US Charts Discussion (Gaga single tracking: August)

[Americano 31,061]

The media tries to pull it with Gaga, making fun of her weight and slinging insults at her when she's doing candid outfits, but she's (for the most part) ignored it.

The only time Gaga seemed to lose control was in the NME interview last year, and the year prior when she stormed off of a photoshoot crying when she felt uncomfortable.

[Ozzy8923 9]

That NBC article kind of asks the crucial question for me.

Like, I sorta get where ozzy and others are coming from (hell, I want her to do well in the sense that I want her to be happy and healthy), but I still don't really understand supporting her artistic output if its recognizably bad. Like, it's true: her perseverance is evident simply by the fact that she's still performing at all after what she's been through, and I guess--in some sense--that's admirable. But in another, it's not. Like, what's wrong with NOT doing this if you're not cut out for it and don't want to anymore? (and she's certainly done very little to prove to me she *wants* to still be doing this) What's wrong with letting her retire and enjoy the career she's had without having to trudge on half-heartedly?

If she's going to decide to stay in the game, then out of sheer respect for her, I'm not going to take it easy on her. I'm not going to overpraise her mediocrity (that's a disservice both to her as an artist [because praising mediocrity is really a form of condescension] and to us as fans [because it actually signals to labels and music-industry-suits that this kind of half-assed bull**** is not just acceptable, but hit-material]). If you're going to stay in the business, then commit and really put yourself out there. But don't have your handlers put out mass-produced, lifeless material and expect me to buy it because you once--in the past--helped shape the pop landscape.

We should demand more of our artists. Even one's who've been through hell like Brit. It's better for her and us.

Well, first of all, I agree with everything in your post. All of this is 100% correct and I can clearly see where you are coming from.

However, it depends on what you consider mediocre. Let's take Ms. Spear's latest record into account. Some (most) consider it a mediocre, lifeless, useless album that is full of dance trash, overly processed vocals, and no spirit at all. That's respectable. However, I defend that record. Why? I don't consider it mediocre. I think it's Britney's best record to date. A cohesive, solid, filler-free (sans Big Fat Bass), well-produced, high-quality pop record that suits it's purpose (that Ms. Spears made clear at the very beginning of the album process): light, fun dance music that exerts energy. Femme Fatale suits that purpose perfectly. Not to mention, it's her highest score on Metacritic since 2000 (67, generally positive reviews). Clearly the critics don't consider it mediocre. And, in comparison to her contemporaries, it received better reviews - Rihanna (61), Katy (53), Christina (58), Nicki (61) - and not too far from Gaga's 71 and Beyonce's 73. So, MUSICALLY I think Ms. Spears delivers.

OK. Now, in terms of vocal ability, artistic imput, and current performance ability, I don't defend that because I know I shouldn't. But I do argue that even if Britney's voice is quite weak, she still can elevate material when she sings a song. And I don't even consider her current dancing abilities to be so bad. She dances more than Rihanna or Katy do. Now the lip synching is what it is and I think anyone who disapproves of it is justified in doing so.

[kupo 201]

I like Scream & Shout, so I don't really have concern for the "artistic" output from Britney Spears.

To be quite frank, I listen to Lady Gaga who essentially sold out musically to become famous. I mean, listen to her pre-fame music and then listen to her debut album.

If I'm turning it onto stations like Z100 and KIIS FM, and picking out songs I like from the Hot 100, I'm contributing to the manufactured nature of the industry anyway. Contrary to a lot of her fans, I don't see Lady Gaga as different than any of the other stars that are currently part of the "machine."

It's hard to say Gaga "sold out" to become famous. In a sense she did, but then, she structured her whole narrative around that, as a means of investigating just those sorts of sacrificial necessities in the business.

Gaga's definitely part of the machine, but I find it hard to actually compare her to a Katy Perry or Rihanna or Britney. She plays the game in fundamentally different ways than they do, and she always lays bare the machinations of her own process, where none of the others do.

In fact, it's that very reason that sometimes makes Spears downright uncomfortable to watch: she doesn't really talk much about her handlers, or her process. And so when she comes across as robotic as she does, and as manufactured as she does, it's legitimately disconcerting, because there's no self-awareness. Gaga thematizes her own "manufacturedness" ("i'm already a product"). Spears et al. ignore it.

Of course, this is all spinning off and becoming really abstract. The core point remains: Spears barely seems to have been trying the last few years, and I've no intention of praising that just 'cause she's "Britney, b---h" and just because she's had it rough. Like I said, it's because I know what she and her team are capable of that I'd never do that.

Well, first of all, I agree with everything in your post. All of this is 100% correct and I can clearly see where you are coming from.

However, it depends on what you consider mediocre. Let's take Ms. Spear's latest record into account. Some (most) consider it a mediocre, lifeless, useless album that is full of dance trash, overly processed vocals, and no spirit at all. That's respectable. However, I defend that record. Why? I don't consider it mediocre. I think it's Britney's best record to date. A cohesive, solid, filler-free (sans Big Fat Bass), well-produced, high-quality pop record that suits it's purpose (that Ms. Spears made clear at the very beginning of the album process): light, fun dance music that exerts energy. Femme Fatale suits that purpose perfectly. Not to mention, it's her highest score on Metacritic since 2000 (67, generally positive reviews). Clearly the critics don't consider it mediocre. And, in comparison to her contemporaries, it received better reviews - Rihanna (61), Katy (53), Christina (58), Nicki (61) - and not too far from Gaga's 71 and Beyonce's 73. So, MUSICALLY I think Ms. Spears delivers.

OK. Now, in terms of vocal ability, artistic imput, and current performance ability, I don't defend that because I know I shouldn't. But I do argue that even if Britney's voice is quite weak, she still can elevate material when she sings a song. And I don't even consider her current dancing abilities to be so bad. She dances more than Rihanna or Katy do. Now the lip synching is what it is and I think anyone who disapproves of it is justified in doing so.

It's is fascinating that the record of hers that continues to garner the most praise is the one that was produced when her life was in the most turmoil.

For what it's worth, I'm a bigger fan of Circus (the album) than most! If U Seek Amy is :legend:

[Americano 31,061]

That's not fair to say everyone that likes her new single only likes it because it's Britney.

It wouldn't have been selling double the #2 song at one point if that were the case.

[Arturo 40,746]

The media tries to pull it with Gaga, making fun of her weight and slinging insults at her when she's doing candid outfits, but she's (for the most part) ignored it.

The only time Gaga seemed to lose control was in the NME interview last year, and the year prior when she stormed off of a photoshoot crying when she felt uncomfortable.

I'm sorry but when was this? :huh:

[Americano 31,061]

I'm sorry but when was this?

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/51922/Lady-Gaga-Storms-Out-Of-Photoshoot

[Ozzy8923 9]

It's hard to say Gaga "sold out" to become famous. In a sense she did, but then, she structured her whole narrative around that, as a means of investigating just those sorts of sacrificial necessities in the business.

Gaga's definitely part of the machine, but I find it hard to actually compare her to a Katy Perry or Rihanna or Britney. She plays the game in fundamentally different ways than they do, and she always lays bare the machinations of her own process, where none of the others do.

In fact, it's that very reason that sometimes makes Spears downright uncomfortable to watch: she doesn't really talk much about her handlers, or her process. And so when she comes across as robotic as she does, and as manufactured as she does, it's legitimately disconcerting, because there's no self-awareness. Gaga thematizes her own "manufacturedness" ("i'm already a product"). Spears et al. ignore it.

Of course, this is all spinning off and becoming really abstract. The core point remains: Spears barely seems to have been trying the last few years, and I've no intention of praising that just 'cause she's "Britney, b---h" and just because she's had it rough. Like I said, it's because I know what she and her team are capable of that I'd never do that.

It's is fascinating that the record of hers that continues to garner the most praise is the one that was produced when her life was in the most turmoil.

For what it's worth, I'm a bigger fan of Circus (the album) than most! If U Seek Amy is

I love Circus. I use her album post-breakdown more than pre-breakdown albums. They're much better, in my opinion.

But, yes, Britney is not as self-aware as Gaga is. I consider it to be a coping mechanism. The last thing you want to do when you are in distress is talk about it. The only time she spoke openly of her breakdown was in a 2008 documentary released in December 2008 chronicling the days between her 2008 VMA's appearance and the release of her record that year. No holds barred. They have hundreds of hours of footage and had to limit it down to 1.5 hours. It's very eye-opening and she does speak of her divorce, children, career, and even gets to point where she cries. She's quite stoic in nature.

[craig 680]

To be quite frank, I listen to Lady Gaga who essentially sold out musically to become famous. I mean, listen to her pre-fame music and then listen to her debut album.

Just because you have the talent to do many kinds of music, why it it "selling out" to do pop - as opposed to leaving all the glory to manufactured robots?

[Arturo 40,746]

Just bought Scream and Shout!

I wasn't going to buy it because I only had $1.01 in my account, then suddenly I log on today and see that I have $2.30...how convenient. Britney was that you?

[Ozzy8923 9]

Just bought Scream and Shout!

I wasn't going to buy it because I only had $1.01 in my account, then suddenly I log on today and see that I have $2.30...how convenient. Britney was that you?

ffff. Britney Jean knows, SHE KNOWS. Maybe she'll do the same with mine. Still haven't bought S&S because my parents won't take me to get a gift card. I only have 31 cents left...

How stan-like of you contributing to those first week sales...

[Arturo 40,746]

ffff. Britney Jean knows, SHE KNOWS. Maybe she'll do the same with mine. Still haven't bought S&S because my parents won't take me to get a gift card. I only have 31 cents left...

How stan-like of you contributing to those first week sales...

It sounds 4000x better in your ear phones!!!

I'm glad I'm contributing to another Britney hit (I bought HIAM TTWE and IWG too btw)

[Ozzy8923 9]

It sounds 4000x better in your ear phones!!!

I'm glad I'm contributing to another Britney hit (I bought HIAM TTWE and IWG too btw)

You might as well have bought the whole album while you were at it. :teehee:

[SomethingMore 1,701]

for a second week? yes, it is.

No its not .

Look at this table of % decrease for albums released in 2012 and who sold more than 150K in debut week. Rihanna and Phillip sales is excluded form calculated average.

1. Taylor Swift - RED - 1,208,290 - 344,249 - 71,51%

2. Mumford & Sons - BABEL - 599,915 - 168,909 - 71,84%

3. One Direction - TAKE ME HOME - 539,665 - 175,763 - 67,44%

4. Jason Aldean - NIGHT TRAIN - 409,303 - 115,976 - 71,67%

5. Justin Bieber - BELIEVE - 374,264 - 115,973 - 69,01%

6. Madonna - MDNA - 358,653 - 47,696 - 86,7%

7. P!nk - THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE - 280,128 - 94,330 - 66,33%

(there's more)

So her drop is absolutely normal in current sales climate.

[Galactic Mess 1,393]

You didn't know she had a breakdown?

Anyways, I don't want anyone to perceive it as me defending Britney's current state. She is a mere shadow of what she once was but I'll always stick around.

I knew, but I didn't realise it was that bad and media's fault! I thought she had just gotten too high and shaved her head.

[hausofmike 127]

TOP 20

1. MAROON 5 – One More Night: 175.158 (- 0.739)

2. RIHANNA - Diamonds: 175.127 (+ 3.215)

3. BRUNO MARS - Locked Out Of Heaven: 160.629 (+ 3.965) â–²

4. KE$HA - Die Young: 159.656 (+ 2.127) â–¼

5. NE-YO - Let Me Love You: 142.033 (+ 0.449)

6. FUN. – Some Nights: 130.231 (- 1.733)

7. ALEX CLARE – Too Close: 109.310 (- 3.129)

8. FLO RIDA - I Cry: 104.991 (+ 2.025)

9. LUMINEERS - Ho Hey: 97.999 (+ 1.878)

10. MIGUEL - Adorn: 95.510 (+ 0.067)

11. PHILLIP PHILLIPS – Home: 93.901 (- 0.106)

12. CHRIS BROWN – Don’t Wake Me Up: 89.933 (- 1.605)

13. TAYLOR SWIFT – We Are Never Ever Getting…: 79.212 (- 3.903)

14. PINK – Blow Me (One Last Kiss): 76.002 (- 0.581) â–²

15. JUSTIN BIEBER – As Long As You Love Me: 75.829 (- 1.280) â–¼

16. ED SHEERAN - The A Team: 71.251 (+ 0.610)

17. NICKI MINAJ - Va Va Voom: 67.515 (+ 0.292)

18. JUSTIN BIEBER - Beauty And A Beat f/N. Minaj: 66.848 (+ 2.070) â–²

19. FLORIDA-GEORGIA LINE - Cruise: 66.818 (+ 0.588) â–¼

20. KANYE WEST - Clique f/Big Sean & JAY-Z: 63.376 (+ 0.034)

OUTRAS

JAKE OWEN - The One That Got Away: 60.095 (- 1.038)

PINK - Try: 58.512 (+ 2.868)

JUSTIN MOORE - 'Til My Last Day: 57.898 (+ 0.211)

KENDRICK LAMAR - Swimming Pools (Drank): 57.509 (+ 0.640)

ONEREPUBLIC – Feel Again: 49.583 (+ 0.720)

ALICIA KEYS - Girl On Fire: 49.252 (+ 0.269)

TAYLOR SWIFT - Begin Again: 36.506 (+ 0.303)

KELLY CLARKSON - Catch My Breath: 34.129 (+ 1.208)

MARIAH CAREY - All I Want For Christmas Is...: 33.984 (+ 0.390)

MUMFORD & SONS – I Will Wait: 31.036 (+ 0.422)

THE BAND PERRY - Better Dig Two: 30.781 (+ 1.188)

THE SCRIPT - Hall Of Fame f/will.i.am: 30.579 (+ 0.396)

TAYLOR SWIFT - I Knew You Were Trouble: 23.675 (+ 3.573)

CALVIN HARRIS - Sweet Nothing f/Florence Welch: 23.601 (+ 1.699)

MUSE – Madness: 19.424 (+ 0.153)

ONE DIRECTION - Little Things: 13.148 (+ 0.709)

MAROON 5 - Daylight: 12.408 (+ 1.373)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD - Two Black Cadillacs: 10.303 (+ 1.398)

WILL.I.AM & BRITNEY SPEARS - Scream And Shout: 9.694 (+ 1.302)

Curiosidades:

50 CENT - My Life f/Eminem & Adam Levine: 3.516 (+ 0.556)

KILLERS - Miss Atomic Bomb: 2.024 (+ 0.159)

C. AGUILERA & B. SHELTON - Just A Fool: 1.345 (+ 0.080)