On this week’s Must-Hear Music podcast, Billboard staffers Erika Ramirez and Joe Lynch apologize to Jason Lipshutz for not attending his Halloween karaoke party.
After that, we talk about Iggy Azalea‘s new song featuring Danish pop singer MØ, which the two of them performed (despite technical difficulties) on SNL over the weekend.
In the rock realm, we talk about Imagine Dragons‘ Mumford & Sons-esque new single “I Bet My Life,” and the Flaming Lips‘ cover of the Beatles‘ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” with Moby and Miley Cyrus. Disagreements ensue.
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We also chat about a great R&B jam from newcomer Kehlani and the new collaboration between Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, a killer dance track with a delirious violin hook. Listen to the podcast below or download it on iTunes (and rate the podcast!). Below the podcast, listen to the songs and check out highlights from our discussion.
Iggy Azalea ft. MØ, “Beg for It”
Jason: This is the follow-up to “Black Widow,” but this doesn’t sound like a huge hit to me. I like the hook, I like MØ, and I’m surprised and happy Iggy tapped her for this. But the problem is Iggy herself — we’ve heard all of this before.
Erika: The formula sounds the same as “Fancy,” which is why I don’t appreciate it. It’s catchy, but I feel they threw this together to make another hit.
Joe: MØ’s vocals are very Charli XCX on this — sugary, but with a spirited, spunky delivery. So hey, people liked “Fancy,” maybe they’ll like “Fancy” lite.
Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding, “Outside”
Joe: I love this song. The violin hook is incredible, and something about their chemistry is so perfect. Her nuanced voice sounds great with electronic club music like this.
Jason: Ellie Goulding is coming from a folk-pop background but has lately been embracing this electro stomp music that worked so well on “I Need Your Love.” I’m assuming she’ll take a break before her next album, but I’m happy to hear her on this.
Kehlani, “Till the Morning” Erika: Kehlani is 19 years old, she’s from Oakland, and she was on America’s Got Talent. She was also on the Juice podcast last week. She has all these tats on her, she’s super tiny, but she has this incredible voice on her.
Jason: Some of these lyrics are pretty explicit for a 19-year-old. My mom would not like this.
Joe: I feel the mistake a lot of up-and-coming R&B singers make it to show off their vocal range at the expense of the song. But the production on this is fantastic — echo-y, laid back and yes, adult in content.
Imagine Dragons, “I Bet My Life”
Joe: This song has a strong Mumford vibe, which is such gross trend-hopping. They’re following a trend that One Direction has already mined on their last album. They should be trying to find their voice, not this.
Jason: This reminds me of when Kings of Leon made their populist move. I don’t hate this song. It’s a cop-out, but it’s fun. It has a big, sing-along chorus. It’s dumb fun.
The Flaming Lips, Miley Cyrus, Moby, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”
Joe: Miley Cyrus is perfectly cast to sing this song. The original is a druggy ode inspired by a picture his son drew. Miley fits that — she’s exploring the druggy side of life, but her voice still has that childlike sense of wonder.
Jason: This just doesn’t appeal to me at all. I don’t get this. Out of every five Flaming Lips projects, I will pay attention to one of them.