Catchy hooks, universal themes behind exceptional singles’ ‘long legs’ and tantalizing musicality
Singer Ed Sheeran AP FILE PHOTO
What makes a pop song click? More often, the success of a single is driven by a fascinating combination of instantly catchy hooks that are hard to shake off and lyrics that resonate with music buffs.
In the case of “Shape of You,” the lead single of Ed Sheeran’s No. 1 album “Divide,” it owes its long-running popularity to a confluence of fortuitously complementary elements.
The dancehall-infused chart-topping tune wasn’t even meant for Ed originally—it was intended for Rihanna until the British popmeister realized that its lyrics weren’t the type RiRi would readily warble.
More than its irresistible riffs, however, the song, which has just logged its eighth week at No. 1 on the Billboard 100, enthusiastically expresses the heady pleasures of attraction and the growing affection that develops between the parties involved. You can’t be any more universal than that.
Justin Bieber
On the other hand, “Deja Vu’s” “long legs” have proven that while it’s true that it’s indubitably radio-friendly, it is also far from disposable—like most now-you-hear-them, now-you-don’t pop songs on the music scene.
True, Justin Bieber’s sexy-as-heck collaboration with singer-rapper Post Malone, may have been in the airwaves since September last year.
But the song has demonstrated its sturdy “legs” and scorching allure over time as it continues to attract discerning R&B aficionados with its sassy, sweltering sound and the Bieber-Malone tandem’s tantalizing musicality.
In the track culled from Malone’s debut album “Stoney,” Justin mulls over a no-labels-type relationship between two consenting adults who could choose to transcend physical attraction and sex.
Is there a future for the couple beyond their increasingly habitual “casual” encounters?
More to the point, is there hope for Justin’s relationship with the mystery girl in question to kick their intimacy up a notch and take it to the next level?
With the concept of déjà vu driving its story, the tune lusciously captures the singer’s thoughtful dithering as he waits to see if the girl feels the same way about him.
