Any unassuming man will admit to enjoying a rare slab of beef, perusing The Wall Street Journal for stock tips and the latest news from the business world, or spending his weekends watching John Wayne films. What man, though, will reveal his passion for Lady GaGa, his knowledge of all the words to Vanessa Carlton’s “White Houses,” or his habit of pushing through his weight reps by muttering, “It’s Britney, bitch”? None, but just because it’s not in the know doesn’t mean it’s not true. The music world is full of sweet pop morsels, but for most guys, they’re on par with drinking Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and just like a Mike’s Hard, guilty pleasure pop songs go down smoothly, bring the best out of your good time, and leave you feeling satisfied and sweet. A pop song’s catchy melody, along with the artist’s ability to charm the listener, has the same effect, allowing those manly men to let go and nod their heads like “yeah.” Here are the top ten guiltiest pleasures that guys will never admit to.
“Always Be My Baby” — Mariah Carey
In her heyday, Mariah Carey was ahead of the pop fold, and this 1996 hit proves it. It combines the best of bubblegum pop along with the then-burgeoning sound of hip-hop/R&B, showcases Mariah’s vocals at their peak, and, if neither of those are enough to earn it kudos, squeezing the five syllable word “indefinitely” into the chorus is rather deft. While David Cook’s rendition of the song on American Idol may have butched it up a bit, a virile male will still feel sheepish jumping in on the “do-do-doop” hook.
“Halo” — Beyonce
Any guy will gladly admit Beyonce epitomizes “bootylicious-ness,” but that doesn’t mean they won’t give her props for her recording work. The opening percussion beat of her massive hit “Halo” shakes men to the core, ushering them into a heaven elicited by Beyonce’s angelic vocals. The song feels epic and grandiose, much like The Dark Knight or another masculine action movie. This feeling alone, along with an easily memorized chorus, makes it worthy of men.
“White Horses” — Taylor Swift
All right, so Taylor Swift is virtually beloved by all and a tough sell as a “guilty pleasure.” We’re not talking “Love Story,” though. “White Horses” is a ballad with the story of a Lifetime movie. Girl meets boy, girl gets angsty, boy acts unsupportive, and girl sadly but defiantly moves on. Swift’s tender crooning accompanied by a sobbing fiddle creates a profoundly moving song that wiggles its way into the most introspective nooks of a guy’s mind. He, too, will realize he’s not a princess and life is not a fairy tale.
“All You Wanted” — Michelle Branch
When the girl you’ve been stalking all night at that party ignores your every move, there is no better coping technique than this classic. After that special one walks away with someone less worthy, Michelle, with her lonely lyrical genius, really can “save you.” Her powerful voice might be difficult for males to replicate, but there is no better moment than in the shelter of your own shower to belt this guilty pleasure.
“A Thousand Miles” — Vanessa Carlton
Every man has attempted to air guitar a heavy riff, but not many will admit to drumming an air piano beat on the nearest surface. Carlton’s opening piano intro might be the lone exception. Additionally, a song about the consistent pursuit of a desire, regardless of what obstacles stand in the way, is a perfect motivational tool for lifting that extra set of weights or running that extra mile, even if it isn’t a thousand.
“Unwritten” — Natasha Bedingfield
How could the theme song to the most famous guilty pleasure on television – The Hills – not be included in this list? From an irresistable bubblegum pop-like beat to a chorale sung verse, Bedingfield’s tune has everything. “Unwritten” is the perfect choice to motivate you through a blank Word document at 3 a.m. during finals week the night before a paper is due. Guys might not admit this is a favorite, but it’s an unwritten rule that Natasha possesses a spot on every iPod.
“Torn” — Natalie Imbruglia
Back in 1997, when this came on the radio, you know you couldn’t help yourself from belting out the chorus. Of course, during the music video revolution, Natalie dancing and singing in an ever-changing apartment scene made the song stand out even more. Now it floats around in your iPod representing not just a great song for absorbing everyday angst, but also a flashback to elementary school. Sometimes guys are torn, too.
“One Step At A Time” — Jordin Sparks
Listen to this song as you walk across campus and try not to match Jordin’s footsteps as the song opens. The insatiable staccato beat is enough to merit “One Step At A Time” as a frequented guilty pleasure, but when Sparks showcases her powerful pipes, it’s impossible to not be impressed. Plus, when the pursuit to prove yourself and stand out is so impeccably encapsulated in the lyrics, we couldn’t leave it off the list – or get it out of our heads.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” — Whitney Houston
Males across the country may not have needed to wonder if the song they were listening to was masculine enough until Whitney came out with this one. The catchy percussion and freestyle vocal runs have ensured that this hit wasn’t left in 1987, and women and men alike have jammed to it for 23 years. Let’s be honest: Guys, too, just wanna dance with somebody who loves them.
“Poker Face” — Lady GaGa
On a list of 10 musical guilty pleasures, how could this performer, this object of so many obsessions, not make the list? Beer pong games stop when the reverberations of “can’t read my, can’t read my—” bang through the speakers in parties across BC. While most guys will openly admit they like the song, fewer are willing to share that “Poker Face” is on their workout playlist and that they know every word. Yet as Lady Gaga would say, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
The Heights > Arts > The Scene
Let's Be Real...What Guys Are Actually Listening To
Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
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