Originality
Originality. Just what is it? A concept that seems to escape most of the artists within the #PopIndustry, we're not exactly sure how to describe it. The dictionary definition is - of course - "the ability to think independently and creatively". Well, as some of our artists can't do anything without a back-up squad behind them, while others are about as creative as a boring Project Runway outfit, and the others just are incapable of thinking point blank, we believe none of the artists in the industry have the respect for originality that they should.
To prove this statement, we're going to look at our artists in detail while comparing them to others in the industry, showcasing their tribute-act tendencies. First we'll look at The Weeknd. Now, with two-number one singles ('Over You', 'Wait for Me') and a number-one album ('Trouble in Paradise') under his belt, The Weeknd has proved to be a power-player in the industry... well almost. We would compare The Weeknd to the likes of Perrie Edwards; a successful one-era wonder who leaves us asking "who the fuck was that" one season later. To further showcase The Weeknd's lack of originality, the word "You" has been used in a release title 58 times before this week! Just retire already!
The Weeknd's newest #1 single, 'Wait for Me', caused severe controversy when he remixed the track with Atlantic Records representative and Lana Del Rey-hater, New York. The controversy - and the late radio submission from Interscope Records - catapulted the Del Rey collaboration to the top of the Hot Singles Chart. For comparisons, we would compare New York to Rihanna as they both enjoy talking to themselves on Twitter, and for Lana Del Rey, we struggled to find anyone as boring as her (or if there was, we don't remember them), so we'll admit Del Rey has - an ounce of - originality.
Next we'll talk about the originality of Republic Records executive; Christina Aguilera. Wait... ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. HA! Excuse us, sorry. Aguilera's collaboration with fellow-feuder P!nk ('Open My Heart') debuts at the number-two spot as Aguilera's newest collection of stolen tracks that you can find dotted around any record store's catalogue ('Legend X') also charts at the number-two position on the Top Albums Chart. Before this week, 32 releases included the word "My" in their title. We would link Aguilera to Marina Diamandis due to their indistinct personalities and song "writing" styles. Even RCA artist Madonna has claimed she can't tell the difference between these two Beyoncé stans.
Speaking of Madonna, she has shown no hesitation in voicing her disdain for cover albums and their lack-of-originality. Meanwhile, she also campaigned for a Spice Girls cover-album of her own last night on Twitter. We would compare Madonna to Christina Aguilera; double-standard galore (and in Aguilera's case, double-chins too). However where these ladies differ is the success they achieve; Aguilera's self-supplying radio playlists make her a star while Madonna... well, considering we haven't even mentioned her music this week, you know where this is going. Finally, Madonna's alter-ego, Adam Levine already has plans to copy P!nk next year, so spare us the faux-sense of originality, thanks.
On the subject of cover records, let's talk about Troye Sivan & Karen Smith. Sivan and Smith's ABBA cover record 'Mamma Mia' attracted mixed acclaim; with controversy from artists wishing they thought of the idea first, and later planned cover albums/singles (Madonna, Lana Del Rey), or two-faced acclaim from artists that stanned the release on Twitter but failed to showcase that love in her iTunes purchases or radio playlist (Christina Aguilera). We would compare Sivan and Smith as a duo to the likes of Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj; only one of which has talent, only one of which has a big mouth, only one of which looks like a Bratz doll, but both of which are annoying and we wish they could disappear. The word "of" has been used 28 times before this week in a release title. On the subject of originality, Sivan said "I don't know her."
Finally, let's talk about Rihanna. Ultimately, Rihanna has been a hit-or-miss artist for so long; from her number-one hits 'I Need You Here' and 'Glitch' to a track that failed to make the top-five ('King Ghidorah'). While the word "King" is a bit more unique, this is still the fifth time the word has been included in a release title to date. We would compare Rihanna to former collaborator Adam Levine; desperate for success, relevant, sex and just desperate in general - but unlike Levine, Rihanna actually achieves her desperations.