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)