"OMG" by Usher.
It's not bad. Any normal reader of these probably noticed I can be critical of these mega-popular tunes. Well normally they're notsobad (not my fault the public voted up bottom-of-the-barrel "TiK ToK" and "Rude Boy"), and it seems that at last the decent crops are getting noticed. I still find "Nothin' on You" to be the best thus far, but "OMG" probably claims second. My biggest complaint (besides some.. uninspired lyrics, like "Honey got a booty like pow, pow, pow / honey got some boobies like wow, oh wow") is that stadium chant. The only songs I can think of that use the audience cheer effectively are songs meant to be played in stadiums anyway, like the remix of Zombie Nation's "Kernkraft 400" or 2 Unlimited's "No Limit." Jock Jams, some people call 'em. And "OMG" is certainly no Jock Jam. It just doesn't fit for me with those driving electro-beats that would make Lady GaGa jealous. Well, in the verses at least. Once the chorus rolls around, a more mellow envelope swoops in that matches the smooth vocals Usher puts out. It sort of rubberbands between the two styles, which most likely stems from the featured artist/producer will.i.am's "the next."
For those who don't know, he's one of the leading roles in the Black Eyed Peas. He's always transfixed on bringing in the future sound of music, and indeed the Peas' latest album seems to be doing that, at least for the mainstream. That tug-of-war with the various atmospheres seems to be a favorite of will.i.am, especially in the new BEP songs. "Boom Boom Pow," "I Gotta Feeling," and "Imma Be" all run with the formula to some extent. I guess if it works, why fix it?
Anyway, back to the hit. It listens good and it dances good. Plus, it's catchy as hell. So, even though the subject matter and lyrics may not be the most original, its mainstream success has well-founded support. Simply? It'll never be my favorite song, but I wouldn't change the station if it started playing.
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