Kelly Clarkson
“Piece By Piece”
#8
The original album version of “Piece by Piece” was about liberation, breaking free of the pains of the past without ever denying their existence. The American Idol version that’s responsible for the song making the charts is almost the exact opposite, a sentimental wallow that focuses on the pain rather than the promise of the future. Clarkson ruined her song because that’s what her audience wanted. The audience was wrong, but that’s show business. At least I hope that’s all it is.
Fifth Harmony Featuring Ty Dolla $ign
“Work From Home”
#12
In approach, Fifth Harmony are essentially the American, female version of One Direction. Their songs are better because their artistic ambitions are lower (that’s not an insult, there are real advantages to lowering your sights once in a while), but that’s also why they exude less personality. Also, their songs aren’t that much better. This is probably the best thing they’ve done, and it barely rises above average.
Zayn
“iT’s YoU”
#59
Did he really mean to sound like Slim Whitman? That’s what you get for trying to create your own “Climax” when you’re barely mature enough for “Pillowtalk”.
Flo Rida Featuring Jason Derulo
“Hello Friday”
#79
Not bad, but nowhere near Flo Rida at his catchiest. I know I’ve said this before, but I wish he’d go back to his high-speed flow—understanding his words drags everything down.
Thomas Rhett
“T-Shirt”
#92
Rhett’s running on automatic this time out, but since his automatic is catchier than most people’s careful creation, I’ll let it go for now.
Lady Gaga
“Til It Happens To You”
#95
Gaga sings parts of this very well—she’s right not to pretty up her voice and leave things as raw as possible—but no one escapes from the gummy over-emotionalism of songwriter Diane Warren. Even Pet Shop Boys couldn’t do it.
Jon Pardi
“Head Over Boots”
#97
I appreciate the attempt, but if you’re going to revive old cliches you can’t just pile on newer cliches, you need to put something original on top. I don’t think Pardi would know original if he tripped over it.
