1. Royals – Lorde
New Zealand rising star Lorde has topped the charts with her refreshing hip-hop infused alternative track. She pokes fun at traditionally superficial pop music that focuses on expensive lifestyles and wild youth.

2. Stay The Night – Zedd featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore
Zedd’s “Stay The Night” is a club-ready track with big electronic melodies and matching piano, accompanied by Hayley Williams’ vibrant and sensual vocals. It is sure to be a new favorite.

3. White Walls – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Fences
Macklemore does it again! Using the formula that made “Thrift Shop” so popular, Macklemore raps behind a cool trip-hop beat with accompanying saxophone. Fences shines in the catchy chorus as her soft voice adds edge to a gritty, low rider sound.

4. Timber – Pitbull featuring Ke$ha
 “It’s going down / I’m yelling timber,” Ke$ha sings in Pitbull’s bouncy new club hit. Pitbull and Ke$ha blend well together, combining their talent for party music to produce this great track.

5. This Is How We Do – Katy Perry
Similar to Hot Chelle Rae’s “I Like It Like That,” Perry delivers a fun-loving, head-bobbing party starter with “This Is How We Do.” Perry’s signature silly side comes out in this standout track. “Yo / This goes out to all you kids that still have their cars at the club valet / And it’s Tuesday” she quips.

Louie DeMetre
Freelance Writer
Published Nov. 12, 2013