Welcome to Games 7 and 8 of the Ultimate Pop Song Tournament!
These games are CLOSED. (GO HERE FOR OPEN GAMES)
To see the complete bracket, just go here. For info on how we chose the songs and everything else Tournament-related, go here.
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And now… we’ve got a gender-bending trailblazer v. a high-stepping dancer and a new Titan v. an established legend.
Game 7 (Joy Bomb Division)
“Karma Chameleon” (Culture Club) v. “Straight Up” (Paula Abdul)
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7. “Karma Chameleon” (Culture Club)
As I’m writing up these entries, I’m realizing how many of these songs don’t make any damn sense. How would loving be easier if your boyfriend were red, gold, and green? Wouldn’t that mean a horrible skin disease had colonized his body? But… silly me. I should stop thinking and just savor the hand-clapping penultimate chorus, where the music drops out then comes back in. There’s a laid-back quality to this song’s lush harmonies and mid-tempo shuffle that make it the perfect companion for a twilight drive with the windows down or, as the video proves, a steamboat voyage. That offsets the trip through Boy George’s Crayola box and makes this an effervescent classic that I am always happy to hear. — Mark
10. “Straight Up” (Paula Abdul)
Remember, y’all? Before she was known for being a curiously medicated spazz who got to flutter her sleepy eyes at teenage singing sensations, Paula Abdul was a dance-music superstar, and it all started with this absolute killer of a song. The percussion is hard and sharp like a slap to the face, and Abdul’s vocal matches it with her rat-a-tat delivery of lines like, “Or am I a page in your history… BOOK.” She says doesn’t mean to make demands, but she’s just fooling. “Straight Up” is aggressive and saucy, and as a result, I feel ten percent sexier whenever it’s on. –Mark
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Game 8 (Joy Bomb Division)
“Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson) v. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (Tina Turner)
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2. “Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson)
Consider this: “Since U Been Gone” was powerful enough to lift Kelly Clarkson from the jaws of American Idol. Back in 2004, the show was at its cultural peak, and it was reasonable to think that Clarkson could never escape it, no matter how many pleasant ballads she released. Then “Since U Been Gone” leapt from Zeus’ thigh. It was so catchy that it allowed us to consider Clarkson not as that chick who won a game show, but as a true pop star. Sure, Idol will be in her obituary, but because of “Since U Been Gone,” it won’t be in the first line. — Mark
15. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (Tina Turner)
This video got more airtime in 1984 than Mary Lou Retton at the Los Angeles Olympics, and I can’t hear the song without imagining Tina Turner’s hand sliding down that chain link fence. Strangely, though, the video doesn’t quite fit the bruised, defensive cynicism of the song, which makes loveless fucking sound positively ideal. That’s a key to the track’s longevity: It has the swagger of an empowerment anthem, but it has the heart of a nihilist. The more closely you listen, the more complicated it becomes, and that keeps you hitting replay. — Mark
37 responses so far ↓
1 Andrew K. // Jul 26, 2011 at 8:54 am
Sure, Karma Chameleon is probably more popular and whatnot but I can’t vote against Paula. A) Because “Straight Up” IS that good and because I’ve got residual love for “Rush” which is my favourite song of hers.
2 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:01 am
Andrew, since you brought up “Rush Rush,” I have to mention that when the video premiered, I kept a running tally of how many times I had seen it. I don’t know why, exactly, but it seemed like a great way to demonstrate my undying love for that song, that video, and of course for Paula herself.
3 miguel // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:07 am
given the fact that i did my 8th grade “What’s your favorite song?” presentation on “Straight Up,” the choice was clear!
4 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:09 am
Miguel, what kind of dream school did you go to where you got to deliver a presentation on your favorite song?
5 Jeff C // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:16 am
I’ve always thought Karma Chameleon was kind of disjointed. And dislike the harmonica.
Straight Up, on the other hand, was a classic late 80′s L.A.-synth dance pop number. The entire Forever Your Girl album would qualify (in fact, Cold Hearted is probably the best song on the album and would have been my tourney pick).
What’s Love Got To Do With It was a comeback of sorts for Tina Turner, and deserves to be in the tournament. But Since U Been Gone was such a good mashup of a European pop song (think ABBA) and a straightforward 2000′s hard rock song – I think it was Dr. Luke’s first smash. It set the template for a lot of other similar pop/rock songs (Teenage Dream, Party in the USA, etc.).
6 Alice // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:24 am
This first round of voting has made me realise that although I love lots of 80s music, my musical tastes were formed in the 90s.
Voting against Straight Up would be a slap in the face to my early teen years.
7 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:42 am
Jeff, I ended up voting just like you: Kelly and Paula all the way. The Culture Club/Paula Abdul matchup was a tougher choice, though. “Cold Hearted” got considered, but ultimately, “Straight Up” feels more iconic of her entire career.
8 Joslyn // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:57 am
I’m shocked at the early results thus far! When I first heard about the Tournament, the first song that came to mind was “Since U Been Gone”. Absolutely the best pop song of the past decade at least, and maybe my pick to go all the way. Agree that Tina Turner is fierce, but I cannot imagine the match-up where I’ll vote against Kelly.
And Karma Chameleon! Always thought it was understood that it was one of the BEST songs of the 80′s. Up there with Jessie’s Girl, which, gotta say I’m missing from this bracket. Not even a close call for me on this one.
9 Danny // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:11 am
I think overall, newer songs are at a disadvantage. The older stuff has more of the nostalgia factor, and many of those performers have a stronger status as “icons” than the newbies due to their age. That said, of all the new-ish songs in the bracket, I think “Since U Been Gone” is probably the best, and has the best chance of making some waves in this tourny… if it can make it past round one, that is.
10 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:13 am
Danny, you may be right about older artists having the edge, but like you, I believe in “Since U Been Gone.” I will be shocked if it doesn’t perform well.
11 InfoMofo // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:21 am
Oh I love me some Karma Chameleon, but it’s competition is forcing me to bid it a-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-bye.
12 Dan Turner // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:23 am
I’m going with the idol choices here, though I absolutely detest everything that the idol juggernaut has stood for. Other than Simon saying “it’s not good enough” which was too often true for that beast to continue to live, I hate American Idol. That said, P-dul’s song is classic dance-pop (in fact just where is Janet Jackson, boys? Are you saying “Control,” “Pleasure Principle” and “If” were not on your radar?!?!?!?), and “Since U Been Gone” is in the top 5 of my home iTunes “# of plays” (see also: Amerie’s 1 thing; Daft Punk’s Aerodynamic; ELO’s “Telephone”; and Massive Attack’s “Protection” featuring Tracey Thorn).
13 Kara // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:28 am
ARGH. I was dreading the Kelly/Tina faceoff. I love “Since U Been Gone” beyond all reason, but TINA FUCKING TURNER.
14 SashaPT // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:45 am
Paula Abdul is such a guilty pleasure. Shopping on Saturday, Hot Grocery Hits 100* (*TM Sars & Wing) played “Promise of a New Day” – remember that? the one with the video where they stretched the frames so she looked taller and thinner?) – and shamefully I knew every word.
(And I always thought it was “Or am I a page in your history | LOOK, I don’t mean to make demands” – if it’s BOOK, then I really will need to rethink this whole thing.)
15 Nick Davis // Jul 26, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Dan: I would say that Janet and Mariah fell prey to the same syndrome where we love so many of their songs but trying to isolate one as the iconic jam from their portfolios became daunting. In a bracket of pop stars, they’d be high seeds, but individual songs kept losing out to bigger statements by other artists. (I definitely feel that Janet’s catalog is way undervalued these days.)
16 Lena // Jul 26, 2011 at 11:06 am
Who are these joyless people who are voting against Karma Chameleon?! For shame!
I genuinely thought Tina Effing Turner v Kelly Clarkson would be a difficult choice… til I saw Bonnie T v Cyndi Lauper. Unfair!
17 Maggie // Jul 26, 2011 at 11:42 am
I really like Kelly Clarkson, I just wish I liked her music more. “Since U Been Gone” doesn’t do much for me, so I had to go with “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”
Culture Club v. Paula Abdul was so much harder! I watched both videos. I sang along to every word. I danced in my room. And then I voted for Paula. “Straight Up” takes me back to my childhood bedroom, hair crimper in hand. I love it.
18 Emily // Jul 26, 2011 at 12:14 pm
“I’m so moving on–YEAH Yeah”. You can’t beat that with a stick. Sorry Tina. Please don’t beat me with your wig.
19 Dan Turner // Jul 26, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Nick, I appreciate your candor, but I defy your logic. Tell me you can put on J.J.’s “Control” and not shimmy your shoulders. And she practically pioneered the headphone mic in popular video parlance! Fie!!! (shakes fist) “Don’t make me lose it.”
20 Nick Davis // Jul 26, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Fair point, Dan, but you may be underestimating how often I shimmy my shoulders to a lot of songs. And in Janet’s case, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Pleasure Principle,” “Miss You Much,” “Nasty,” and “If” all exert at least as much power as “Control.” Total toss-up.
Keep opening that lead, Tina! Go, go, go!
21 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Nick and Dan — I am truly saddened that Janet isn’t in the bracket, as I work out to her music at least twice a month. But that said, I couldn’t bring myself to vote for any particular song when we were winnowing down the nominees for the tournament. Argh! Old guilt returning!
22 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 1:11 pm
PEOPLE — HOW IS KELLY CLARKSON NOT IN THE LEAD?
23 ferretrick // Jul 26, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Mark, BECAUSE YOU PUT HER UP AGAINST TINA FUCKING TURNER RIGHT OFF THE BAT!!!!!! I love Kelly, but sorry, but this is not even a contest. Other than River Deep, Mountain High, What’s Love is Tina’s BEST song. And, @Jeff C, “sort of” a comeback? WLGTDWI was the breakout hit that established Tina as a solo artist and proved once and for all that she did not need that abusive dickwad Ike Turner.
Sorry, I’m a bit of a crazed Tina fan. Can you tell? Also-fun fact. Tina Turner HATED WLGTDWI when she first heard it and had no idea it was written specially for her.
24 Nick Davis // Jul 26, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@Ferretrick: Yes. My thoughts on Its Majesty “What’s Love…” are here.
25 Kitty // Jul 26, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Just like with the Dolly/Gaga matchup, the Culture Club vs. Paula battle would no doubt go a different way if the CC song was something other than Karma Chameleon. I definitely understand why it was chosen, but it is easily my least favorite tune from Culture Club. Now, if the battle included say, “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me”, “Miss Me Blind” or “Time”? Ms. Abdul would be going down.
Straight Up is catchy as hell though isn’t it? Not as good as Cold Hearted Snake but still.
26 Courtney // Jul 26, 2011 at 4:25 pm
I had to vote for Straight Up because as a kid who took a lot of dance classes in the late eighties and early nineties, I don’t think there was a Paula Abdul song that I DIDN’T do a routine to at some point or another. I hear Paula and I instantly start doing pirouettes and leaps in my head.
I also voted for Kelly because I just find that song more fun to sing and dance along to when I’m alone in my car. Which come to think of it, is how I’ve been making a lot of my decisions so far in this tournament.
27 Jeff C // Jul 26, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I realized Mariah Carey had been left off the list, and tried to make the argument that she should be included, but this is a pop *song*, not pop *artist* list. The most iconic songs Mariah has are either (1) Vision of Love, or (2) Hero, both of which would probably get whomped early on in this tournament.
But then Dan T brought up Janet Jackson – and I totally agree. “Rhythm Nation” or “Control” should have been on this list. Also, Lionel Richie. Maybe the commenters can create the NIT/also-ran bracket out of all of our complaining.
28 Mark Blankenship // Jul 26, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Oh, Jeff… you don’t know what you just started. There has been much discussion among the nominators about revealing our also-rans and close-calls, but I’m hesitant to do it. I don’t want to call too much attention away from the songs that actually are competing, you know? Obviously, with only 64 entries, some amazing songs are going to be absent, and I’m hesitant to start a conversation that might inadvertently make people less interested in voting for the songs that actually were chosen.
Or am I just worrying too much?
29 Roommate Joe // Jul 26, 2011 at 5:23 pm
I should note that advocating for “Rhythm Nation” as a standout single is the first step on the Janet-fan’s road to ruin, at least as far as this tournament was concerned.
30 Maggie // Jul 26, 2011 at 5:33 pm
One of my favorite things about this contest is hearing why people are so connected to certain songs, whether they’ve thoughtfully critiqued the song or it was playing during a defining time, or the song just makes them feel good. So I wouldn’t mind having a new crop of songs to discuss and pit against these songs. But I would be happy to wait until after this tournament is over.
(It was be fine not to release them too. There’s a lot to talk about here too.)
31 Sadie // Jul 26, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Tough ones.
I went with Straight Up. It makes me want to dance and, well, it’s just more of Joy Bomb.
And after much deliberation: Since U Been Gone. It is Pop. When I hear this chorus, I just want to jump up and snarl and dance with righteousness. I love it. Still, it was hard not to vote for Tina. This one is going to be decided by like 2 votes.
32 Jessica // Jul 27, 2011 at 12:11 am
Karma Chameleon and What’s Love Got to Do With It. The first one was a close one though, and I see that so far the other voters are as divided as I was trying to decide it.
33 Jessica // Jul 27, 2011 at 12:46 am
As for Janet, ‘Control’ and ‘Rhythm Nation’ are actually a couple of my least favorite of her major songs. ‘Nasty’, ‘Miss You Much’, ‘Love Will Never Do Without You’, and ‘If’ would all be better choices to me. If I was to pick one song of hers for this competition it’d be…’Nasty.’
34 Nick Davis // Jul 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm
The Tina fans are coming back! Roll, tide!
35 robot // Jul 28, 2011 at 3:05 pm
while Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis did not produce Paula Abdul’s track the Roland D50 stabs are seriously bad ass
Straight up!
there is Auto tune all over the Kelly Clarkson crap, so that disqualifies it right there
I’d forgotten how much of a reggae feel the back beat of Turners track has, but seriously Tina crushes it on this song, Mary Lou Retwho indeed
What’s Love Got to do with it!
36 pamie // Jul 29, 2011 at 11:14 am
If you’d chosen Tina’s “You’d Better Be Good To Me” I might have had a harder time choosing, but how can “Since U Been Gone” not be beating everyone’s ass?
If I end up having to choose between”Since U Been Gone” and “Alone,” I will have a panic attack.
37 Mark Blankenship // Jul 29, 2011 at 11:24 am
Pamie, thank you for your sound judgment regarding “Since U Been Gone.” I secretly want it to win everything. Except when I remember “Like a Prayer.”
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