The newest release from longtime rock band Green Day is a solid, if not revolutionary single. "21 Guns" addresses issues of knowing when to quit and not letting an excess of pride make you miserable. The music--which switches from calm and mellow to edgy, hard rock several times--is surprisingly technically difficult, yet is carried off as if it is as simple. Green Day's straightforward style makes fans nostalgic for the early days of rock and roll.

"Halo" is an interesting song coming from Beyonce. Unlike most of her power ballads, the lyrics are beautiful and meaningful. However, her delivery obscures their beauty, making this song yet another unremarkable dance beat. It is a shame to hear the song sung so wrong. Completely redone, it could be the best song of Beyonce's career. The way it is, it is the same as all of her other many releases. Beyonce's power, status, beauty and commercial appeal always overshadow her work. This song had a chance to break that pattern, but ultimately failed.

"Love Story" is an all right song, despite being ridden with cliches and mildly hampered by Taylor Swift's lack of vocal prowess. My frustration with this artist mostly stems from her unoriginality. Taylor Swift is such a good girl. Her squeaky-clean image will last her a few years, and she will probably continue to rise in popularity due to mostly unremarkable songs like this. In a few years, though, I hope to see Swift naughty it up a little bit, and bring out an edgier but more believable persona. Only in taking risks and showing her true personality will she reach her musical peak.

This song is somewhat confusing upon preliminary examination, but it's riotous laughter and contradictory statements portray the turmoil that Britney Spears has endured for the past few years. Amy represents Britney Spears and the lyrics of "If U Seek Amy" make multiple statements about her emotions and mental state. Among other things, she is talking about her fickle fans ("love me, hate me,") and the stalking and following that she has suffered ("I just wanna go to the party she gonna go"). The laughter is significant considering Britney's condition (out-of-control laughter is an excellent portrayal of the bipolar mind--up and down, crazy, out-of-control, and paranoid) and Britney's past (the world watched her mental breakdown and most people merely laughed). This song, although poignant, is fascinating psychologically. Its multiple meanings and symbolism are brilliance, and once again, Britney Spears is back in full force.

Katy Perry loves to take risks. This song was the perfect catchy melody to help her break into the Top 40 scene and into national prominence. Impossible to get out of your head, whether people love it or hate it, they will always remember it. This minister's daughter has a perfectly calculated naughty image that will likely carry her far. Her characteristic hype music is the perfect guilty pleasure. Fans needn't have worried that "I Kissed A Girl" would make Katy Perry a one-hit wonder. This song is a novelty, yes, but Katy Perry is the true novelty.

I think that these meaningful lyrics are completely spoiled by the artist. Miley Cyrus croons her way through this entire song. Even her retouched studio recording is nasal and ear-piercing; her live renditions border on nightmarish. I wish the songwriters and music producers had given this song to another artist. It could be simple but heartwarming, but thanks to a vocally untalented Miley Cyrus it is only a headache.