Song of the Day #2,591: ‘The Hills’ – The Weeknd

weeknd_hillsRounding out Billboard’s top five is another track by The Weeknd, who’s having a hell of a week. The Canadian artist’s second studio album hits stores today and based on the success of its first three singles, it’s bound to be a blockbuster.

‘The Hills’ is another track, like ‘Can’t Feel My Face,’ that centers on drug use and relationships — Abel Tesfaye appears to be as infatuated with drugs as he is with women.

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Song of the Day #2,590: ‘Lean On’ – Major Lazer & DJ Snake

major_lazer_lean_onCrawling up Billboard’s Hot 100, reaching its peak position (so far) at #4, is Major Lazer’s ‘Lean On.’ My family was introduced to this track several months ago by the soft-spoken 13-year-old son of a friend.

Major Lazer (a trio currently made up of popular DJ Diplo along with lesser-known DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire) enlisted Danish singer MØ to handle lead vocals on this song. She also contributed Gwen Stefani-esque dance moves to the colorful video below.

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Song of the Day #2,589: ‘Watch Me’ – Silento

silento‘Watch Me’ by Silento sits at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week. The track is an extended invitation for the audience to watch Silento (a 17-year-old hip hop artist hailing from Atlanta) perform various dance moves — whip, nae nae, bop, stanky leg, you get the picture.

This song is borderline tuneless and devoid of any lyrical merit whatsoever, but the video has its charms.

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Song of the Day #2,588: ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ – The Weeknd

weeknd_cant_feelSitting at #2 on the latest Billboard chart, The Weeknd’s ‘Can’t Feel My Face’ is another contender for Song of the Summer. It had a brief stint at #1, replacing ‘Cheerleader’ before being overtaken by OMI’s hit again this week.

‘Can’t Feel My Face’ is both a commercial and a critical hit, with music critics going ga-ga over its Michael Jackson-esque R&B sound. Tom Cruise even took a turn at lip-synching the track on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show.

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Song of the Day #2,587: ‘Cheerleader’ – OMI

omi_cheerleaderAfter a few weeks in 1982, I’m bringing things back to 2015, taking a look at the Billboard charts as summer wraps up and makes way for fall.

The battle for Song of the Summer has no clear winner this year. My vote goes to Walk the Moon’s ‘Shut Up and Dance,’ which had a strong Billboard run and embodies the spirit a Song of the Summer should exhibit.

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