Y: Of all the people who could rightfully cover “Jealous,” Ne-Yo is the perfect choice. He floats all over this and adds an effortless cool. [Rap-Up]
Y: I’ve seen the Laverne & Shirley revenge concept too many times to be that impressed with it. The showdown between the Veronicas and the crappy dude at the end gets a thumbs up for theatrics. [Idolator]
N: This is a decent version of “FourFiveSeconds” by James Bay. Someone else could do it better. For a song that’s acoustic gold, I’m surprised there aren’t more artists covering it. [Billboard]Y: Trina went ahead and flipped “Lean on Me” into an anthem for boozing responsibly, featuring who else but T-Pain. This works as a cool going-dumb party song once you get past the sappy hook. [Rap-Up]
N: I had to double check that this leftover track “Love” was really Kid Cudi. He sounds totally different. It doesn’t speak to me. I do like that he’s singing out overcoming the blues with self-love. [Miss Info]
Y: Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One’s Tuxedo project is a nice retreat for neo-disco lovers and the perfect soundtrack to me daydreaming about rollerskating. [iTunes]
Y: The sheer dejection in Tobias Jesso Jr.’s “Without You” is painful in a good way: “Nothing changes, no it all just stays the same.” [Stereogum]
N: Christina Milian’s “Rebel” is fine as a simple slow jam, the type of song that works best for her vocal range. Good enough, but not a playlist staple. [Necole Bitchie]
Y: Usher and his butter voice on “The Matrimony” reminds me why I still love him. Wale is on it, too. [Billboard]
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