This song came out of nowhere and took number one by storm. At first glance of the title I thought of “Nodding Hill” because there’s a scene where Hugh Grant tries to climb over a fence with Julia Roberts and he constantly says “oopsy daisy.” On the first listen I wasn’t impressed with this song, but I like the message behind it. The lyrics reflect a need to move on in life and there’s no reason to continue hurting the significant other. Even in the video, the girl or guy burns up on the screen showing everything is fleeting and you’ve got to do what’s best for you. I think with more listens, this song will grow on me. This is a random note, but I think I’ve heard Chipmunk on “Skins.”
2. Forever is Over – Saturdays
The Saturdays also appeared on the chart with no previous listing. Their song “Forever is Over” launched to number two this week. Heartbreak must be the theme of this week’s countdown. “Forever is Over” starts out with slow, strong female vocals, but the tempo picks up about 20 seconds into the song giving it a techno edge. They sing about the relationship being over, but assure themselves that their “heart isn’t going to break.” I am not a huge fan of this song, or the Saturdays, but they have an edginess to their voices that beg for another listen.
3. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
“Empire State of Mind” drops one spot to number three this week. I can’t stop listening to this song. It’s on repeat on my iPhone and I’ve been listening to it when I go running in the mornings. It puts me in a “New York State of Mind” as Frank Sinatra would say. Even though New York streets are tough, as Jay suggests, Keys sings about how someone will be newly inspired in this city. I think it’s true because you can find hope wherever you go and no matter what situation you’re in. I’m going to make another “Skins” reference… this song reminds me of when Sid goes to find Cassie in New York. Give this track a spin and dance in your seat!
4. Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz
Taio Cruz’s “Break Your Heart” drops three spots to number four. It’s a hard techno sound to this song. I’ve been listening to this song for a few weeks, but I still don’t care for it. There’s nothing that pops out to me that screams “Download me!” Cruz warns his latest woman that he’s going to “break her heart if she falls for him.” Moving on…
5. Sexy Chick – David Guetta featuring Akon
“Sexy Chick” falls from number three to five this week. No matter how addicting Akon can be in his music, I still can’t stand this song. I don’t want to be referenced to as a “diva, bitch or sexy chick.” Enough said!
6. Sweet Disposition – Temper Trap
“Sweet Disposition” rises one spot to number six. I really love this track because it sounds so different from anything else on the countdown right now. Temper Trap has an indie, electronic and alternative sound all wrapped in one delicious goodness that is “Sweet Disposition.” I hope to hear more from Temper Trap on the countdown.
7. She Wolf – Shakira
“She Wolf” drops from number four to number seven this week. I seriously cannot get enough of this song. It’s one of first songs I hear when I go running. It’s so different from the folk, guitar sound that Shakira has built her previous songs on. It sounds more mainstream and poppy than her Spanish music, but there is something so addictive about this song. Every woman has to get wild every now and then. You go, Shakira!
8. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” falls three places to number eight. This song is everywhere and the Black Eyed Peas continue to pump out the hits. It’s a feel good song. As the lyrics say, everything’s going to be okay and enjoy the day. Enjoy your life and don’t take things so seriously.
9. Hotel Room Service – Pitbull
Pitbull stays put at number nine with “Hotel Room Service.” I really liked Pitbull’s “You Know You Want Me” because it’s really catchy, not only with the lyrics, but the music. The more I’ve listened to this song, the more it’s grown on me. I still don’t care for the lyrics, encouraging the woman to cheat on her boyfriend with Pitbull, but that’s his prerogative. He references T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.” It’s always a party with Pitbull.
10. Run This Town – Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West
Jay’s second song “Run This Town” drops from six to ten this week. It’s been on the charts for a number of weeks. This is the first single from Jay’s comeback album. It’s addictive because it IS Jay-Z, but also because he uses Rihanna and West. Jay continues to prove that he’s on top and he’ll “run” on top with whatever he’s doing in his life.
11. What About Now – Daughtry
“What About Now” jumps from 39 to 11. It sounds like every other song the former American Idol contest releases. He tries to make the listener think with his lyrics about love and not giving up. I just pass on this song because it sounds really generic and honestly, like most the majority of pop rock songs on the charts.
12. Million Dollar Bill – Whitney Houston
“Million Dollar Bill” hits the UK charts at number 12. This is the first single released from Houston’s new album, “I Look to You.” She seems to play it safe with this track trying to appeal to a younger generation of fans. I’ve always been a big Whitney Houston fan because of her amazing voice, even if her personal life has been touchy. She sings about the feeling one gets from a significant other. She prompts the listener to tell their loved one “if they make you feel like a dollar bill, say it!” If this single continues to do well, then Houston may definitely be well on a comeback.
13. Boys and Girls – Pixie Lott
LOVE this song, still! “Boys and Girls” drops five spots to number 13 this week. Pixie Lott has it all with this song. It’s a great dance hit and I can’t sit still when I hear it!
14. You’re Not Alone – Tinchy Stryder
Tinchy’s song goes up from 32 to 14 on the charts. It’s got a very hard techno sound to it. I honestly can’t stand this song, but the lyrics are very positive. Tinchy raps about staying positive, even when you don’t want to. He wants his listeners to know that they’re not alone, even when the world is a dark place.
15. SOS (Let the Music Play) – Jordin Sparks
“SOS’ rises three spots to number 15 this week. I didn’t like this song for a long time, but it’s really addictive after several listens. Her lyrics are very empowering, encouraging the listener to stay strong and just dance away the frustration. The lyrics aren’t anything impressive, but it is very catchy.
16. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon stays at number 16 with “Sex on Fire.” This has got to be one of their strongest songs over a long period of time. This song has been on the charts for over a year. I still can’t get enough of the Kings of Leon’s beats and the raw honesty of their lyrics.
17. Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff – Deadmau5 featuring Rob Swire
“Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” drops five places to number 17 this week. Still not really a fan of this song or techno. It’s just really trippy sounding.
18. Dirtee Cash – Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal’s “Dirtee Cash” drops eight spots to 18. This song is really catchy because it’s Dizzee Rascal… he’s famous, you know? He raps about money and how “money talks.” But, it’s so true that money makes this world go around, unfortunately. You’ve got to have money to get through life and pay for things. He talks about how people spend too money on ridiculousness and how others become dependent shopaholics. Does money talk? Perhaps, but it’s not everything.
19. Watch the Sun Come Up – Example
Example is another standstill at number 19 this week. I still don’t know what to think about this song or it’s techno elements. Take it or leave it? I’ll leave it.
20. New York – Paloma Faith
“New York” drops five spots to 20. I feel so bad for Faith in this song because her man leaves her for New York. You can hear the heartbreak in her voice and how distressed she is at the loss of her lover.You’ve got Jay rapping about how great NY is, but then you’ve got Faith singing about her sadness. What is New York to you?
21. 4ever – Veronicas
“4ever” drops from 17 to 21 this week. Bubblegum pop anyone? The Veronicas have that sweet pop sound to their voices, even if they are singing about a bit of promiscuity with a boy. It’s too sugary for my tastes.
22. Holiday – Dizzee Rascal
“Holiday” drops from 13 to 22. Dizzee’s second single on the charts has a feel good vibe, just like the Black Eyed Peas. He raps about going on holiday and forgetting about everything back home. That sounds really great because the weather here is damp and cold.
23. Left My Heart in Tokyo – Mini Viva
Mini Viva’s “Left My Heart in Tokyo” drops from 11 to 23 this week on the charts. It’s got a high energy techno beat. At first I deplored this song, but the more I listen to it the more I’ve come around. It’s nothing spectacular, but it is very edgy.
24. Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
“Little Lion Man” makes its debut on the top 40 countdown at number 24. This song is purely awesome! It’s got an Irish sounding fierceness and bite like Flogging Molly’s lyrics with a blend of blue grass music from Tennessee. I love the mixture of the sounds and how Mumford & Sons harmonizes so well! I’m in love. After listening to the first single I downloaded the entire album. Bring on more!
25. Celebration – Madonna
“Celebration” drops from 14 to 25 this week. Madonna still has the ability to pump out a great hit while looking amazing. This song still hasn’t grown on me. It reminds me too much of the Old Greg skits…
26. Remedy – Little Boots
“Remedy” drops two spots to 26. Little Boots has a very exotic, outer space type of feel to her music and voice. It’s got elements of mainstream pop and a heavy electronic feel. I’m still not a huge fan, but her music is very upbeat.
27. Sweet Dreams – Beyonce
Beyonce drops two spots this week with “Sweet Dreams.” This song sounds like many of her others, but they are so very catchy. Beyonce is great at marketing her music and continuing to release hits.
28. Lovegame – Lady Gaga
Gaga’s “Lovegame” goes from 22 to 28 this week. This is still my favorite song from Gaga. She’s so wacky, but I love her!
29. Get Shaky – Ian Carey Project
“Get Shaky” jumps up one spot to 29. This song has been on the charts for several weeks hovering down towards the bottom. The beat is really addictive and it’s hard to sit still while listening to it. It’s really grown on me, even if the lyrics are mediocre.
30. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
“I’m Yours” jumps 25 places to 30 this week. This song was really huge this past summer everywhere. I really love it because Mraz is so relaxing and is never afraid to be himself on his songs. It’s a basic love song, but I love how he sings about not being able to stop thinking about his loved one. It reminds me of being in Hawaii chilling out and catching a few waves. Jason Mraz gets two thumbs up!
31. Uprising – Muse
“Uprising” drops five spots to 31 this week. This single is very dark sounding. It’s comparable to the Editors, but the vocals are a bit more upbeat. It’s a good song to listen to when it’s raining and cloudy. There’s something very mysterious and addictive about Muse.
32. Fire Burning – Sean Kingston
“Fire Burning” dropped four places to 32. It’s another Sean Kingston song… good beat and the lyrics are very rubbish. It’s still catchy and you can’t help but tap your foot to the beat of the song when it’s on the radio.
Sugababes’ “Get Sexy” drops 13 spots this week. I’m really glad to see this song lowering on the charts. They remind me a lot of the Pussycat Dolls.
34. Ignorance – Paramore
“Ignorance” drops from 23 to 34 on the countdown. Oh Paramore! They try so hard to make their sound edgy and hard rock, but I am not sold on it. Hard rock is Alice in Chains and Ozzy Osbourne. Paramore will always remind me of the Twilighters and their attempt at vampireish darkness. It doesn’t work.
35. Red – Daniel Merriweather
Daniel Merriweather’s “Red” rises ten spots to number 35. I first heard about him in a Vogue music review. I gave him a listen on iTunes and was impressed. He’s not just another boy with a guitar. He’s got a soulful richness to his voice that can’t be ignored. I hope he continues to get more airtime.
36. Beat Again – JLS
“Beat Again” rises two spots this week. Boy bands unite! I think of every boy band I’ve ever heard of when I hear this song and they fit the stereotype – Backstreet Boys, *Nsync, Jonas Brothers…JLS is more generic sounding. Ugh.
37. Paparazzi – Lady Gaga
This song has been blowing up all over the world. The song is about a woman so obsessive that she’s going to stalk the man like she’s the paparazzi. The song isn’t that great, but I really love the video because of Alex Skarsgard. I am guilty of lusting after the vampire actor in the video.
38. Supernova – Mr. Hudson featuring Kanye West
Dropping four spots to 38 is “Supernova.” This single has been on the charts for a while. It first got my attention when it was released as a free song on iTunes. Mr. Hudson sings about thinking your life through and to be very careful about the decisions you make in your life. He warns continuously to be very aware before “you make the biggest mistake of your life.”It doesn’t hurt that Kanye helps him out, even mimicking a British accent.
“We are Golden” drops down to 39 this week, losing several places on the charts. I first heard Mika in Scotland with “Grace Kelly” several years ago. I loved how great his falsetto was on the track and have embraced his music ever since. I can’t get enough of this track or Mika.
40. Never Leave You – Tinchy Stryder featuring Amelie
“Never Leave You” drops nine places. I can’t stand this song at all. I’ve never been able to really take it the entire way through. The end!
Sorry for getting this out so late!
♥ – Erin
