Drunk on margaritas

As much as I'm constantly raving about European music, there are moments when I realize how very American my tastes can be.



(Yes, I realize that's ridiculous generalizing and Europeans can like the above song and Americans can hate it.)

That was the Paradiso Girls--Robin Antin's (of the Pussycat Dolls) new girl group--with "Patrón Tequila," produced by Polow Da Don. And yes, I have been playing it again and again via YouTube. It has this drum part to it which reminds me a bit of "Captive," a rejected demo for the Pussycat Dolls--did Polow also do that?--but it's both trashier and better than that song...and I loved "Captive." There better be some dancing going on at the end of the music video with that extended instrumental ending. And how great would it be if this was another Polow production based around product promotion (if it's unintentional here, they sure better work out a deal quick)?

(For your reference, a Keri Hilson-sung version of this song leaked earlier under the title "Hey Girl.")

#71 Keri Hilson, "Energy"

I'm havin' nightmares from sleeping with the enemy
How did we reverse the chemistry?
I don't want us to be the end of me
This love is taking all of my energy

Gone was the processed electronic rush of "The Way I Are," and in its place was that odd species of '07/'08 single: a synth-featuring mid-tempo pop-R&B hybrid that managed to be both uplifting and downtrodden. While "Tattoo" and its ilk failed to sink underneath my skin, though, "Energy" succeeded. I'm not sure I could pinpoint exactly why. The lyrics (about a destructive love) certainly helped, as did Keri's voice, but ultimately, I think the closest I can get to explaining "Energy"'s success (sadly not in a commercial sense) compared to seemingly similar songs is that it soars while other songs stay planted on the ground. The synths are used more delicately here, not bogging down teh song, and even when they do come in in full force, they stay deep and expansive instead of treading in the middle ground. Add in the little piano riff and the upwards-seeking vocal melody of the chorus and somehow, despite it being part of a fleet of songs using a pattern never that exciting to begin with, you've got one of the year's most refreshings gons. A radio smash that never was.

Find it on: Energy (Single)