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Listen Up:
Songs I’m feelin’…
Instead of writing about my take on the current chart toppers, I thought that I would switch it up and just tell you about a couple of songs that I can’t get enough of. For the past couple of months I’ve heard and subsequently downloaded an obscene amount of tunes, but there were only a few that I put on heavy rotation.Take a look at my list of songs that I played over and over and over… ¤ Michelle
“Big Girls Don't Cry”
Fergie, The Dutchess
I honestly hid my non-disgust for this song for the longest time. I was embarrassed to admit that I could actually enjoy a song from the Fergalicious one. And then, out of the blue, I admitted to myself and a close friend that I really liked the song. Surprisingly enough, she didn’t break out into laughter, but confessed to liking the song too. Yes, I was not alone!What I like about the song is that it’s not the typical watered down hip-hop song, or even an over-the-top throwback to the old skool era type of song that we’re used to hearing from Fergie. She self-assuredly sings her little heart out in an introspective folksy rock song, and dammit, she does an impressive job of it.
I found comfort in the fact that she was able to tell her man, rather eloquently I might add, to not take anything personal while she sorts some things out, even though it means they need to break up.
I like her vulnerability and honesty on this song. It’s refreshing to hear her sing about something with some depth rather than pontificating over her damn humps!
“The Way I Are”
Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson & D.O.E, Timbaland Presents Shock Value
What’s not to love about a guy who has no money? Timbaland boldly coos that he ain’t got jack, but all he can offer a girl is his love. You realize only someone as cute as Timbaland can get away with that mess!Although I find the lyrics hysterical – sample line: “I ain't got no money, I ain't got no car to take you on a date, I can't even buy you flowers, but together we'll be the perfect soul mates, talk to me girl” – I know that this song is set to be an anthem for trifin’ cheap men all over.
Besides the comical content, the early 90’s feel (courtesy of the Salt-N-Pepa sample, “Push It”) ups the cool factor. I’m totally lovin’ the frenetic robotic-like background beat. Timbaland scores his millionth hit with this club staple.
“Bartender”
T-Pain featuring Akon, Epiphany
Perhaps I’m going through an Amy Winhouse phase, but I’m feelin’ T-Pain’s odes to alcohol – “Buy You A Drank” and “Bartender.” They’re not completely about alcohol consumption, but it does set the scene for the songs.I obsessed over “Buy You A Drank” for months and months, until I happily discovered T-Pain’s second playful ditty, “Bartender.” Honestly, it is this close to becoming my ringtone!
I seriously can’t explain what exactly I like about T-Pain’s two songs, but I will say that every time I hear them, it reminds me of a couple of unforgettable nights this past summer!
I know a lot of people take issue with the fact that T-Pain technically alters his voice on all of the songs that he has released thus far, but does it really matter? His songs are pretty light and nonsensical. He is the same man who sang “I’m In Luv Wit A Stripper,” so would you expect anymore more from him? Either way, I love his two current singles.
“Can't Tell Me Nothing”
Kanye West, Graduation
Say what you will about Kanye, but the man knows how to make good music. I don’t necessarily like his antics or his incessant complaining (or his inflated ego), but I am always assured that when he releases a song, it will be fire!He, like T-Pain, has two songs out right now – “Stronger” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” I actually like the techno feel of “Stronger” (Kanye uses the sample “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” from house connoisseurs, Daft Punk). It’s completely different from anything else out right now, which lets me know that hip-hop can branch off into a bunch of different directions and still be relevant.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” has a grittier, more personal feel, which for me gives it that slight edge over “Stronger.” Kanye speaks about how some people get caught up living a materialistic lifestyle, and ultimately getting addicted to the fake high. He makes no secret on the single that he too likes to spend money on extravagant things (psst…they don’t call him the Louis Vuitton for nothing!).
Overall, I like the song and I can’t wait to see if his album will fare better than 50 Cent’s on September 11.
“Let It Go”
Keyshia Cole featuring Missy Elliot and Lil' Kim, Just Like You
I faithfully declare my love for Keyshia Cole. I love her fashion sense (some might call it more ghetto than ghetto fab, I just call it fab!), her around-the-way persona, and the fact that the girl can out-sing any wannabe songstress.“Let It Go” is Ms. Cole’s first release off her second album. It employs an old school gem – “Juicy Fruit” from Mtume (this was also sampled by Biggie on his classic, “Juicy”), which gives the song a throwback vibe, but with a hot new twist. Missy Elliot and Lil' Kim spit a few verses just to kick the song up a few notches.
To be honest, I enjoy this song, but it isn’t the best Keyshia Cole song (“I Should Have Cheated” is number one for me!), but it’s still way better than any of the offerings currently getting some airplay.
I like that this song is an anthem for wronged females, but it’s still hot enough for us to get our dance on in da club! Thanks, Keyshia!
