July Single Reviews

Mariah Carey
Obsessed

Diss tracks have typically been on mix tapes, or used to hype up a new album. They are not usuallythe official first single off of a major label release. So when presented with Mariah Carey's "Obsessed," it was a bit perplexing. Produced by The Dream and Tricky Stewart, the song is executed very well, with tinges of auto tune sprinkled over Mariah's voice. Clearly the song is about rapper Eminem, and Mimi lyrically kills him in the sweet girlish way only she can do. //You hating hard// Ain’t gon’ feed you// I’m gonna let you starve// Gasping for air// I’m ventilation //You out of breath// Hope you ain’t waiting// Telling the world how much you miss me// But we never were So why you trippin’// You a mom and pop// I’m a corporation// I’m the press conference //and you a conversation// Also, she touches onhis weed/ecstasy abuse, and the fact that he has a Napoleon complex! Ouch! This song is really executed well. The concern we have is that this song isn’t 1st single worthy. We implore you Mariah "Mimi" Carey to re-nig this as your first single, and give us something that is a sure fire hit. Let's face it, you are only as good as your last hit in this industry. Legend or not, "Touch My Body" was the only hit song offthe last album. We all thought 2005 was the "Emancipation of Mimi." It's time to live up to that.

Grade 3/5

Bottom Line: Hot track, but not 1st single worthy.

David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland
When Love Takes Over

Kelly Rowland has been shocking us all lately. She recentlyended her professional relationship with famous manager Matthew Knowles to step out on her own.Considering how catty Matthew Knowles can be when someone severs ties with him, some would consider that a bold move for the former Destiny's Child member. Within weeks of that announcement, it seems like the decision she has made has been the right one. Her reality debut on Bravo with "The Fashion Show" is one of the highest rated showson the network. She hooked up with famed House DJ David Guetta for the opening single to his new album, "One Love." Obviously crafted to be a summer club hit, "When Love Takes Over" also has the potential to beone a marketing gem. Taking advantage of a nice light house beat, piano keys,and arefreshing synthesizer, David Guetta has hit the nail right on the head. This has the potential to do wonders for his new album and Kelly Rowland's career at the same time. It seems like the lyrics have a double meaning, one being for the song, and one symbolically for Kelly's career. //It's complicated//It always is//That's just the way it goes//Feels like I've waited so long for this//I wonder if it shows//Head under water//Now I can't breathe//It never felt so good//'Cause I can feel it coming over me//I wouldn't stop it ifIcould// We hear you, and we couldn'tagree moreMs. Kelly.

Grade 4/5

Bottom Line: A sure fire hit for David Guetta, and a fresh new sound for recently "freed"Kelly Rowland.

The Black Eyed Peas
I GotA Feeling

The BEP have struck a chord with the American public. Their single "Boom Boom Pow" has been a #1hit for several weeks now. With sales of theirlatest album "The E.N.D." reaching 304,000 in the firstweek and gaining them their first #1 album, they have to maintain the momentum. The first single was a club anthem, and they follow the same trend with the second, lyrically and melodically. A good hook, chanting at the bridge, and a little auto tune thrown in forgood measure is a recipe for success. It seems like this is the season for the "feel good" single.After solo albums from Will and Fergie, it's good to see the group back together and in full force. At press time, this single was currently #2 on theBillboard Hot 100. Clearlythis song will add to the laundry list of hits for the unique quartet.

Grade 4/5

Bottom Line: Wonderful follow up to smash hitrelease.

Jordin Sparks
Battlefield

"American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks is back playing it safe with her latest effort "Battlefield." The power ballad has made a return through Sparks, and it's not clear if it is exactly awarm welcome back. Vocally, Sparks gives the best performanceof her career so far, and the productionseems effortless. However, this is not 1990 and she is not Celine Dion. Therefore, why does this young girl sound so aged? Jordin'sinstrument is a classic, timeless voice, and someone should tell Jive records that she is 20 years, old not 40. It's almost like Jordin Sparks and Mariah Carey should switch opening singles, so both could sound their age. What is going on here?

Grade 3/5

Bottom Line: American Idol is over. It's okay to be young.

The Dream
Walking On the Moon

The third single from The Dream's latest album suggests that he will continue on his quest for cross­­-over success. Futuristic clubbeats, lazy vocals, and channeling Michael Jackson all comes together on one tantalizing song. If you watch The Hills, you can almost see this playing at the beginning of the show or during a scene change. The last two singles had The Dream hovering right above smash hit. Hopefully, this dance classic will send him right into it.

Grade 4/5

Bottom Line: Worth your 99 cents at iTunes.

Ciara
Like a Surgeon

The latest single selectionfrom "Fantasy Ride" is a strange one. The song compares Ciara's sweet lovin' to a doctor's visit. After this point, it gets kind of ridiculous. It's time to realize that this album was not a "Fantasy Ride," and that it was a train wreck. If you have thrown out 1, 2, 3, and 4 singles off of one album and it's still broken, it's time to fix it. Go back in the lab, dig deep, and find out who Ciara really is. What needs to happen now is to stop this embarrassment before it goes any further.

Grade 2/5

Bottom Line: Do not release another single off of "Fantasy Ride."

 

Related Articles: June Single Reviews, April Single Reviews, March Single Reviews