2010 Year End Music Review- My Top 20 Songs

It is hard to believe 2010 is quickly coming to an end. What music grabbed my attention this year? Who are the stand-outs, the cum laude graduates of 2010?

20. Invisible Light- Scissor Sisters
19. Too Much- Kylie Minogue
18. Tightrope- Janelle Monae
17. Cooler Than Me- Mike Posner
16. 4th of July- Kelis
15. Black Keys- Next Girl
14. Find Your Love- Drake
13. Power- Kanye West
12. Only Girl- Rihanna
11. Jonelle Monae- Cold War
10. You've Changed - Sia
9. Teenage Dream -Katy Perry
8. Adele- Rolling in the Deep
7. What's my Name- Rihanna
6. Monster- Kanye West
5. Haven't Met You Yet- Michael Buble
4. Radioactive- Kings of Leon
3. Drumming Song- Florence and the Maching
2. Dog Days are Over- Florence and the Machinne
1. Dancing On My Own- Robyn

Lady Gaga and the Pornification of America, Really?

In a recent Huffington Post blog article,(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-w-whitehead/lady-gaga-and-the-pornifi_b_705306.html) author/attorney John W. Whitehead critiques Lady Gaga and the influence she has on youth taste and style. The title of his article, Lady Gaga and the Pornification of America, immediately grabbed my attention. The academic in me wanted to see what kind of value claim he would present. And the popular culture junkie in me could not resist the reference to Gaga. She is ubiquitous in today's culture and her name sells stories. Also, I must admit and anyone that keeps up with this blog should know. I am a Gaga fan; however, it is a more love/hate relationship. I like Gaga because I see the man (not literally) behind the mask. She is a contrived artist, as most pop stars are. I find her image and appeal to be very camp and drag. She is a performance artist, but also a provocateur. She pushes buttons, while pushing the envelope. Gaga is carving out a niche for herself. It is not new or original, but at times it feels fresh. That said, the whole “little monster” thing is pretty insufferable. It's a mothering image that I find off putting.

Moreover, with fame come criticisms and Gaga is not immune from her share of them. Whitehead is not particularly happy about the influence he thinks Gaga has on young teens, especially girls, whom he believes are the biggest consumers of the Gaga brand.(c'mon lots of boys like Gaga, too) Whitehead insists, “Gaga is precisely “another sexy pop star,” albeit one whose hyper-sexualized façade has greatly contributed to the pornification of American culture.” What an obtuse claim; however, he does admit she's not the only artist contributing to the pornification of American culture, he cites music videos generally are culprits, too.

The problem with Whitehead’s argument is his reasoning. He primarily puts forth a false dilemma. Lady Gaga and pop music videos may influence teenagers of all shapes, creeds, colors, and sizes, simply because she and the medium she operates within are apart of what make pop culture popular. Communications Professor John Fiske suggests that “ popular culture is made in relationship to structures of dominance. This relationship can take two main forms—that of resistance or evasion” (2). The relationship Gaga has with her millions of fans is one of resistance. She, for them, signifies empowerment because she seemingly resist convention. Her hyperbolic excessive style and attitude creates solidarity among her fans. And for a lot of teens, anyone who seems to defy traditional gender or social roles is appealing. Whitehead’s argument could have been stronger if he'd attempted to deconstruct why “pornification” appears so pleasurable to millions of teens in American culture. Thus, to suggest that somehow Lady Gaga’s influence trumps other factors is a harsh generalization.

Lady Gaga's recent rise to stardom has occurred in a relatively short time. Has her music and image are about spectacle, but has she really moved America further away from whatever moral center Whitehead has in mind? No! Gaga operates in a system that she has by no means created. Popular culture, especially pop music, has recycled images of scantily clad to practically nude women since the late 70s. Consider acts such as Donna Summer to Cher, both women were dominant forces in pop music. Neither woman shied away from styles that revealed their assets. Of course, Madonna has forever placed her stamp on the construction of a hyper-sexualized pop music queen. Most, if not all, female pop artist today take their cues from Madonna’s playbook.

Whitehead’s argument is more about attacking what he perceives as a culture drunk on sexually charged images. He likens sexual images in videos to violence on television, claiming both adversely affect young people whom can’t distinguish reality from fantasy. Although I won’t use this article to argue the validity of Whitehead’s claims about pop culture and the degree to which it influences teens, I think it’s pretty obvious that it does. Nonetheless, Whitehead has not done his homework and he clearly does not understand popular culture. Although he does provide a thorough analysis of Gaga's 'Bad Romance' video, he fails to really substantiate his main thesis.

Best Gaga video to date:

Christina Aguilera 'Bionic' Album Review

Bionic- ***

In 1998 Christina Aguilera sang about being a 'genie in a bottle', and telling boys 'what a girl wants'. Then in 2002, she stripped and felt a little 'dirrty', while shouting 'can't hold us down'. Next, in 2006 she donned burlesque outfits and got 'back to basics'. Now, the former teen pop queen, on June 8th 2010, will release her 4th studio album, 'Bionic'. It is an electropop, club banging, futuristic mesh of sounds. She describes the album as "fresh" and "sexy". I think as a whole, 'empty' and 'indulgent' are more accurate. Now, I do like the album. It's not a complete mess. In fact, there are some pretty spectacular moments on it. But, those moments are too few. Christina's voice shines on three slow tracks. 'Lift Me Up', 'You Lost Me', and I' am' capture the richness and strength of Christina's voice. She is a remarkably talented singer. A few years ago, Justin Timberlake described her as the voice of a generation. And in Rolling Stone magazine's list of t0p 100 singers, she sits at number 58. Her powerhouse performances of songs such as James Brown's 'It's a Man's World' and Herbie Hancock's 'A Song for You' should leave little doubt about her vocal prowess. Other noteworthy moments, include 'Bionics' elctro-infused arrangements, which come together seamlessly on tracks like, 'Bionic', 'Elastic Love', and 'Glam'. Unfortunately, the stand out, forward marching, eclectic sounds are awash in a sea of hyper sexual, overwrought, and cliche beats that feel a bit pushy, outdated. Aguilera is capable of so much more. The material on this album feels better suited for Britney Spears or Katy Perry. Aguilera can play the sex kitten or vamp, as she does in the 'Not Myself Tonight' video. However, she's so much better when she's coy, while offering hints of bravado and swagger. At it's best 'Bionic' is an adequate album from an above average artist. It's like a straight 'A' student, suddenly bringing home 'Bs' and 'Cs' to fit in with the lesser achievers. I do recommend buying the album. Especially, if you want to "go a little crazy" in your pre-clubbing rituals, then 'Vanity' and 'Prima Donna' are both anthems lauding conceit and arrogance and will surely inspire some pseudo-confidence and esteem. Overall, the album would have been much more cohesive as an 8 set or track disc. In fact, here's my list. And maybe, 'My Girls' as a final 9th or bonus track, but only because Peaches rocks a few versus.

1. Bionic- Great Opening song

2. Woohoo- Fun, naughty, and wild

3.Glam- Reminiscent of 'Vogue' some good remixes will emerge

4. I am- Just a beautiful song, empowering.

5. You Lost Me- relationship melodrama- we can all relate.

6. Desnudate- Makes me want a Latin lover, like yesterday

7. Elastic Love- Arguably the best song on the album.

8. Lift Me Up- Inspirational!

Christina vs. Gaga a very necessary Diatribe

Since her genie in a bottle days, I've been an avid Christina Aguilera fan. I've watched Christina grow and mature as an artist. She got us feeling all hot and bothered, filthy, literally Dirrty back in 2002 with the first single from her sophomore release, Stripped. I must admit; I was slightly skeptical of her overzealous sexual direction. I'm not prudish. But the transition into more "adult" content like, "I'm a sex kitten in heat" is so superfluous. Still, she took bold chances both lyrically and musically with her new sexed up persona. I think it paid off. 'Dirrty' the first single didn't chart well. But, 'Beautiful, Fighter, and Can't Hold us Down', were all chart toppers. Each video and single, showcased Aguilera's vocal talent and versatility. She embraced a marketable feminist philosophy lambasting sexism and homophobia in her songs.
Christina solidified her musical and artistic credibility. Stripped sold millions. And a few years later in 2006, she emerged with Back to Basics, paying homage to the smooth jazz, r&b, and pop influences of the past 50+ years. Today, to anyone paying attention, Christina has evolved stylistically. Currently, on her fourth studio release of new material (I'm not including her spanish lp or the greatest hits cd) 'Bionic' she's delving into the realm of electronic pop. Electronica is the new zeitgeist in pop music. And if I'm being honest, Lady Gaga has helped to maintain and usher in the dance/electronica vibe. She's a great bricoleur. She's capitalized on the obtuse hunger for fashion, style, hyperbole in pop music. Let's face, what's a pop star if he or she can't play in the realm of fantasy? Gaga has done well. She's crafted songs that are catchy, to the point of nasseum, and videos that are artistic and visionary. But, and here is a very big BUT, she hasn't produced anything really original. Buzz and hype maybe, but the public's current obsession with Gaga is amusing. I like her; I am a fan. But, I don't give her credit for any of the aesthetic styles she appropriates. She is not original. And if you think she is. Look up original in the dictionary. Trust me; you will not find a picture of Lady Gaga next to it. Lady Gaga is what she is and she doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. Maybe that is what makes her so appealing. I think it is easy and a typically simplified observation to claim Christina Aguilera has jumped on the Lady Gaga train. Christina has tried to push the envelope before and she's doing it again with 'Bionic'. The current issue of Rolling Stone describes Christina as getting into Lady Gaga Drag. The writer didn't do his research. Augilera and Gaga are as similar as apples and oranges. Beyond the blonde hair and similar vocal inflections, the two women are drastically, distinctively different. Both women are dominant forces in pop music. Each has a unique voice and are wildly entertaining. Can we (as a consuming public) not just appreciate them both for what they bring to pop music? I know; it's a lot more amusing to pit women against each other. Why not just bring out the mud and kiddy pool? Enjoy the following videos; they are two of my favorites.

"With music by our side, we can break the color lines"

The following videos all represent songs about social injustice. Whether the issue was poverty, child abuse, gang violence, or racism, a song promoting awareness existed within the popular music landscape. Although I am a fan of current pop music, rarely does a song move beyond sex, drugs, and rock & roll (pardon the cliche). Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the frivolities espoused in popular music. Everything from Ke$ha's drunk texting to Gaga's Bad romance, but I do miss the more socially relevant songs. The songs that made you actually listen to the message. No passive engagement, you didn't simply nod your head to the beat.
Here are a few that clearly have a point to convey. What do you think; is pop music missing some of the late 80s to early 90s socially conscious music?

Expose- 'Tell Me Why'



Janet Jackson- 'Rythm Nation'

Phil Collins- 'Another Day in Paradise'


Suzzanne Vega- 'Luka'

Reviewing, Not Myself Tonight, Christina Aguilera

The 'Not Myself Tonight' video hit the all "tubes" Friday and the Facebook, Twitter, and Media commentary has not been all too positive. I think it's easy to dismiss the video because Christina expresses herself within the confines of sexuality as most mainstream female pop stars do.

"Not Myself Tonight' represents a multiplicity of meanings, too many to deal with in a blog post. I like the video, more than the song. The song is pretty generic in terms of production. The pulsating drum beat gives it some flair. But, it sounds like it may have needed another edit. Ok back to the video. The intertextuality of the video can be read on multiple levels. Primarily, I think it's the classic "Good girl" vs "Bad Girl" narrative that dominates the video. Although the video is a rather derivative play on sexuality, I do think the clear connection to the lyrical content of the song adds depth to the images as a whole.

In the video, the "bad girl role" is presented as fantasy, that one can step outside or away from everyday hetro normative experiences and play in the realm of taboo. For example the video, opens with a zoomed in close-up of Christina. The platinum blonde hair and softer make-up help to emphasize the "good" girl image. Seconds later that shot is contrasted with multiple images of Christina in S&M garb. I think I counted 13 total outfit changes. The cherry red lipstick, harsh make-up, leather, lingerie, fire, black and red clothing help to emphasize Christina as the villain, the "bad" girl. The video ends with the same close-up face shot. Christina's "look" or "gaze" turns away from the camera. The ending, oh so important, the "look" reveals that maybe she's not so afraid of being herself tonight.

Owning Style- Lady Gaga vs. Grace Jones

Is style really just a matter of taste? In pop music, however, style is everything, simply put, image is everything. Crafting, developing, and selling a contrived image is the foundation of most, if not all, popular culture's productions. Selling images that resonate within particular audiences, (young girls ages 12-17) is the sugar, refined, non-artificial, pure South Colombian cane that makes the product oh so sweet. Images that are provocative, fantastical, ostentatious, hyperbolic, and creative give consumers a meaningful product. Current pop music phenomenon, Lady Gaga, is no exception. I describe her as a phenomenon simply because her success, or the rise of her star, has seemingly happened over night and shows signs of lasting. In just two short years, Gaga, as she prefers to be called, has taken the pop music industry by storm. She's had multiple number Billboard hits, won awards, sold out stadiums, and produced album sales in the 6 digits, a true feat in these days of digital downloads. Subsequently, with fame, comes criticism and Gaga has had her fair share. In recent blogs, other pop divas have reportedly attacked Gaga, claiming she stole or jocked their style. Most noteworthy is Grace Jones, who says Gaga has ripped off her style. By style, I'll assume most of these complaints are based upon Gaga's fashion choices. But style can encompass an array of cultural meanings, image, aesthetic, even communication. The term itself is an umbrella term that in popular contexts comes to represent multiple significations. According to an interview posted on IDOLATOR.com, Grace Jones states, “Well, you know, I’ve seen some things she’s worn that I’ve worn, and that does kind of piss me off.” Apparently, Grace is mad as hell and she's not taking it anymore, off with the gloves--the girls are about to go toe to toe. Come on just picture it, Gaga vs. Grace the ultimate battle. Whether or not Grace Jones is truly "pissed off" isn't so important. However, what her statements reveal about style is for more interesting. Since, style is so amorphous in popular culture, no one artist can really claim ownership of a particular fashion aesthetic. While in the 80s, Jones was a provocateur of high fashion, avante-garde style. She was by no means its creator. Moreover, fashion inspires both women's "look". Like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, these women capitalized on an image that would propel them to the top. They captured an audience that felt empowered by their image because they seemed to resist the common cultural terrain for femininty. Still, most of these so called beefs are really about media attention. And I'll end with a line from Bonnie Rait, -"Let's give'em something to talk about." The kids are talking.
Enjoy the videos

Female Emcee, Where you at Girl?

In the past decade, what happened to female rappers? Where are they? I’ve searched high and low, not literally, but take a look at pop /rap music today. Of course, I could go on and on about the number of popular male rappers ad nuseum, but what about the female rappers? Where have the gone? In the late 80s and 90s female MCs were ubiquitous, whether she rapped the hook on a song, or played Bonnie to her male MC’s Clyde, female rappers were an undeniable force. Now, I am not an expert in all things hip hop and this blog isn’t an attempt to criticize or laud something that I may be slightly naive. Yet, as a fan of the female emcee's presence and persona, I have to question; is this a WTF moment in pop music? Rappers like Salt-N-Pepa, YoYo, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Da Brat, Missy Elliot, Foxy Brown, Eve, and Lil Kim, all forged distinctive paths in hip-hop/ pop music. These women were pioneering as they broke barriers, while igniting, destroying, and reinforcing some stereotypes of what women could and/or should do behind a mic. Their messages were feminist [possibly arguable], pro-woman anthems that inspired and emboldened young women to own and claim their abilities to "rock the mic". Songs like Salt-N-Pepa's 'Tramp', Queen Latifah's 'UNITY', or Da Brat's 'Funkdafied, all represented jams that showcased women rappers gaining momentum in the emergent genre.







Currently, Nicki Minaji [who looks like the spawn of Lil Kim and Foxy Brown] seems to be the only viable female MC rapping. http://nickiminajfans.com
She’s appeared on tracks with Mariah Carey, Robin Thicke, Ludarcis, Ne-yo, and the list goes on; also, she has a solo project set for release this year. Still, I'm not too crazy about her subsequent guest appearances on any of the aforementioned established artist's records. She sounds more like a four year old girl playing dress up in her big sister's closet. She, for me, represents style over substance, granted that claim could hold for much of pop music these days.

Divalicious Moment # 4 SADE - Soldier of Love****

Since their February 9th release hit stores, itunes, etc...much has been said about Sade on various music blogs. And while I realize they are a band, the front woman, Sade Adu, for me, makes this band simply outstanding. Sade's smooth and yet powerful vocals will make you stop, look, and listen. Of course, the fact that Sade is exceptionally pretty may have something to do with it, too. However, I'm more inclined to believe it is the subtle richness or affecting vibrato in her voice and the mysteriously eccentric persona she's crafted over 25+ years. I can remember seeing 'Smooth Operator' Sade's first video, on MTV [yes way back when playing videos was standard], from her 1984 Diamond Life LP and feeling sort of hypnotized. I didn't really appreciate the band's music then, but now, as an adult, I can. Sade's music tells stories of romance, heartache, and pain. And, if you're in the right mood, a sentimental mood perhaps, Sade will pull at your heartstrings with vividly visceral lyrics and arrangements. Sade's latest album will debut at # 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 charts this Friday. It's a first for the band on the US charts. Soldier of Love is another consistent emotionally resonate album, much like it's predecessors, SOL is couched in love themes which speak to the melancholy,vitality, and triumph relationships often bring. Download these, 'Moon and the Sky', 'Solider of Love', 'Morning Bird', and 'Skin'.
Favorite Sade Songs
12. Hang on To Your Love
11. Feel No Pain
10. Smooth Operator
9. Paradise
8. No Ordinary Love
7. Your Love is King
6. Nothing Can Come Between Us
5. Love is Stronger than Pride
4. Soldier of Love
3. King of Sorrow
2. Sweetest Taboo
1. Kiss of Life

Divalicious Moment # 3 Vanessa Williams

It has been a few months since I posted my last divalicious moment blog. I'll try to post a diva moment at least once a month. Funny, most of my blog topics are diva moments, considering that I generally post about female singers. However, these diva moment blogs are more pointed, primarily old school diva's. And so on to the next one, Vanessa Williams is my divalicious moment number 3. I'm sure most of you are aware of her rise to fame, stardom. And, if not, here's a brief overview. In 1983, she won the Miss America title, becoming the first African-American to win the coveted crown. Unfortunately, nude photos of the young starlet surfaced, and scandal ensued. (http://diaryofahollywoodstreetking.com/vanessa-williams-penthouse-photo-shoot-uncensored/)
Still, Vanessa emerged stronger than ever. In the years that followed, Williams released several albums and appeared in countless movies and television series. Currently, she appears on ABC's 'Ugly Betty'.
Aside from being striking beautiful, which wins you major points in pop music, [suppose Susan Boyle is throwing a slight wrench in that equation, given her recent success] Vanessa Williams is a remarkably multi-talented.
As a recording artist, Williams first album was light-hearted and contemporary. She captured the late eighties vibe on singles like 'The Right Stuff' and 'Dreamin'. Her second album, 'The Comfort Zone' was her biggest selling album to date. And, it's my favorite. Every song is rich and layered pop music. Vanessa's vocals shine on songs like 'Save the Best for Last' and 'Just for Tonight'. She knows her limits and sings so well in her range. Reportedly, she is currently in the studio working on a new album, with a summer 2010 release date.
Favorite Top 10
Freedom Dance (Get Free)- The Comfort Zone
Dreamin - The Right Stuff
Goodbye - The Comfort Zone
The Way that you Love Me- The Sweetest Days
Happiness- Next
Save the Best for Last- The Comfort Zone
Running Back to You- The Comfort Zone
Oh How the Years Go By- Next
Comfort Zone- The Comfort Zone
The Right Stuff- The Right Stuff

Katharine McPhee- A talent worth Consideration

Back in the Spring of 2006, American Idol rolled out it's 5th season and Katharine McPhee made her debut, singing that is, covering the Billie Holiday tune 'God Bless the Child' in the San Francisco audition. Since, McPhee has made several television and movie appearances and she released her first studio album in 2007. The self-titled disc boasted minimal success, 'Over it', which was a top 30 Billboard hit, and 'Love Story'. McPhee's album landed at the number two spot, reporting sales of 116,000. Shortly after, about a year later, her record label, J records dropped her, after what they considered disappointing single and album sales.
Now, Katharine McPhee has released a new album with Verve Records titled 'Unbroken'. Could this title be a affirmation of the starlet's will to survive in the here today, gone tomorrow world of pop music? Maybe. But, does the disc live up to the implied promise? Depends. If you want a sleek, clean, and just all around good album, then look no further. Katharine's vocals are appropriately soft and powerful, when needed. She has impeccable control, knowing when to hold back and when to let it loose. The technical side of the craft [singing] really shows on 'Unbroken'. Unfortunately, the disk debuted on Billboard at # 27 with 15,000 in sales reported. Unlike her first disk, in which McPhee appeared to be another in a long line of tit's and ass sell music pop stars, 'Unbroken', is more refined and polished, possibly the singer-songwriter type artist McPhee is. It's not all roses, definitely some bland filler, but overall the better songs are worth a listen. Download "It's not Right,' 'Had it all,' 'How,' and 'Unbroken.'

She Wolf, Shakira's New Release, in case you missed it

In case you missed her the last time you purchased music on itunes, please check out Shakira, you know, one of the world's best selling female artist, with top 40 hits such as, 'Whenever, Wherever', 'Underneath Your Clothes', and 'Hips Don't Lie'. The 32 year old Colombian born chanteuse has been singing and performing for most of her life. She's relatively huge everywhere except here, the good ole USofA. We undeniably reward good talent on these shores, like Ke$ha, right? So, if you haven't found Shakira relatively interesting in the past decade, give her a listen, now. Shakira's latest release, 'She Wolf' fits in well with much of what popular music is today. It's super catchy and beat driven, on songs like 'Men in this Town', in which Shakira ponders where all the "good" men have gone. It seems California's night life, doesn't quite live up to expectations. Precise, the song captures a common sentiment, [you get all dolled up and hit the clubs, only to find a bunch a douche bags awaiting your arrival] enveloped in a hypnotic/electronic beat. With several Neptunes powerhouse tracks, Shakira seems to have found her muse with Pharrell and company. The only drawback to 'She Wolf' is that she didn't include enough original music. There are 3 Spanish versions of tracks, remixes, and live recordings, unnecessary filler. Download, 'Why Wait', 'Did it Again', 'Give it to Me', and 'Gypsy'.

New Sade Video

The video for 'Soldier of Love' from the grammy award winning and multi-talented group, Sade, has hit the multi-media airwaves. Sade Adu, the band's lead singer, looks fabulous, especially riding that white horse. Hmm.. I wonder if that's a euphemism for something else. After a 9 year absence, I definitely think the song and video are worth the wait.

Album Reviews- Alicia Keys & Mary J. Blige

On Alicia's 4th studio album, entitled The Element of Freedom, she chooses a title that feels slightly contrasting to the lyrical content. Maybe the juxtaposition is relevant, acknowledging the freedom from a particular state, love. The album itself is brilliant, except the Beyonce duet, garbage. Each track is so seamlessly layered and intricate. The beat on the first [second] single 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart' is powerful. It has such a gratuitously infectious baseline for a [lyrically] emotionally gripping song. Alicia seems to be a slave to love, as she crafts songs that depict a journey filled with plenty of ups and downs. On tracks like 'Love is a like the Sea', 'Love is my Disease', and 'Love is Blind', she effectively taps into the heartache typically associated with being in love. It's a slow album; it's a sad album; it's a visceral album, especially if you've ever been in love. Download these tracks, 'This Bed', 'Un-Thinkable' and 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart'.

Stronger with Each Tear, Mary J. Blige again, does what she does so well, make empowering, confident, and introspective music. Blige is the kind of artist whom takes a song and finds that really honest core. And, it is where she connects with her audience. She's authentic. On each one of her albums, from her first release, 1992's 'What's the 411' to this latest, 2009's 'Stronger with Each Tear' Blige lets it all hang out. She's like an open wounded, on display for the world to see. And, to be that bold, takes some guts. Mary's no holds barred attitude on tracks like 'I am, 'Kitchen' and 'Said and Done' reveal a woman finally comfortable in her own skin. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the most vocally driven tracks Blige has ever recorded, 'I Can see in Color'. Blige invokes the blues and is so vulnerable, she captures what few female vocalist can, raw unfettered emotion.