VOA常速英语:Top 5 Songs for Week Ending Nov. 8

We’re cranking up the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending November 8, 2014.

Ring the bells and break out the confetti, because our countdown is again co-ed! That’s right, after seven long weeks, the men return to the Top Five lineup.

It all happens in fifth place, where Maroon 5 jumps two slots with “Animals.” The video for this song caused plenty of controversy… The bloody video features lead singer Adam Levine stalking his real-life wife, model Behati Prinsloo. Anti-violence groups are outraged at what they see as a romanticized portrayal of stalking. About a month before the song was released, Levine told radio host Ryan Secrest that “’Animals’ is going to be something to talk about,” so they obviously knew it would cause a stir.

Slipping a slot to fourth place is “Bang Bang,” from Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. Last week, Jessie’s third album Sweet Talker opened in 10th place on the United States chart. It’s only Jessie’s second U.S. release: her sophomore album Alive wasn’t deemed right for the Stateside market. Jessie J says she knows who she is as an artist now - and she’ll hit the States for several shows in November and December.

Up two slots to third place goes Tove Lo and “Habits (Stay High).” This success has been a long time coming. It has kicked around since March, 2013, when it appeared on Tove’s debut EP, Truth Serum. But it only made the best-seller lists after its re-release late last year. Now, it’s blowing up - in fact, it just hit number one on the Billboard Pop Songs airplay chart.

Holding in second place is Taylor Swift, with her former champ “Shake It Off.” This week, she pulled her entire catalog from the popular streaming service Spotify. Taylor has been outspoken about musicians valuing their work, and not settling for low-royalty outlets such as streaming sites.

Extending her championship reign to eight weeks is Meghan Trainor, who holds the Hot 100 title for “All About That Bass.” The 20-year-old singer will perform at the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27, and next February she’ll kick off her first headlining tour in Vancouver, Canada.

That’s it for today, but what about next week? Join me us in seven days for an all-new lineup.