ROCK
DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR.
“If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t on the ÂDancefloor)” (4:37)
Producers: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Ben West
Writers: Joshua Epstein, Daniel Zott
Publishers: Johnny Panic Music/DNZ Music (ASCAP)
Warner Bros. Records
These Detroit-based indie-pop tunesmiths try on a funky wardrobe with their latest single, part of the band’s new “Patterns” EP. Between impossibly catchy coos, the duo layers synth upon synth, which unfurl like Slinkies on a staircase. “You’re supposed to roll your hips in time,” they sing. Mission accomplished. -RR
COUNTRY
JUSTIN MOORE
“Point at You” (3:00)
Producer: Jeremy Stover
Writers: Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip
Publishers: various
Big Machine Label Group
Behind every bad boy is a good woman, and with Moore’s “Point at You,” he opens up about his better half. There’s no sappy love story in question on the single–Moore still proudly promotes his recklessness–but the rising country artist sings to his gal, “If they wanna see my sweet side/My soft side, my best side/I just point at you.” The affair’s a tad cheesy, but “Point at You” boasts a sharp electric solo and an engaging vocal performance. -JM
R&B
CHRIS BROWN
“Fine China” (3:34)
Producers: Roccstar & PK
Writers: various
Publishers: various
RCA Records
Brown dusts off the Moog synthesizer for the first single from his forthcoming “X” album: Channeling the soul of the late Michael Jackson, Breezy delivers a refreshingly upbeat romantic cut. Snares and violins stand at attention as Brown brings the patient vibrancy of ’80s pop to 2013. Like with real fine china, this track is meant for a special occasion. -KI
LATIN
ROBERTO JUNIOR Y SU Z
“El Coco No” (2:57)
Producer: Fernando Camacho Tirado
Writer: Marco Guzman
Publisher: FERCA Global Music (ASCAP)
ASL/Disa/Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Rich horns ricochet throughout this track, as Roberto Junior chants “no” to the “coconut” in question. Leaning heavily on euphemism, the manic pop track’s simplicity can lead to euphoria under the right circumstances. Go down, up, left and right; Repeat four times, and you’ve danced to “El Coco No.” -KI
POP
Jonas Brothers
Pom Poms (3:18)
Producer: Nick Jonas
Writers: Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Paul Phamous
Publishers: Jonas Brothers Publishing (BMI), Kid Brother Media (SESAC)
Jonas Brother Recording
The Jonas Brothers are back together and all grown up on “Pom Poms,” their most “adult” single to date. Featuring a big-band arrangement and some of Joe Jonas’ throatiest vocals yet, “Pom Poms” is a playfully racy ode to…submission of some sort, asking a girl to “put your pom poms down for me.” The song lends the trio some much-needed edge while still standing on its own as catchy bubble-gum rock. -AH