"Teenage Dream" is the latest Katy Perry single to be released, and it's also the title of her next album. Now, Katy Perry has released many singles so far, many of them about partying and experimenting with bisexuality. So I gave "Teenage Dream" a listen, and here are some thoughts I had after listening to it a few times.
Lyrically, this song is the same as many of her old singles and brings virtually nothing to the table (a common theme among pop artists today). It's about how this guy makes her feel in love like a teenager (oh, the irony), and how they'll just runaway forever and not ever look back. In short, the lyrics are about not thinking and going with what feels right (AKA, the Briston Palin Method).
So the lyrics are not good but what about the beat? That's why I listen to pop in the first place; to mock the lyrics yet listen to them for the catchy beat. However, even after listening to this song several times, I still had trouble remembering the way it went. I even confused it with Ke$ha's "Animal," something that, while I am ashamed of admitting, proves a point that this is a forgettable song (especially when confusing that song with another song that is even less heard of).
The song does have a few things going for it, but not many. For example, the beat, while forgettable, is not entirely horrible. But the singing in a high key courtesy of Miss Perry, is. The artwork for the single is pretty, but who cares about that?
All in all, this is just a boring, nonoriginal single that may get airplay (I'm hardly an expert on that stuff), but is pretty much a boring song. Perry could do better. I'm not saying she can do good, but she can do better.
RATING: 3.6/10
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday Top 20 TJ Tunes for the Week of August 8, 2010
I just got back from Sunny California. Actually, since we drove back I was actually in Oklahoma, but I digress. Since we did so much driving, I listened to a lot of music (yes, quite a bit of it was terrible pop music). So here's my Top 20 for the week of August 8, 2010!
As usual, I'll be going in reverse numerical order, and provide the link to the music video or a lyric video if the song does not have a music video.
20. Lady GaGa - "Teeth"
That's right: Lady GaGa knocked Ke$ha's "Take It Off" out of the Top 20. What I really like about this song is that it differs from Lady GaGa's most popular dance-pop songs. This is more soulful singing and is not the Lady GaGa you hear on the radio. You're either going to love this song or hate it with the power of a thousand suns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk5vRoc0_nk
19. Dragonette - "Pick Up the Phone"
This odd Canadian song caught my ear while in Utah (while on my way to Cali). You could call it dance-pop, or you could just call it pop. Either way, I really enjoyed it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14BsjAqv-Vc
18. Wir Sind Helden - "Nur ein Wort"
This German band (translation: We are heroes) created this brilliant alternative-rock song (translation: "Only One Word") and I love it. It is a little old, but I discovered it recently, so who cares?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVmXgOQNtNQ&a=GxdCwVVULXdngbNUXrtMVqobDo7DdDKY
17. P!nk - "Glitter In the Air"
P!nk's attempt at a ballad is...interesting to say the least. To say it's the same shallow, quick pop-songs that have been played on the radio for the past 5 years is a lie, but to say that it's amazingly deep is an even bigger lie. I'm not really sure what to make of it, so I'll leave it up to interpretation. P!nk can still kick your ass, though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI4tBO_boB4
16. Never Shout Never - "Trouble"
This EP releaed by Never Shout Never is a quick, nice listen. I enjoy the alternative-rock feel to it using a ukelele.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJdK3grm5w
15. Lady GaGa - "Monster"
Again, I love Lady GaGa. She is awesome. As you recall, "Monster" was at #15 last week, too. Lady GaGa is holding strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eK7RCmR-9I
14. Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Sound of Sunshine"
Quite an interesting reggae song, no? Last week, this song was at #8. It might have dropped 6 places, but it's still not THAT bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in59qI5xP5g
13. Matt & Kim - "Daylight"
Making it's debut on the Top 20 at lucky #13 is Matt & Kim's "Daylight." What's interesting about this song is the whole flow and beat of it; it's unorthodox, but it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60
12. Lady GaGa & Beyonce - "Telephone"
It dropped 3 places from last week when it was at #9, but this EPIC duet is always worth a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U&feature=av2e
11. Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
Possibly one of the most pretentious and shallow songs of this and last decade, "I Gotta Feeling" is one of the most laughable songs I have ever heard. So why is it on my list? Lyrically, this song is a piece of garbage - if it were a poem it would merit throwing your coffee at the person sitting at the mic wearing a buret. However, producers can sell a beat that people will listen to, not caring that there a random Hebrew words in the middle of the song. Not surprising, it fell from last week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
10. Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"
Managing to stay in the Top 10 is Beyonce's famous hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)." Another shallow pop song manages to make this week's list. Big shock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY
9. tobyMac feat. Beckah Shae and Siti Monroe) - "Funky Jesus Music"
It's dance-pop, funk, soul, and electronic combined in one, which made this combination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPM9Z5_BQs4
8. V.V. Brown - "Shark In the Water"
Down last week from #3 is "Shark In the Water." A fun, non-electronic dance pop song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPQlxHWsemI
7. Ke$ha - "Your Love Is My Drug"
Yes, yes, I get it, I hate Ke$ha, yet this song was actually LOWER last week. Settle down. Settle down. All will be explained in a later post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_qa3Ohwls
6. Lady GaGa - "Bad Romance"
I love Lady GaGa. I've said it before. I'll say it again. This song is just awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I
5. Norah Jones - "Man of the Hour"
This may be the most boring song I'll ever put on this list. Don't mistake me; I love Norah Jones. She has an amazing voice. It's just her songs are...not exciting. But I love quite of few of her songs. This one just happened to stand out for me this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_YvaM9EkH0
4. Lady GaGa - "Alejandro"
Last weeks #1 has been dethroned! Find out by what in just a little bit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA
3. Katy Perry - "Waking Up in Vegas"
Another laughable song that caught my ear. Only this one managed to debut at #3! So congrats!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pUaogoX5o
2. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"
"I Gotta Feeling" may take the crown for most laughable and pretentious song, but the winner for shallowest song of the year hands-down goes to Katy Perry's "California Gurls." Whipped-cream bikini FOR THE FAIL!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwE-SLnLkqY
Now it's time to reveal the #1 Song for the week of August 8, 2010!
1. Sara Bareilles - "King of Anything"
Last week I discovered this song, this week I couldn't get it out of my head! Any song that can stay in my head for that long and not get old definetely deserves the #1 spot! And the song isn't that bad either, if you don't mind the fact that the lyrics are a complete and utter rehash of Sara Bareilles's previous hit, "Love Song." So far, no one seems to notice this...oh wait...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR7-AUmiNcA
Check back next week to Find out my Top 20 songs! And check back later for reviews, announcements, and release dates for various artists!
As usual, I'll be going in reverse numerical order, and provide the link to the music video or a lyric video if the song does not have a music video.
20. Lady GaGa - "Teeth"
That's right: Lady GaGa knocked Ke$ha's "Take It Off" out of the Top 20. What I really like about this song is that it differs from Lady GaGa's most popular dance-pop songs. This is more soulful singing and is not the Lady GaGa you hear on the radio. You're either going to love this song or hate it with the power of a thousand suns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk5vRoc0_nk
19. Dragonette - "Pick Up the Phone"
This odd Canadian song caught my ear while in Utah (while on my way to Cali). You could call it dance-pop, or you could just call it pop. Either way, I really enjoyed it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14BsjAqv-Vc
18. Wir Sind Helden - "Nur ein Wort"
This German band (translation: We are heroes) created this brilliant alternative-rock song (translation: "Only One Word") and I love it. It is a little old, but I discovered it recently, so who cares?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVmXgOQNtNQ&a=GxdCwVVULXdngbNUXrtMVqobDo7DdDKY
17. P!nk - "Glitter In the Air"
P!nk's attempt at a ballad is...interesting to say the least. To say it's the same shallow, quick pop-songs that have been played on the radio for the past 5 years is a lie, but to say that it's amazingly deep is an even bigger lie. I'm not really sure what to make of it, so I'll leave it up to interpretation. P!nk can still kick your ass, though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI4tBO_boB4
16. Never Shout Never - "Trouble"
This EP releaed by Never Shout Never is a quick, nice listen. I enjoy the alternative-rock feel to it using a ukelele.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJdK3grm5w
15. Lady GaGa - "Monster"
Again, I love Lady GaGa. She is awesome. As you recall, "Monster" was at #15 last week, too. Lady GaGa is holding strong!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eK7RCmR-9I
14. Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Sound of Sunshine"
Quite an interesting reggae song, no? Last week, this song was at #8. It might have dropped 6 places, but it's still not THAT bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in59qI5xP5g
13. Matt & Kim - "Daylight"
Making it's debut on the Top 20 at lucky #13 is Matt & Kim's "Daylight." What's interesting about this song is the whole flow and beat of it; it's unorthodox, but it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60
12. Lady GaGa & Beyonce - "Telephone"
It dropped 3 places from last week when it was at #9, but this EPIC duet is always worth a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U&feature=av2e
11. Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
Possibly one of the most pretentious and shallow songs of this and last decade, "I Gotta Feeling" is one of the most laughable songs I have ever heard. So why is it on my list? Lyrically, this song is a piece of garbage - if it were a poem it would merit throwing your coffee at the person sitting at the mic wearing a buret. However, producers can sell a beat that people will listen to, not caring that there a random Hebrew words in the middle of the song. Not surprising, it fell from last week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
10. Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"
Managing to stay in the Top 10 is Beyonce's famous hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)." Another shallow pop song manages to make this week's list. Big shock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY
9. tobyMac feat. Beckah Shae and Siti Monroe) - "Funky Jesus Music"
It's dance-pop, funk, soul, and electronic combined in one, which made this combination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPM9Z5_BQs4
8. V.V. Brown - "Shark In the Water"
Down last week from #3 is "Shark In the Water." A fun, non-electronic dance pop song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPQlxHWsemI
7. Ke$ha - "Your Love Is My Drug"
Yes, yes, I get it, I hate Ke$ha, yet this song was actually LOWER last week. Settle down. Settle down. All will be explained in a later post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_qa3Ohwls
6. Lady GaGa - "Bad Romance"
I love Lady GaGa. I've said it before. I'll say it again. This song is just awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I
5. Norah Jones - "Man of the Hour"
This may be the most boring song I'll ever put on this list. Don't mistake me; I love Norah Jones. She has an amazing voice. It's just her songs are...not exciting. But I love quite of few of her songs. This one just happened to stand out for me this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_YvaM9EkH0
4. Lady GaGa - "Alejandro"
Last weeks #1 has been dethroned! Find out by what in just a little bit!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA
3. Katy Perry - "Waking Up in Vegas"
Another laughable song that caught my ear. Only this one managed to debut at #3! So congrats!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pUaogoX5o
2. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"
"I Gotta Feeling" may take the crown for most laughable and pretentious song, but the winner for shallowest song of the year hands-down goes to Katy Perry's "California Gurls." Whipped-cream bikini FOR THE FAIL!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwE-SLnLkqY
Now it's time to reveal the #1 Song for the week of August 8, 2010!
1. Sara Bareilles - "King of Anything"
Last week I discovered this song, this week I couldn't get it out of my head! Any song that can stay in my head for that long and not get old definetely deserves the #1 spot! And the song isn't that bad either, if you don't mind the fact that the lyrics are a complete and utter rehash of Sara Bareilles's previous hit, "Love Song." So far, no one seems to notice this...oh wait...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR7-AUmiNcA
Check back next week to Find out my Top 20 songs! And check back later for reviews, announcements, and release dates for various artists!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Top 20 Week of August 1, 2010
Here are the 20 songs I enjoyed this week! Each song will be provided with a link to that song. I had trouble embedding videos.
Some of the songs I love because they're awesome, some of them I can't stand that I love them and I question my sanity for it! Either way, enjoy!
20. Ke$ha - "Take It Off"
I seriously hope that Ke$ha is just a flash-in-the-pan, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem likely. Clearly, this is a song that I hate that I love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RT6kCGHJw0
Some of the songs I love because they're awesome, some of them I can't stand that I love them and I question my sanity for it! Either way, enjoy!
20. Ke$ha - "Take It Off"
I seriously hope that Ke$ha is just a flash-in-the-pan, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem likely. Clearly, this is a song that I hate that I love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RT6kCGHJw0
19. Corinne Bailey Rae - "Put Your Records On"
I love Corinne Bailey Rae. She might not be the most exciting artist in the world, but she has a wonderful voice. This is the second-oldest song on this week's list, being released in 2006. This is also one of two British songs on my list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr01oIrRVu8
18. Annie Little - "Fly Me Away"
This cute song is one of my favorites - and very easy to play on piano.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meqYei5UVF4
17. Evan Taubenfield - "Pumpkin Pie"
This song might be the same song about relationships, but I had to choose one, so I picked this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_-bR9lYg4s
16. Lady GaGa - "Monster"
I. Love. Lady GaGa. There is no denying her. She is awesome. End of story. She will appear later on this list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP2srT6hh2Y
15. KT Tunstall - "Hold On"
This old song is one of my favorites and has been for a while. I like the whole rocker spin on this song. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JQ6dRqLlqU
14. Colbie Caillat - "I Never Told You"
I like Colbie Callait. She's not very exciting, but she has a good voice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YtzsUdSC_I&feature=avmsc2
13. Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
I LOVE this song. It's one of my all-time favorites. I love Jason Mraz in general. Even his other albums which got pretty much no airplay.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A&feature=avmsc2
12. The Starting Line - "Best of Me"
A classic song to me. I love listening to this one. A true favorite of mine. Who knows? This song might just make the TJ Tunes Classics list in the coming months. This is the oldest song on this week's list. "Best of Me" was released in 2002. I'm also proud to say that The Starting Line is my favorite band. I love many of their songs. After a brief break-up in '08, they announced earlier last year that they have reunited. Yay!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvYVmxHzQmw
11. The Friday Night Boys - "Can't Take That Away"
Yes it is a ballad, but who cares? It's a good song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys3Hjmau6as
10. Ke$ha - You're Love Is My Drug
I still regret liking Ke$ha at all. I don't understand why she is famous. Her producers know how to produce a good beat, I guess. It's a shame she's not a one-hit-wonder. There's still the possibility of being a one-album-wonder, but I'm doubtful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_qa3Ohwls
9. Lady GaGa & Beyonce - "Telephone"
Talk about one amazing combo! Beyonce and Lady GaGa? That spells awesome! And the video is pure WIN (so I'm told).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U
8. Michael Franti & Spearhead - "Sound of Sunshine"
I really enjoy this reggae-pop song. His other hit, "Say Hey (I Love You)" is also pretty good. It might just make next week's Top 20.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7QepB4ZXX0&feature=fvst
7. Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Yes, I included this song. I know. I have no idea why I like it, but I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY
6. Train - "Hey, Soul Sister"
In the era of autotune, Train defies logic by releasing a pop song without autotune. Color me surprised!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVpv8-5XWOI
5. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - "California Gurls"
Music video = so bad it's zamazing. The whipped-cream bikini gave me a trip on the lollercoaster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwE-SLnLkqY
4. Black Eyed Peas - "I Gotta Feeling"
I hate this song so much. I really do. Why did I put it on my list? Because I also love this song. It's terrible, but damn those amazing rhythyms. The lyrics are so terrible that they eventually shout "Maveltof!!" in the middle of the song. Seriously. It's sad that despite being released in 2009, it was the 5th most popular song of the 2000's. I'm not kidding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA
3. V.V. Brown - "Shark In The Water"
V.V. Brown is a relatively new artist (so I'm told) hailing from Britain. That makes her the second Brit on my list this week! There's no autotune (thank god), so she might be here to stay!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPQlxHWsemI
2. Sara Bareilles - "King of Anything"
The debut single of her next major studio ablum, Kaleidoscope Heart, Sara Bareilles delivers a great song with "King of Anything." The lyrics may be very similar to the song that made her famous, "Love Song," but as the lyrics go, "Who cares if you disagree? You are not me; who made you king of anything?" So...yeah...that renders your argument invalid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR7-AUmiNcA
Now it's time to reveal the #1 Song for the week of August 1, 2010! *drumroll*
1. Lady GaGa - "Alejandro"
Like I said, Lady GaGa would appear later. She is the only artist to appear 3 times on the same list, and the one of only 3 to appear more than once so far (the others being Beyonce and Ke$ha). Personally, I like "Alejandro" more than the first single, "Bad Romance," but they're both great songs. Initially, I had not 3, not 4, but 5 Lady GaGa songs scheduled to be on this list, but then I remembered other songs. What can I say? Lady Gaga is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA
Check back next week for my next Top 20 TJ Tunes! Which songs will remain on the list? Will "Alejandro" remain #1? Will Ke$ha be knocked off for some one-hit-wonder? You'll have to find out!
Welcome to Top 20 TJ Tunes!
Each week (preferably on a Tuesday, but you never know), I'll be posting my favortie Top 20 songs for that week! The songs will start off from any year, but will eventually get down to more recent songs!
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you enjoy!
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