (see Oscar Winner Hits Angry Chord from The Washington Post) for rewarding negative stereotypes, let’s all remember it’s a song written for a movie.  The winners here aren’t pimps, but the rappers who tapped into their creative energy and made history doing it.  36M should thank their lucky stars “It’s Hard Out Here for a Gay Cowboy” just narrowly missed making the soundtrack of “Brokeback Mountain.”

Stevecrest out!

New Hot Songs for a New Hot Year

Fresh Azimiz, Bow Wow, J-Kwon, Jermaine Dupri
I'm surprised to see another Bow Wow song make it on my blog.  I didn't like him as a kid rapper, but he seems to be growing up just fine.  I can't explain WHY I like this song, if it's the braggadocio, the fact that he says "MIA" (Miami).  Regardless, the kid can spit it, and hopefully he continues to do well and can stand up for himself soon.

I Think They Like Me, Dem Franchize Boyz (featuring Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Da Brat)
After watching Da Brat on The Surreal Life, I was certain this little lady's rap career was over.  I was pleased to hear this was not the case.  She blows away Bow Weezy and JD's raps with her wild poppin' lyrics...but the supporting cast ain't too terrible.  This is a GREAT song.

Gotta Stay Fly, Three Six Mafia
With six rappers in one song, something's bound to work.  Fortunately, a lot does work in this song.  My favorite line.."blurple, blurple, b-blurple...it's GOING DOWN!"  A bit slow to bump to in the club though.  With a video shot in South Beach, I couldn't resist gettin' in to this song.

Ever the Same, Rob Thomas
The once-homeless Rob Thomas never ceases to amaze me.  I feel like with his songwriting abilities, he could make a hit for anyone (even me).  I miss him with Matchbox 20, but he is an outstanding solo artist.  When I was in Florida, I went to see him live "at the Hard Rock" as we South Floridians like to call the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida.  He put on a great concert, and is an outstanding performer.  The haunting piano throughout this song adds to the general meloncholiness (new word).  Once it gets to the bridge though, I'm ready for the song to be over.  This song could be cut down about 30 seconds.  Although this song's been out for a long time, it's still really hot.  Like all Rob's songs, the lyrics are masterfully crafted ("And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now") and the music feels just right.

Yes, I am not a teenager, but I wanted to share a link of a new site I really like a lot.  There's pictures, articles, and more (it's that more part that should get you really excited.)  I think they do some streaming and videos as well, so it's worth a look.
Teen Music.com