Donovan Woods breaks down this year’s Juno-nominated singles

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The Junos are being held way out in Calgary on April 3 (7 p.m., CTV), but when it comes to the hits, Toronto is well represented. We asked singer-songwriter Donovan Woods to break down the nominated singles of the year.

Hotline Bling (by Toronto's Drake): "When I first heard it, I didn't get it. But then when I heard it in the club, I thought it was genius. It's so simple, but here's something about it that's of the moment – it's so indicative of 2015-16."

Here (by Brampton's Alessia Cara): "I love her whole album. I like her phrasing, and I like the narrative to the lyrics. With Here, a scene is set. In teen culture, admitting to your vulnerability is hip."

Clothes Off (by Halifax's Ria Mae): "The production is doing the melody a lot of favours here. That said, the hook is cool. It's danceable. Nobody who heard it would say it wasn't good."

Can't Feel My Face (by Toronto's The Weeknd): "I get The Weeknd, but there's something about his voice – it always seems to be on the verge of breaking. But [songwriter-producer] Max Martin is a genius, and this is definitely superior melodically to everything else in the category."

What Do You Mean? (by Stratford's Justin Bieber): "The lyrics bug me. The guy comes off as arrogantly dumb. He's confused by normal relationship things. I think if he paid a little attention to this woman's body language, he could figure out what she needs."