Mike Thiel column: Usher, Katy Perry, Taio Cruz among artists defining summer radio play

Think of all the music you mentally digest in a week; what songs get stuck in your head? What melody do you find yourself humming along to even when you despise it?

For some reason, summer songs are far more contagious than songs released in other seasons, and 2010’s defining summer tunes are beginning to pop; Usher’s back, Katy Perry never left and Taio Cruz is finally creeping up on the veterans.

Choosing this summer’s top dance/club tracks was difficult but after considering the timing of the release, longevity on the charts, radio play, current chart status and a little subjectivity, it became easier to dole out my five songs to be remembered in the summer of 2010.

“OMG” by Usher

After hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and currently lasting 16 weeks on the charts, I will go on record to say that “OMG” holds enough weight to close down 2010 as the summer’s defining song. Even in its almighty radio rotation, “OMG” shines brighter than other tracks with its clever song structure, fun incorporation of technology lingo and new school meets old school video. Usher is back in 2010 and is inching closer to filling the void left by our now Michael Jackson-less music world.

“Dynamite” by Taio Cruz

“Break Your Heart” added the commercial value of Ludacris to lift it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but “Dynamite” has Cruz all on his own, rocking a simple solo sing-along. I’m loving this track right now and it’s holding its place on the charts well; too soon to tell if this one will get old fast, but right now it’s exploding like … dynamite.

“Club Can’t Handle Me” by Flo Rida

Last night, “Club Can’t Handle Me” was sitting at No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100, which means it has the potential to do some serious climbing in the upcoming weeks. Though sometimes it reminds me of a “I Got a Feeling”/”Hamster Dance Song” hybrid, it’s a total hands-up party track that has potential to last in the DJ’s play list.

“I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias

Originally, I poked fun and called this song “I Don’t Like It,” but its continuous radio play has forced me to sing along, and now, the song and I enjoy our time together. Whether any of us really “like it” or not, Iglesias and Pitbull nail the summer sound with this one.

“California Gurls” by Katy Perry

It’s the current No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 (as of last night) and is shaping up to be the peanut butter to our summer jam. A catchy hook, an assist from Snoop Dogg and a risque music video were enough to boot “OMG” from the top spot a few weeks ago and it has anchored itself since. Also, the No. 1 hit is spurring YouTube spoofs like “Minnesota Gurls,” which is sure to inspire more (bad) knock-offs, keeping this summery tune fresh until the leaves start falling.

Source: http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20100722/APC0502/100721092/Mike-Thiel-column-Nothing-defines-a-summer-like-constant-radio-play