Vocal Points: View From The Top

posted in: Features • Pop

The significance of the Billboard Hot 100, which compiles the Top 100 singles based on radio popularity, in the music industry today has certainly diminished. But despite new music industry road maps, the chart remains an interesting measure of what sells in a huge commercial way. So, let’s take a look what role the voice plays in each of the following chart-toppers’ success on Billboard from the week of November 26, 2011. Here are the Top 10 artists in order.

1. Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris, “We Found Love” While Rihanna’s hits are always fun and catchy, the way that her voice sounds recorded (a bit whiny) has never blown me away. And then there’s the fact that some of her stuff is diluted with pitch correction software, which shows in live performance when she’s often off key. All that aside, this particular song is not offensive, but its just very bland.

2. LMFAO – “Sexy And I Know It” DJs Redfoo and SkyBlu may have no vocal talent, but at least they don’t pretend to. They have fun and the song is what is, and that’s why it works.

3. Adele – “Someone Like You” Adele is the exception to the rule. Her sound is true and stands miles above the voices of the usual suspects on this chart. The emotion, and pure talent is unbelievable and I think it’s fantastic that someone like her is on these charts.

4. David Guetta featuring Usher – “Without You” Usher has a strong voice, and a great deal of vocal aptitude, but this particular song doesn’t showcase his best abilities. The way he sang in his album, Confessions, where he crooned his way to the top of the charts with beautiful harmonies and the use of his falsetto, makes it clear he can do more than he does in this particular song.

5. Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera – “Moves Like Jagger” There’s no doubt that this song is catchy and easy on the ears. It’s got a strong hook and Adam Levine’s vocals are strong, but the fact that Christina Aguilera randomly appears for a verse just doesn’t fit in. Yes, we know that they’re buddies from The Voice, but that doesn’t mean the two voices mesh well. Despite the fact that Christina can sing sensationally, the track probably would have been better if she was left out.

6. Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine – “Stereo Hearts” Another song with vocal stylings by the one and only Adam Levine. Levine proves how versatile he is intertwining a well-sung, catchy melody with Gym Class Heroes’ cool verses and beat.

7. Foster The People – “Pumped Up Kicks” Despite the fact that this song has been extremely over-saturated recently, it has something really unique and stands apart from anything else in the Top 10. Vocally, the effect used to make Mark Foster‘s voice fuzzy yet interestingly dreamlike, works well for the song. It’s cool that something this ‘quirky’ in comparison to the rest of the chart, can gain mainstream success. My only concern is how the vocals hold up in live performance.

8. Flo Rida – “Good Feeling” This is one of those party songs that makes you want to immediately get up and dance. It’s interesting that he decided to sample Etta James‘ “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” and modernize it. James’ voice is sensational, but the song picks up with Flo Rida’s double-time rapping and the fun, electro feel to the song.

9. Bruno Mars – “It Will Rain” At this point, its clear that Bruno Mars is a talented guy. His tenor voice has sang just about every sweet thing a girl’s heart could desire, and this song is no different. The song is good, but the standout thing about it is how Mars’ vocals convey the story.

10. Taylor Swift – “If This Was A Movie” It’s no surprise to find Taylor Swift in the Top 10, despite the fact that she’s consistently taken heat for her voice. That aside, her ability to communicate emotions and stories that touch peoples’ hearts with her music is unlike anyone her age. Although not a great technical singer, her soft, sweet tones in this song make it clear why she’s a lovable worldwide sensation.

Conclusion: Lack of vocal talent is not a deal breaker for this chart. There is no real correlation between the quality of the voice and whether the song is a radio hit. Adele presence may prove that we’re willing to accept songs which are stripped down to fully present the voice, but this chart is more of a popularity competition than anything else.

What’s your take on the Billboard Hot 100? Do you think these songs deserve to be there?