Each week I’m going to follow the top 40 singles of the UK and review them. Here’s this week’s ratings! Hope you all enjoy!
Currently listening to – “Taking Chances” – Glee
Location – Columbia, Missouri
♥ – Erin
1. Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz
Catchy song with a very catchy beat. At least Taio warns the ladies that he’s a heart breaker. The song overall is just like anything else out there that is popular, but it’s the top for a reason. It has a quality about it that makes it superior. The lyrics and music aren’t <i>that</i> great, but I still find myself really enjoying this track.
2. Sexy Chick – David Fuetta featuring Akon
There are several versions of this song floating around. The other one is describing a woman as a “sexy bitch.” Either way, I strongly dislike this song.
3. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ pounding on the piano makes this sounds really interesting. Jay-Z does a great job with his rapping, as per usual. He had one line saying, “I’ll be the next Sinatra.” Jay-Z, I disagree with you, but I really like the song.
4. She Wolf – Shakira
This is the first song released from Shakira’s upcoming album, She Wolf. It’s quickly making it’s way up to the charts. The English version is all right, but I prefer the Spanish version. Shakira even howls “oooooo.” I loved this song when I first heard it and can’t wait to hear more from Shakira.
5. Run This Town – Jay-Z
He’s bbaaaccckkk! Jay-Z has made another comeback with “Run This Town.” The features of Rihanna and Kanye are a great contrast to Jay-Z’s rapping. He is the best rapper and will keep the hits coming.
6. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Everyone familiar with the western world knows this song. A few weeks ago, the Black Eyed Peas sang this to this season premier ofOprah in Chicago.The song is catchy and addictive with lyrics like “I’ve got a feeling that tonight is going to be a good night. Tonight is going to be a good, good night… Tonight’s the night, so live it up! I’ve got more money, let’s spend it up…” The Black Eyed Peas do it again, topping the English charts.
7. Boys and Girls – Pixie Lott
This song is really upbeat and fun! I love the song and sounds, including the trumpets. Pixie Lott promotes all “boys and girls to have fun and don’t stop!” Its a very addictive song and one can’t help but dancing to it!
8. Celebration – Madonna
Madonna is yet again reinventing herself. She’s trying to reach a younger audience. I really like this song, even though I’m not a huge Madonna fan. This song will probably do better in Europe because of the techno sound. I can’t help but think of an Old Greg sketch when he dances to impress his new lover. “Do you love me? Are you playing love games with me?” Compare the two… see what I mean?
9. Holiday – Dizzee Rascal
This is more of the Dizzee Rascal that I lke. He uses a heavy techno sound, but it’s easy to dance to. The lyrics aren’t that great, “Let’s get away and get on a holiday. Let’s go to the club and do what we want to, baby.” It’s a fun song. Picture yourself nodding your head like the guys from Night at the Roxbury.
10. Left My Heart in Tokyo – Mini Viva
The UK is really good at producing boy bands and girl groups. This song has a really funky Asian influenced sound to the beat. The tempo is really upbeat and fast, which is good for dancing. The lyrics are a bit rubbish talking about dancing and their love of this man in Tokyo. It’s very catchy and easy to like.
11. Dirtee Cash – Dizzee Rascal
80’s flashback anyone? I really like Dizzee Rascal, but I don’t feel this song at all.
12. Sweet Disposition – Temper Trap
LOVE IT! It’s got a very funky alternative sound with a great beat. The guitar use and mixers are amazing. Temper Trap has a very original voice that flows through the song softly. The guitar also is very reminiscent of the Rockabilly era.
13. We are Golden – Mika
Mika is so wacky and lovely! I first heard of him four years ago and have been a huge fan since. “We are Golden” is very upbeat and you can’t help but smile when listening to it. It’s the first single released from his new album. His falsetto really makes the track along with the heavily English accented “We are golden!”
14. Remedy – Little Boots
Sounds like another 80s club hit. I really like Little Boots, but I don’t care for this song. A lot of the music sounds the same right now, including this track.
15. Get Sexy – Sugababes
I get it, Sugababes. You’re all very sexy and irresistible to men. You’re hot and you’re telling everyone about it. I don’t really care how attractive you are, it comes off as arrogant. Thumbs down on this song. Some pop should never be released.
16. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
This song has been on the charts for almost a year. The Kings of Leon never cease to amaze me because they change their style up with every song and album. The Kings of Leon aren’t afraid to be honest with what they’re talking about: sex and it’s really good according to their lyrics. Enough said.
17. Every Morning – Basshunter
This is another cheesy love song about the girl the lead singer loves. I still really like it because it’s enduring and very cute. “There’s one girl in my life who makes me love again, as pretty as a girl can be, so beautiful…” Yes, I’m hooked.
18. Uprising – Muse
“Uprising” has an outer space sound to do it. The sound and lyrics are very dark. This is the first single released from Muse’s The Resistance album. The song is about not being controlled by “the man” and that society will triumph over the “controller.” It’s a very strange song, but Muse has always been very different musically and lyrically.
19. Lovegame – Lady Gaga
It’s Lady Gaga. I adore her. This is my favorite song from her. I love the lyrics and how she knows she doesn’t want to kiss a guy because she’ll feel involved with him. I like the flirty ton and words she uses. Her songs sound so much like every other pop song, but I still love her. Come on, who wouldn’t want a ride on the disco stick? I know I would.
20. Watch the Sun Come Up – Example
Very techno-y. It’s another love song. Example has a really great sound using a ton of mixers and various instruments. It’s got the feeling of a club song, but then it translates into something bouncy and happy. At first I didn’t like it because of the techno feel, but after listening to the entire song, I really like it. It’s addicting and catchy.
21. Hotel Room Service – Pitbull
This song is so addictive. I hated it when I first heard it, but after a few times I really like it. The lyrics are absolutely rubbish, but the beat is what makes it. He throws a bit of Spanish into the song to make it more exotic, but it doesn’t really work. He’s promoting cheating with “girl, forget about your boyfriend and meet me at the hotel.” Pitbull, no I won’t leave my (non-existent) boyfriend to meet you at the hotel, but I’ll approve of your song.
22. Sweet Dreams – Beyonce
Beyonce does it again with another song. The woman is always constantly changing her songs and styles. The lyrics aren’t that great, but the song is very catchy, just like everything else she does.
23. Fire Burning – Sean Kingston
So cheesy! It’s very true, but very catchy. “Shorty fire burning on the dance floor! Somebody call 9-1-1.” Like most of his songs, Kingston’s vocals sound the same and the music much sounds the same too. They all have been hits because they are catchy and once you hear it, it’s hard not to like it. I like to run to it for motivation and it’s got a great beat.
24. Never Leave You – Tinchy Stryder featuring Amelie
We’ve got yet another Caribbean-ish rapper. The lyrics are awful, but the music is catchy. Tinchy talks about never leaving his woman and always being faithful to her. Ugh. Not impressed. Moving on.
25. Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
This is my favorite song right now. I first heard it back in November and haven’t been able to stop listening to it. I love the way the introduced uses the band member’s voices to mimic the guitar rift through the song. The lyrics are amazing and a lot of people can identify with them. We all want to “use somebody, like you.” We all want to find that other person and fall in love, just like the Kings of Leon are singing about. I love this band and I think this single will stay on the charts for a very long time. Their other single, “Your Sex is on Fire” has been on the charts for almost a year now.
26. Get Shaky – Ian Carey Project
I”m really feeling this song. It’s got a really high energy beat. Halfway through the song, a techno sound is introduced, which enhances the overall effect. The lyrics are all right, but nothing too outstanding. The instruments, mixers and beats are what makes this song. It reminds me of M.I.A.’s “Paper Airplanes.”
27. Ignorance – Paramore
“Ignorance” has a very hard rock beat with the lead singer speaking very fast. They first gained popularity when one of their singles was featured on the Twilight soundtrack. They remind me of Evanescence without Amy Lee’s amazing voice. I’m not really that impressed, but will give them props for the variety of instruments they use.
28. Outta Here – Esmee Denters
Not feeling this song. Esmee has a nice voice and is very attractive, but I’m not into this song. Again, it sounds like every other song out right now with an electronic beat and a ton of mixers. It’s just flat and boring.
29. Supernova – Mr. Hudson featuring Kanye West
I really, really like this song! Mr. Hudson is a fresh sound against everything else that sounds the same. Kanye’s vocals only enhance the song. The lyrics are about a man wanting to get his woman back and pleading with her to stay with him. It’s very catchy and I’m completely hooked.
30. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Love Taylor Swift. Enough said. This song is about a high school love. The lyrics and song itself is very generic, but it’s Taylor Swift. The way she sings about her want of this guy and how he deserves better is really sweet and heartening. Two big thumbs up, Taylor.
31. New York – Paloma Faith
Paloma sings about heartache because “my man left me for another lady.” Her voice conveys the hurt emotion and sadness she has from losing her boyfriend. The “woman” that took her man was New York City. Paloma is very bitter about this fact. She has a very soulful voice that comes from another era. The lyrics are as powerful as Paloma’s voice. The music is very soft and fades into the background because of the powerful vocals. I love her!
32. Young Forever – Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson
I always liked the original version of this song from the 1980s. Jay-Z counteracts Mr. Hudson’s vocals of wanting to be “forever young” with “live in the moment, live now, my name will be passed to future generations.” I think Jay-Z’s message to live in the present is a good lesson for everyone because we won’t live forever.
33. Beat Again – JLS
The return of the boy bands! JLS has four members and they even have coordinated outfits and looks. All of their dance moves are the same. Boy bands have always had a high success rate in the UK. With lyrics like “we should get back together, we should never had broken up, my heart should beat again…” just ew. Teenyboppers scream because here’s another boy band you can make 10,000 shippers of. Generic lyrics and music. They are talented vocally, but most boy bands have to be good looking, be vocally talented and can dance. Thumbs down, boys.
34. Paparazzi – Lady Gaga
I am totally loving Lady Gaga! Ever since her first single, I’ve loved her because her fashion sense is so outrageous. Her music is pretty mainstream and mediocre, but the outfits are what makes her! Plus, I am totally in lust with Alex Skarsgard in True Blood. The song is about a girl stalking a boy like the Paparazzi until she gets him. We’ve all been there and done that haha.
35. My Man – Jade Ewen
Oh Jade Ewen. Your song “My Man” sounds just like every other song. It’s got a constant rhythm and beat through the song, but I’m just not impressed. She’s got a great voice, but again not impressed. Obviously, she’s talking about her man, but it’s a bit disgusting, “My man irresistible, My man know the way to go, He got he got what I desire, My man intellectual, My man so seductive…” Okay, Jade I get the hint. You like your man, so hopefully he’s not going anywhere soon.
36. Bulletproof – La Roux
This song is heavily overdosed on the 1980s electronic sound. It’s officially back and in style. La Roux has a very distinctive voice. In the song she vows she’ll be ready when the next man comes around, “This time baby, I’ll be bulletproof.” She says she’s ready to be done with the past and won’t let a man hurt her like the last one. One interesting part to the song musically is the different sounds of the keyboard. It gives the song a happy, bouncing around feeling. I really like this song and will have to give La Roux a download.
37. Ready for the Weekend – Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris delivers a very interesting song. The music has many different influences such as disco, electronics, indie and a bit of alternative. The beat is very constant and the overall tone of the song is very jubilant. He wants everyone to know he’s ready for the weekend and ready to party. His main concern is his woman and if “she’s ready for the weekend.”
38. I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) – Pitbull
This was Pitbull’s first big hit solo in the English speaking world. The song is very catchy using a mixture of Spanish and English. The Spanish translations are raunchy and wouldn’t be allowed on English speaking radio. Still, I love this song because like most songs, there has to be some danger in them.
39. SOS (Let the Music Play – Jordin Sparks
I’ve always been a fan of Jordin Sparks. This song musically sounds like the majority of the top 40 singles. If it wasn’t for Sparks’ outstanding vocals, I would pass this song right away. It’s another dance hit that’s popular at clubs and parties.
40. Evacuate the Dancefloor – Cascada
Really love this song! It’s very catchy and addictive. After listening to it for the first time, I promptly downloaded the video to my iPhone. New music for when I go running after work. Cascada looks like a twin to Blake Lively, but a bit more curvy. The lyrics are “evacuate the dance floor, get with the sound.” It’s an energy pumping dancing song that will probably continue to rise in popularity.
