The Way (Song Review)

If you hadn't noticed, or if you don't have a twitter, #thewaytonumberone was trending for quite some time. Of course, we had to look into it, and we found that it's a song by Nickelodeon tween singer Ariana Grande. And by successfully using fans and social media, her song, "The Way" found itself number one on iTunes. Does it deserve to be there? Or is just a hit and run song? Here's our take:

"The Way" is clearly a reference to the early 2000's R&B/pop of the likes of Beyonce, Mariah Carey, etc. It's got a rather generic beady beat that plays throughout the song, while maintaining instruments that continue the R&B/pop trend; a couple of synths to add pop flavor, and brass and piano keys. Think of it like "Suit & Tie", but a female version. And of course no song today is complete without rap, so Mac Miller steps up to the mic and delivers a rap that is the only thing that stands out about this song.

It's not that it's a terrible song, it just fails to stick around in your head like a good pop song does. It's clear that her label wants to steer clear of dance pop (as did Brigit Mendler), but if this is the best song she can offer, it's not impressive at the least. I guess it's just plain ol' forgettable. But those looking for a song that sound 'retro' will eat it up, those who want a true pop song can just move on. Which is what we did.

Our rating: 2 out of 5

RRB's Top Ten: Swedish House Mafia Songs

"See, heaven's got a plan for you..."

With Swedish House Mafia (SHM) ending their tour, and their career, we had to compile a list of our absolute favorite SHM songs.

10. "Miami to Ibiza (featuring Tini Tempah)"
Tini Tempah lent his vocals to this party starter track. The song was a big hit all over the world, especially on the dance charts. It's the perfect for kicking off a dance with it's heavy handclaps and catchy syths.

9. "Here We Go"
While not an official single, nor by SHM together, this song makes an appearance on their last album, Until Now. Despite that, Hard Rock Sofa and Swanky Tunes put together an amazing dance track, perfect for keepin' even the most tired ravers on the floor.

8. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall (Swedish House Mafia Remix)"
Out of all the remixes SHM has done, this is one of our favorites, as their soaring synths and progressive style matches perfectly with Coldplay's unique and uplifting song. We can't help but enjoy this version more than the original.

7. "Leave the World Behind"
Clattering piano notes and a steady beat make this song a must - hear for any fans of the now defunct group. Plus it was mixed by Laidback Luke, with the quiet but enchanting vocals by Deborah Cox.

6. "Lights"
Steve Angello contributed to the album, Until Now with this gem of a song, entitled "Lights" (not to be confused with the Ellie Goulding song). It's a high quality dance track, with Angello assisted by DJ Third Party.

5. "Save the World"
While their collab with Tini Tempah may have introduced a more mainstream audience, "Save the World" was far more productive in introducing SHM to bigger audiences. How could it not? This gorgeous tune was blaring through our speakers, and of course it was one of their catchiest radio singles to date, with John Martin singing "Who's gonna save the world tonight...". Plus, the music video was one of the best we'd ever seen.

4. "Antidote"
Swedish House Mafia teamed up with dubstep ravers Knife Party on this ridiculously awesome track. Big, booming synths and huge bass drops will certainly send the party over the edge.

3. "Greyhound"
A song that was used for the Absolut Vodka campaign, we have to give props to SHM for creating a song that was both dance floor ready as well as expressive and fitting of their commercial/music video.

2. "One (Your Name)"
The song that introduced the trio to the world, "One (Your Name)" is now a dance/rave staple that should play on for years to come. After all, it's as catchy as hell, and you can't help but chant along, "I wanna know your name, name, name, name..."

1. "Don't You Worry Child"
John Martin yet again lends his voice to this glorious track that SHM ended their career on. What better way to exit the game than when on top? After all the song hit inside the top 5 on Billboard, as well as topping charts around the world. It's a melancholy song that's an ode to their time spent in Australia, as well as a farewell song to fans, reassuring them that everything's gonna be fine in the end.

New Music Buzz: Selena, The Jo Bros, and more!

- Selena Gomez teases her new single... while promoting Spring Breakers.

- The Jonas Brothers have also teased their new single "Pom Poms", which is set for an April 9th release.

- Vanessa Hudgen's new track "$$$ex" (which was inspired by Spring Breakers) is leaked.

- Justin Timberlake's album is expected to sell a whopping 1 Million copies in it's first week.

- Eminem and Dr. Dre have announced that a new album is on its way

- Paramore releases a lyric video for their new track "Still into You"

Hey Porsche (Song Review)

Looking for a good ol'fashioned song about summer lovin' and a car? Well, your first thoughts may be to look for a country song, and Nelly probably is no where on the list.

But look out, because Nelly's racin' up the charts with his latest single, "Hey Porsche". 

Always one to provide hip hop with pop, Nelly's "Hey Porsche" is a sweet summery song where he croons to his lover about havin' fun and making love. While the tune isn't all that original; the acoustic strumming and beat clearly takes from Flo Rida's "Whistle", we have to enjoy this song more that Flo's, particularly because it isn't about... well...

But it's a great song that we wanna hear blaring out our car stereo! Perfect for Spring Break!

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Cactus in the Valley (feat. Owl City) Song Review

"Come and find me in the valley..."

Always one to give great introspective songs, LIGHTS teams up with electonica king Owl City on her song "Cactus in the Valley". It's the first single from LIGHTS's upcoming album, Siberia Acoustic, and we couldn't have chosen a better single.

The song is fairly simple, with piano notes and soft strings playing in the background while LIGHTS sings gently; "If my yesterday is a disgrace... tell me you'll still remember my name". The first verse and chorus is all hers, her rough but light vocals echoing on the slow ballad. Then Adam Young (Owl City) chimes in his dreamy vocals to deliver an equally great performance. Then the two blend their vocals in the bridge, and we can't help but think that their voices were meant for each other. We haven't been this moved on such a quiet track since Rihanna's "Stay" which was also a duet (with Mickkey Echo). 

We can't wait for the Canadian electro pop artist to strip things down a bit on her songs in Siberia Acoustic, which comes out on April 30th. 

If you're still craving some LIGHTS and Owl City goodness, listen to "The Yacht Club" from Owl City's album All Things Bright and Beautiful (2011) which features LIGHTS, or check out Owl City's remix of LIGHTS's song "Saviour".

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

RRB's Top Ten: Justin Timberlake Songs

Justin Timberlake

With the first installment of the comeback Justin Timberlake album, The 20/20 Experience (the second half comes out in November), coming out tomorrow, we can't help but satisfy our excitement for this new album by counting down some of the greatest JT songs out there!

10. "Summer Love"

The fourth single from Future Sex/Love Sounds is an attention grabber from the get go. Heavy slamming beats and a big booming chorus, it really burned a hole in our Summer of '06 playlist. It is the perfect song to blaring out your car speakers on a hot summer day.

9. "Suit & Tie (featuring Jay-Z)"

Timberlake's return single sent him back to the charts with this retro inspired hip hop groove. Brassy horns, a steady beat, and quick strings create a mood that is both classy and dancy. Plus Jay-Z lays down a smooth rap that compliments Timberlake's high falsetto. The result? A sweet, slick, sexy song that will be remembered as the song that took JT back to the charts.

8. "Senorita" 

This smooth song hit number 5 on Billboard back when Justified was going strong. Influenced by Stevie Wonder, with the right combo of Latin infused beats, it's probably one of Timberlake's sexiest offerings to date.

7. "4 Minutes (featuring Justin Timberlake)"

Back in 08, Madonna released her album, Hard Candy. Never one to try to keep up with what was current, she and Justin Timberlake teamed up on the track, and "4 Minutes" became a smash. Big horns and a bouncing march beat made this song a hit on the dancefloor.

6. "My Love (featuring T.I.)

The second single from the massive Future Sex/Love Sounds, "My Love" earned itself a place at number one atop Billboard. And we can't imagine why not, the boasts a great beat, a catchy chorus, and of course a slick rap by T.I.

5. "Carry Out (featuring Justin Timberlake)"

Timbaland and Justin have quite the history. Together they came together for many successful songs, including "Sexy Back" and "4 Minutes". This slick dance groove is no exception, plus it helped keep Justin in the charts and on the radio despite his hiatus from music. . 

4. "What Goes Around... Comes Around"

One of our personal favorites, "What Goes Around... Comes Around" is a more laid back song from "Future Sex...". With a slick chorus, and a smooth beat, this one will forever be a hit.

3. "Rock Your Body"

Who else could forget this classic? Written for Michael Jackson himself, the king of pop passed it up, and Timberlake got the hit. And boy did it become a hit. Groovy, with R&B styles mixed in with some beatboxing, this has become unanimous with Justin Timberlake's name.

2. "Sexy Back"

We still hear this on the radio. It's a classic that reminds us that Justin Timberlake is the king of the sexy, and (despite the fact that it was never really gone) he brought it back. This smash hit continues to be another signature song of his. With the infused beats, big synths, and catchy... well everything, it will be a dancefloor classic for years to come. So, "take it to the chorus!"

1. "Cry Me a River"

The song from Justified that became his most tender moment to date. It's a break up anthem that has been covered by artists from Taylor Swift to Justin Bieber. This slick song was about JT's relationship with Britney Spears, and was produced by Timbaland. It's a true to blue classic.

#thatPower (Song Review)

"I can fly"

On the latest offering from will.i.am's up and coming album #Willpower comes the new single "#thatPower". It's a track that's heavy on the beats, with an uplifting chorus of the Biebs singing "I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive..."  However, it's not as catchy as "Scream and Shout", and reminds us a bit of the tune "The City" by French DJ Madeon (who is rumored to have helped production on Lady GaGa's new album). The chorus strikes similar notes, but the rap and sparse beat is all Will's. It's still a big dance track that we expect to hear in the clubs, but we can't help but wish that there was more the the chorus than just a couple of synths and Justin's voice. Where are the big booming sounds that we heard in Will's previous songs?

Well, it certainly seems like a star-studded album of Will's, with the Black Eyed Pea joining forces with Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and now the one and only Justin Bieber. We can't wait for the album! 

Our Rating: 3/5

P.S. is it just us or does the album art look like a Bishop or Pope hat?

RRB's Top Ten: Spring Break 2012

Whether Spring Break is approaching, or it's already here, one thing's for sure: You gotta stock up on your party jams! Here are some that will get you in the mood.

10. "Hurricane" by Bridgit Mendler
Sunny, breezy, and playful, "Hurricane" is the perfect soundtrack for when you're lounging by the pool, or driving to the beach. Not to mention it's ultra catchy, so you won't be the only one singing along.

9. "22" by Taylor Swift
For those late night parties, "22" is the song to jamming to. It doesn't matter if you're 22 or not, this song will get you in the mood for some dressing up like hipsters or falling in love... all the while you're pumping your fist to this catchy pop offering.

8. "Life of the Party" by Boys Like Girls
Although not an offcial single, "Life of the Party" is a good bet on what you're gonna be. So why not celebrate your undoubtedly crazy side. This song boasts catchy "na na na's" and big stomp-clap beats. "Tell me who are we if we ain't with our friends?"

7. "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" by Carly Rae Jepsen
For those wanting to escape a broken heart, this is your jam. Don't be fooled by the quiet intro, The chorus boasts an amazing David Guetta-like dance hook that will be blasting in your car stereo.

6. "All Around the World" by Justin Beiber
"You're beautiful, beautiful, you should know it" the biebs croons on this EDM influenced track. Never one to shy from the ladies, JB ends up telling his love interest that "All around the world, people want to be loved... and that they're no different than us." It really didn't matter what he said; we would have enjoyed this massive dance track anyway, plus Ludacris lays down a rap that's just the icing on the cake.

5. "Kiss You" by One Direction
Yes, this song has been out for a while, but it's just so summery and sweet, it just had to make our list. I mean, who can resist the catchy "yeah, yeah, yeah"?

4. "C'mon" by Ke$ha
Always the one to make the best party anthems, Ke$ha's latest single will be blasting out your car windows as you roll on by. Heavy on the beats, synths, and fun, we guarantee you'll be "feeling like a saber toothed ti-grrrrr".

3. "Feel This Moment" by Pitbull
Probably Mr. 305's best pop offering since "Give Me Everything" back in '11, we were enthralled by this slick tune that features a combination fits perfectly together: Christina Aguilera and A-Ha's hook from the tune "Take on Me".

2. "Hey Porsche" by Nelly
Think Flo Rida's "Whistle" but not so much about partying, but about being in love. This pop jam will get your moter running for the hot spot this spring break.

1. "Gold" by Britt Nicole
Feeling left out because you weren't invited to that party, or you're not cool enough to hang on the beach? Well, if any song can cheer you up, it's this song. Practically shining with summery beats, you can rock to this song whether you're headed to a party, or to grandma's house.

Hurricane (Song Review)

"He's got the way of the hurricane"

"Hurricane" is the second single by current Disney star Bridgit Mendler. We have to say, we've been impressed with the direction Mendler has taken. Maybe it's because her producers wanted to show that Disney pop isn't just your run of the mill bubblegum standard. Or maybe it's the fact that Bridgit wanted her style instead of what the directors wanted. Either way, we're pleased with what has come out of the album so far.

The song starts out like the calm before the storm, a breezy guitar plucking, before Bridgit plunges into her sing/talking style that's oh-so reminiscent of Cher Lloyd, or Karmin's Amy Heidemann. Both playful and sassy, Bridgit sings about how her lover is like the a storm in a way that would make Lily Allen or Feist proud, although some might find the lyrics a little too quirky.. Then the chorus hits, breaking the light mood with some heavy beats, strumming and catchy waves of lyrics. The result is a reggae/hip hop jam that could be a spring break/pre-summer smash. 

The song is breezy, perfect for summer with a hook that could get on the mind of the most reluctant and jaded music fan.  But that's just our opinion. What are your thoughts?

Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Your Touch (Song Review)

"I'm lost in your sweet surrender"

Few American Idol artists have retained their originality in the way that Blake Lewis has in their careers. Best known for his beat-boxing version of Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name", Blake wound up second to singing bombshell Jordan Sparks. He released an album (Audio Day Dream) which pursued hip hop, electronica, and pop stylings and was produced by One Republic frontman, Ryan Tedder. The album failed to chart, and Blake found himself on the ever growing roster of American Idol alumni who had lost their labels after a failed first album.

But as time went on, Lewis found his niche in dance music, and wound up with a number one dance hit, "Heartbreak on Vinyl", and found himself with several guest vocal spots on songs with DJs such as Darude, Daniel Wanroony, and (more recently) Robbie Rivera.

Now Blake has a huge chance to make a hit out of "Your Touch", a song that was used in Internet Explorer's TV ad for IE 10. With a new label taking interest in him (Republic), Lewis can't go wrong. It makes sense: Lewis was in fact the mastermind behind the placing of Alex Care's "Too Close" in the IE ad last year, so if the same success can happen to Blake, he could be golden.

The song, "Your Touch" is a sexy, but moody song that starts off slow. The bass, the sparse synths and finger snaps set the mood. But it's the chorus that really gets the show started. It blares with dubstep elements, heavy synths, and catchy lyrics. It's one of Lewis's glossiest productions to date. It wraps you up in raw emotion. It draws you in and before you know it, you're being tossed around in a huge chorus backed by some wub. Clearly, it's about the overwhelming emotion when being in love.

Blake's new album Portrait of a Chameleon comes out in spring.

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Back to Life (Song Review)

"If the party is dead, we can bring it back to life"

3OH!3. It's been a while since we've heard from the Colorado duo that made it big with their hit "Don't Trust Me" back in 2009. And while "My First Kiss" received some airplay, it was mainly due to the association with Ke$ha, who was becoming big at the time.

But "Back to Life" could be the song that could have 3OH!3 coming 'back to life'. They were unsuccessful with their previous singles "You're Gonna Love This" and "Youngblood" for the upcoming album Omens, but with the new song, something just... clicks. It's a brilliant party ballad with huge beats and a soaring chorus. Think of it as a much better produced "Good Life" by One Republic. While it's clear that the 'white rap' that the two had going for them has taken the backseat for a while, we can't wait for OMENS

Our rating: 3.5 out of 5

Gold (Song Review)

"It's your time to shine"

As far as inspirational anthems go, look no further than newcomer Britt Nicole for some positive vibes. Summery, poppy, and easy to sing along to, we have to chose Britt Nicole's "Gold" as the song to play during Spring Break.

At first listen, it's not that much different that your standard Katy Perry or Carly Rae Jepsen song. In fact, it nods a little to Dr. Luke, who produced "Last Friday Night (TGIF)" and "Domino". You can hear a resemblance in the disco-esque guitar chords and heavy synthesizers. But it's the second listen where you hear the words that really just... get to you. There hasn't been a song this inspiring since Katy Perry's "Firework" hit the charts in 2010, and even that high quality number one just seems cheesy in comparison to Nicole's clever lyrics. Try them out for comparison:

"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?" - from "Firework"

"You were walking on the moon, now you're feeling low... what they said wasn't true, you're beautiful" - from "Gold"

Nicole wins. Maybe it's because of her Christian roots; she had been a rather successful Christian pop singer before the crossover. But that doesn't matter, because this song is ... well, 'Gold'. Punchy drums, soaring synths, a bit of some rapping (which highlights Nicole's Southern accent), and an inspiring chorus? Sounds like a great song to party it up during your spring break!

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Shine Your Way (Song Review)

"All of your tears will dry faster in the sun"

If there's one thing we know about Owl City, its that he knows how to make a great song for soundtracks. He's written the charming "To the Sky" for The Guardians of Ga'hoole and of course, the thumping, dancey "When Can I See You Again" for Disney's Wreck-it Ralph. But this time, his offering is for the Dreamworks animated film, The Croods.

He teams up with the enchantingly talented singstress Yuna, (who hails from Malaysia) on this cute, rather simple track "Shine Your Way". It starts off with some string chords before the beat chimes in, and you're taken to a bright, sunny dance anthem. While it's not his best song (it's a little lacking in production) he and Yuna work together perfectly, her light vocals mixing well with his dreamy tones.

The American Idol top 10 finalists will be performing "Shine Your Way" tonight, while Owl City and Yuna will be performing it on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Our Rating: 3 out of 5

Heart Attack (Song Review)

"I'm putting my defenses up..."

When Demi Lovato's teaser for "Heart Attack" was released, we were excited. It was dramatic, edgy, and a whole new look for Miss Lovato. But, sadly the hype didn't lead to what we imagined as icy synths, robotic beats, and sexy style. We thought that Lovato was going to go in a more Lady GaGa or Kylie Minogue route, and we couldn't wait.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a rather mediocre song with heavy beats, some synths, and guitar strumming. It's a song that you hear young female artists perform to try to make serious music without their label lose the bubblegum pop that drew the fans to in the first place. It doesn't do much, the style is recycled, and it just gets lost in the ever growing pool of dance pop. I mean, if you're going to make a dance song in this time, do it in a way where it stands out. And we guess it does... but if it weren't a just another ballad that millions of fans will be drawn to because it's "inspiring". It's just not that different from Taylor Swift or Britt Nicole

Now, don't think that we don't like her vocals; Demi's on the top of her game. But the lyrics? "I can play him like a ken doll" (which we thought was "kindle" at first listen), and "makes me want to act like a girl" - she already acts like a girl, and will always wear lipstick no matter what the occasion. It's just another song that females will like for its lyrics, and others will enjoy the sing-ability and catchy beats.

Let's just hope that the album pans out bigger, better songs.

Our rating: 2.5 out of 5