SONG OF THE DAY (SUNDAY?FUNDAY)? Zendaya – “Replay”

The stream of former Disney stars into the pop music world seems to be hitting a new peak with consecutive hits by Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Bridgit Mendler, and Miley Cyrus all getting massive radio play and club play (thanks to exceptional remixes). Next up is Zendaya.? Fresh from her runner-up spot on Dancing with the Stars, the honey-voiced pop diva on the rise unleashes “Replay,”? a surprisingly edgy pop song with grime-inflected beats and a sickeningly catchy chorus that will play over “again and again” in your head after you hear it the first time.??? For club consumption, stadium house-styled mixes by Riddler and DJ Kue stand as the strongest contenders, though Ralphi Rosario’s tribal take will keep the circuit boys happy. My attention is on producer Bit Error who has risen from the world of white label/bootlegs to construct an incredibly strong electro mix (minus the cliched buildup/drops) which will dominate commercial dance floors when it’s released with the second round of remixes. If you are looking for remixers on the rise, Bit Error is definitely one to watch (and be sure to check out his mix of Bridgit Mendler’s “Hurricane,” which didn’t seem to get the DJ love it deserved).

Image courtesy of Hollywood Records.

SONG OF THE DAY: Paul Oakenfold ft Azealia Banks – “Venus”

Pair one of the most respected and legendary dance music producers with one of most promising and buzzworthy vocalists and the results can go in many directions.? Paul Oakenfold is busy finishing up his forthcoming Pop Killer album, which is rumored to feature collaborations with everyone from Red Hot Chili Peppers and One Republic to Gnarls Barkley and B.O.B, so the idea of pairing him with Azaelia Banks is kind of inspired.? Produced by Richard Benyon, the track is fairly typical festival (and radio) friendly stadium house which comes alive with the multiple personalities of Azealia. Her elevated French lyrics (flashback to “1991”) flow into a melodic singing part and a tough (but not too aggressive) rap flow. “Venus” is easily the most accessible song Azealia has done in the two years since her buzzy breakthrough “212,” as her voice sounds fully-realized as opposed to the rushed, ratchet feeling of some of her tracks in the interim.? Seeing as the big-named dance producer and hip-hop artist tracks often lose a lot in translation, “Venus” is one time where a seemingly odd mismatch brings both collaborators to a higher place.

Image courtesy of Warner Brothers.