Greetings my fellow music lovers! To make your first weekend of February the best few days of 2012 so far, I’ve prepared for you a special treat: an oversized, jam-packed edition of “Spinning on My iPod” – a series of posts where I share my hopelessly subjective opinions on the most current, of-the-moment singles in today’s mainstream music scene. In light of this lengthy 20-song spinning list – which is simply ordered here alphabetically by artist name – I’ve decided to keep my commentary short for brevity’s sake. (Note: each description is Tweet-length-appropriate – 140 characters or less – so #please feel free to RT and @re-share with your twiends) Hopefully, the songs – which vary in genre from dance pop to hip-hop/R&B – speak for themselves, and as always, feedback in the comments section is welcome. To listen to each song, just click on the bolded title headers.
Baby Bash featuring Miguel – Slide Over
Remiss of a hit song since his 2007 T-Pain aided “Cyclone,” rapper/lazy singer Baby Bash looks to regain his form w/ white-hot R&B’er Miguel.
Striking while the iron’s hot, of-the-moment DJ/producer Calvin Harris rushes out yet another appealing, albeit formulaic, slice of Euro pop.
Produced by vet Rodney Darkchild Jerkins, newcomer Carishma offers up a hooky, if slightly generic, urban pop debut suitable for Top 40 DJs.
Chiddy Bang – Ray CharlesPhilly-based alt hip-hop band Chiddy Bang serves up a delicious slice of old-school soul on this vibrant cut buoyed by a gospel-tinged hook.
Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music
Not sure if it’s really OK to forgive Breezy, but a cut as compellingly energetic as this merits high praise: indelible, addictive, awesome.
Cobra Starship featuring Mac Miller – Middle Finger
Demi Lovato – Give Your Heart A Break
Vets Josh Alexander & Billy Steinberg give former Disney teen now adult a sophisticated dance pop sheen while Lovato turns in a strong vocal.
Drake featuring Lil Wayne – The Motto
Produced by T-Minus, this bonus cut off of Drake’s sophomore record is a rhythmic, simple track that rides a simple, easygoing 3 minute flow.
Duncan – Light Up The SkyA pulsating track geared for the clubs and Top 40 radio alike, new arrival Duncan brings us a euphoric piece of pop with an addictive hook.
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Eric Turner featuring Lupe Fiasco & Tinie Tempah – Angels & Stars
Following his guest spot on Tempah’s breakthrough hit “Written In The Stars”, Turner follow-up with a similar-sounding solo single of his own.
fun. featuring Janelle Monáe – We Are Young
Following their support role on Monáe’s Campus Consciousness Tour, indie pop band offers up this fine single, their first to hit the Hot 100.
Gotye featuring Kimbra – Somebody That I Used to Know
Released in July, Australian-Belgian singer and songwriter Gotye is finally ready to garner Top 4o success with this earnest, downtempo alternative cut.
Havana Brown featuring Pitbull – We Run The Night
Australian DJ Havana Brown hooks up with ubiquitous pop svengali RedOne and equally omnipresent Pitbull on this infectious, catchy club cut.
J. Cole featuring Trey Songz – Can’t Get Enough
Following his breakout success with single “Work Out”, talented rapper J. Cole demonstrates exceptional flow on this appealing laid-back cut.
Jennifer Hudson featuring Ne-Yo & Rick Ross – Think Like A Man
The lead single to its titular film’s soundtrack, Jennifer Hudson and Ne-Yo pack a potent one-two punch on this contemporary slice of soul.
K’naan featuring Nelly Furtado – Is Anybody Out There?
Underrated hip-hop artist K’Naan delivers a soaring, compelling case for overdue mainstream success, accompanied by a resurgent Nelly Furtado.
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
Recent third placers on The X Factor, British-Irish boyband serve up an embarrassingly hooky lead single complete with a soaring chorus and cowbell percussion to boot.
T-Pain featuring Ne-Yo – Turn All The Lights On
Now in his renewed status as a charting artist, T-Pain brings expert craftsman Dr. Luke behind the boards to deliver a destined follow-up hit.
Rushed as a haste follow-up to his less-than-original lead single “Hangover”, Cruz improves by leaps-and-bounds on this crunchy, dance-driven club track.
Riding high a career resurgence with Save Me, San Francisco, veteran acoustic-pop group Train serves up this infectious, humming hit-bound lead single off their upcoming sixth studio release.
- New K’naan Featuring Nelly Furtado! (perezhilton.com)
- 5 Songs Spinning on my iPod (thesocialsonictraveler.wordpress.com)
- The Unstoppable Janelle Monae Wows Us Again (bellasugar.com)
- Nelly Furtado Talks New Album In 2012! (perezhilton.com)
- Chiddy Bang, Live at Reggies (thegallant.com)
- 20 Songs Spinning on My iPod (thesocialsonictraveler.wordpress.com)
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