T-Swift Fans "Speak Now," Kanye Has a "Runaway" Hit

For the fourth week in a row, Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" is the number song in America. While it's a great accomplishment for him, I'm sure you readers are just about as sick of reading about Mars at number one as I am of writing about it.

So moving right along, Far East Movement's "Like a G6" remains at number two. I was wrong about 'G6' becoming the number one song, but I'm going to hold strong on my prediction and say that it will be number one, most likely next week. And if it isn't next week, it may be doomed to the runner-up spot forever.

The biggest news on the chart was the huge debut of Taylor Swift's second single "Speak Now," off of her upcoming album of the same name. It debuted at number eight, and marked the 6th time Swift has entered the chart in the top 10. This is a new record, breaking the previous record of five top 10 debuts by Mariah Carey. While there has been a mini-backlash against Swift by some music critics and detractors, it appears that her fans still love her and have no plans of not buying her music.



Taylor Swift

While I like Taylor Swift, I can see the side of those who are growing tired of her and her 'schtick.' She probably truly is a nice, sweet person. But she constantly sings about the same things - love and boys. Obviously this would be a huge topic for any young female singer, but to me making songs about college and weddings (like in "Mine" and "Speak Now") instead of high school doesn't exactly equal musical growth. Despite its huge debut, I think "Speak Now" will have trouble remaining in the top 10.

Also making a huge debut on the Hot 100 is Swift's forgiven nemesis Kanye West. West's song "Runaway" was finally released to iTunes after being performed on the MTV VMA's about a month ago. To fans it was worth the wait as it scored a number 12 debut. It was the third-highest debut of West's career, after the two biggest hits of his last album, "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless," each which debuted in the top 5.

Kanye West performing "Runaway" at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

While I really like Taylor Swift as a person but am growing tired of her music, the exact oppostie situation applies to Kanye West. I have always hated him as a person (even before it became "cool" after the Taylor Swift incident) but no one can deny that he knows how to make catchy, mainstream music that is still interesting, unique, and experimental. I love "Runaway" because it has the classic Kanye half-sing, half-rap all while incorporating the fact that he knows he's a "douchebag," "asshole," "scumbag," and "jerkoff." At least he gained some self-awareness from the T-Swift incident.

Kanye West and Taylor Swift in less happy times.

If you haven't heard Taylor and Kanye's new songs, here are the links (neither has an official music video yet):
Speak Now - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7eqcWdY4Cg

Runaway - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDFUPBHvcM8

Be sure to check back next week to see if "Like a G6" can finally overtake Bruno Mars, and if Swift and West climb higher of fall back on the charts after their huge debuts.