Top 5 Pop Songs: July

by Aaron Zorgel

July 31, 2012

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At the end of each month, Pop Hunter highlights the best songs that were released. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists. This month, we feature Kendrick Lamar, JoJo, Frank Ocean, Rita Ora, and Alicia Keys.

Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools”

Kendrick Lamar received a massive co-sign from the pop music world when Lady Gaga was spotted watching him perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival from backstage last month. So does this mean we can start calling Kendrick Lamar the Lady Gaga of hip-hop? His lyrical storytelling ability and his inclination towards experimental phrasing and song structures might suggest so. Don’t expect him to show up at next year’s GRAMMYs wearing anything made out of meat, but at the same time, don’t underestimate Kendrick Lamar’s calculated creative theatrics. The T-Minus-produced “Swimming Pools” is a perfect example of Lamar’s aptitude for narrative, while also showcasing his eccentric aesthetic choices. The chorus is odd. The verses are odd. Everything about “Swimming Pools” is odd, but it’s never unlistenable. In fact, it’s one of the catchiest, and most pleasing hip-hop compositions we’ve had come across our radar in 2012. T-Minus’ signature atmospheric synth pads lay the foundation for Kendrick’s alcoholic anthem, a marriage that has us more than excited for what’s in store on good kid, m.A.A.d city. If Gaga’s taking notes, you know you’re in the presence of an innovator. Real talk. (Top Dawg/Aftermath/Interscope) 

 

JoJo – “Demonstrate”

Numerous album delays have forced JoJo to cancel any plans she had of releasing Jumping Trains this year, a record she’s been working on steadily since 2007. JoJo claimed that the older material on the album didn’t reflect where she’s at personally anymore, so she’s scrapped the title, and begun re-recording material with producers such as Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Boi-1da, Timbaland, Danja, and Noah “40” Shebib. The first taste we’re getting of JoJo’s newer, more mature direction is “Demonstrate,” a sexy, introspective R&B slow-jam with Drake’s spiritual guide Noah “40” Shebib at the helm. “Demonstrate” features ornate electric guitar runs, sweeping synths, and reversed beats in the chorus, with some pretty lustful lyrics that deliberately distance JoJo from the angsty teenager we once knew and loved. (Blackground/Interscope)

Alicia Keys – “New Day”

If you think about Alicia Keys’ most well-known hits, a few that probably stand out are “Fallin’,” “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart,” and “Unthinkable (I’m Ready).” All three are incredible songs, but they aren’t exactly the most feel-good, celebratory jams. With the birth of her son Egypt, Alicia has traded in the heartbroken mid-tempo piano ballads for something a little more optimistic, danceable, and joyous. Keys’ “New Day” was produced by her husband (and supposed phantom Megaupload C.E.O.) Swizz Beats, featuring a booming beat, piano stabs, and some of Alicia’s best hype-man-approximation vocal delivery. From inspiration, to songwriting, to production, this song is clearly a family affair. It’s a melodically satisfying, uplifting anthem for the fresh start, and it’s refreshing to see Alicia Keys’ newfound motherly happiness and vibrance reflected in her recorded material. (RCA Records) 

 

Frank Ocean – “Pink Matter” feat. André 3000

Frank Ocean dropped channelORANGE this month, and regardless of any kind of however-much-publicized insight into Frank’s sexuality, the record stands alone as a poetic, articulate, and sincere composition. It’s difficult to pick a standout track, since it plays out in sequence so beautifully, but “Pink Matter” featuring André 3000 has racked up the most plays on our Zune-Pod playlist. It’s an emotional, swirling account of reckless pleasure-seeking, underscored by stanky guitar riffs, and a feature by the co-Mayor of Stankonia, André 3000. (Def Jam)

Rita Ora – “Roc The Life”

Rita Ora signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management in 2009, but we didn’t properly hear her until she released her debut single “How We Do (Party)” in March. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of equal parts acclaim and Rihanna-comparisons for the 21-year-old Yugoslavian-born Brit. The Rihanna comparisons aren’t without merit – her second single, “R.I.P.” featuring Tinie Tempah, was originally written for Ri-Ri by Drake – but Rita has managed to make waves in the over-crowded pop music swimming pool, with talent, personality, and great songs. Having a deal with Roc Nation pretty much secures your access to the best producers, and guest features in the music industry, so it’s no surprise that Rita’s embracing her new industry connections on “Roc The Life.” The guitar-heavy arrangement was co-written by R&B hitmaker The-Dream, who also chips in additional backing vocals on the track. The aforementioned Rihanna comparisons are undeniable, but in live performances and interviews, Rita Ora exudes a definite likability. We’ll wait until her debut album Ora is released to pass judgement, but for now, Rita is a welcome presence on the charts. Rihanna already works too hard – it’s time for another Jay-Z endorsed singer to dominate the airwaves. (Roc Nation/Columbia) 

 

Surprises, disappointments and tracks/albums to watch for next month

Surprise of the month: P!nk’s new single “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” isn’t terrible, and it means that now she has more Top 10 singles than Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. But if she thinks she can hit those high notes in the chorus in a live setting, she’s dreaming.

Disappointments: No Doubt’s first single in over 10 years, “Settle Down,” is super underwhelming. We’re holding out hope for the Major Lazer collaboration, but it’s looking like their new album will not be Tragic Kingdom 2.0.

Out in August: New records from 2 Chainz, Kreayshawn, Wiz Khalifa, and The-Dream.

Tags: Music, Featured, News, Alicia Keys, Andre 3000, Frank Ocean, JoJo, Kendrick Lamar, No Doubt, Pink, Rita Ora

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