VOA常速英语:Top 5 Songs for Week Ending August 17

We’re spotlighting the five most popular songs in the Billboard Magazine Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending August 17, 2013.

Last week, One Direction smashed into the hit list in second place with “Best Song Ever.
Jumping two slots to fifth place are two masters of chart longevity: Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake with “Holy Grail.” This week, Jay-Z and Justin wind up their joint tour of North America. Next month, Justin drops the second volume of his 20/20 Experience album.

Rebounding a slot to fourth place are Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams with “Get Lucky.” The French duo was a no-show on a popular U.S. TV program last week. Daft Punk was supposed to perform on the The Colbert Report, but appeared to cancel at the last minute. Host Stephen Colbert told writer Paul Mercurio that MTV pulled the plug - because Daft Punk was contracted to appear at the Video Music Awards ceremony, scheduled for August 25.

Imagine Dragons has a huge hit with “Radioactive,” which rises to number three this week - a double-platinum smash. But at least one writer wonders if it’s the worst song ever written. Venting in his blog “Hipster Runoff,” Carles - cites clichéd lyrics and an uninspired melody. No hate mail please! We're just reporting this.

The jury also seems divided on Miley Cyrus’ latest hit, but enough people love “We Can’t Stop” to return it to second place. Back in 2009, she also hit the runner-up slot with “Party In The U.S.A.” Miley has titled her fourth studio album Bangerz, and tells MTV UK that the guest list includes Future, Pharrell Williams, Big Sean, and Ludacris. Right now, it carries no release date.

This is a banner week for Robin Thicke. In fact, it’s the best week of his 10-year recording career. He extends his Hot 100 dominance to nine weeks with “Blurred Lines” featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams. That’s the longest championship run by a male solo act since 2008, when Flo Rida lasted 10 weeks with “Low.” Not only does Robin rule the Hot 100 this week, he also scores his first U.S. pop album title.

That’s all for now, but a new lineup is coalescing even as we speak. We'll be back next week with details.