Welcome back. In the first real competition of the year, Nicki Minaj reminded me why Christgau believes in her and the rest of us want to. Disgusting and fag-haiting, “Roman’s Revenge” allowed two incorrigible role players room to act. Em sounds great, but using the phrasing and intonations that wowed us in 2000 in 2011 does not constitute progress.
As for the rest, I’m grateful for any chance to show why Katy Perry is dangerous. If Ryan Tedder had demonstrated the ability to produce another hit as big as “Apologize” or “Bleeding Love,” I might have been harsher.
A reminder: all singles graded from one to ten. Click on the link for the full review.
Nicki Minaj ft. Eminem – Roman’s Revenge (8)
Adele – Rolling in the Deep (6)
Diddy Dirty Money ft. Skylar – Coming Home (6)
The Lonely Island – I Just Had Sex (5)
Jamie Woon – Night Air (5)
Bruno Mars – Grenade (3)
Nicole Scherzinger – Poison (3)
Katy B ft. Ms Dynamite – Lights On (3)
Black Eyed Peas – The Time (Dirty Bit) (3)
Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder – Rocketeer (2)
Katy Perry – Fireworks (1)
