Single reviews: October '08

BRITNEY SPEARS: Womanizer
This is Britney's big "comeback" song. But I thought her big comeback was supposed to be last year? I guess every song she puts out now is considered a comeback. This song just set a record by shooting 96-1 on the Billboard singles chart, but I don't get what the fuss is about. The chorus basically consists of Brit repeating the word "womanizer" over and over, and the verses are sung in such a low voice that you can't make out anything she is singing. It's just boring. And it's not even a great song to dance to, so, unlike her recent singles "Break the Ice" and "Piece of Me," it can't be redeemed by being dance club-worthy. Grade: C-

WEIRD AL YANKOVIC: Whatever You Like
"Weird Al" is back, this time parodying T.I.'s rap song of the same name. Al's version is about the failing economy: "We can clip coupons all night/Baby you can have whatever you like." It's not just unfunny; it's totally stupid. This is probably Al's dumbest parody of all time - well, except for "I Want a New Duck." Grade: D


TAYLOR SWIFT: Love Song
I adore Taylor but this song is so ordinary, it's almost shocking that it was chosen as the first single from her sophomore album. Could this really be the best track on it? It's schlocky and doesn't have much of a hook. If this song were on Taylor's debut, it would be the 7th best track on the album. Grade: C

JAY-Z & T.I. FEATURING KANYE WEST & LIL WAYNE: Swagga Like Us
I'm not a huge hip hop fan, but the past couple of months have been exciting, as Lil Wayne and T.I. have dominated the charts. Wayne currently has seven songs inside Billboard's top 40, becoming the first artist to achieve that feat since the Beatles. Wayne and T.I. are joined here by Jay-Z and an auto-tuned Kanye, as they exchange boasts. These guys are the Mount Rushmore of hip hop, so hearing them on the same track (atop a sample from M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes", no less) is a treat. Grade: B

THE KILLERS: Human
Are we human, or are we dancers? No, it doesn't make sense, but it's catchy, and provides the Killers with a welcome comeback single. The Bruce Springsteen vibe they went for on the last record has been replaced with synthesizers and a dance beat, and it works. Grade: B+