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Listen Up:
It's time for the fellas…
Looks like it’s all about the men this month! All of the singles that are getting some serious airplay are coming from the fellas. But do they really deserve to be sitting pretty on the charts? You decide. ¤ Michelle
“Lost Without U”
Robin Thicke, The Evolution of Robin Thicke
Oooh, I’m so defenseless when I hear a steamy, gettin’ some love song like Robin Thicke’s "Lost Without U" (pssst …his dad is Alan Thicke – he played the father on "Growing Pains"). All I want to do is get hot and sweaty with someone special.Oh, you haven’t heard of Robin Thicke? Well he is a “blue-eyed soul” R&B singer who is currently making his way up the charts. He stepped into the scene four years ago, but only received minor attention with his single "When I Get You Alone."
"Lost Without U" is his first release off his third album. This song is smooth as silk and sexy as hell. Even though Robin is an attractive guy, he’s not just relying on his good looks to sell this song. His impressive falsetto adds to the sexy charm of this ballad, which by the way, can compete with Mr. Timberlake’s range any day. Better watch ya back Justin!
I like the delicate nature of this song. It doesn’t pound you on the head with sexual innuendo; instead, Robin chooses to seduce you with his voice. Play on, playa!
Rating: Don’t sleep on this guy. I’m sure that his next single will be just as hot. I give this song ***** (out of 5).
“Runaway Love”
Ludacris feat. Mary J. Blige, Release Therapy
I am a Ludacris fan. I like most of the songs that he has released over the years (fave Luda song: "Southern Hospitality"), but his first single – "Money Maker" from Release Therapy – made me question if I still had love for Luda. The song wasn’t saying much besides the fact that he wants girls to drop it like it’s hot.But then he released "Runaway Love." A song that speaks to the females who are abused physically, verbally, and/or sexually, and that feel overcome by fear, anger and pain.
At first it was a little hard for me to take this song seriously. How could Luda release "Money Maker" and then follow it up with a conscious song about down and out girls? It just seemed very contradictory and confusing.
But I decided to give it a chance. I watched the video on YouTube and I enjoyed the song and the video. Actually, it’s Mary J Blige’s hook that blew me away. She kinda took over that song, no?
Rating: I do appreciate that Ludacris used his fame to release a song that gives support to young girls that feel victimized, so I give this song *** 1/2 (out of 5).
“You”
Lloyd feat Lil Wayne, Street Love
Don’t be baffled by the next thing that I write. I’m shocked too, but here it goes: The best thing about this song is…Lil Wayne. Yes, I really wrote that. I am not a fan of Lil Wayne, nor am I a fan of anyone with Lil in their name, but although this song is plain awful his rap actually gives this tired song some life.On "You," Lloyd spits some of the weakest lines that I’ve ever heard on wax. I don’t know how the girls in the video didn’t burst out in laughter. Sample line: "I admit it / Dis just ain’t no game these just ain’t words / Dat I’m spittin / If you could see tha thoughts dats in my head (dats in my head) / (I’m trippin) / Imma playa dat is true / But I change da game for you / Lets see wat it do (oooooh)."
Did I lie? Corny and ignorant, eh?
The song gets points for modernizing a cool '80s classic. The underlying beat was originally produced by Spandau Ballet for "True" (1983), and sampled on "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss" (1991) by P.M. Dawn.
Rating: This song isn’t the worst thing that I’ve ever heard, it’s just the cheesiest. I can only give this ** 1/2 (out of 5).
“Ice Box”
Omarion, 21
Omarion’s latest is not unlike his previous works. He mixes danceable beats with sappy lyrics.I will admit that this isn’t entirely a bad song. A little blah (the video is way worse!), but not terrible.
On "Ice Box," he speaks about how his pain from his past dysfunctional relationship is affecting his current relationship. He’s basically apologizing to his current girl for having emotional baggage. Okay, that’s commendable!
Rating: Taking into consideration the fact that Omarion is a former boy band member who is trying to evolve as an artist, I must give him some love for trying to appear more mature. This song gets *** (out of 5).
“What Goes Around...Comes Around”
Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSongs
I absolutely adore the first few seconds of this song. The use of the stringed instrument creates an exotic flava. Very mysterious!"What Goes Around...Comes Around" is practically a remake of Justin’s last Britney dis song, "Cry Me A River," but this version is just as relevant as the original. He’s not just rehashing harsh feelings; he’s letting any sista know that he’s not to be played with. Did you see the video? Look what happens to Scarlett Johansson’s character when she messes up.
I can totally see why this is sitting at the top of the charts. Everyone likes a great break up song, and it’s even better when it comes from someone as smooth and likeable as JT.
Rating: I’m totally obsessed with this song – like the millions of his fans, so I gotta give this song a **** 1/2 (out of 5).
