Tuesday, December 2, 2014

NOW I GET WHAT I WANT:  The Atlantic's Kevin O'Keeffe argues for "Since U Been Gone" as the best pop song of the past decade:
There have been strong pop songs to come after “Since U Been Gone,” of course. "TiK ToK" was just as influential on the party rock sound that continues to dominate airwaves. "Bad Romance" and other early Lady Gaga tracks were the signs of a promising new artist with something new to say. "Call Me Maybe" and "Shake It Off" stretched catchy hooks to their extreme, becoming viral phenomena along the way. And Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” was equally successful at mixing formats and genres to produce a unique sound on pop radio. 
But as far as I can tell, none of those tracks have quite the effect on a bar full of people, or a dance floor, or a karaoke room, as “Since U Been Gone” does. And those places are where pop music matters the most. The energy is frantic; everyone knows all the words. The joy of hearing it is made even better knowing that Clarkson, the first and arguably only true American Idol, fulfilled a nation’s hope in her with one perfect song.
[From 12/26/05 (comments lost to blessed memory): "In the Kelly Clarkson hit "Since U Been Gone," when she sings that "Thanks to you now I get what I want," does 'get' mean 'understand' or 'obtain'? Your detailed responses are welcome."]

4 comments:

  1. The Pathetic Earthling12:29 PM

    Why must perfectly good songs use that sort of Text-speak. "Nothing Compares 2 U" "R U Ready to Rock", etc.

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  2. Because Prince.

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  3. Jordan12:51 PM

    I think it's a moot point. Even if "Since U Been Gone" is the best pop song of the past ten years, "Hey Ya!" is the best pop song of the past eleven years, and they aren't remotely on the same level.

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  4. Roger4:36 PM

    Am I the only one who thinks Never Again is Kelly Clarkson's best song?

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