"Dark Horse" - The Dark Horse Of A Song

"Dark Horse" by Katy Perry is probably one of the most impressive songs this year.

Originally released as a promotional single from her latest album PRISM, "Dark Horse" has proved itself to be quite a dark horse of a song. While the official second single "Unconditionally" surprisingly became a chart stumble, failed to reach the top 10, "Dark Horse" has an impressive original run of 14 weeks, based on huge digital sales which out peaked "Unconditionally", before even being released as a single. The song was a obviously a fan favorite, and both pop and urban radio picked the song up before any official add date which results in the song making its way to top 40 Pop Songs beforehand.

In mid-December, following the unexpected success as a promo single, "Dark Horse" was chosen as the third single from PRISM. On January 29, the song reached #1 on Hot 100, and so far has stayed on the top position for 4 weeks in its amazing 28-week chart run. "Dark Horse" is her 9th number one, and her 10th song to reach the 3 million sales milestone.

Not only being praised by its soaring hooks and sleekly sculpted production, "Dark Horse" was also praised by its colorful music video. Robert K. Ritner, Professor of Egyptology at the University of Chicago, praised the video for the accuracy in using ancient Egyptian symbols and stories references.

Source: Time Magazine 

With over 21 million views on Youtube in just 3 days after being released, "Dark Horse" could probably spend another week atop Hot 100. In Canada and Netherlands, the song also reached the top spot.

Watch the stunning music video below:

Jenny from the Block Is Back!

Ok JLOvers, we finally have what we wish for! Urban J.Lo is back!

She's still the same girl from the block, and better than ever. The first buzz single from her highly anticipated upcoming album has just been released, titled "Same Girl." This is such a wonderful come back to the 2002-2004 urban-styled J.Lo from the generic dance J.Lo featuring Pitbull. The song, written by Jennifer Lopez herself and Chris Brown, receives high praises from the critics and her devoted fan base.

But not only the record is praised - the music video for this buzz single is much praised as well. This time, the "On the Floor" singer takes a trip back to her old neighborhood, the Bronx, again. Even though there're no special effect or ground breaking scenes, it's just Jenny going around the Bronx (she's on the 6 train again!), meeting up fans and friends and having fun, but at one point in the music video, the background sounds come up and an older woman in the street looks at the singer, exclaiming "Jenny from the Block"! So much love and emotions in this laid-back and personal video. 

It's even more amazing when you find out she did this video without planning for it. "This was probably the craziest thing I've done in my career of music and movies," she said about making the video. "I like just being able to do things spontaneously, and not have everything so planned out. It's fun, it's creative, it's what art should be." 

Not sharing as much spotlight as "Same Girl", another buzz single from J.Lo, titled "Girls" also catches attention from music fans. It's a fun collaboration with DJ Mustard, and a true banger. While "Same Girl" is an R&B influenced pop song, "Girls" is a true urban smash. It reminds a lot of Cassie's music back in the day. Surprisingly, even though it's just a buzz single with zero promotion ("Same Girl" even gets a music video), "Girls" is still getting early airplay from urban radio stations. It seems like everyone, not just the fans, are craving for the come back of urban J.Lo. With all of the early success for an yet unnamed album, we can totally expect more from the Latina diva soon.

Watch the music video for "Same Girl" and listen to "Girls" here: