31. Beyonce – “Sorry”
Gabrielle Bondi: If there was any song from Lemonade that would chart, it would be “Sorry.” A standout and clearly unapologetic track, it’s not as easily as consumable as most of the pop fare that invades our senses daily, but it’s undoubtedly the best song on this chart. A++++++++++
Camille Espiritu: After watching Lemonade, this was my immediate favorite. It is an in your face unapologetic track that I can definitely get behind on. It defines what Beyonce and her music is all about; she will stand by her music and who she is and won’t apologize for anything. Bow down! A
32. James Bay – “Let It Go”
Bri Lockhart: This song is still a thing?! Quintessential–and typical–singer-songwriter regret. C-
Ryan Gibbs: I don’t like this dude’s voice, I don’t like his lyrics and I especially don’t like his dumb hat. Boring ‘n’ snoozy like a Sam Smith ballad. D-
Camille Espiritu: What was once my favorite song is now my least favorite James Bay song. But before I stopped liking it, I really loved the lyrics. It really captured what it felt like to stop loving someone. The resentment that eats up inside of you and how you don’t recognize your reflection anymore, it’s those visuals that spoke to me. C
Amber Mack: James Bay is literal bae. I heard this song when it was free on iTunes back in 2014 and immediately fell in love with it. The lyrics, the sound, everything was amazing. I just wish it didn’t get played out as much and make me not like it as much as I did. B+
Jon Winkler: Is it weird that the original version of the song is probably the least heard version of this song? All you hear on the radio is the version with the drum beat, and it’s actually better. I feel bad for James Bay, you think he resents drums for damning his song as being less important than what’s one the radio? Don’t hate drums James, hate pop radio. C
33. Future feat. The Weeknd – “Low Life”
Jon Winkler: Officially confirms my suspicion that Future is not a likeable human being and a rather boring rapper. He’ll never apologize for cheating on women (Ciara traded up, thankfully) and has no respect for anyone (let alone himself). He’s got a fine flow, but the lyrics are nothing to rap along with. However, the song is saved by Canada’s own Weeknd, who actually uses his legitimate singing voice to beat Future in the “sounding cool” department. C+
Advertisement
34. D.R.A.M. feat. Lil Yachty – “Broccoli”
Ryan Gibbs: I’m not particularly sure what to make of the chart debut for hyped rapper Lil Yachty. Despite the goofy video, I’m not thrilled with some of the lyrical choices (Columbine? Really?) or Lil Yachty’s delivery. DRAM feels like a guest on his own song. C-
35. Gnash feat. Olivia O’Brien – “I Hate U I Love You”
Ashley Bulayo: I hate how much I love this song. B+
36. Ariana Grande – “Dangerous Woman”
Gabrielle Bondi: Like most of Ariana Grande’s hits, “Dangerous Woman” sultry sound grew on me over time. It showcases her impressive vocals in a new way. B+
Camille Espiritu: Don’t let the baby face fool you, this girl can definitely hit those notes. But I also feel a bit of a disconnect between her and her attempt at trying to be sexy. I commend her talents though and enjoy her music regardless. I’m just happy this track wasn’t as fast pace or packed with a lot of techno beat like her past music. B
Advertisement
Jon Winkler: The best James Bond theme to come out of the year, Ariana’s smoothest track to date is something I didn’t expect. It’s not one of her all time best, but the sexual aching of her singing and the slow burn of the instruments are something to enjoy. It’s a step in the right direction B
37. Justin Beiber – “Love Yourself”
Gabrielle Bondi: Say what you will about Justin, but this stripped down diss track somehow always sounds sweet to me. B+
Ryan Gibbs: I think tropical house is a much better look for grown-up Justin Bieber than this castaway from Ed Sheeran’s discard pile. D
Jon Winkler: While this isn’t exactly the happiest song to jam to, it is nice to see Bieber shift things around and try to be a discount Ed Sheeran. Wait, Sheeran sings background vocals on this?! HA! B-
Advertisement
38. Flo Rida – “My House”
Ashley Bulayo: Why? C
Camille Espiritu: I can’t stand this song. But I guess I can see why people will like it. It’s catchy, the track is perfect for any college party or summer backyard fun. But I don’t care much for it no matter how many chances I try to like it. D
Jon Winkler: You suck, Flo Rida. You just plain suck and no one cares. Stop ruining my summer F
39. DNCE – “Cake by the Ocean”
Gabrielle Bondi: This song is pure nonsense and I love every catchy second of it. B+
Bri Lockhart: The beginning of the song has enough potential that I’d be curious to hear what else DNCE has to offer. Plus, the story behind the song is pretty great. However, at this point, I would consider pay someone if it meant I would never have to hear that awful chorus again. D
Ryan Gibbs: I went from thinking this was merely perfectly adequate to actually liking it quite a bit. A bit of funky dance-punk in the top 40 is never a bad thing, but I never expected it from a Jonas. B
Camille Espiritu: The song is catchy and growing up as a huge Jonas Brothers fan, I’m just happy that Joe finally caught his solo break that he’s been wanting. In general, the band members have an interesting, quirky mix about them that you don’t see as often anymore and I like that. Their music brings some sexy edge to the pop industry without being all up on your face about it. “Cake by the Ocean” was the perfect track from their album that not only had all of the elements to be on the Hot 100, but it also helped the band get their name out there and start off strong. B
Brittany Menjivar: This is what pop should be. Irresistibly fun, creative both lyrically and musically, this is the comeback Joe Jonas needed and deserved. B+
Amber Mack: Catchy summer 2016 tune and the fact that it was the outcome oh MI’s communication makes it even better. B+
Jon Winkler: If this is the closest thing we’ll ever get to a proper sequel to the wonder of “Uptown Funk,” I’ll happily take it. Joe Jonas and co. using real instruments (in 2016?! shocker!!) to create a great guitar lick and a helluva bounce. Even Jonas sounds legit as a cocky womanizer with some of the strangest and least-subtle sexual innuendo I’ve heard in a long time (which is even funnier when you see it played at the Kids Choice Awards, which I did). Whoever DNCE is and whatever they’re going for, I’ll happily take another slice A
Cristina Moreano: I think we can all agree this is THE anthem of this summer, right? Crazy lyrics and and extremely catchy beat! B
40. Kiiara – “Gold”
Ashley Bulayo: This song was my introduction to Kiiara and I’m liking what I hear so far. It certainly fits in with the direction music seems to be going nowadays. B+
Advertisement
