INSTEP Magzine

With the clever assistance of her fellow Black Eyed Pea Will.i.am in the producer’s chair and the songwriting talents of Toby Gad, Fergie has released a strong single to follow up her three consecutive number ones. Wisely, she has changed tempo to a more mellow feel showcasing quality vocals. While the end of a relationship subject matter may be a bit time-worn, the lyrics are intelligent and memorable.
The song has a mellow yet a sexy mood to it and the intelligent lyrics backed with strong vocals from Fergie makes this single a worthy one. The pleasing vocals with a touch of sexy and sultry from Fergie add that special oomph to this song and make it stand out amongst other ‘sad’ songs.

This time around there are no gimmicky samples, no spelling, and nothing skirting the lines of sexual bad taste. ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ is a simple, straightforward

song about the end of a relationship that proves Fergie needs nothing but her voice and emotion to deliver an appealing pop song. Subtle, strummed guitar sets the mood as Fergie sings of the need to separate from a lover and assert independence. “It’s time to be a big girl now.”

Few pop music fans and experts would have predicted that, with her first solo album, Fergie would reel off 3 consecutive # 1 singles without breaking a sweat. However, that is where we are, and there is nothing in particular standing in the way of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” nearing the top of the charts as well.
Will.i.am’s unusually understated production is one of the clear stars on this recording. He wisely provides a simple, gentle backing to let the song unfold on its own. ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ is Exhibit A of how both Will.i.am and Fergie have grown artistically while away from their group roles.

‘U + Ur Hand’
Pink

Pink’s album I’m Not Dead has run its course in the US after only generating one single hit.’ However,most fans who didn’t buy the album missed out on a number of good songs. Fortunately, in part due to tour publicity, ‘U + Ur Hand’ is on the rise giving everyone another look at Pink.

Pink is one current female pop star (Kelly Clarkson’s is another who comes to mind) who can sound convincingly fierce when she rocks out. Leaving much of her pop-soul past behind, Pink sounds perfectly at home in a pop-rock environment. It’s no surprise that she drew upon production work from Max Martin and Dr. Luke, the team behind Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone, to pull it off on ‘U + Ur Hand.’

Lyrically, ‘U + Ur Hand’ is a call for the right of women to enjoy a night out without being preyed upon by men. When Pink sings “I’m not here for your entertainment, you don’t really wanna mess with me tonight,” you believe her. The spare, driving drum and guitar arrangement on the verse only serves to drive home the point.
Pink’s independent attitude, snarling rock vocals and Ultra-catchy Max Martin - Dr. Luke trademark chorus make this song a must hear!

‘Apologize’
Timbaland featuring OneRepublic

In reality, this is significantly more a One Republic record remixed by Timbaland than it is Timba’s own as an artist. However, his attached name is huge, and it has garnered big exposure for One Republic’s album.
This gently remixed version of the song ‘Apologize’ by Los One Republic appeared on Timbaland’s Shock Value album. Following on the heels of the # 1 pop smash ‘The Way I Are,’ the Timbaland name instantly drew pop radio and fans to the sound of OneRepublic.

Despite the marketing tactics involved in the listing of credits, don’t let it deter you from falling in love with one of the most beautiful mainstream pop songs ever. Timbaland contributes an airy, echoey sound that brings to mind Nelly Furtado’s smash hit ‘Say It Right.’ It elegantly underscores the soaring vocals from One Republic’s leader Ryan Tedder. Lyrically, the song is a rather melancholy one, but the resonant melody irresistibly draws you in, and you are likely to find yourself singing along.