Songs of the Week: "Roar" by Katy Perry and "Applause" by Lady GaGa

Monday was one of those days that music aficionados like myself only dream of. With Katy Perry's new song leaking on Saturday, the singer ramped up the official release of the song for midnight on Monday. Later that morning, Lady GaGa, whose own new single was not supposed to be released until August 19th, suddenly released the new song to fight back against hackers who had leaked the song in bits and pieces on Sunday and Monday. And with that, two of pop's biggest divas had released their new "comeback" singles within twelve hours of one another, and we couldn't be more thrilled. This showdown of singles makes Roar and Applause the EMC Entertainment first-ever co-Songs of the Week.

There is going to be a lot of speculation about which one is better and which one will be more successful. The answer to that last point will be indicated over time through sales and radio airplay, and currently it appears that "Roar" will out-sell "Applause" during their first week. "Roar" will likely chart in the bottom region of the Billboard Hot 100 this week due to late weekend play as the song first leaked, so it's real impact won't be felt until next week, unlike "Applause," which will see its first week on the charts in the top region. "Roar" is currently #1 on iTunes, with "Applause" close behind, and the radio airplay patterns won't be distinguishable until (most likely) September.

But which song is better? Well, I personally think that it's all about the "eye of the beholder." Obviously, Katy Cats (that would be the name of her fans) will think "Roar" is better, and Little Monsters (GaGa's crew) will say "Applause" wins. And what about those without a preference? I would venture to say "Roar" is probably more accessible and likely to appeal to a wider audience. With it's self-empowerment theme and foot-stomping beat, it's the kind of song that needs to be screamed in sports arenas. Katy has always had an affinity for catchy hooks, and "Roar" isn't short of them. "Applause" on the other hand is definitely the dancier song. The beat moves faster and it's more house-music-esque than "Roar." The lyrics, at least the chorus (because I really am not sure what she's getting at with the verses), have to do with GaGa telling her audience that she craves their applause. The chorus is the best part of the song and the "Put your hands up, make them touch!" hook is undeniable. It is because these are two different songs that it makes them hard to be pitted against one another. I think for broad appeal, "Roar" will be the more popular song, and as for which song is best, that's a decision for you to make. So listen to both songs below and make your decision, and let us know in the comments if "Roar" or "Applause" is your early fall jam.

Evan