INSTEP Magzine

'Waiting on the World to Change'
John Mayer
For the lead single from his album Continuum, John Mayer chose the generational social commentary of 'Waiting on the World to Change'. The sentiments ring true and they are bolstered by Mayer's usual high standard of instrumental backing.

The heartfelt lyrics surveying the current world political situation are pleasing with a gently rocking melody line. The lyrics strike an intellectual chord and Mayer's brilliant instrumental arrangement make this single a must hear.
He has explained in interviews that 'Waiting on the World to Change' is an attempt to explain political inaction in his generation. The words are poignant and ring true as they describe a wide swath of the American public rendered apathetic due to a sense of being powerless to do anything about current problems.

The hope present in the song comes from a faith that things will someday change, and Mayer's generation, in their late 20s and early 30s, will one day take the reins of power. There are a few hints as well as to what his generation will do when they take key leadership roles. War will come to an end and truth will rule the communication of information.'

The lyrical intensity of Waiting on the World to Change' is backed with immaculate instrumentation echoing the pop side of Mayer's idol Stevie Ray Vaughan. This song is a triumphant return to the pop world by Mayer and it will ring true with listeners well beyond his generational target.

'Won't Go Home Without You'
Maroon 5
The most refreshing aspect of Maroon 5's third single from the album It Won't Be Soon Before Long is that it is an aural change of pace from the violence implied by the previous single 'Wake Up Call'. Adam Levine sings sweetly and the song promotes an easy singalong. However, the Police-inspired bass line introduces a mildly disquieting paranoia.

The bass line from the classic 'Every Breath You Take' by Police is one of the most instantly familiar instrumental lines in pop music of the past 25 years. In its original use it is used to underscore the obsessive nature of the song's lyrics. Diddy used it to suggest the passing of time in experiencing grief in the hit 'I'll Be Missing You'. This time around the reason for the use of the bass line is not obviously clear, but it does provide both an instant familiarity and a disquieting counterpoint to Adam Levine's sweet-sounding vocals.

'Won't Go Home Without You' is instantly radio friendly due to an expansive pop chorus that will have many music fans singing along. However, by the end of the song, a certain meaty depth to the music is lacking. The song is radio programmer friendly but unlikely to be particularly memorable over the long term.

'Unwritten' Natasha Bedingfield Unwritten, the title song from Natasha Bedingfield's first album, is climbing the pop singles chart following in the footsteps of last summer's top 10 single, 'These Words'. It is a rousing, anthemic pop tune celebrating individual determination for young people at the moment when most of life is yet to come. Lyrically, 'Unwritten' is straightforward and uplifting, encouraging an uninhibited approach to determining the future. This territory is well covered in the past, but Bedingfield's single is catchy and still manages to feel fresh as a gospel chorus carries the song to a logical conclusion. The drawback here, if any, is that Natasha Bedingfield is still lacking in an identifiably distinctive style. This is likely to develop as she matures as an artist. For now, enjoy the breath of fresh pop air that is 'Unwritten'.

'Don't Stop the Music' Rihanna Rihanna takes us back to the dance floor where her story began with 'Pon De Replay' just a little over 2 years ago. Already a #1 dance hit, 'Don't Stop the Music' is fantastic for clubs if a little repetitive for pop radio play. Rihanna's voice is commanding in this big, echoey Stargate production. Originally planned as the 3rd pop single release from the album Good Girl Gone Bad, 'Don't Stop the Music' was held back in favor of the Ne-Yo duet 'Hate That I Love You'. Meanwhile, 'Don't Stop the Music' went on to top the Billboard dance charts as well as hit #1 on a number of pop singles charts across Europe. As US pop radio began looking for a 4th Rihanna single from the album, this song could no longer be held back.
Rihanna's sometimes thin vocals are mixed for optimum room filling sound and will encourage you to sing along. The inclusion of Michael Jackson's classic 'Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa' from 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' is a minor stroke of genius. In recent years US pop radio has not proven itself immediately receptive to club-oriented productions, but Rihanna is a big enough star to possibly break down those walls. Regardless of final chart placing, however, this number with its thumping house beat is another strong success in Rihanna's ever-lengthening resume of great pop singles.