The Bottom Line
Yes, it's catchy. Yes, Taio Cruz does have a charming, friendly delivery. However, this all sounds just too corporate and like the elements of the record were put together in the boardroom. The sterile precision here ultimately is dull by the time the song is over over over.
Pros
- Catchy singalong chorus
- Easy to dance to
Cons
- Dull, generic vocals
- Word repetition that borders on annoying
- Sterile, corporate sound
Description
- Written by Taio Cruz, Max Martin, and Bonnie McKee
- Produced by Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco
- Released July 2010 by Island Records
Guide Review - Taio Cruz - "Dynamite"
On paper, it is the dream team once again putting together a single for hot British soul singer Taio Cruz. No one has a hotter gold touch right now than Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Benny Blanco. Maybe this would have worked if someone had suggested loosening up somewhere. As it is, everything feels wound tight. Taio Cruz delivers the words in such precise fashion it sterilizes the recording. The word repetition from dance dance dance dance to move move move move starts to feel like just perhaps it amounts to space filling in the song in order to avoid the effort of writing any additional lyrics.
The same team collaborated on Katy Perry's massive hit "California Gurls," and part of the difference is the performance of the artist. The sly entreaties of Snoop Dogg's welcome combined with Katy Perry's warm-hearted, quirky party girl persona gives "California Gurls" a much-needed warmth. By contrast Taio Cruz sounds like a rather faceless R&B singer. Any particular personality is lacking here.
Critical complaints aside, "Dynamite" is a second US smash hit from Taio Cruz. However, two hits on without a distinct, non-generic personality to his sound, it seems the durability of Taio Cruz as a top level star is called into question. While it is catchy, it is difficult to imagine "Dynamite" being remembered well when we get to the end of 2010 let alone five years from now.
