Day 2 of this challenge and I am already struggling. Enjoy these four sentence reviews of the current top 10 on billboard hot 100. I totally did four sentences as a stylistic choice, and not because I actually have plans today, 

We Don’t Talk About Bruno from Encanto– I have not seen this musical, but am I the only one getting sorta sick of Lin Manuel Miranda’s style of musical? This song itself is a bizarre one to blow up because it makes no sense out of context. It is essentially an inside joke that anyone who hasn’t seen the musical is not a part of. I do appreciate the diversity and representation that Miranda brings to all of his projects.

Easy on Me by Adele- Every time I hear this song I have a radically new opinion on it. Adele is a gorgeous singer, and nothing can take away from how beautifully this song is sung. I do also appreciate that Adele will continue to make music that just sounds like nothing else out there, even in the current era where it seems like every type of music ever is easily available. The chorus feels like one big exhale, a massive sigh of relief that Adele is back making music.

Heat Waves by Glass Animals- This is what I like to call a “one perfect scenario” or an OPS song. Driving in my car down the highway with the bass boosted, is the OPS for this song, and otherwise I do not want to listen to it. I wish the track had a slightly higher tempo and that the bass was naturally louder, but I do not hate this song. Heat Waves did destroy my faith that the Glass Animals will release anything good anytime soon.

Stay by the Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber- I first heard Kid LAROI when my 15-year-old brother showed me his first few singles, saying that all his friends were listening to it. Three months later, my brother denies ever having liked Kid LAROI for he is about the “lamest artist ever”. I actually really like this song, but probably because Charlie Puth produced it. Also, is it just me or is Justin Bieber having one of the most commercially successful years of his career?

Super Gremlin by Kodak Black-  Knowing very little about Kodak Black or any context for this song, I feel slightly uncomfortable certifying it as not a bop. This is a track that I can imagine being in the soundtrack in a documentary about Gen Z culture or played at a house party in Euphoria. It is not bad, just very generic and completely unremarkable. I feel like I have even heard this chorus before somewhere.

abcdefu by GAYLE- Hello, my name is Hannah and I am a victim of TRAMP STAMP, a seemingly interesting emo pop band that turns out to be a corporate plant with problematic lyrics. I had even shown the first couple singles from that band to Akansha, noting how corny but refreshing they were. GAYLE is about the same level of artist as a TRAMP STAMP or a blackbear. She’s much younger though, so I do have some faith that she can improve. 

Shivers by Ed Sheeran- Who told Ed Sheeran that he could try to have sex appeal? Shivers are not sexy. This single’s production is not sexy. Ed Sheeran is not sexy.

Surface Pressure from Encanto- Now this song makes sense as a breakaway hit from a musical. It probably is better in context, but I do not need to have watched the musical to appreciate the musicality and message of this track. I have a higher tolerance for cheesy numbers than most people due to the fact that I really like musicals and I actually have a secret playlist full of songs that sound like this. This single is the most convincing argument I have heard so far to actually watch Encanto, which I have been to lazy to do yet.

Pushin P by Gunna and Future, Feat. Young Thug- I am a fan of all three of the artists on this track, but honestly this song is really boring. What I want to focus on is Gunna attempting to coin a new phrase similarly to “YOLO” from Drake or “fetch” from Gretchen Wieners. No joke, he is actually planning on creating an illustrated children’s book called “Pushin P” all about how to be loyal and badass. Please look this up, I swear I am telling the truth.

Need to Know by Doja Cat- I want to like Doja Cat, because she seems like a really interesting person who by all means deserves her fame. This song is good, but not that amazing. It is interesting how some people with really big, unique personalities can create really tame, radio-friendly singles. I want to see Doja Cat be her real, true, and completely weird self again.