"Reflektor"

Arcade Fire, "Reflektor"

They’ve done it again. With their new single “Reflektor,” Arcade Fire tantalizes us with an interestingly rich and complex melody. The lyrics weave together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and haunting imprint. Adding further interest, the band stays true to their Montreal roots by injecting just a hint of Anglo-Franco bilingualism. With its well-executed, ominously cinematic tone, listening to this song makes you feel like you’re a beat cop who owns the town, with its semi-’70s sound. It’s a familiar aesthetic and can also be heard in fellow Montreal band Bran Van 3000’s song “Astounded." It’s long, it’s bizarre… and it’s brilliantly, uniquely Arcade Fire.

"Revolution"

Diplo, "Revolution"

Ironically betraying its namesake, “Revolution” gives way to common gimmicks partway into the song. Beginning with a satisfying bassline which thrums through the song, the composition devolves into a stuttering of beats and ditches its once interesting and meaningful lyrics in favor of repeating the name of the song at various lengths: “It’s a revolution, It’s a reva, rev.” In fact, the song seems primed for further evolution, seemingly designed for future remixes and collaborations. For now though, let’s hope subsequent releases will see a return to the snappy, upbeat tempos heard in the producer’s “Blow Your Head” EP.

"SMS (Bangerz)"

Miley Cyrus, "Bangerz"

“SMS (Bangerz)” brings with it a few hints of country twang, not heard since Miley Cyrus sang in her Hannah Montana persona. In an attempt to prove her newfound independence Cyrus assures: “I can stut that strut.” Lovely notes of vulgarity can be heard in the lyrics:  “They ask me how I keep a man—I keep a battery pack.” Just when you thought that this song couldn’t get any better, we are offered up a rap feature courtesy of Britney Spears. However, despite the fact that it may be lacking in substance, it’s hard to deny the fact that the song—which is heavily influenced by Salt n Pepa’s hit “Push It”—is terribly catchy and shamefully addictive. Expect it to top charts and land on “guilty pleasure” playlists worldwide.