Top Tensday - Billboard Hot 100 Review: September 12, 2020

 I think this is the first time I officially have to eat crow to start things off, so I will. BTS' "Dynamite" exceeded my expectations and spent another week at #1 this week! Admittedly, predicting it to fall out of the Top 10 entirely was a bit of an overreaction, but given their track record, can you blame me that much? Well, I suppose you can. Nevertheless! Here's what else is going on:

Not much! The only thing that really happened was that "Mood", as I predicted (as though I have the right to feel smug), landed in the Top 10 this week, pushing out that dreadful "Roses" remix which I think we'd all be better off forgetting about.

Predictions:

BTS may have held on a second week, but I think a third week at #1 is unlikely. I think this is the first BTS track to have actual staying power, though, so it should stay in the Top 10. I'm not gonna make that mistake twice! I expect "Mood" to rise and "WAP" to re-take #1.

Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers - ALBUM REVIEW

 

This isn't typically my style of music, but a friend put in the request so I figured why not? I was pleasantly surprised by how much this album moved me. I think one of its strengths is its surprising bombast; the album comes alive at certain moments that really compliment the weight of the songwriting. Again, as with folklore, such detail packed into these songs' lyrics, with a little more bite in the references and the production.

I'd actually not listened to Phoebe Bridgers before this review, but this album is a solid reminder to always keep up with new and upcoming talent, because you never know what might break through. We live in a world where Top 10 hits on Billboard are designed more than ever by the listener, and with great power comes... well, you know. Point is, branch out and listen to something new, like this. You might just be surprised at how stunning the gems you find are.

9/10

Best Tracks: "Kyoto", "Punisher", "Halloween", "Savior Complex", "ICU", "I Know the End"

Top Tensday - Billboard Hot 100 Review: September 5, 2020

 BTS has their first #1 hit! ...yay?

Well, we know the chart history of BTS at this point, and while it's an accomplishment for them to stick the landing finally, I really don't see this lasting long, just like all of their other songs. Maybe someday, but not today. Beyond that, everything mostly gets pushed down a spot or stays stable, with "Before You Go" being the only entry to re-enter the Top 10, pushing down "7 Summers" which absolutely cratered and "I Hope" which still lingers in the top 20.

Predictions:

BTS song is going to be out of the Top 10 next week, that's just the circle of life at this point. Beyond that, "Mood" is getting huge boosts right now and could crack the Top 10 next week. Look out for that new BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez song, too. Surely THIS will be the k-pop song with longevity!