Download of the Day 12/27: The Way You Love Me by Keri Hilson feat. Rick Ross

When I first heard this song, I was firmly into liking her single "Pretty Girl Rock" and thinking that she was on the right track with her career.

Then, my friend Roly and I watched the music video for "The Way You Love Me" in the library of the Umoja House, a house that promotes the presence and culture of African Americans at Trinity College.

Oh dear, the terrible irony.

Keri Hilson gets dirty (and I mean
downright porno)
on "The Way You Love Me"

Suffice it to say that "The Way You Love Me" may be the most ghetto hot mess video to have been released since Kiely Williams' "Spectacular" last year. It really just reeked of desperation and overall tackiness, and much of the blogosphere felt the same, causing Keri to respond on, of all places, Perez Hilton.

What I realized a bit later, after the shock of the video faded away, is that the song itself is pretty darn catchy. Actually, it's really catchy. 

I know, how could I like a song that is so without melody and really, really skanky in almost every sense?

Well, songs like this aren't really meant to be enjoyed for its musical quality. "The Way You Love Me", like most of Ke$ha's catalog, is a song meant for instant consumption and induction of a strong sense to party. What makes this song work is that it strips away any kind of interesting musicality for a sick, heavy beat, and a manic, sex-deprived vocal performance from Keri. Then there are those lyrics, which can range from racy to porno soundtrack ready, depending on what version you listen to. It's goal is to make you move, and it works. I wouldn't be surprised if people were grinding to this song as I type.

Is it the best song in the world? No. Is it the best song I've ever reviewed? Absolutely not. Is it the song that will set club floors ablaze in these cold winter months? Yes.

For the sake of perspective, I've included the whole video (courtesy of Vevo) instead of just the audio. Enjoy!

Rating: 7 out of 10