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Listen Up:
Hot tracks to keep you warm this winter…
Wanna know who’s blowing up the spot in the world of R&B? Here are a few songs that are heating up the charts. ¤ Michelle
“Check On It”
Beyoncé featuring Slim Thug, Destiny's Child #1 Hits
Every R&B singer thinks that in order to be real gangsta they have to put the grimiest rapper from the south on their song. This is true of Beyoncé and her latest release, “Check On It.” Slim Thug spits a few lines to give this average R&B song some southern hospitality.This single is indicative of anything that Destiny’s Child or Beyoncé (as a solo artist) would release. It’s okay – it’s danceable – but it is a little predictable and way too safe. It doesn’t really sound different from anything else that she’s done. She doesn’t challenge her vocal range or write about things other than a man wanting to get with her. It’s just the same ol’ Beyoncé.
After hearing this song about a million times, it seeped into my head and unfortunately grew on me.
Rating: I love me some Beyoncé, but I can only give this song *** (out of 5).
“Be Without You”
Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough
Mary’s back, y’all!! I’ve been a fan of MJB from way back (essential Mary: My Life and What’s The 411) and I am thrilled that she’s got a hot new joint.I’ll be honest, I was in awe of the angry, ghetto Mary from the mid-90s – the one that shared each and every single painful experience with her audience. Songs like “I’m Goin’ Down,” “Not Gon’ Cry,” and “Be Happy” were my anthems. When she became more at peace with herself, her music suffered. As twisted as that may sound, I identified with the pain that she expressed in her music. That is why I wasn’t really feelin’ anything that she released over the past five years, with the exception of “Family Affair” (produced by Dr.Dre).
But I am thrilled that she’s happy now and that she’s still producing heartfelt music. Her first single, “Be Without You,” is an all around good song. Not only does it have lyrics that I can relate to, but it also has a nice beat, an equally creative video (my boo Terrence Howard is her love interest – good move!) and Mary’s voice sounds amazing.
All I have to say is that this is the song that I’ve been waiting for. Thanks, Mary!
Rating: I proudly give this song ***** (out of 5).
“Yo! (Excuse Me Miss)”
Chris Brown, Chris Brown
Looks like someone is trying to be the next Usher! Now that Mr. Raymond is out of the picture, Chris Brown is ready to swoop in and take all of his fans. It won’t be too difficult. Why? Well…one cute boy + half decent songs + great dance moves = one hot R&B sensation.Chris’ timing couldn’t be better. He hit the R&B scene when there weren’t many young R&B artists blowing up the charts.
He first hit us off with “Run It,” a very club-friendly single. It was very dancey and his lyrics revealed a bit of cockiness. His second single, “Yo! (Excuse Me Miss)” shows a more playful side of Chris. He speaks about spotting a girl who he finds attractive, and trying to win her over. It’s not Shakespeare or anything, but it’s kinda cute.
It is safe to say that this is a pretty standard bubblegum R&B pop song, but Chris is so likeable and sweet, I can see why he has hordes of female fans. His persona is what completely sells this song.
Rating: I give this song *** 1/2 (out of 5).
“Unpredictable”
Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris, Unpredictable
Remember what I wrote about an R&B artist using a rapper from the south to make their song sizzle? Well, on this joint, it actually works! Not to take away from Jamie Foxx’s voice – his voice is very soulful and sultry on this single. He makes you forget that he is an Oscar winning actor and not a seasoned R&B crooner.This song is all about how Jamie wants to please his woman. How he wants to make their make out session unpredictable instead of being average and tedious.
I ain’t gonna lie, this song worked its magic on me! I’m definitely looking for that special someone to pounce on when I hear this song!
Ludacris’ part seals the deal for me. His trademark freaky lyrics provide another level of sexiness to this song. This is the kind of southern hospitality that I like!
Rating: I give this baby-making song **** (out of 5).
“So Sick”
Ne-Yo, In My Own Words
If you haven’t heard of Ne-Yo, don’t worry. He used to be a songwriter who wrote for Mary J Blige, Faith Evans, and Mario among others, and now he has moved from the background to get his shine on as a solo artist. I’m cool with that because this is my fave song of the moment. Even though he is new to the scene, this isn’t his first single. He initially released the single “Stay,” but received lukewarm reviews. Luckily “So Sick” shot him into the limelight.I love that this song gives the female listener some insight into what a break up is like through the eyes of a male. They too feel vulnerable, hurt, and sad when they end a relationship. This song is reminiscent of Carl Thomas’ song, “I Wish,” that was released a few years ago.
This is the type of song that appeals to men and females alike. Men like it because Ne-Yo is honest with his feelings and he doesn’t come off too wimpy, but the females love it because his vulnerability is quite sexy!
If you haven’t heard this song yet, I’m sure that you will hear it in the near future.
Rating: I give this song ***** (out of 5).
