VOA标准英语2014--Top 5 Songs for Week Ending Aug. 9

Top 5 Songs for Week Ending Aug. 9

We’re highlighting the five most popular songs in the Billboard¹ Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending August 9, 2014.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hosting this show, it’s patience: the Hot 100 chart moves at its own speed. Having said that, we do have changes.

Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea back off a notch² in fifth place with “Problem.” On Thursday, September 4, the U.S. National Football League will kick off its season in Seattle, Washington. Pharrell Williams will perform outside the stadium, while Ariana will start the game with a rendition of the National Anthem³, “The Star Spangled Banner.” It’s a tough song to sing, but Ariana has the voice to handle it.

Can Nico & Vinz make it past fourth place? The Norwegian pair has another chance to try, as “Am I Wrong” rebounds⁴ one slot⁵. They’re only the third Norwegian act to ever reach the U.S. Top 20: last year, Ylvis hit sixth place with “The Fox,” while back in 1985, A-ha went all the way to number one with “Take On Me.”

All is quiet in third place, as Sam Smith holds steady with “Stay With Me" from his album In The Lonely Hour. Fun fact about Sam: he’s the third cousin of fellow singer Lily Allen, and last month they performed together at the Splendour In The Grass Festival in Australia.

Speaking of all things Australian, Iggy Azalea holds in the runner-up slot with “Fancy,” featuring Charli XCX. Actor Vin Diesel⁶ says Iggy will make a cameo appearance in the movie Fast & Furious⁷ 7; it opens next April.

MAGIC! is your Hot 100 champ for a third week with “Rude,” and that’s just the beginning: the Canadian reggae act this week hit the jackpot in the United Kingdom. Nasri and his band knocked Cheryl Cole out of the top slot.

Can they last four weeks? We’ll know soon enough, so be sure and join us next week for another edition of the Top 5.

1 billboard   

n.布告板，揭示栏，广告牌

参考例句：

• He ploughed his energies into his father's billboard business.他把精力投入到父亲的广告牌业务中。
• Billboard spreads will be simpler and more eye-catching.广告牌广告会比较简单且更引人注目。

2 notch   

n.(V字形)槽口，缺口，等级

参考例句：

• The peanuts they grow are top-notch.他们种的花生是拔尖的。
• He cut a notch in the stick with a sharp knife.他用利刃在棒上刻了一个凹痕。

3 anthem   

n.圣歌，赞美诗，颂歌

参考例句：

• All those present were standing solemnly when the national anthem was played.奏国歌时全场肃立。
• As he stood on the winner's rostrum,he sang the words of the national anthem.他站在冠军领奖台上，唱起了国歌。

4 rebounds   

反弹球( rebound的名词复数 )； 回弹球； 抢断篮板球； 复兴

参考例句：

• V is the velocity after the gas particle rebounds from the wall. V是粒子从壁上弹开后的速度。
• In the former case, the first body rebounds with practically its original velocity. 在前一种情况下，第一个物体实际上以原来的速度弹回。

5 slot   

n.（口）位置，职位，狭长孔，狭槽

参考例句：

• Put a coin in the slot.将硬币放入投币口。
• He's been given a regular ten-minute slot on the radio.电台定期给他十分钟的节目广播时间。

6 diesel   

n.柴油发动机，内燃机

参考例句：

• We experimented with diesel engines to drive the pumps.我们试着用柴油机来带动水泵。
• My tractor operates on diesel oil.我的那台拖拉机用柴油开动。

7 furious   

adj.狂怒的，暴怒的，强烈的，激烈的

参考例句：

• I was furious at his making such an accusation.我对他的这种责备非常气愤。
• His wife was furious with him.他妻子对他大发雷霆。