Recently I have noticed as I aimlessly flick through the radio channels during my breakfast, that popular music is becoming more and more strange… and alternative music is becoming more and more bland (this will be covered in next article ‘What’s happened to Rock ‘n’ Roll?’ for more on this). It seems it is now more likely for me to find a different, vibrant song on ‘Kiss’ or ‘Capital FM’ than on ‘NME’ or ‘MTV:Rocks’. It seems a little strange that ‘different music’ is now mainstream.
A few years ago, during the space when Britney Spears took a break and before Lady GaGa’s extravagant arrival… the pop scene seemed rather lifeless and repetitive. The occasional amazing tune appeared here and there (Justin Timberlake’s ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ breathtaking album is an example) but overall this period was disappointing. However, let’s take a look at the scene now.
CURRENT ODD POP SONGS:
Katy Perry Ft. Kanye West - E.T
Firstly the lyrical concept itself, is peculiar; an amazing lover, compared to that of an alien. Perry pulls this strange idea with blaring vocals, strong pronounication ( especially the blasting first line of chorus ‘Kiss me, Ki-Kiss me’). Also, this song carries the current fashion of editing vocals to repeat. However, Kanye’s verses, despite fitting well and sounding sharp, are uneeded and cut off the choir voice like climax.
4/5 - Check out the original album version.
Born This Way - Lady GaGa
A pesky problem with pop music is the recurring, annoying message of ‘Be yourself’. Despite this being a good lesson in life and true, Lady GaGa was never a trend follower of this lyrical concept.. until ‘Born This Way’. The chorus’, verses and overall mood of the song is nothing new and does not live up to the star blazing standard Lady GaGa has set herself. However, the bassline is ear burstingly good and the aim of making you feel better is successful.
2/5 - ‘The Fame Monster’ is better. ‘Judas’ is released next week.
S&M - Rihanna
Kinky sex, another odd concept. Rihanna’s voice does not carry well during the bland verses, which are forgettable compared to the bass blazing chorus. Vocals are strong and powerful in the chorus, which are needed for the shocking (but brilliant!) lyrics ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me’. Unfortunately the editing of ‘S&M’ is annoying and spoils the song.
3/5 - Wouldn’t mind seeing Rihanna doing simple, piano songs to show off her vocal talent.
So let’s see the next video that trends on Twitter or the catchy dirty lyric you can’t sing in front of your parents… How far exactly will Popstars go to be different?
