POV: the charts have finally moved enough to warrant another review.
As it Was by Harry Styles– Styles is the La Croix of musicians. There is always a hint of flavor in his music, enough to keep you drinking, but never enough to satisfy you fully. I wish Styles would full-send his ideas instead of half-assing them as he does on his new album, including this lead-off single. Please, don’t hate me too much. I’m harsher because he does clearly have talent.
About Damn Time by Lizzo– Lizzo be like you thought the disco revival was over? Think again. Everything about this song works and the energy is purely infectious. However, Lizzo doesn’t need reviewers, fans, or even random people on the internet (me) validating her presence on the charts. She has IT.
First Class by Jack Harlow– Seemingly everyone knows and loves Daddy Harlow (insert that one clip of Emma Chamberlain interviewing him on a red carpet). The sample is inspired and reminds me how much we truly underappreciated Fergie back in the day. However, it is Harlow’s lazy charm that carries this song. I can see why this is a hit. How could it not be?
Running up that Hill (A deal with God) by Kate Bush– Classic 80s bombastic music. This is what the Weeknd has been trying to imitate with mild success. When Kate Bush lets loose on the chorus it is incredibly cathartic. I know this is only on the charts because of Stranger Things and stayed here because of Tiktok, but I don’t care. Anything that gets people listening to Kate Bush is worth it.
Wait for U by Future Ft. Drake and Tems– Future needed to get introspective about the bad side of fame so he called in the expert – Drake. Drake has been rapping about the negative side of being a celebrity since before he was famous. In my opinion, the two of them pull it off. It’s the usual drony flow of Future, exacerbated by the equally drony flow of Drake, but it just works? Also, the Tems sample is very well used and I am excited to see the Nigerian singer making some waves on the charts.
Jimmy Cooks by Drake Ft. 21 Savage- I am a Degrassi fan. I know this is fan service. I don’t care. It worked. However, I am far from the first to point out that 21 completely and totally steals the show. I hope 21 plans to drop an album soon. I miss him.
Me Porto Bonito by Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone– This bops. I wish it was like slightly faster, but it is still a bop. Kinda weird this is a fifth single but I guess this shows the strength of the album.
Heat Waves by Glass Animals– Proof time can’t be linear.
Break My Soul by Beyonce– Whether you buy Beyonce as an anti-capitalist anti-man queen is irrelevant to me. Do you think Dolly Parton has ever worked a 9 to 5 in her life? Don’t think too hard, bruh. Just take this Red Solo Cup, fill ‘er up, and vibe.
Big Energy by Latto– Latto has been the worst-kept rap secret. It seemed like any day now she was due to have a massive hit. Well, this is it. The sample is good (I love Fantasy by Mariah Carey), the flow is good, and everything is good. Latto can do more and can do better, but this is not bad at all for a first single in the top 10.
