Keri Hilson ft Kanye West & Ne-Yo - 'Knock You Down'
Yes, yes, so it's been in the Top 10 for ages and anything I have to say on the topic beyond "OMG people really seem to like this, don't they?" is so far beyond irrelevant it makes irrelevant seem, y'know...RELEVANT.
You've heard it, I've heard it, people have been downloading it, and NOW it is finally going to be available in the shops. It's the song which brings together Timbaland's mate, that fella with the big ego and venetian blind shades, and the cat in the hat.
So...what to do...do we run a full review, or have a look at the fun things which occur within the lyric sheet? Should there be sensible coverage, or snarky daftness? Chinstroking assessment, or pedantic mucking about?
Well why not both?
(. WHO is going to sweep Kanye West up, please?)
Fun In The Lyric Sheet:
Keri: "You came in and knocked me on my face."
Who comes in and THEN knocks? And on the face? That's just weird.
Ne-Yo: "I used to be commander-in-chief of my pimp ship flyin' high"
No you didn't, that's not a thing you can actually be. And even if you did, if it's YOUR pimp ship, why would you employ anyone else to be commander-in-chief? That's double-bragging. Plus entirely untrue.
Kanye: "We can finally fly off into NASA"
Don't fly INTO NASA! You'll destroy their laboratories, and they're bound to have loads of rocket fuel lying about, it'll be a disaster!
Keri: "Feels like in I'm a race, but I already won first place."
Probably a good time to stop running then.
Ne-Yo: "She shot the bullet that ended that life"
It's hardly the most romantic metaphor for how your circumstances change after you start a new relationship, is it?
Kanye: "You should leave your boyfriend now, I'ma ask him"
Five minutes later, Kanye returns, rubbing his jaw: "Yeah, he said no..."
Full Review:
Nice work, everyone.
Download: Out now
CD Released: June 15th
91Èȱ¬ Music page
(Fraser McAlpine)
"I'd be happier if [Hilson] and West switched places in terms of the time they get."
"The more I listen, though, the more I appreciate how the song's familiar pieces add up to mindless, scrumptious joy."
Comment number 1.
At 14th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Knock you down...... what a great song.
I predict a top ten hit !!!!!!
lol lol lol
Fraser, great fun review, and there's that trademark second paragraph courting controversy again !
I am a huge fan of Kanye but I know what you're up to and refuse to bite !
Great stuff... but what will the purists say ?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 14th Jun 2009, six6driver wrote:I recently saw QI and found it most entertaining. I was informed I could watch it via the internet on the 91Èȱ¬ website. However, I just tried and found all the previous episodes are unavailable for streaming. What's the point of having them on the internet if you can't watch them? Anybody know how to watch previous episodes? Does anybody know if there will be new episodes... the site says there are no new episodes pending... Very much appreciate anyone's insight. I will watch here for replies or you can send directly to me at: [Personal details removed by Moderator] Thanks !
Very disappointing... other sites allowing downloading of all previous episodes of their series... ;-(
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 14th Jun 2009, NOSH33N_x wrote:i lovee this song :) xx
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 14th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Totally agree Nosh , love the sentiment of the song, and Kanye is superb as always.
Time to plug Mr Hudson Supernova again, (Kanye features on this ) , it will be a big hit.
Just waitin for all you Kanye fans to comment on it..........
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 14th Jun 2009, RandomEnigma wrote:Here's another moment of lyrical genius:
Kanye: "This is real bad, real Michael Jackson!"
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 14th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Hey here's a window of opportunity you guys....
Flatknees, Random enigma, I read the N- DUBZ review with great interest....
As Fraser has excellently decided to go down the pedantic mucking around ( his words ) route with this review. ( and very funny it is too ! ).. this is a chance for either Flatknees or the excellent Random Enigma to grab the baton and produce the sensible coverage and the excellent review, that this single may deserve......
The whole of Chartblog is watchin...
Come on guys ... over to you... go for the great review........
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 14th Jun 2009, flatknees wrote:lol, loving the demon-isation for having an opinion spiritwarrior.
I'm not going to write a review when someone else is being paid to do it.
Good to see that Mr. McAlpine thought about the criticism though. Mocking or not different styles were considered. Although I really hope that the style used in this review is not what Fraser thought I had in mind.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 14th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Ha ha...
I think the great man is now thinking about his reviews, or maybe he has lost his bbc. template ! lol
Whatever happens I feel it's great that he has so many intelligent music lovers keeping him on his toes, and ready to pounce like a hungry lion if the standard slips . lol
I am sure he would be disappointed if we didn't comment , as we are obviously all music maestros enjoyin the good sounds.
Looking forward to his next review with bated breath, maybe we should give the reviews stars out of five ?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 15th Jun 2009, thranjax wrote:six6driver... not entirely sure how that relates to the song.. but try youtube.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)
Comment number 10.
At 15th Jun 2009, -RachelS- wrote:Giving reviews stars out of five?
Well, if you're going to review the review according to your criteria, you'll have to make it objective... as in, accuracy, spelling, punctuation, popular appeal and how many hooks it's got!
Otherwise it'll just be your opinion, and that's not going to stand up to scrutiny, is it?!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 10)
Comment number 11.
At 15th Jun 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:Keri: "Feels like in I'm a race, but I already won first place."
Probably a good time to stop running then.
LOL LOL LOL hahahahahaha lol.
Why is Keri Hilson always in a song with someone fancying her? I bet its cos no one fancies her in real life.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 11)
Comment number 12.
At 15th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Yeah .. Fluffy.... the line you mentioned , and Fraser's take on it is comedy gold !
It reminds me Forest Gump... where he scores a touchdown... but keeps on running !
lol
Complain about this comment (Comment number 12)
Comment number 13.
At 16th Jun 2009, RandomEnigma wrote:Spiritwarrior, I step up to your challenge of writing a review for N-Dubz...put's me up to a lot of pressure though! I'm quite busy this week but sure I'll try and put it up on Unreality Shout soon!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 13)
Comment number 14.
At 16th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Ha ha love it.... !
Just been on your site , and read your review of Knock You Down.
Controversial........ yet well detailed analysis. The reviewing depth is credible, and all aspects are considered . I can see your opinions on reviews should always be respected.
Extra points for the reviewer using the word "hook ".
The most important thing a song can have !
Random , your site is always worth a read.
Keep up the good work !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 14)
Comment number 15.
At 16th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Shame you didn't like the song as much as me though...... lol
I personally think the chorus hook that Keri sings is incredibly strong and stays in your head for days.
Kanye and Ne -Yo are also excellent !
Random.. lookin forward to your N-DUBZ review.... as I am sure Fraser is !
No pressure to produce an amazing one, that will have us talking about it's greatness for days ! lol
Chartblog is watching ! lol lol
Complain about this comment (Comment number 15)
Comment number 16.
At 16th Jun 2009, RandomEnigma wrote:Spiritwarrior, I didn't write that review for 'Knock You Down' nor did I set up the Unreality Shout website. That man is Gerard McGarry. My name is RandomEnigma on both this site and Unreality Shout and the last review I wrote on that site was 'Confusion Girl' by Frankmusik.
And besides I love Knock You Down also, it has a perfectly catchy hook, I love the synthy sound of it and I thin it's a perfect Summer R&B slow jam.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 16)
Comment number 17.
At 17th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Thanks for clearing that up !
With a name like Random Enigma , you are hardly gonna reveal your name that easily are you ? Come on Spirit !
It's was like me , for years being in awe of Marilyn Manson , and then him coming up to me at a party and saying.....
"Hi I'm Brian ! " lol
Will read the Frankmusik review in earnest.
Unreality shout ( have we mentioned your excellent website ? lol ) is well worth a look.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 17)
Comment number 18.
At 17th Jun 2009, Daniel wrote:This song is well worth five stars!
Funnily enough though, whenever I hear this song discussed, the main question asked is:
Do you like Kanye's or Neyo's bit best?
Keri Hilson is seldom mentioned. She is good though.
For the record; I like Kanye's bit better.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 18)
Comment number 19.
At 17th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Yeah Dan , I agree that it's a great song.
I feel it fits together well as an overall package and I find it hard to choose.
Anyway , where have you been ?
It's great to read your blog entries again.
Keep em comin !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 19)
Comment number 20.
At 17th Jun 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:I think I prefere Kanye's bit. Though too many cooks?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 20)
Comment number 21.
At 17th Jun 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:Nah, ne-yo's bit is deff. better. Cheerleader of my fantasies, always dating the heads of football teams? Really annoying CLICHE ALERT. Come on, Mr West, you can do better than that!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 21)
Comment number 22.
At 17th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Ha ha... Fluffy certainly certainly studies the lyrics with eagle like prowess. lol
Looking forward to your take on Kanye's Supernova with Mr Hudson.
Most of the time Kanye is one of my lyrical heroes, especially on his first 3 albums.
First class.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 22)
Comment number 23.
At 18th Jun 2009, Daniel wrote:Yes, Fluffy but the video just proves Kanye is better! When him and Ne-Yo square up to each other, Ne-yo just looks comical in his silly little hat!
Ah, Spirit, it's good to be back... I got a bit bored of the ChartBlog for a while, but I'm back for good now! ;)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 23)
Comment number 24.
At 18th Jun 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:Spirit: I totally know what you mean. I'll never forget his line in American Boy - "before he speak, his suit bespoke!". And Love Lockdown had amazing lyrics.
Danny: Nah. Kanye looks like a... well, searching for a word that isn't rude...a bit stupid. Don't knock the hat, Ne Yo looks totally classy. You can imagine him taking out his sword! I can't stand Keri though. She just grins and tries to look sexy and all she can do when they face off is... fall onto a bed. OK then.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 24)
Comment number 25.
At 18th Jun 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:That wasn't a euphemism.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 25)
Comment number 26.
At 18th Jun 2009, Daniel wrote:Yeah, I've never understood the falling onto a bed bit? It'd be fun to do though! It looks like she falls from quite a height!
C'mon now, Ne-Yo looks like a less fat Odd Job! (Except he's not Chinese... Was Odd Job Chinese? Japanese? hmm)
Nah, I do like Ne-Yo though, he's well cool but he would totally get beatens off of Kanye!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 26)
Comment number 27.
At 18th Jun 2009, fluffyfinches wrote:I have just seen a picture of this Odd Job and I doubt I will ever see Ne-Yo in the same light ever again.
Still, Ne-Yo is so much classier than Kanye! You can just imagine him saying really quietly "is there a problem sir?" then Kanye says "yes bruv", then Ne-Yo says "draw if you be a man" and Kanye says "innit bruv" then Ne-Yo OWNS Kanye.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 27)
Comment number 28.
At 18th Jun 2009, Daniel wrote:Since when did Ne-Yo become an old English Gent?!
He's a convict you know...
Ah, I'm not sure why I'm going out my way to make you hate Ne-Yo. I actually like him! I think he's a great musical talent. He can dance and sing and is simply cool.
I'm calling this dual a draw, fluffyfinches!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 28)
Comment number 29.
At 19th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Great jousting !
This is like a rap duel, reminiscent of Eminem in 8 Mile....
I think Kanye and Ne-yo are both great, and both contribute well to facilitate a great song !
Love your take on lyrics Fluffy.
Great to have you back Danny !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 29)
Comment number 30.
At 19th Jun 2009, thranjax wrote:Great Jousting!
Who likes Jabberwocky and the game of hide and seek?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 30)
Comment number 31.
At 20th Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Ha ha !
Jax, you are rubbish at hide and seek.
For example , I have just counted to 100, turnt around , and straight way , I can see your head poking out from the front of Ne-Yo's pimp ship !
You're it !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 31)
Comment number 32.
At 20th Jun 2009, Seneer wrote:a great tune. i dnt think i will ever get tired of listening of listening to it.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 32)
Comment number 33.
At 22nd Jun 2009, spirit wrote:Well as I promised I wanted to use my favourite Kanye lyric , but then I realised that the topic and content may not be suitable for our younger readers.
The track is the album version of;
"Diamonds from Sierra-Leone on Late Registration in which he duets with Jay -Z.
It's track 13.
It's Kanye's take on the blood diamond trade in Africa, and the hardship and negative circumstances that arise.
It is my favourite rap performance by Kanye and totally opened my eyes to his talent.
My other favourite line in this song is rapped by Jay -Z..
How can you falter
When you're the Rock of Gibraltar ?
I had to get off the boat..
So I could walk on water !
This is no tall order ,
This is nothing to me
Difficult takes a day
Impossible takes a week !
The song is amazing, ( what with the Dame Shirley Bassey sample as well ! )
Truly mesmerising !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 33)