The last seven days have seen a ton of singles from top name artists drop. So, we decided to take on four of the top ones to see if they’re worthy of your playlist or not.
AC/DC: “Play Ball”
Justin Matchick: If you went into this song expecting AC/DC to do anything different than they’ve done the past 40 years you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Boring drums, generic riffs, and a lackluster guitar solo means this one is only for the die-hards. Verdict: One and Done
Nick Porcaro: It’s an AC/DC song. You already know where you stand on this track. I won’t try and change your mind. Verdict: Abstain.
Bill Bodkin: If you’ve listened to AC/DC one before in your entire life, then you know exactly how this song sounds. Simply put – if you don’t like AC/DC then you’ll hate this song. If you love AC/DC, you’ll this song. Put me in category #2. Verdict: Add to playlist.
Kelly O’Dowd: Sounds like every other AC/DC song ever. So it means that I don’t like this one. However, it is less obnoxious than anything from Back In Black, so it has that going for it. Verdict: One and Done
Final Verdict: It’s predictable as hell. We’re not recommending it, but if you’re expecting same old AC/DC and you dig that, go for it.
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B.o.B featuring Trey Songs, “Not For Long”
Justin Matchick: A B.o.B. song is only as good as its featured guest artist, and unfortunately Trey Songz’ phoned-in performance doesn’t match up to previous collaborations with Hayley Williams and Rivers Cuomo. In a R&B/hip-hop landscape increasingly reliant on catchy hooks, this song just falls flat and is instantly forgettable. Verdict: One and Done.
Nick Porcaro: This is a textbook example of a “one and done” single. B.o.B.’s raps are nondescript, Trey Songz’ hook inconsequential, the production forgettable. While I appreciate any rapper willing to encourage a girl to drop her drug dealer guy for a more legitimately successful type, I can’t recommend this entirely disposable track. Verdict: One and done.
Bill Bodkin: This is not as bad you as I thought it would. I think B.o.B.’s raps were decent, but it’s that beat and Trey Songz’s bland guest spot that kills this song off. Give it a less hollow beat and a better guest and you’ve got something better here. Verdict: One and done.
Kelly O’Dowd: This song is kinda creepy. So the girl you want is with someone you’ve deemed “not as awesome” as yourself. SO THE FUCK WHAT? Get over yourself and move on. Stop harassing this poor “girl.” If she wanted to be with you, she would be, but she’s not. Stop trying to get her to leave and just respect her decision. The music is all slow and sleazy too. You are not smooth. This is not welcomed. And to make matters worse, is that a Firefly grade spaceship in the lyric video??? Verdict: One and Done
Final Verdict: Nope. Just…nope.
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Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike) featuring Zach de la Rocha “Not For Long”
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Justin Matchick: This is an energetic track that forces you to give it your full attention instead of just putting it on in the background. Killer Mike, El-P, and guest Zach de la Rocha each provide excellent verses with powerful imagery aided by a pulsing backing beat. Verdict: Add to playlist
Nick Porcaro: Killer Mike + El-P + Zach de la Rocha = a no-brainer. This shit knocks. Verdict: WOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Bill Bodkin: I believe it was Shakespeare who wrote the following line which perfectly describes how I feel about this song….GOD DAMN SON THIS IS STRAIGHT FIRE. Holy smokes, that beat, that flow – why am I only listening to Run the Jewels now. Oh and hey, Zack del La Rocha. Verdict: Add to playlist.
Kelly O’Dowd: I want to listen to this song over and over and over and over again. Really, if you don’t listen to anything on this ALL THE SINGLES singles party, listen to this one. And listen. Really listen to the words. If they don’t get you fired up, then something is wrong with you. (Or you just don’t like the song. And that’s okay!) Verdict: Add to Playlist
Final Verdict: Of the four songs, this is our only MUST LISTEN. You gotta put this one on the playlist asap.
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Foo Fighters, “Something From Nothing”
Justin Matchick: Foo Fighters have been on a long, slow descent towards a more generic “rock” sound for about a decade now. While this single doesn’t break any new ground, it proves to be a step towards a more defined sound the band’s last few albums have lacked. Dave has got my attention for at least a few more years before I give up on them. Verdict: Add to playlist
Nick Porcaro: I had approximately zero interest in checking out the Foo’s latest record until I gave “Something From Nothing” a few spins. This is perhaps the closest to progressive rock we’ve ever seen from Dave Grohl and his merry band of rockers. It’s certainly not a traditional single, and by the time we get the requisite rocking and screaming at the end, the band actually deserves it. Bravo. Verdict: Add to the Playlist.
Bill Bodkin: I saw the video for this at the end of the Sonic Highways premiere. I gotta say that the beginning of the song is so frustrating. It sounds so much like “The Pretender.” But then, midway the organ comes in and all hell breaks lose. It becomes alive, electric, and absolutely awesome. Verdict: Add to playlist.
Kelly O’Dowd: Ok I’m saying this. I am really not a fan of the Foo Fighters. Never was. I mean, yeah there are songs that I liked, but not a “fan.” As songs go, this is okay. I do like that funky breakdown in the middle. Somehow I wasn’t expecting that and it made me smile. Verdict: Abstain
Final Verdict: It’s predictable as hell. We’re not recommending it, but if you’re expecting same old AC/DC and you dig that, go for it.
Final Verdict: We dig The Foo Fighters. The song is solid, not their best, but still worth checking out.
