Yes, jealousy: one of the most conflicting emotions in music. Are you angry? Are you sad? Are you in love? Are you maybe a combination of the three? Well, songs about jealousy have the cure for what ails you. Let's take a look at a Canadian electrofunk duo by the name of Chromeo.
Chromeo formed in 2002. In addition to remixing songs, they've also released songs of their own since 2004's She's In Control. Unfortunately, I can't tell you much about them because their new single, "Jealous (I Ain't With It)", is the first I'm hearing from them. And listening to the song, they definitely live up to their electrofunk genre. But do the lyrics measure up to the song's title? How do they convey jealousy? I get jealous, but I'm too cool to admit it When the fellas, talk to my girl I ain't with it You're... you're not with it? You're not with what? Well, I guess the song does measure up to the title, but what does it mean? I ain't with it, I ain't with it, I ain't with it No, repeating it sure isn't helping. Well, let's get to the verses. Maybe they can provide some context. I got strung up from our loving I wish you cared to see But she only cares when she's got the time Ignoring the awkward pronoun switch, I guess I can see what's going on here now. The guy is more involved in the relationship than the girl is, so he gets jealous when he sees other guys talking to her, painting a not-so-happy picture. All right, I can get behind this. We've all been in a relationship where the feelings are not fully reciprocated, and there's been many a song written about unhealthy relationships. Even the beat kind of reflects the problematic tone of the song; it's a little darker than a happy-go-lucky party song's beat would be. I do like the guy's voice as well. He's got this interesting rhythm in his vocals that keeps me hooked. So, overall, thumbs up to Chromeo. Hope to see more from them in the future.
Hey! Let's celebrate some decent music on the pop charts. Let's review Ariana Grande's Yours Truly.
Yours Truly was released in August 2013 as Ariana Grande's debut album, calling upon the likes of Babyface, Leon Thomas III, and Harmony Samuels to help produce it. Grande herself has described the album as a throwback to 90's R&B music in the first half, while the second half is completely original. So let's see what we've got here.
We start off with "Honeymoon Avenue", a longing song about getting things back to the way they were with her lover. Judging by the rest of the album, I guess they do, but this is a great song on its own merits. It sets the perfect mood with Ariana's voice and the production background. Of course, it nearly loses it at the end, with that ridiculous change in tone. But for the most part, it works. Let's go to the next song. Next is "Baby I", a song that has an excuse to have minimal lyrics. Here's part of the chorus: But every time I try to say it Words, they only complicate it Yeah, see? That's why the rest of the chorus is on par with Justin Bieber's "Baby" in terms of chorus lyrics... and nothing else. This track is fantastic. A perfect contrast to the longing tone that "Honeymoon Avenue" set. Just a fun, romantic song. Next is "Right There", featuring Big Sean. Now I've never been the biggest Big Sean fan...
Something about him, I don't know. But I did like him on "Problem", and I like him here too. He provides a nice contrast to Ariana's loving, devoted tone, asking if she will still love him if he loses his riches. He goes a little too overboard with the "I'm not boyfriend material" thing: A player too You know I have some girls missionary My black book of numbers thicker than the dictionary Sounds like a real catch, Grande. Anyway, he does go a little over-the-top to the point of uncomfortableness, but it's not too bad. Of course, the star once again is Grande, who kills it with her sweet vocals. I feel like each song review is just going to be the same thing. We'll see if she gets a voice crack or something.
Up next we've got "Tattooed Heart", which, compared to the last two tracks, is really slow. But I think this was a smart move; we needed a slow song right here. I think the premise of the song is a little goofy, but there is something to it, what with the permanence of tattoos and how often people have to get them removed because they broke up with a girlfriend or boyfriend. And as per the norm for this album, Grande just sells it, proving she is versatile with her voice. Next is "Lovin' It", which... sounds really familiar.
Not that this is a bad thing, not by a long shot. If you're going to bring back an awesome beat from 1992, then I'm all for it, as long as the song is changed enough to make it not sound like a total rip-off. And by being played in a higher key and used in a more up-tempo song, it does exactly that. I'm lovin' this. I especially like the parts in the beginning and end where she sings along with the beat. It's masterful. Now we've got "Piano", and I think we're making our way into the non-throwback half of the album. And Ariana Grande doesn't lose focus either. In fact, the transition works extremely well, with the piano at the beginning playing similar chords to the beat on "Lovin' It". God, this album is almost too good. I haven't felt this positive about something in a long, long while. Next we have "Daydreamin'", which is... do I really even need to say it? It's pitch-perfect. Definitely has that throwback feel, and Grande embraces it with her beautiful voice. Now it's "The Way", Ariana's first single off of the album. And what a great introduction to the album this is. Honestly, I think we're back in throwback mode here, and I couldn't be happier. Mac Miller isn't exactly up to par with the production and Ariana's vocals, but he's not enough to destroy this song. In fact, having a subpar guest rap verse almost helps to bring up Ariana Grande, not that she needs it. Now we have "You'll Never Know", and I think we're into the breakup part of the relationship. And it's a little too happy for me. This song could have been slowed down a little. There! Some criticism! Now keep reading! Next is "Almost is Never Enough", featuring Nathan Sykes, and I guess this is what I wanted from "You'll Never Know". And hey, if you can make a singer from The Wanted sound soulful, you're definitely doing something right. Just like the rest of this album. Wow, this is too perfect. And now we have "Popular Song", featuring Mika, who I thought died or something. But you can tell that this is the only song that Mika could have been featured on in this album. It's certainly the most poppy song on the album, which is fitting for the title. Wait... this is actually Mika's song featuring Ariana Grande. Well, either way it works to break away from the sadness of the last song. It's actually quite uplifting. And finally, it's "Better Left Unsaid", which serves as a bombastic party anthem to contrast the sad tone of "Almost is Never Enough". You almost think the album's going to finish off on a sad note, but that's simply not the case, as the beat gets pumped up and it becomes a party jam. And it works, just like nearly everything on the album. Fantastic album. Absolutely fantastic. Pop music lovers, go out and buy this. From beginning to end, this is a pop masterpiece, a throwback masterpiece, and a vocal masterpiece. The production on these tracks is simply stunning, and the transitions between songs are perfect. This positivity thing feels good. Maybe I should just review things I like. Then again... I like tearing things apart too. Better stick with my original niche. If I have any criticism towards this album, it's that she could have picked better guest rappers. But they do provide adequate contrast to Ariana's perfection, so maybe it was on purpose. Who knows? Go out and buy the album to decide for yourself.
Ariana Grande: One of the few breaths of fresh air in a slew of teen music stars becoming adult music stars.
Ariana Grande seems to be one of the only ones who has recently had a smooth transition from teen fame to adult fame... ignoring that awful Sam & Cat show. But yeah, her music's been spot-on and she's managed to carve out a surprisingly charming personality for herself, like a less in-your-face Mariah Carey. It's brilliant. And now, she's scored her first Top 5 hit with "Problem", featuring... I-G-G-Y Yeah. Yeah. Uh... wow. This could seriously go either way. Will Ariana save Iggy, or will Iggy bring down Ariana? Well, there's only one way to find out: read reviews by other people! Or, I could just listen to it myself and form my own thoughts on the song. Seems harder, but it also seems familiar. All right, let's do it. The song starts off with a pretty fucking awesome sax solo, and Iggy delivering a spoken intro. It's Iggy Iggs! I got one more problem with you girl Oh, oh. Catfight. CATFIGHT!
All right, that's not what this song is about. The "problem" Iggy and Ariana share is this toxic on-again, off-again relationship. So... why is Iggy saying she's got a problem with Ariana? I don't know. But I can forgive it because the rest of this song ROCKS. Going back to the question I posed near the beginning, on whether Ariana saves Iggy or Iggy destroys Ariana, it's definitely closer to the former. I say "closer" because Iggy's verse is... surprisingly okay. Smart money bettin' I'll be better off without you I mean, it's nothing spectacular. In fact, there's one verse that kinda pisses me off. I got 99 problems but you won't be one If you're going to make a mediocre verse, you don't get to channel Jay-Z (though it is slowly becoming more and more appropriate to do so, given his recent work). But other than that, I don't really have any problems with the verse. It could be more interesting, but let's be real here: The star of this song is Grande. Ariana absolutely kills it here, especially if you compare her to other singers around her age. She really is the second coming of Mariah Carey. The new, fresher version.
Now, I like Mariah Carey. I think she's obviously a talented singer. But as the years go by, she's slowly becoming less and less relevant in the music industry. So enter Ariana Grande to blow her away. Big Sean, who performs on the song but is not featured, also does well with the chorus. The whispery chorus does well to contrast Ariana's big vocals. It's a nice surprise. And did I mention that sax solo? See, that's how you do it, Jason. Yeah, I can't really say anything else except that I'm so glad to finally have a song that I love near the top of the charts. It's been a while. Count on Ariana Grande to bring me joy on the Billboard Charts. No problems with this song.
And here's the world in music this week, with a few snippets or so of information. Stick with me. Hunter Hayes has broken the Guinness World Record for the most concerts played in multiple cities - and he did this all while helping to raise awareness of child hunger. Makes me wonder why Justin Bieber didn't turn out this great. Oh yeah, he's kind of an asshole. Eminem released his video for "Headlights" on Mother's Day, mostly shot from the first-person perspective of his mother, Debbie. Watch the video here. K-pop boy band B.A.P. have listed their Top 6 songs. The list includes Eminem, Chris Brown, and Stevie Wonder. Check out the full list here. And in other K-pop news, EXO-K's Overdose EP has entered the Billboard 200 at number 129. The title track is also the biggest-selling K-pop single in America, currently at #2 on Billboard's World Digital Songs chart. Pentatonix, winners of The Sing-Off Season 3, have joined RCA Records. RCA president Tim Corson is reportedly "thrilled" to have the band on the label. "Their musicality and vocal abilities have enabled them to create innovative original songs as well as re-create some of today's biggest hits." Stevie Nicks is in the midst of finishing up a new solo album. The album includes tracks that she has written and recorded through the years, but never made it onto an album. The album is currently titled 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault. Finally, Rob Zombie is releasing his first concert DVD, entitled :The Zombie Horror Picture Show". Check out an exclusive video premiere here.
Today we're going back not 10, not 25, but 52 years! Back when actors made songs and they didn't end up embarrassing themselves. Walter Brennan was a lot more well known for his acting career than his music career. But here we have his biggest hit, peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100. That's a hit! So it's worth analysis. The song isn't about aged tributaries, as you might imagine. It's actually about an old man named Rivers. And it's a really sweet song about Walter Brennan as a kid meeting old Rivers and befriending him. He had a one-room shack not far from us And well, we was about as poor as him He had one old mule he called Midnight And I'd trailed along after them It's also a fairly sad song, as (spoiler alert) old Rivers dies at the end. But honestly, it's not that sad of a song because the old man seems resigned to death, even embracing of it. He'd say, one of these days I'm gonna climb that mountain Walk up there among the clouds Where the cotton's high And the corn's a-growin' And there ain't no fields to plow But they do deliver the news to Brennan rather harshly. Down at the end my mama said, ''Son You know old Rivers died.'' "Oh. Oh, thanks mom." The song's okay, I guess. I suppose you would need to be born in a different time to really appreciate it, but I do get the message and it's told rather well. I just can't say I have a personal connection to it, which pushes it away from being a song I really like. It's nice to step in the way-back machine, though, away from Jason Derulo and Chris Brown and such.
No matter how much of a hip hop fan you are, I have the feeling that you will never love Kanye West as much as Kanye West loves Kanye West. This man has redefined celebrity arrogance. The guy got called a jackass by the President of the United States. Obama hasn't even called any Fox News broadcasters jackasses, at least not on record. Kanye West is a whole new level of jackass. I mean, he interrupts Taylor Swift. He said that George Bush doesn't care about black people during a Hurricane Katrina pledge. He posed as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone. The guy knows no boundaries. And despite all evidence to the contrary... the guy's a genius Yeah, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a Kanye West fan. He's definitely superstar-worthy, as you can't really find an artist anywhere like Kanye West. He has a different style, different lyrics, and he puts his songs together beautifully. And I'm counting down the Top 10 times where he has done so, starting with... 10. "Power"
Best to start off a powerful artist with a powerful song, and right from the title you can tell that this is going to be a humdinger. Between the sampling and Kanye's lyrics addressing his recent media missteps: They say I was the abomination of Obama's nation Well that's a pretty bad way to start a conversation Indeed. This song brings Kanye back into the public's good graces, just for being a stellar piece of music. 9. "Through the Wire"
This is how awesome Kanye West is: he breaks his jaw in three different places, and still records this song with his jaw wired shut. I love the spoken interludes during the chorus in particular, which sound off-the-cuff and real. The sampling of "Through the Fire" is brilliant as well, with "through the wire" being taken quite literally.
8. "All Falls Down"
Kanye, as you may have gathered from the first two entries, is very good at incorporating sampling into his music. But what if you can't get the legal rights to a sample? You get another talented singer to sing the relevant lyrics. That's exactly what Kanye did with Syleena Johnson's voice and Lauryn Hill's song, proving that Kanye West can solve problems easily, and will do what it takes to make a song sound perfect. 7. "Big Brother"
I decided not to include Jay Z and Kanye West songs from Watch the Throne in this list (although if I did, "Otis" and "No Church in the Wild" would have been strong contenders). But it's impossible to deny Jay-Z's influence on Kanye West, and nothing details it more than this song. What I like about this song is that it conveys mixed emotions, which is exactly what Kanye feels. It's not all happy, and it's not all resentful either. It's a very real song. 6. "Hey Mama"
Of course, if you really want Kanye to say what's on his mind without any bullshit, you listen to him rap about his mother. This song is why I've never really completely bought Kanye West's egotistical jackass persona. Deep down, he's just another guy who loves his mama. Kanye details a really sweet story about growing up with his mother, almost reverting to childlike states in his lyrics. Can't you see, you're like a book of poetry Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there's my mommy He calls his mom "mommy". Awww. Even more touching than this is his 2008 performance at the Grammys in tribute of his recently deceased mother. I don't cry often, but this makes me come close. So after sensitive Kanye, what's next? 5. "Gone"
Well, how about some classic-sounding Kanye with a killer beat and an awesome Otis Redding sample? Yeah, that sounds about right. I'm mostly surprised by Cam'Ron here, who I mostly know from mediocre early 2000s songs. While he's still the weakest rapper on this track, he holds his own better than he ever has. Perhaps he was brought up by the power of Kanye West, or possibly the power of the beat, which is also the power of Kanye West. 4. "New Slaves"
All in all, I wasn't really a huge fan of Kanye's latest album, Yeezus. Maybe it just went over my head, or maybe it was all pretentious fluff. But if there was a bright spot in the album, it's this blistering criticism of not only racism, but also hip hop culture and buying the same brands. It's like if Kanye West wrote "Thrift Shop", for Christ's sake. The whole thing devolves into nothing short of nonsense at the end, but somehow it's all worth it to hear Kanye's interesting take on hip hop and race relations today. 3. "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
This is the type of song that nobody but Kanye could have performed. Kanye at this point has suffered so much scrutiny for being himself, and he not only acknowledges this, but spits right back in his critics' faces with this: La, la, la, la, wait till I get my money right la, la, la, la, then you can't tell me nothing right There's just nobody with the amount of money that Kanye has, and the brash personality that Kanye has to pull this off. But Kanye pulls it off with aplomb, as he should. He also shows a hint of vulnerability: The drama, people suing me, I'm on T.V. talking like it's just you and me. I'm just saying how I feel man, I ain't one of the Cosby's I ain't go to Hill man I guess the money should've changed him, I guess I should've forgot where I came from But you can't tell Kanye nothing, especially after hearing this. 2. "Monster"
Barring Rick Ross, the rappers here show that they can be amazing if they try. It's a rare Kanye song that doesn't include samples, but it has a charging influx of star power that screams "I don't need a sample". And when Nicki, Jay and Kanye let loose, you just have to sit back and enjoy. My God, this song is amazing. But not as amazing as my #1 pick, which is... 1. "Diamonds From Sierra Leone"
"Monster" didn't need a sample, but "Diamonds" needs the sample to bring it all together. Not that this is a knock at the song. Rather, I simply mean to highlight Kanye's intelligence as an artist and rapper. Not only is this my very favourite Kanye West production, but Kanye comes full force with his lyrics here. After debris settles and the dust get swept off Big K pick up where young Hov left off Right when magazines wrote Kanye West off It's the quintessential Kanye West song, detailing the critcism he's taken and blowing his arrogance to full force. And I love it. Kanye West, man. Questionable personality, freakin' genius musician.
No, no, wasn't that last week? Sorry, here he is, not as a featured artist, but on his own, with "Stay With Me".
"Stay With Me" is a song about a guy who's so attached to his girlfriend that he never wants to let go. Now I got you in my space I won’t let go of you Now, hold on a second. That was from "Latch", a song about the same thing. Oh boy. Well, I suppose there's worse ways to become typecast. Isn't that right, Lil Jon? TURN DOWN FOR WHA- He's probably going to butt into at least one review a week. Okay, so yes, "Stay With Me" and "Latch" are essentially the same song, but they sound a lot different. Whereas "Latch" was upbeat and pounding with excitement and passion, "Stay With Me" is more somber and longing. Oh, won't you stay with me? Cause you're all I need Sam Smith's voice seems well suited for both, leading me to believe that while he may have a one-track mind when it comes to his subject matter, he can do different styles quite well. "Stay With Me" isn't the greatest song ever or anything, but it has its place in Slow Ballad Land. A nice-sounding love song that- This ain't love it's clear to see What? Then... what is it? Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand Wait a minute. Wait a minute! "One-night stand"? Oh, I was wrong about this entirely. This guy wants sex. And that's not even me saying that, that's him saying that! "This ain't love, it's clear to see." And it's clear that he wants to see more of your delicious booty! And deep down I know this never works But you can lay with me so it doesn't hurt Oh, this guy is crafty. The casual listener might dismiss this as a slow love ballad, but now I'm seeing it for its true colours. This guy is a pickup artist in disguise. At least, I hope that's the case. Because otherwise, this song seems confused and mismatched. If this is the case, though, what do I do with Sam Smith's straightforward contribution to "Latch"? It's not like that song was stupid, but it wasn't deceiving, either. This is a whole new side of Smith I'm seeing, and it's only the second song I've heard with him. Oh, I hope I'm right. God, I hope I'm right. Because if I'm right, this song is brilliant. If I'm wrong, it's poorly thought out. I'm going to give him and myself the benefit of the doubt and assume I'm right. Hot 100 Success: Will he have it? It's hard to say. His soft ballad side, even if it is a clever ruse, is falling out of favour compared to his dance side. It all depends on which side he feeds, because I don't see more "Stay with Me"s becoming popular soon. Should he have it? I think I need to listen to more of the guy's stuff before I make a decision on the artist as a whole, but for now, I'm intrigued. Sure, I'd like Sam Smith in the Top 50. Stay with me.
Ah, Classified. Canada's answer to Eminem. MmmmpphhhHAHAHAHAHAHA No, I don't think Classified's necessarily a bad rapper, but he sure doesn't do much for me. He's goofy, but he's not goofy enough. It's like if Macklemore recorded "Thrift Shop" and it just went "I shop at a thrift store, I buy things, it costs less so yay me." He has had his fair share of serious songs, but they get overshadowed by songs like this:
If you don't feel silly singing this chorus, well, then I guess we don't share any DNA. Between his songs about pay day and his songs about ninjas, I'm a little confused on how to receive his newest single, "Higher", a song where he decides to do something he hasn't done before: sound like every other hip hop artist.
Yep, that's Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" on the chorus. That song had an aura of class to it, an aura of coolness. What does Classified do with it? Know when I'm feeling down and out I'm feeling out of commission I call you up in a minute you come on over I hit it Well, there you go. "I have sex with this girl." Right in the text.
I was the one that said he's never going to do it but did it Yeah your love is addictive without the hugging and kissing "To add to my previous statement, I hate displays of affection that don't involve sex." We're off to a good start. The rest of Classified's verse isn't very noteworthy, save for this line: I'll love you 'till you're gone and you're nothing but ashes You're smoking girl Did... did you just try and turn cremation into a compliment? God, what was the first draft? I'll love you til you're gone and there's nothing but a tombstone You're my rock Okay, let's stop thinking about that line before I creep myself out. And that's my problem with Classified. His lyrics are barely interesting enough for analysis, but also silly enough that you can't take him seriously. He's the worst of both worlds. Thankfully, on this track is also B.o.B., a well-known American rapper who I actually really like. In addition to just seeming like an all-around genuine nice guy, he's also got a fun personality and a great flow. So maybe he's here to show Canadians how rap is done. We used to have a handle on it. Let's see what he does with his verse. Well, my mind is in lift when the climate is this You give me the type of high the type of high I will miss When you light up I can't explain how much excitement I get Ugh, boring. BORING. Maybe this would be better if B.o.B. actually sounded as excited as the lyrics convey him to be, but here he just sounds bored. Is there going to be nothing worthwhile here, either? Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent I'm sorry, you do what now? Travel to California, I catch a flight for your scent O...kay. Seems kind of over-the-top and stalker-ish, but... okay. What is she even doing in California? Is she taking a vacation from you? Does this girl even want to be with you? Also, back up to Classified's verse. I love the way that you taste and leave your scent on my clothes This... this girl must have some scent, if it's worth catching a flight for and mentioning in two different rapper's verses. Well, say this for those lines: At least it gives the song something interesting. Yeah, this is a song about a girl with a distinct scent. The scent of love. Or Chanel No. 5. It could be Chanel No. 5. You know, even for Classified, this song is a waste. He might be a goofball most of the time, but hey. I'll take it over this. He even managed to make B.o.B. boring. B.o.B! The guy who collaborated with Rivers Cuomo in 2010! Here's to Maestro Fresh-Wes making a comeback sometime soon. Until then, get your act together, Canadian hip hop.
Hello, everyone! Today I'll be focusing on a seemingly important part of music: the lyrics. But really, how important are lyrics these days?
One of the hit songs right now has like ten words in it, and half of them are indistinguishable. That leads one to believe that maybe lyrics are not as important as one might think. However, the lyrics of songs also come under critical analysis when they are prominent. You all remember "Blurred Lines":
If you do, then excellent. I'm trying to wash it out of my memory forever, but it still goes to show how much lyrics matter when picking a song to like. Or do they? Because "Blurred Lines" was the #2 song of 2013. Here's my theory: lyrics are not important for a song's popularity, but they are important for a song's respect. "Blurred Lines" got by on its Marvin Gaye sample, and "Turn Down for What"'s success comes from the people who like that style of music, not because Lil Jon is some kind of poet. But neither song garners much respect. "Blurred Lines" is notoriously hated as much as it is liked, and I don't see anyone praising "Turn Down for What" for its socially conscious themes. It's the music that makes them popular, but without good lyrics, they fall short from being respected. This doesn't mean that you can't like a song with bad lyrics, but it's pretty hard to respect it, unless you're respecting it ironically, to which I praise you ironically.
I give up. I give up. This blog will be the death of me if I don't get out while I can. To the few ladies and gentlemen that have read my blog since October, I thank you for your support. But this... I just have no idea where to go with this.
I mean, it's just not music. There's nothing I can say except that. It's not music. It's an abomination. No, I'm out. I'm out. It was nice knowing you, Blogger community. ... ... All right, let's do this.
This lovely Barbie doll goes by Iggy Azalea. She's had minor success in the US with singles like "Work" and "Bounce", but this is her first honest-to-goodness Billboard hit. It's called... "Fancy".
And that guest voice on the chorus is Charli XCX. You might know her from this:
Yes, it's the "I Love It" girl! So, that pretty much seals the deal, right? Because "I Love It" was terrible, right? Right? ... Actually, I loved "I Love It". I loved everything about "I Love It". It was the sluttiest, trashiest, and most brainless hit of 2013, and I mean none of those as pejoratives. I don't care, I love it. But why do I love it? Why do I love this I don't care I love it I don't care and hate this? I'm so fancy You already know They both guest Charli XCX and both seem equally vapid. Why do I prefer one over the other? How can I even tell them apart? Well, it's very simple actually. You see, one of these songs has a soul. And believe it or not, it's the one about crashing cars into bridges. I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone See? Right from the beginning, if the pounding beat didn't convince you already, this song conveys a hard-hitting, headstrong feeling. What does "Fancy" do? Well, "Fancy" has an uninspired beat with an uninspired rapper. First thing's first, I'm the realest Drop this and let the whole world feel it So, if you wanted to hear a white girl try to sound like Drake, well then... here you go. I don't have a problem with the idea of white girls rapping... but every time I hear it, my skin crawls. Every time it happens, it sounds soulless. People might make jokes about how white girls should only rap about Starbucks, but you know what? I'd actually prefer that to this! Yes, please immerse me in the Starbucks culture. I'd rather have that than Iggy Azalea trying to give herself street cred. Takin' all the liquor straight, never chase that "Ooh, look at me. I don't mix my alcohol with anything. Do I get to make gang signs yet?" Let's also take a look at what each song does with the guest vocalist. Charli XCX's style is mostly suited for heavysynths in her music; that's what she does. She also does a lot of fun electro songs. "I Love It" goes the ultra-smart route and does both. What does "Fancy" do? Some boring beat and some ultra-cocky lyrics that don't match Charli at all. I'm so fancy You already know I'm in the fast lane From L.A. to Tokyo This isn't fun. This isn't enjoyable. This is just bragging. That's all this song is. It's bragging. And if you're going to brag about yourself, you'd better be talented. Charli XCX at least has an edge over Iggy Azalea in that regard. Let's talk about her voice, first of all. It's like a parrot squawking at me. Charli's part may not be good, but it least it's a welcome change from WHO DAT WHO DAT. And her lyrics are just... weak. Still stunned, how you love that Got the whole world asking how I does that Rhyming is hard! Good thing I can contort grammar to make it sort of rhyme. And my flow retarded Isn't there some kind of unwritten agreement worldwide that we would stop using that work unless we wanted to look like gigantic assholes? She also talks about "haters" and can't touch this, and whatever. Like a gangsta MC Hammer? Okay, I'm done. I can take brainlessness. But I can't take soullessness. If you're going to be stupid, at least have fun doing it.
