The Napster Blog

Obama and McCain Campaign Trail Mixes: Every Click Counts

Back on September third, we posted an entry about our new campaign themed playlists that described an unlikely scenario in which the number of clicks each playlist received would somehow predict the outcome of the race. Well, a month and a half ago everything was up in the air, but as it turns out, not only were these playlists wildly popular on our service, but the clicks for each list mapped extremely closely to the results of the popular vote, with the Obama playlist getting 55% of the total traffic to both. Guess it wasn't such a ridiculous hypothesis after all.

Ne-Yo Year of the Gentleman

For his third album Year of the Gentleman, the multi-talented R&B sensation Ne-Yo sticks with the award-winning formula that has made him a favorite among fans and critics:  Lush instrumentals and beautiful harmonies the singer-songwriter is known for.  Surprisingly, there are no collaborations found on this album.  The collaboration with New Kids on the Block, "Single" appears on the recent NKOTB album The Block, but is a "Ne-Yo-only" version on Year of the Gentleman.

Currently the top-streamed album on Napster, the chart-topping hit "Closer" is quickly being supplanted by the new breakout "Miss Independent".  Fans will not be disappointed.

Napster Playlist: Katy Perry Artist Picks

Everyone's favorite former-Christian-singer-turned-faux-lesbian pop star delivers a playlist of her favorite songs of the moment. Her choices range from current indie darlings to pop classics, and it rocks. Check out the playlist:

Katy Perry Artist Picks Playlist
Katy Perry "I Kissed a Girl
Santogold "Unstoppable"
Trina "Pull Over"
Bonde Do Role "Solta O Frango"
The Ting Tings "Shut Up and Let Me Go"
Amy Winehouse "Valerie"
SWV "Weak"
Glass Candy "Miss Broadway"
Calvin Harris "Acceptable in the 80's"
Chic "Everybody Dance"
Patty Griffin "Tony"
Estelle "American Boy" feat. Kanye West
Robyn "Handle Me"
Michael Jackson "Thriller"

Guaranteed to get you up off your seat.

Napster Playlists: Obama and McCain Campaign Trail Mixes

Featured on the Napster homepage this week are two playlists inspired by and based on the campaign music used by the major-party candidates for president. Obama or McCain? The question of which playlist voters should listen to has the nation divided. No matter which one you "elect" to listen to, you'll be hearing some undeniable classics: ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me," EWF's "Shining Star," and Louie Armstrong's timeless "What a Wonderful World."

Would it be ridiculous to say that the number of clicks each playlist gets may be a direct reflection of the candidates' poll standings, or even a prediction on the outcome of the presidential race?

Ridiculous, yes.

But FUN?  TOTALLY.

Stay tuned for the results.