Best. Number 5. KELIS – “ACAPELLA”
The initial thing I fell in love with in this track was the video. The impressive artistic direction is spot on, with curious imagery and usage of colour creating real beauty at times. Fair enough Kelis is pretty much the only thing in this video, as is the norm in most pop-centric videos, but at least she is portrayed here in an interesting manner. Musically the lyrics have depth to them, and are certainly a million miles away from “Milkshake”. The tracks timbres are familiar and electronic, but the have been produced with an originality and sparseness that makes the track feel rather unassuming, yet enjoyable. However, the most significant and vibrant aspect of the track is Kelis’ vocals. They are placed very highly in the mix and are the track’s vocal point, but with good reason; her vocals throughout are delicate yet powerful and competent. The harmonies are developed spectacularly well, and Kelis’ vocal timbre is enthralling. The melody is also rather enchanting, and to me has a touch of the Bangles about it. All in all a fantastic track.
Worst. Number 7. SELENA GOMEZ AND THE SCENE – “NATURALLY”
For something that is visually trying so desperately to be fresh and modern, with simple yet slick video graphics, and Selena being the youngest thing you have ever seen in your life, sonically the track is incredibly dated. The melody line, which somewhat typically for pop is the most dominant aspect of the track, uses the staid minor key/upbeat rhythm combination ala of turn of the century Spears/Aguilera exploits. Gomez’s vocal too are Spear-esque, with imitation soul being squeezed out though excessive and undeveloped vibrato and a child-like yet dense grain to her voice that can only be produced through gratuitous usage of effects. To further add to my deepening dislike of this track is the disgracefully simple lyrics. Gomez may look like she is 12, but no 17 year old should be uttering lyrics like “I am the thunder and you are the lighting” and have any kind of credibility. Unfortunately she seems to have developed a credibility of sorts as she her video for this track has already registered 24 million hits on youtube. It’s just a shame to see that hyper popular teeny-girl pop has not changed in formula one iota, ‘cause I was getting bored of that shit 10 fucking years ago.
