"Gangnam Style" PSY

First came the crazy dance that sparked a viral sensation. Then "Gangnam Style," Korean rapper PSY's electro house ode to Seoul's trendiest district, started climbing the iTunes chart. Could it be that we finally have our "Crank That" for the dance-pop era? Like Soulja Boy's 2007 hit, which spent seven weeks at #1 on the Hot 100, the success of "Style" is somewhat perplexing. Sure, the candy-colored music video is an enjoyably absurd romp, but the song doesn't offer much in the way of musical value. The meager charms of its "Oppan Gangnam style!" hook are swallowed up by a synth assault—which probably feels better on the body than it sounds to the ear—and any redeeming wit gets lost in translation. There's a lack of credibility that instantly dates "Style" as a novelty party hit. That's unlikely to stop the fun any time soon, but just beware, PSY: The fate of the Macarena awaits you in the annals of history. D-