For me, the standouts songs that debuted on Billboard's 2014 year end list are: "Chandelier" - Sia "Latch" - Disclosure "Rather Be" - Clean Bandit "2 On" - Tinashe "Partition" - Beyonce "Problem" - Ariana Grande "Team" - Lorde "Boom Clap" - Charli XCX "0 to 100/The Catch Up" - Drake "Drunk in Love" - Beyonce "Do What U Want" - Lady Gaga "Happy" - Pharrell Williams
And I'd give an honourable mention to "Talk Dirty", solely for it's absolutely fantastic instrumental that Jason Derulo and 2 Chainz did their best to ruin with some pretty embarrassing lyrics that unfortunately stopped me from completely enjoying it. Ironically, I would probably love the song if I couldn't understand English.
nice list here's mine HONORABLE MENTIONS: 'Shower' by Becky G 'Beachin'' by Jake Owen 'The Monster' by Eminem ft. Rihanna '0 to 100/The Catch-Up' by Drake 'Timber' by Pitbull ft. Kesha 'Boom Clap' by Becky G 'Habits (Stay High)' by Tove Lo 10. 'Classic' by MKTO 9. 'Am I Wrong' by Nico & Vinz 8. 'Burn' by Ellie Goulding 7. 'Pompeii' by Bastille 6. 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne 5. 'Don't' by Ed Sheeran 4. 'Chandelier' by Sia 3. 'Team' by Lorde 2. 'Come With Me Now' by KONGOS 1. 'Love Runs Out' by OneRepublic
I am glad no.1 made in the top 100 otherwise, I would never have discovered that masterpiece. Good list btw. My favorite from the year end would be Rather Be.
As primarily a diehard metal fan, Chandelier was the only pop song I really fell in love with this year. Vocal performance is just earth-shattering with the amount of power and emotion delivered.
there are 2 thing to thank for Come With me Now getting popular enough to make the year end. The First was WWE using Come With me Now as it's theme for Extreme Rules 2014, and the second was Borderlands The Pre Sequel using it for the big trailer.
Spectrum, how do u feel about "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit or Paramore's "Ain't It Fun"??? You left those great songs out of your list but hey, it's your list.
Honourable Mentions Timber - It's ok enough I guess. Chandelier - I don't think it's that great, but I won't say I hate it either. Do What U Want - It's alright Habits (Stay High) - I'm the only one in my school not sick of it. Dirt - Didn't hear it Say something - Yes! Shower - Huge guilt pleasure of mine The List: Hey Brother - YAY Classic - Hell yeah Love runs out - I saw it coming Can't remember to forget you - Meh Don't - I agree Team - I love this song Beachin - Never heard it Pompeii - YYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSS Burn - It's pretty great Come with me now - Knew it!
Wow! Nice list! Really happy you included Love Runs Out and Burn, two songs produced by the one and only Ryan Tedder! Also, really love Team and Come With Me Now. Congrats!
My list. Honourable Mentions: Pharrell Williams - Happy This song is a fine example of simplicity at its finest. It makes me happy. Ariana Grandè ft. Iggy Azalea - Problem It grew on me after a while. Great hooks, nice saxophone and a decent Iggy Aziggy verse. Enrique Iglesias and friends - Bailando The music is really awesome. It sounds a lot like the world cup, if you ask me. Sia - Chandelier Great song. The energy of sia's vocals is the best pop music has to offer. The messy production works in this case. Tove Lo - Habits (Stay High) The poor man's chandelier, but still bloody good. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith - Latch It's a hundred times better than sam smith's original work. Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars It's kinda boring, but who cares? It makes me feel all good inside, but I don't know why. Ed Sheeran - Don't Aaaaalaaaamalaaamaahh 10. Nico &Vinz - Am I Wrong It's pretty great and leapt onto the list through the sheer force and power of the duo's voices. The enrgy and passion the guys have is off the charts. 9. American Authors - Best Day Of My Life The beginning piano chords got me excited, the rest of the song kept me excited. This may be the most forgettable song of 2014, but goddammit if it doesn't work. 8. MKTO - Classic It's a pretty upbeat and catchy love song and it does celebrity pick up lines way better than Jason Derulo in 'Trumpets'. Thrill you like Michael, Kiss you like Prince > Is it weird that your ass remind me of a Kanye West song. 7. Dj Snake ft. Lil Jon - Turn Down For What This song was a blast. It's those kinds of workout music that gets me going, gets my blood pumping and makes me go apeshit. The only reason some people may not like this is because of the lack of lyrics, but even that works in favour of this song. 6. Avicii - Hey Brother This isn't the only song to utilize acoustic instruments and combine it with electronica, but we'll get to that. This song has the best lyrics of 2014, which, like you said, emphasises that family bond. It's amazing and sorry Jason Derulo, I'm comparing you again, the trumpets in 'Hey Brother' is miles better than those in 'Trumpets'. 5. Ariana Grandè ft. Zedd - Break Free I agree that 'Love Me Harder' is her best song by a mile, but 'Break Free' is a close second. Zedd is one of the better edm producers out there and combined with one of the better pop singers out there, it makes for the catchiest song of 2014. Good stuff. 4. OneRepublic - Love Runs Out One reason and one reason only. EEEENNNNNEEEEERRRRRRGGGGGYYYYYY 3. A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera - Say Something This is one of those songs where a lot of people hate, which I can see why. It's slow, boring and has only one chord which Ian Axel keeps using his finger to hit. That's true and all, but this song is still great. The vocals are astounding and actually sound troubled (Unlike those in demons) and further more it made christina actually sound halfway decent. Overall, best piano ballad of the year. Sorry 'All of me'. 2. Bastille - Pompeii Best indie rock-ish song of 2014. Shit, maybe this was the catchiest song of the year, not 'Break Free'. The original idea of the talking corpses of the result of Mt. Vesuvius, the amazing vocals by Dan Smith, the awesome chorus, the hey hey ohs in the back and of course, the incredibly catchy hook. We need more of these in 2015, please. 1. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne - Rather Be Uptown Funk would have been here had it been a hit, but since it wasn't, 'Rather Be' takes its place. The best combo of acoustic instruments and electronica, with the violin and the piano. Catchy chorus, great hooks and melody, it just works for me. Jess Glynne's voice helped the song to push through the other 9 songs and combined with the efforts of Clean Bandit, this is the best song of the year.
To be honest the "slow song with amazing vocals" of the year would be New Flame #3 on my best list. Say somethings vocals are whiny and annoying. Also the instrumental is lackluster and seems like it has a huge hollow that New Flame fills up. That song was so underrated
I've been subbed to you for a while and I'm really surprised you don't have more subscribers. Keep it up man your an awesome critic and I respect your opinions!
Is it weird that I'm starting to prefer guys like you and TheDoubleAgent over ToddInTheShadows? You just have that kind of charisma and appreciation for pop music, and I think that you have gotten a lot better as a critic over 2014, whereas Todd over 2014 has gotten "worse", becoming more whiny, negative, and just looking for every reason to say a song is a piece of shit. I got done watching his "Worst of 2014 pt. 1" list, and overall, it was just incredibly negative, even for a list that's supposed to be negative. He just keeps thinking that music is getting worse, while you seem a lot more optimistic for the future. I really hope that you keep getting more popular, and I look forward to 2015 with you.
I would say that Todd's best lists have actually become progressively more emphatic and articulate even when he thinks that a year has, overall, been poor. That said, I like both of these mooks for somewhat different reasons, so aside from my puzzlement at the twin peaks of "Boom Clap" and "Uptown Funk" not being here-was it a chart thing or a gulf in personal preferences?-I have little interest in making comparisons.
ConvincingPeople Uptown Funk wasn't on here because it didn't make it onto the year end list for 2014, even though it was released then. It did appear on the 2015 list though, as the biggest hit of the year.
0.7- really now 0.6- MY VOISE IS BREAKING (I like it) 0.5 - :) 0.4- why not on list? 0.3- thay can be GOOD? 0.2- two words teen idle (it sounds like she's diying) 0.1- REALLY NoW?!?!?! 10- I like this a lot better then wake me up 9- oh the amazing chesse 8- I want you to run to me, run to me lover (I L.O.V.E E.V.O.L it!!!) 7- can't blame you 6- I like sing a lot but ok I like it 5- best lorde song i'v heard (I want to explore abandonded amusment parks now) 4- sounds kind of like lonely hearts club (its ok) 3- I never liked it that much :/ 2- I like lights better, but I still like it 1- I had no idea before this list but it sounds amazing
My list: HM1: Big Sean - I don't fuck with you (So bad it's good) HM2: Sia - Chandelier (The fact that people hate this baffles me) HM3: Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk (Would have been number 1 had it appeared on 2014 year end) HM4: Jessie J and Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (I seem to be the only one who enjoys this) HM5: Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (Should have been the World Cup song) HM6: Jason Derulo ft. 2Chainz - Talk Dirty (Would have been on the list if not for awful lyrics and Derulo) 10. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne - Rather Be (Easy Listening at its best, great instrumental) 9. Nico & Vinz - Am I Wrong (Spectacular, enjoyed every bit of it.) 8. MKTO - Classic (Incredibly goofy and a huge ton of fun) 7. Lorde - Team (Better than Royals, great catchy melody. Lorde needs to get more influential) 6. Dj Snake ft. Lil' Jon - Turn Down For What (Ton of energy, gets my blood pumping. Makes me go apeshit.) 5. Avicii - Hey Brother (Astounding vocals, great Edm fusion with the trumpets.) 4. OneRepublic - Love runs out (Even more energy. Better than Counting Stars but both are still amazing.) 3. Taylor Swift - Blank Space (Professional songwriting, it's great that Taylor Swift realised those things about her. Very very catchy.) 2. A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera - Say Something (Beautiful) 1. Bastille - Pompeii (Best indie song of all time. No wait, there's still Some Nights)
3. Taylor didn't realize anything about her! That song is about how the media portrays her as a serial-dating hoe. It's not what she's realizing... But I do agree with your list :)
These are my top best songs of 2014 Honorable men: 3005 childish Gambino Sweatpants CG ft problem Talk dirty Jason Derulo Bang Bang Say something great big world Magic Coldplay Under pressure logic Mt Olympus big krit Habits stay high Oh my darling don't cry Run the jewels 10. Down on my luck 9. Shake it off 8. R.i.p Kevin miller 7. Sia chandelier 6. Fever 5. South California 4. Burn ellie Goulding 3. Rather be 2. Classic MKTO 1. Don't
Top 4 best songs of 2014 4. Turn down for what by lil Jon 3. Ride of your life by Liz Allen 2. The princess by Jonathan tiersten and the ten tiers 1. Uptown funk by mark rossum ft Bruno Mars these are the only sings from 2014 that I've liked
HM1) It seems that as time goes on, Ke$ha's music gets better and better. However, Mr. Worldwide here seems to ruin it for me. Still a catchy tune with a nice genre that I never knew I could like. HM2) This would be my number one if not for the fact that it is a bit too repetitive. Still an amazing song from a great album. HM3) Not a Gaga or R. Kelly fan, but the song is okay. Not a memorable tune, but Gaga's lyrics definitely make up for that. HM4) While it has some forced lines at times, the style of music reminds me of Radiohead in their "The Bends" period. (and if you know anything about me, you know that that is a very good thing.) HM5) Wow. I'm a sucker for slow country music, and this just fucking nails how amazing country can be. Probably the best hit from FGL. HM6) Becky G is teenaged, meaning that she has a juvenile style when it comes to lyrics. The music is bland and simplistic. I cannot agree with this. 10) Bluegrass has never been a good genre for me, but the song is good enough to be listened to multiple times. 9) "Classic" is what would happen if Justin Timberlake tried to emulate Jackson 5: Wonderful-sounding, excellently used simplicity, and a rap verse that doesn't really fit. 8) This right here is one of the best song of the year, and, behind "Counting Stars", is OneRepublic's best piece of music. Everything here is genius. The stomping drums, the catchy tune, and the geniusly crafted lyrics all point to a new best band for this decade. 7) I have never liked Shakira or Rihanna much, but like the case of "Do What You Want," it has great lyrics from okay performers. Shakira's vocals are powerful, and the guitars definitely help. 6) It's a pretty fun song to dance to. Sheeran's vocals are strong and a good case for why it's good. I even think that the semi-goofy lyrics work for this type of song. 5) Meanwhile, the best hit song of the year (probably because of the lack of Radiohead). It has a downbeat feel to it, yes, but the lyrics and the vocals are so well done that you can't help but sing along. Also, you have to love that breakdown in the intro. 4) Jake Owen has a nice voice when singing, however this song falls into the unlucky category of "bro country," which I cannot stand. It does manage to be above songs like "Cruise" by having a generally less sleazy guy singing. 3) "Pompeii," as a single, as one piece of information towering over all else. And yes, that is the ay ay oh ay oh. But that doesn't mean the song is bad. In fact, I love the chanting! I love the beat! And these lyrics are amazing! 2) I have always found Ellie Goulding's greatest strength to be her vocal range. However, on this track, she hardly uses it to her advantage. The lyrics are too simplistic and repetitive for me to enjoy. In my opinion, "Lights" is a far more phenomenal single. 1) Now, I can only forgive repetition if one of two guidelines is met: the instrumentation is heavy and very original, or the rest of the lyrics are amazingly written. And, oh God, does this song deliver. I love every second of it. The accordions, the bridge around the minute and a half mark, even the repeated lyrics themselves. If "Team" wasn't a hit, this would have been the best hit song. Good job, KONGOS. Now, I hope there's a song from 2012 you made that will chart here. Maybe one with some jazz flutes?
I liked Todd's list - when he revealed Rather Be, I wanted to marry him; I LOVE that song - but he also missed a lot of songs that I loved from the year that I was kind of hoping he would at least name drop in the honorable mentions. For me, you hit all the ones Todd missed, especially the top three.
My list: 1. 'Made Me' by Snootie Wild ft. K Camp (tied with its remix ft. Jeremih and Lil Boosie) 2. 'You and Your Friends' by Wiz Khalifa ft. Ty Dolla $ign and Snoop Dogg 3. 'We Dem Boyz (remix)' by Wiz Khalifa ft. Rick Ross, Schoolboy Q, and Nas 4. '2 AM' by Adrian Marcel ft. Sage the Gemini 5. 'No Flex Zone' by Rae Sremmurd 6. 'Lifestyle' by Rich Gang ft. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan 7. '24 Hours' by TeeFLii ft. 2 Chainz 8. 'Walk Thru' by Rich Homie Quan ft. Problem 9. 'I Don't Want Her' by Eric Bellinger ft. Problem 10. 'You Know I Got It (reprise)' by Rick Ross HM's 1. 'I Luv This' by August Alsina ft. Trinidad James 2. 'Feelin' Myself' by Will.i.am ft. Miley Cyrus, French Montana, and Wiz Khalifa 3. 'Who Do You Love' by YG ft. Drake
I really did not have any predictions for this list, aside from "Come With Me Now" being #1, as I didn't know what to expect. Thoughts on each of the songs: "Timber"- Agreed on all points. Just missed an honourable mention for me "Chandelier"- See "Timber". And yeah, the vocals really did sound painful. "Do What U Want"- Yes, this song is awesome. R Kelly kinda screws it up, but his performance is still pretty strong, along with the rest of the song. "Habits (Stay High)"- I love this song, but I still haven't listened to the album. Yeah, the contextual problems are what knocked it back for me. "Dirt"- Another one we agree on. I also don't mind Florida Georgia Line (despite their remixes being some of my least favourite songs of the decade) and this song just worked for me, for how well it was performed. "Say Something"- I like this song, but I felt even if the focus was on the performances that this composition was incredibly underdone. As bare-bones instrumentation, it was just made it sound uninteresting, and it knocked it back for me. "Shower"- Eh. I just found this song kinda average. I agree with your points, otherwise. "Hey Brother"- See "Timber". I didn't find the pay-off strong enough, but the whole thing is still great, especially the vocals. "Classic"- I was surprised to see this here, as I remembered you not being a big fan of it. Personally, I like this song, and agree that it was fun and had enough self-awareness of how ridiculous it was to salvage it. "Love Runs Out"- I don't like this as much as "Counting Stars", but it is still great. Even as someone who likes early OneRepublic (in fact, "All The Right Moves" is my favourite song of 2010), I really hope they stick to this sound. "Can't Remember To Forget You"- See "Timber". I really liked this song, and the performances were surprisingly even. "Don't"- Agreed. I actually liked "Sing" more, as I loved the production on that song, but this one really sold him for me. "Team"- I like Lorde a lot, and this song really did do a lot to contribute to that for it's detail. The production never really clicked for me though, for some reason I can't figure out. "Beachin'"- I disagree with this one. Personally, I thought the rapping was grating, the hook following a grocery-list style of writing, and I agree that the production was awful. Jake Owen's charisma saves this song from being completely awful for me, but I still just don't like it. I understand why you do, though. I have to admit to liking "Sun Daze" by Florida Georgia Line for similar reasons. "Pompeii"- I agreed, this song just worked for me on every level. I get people calling the chants goofy, but I felt they did a lot for the atmosphere and theme of the song. I really do like Bastille as a band, and really enjoyed their album, this being a major highlight. "Burn"- Her vocals on the hook alway annoyed me for some reason. The vocal effects, and her breathier style didn't fit with the chorus melody for me, and make the progression feel choppy. A song I wish I liked more than I did. "Come With Me Now"- Agreed on every count. Easily my favourite song of the decade so far. The instrumentation could have been enough to earn it that title for me, but the lyrics also work great.
Here's my list based on the year-end charts (I made a list based on the top 40 on my blog, but this one is better here for this video): 10. "Talk Dirty" by Jason Derulo ft. 2Chainz 9. "Do What U Want" by Lady Gaga ft. R Kelly 8. "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zone 7. "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood 6. "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz 5. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith 4. "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic 3. "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea 2. "Pompeii" by Bastille 1. "Come With Me Now" by KONGOS HMs: "Habits (Stay High)", "Drunk On A Plane", "Don't", "Sing", "Team", "Best Day Of My Life", "Dirt", "Ain't It Fun", "The Man"
I really enjoyed this list definitely a lot of the choices were a little surprising but at the same time I enjoyed most of these songs this year especially Classic, Dirt, Shower & Beachin' which I should've thought of more when I made my own list a couple of weeks ago but it missed the cut sadly but anyways here's my top 10 best songs list from my blog: HM's: Hedley-Crazy For You (I included Canadian hot 100 year-end hits as well) Idina Menzel-Let It Go Chromeo-Jealous (I Ain't With It) [I liked this song too =) sucks it didn't get any attention in the US] Pharrell-Happy Sia-Chandelier [I agreed a lot with what you said about this song] Top 10: 10. Iggy Azalea Feat. Rita Ora-Black Widow 9. Echosmith-Cool Kids 8. Disclosure Feat. Sam Smith-Latch 7. Justin Timberlake-Not A Bad Thing 6. Paramore-Ain't It Fun 5. Deadmau5 Feat. Colleen D'Agostino-Seeya 4. Ed Sheeran-Don't (I had this a little higher on my list but it's such a great song I agree =) ) 3. Taylor Swift-Shake It Off (big Taylor Swift fan =) don't judge me haha =P) 2. Sam Smith-Stay With Me 1. Clean Bandit Feat. Jess Glynee-Rather Be
Jeremy Dove Good list, man. I am so glad "Rather Be" is on your list. I personally would've put "Love Never Feels So Good (not because it's a Michael Jackson song)" and "Birthday"
I feel like you could've brung up the "Do What U Want" with Christina Aguilera instead of R Kelly, but whatever. And I really didn't like Say Something. I just never grew as fond of that song as I was with Christina Perri's "Human" or even John Legend's "All Of Me." That aside, the songs you selected gave me more hope that music can still be really good. Also, can I ask for your thoughts on Clean Bandit's "Rather Be?"
Did anyone else notice that in classic Marilyn Manson is referenced. I don't think he is quite as beautiful as Marilyn Monroe, but he looks nice enough
Hey, first of all, I like your list. Any list that involves Can't Remember to Forget You (my favourite song Shakira has EVER done) is alright in my book. And you also picked the one of only two Lorde songs I like (the other being the weirdly enjoyable Yellow Flicker Beat, which is something I would usually hate). On my second note, I know you are not a fan of Britney Spears, but what are your thoughts on Blackout as an album. I think it is an amazing breakup album. The dark electronic feel is a good fit for Ms Spears' album voice (which is a soprano, which is in direct contrast to her deeper, stronger Mezzo) and it seems to be more focused on the emotions of a breakup and how Ms Spears ignores the pain in a blur of casual sex and partying. The fact that it ends with 'Why Should I Be Sad', a song that I feel is more of a hollow shutoff of emotions that shows that any sadness that might be breaking through is shut off only highlights this to me. She goes into a sort of sad denial so that she doesn't have to deal with the rejection and pain. Do you agree?
Here are my thoughts on your picks. HM1) It's just fun and easy to listen to and I enjoy it every time it comes on. HM2) I like this one too, especially the dark instrumentals, although I do think that at times Sia can sound a bit too harsh on it. I don't know if that was intentional, but it's not too ideal for me. HM3) Gaga's tightest song, and in my opinion, her best one yet. HM4) I also really liked this one. Just the melody and beat won me over. HM5) Haven't fully heard this one yet, but maybe I will soon. HM6) This song never really held my attention, mainly because of the limp piano beat and the dominating use of the generic 4-chord structure. I'm sure it does what it attempts to well, that it does work brilliantly, and that it is a great song, but I just don't care for it. And that's odd, because I'm partial to piano ballads, just not this one. HM7) Haven't heard this one yet either. 10) I do believe this is Avicii's best song. There are less EDM instruments than actual instruments, and it has a brilliant crescendo and vocals. 9) I just had a lot of fun with this one. 8) I don't think I would call this my favourite OneRepublic song, but I do enjoy it a lot. Especially the power in the chorus. 7) Yeah, I really enjoyed this one the moment I heard it. Both singers sound great, and the beat is awesome too with great variety. 6) I like its funkiness and in all honestly, I believe Ed's better when he does more laidback music like this and when he doesn't belt. 5) Definitely Lorde's best song. Very upbeat and powerful. 4) Because it's country and I'm in the UK, I haven't heard this one. But it sounds like my kind of music, namely stupid, mindless fun. 3) I don't think it's my favourite Bastille song, but I still enjoy it. 2) I actually felt like Ellie was a little out of her depth with this song. I liked the song, a lot, especially its melodies and crescendo, and the beat when it's at its calmest, but it's far from my favourite Ellie Goulding song. I just didn't fully feel like Ellie should be doing party songs like this. I prefer it when she was does more indie pop music, not that this song didn't have elements of that, which I am grateful for. 1) This sounds like the type of music BBC Radio 1 would play, so how I've yet to hear this is unbelievable. But rest assured, I'm definitely going to take a listen to this asap, because it sounds like something I would love.
I agree on a lot fewer of these than on your 2012 or 2013 lists (seriously, in 2012 I think my personal list overlapped with 8 of your top 10), but still solid, I think. Timber: I thought this was decent at first, but the charm wore off in a hurry, honestly. Most folktronica seems to do that for me. I don't think I'll ever be fully sold on the idea. 5-6/10. Chandelier: I don't hate this song, but the fact that it exists and was as big as it was still infuriates me. I'm sick to death of Rihanna on the pop charts, and the one break we're ever going to get from her frenetic schedule is dominated by another singer dropping her unique style just to imitate Rihanna's? Well, why not? We hadn't had a Rihanna song in the top 10 for like, a week or something! We can't go on like that! Frustrating. 5/10. Do What U Want: Number six on my top ten list. R. Kelly's verse couldn't possibly have been more uncomfortable, but it's still a joy to hear him, and the groove is undeniable. Plus, it's a Gaga song that I can actually believe has a metaphorical meaning. Can't say the same for something like Telephone. 9/10. Habits (Stay High): Number five on my top ten. Hits like a truck, and gives me hope that Swedish indie pop singers like Robyn or (God willing!) Lykke Li can follow it up. 9/10. Dirt: Almost had this in my top ten, but dropped it down to an honorable mention. It's good to see Florida-Georgia Line actually trying, although I wish Brian sang more, I think I prefer his voice to Tyler's. 8/10. Say Something: Honorable mention on my Worst list. Insultingly simple tune, and I feel like the lyrics and especially the video are fishing for an emotional reaction. Not buying into this one at all. 4/10. Shower: I'll grant it's well-produced, but the rhymes are insultingly simple (it opens by rhyming 'ya' with itself three times in a row!), and I don't feel like the crescendos build up to anything. Harmless, though, and I don't hate it like the rest of the internet does. 5/10. List Proper: Hey Brother: Saw this coming, and an honorable mention on my list. The one folktronica song that I actually like, mostly because the folk doesn't get overpowered by the electronic elements. Love the vocals, too. 8/10. Classic: Never cared about this one, Maroon 5 (or Adam Levine & The Scene, as I now call them) wannabees need to cease and desist post-haste. Still like it more than Rixton or The Neighbourhood (or Levine + 4), though. 5/10. Love Runs Out: Honorable mention. Don't like it as much as Counting Stars, which made my top ten last year, but it's still great stuff. I'd say OneRepublic has jumped past Coldplay to take the position of my second-favorite Silent Majority act, the crown still going to Snow Patrol. 8/10. Can't Remember to Forget You: Number 10 on my list. I love the energy in this one, and Rihanna sounds better than she's been in years. Yeah, I kind of enjoy the break we're having from her, but I'll make an exception for this one. 8/10. Don't: Can't say this does much for me. I slightly prefer sing, and greatly prefer Afire Love. 6/10, I guess. Team: Number three on my list. This shows what Lorde is really capable of, and the beat is one of the most infectious of the year. Much better production than Royals. 9/10. Beachin': Honorable mention. I expected you to like this, but not this much! I dunno, I suppose I like everything about this that you do, just not as strongly, probably because I haven't listened to as much Gulf + Western. Still solid, though. 7/10. Pompeii: This shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. It's been a while since I've looked at your Bad Blood review, because I was under the impression that Laura Palmer was the only song you liked from that. Anyways, I think I forgot how good this one was, because it's only an honorable mention on my list, and I feel like it should be higher, now. 8/10. Burn: I don't get the appeal of this one. Every time I hear it, I think, "Man, the Usher song was so much better". It just feels watery and the songwriting is ephemeral. I think I maybe get a trace of what everyone likes about it, but it does little for me. 6/10. Come With Me Now: Number two on my list. Oh, yeah, we needed this. Rock music that actually rocks! Has anyone informed Coldplay of this bold innovation? Runs on hellish, reckless abandon, has all sorts of instrumental flavor, and enigmatic lyrics that match it extremely well. 10/10. Good list, overall, though as someone who really hated this year as a whole, I feel like it's a bit weaker than your last two. Not much to be done about that, though. The year was what it was.
My top ten looked like this: Honorable mentions: Happy by Pharrell The Monster by Eminem ft. Rihanna Dirt by Florida-Georgia Line Beachin' by Jake Owen Pompeii by Bastille Love Runs Out by OneRepublic Hey Brother by Avicii 10. Can't Remember to Forget You by Shakira ft. Rihanna 9. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons 8. Ain't it Fun by Paramore 7. Am I Wrong? by Nico & Vinz 6. Do What U Want by Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly 5. Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo 4. Let it Go by Idina Menzel 3. Team by Lorde 2. Come With Me Now by Kongos 1. Rather Be by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
Jeremy Choo I'm a bit of a tough crowd when it comes to piano ballads. I can't help but compare any given example to either Billy Joel's Summer, Highland Falls or John Legend's Ordinary People, and the vast majority just can't live up to those standards. Even among stuff from this year, though, Say Something falls way short of Christina Perri's excellent song Human, which has better crescendos and more sincerity, IMO. Hell, the latter would have made my top ten if it had been a bigger hit.
My Top 10 Songs Of 2014: 01. Maroon 5 - Maps 02. Justin Timberlake - Not A Bad Thing 03. Sam Smith - Stay With Me 04. American Authors - Best Day Of My Life 05. Luke Bryan - Play It Again 06. Maroon 5 - Animals 07. Pharrell Williams - Happy 08. Jeremih Featuring YG - Don’t Tell ‘Em 09. Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha - Timber 10. Chris Brown Featuring Usher & Rick Ross - New Flame Honorable Mentions: Taylor Swift - Shake It Off Echosmith - Cool Kids Ed Sheeran - Sing Florida Georgia Line - Dirt MKTO - Classic Rixton - Me & My Broken Heart Calvin Harris - Summer Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd - Break Free A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera - Say Something Miley Cyrus - Adore You Avicii - Hey Brother Florida Georgia Line Featuring Luke Bryan - This Is How We Roll Lorde - Team Eminem Featuring Rihanna - The Monster
Love Runs Out was such an enjoyable track but it didn't truly impress me as much as Counting Stars (it's the song that really made got me into them and their album, Native) but you're right about Ryan Tedder's vocal. His voice really shocked me when I heard both songs for the first time. It's so unlike what he did before and at some points I even thought it wasn't him. I discovered Counting Stars way before it became a single and I enjoyed it all year long last year but it's understandable why it's not in your list (not that I expected it to be there in the first place since it was already honorably mentioned before).
Blade383210 I agree. Besides putting Uptown Funk in a Best Songs of 2014 list is too late. It only got major airplay during early 2015 and I NEVER get sick of it, it's an AWESOME song!!
Very good list I agree with for the most part... Timber: The song gets a lot of hate but listenability is very important in a pop song and it really was one of the more catchy pop songs this year. My 5 year old niece loves it which tells you something. It's not a technical masterpiece by any stretch but it is a fun song. Chandelier: Wow... you and Todd and the Shadows like this one.... Again, I guess I'm not the only one that likes Chandelier... Do What U Want: I like it more then Applause although that's not saying much. I never really thought Lady Gaga was really all that good and she's pretty much a poor man's Madonna without the talent OR the looks.. Say Something: The song's just sad and boring. It's not a bad song it's just not my definition of a good pop song. Shower: Sorry... this is just generic teen pop to me... Hey Brother: I thought this was better then Wake Me Up... I'd actually put this one a bit higher then you did Classic: The best part of the song is the rap verse... otherwise a decent song that somewhere in the upper middle of the pack for me this year. Love Runs Out: Not nearly as awesome as counting stars, but still much better then most anything this year. Can't Remember to Forget You: God no... I liked Empires better. Both Shakira and Rihanna have always been rather overrated IMO. Don't: Don't blame Ellie for cheating on him, he looks like a hobbit... anyway the song is nothing special IMO and Ed Sheeran is an artist who doesn't really know what genre he belongs to... Team: I'm sorry but I don't care for Lorde's vocals at all. I want more power and force in my pop songs and Lorde just isn't for me. Beachin': Oh GOD no... bro country is just bad and I really don't see much difference between this and bottoms up. If I want a good beach song, I'll just listen to classic Beach Boys thank you very much. Pompeii: This song is very good... at the same time very listenable and technically well done. It's not a song you expect to see on the pop charts. Burn: Ellie Goulding is Queen Midas because she can turn shit into gold. The foundation of this song is really not that good. Ellie's vocals make it one of the best songs of the year because man Ellie is just an amazing performer... I wonder what you think of "Love me like you do" which is another pretty bad foundation of a song that Ellie's voice and buildup makes it better then it should be... Come With Me Now: It's good but I find it a bit strange... I've never really liked the folksy sound this song has and while it's definitely good for what it is I just don't care for it that much..
I really like your list and I always enjoy how you reason out why you like or dislike a track. For me, I would add Cool Kids from Echosmith. It just stuck with me after I heard it for the first time and didn't leave. I totally agree with you, Come With Me Now was among my favorite songs of the year. I do have to say one thing about your comment of the drama behind Don't. The lyrics do implicate Ellie in the song but, Niall being the one she cheated on Ed with was a media rumor there was no evidence behind it, that I saw. I'm not saying he isn't the one Ellie cheated on Ed with because I don't know for sure. By many standards it could not even be about Ellie because we never really know for sure. I'm just saying that treating a rumor with no evidence as fact is not the best idea. Because it is encouraging something that may not be true to be thought of as true. Lyrically all Ed said is that he (Ed) didn't see the guy as a threat until she had sex with him (the guy) and that it occurred on tour. This could describe even the lighting guy, although not likely. I really do like your compilation of the songs here and enjoyed your explanation for your choices.
Initially I was pretty cynical about Burn. Ellie Goulding regurgitating party cliches just felt unnatural to me. But now... I'm not so sure. It does kinda make sense with her strange, much-missed manic pixie dream girl persona. I imagine her less as a crowd-rallying party girl and more as some sort of fae trickster spirit kind of thing, like some vague spiritual entity sprinkling mirth and merriment across the dancefloor. Basically it makes sense if you view her as one of the little fuckers from A Midsummer Night's Dream who somehow found their way into a club
As a bit of disclaimer for my own list, I didn’t quite follow your rules exactly. My basic reasoning was, if a song made it at least into the Top 10 at any point during the year, it qualified and you’d have a hard time arguing these songs weren’t hits even if they didn’t make the big year-end 100. Also, I have again provided my individual scores for each song, based on a 1-10 scale, for anyone who cares (probably no one). Time to embarrass myself completely. But first... Honorable Mentions: Taylor Swift: Blank Space - 7 I gave up trying to hate Taylor Swift a long time ago. I can’t do it. I just can’t. I am completely unashamed to admit that I loved “Shake It Off” from the moment I heard it and this… Well, actually I despised this song the first time I heard it. I hated the idea of Taylor giving in and going along with what the critics were calling her and it pissed me off… Until I realized that I fell right for her trap and that it was satire the whole time, and brilliantly written satire at that. If the music behind it had been stronger, it would have been hard for me to keep it off. Bastille: Pompeii - 7 On one hand, some of the best story-telling in pop music in a long while. On the other, some of the most conflicting production in a while. I’m sorry, but I can’t take this song as seriously as I should because the chanting is corny as hell. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t even give it a shout-out. If Bastille can keep up their momentum, I bet they’ll bring me around soon enough. Nico & Vinz: Am I Wrong - 7 To be honest, I’m not even really sure why I like this song. But I do. Maybe it’s the mix of electronic and African-inspired beats. Maybe it’s the general idea of the song about not apologizing for being different and not being ashamed of what you believe. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a god-damn sucker for the key of Eb. Whatever it is, it works for me. Okay, that’s enough of that. On to the main course. #10 Selena Gomez: The Heart Wants What It Wants - 7 The first of 2 songs on my list that technically wouldn’t even qualify for yours, but I still felt it got enough play after coming out to justify calling it a hit. Honestly, I’m expecting some flack for this one and, to be honest, my #10 usually does end up being one I regret. That said, this is a HUGE step above what Selena gave us last year, which may in part be why I like it and less the song’s actual quality. Further analysis is needed for that. As for right now, I feel comfortable putting it here, though. I feel like Selena did a fantastic job portraying the kind of desperate, hesitant atmosphere that a song like this needs. It’s all the more heart-breaking when you think about what this is ACTUALLY relating to in real life. I hate Justin Bieber, I don’t think that’s going to shock anyone and anyone can guess why. That said, I do have to feel for Selena in all this. She seems to really, genuinely care for the guy. Lord knows what she sees in him, but it is entirely her experience and I will never know that. The stutter in the chorus did knock it down a point, but I still felt the need to put it here. This ALMOST makes up for Stars Dance. Almost... #9 Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne: Rather Be - 7 Is this song on here entirely because it’s insanely catchy and nothing much else? Yup. Does that say something about my integrity and validity of opinion in regards to music criticism? Probably. Do I care? Nope. Next. #8 Lorde: Team - 7 Solid and creative lyricism mixed with a great atmosphere and surprisingly catchy tune continue to prove that Lorde is the kind of pop singer we need right now. I’m on her team any day. #7 Aloe Blacc: The Man - 7 Really, don’t even pay attention to this one. This is just me being a sucker for big band production and very strong soul singing. I don’t even care what it’s about. #6 Ellie Goulding: Burn - 7 Dem chimes, man. Okay, it’s not just that. This song has a lot of energy to it that I absolutely love and, while it may not be quite as good as Lights, I still dig the hell out of this song. The lyrics are a little generic in regards to this fire we all have, but it’s EDM so I can forgive it. Very solid song from a performer I quite enjoy as a whole. Glad I could put it on here. #5 Ed Sheeran: Don’t - 8 Ed Sheeran really brought his A game to the charts this year. Sing may not have been all that serious and intelligent of a song, but damn was it fun. Then we got this gem, showing that Ed can mix not only his actually pretty strong writing with some pretty solid music as well. He proved that he doesn’t have to be boring all the time and can tackle some darker subjects with a hint of fun in it. #4 Avicii: Hey Brother - 8 I really appreciate the sentimental tone of this song. It really sells the whole idea of more personal, familial relationships better than the slightly vague and grandiose ambitions of Wake Me Up. I also really like the trumpets on the dance portions. It blends very well with the folk style of the verses. No complaints here. #3 Tove Lo: Habits (Stay High) - 8 The first time I heard this song, it had been on the charts a while and I knew a few of my friends quite liked Tove Lo, but I hadn’t heard it yet. So I gave it a shot and it instantly shot onto my list. The grim, hazy atmosphere really sells this idea of being miserable and drowning your sorrows and pain in increasingly hollow instant gratification that only makes you hurt more in the long run. We really don’t get enough personal songs like this on the charts anymore. After all, the best art usually comes from personal experience. Let’s hope for more. #2 Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk - 9 What’s that? The lyrics of this song reek of arrogance and sexual objectification that I should probably be annoyed at? ‘CAUSE UPTOWN FUNK GON’ GIVE IT TO YA. ‘CAUSE UPTOWN FUNK GON’ GIVE IT TO YA. What? Bruno Mars’ voice gets grating at times? I’M TOO HOT. HOT DAMN. TELL THE POLICE AND THE FIREMAN. I’M TOO HOT. Huh? This joke isn’t funny and I should just get on with it? UP. TOWN. FUNK YOU UP. UPTOWN FUNK YOU UP. #1 Sia: Chandelier - 9 Choosing a #1 for this year was hard. And the fact that this is even on the list would have made me laugh had you told me when I heard it the first time. And yet, here it is. After all was said and done, I seriously love the artistry in this song. I love the explosiveness of the song while also portraying a surprising amount of depth and desperation. Tove Lo’s song may have been more personal, but I feel like this song better encapsulates the feeling that a hollow party girl is feeling right in the moment which for some reason speaks to me a little better. I just feel more pity when she’s belting about holding on for dear life just to make it to the next day. I also love Sia’s very unique voice as well. It’s so refreshing to have singers who can actually incorporate different styles of singing and make it work. First listen, I couldn't get over the muffled words, but later listens brought me on board all the way. I am quite proud to give my irrelevant praise to Sia this year. I suppose that wraps it up. Thanks for not sucking quite as much as last year 2014.
Love runs out sounds exactly like Kanye's Love Lockdown, that chorus and the verses? I'm surprised you didn't mention this... I heard it on the radio and didn't know it was one republic, because all I could hear was that Kanye melody, thought it was some kind of cover.
This might seem random but you should talk about the Interview, seeing as it falls under "movies" and "culture" with the whole Sony hack/death threats thing that went on over the past month or so.
Well love me harder didn't even make the billboard end of year list cause it came too late that is why songs like take me to church or blank space did not make the year end list on billboard and yea her other hits i guess were not good enough for his list but i didn't like break free and problem is good but not great.
Although I disagree with most of this list. I agree Lorde is good at telling stories, Ed Sheeran is becoming quite awesome, Bastilles' song grew on me, and "Come With me Now" is edgy and a little aged now but still really rare to see. Although it's probably going to happen I don't want "Take me to Church" to be on the 2015 year end chart. To me besides the good instrumentation in the song the rest SUCKS. My opinion may be unpopular but I don't care.
I have a bad memory of classic because I was at a bowling alley and I kept on losing, the bowling ball gave my finger blisters, and there was shitty R&B everywhere so once Classic was playing I was far at the point of wanting to kill myself
Honorable mentions (that I've actually listened to) Timber: I liked the folktronica instrumentation. Pitbull's lyrics aren't that great though they aren't terrible, and at least his delivery is interesting. It's a fun song. Plus, Ke$ha sounds good. Chandelier: This is an interesting song about the downfalls of drinking and partying. If only the vocals weren't quite so harsh. Habits (Stay High): I really dug this song and would definitely love to hear what else Tove Lo has to offer. At first the "eating dinner in the bathtub" and "munchies" lyrics put me off, but then I gave it a chance and it's one of my favorite songs of 2014. Say Something: wasn't a fan of this. It bored me, honestly. Shower: This song is simple but at least it's still enjoyable. I thought it was very silly at first but it's grown on me a little. The actual list (that I've actually listened to): Classic: I love this song. It's goofy but sometimes we need a goofy pop song, ya know? Don't: Good song, and I agree that it's better than "Sing", though I do like that song. Team: probably one of my favorite songs from Pure Heroine and a better single than Royals IMO. Good production, good lyrics, good vocals. Love it. Pompeii: for a while I got annoyed with this song because it was overplayed but then I listened to it again and remembered why I liked it in the first place. Bastille is pretty good. Burn: not one of Ellie Goulding's best songs, but like a lot of songs on this list, it's a fun track and Ellie sounds good.
Dear spectrum pulse I have had traumatic brain injuries after attempting to listen "call me maybe" would you please refrain from EVER using those combination of words again -someone really trying to save his sanity
Love Runs out is so underappreciated.
i know it is kind of randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to stream new tv shows online?
Classic is kinda like if 'Marvin Gaye' by Charlie Puth was good...and not about sex.
For me, the standouts songs that debuted on Billboard's 2014 year end list are:
"Chandelier" - Sia
"Latch" - Disclosure
"Rather Be" - Clean Bandit
"2 On" - Tinashe
"Partition" - Beyonce
"Problem" - Ariana Grande
"Team" - Lorde
"Boom Clap" - Charli XCX
"0 to 100/The Catch Up" - Drake
"Drunk in Love" - Beyonce
"Do What U Want" - Lady Gaga
"Happy" - Pharrell Williams
Yaaass
You have like the exact same music taste as me OMG.
Except boom clap. Fuckin hate that song
Good songs! except for Boom Clap and Problem in my opinion
And I'd give an honourable mention to "Talk Dirty", solely for it's absolutely fantastic instrumental that Jason Derulo and 2 Chainz did their best to ruin with some pretty embarrassing lyrics that unfortunately stopped me from completely enjoying it. Ironically, I would probably love the song if I couldn't understand English.
nice list here's mine
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
'Shower' by Becky G
'Beachin'' by Jake Owen
'The Monster' by Eminem ft. Rihanna
'0 to 100/The Catch-Up' by Drake
'Timber' by Pitbull ft. Kesha
'Boom Clap' by Becky G
'Habits (Stay High)' by Tove Lo
10. 'Classic' by MKTO
9. 'Am I Wrong' by Nico & Vinz
8. 'Burn' by Ellie Goulding
7. 'Pompeii' by Bastille
6. 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
5. 'Don't' by Ed Sheeran
4. 'Chandelier' by Sia
3. 'Team' by Lorde
2. 'Come With Me Now' by KONGOS
1. 'Love Runs Out' by OneRepublic
I hope that
Hozier - Take Me To Church
Lorde - Yellow Flicker Beat
Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Ariana Grande - Love me harder
will explode in 2015.
Uptown Funk is by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars.
I agree with Uptown Funk for sure, and with Yellow Flicker Beat, TMTC got stuck in my head for 3 days straight, so I'm pretty sick of it XD
+Jeremy Choo I hope so too especially take me to church by hozier
Love Me Harder is the best and sweetest sex song I've ever heard.
Most all of them have already spent their chart lives
my top 5 favourites of 2014
1 Chandelier sia
2 Big Girls Cry Sia
3 A Sky Full of Stars Coldplay
4 Rather Be Clean Bandit
5 Magic-Coldplay
I am glad no.1 made in the top 100 otherwise, I would never have discovered that masterpiece. Good list btw. My favorite from the year end would be Rather Be.
As primarily a diehard metal fan, Chandelier was the only pop song I really fell in love with this year. Vocal performance is just earth-shattering with the amount of power and emotion delivered.
Nico and Vinz, Am I Wrong should have been on the list. Beautiful, fun song.
I know right?
It sucked it's overplayed
there are 2 thing to thank for Come With me Now getting popular enough to make the year end. The First was WWE using Come With me Now as it's theme for Extreme Rules 2014, and the second was Borderlands The Pre Sequel using it for the big trailer.
Spectrum, how do u feel about "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit or Paramore's "Ain't It Fun"???
You left those great songs out of your list but hey, it's your list.
Regardless of what I think of the other songs -- for the record, I actualy like them all -- "Come With Me Now" is f'ing AWESOME!
Am i the only person who thinks the songs on the 'Honourable Mentions' list are actually better than the songs on his top 10?
I agree, I love Do What U Want
Habits 👌
I think Chandelier is boring and rhythmless.
I disagree with about 75% of your list but you're too enjoyable to watch for me to care :)
This made me feel so optimistic on the state of modern music. Thank you!
10. Team
9.Team
8.Team
7.Team
6.Team
5.Team
4.Team
3.Team
2.Team
1.Team
Honourable Mentions
Timber - It's ok enough I guess.
Chandelier - I don't think it's that great, but I won't say I hate it either.
Do What U Want - It's alright
Habits (Stay High) - I'm the only one in my school not sick of it.
Dirt - Didn't hear it
Say something - Yes!
Shower - Huge guilt pleasure of mine
The List:
Hey Brother - YAY
Classic - Hell yeah
Love runs out - I saw it coming
Can't remember to forget you - Meh
Don't - I agree
Team - I love this song
Beachin - Never heard it
Pompeii - YYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSS
Burn - It's pretty great
Come with me now - Knew it!
Wow! Nice list! Really happy you included Love Runs Out and Burn, two songs produced by the one and only Ryan Tedder! Also, really love Team and Come With Me Now. Congrats!
My list.
Honourable Mentions:
Pharrell Williams - Happy
This song is a fine example of simplicity at its finest. It makes me happy.
Ariana Grandè ft. Iggy Azalea - Problem
It grew on me after a while. Great hooks, nice saxophone and a decent Iggy Aziggy verse.
Enrique Iglesias and friends - Bailando
The music is really awesome. It sounds a lot like the world cup, if you ask me.
Sia - Chandelier
Great song. The energy of sia's vocals is the best pop music has to offer. The messy production works in this case.
Tove Lo - Habits (Stay High)
The poor man's chandelier, but still bloody good.
Disclosure ft. Sam Smith - Latch
It's a hundred times better than sam smith's original work.
Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars
It's kinda boring, but who cares? It makes me feel all good inside, but I don't know why.
Ed Sheeran - Don't
Aaaaalaaaamalaaamaahh
10. Nico &Vinz - Am I Wrong
It's pretty great and leapt onto the list through the sheer force and power of the duo's voices. The enrgy and passion the guys have is off the charts.
9. American Authors - Best Day Of My Life
The beginning piano chords got me excited, the rest of the song kept me excited. This may be the most forgettable song of 2014, but goddammit if it doesn't work.
8. MKTO - Classic
It's a pretty upbeat and catchy love song and it does celebrity pick up lines way better than Jason Derulo in 'Trumpets'.
Thrill you like Michael, Kiss you like Prince > Is it weird that your ass remind me of a Kanye West song.
7. Dj Snake ft. Lil Jon - Turn Down For What
This song was a blast. It's those kinds of workout music that gets me going, gets my blood pumping and makes me go apeshit. The only reason some people may not like this is because of the lack of lyrics, but even that works in favour of this song.
6. Avicii - Hey Brother
This isn't the only song to utilize acoustic instruments and combine it with electronica, but we'll get to that. This song has the best lyrics of 2014, which, like you said, emphasises that family bond. It's amazing and sorry Jason Derulo, I'm comparing you again, the trumpets in 'Hey Brother' is miles better than those in 'Trumpets'.
5. Ariana Grandè ft. Zedd - Break Free
I agree that 'Love Me Harder' is her best song by a mile, but 'Break Free' is a close second. Zedd is one of the better edm producers out there and combined with one of the better pop singers out there, it makes for the catchiest song of 2014. Good stuff.
4. OneRepublic - Love Runs Out
One reason and one reason only.
EEEENNNNNEEEEERRRRRRGGGGGYYYYYY
3. A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera - Say Something
This is one of those songs where a lot of people hate, which I can see why. It's slow, boring and has only one chord which Ian Axel keeps using his finger to hit.
That's true and all, but this song is still great. The vocals are astounding and actually sound troubled (Unlike those in demons) and further more it made christina actually sound halfway decent. Overall, best piano ballad of the year. Sorry 'All of me'.
2. Bastille - Pompeii
Best indie rock-ish song of 2014. Shit, maybe this was the catchiest song of the year, not 'Break Free'. The original idea of the talking corpses of the result of Mt. Vesuvius, the amazing vocals by Dan Smith, the awesome chorus, the hey hey ohs in the back and of course, the incredibly catchy hook. We need more of these in 2015, please.
1. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne - Rather Be
Uptown Funk would have been here had it been a hit, but since it wasn't, 'Rather Be' takes its place. The best combo of acoustic instruments and electronica, with the violin and the piano. Catchy chorus, great hooks and melody, it just works for me. Jess Glynne's voice helped the song to push through the other 9 songs and combined with the efforts of Clean Bandit, this is the best song of the year.
To be honest the "slow song with amazing vocals" of the year would be New Flame #3 on my best list. Say somethings vocals are whiny and annoying. Also the instrumental is lackluster and seems like it has a huge hollow that New Flame fills up. That song was so underrated
I've been subbed to you for a while and I'm really surprised you don't have more subscribers. Keep it up man your an awesome critic and I respect your opinions!
were's am I wrong that song defiantly deserved a spot on this list
Remember when Mark used to be good at predicting things?
would have replaced #2 with rather be.
I would rather replace 7 if it was my choice
i would do the same with number 1
I'm sad to see Rather Be is not on this list. What a fun danceable song!
Is it weird that I'm starting to prefer guys like you and TheDoubleAgent over ToddInTheShadows? You just have that kind of charisma and appreciation for pop music, and I think that you have gotten a lot better as a critic over 2014, whereas Todd over 2014 has gotten "worse", becoming more whiny, negative, and just looking for every reason to say a song is a piece of shit.
I got done watching his "Worst of 2014 pt. 1" list, and overall, it was just incredibly negative, even for a list that's supposed to be negative. He just keeps thinking that music is getting worse, while you seem a lot more optimistic for the future.
I really hope that you keep getting more popular, and I look forward to 2015 with you.
I would say that Todd's best lists have actually become progressively more emphatic and articulate even when he thinks that a year has, overall, been poor. That said, I like both of these mooks for somewhat different reasons, so aside from my puzzlement at the twin peaks of "Boom Clap" and "Uptown Funk" not being here-was it a chart thing or a gulf in personal preferences?-I have little interest in making comparisons.
I agree. Todd is just not as good as he once was.
ConvincingPeople Uptown Funk wasn't on here because it didn't make it onto the year end list for 2014, even though it was released then. It did appear on the 2015 list though, as the biggest hit of the year.
0.7- really now
0.6- MY VOISE IS BREAKING (I like it)
0.5 - :)
0.4- why not on list?
0.3- thay can be GOOD?
0.2- two words teen idle (it sounds like she's diying)
0.1- REALLY NoW?!?!?!
10- I like this a lot better then wake me up
9- oh the amazing chesse
8- I want you to run to me, run to me lover (I L.O.V.E E.V.O.L it!!!)
7- can't blame you
6- I like sing a lot but ok I like it
5- best lorde song i'v heard (I want to explore abandonded amusment parks now)
4- sounds kind of like lonely hearts club (its ok)
3- I never liked it that much :/
2- I like lights better, but I still like it
1- I had no idea before this list but it sounds amazing
so, you also obsessed with marina?
My list:
HM1: Big Sean - I don't fuck with you (So bad it's good)
HM2: Sia - Chandelier (The fact that people hate this baffles me)
HM3: Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk (Would have been number 1 had it appeared on 2014 year end)
HM4: Jessie J and Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (I seem to be the only one who enjoys this)
HM5: Enrique Iglesias - Bailando (Should have been the World Cup song)
HM6: Jason Derulo ft. 2Chainz - Talk Dirty (Would have been on the list if not for awful lyrics and Derulo)
10. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne - Rather Be (Easy Listening at its best, great instrumental)
9. Nico & Vinz - Am I Wrong (Spectacular, enjoyed every bit of it.)
8. MKTO - Classic (Incredibly goofy and a huge ton of fun)
7. Lorde - Team (Better than Royals, great catchy melody. Lorde needs to get more influential)
6. Dj Snake ft. Lil' Jon - Turn Down For What (Ton of energy, gets my blood pumping. Makes me go apeshit.)
5. Avicii - Hey Brother (Astounding vocals, great Edm fusion with the trumpets.)
4. OneRepublic - Love runs out (Even more energy. Better than Counting Stars but both are still amazing.)
3. Taylor Swift - Blank Space (Professional songwriting, it's great that Taylor Swift realised those things about her. Very very catchy.)
2. A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera - Say Something (Beautiful)
1. Bastille - Pompeii (Best indie song of all time. No wait, there's still Some Nights)
3. Taylor didn't realize anything about her! That song is about how the media portrays her as a serial-dating hoe. It's not what she's realizing... But I do agree with your list :)
Kinda surprised you didn't include "bang bang" on the list, considering how much you really liked it o_o
These are my top best songs of 2014
Honorable men: 3005 childish Gambino
Sweatpants CG ft problem
Talk dirty Jason Derulo
Bang Bang
Say something great big world
Magic Coldplay
Under pressure logic
Mt Olympus big krit
Habits stay high
Oh my darling don't cry Run the jewels
10. Down on my luck
9. Shake it off
8. R.i.p Kevin miller
7. Sia chandelier
6. Fever
5. South California
4. Burn ellie Goulding
3. Rather be
2. Classic MKTO
1. Don't
Awesome! I love Come With Me Now!
Top 4 best songs of 2014 4. Turn down for what by lil Jon 3. Ride of your life by Liz Allen 2. The princess by Jonathan tiersten and the ten tiers 1. Uptown funk by mark rossum ft Bruno Mars these are the only sings from 2014 that I've liked
I guess we all have opinions but they were way more good songs than that.
HM1) It seems that as time goes on, Ke$ha's music gets better and better. However, Mr. Worldwide here seems to ruin it for me. Still a catchy tune with a nice genre that I never knew I could like.
HM2) This would be my number one if not for the fact that it is a bit too repetitive. Still an amazing song from a great album.
HM3) Not a Gaga or R. Kelly fan, but the song is okay. Not a memorable tune, but Gaga's lyrics definitely make up for that.
HM4) While it has some forced lines at times, the style of music reminds me of Radiohead in their "The Bends" period. (and if you know anything about me, you know that that is a very good thing.)
HM5) Wow. I'm a sucker for slow country music, and this just fucking nails how amazing country can be. Probably the best hit from FGL.
HM6) Becky G is teenaged, meaning that she has a juvenile style when it comes to lyrics. The music is bland and simplistic. I cannot agree with this.
10) Bluegrass has never been a good genre for me, but the song is good enough to be listened to multiple times.
9) "Classic" is what would happen if Justin Timberlake tried to emulate Jackson 5: Wonderful-sounding, excellently used simplicity, and a rap verse that doesn't really fit.
8) This right here is one of the best song of the year, and, behind "Counting Stars", is OneRepublic's best piece of music. Everything here is genius. The stomping drums, the catchy tune, and the geniusly crafted lyrics all point to a new best band for this decade.
7) I have never liked Shakira or Rihanna much, but like the case of "Do What You Want," it has great lyrics from okay performers. Shakira's vocals are powerful, and the guitars definitely help.
6) It's a pretty fun song to dance to. Sheeran's vocals are strong and a good case for why it's good. I even think that the semi-goofy lyrics work for this type of song.
5) Meanwhile, the best hit song of the year (probably because of the lack of Radiohead). It has a downbeat feel to it, yes, but the lyrics and the vocals are so well done that you can't help but sing along. Also, you have to love that breakdown in the intro.
4) Jake Owen has a nice voice when singing, however this song falls into the unlucky category of "bro country," which I cannot stand. It does manage to be above songs like "Cruise" by having a generally less sleazy guy singing.
3) "Pompeii," as a single, as one piece of information towering over all else. And yes, that is the ay ay oh ay oh. But that doesn't mean the song is bad. In fact, I love the chanting! I love the beat! And these lyrics are amazing!
2) I have always found Ellie Goulding's greatest strength to be her vocal range. However, on this track, she hardly uses it to her advantage. The lyrics are too simplistic and repetitive for me to enjoy. In my opinion, "Lights" is a far more phenomenal single.
1) Now, I can only forgive repetition if one of two guidelines is met: the instrumentation is heavy and very original, or the rest of the lyrics are amazingly written. And, oh God, does this song deliver. I love every second of it. The accordions, the bridge around the minute and a half mark, even the repeated lyrics themselves. If "Team" wasn't a hit, this would have been the best hit song. Good job, KONGOS. Now, I hope there's a song from 2012 you made that will chart here. Maybe one with some jazz flutes?
I DETEST Hey Brother, but the rest of the songs I either loved or haven't listened to yet. 😐
I'm so happy you are finally liking One Republic!!!!
I liked Todd's list - when he revealed Rather Be, I wanted to marry him; I LOVE that song - but he also missed a lot of songs that I loved from the year that I was kind of hoping he would at least name drop in the honorable mentions. For me, you hit all the ones Todd missed, especially the top three.
Good job on the list. But I was thinking, I really liked 2 on. Have you considered putting it on the list, or even an honourable mention?
My list:
1. 'Made Me' by Snootie Wild ft. K Camp (tied with its remix ft. Jeremih and Lil Boosie)
2. 'You and Your Friends' by Wiz Khalifa ft. Ty Dolla $ign and Snoop Dogg
3. 'We Dem Boyz (remix)' by Wiz Khalifa ft. Rick Ross, Schoolboy Q, and Nas
4. '2 AM' by Adrian Marcel ft. Sage the Gemini
5. 'No Flex Zone' by Rae Sremmurd
6. 'Lifestyle' by Rich Gang ft. Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan
7. '24 Hours' by TeeFLii ft. 2 Chainz
8. 'Walk Thru' by Rich Homie Quan ft. Problem
9. 'I Don't Want Her' by Eric Bellinger ft. Problem
10. 'You Know I Got It (reprise)' by Rick Ross
HM's
1. 'I Luv This' by August Alsina ft. Trinidad James
2. 'Feelin' Myself' by Will.i.am ft. Miley Cyrus, French Montana, and Wiz Khalifa
3. 'Who Do You Love' by YG ft. Drake
Where do you find the genres for each song? Are they your opinion or did you find them online?
You had the same #1 pick I had.
I really did not have any predictions for this list, aside from "Come With Me Now" being #1, as I didn't know what to expect. Thoughts on each of the songs:
"Timber"- Agreed on all points. Just missed an honourable mention for me
"Chandelier"- See "Timber". And yeah, the vocals really did sound painful.
"Do What U Want"- Yes, this song is awesome. R Kelly kinda screws it up, but his performance is still pretty strong, along with the rest of the song.
"Habits (Stay High)"- I love this song, but I still haven't listened to the album. Yeah, the contextual problems are what knocked it back for me.
"Dirt"- Another one we agree on. I also don't mind Florida Georgia Line (despite their remixes being some of my least favourite songs of the decade) and this song just worked for me, for how well it was performed.
"Say Something"- I like this song, but I felt even if the focus was on the performances that this composition was incredibly underdone. As bare-bones instrumentation, it was just made it sound uninteresting, and it knocked it back for me.
"Shower"- Eh. I just found this song kinda average. I agree with your points, otherwise.
"Hey Brother"- See "Timber". I didn't find the pay-off strong enough, but the whole thing is still great, especially the vocals.
"Classic"- I was surprised to see this here, as I remembered you not being a big fan of it. Personally, I like this song, and agree that it was fun and had enough self-awareness of how ridiculous it was to salvage it.
"Love Runs Out"- I don't like this as much as "Counting Stars", but it is still great. Even as someone who likes early OneRepublic (in fact, "All The Right Moves" is my favourite song of 2010), I really hope they stick to this sound.
"Can't Remember To Forget You"- See "Timber". I really liked this song, and the performances were surprisingly even.
"Don't"- Agreed. I actually liked "Sing" more, as I loved the production on that song, but this one really sold him for me.
"Team"- I like Lorde a lot, and this song really did do a lot to contribute to that for it's detail. The production never really clicked for me though, for some reason I can't figure out.
"Beachin'"- I disagree with this one. Personally, I thought the rapping was grating, the hook following a grocery-list style of writing, and I agree that the production was awful. Jake Owen's charisma saves this song from being completely awful for me, but I still just don't like it. I understand why you do, though. I have to admit to liking "Sun Daze" by Florida Georgia Line for similar reasons.
"Pompeii"- I agreed, this song just worked for me on every level. I get people calling the chants goofy, but I felt they did a lot for the atmosphere and theme of the song. I really do like Bastille as a band, and really enjoyed their album, this being a major highlight.
"Burn"- Her vocals on the hook alway annoyed me for some reason. The vocal effects, and her breathier style didn't fit with the chorus melody for me, and make the progression feel choppy. A song I wish I liked more than I did.
"Come With Me Now"- Agreed on every count. Easily my favourite song of the decade so far. The instrumentation could have been enough to earn it that title for me, but the lyrics also work great.
Here's my list based on the year-end charts (I made a list based on the top 40 on my blog, but this one is better here for this video):
10. "Talk Dirty" by Jason Derulo ft. 2Chainz
9. "Do What U Want" by Lady Gaga ft. R Kelly
8. "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zone
7. "Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood
6. "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz
5. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
4. "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic
3. "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea
2. "Pompeii" by Bastille
1. "Come With Me Now" by KONGOS
HMs: "Habits (Stay High)", "Drunk On A Plane", "Don't", "Sing", "Team", "Best Day Of My Life", "Dirt", "Ain't It Fun", "The Man"
I'm still upset Do What U Want wasn't as big as it could have been, one of Gaga's best songs.
I really enjoyed this list definitely a lot of the choices were a little surprising but at the same time I enjoyed most of these songs this year especially Classic, Dirt, Shower & Beachin' which I should've thought of more when I made my own list a couple of weeks ago but it missed the cut sadly but anyways here's my top 10 best songs list from my blog:
HM's:
Hedley-Crazy For You (I included Canadian hot 100 year-end hits as well)
Idina Menzel-Let It Go
Chromeo-Jealous (I Ain't With It) [I liked this song too =) sucks it didn't get any attention in the US]
Pharrell-Happy
Sia-Chandelier [I agreed a lot with what you said about this song]
Top 10:
10. Iggy Azalea Feat. Rita Ora-Black Widow
9. Echosmith-Cool Kids
8. Disclosure Feat. Sam Smith-Latch
7. Justin Timberlake-Not A Bad Thing
6. Paramore-Ain't It Fun
5. Deadmau5 Feat. Colleen D'Agostino-Seeya
4. Ed Sheeran-Don't (I had this a little higher on my list but it's such a great song I agree =) )
3. Taylor Swift-Shake It Off (big Taylor Swift fan =) don't judge me haha =P)
2. Sam Smith-Stay With Me
1. Clean Bandit Feat. Jess Glynee-Rather Be
Can you give me the link of your blog please
Enric Fernandez Pairo youl00klikemynextmistake.tumblr.com/tagged/top-10 both my best and worst list is on this link =)
Jeremy Dove Good list, man. I am so glad "Rather Be" is on your list.
I personally would've put "Love Never Feels So Good (not because it's a Michael Jackson song)" and "Birthday"
Team is such a jam
Great list but where is Rather Be
What do you have against Christina Aguilera? (Save Me From Myself and All I Need are her most subtle song, and they are really really good)
I feel like you could've brung up the "Do What U Want" with Christina Aguilera instead of R Kelly, but whatever. And I really didn't like Say Something. I just never grew as fond of that song as I was with Christina Perri's "Human" or even John Legend's "All Of Me." That aside, the songs you selected gave me more hope that music can still be really good.
Also, can I ask for your thoughts on Clean Bandit's "Rather Be?"
And maybe also Train's "Angel In Blue Jeans?" I've never really heard what a lot of people think about that song.
This comment has aged better than it should have. Fuck R. Kelly!
Pause at 27:47
Did anyone else notice that in classic Marilyn Manson is referenced. I don't think he is quite as beautiful as Marilyn Monroe, but he looks nice enough
Hey, first of all, I like your list. Any list that involves Can't Remember to Forget You (my favourite song Shakira has EVER done) is alright in my book. And you also picked the one of only two Lorde songs I like (the other being the weirdly enjoyable Yellow Flicker Beat, which is something I would usually hate).
On my second note, I know you are not a fan of Britney Spears, but what are your thoughts on Blackout as an album. I think it is an amazing breakup album. The dark electronic feel is a good fit for Ms Spears' album voice (which is a soprano, which is in direct contrast to her deeper, stronger Mezzo) and it seems to be more focused on the emotions of a breakup and how Ms Spears ignores the pain in a blur of casual sex and partying. The fact that it ends with 'Why Should I Be Sad', a song that I feel is more of a hollow shutoff of emotions that shows that any sadness that might be breaking through is shut off only highlights this to me. She goes into a sort of sad denial so that she doesn't have to deal with the rejection and pain. Do you agree?
COME WITH ME NOW is the best song of all-time!!
Here are my thoughts on your picks.
HM1) It's just fun and easy to listen to and I enjoy it every time it comes on.
HM2) I like this one too, especially the dark instrumentals, although I do think that at times Sia can sound a bit too harsh on it. I don't know if that was intentional, but it's not too ideal for me.
HM3) Gaga's tightest song, and in my opinion, her best one yet.
HM4) I also really liked this one. Just the melody and beat won me over.
HM5) Haven't fully heard this one yet, but maybe I will soon.
HM6) This song never really held my attention, mainly because of the limp piano beat and the dominating use of the generic 4-chord structure. I'm sure it does what it attempts to well, that it does work brilliantly, and that it is a great song, but I just don't care for it. And that's odd, because I'm partial to piano ballads, just not this one.
HM7) Haven't heard this one yet either.
10) I do believe this is Avicii's best song. There are less EDM instruments than actual instruments, and it has a brilliant crescendo and vocals.
9) I just had a lot of fun with this one.
8) I don't think I would call this my favourite OneRepublic song, but I do enjoy it a lot. Especially the power in the chorus.
7) Yeah, I really enjoyed this one the moment I heard it. Both singers sound great, and the beat is awesome too with great variety.
6) I like its funkiness and in all honestly, I believe Ed's better when he does more laidback music like this and when he doesn't belt.
5) Definitely Lorde's best song. Very upbeat and powerful.
4) Because it's country and I'm in the UK, I haven't heard this one. But it sounds like my kind of music, namely stupid, mindless fun.
3) I don't think it's my favourite Bastille song, but I still enjoy it.
2) I actually felt like Ellie was a little out of her depth with this song. I liked the song, a lot, especially its melodies and crescendo, and the beat when it's at its calmest, but it's far from my favourite Ellie Goulding song. I just didn't fully feel like Ellie should be doing party songs like this. I prefer it when she was does more indie pop music, not that this song didn't have elements of that, which I am grateful for.
1) This sounds like the type of music BBC Radio 1 would play, so how I've yet to hear this is unbelievable. But rest assured, I'm definitely going to take a listen to this asap, because it sounds like something I would love.
same thoughts here man(besides the UK part) and you REALLY should check out "come with me now" its amazing.
anthrax I just did. *It's friggin' awesome.*
I told you man :3
Riddy Prower I would of put "Rather Be" and "Love Never Feel So Good (NOT because it's a Michael Jackson song)" on the list.
kenterminatedbygoogle I agree with Rather Be, but unsure about Love Never Felt So Good.
I agree on a lot fewer of these than on your 2012 or 2013 lists (seriously, in 2012 I think my personal list overlapped with 8 of your top 10), but still solid, I think.
Timber: I thought this was decent at first, but the charm wore off in a hurry, honestly. Most folktronica seems to do that for me. I don't think I'll ever be fully sold on the idea. 5-6/10.
Chandelier: I don't hate this song, but the fact that it exists and was as big as it was still infuriates me. I'm sick to death of Rihanna on the pop charts, and the one break we're ever going to get from her frenetic schedule is dominated by another singer dropping her unique style just to imitate Rihanna's? Well, why not? We hadn't had a Rihanna song in the top 10 for like, a week or something! We can't go on like that! Frustrating. 5/10.
Do What U Want: Number six on my top ten list. R. Kelly's verse couldn't possibly have been more uncomfortable, but it's still a joy to hear him, and the groove is undeniable. Plus, it's a Gaga song that I can actually believe has a metaphorical meaning. Can't say the same for something like Telephone. 9/10.
Habits (Stay High): Number five on my top ten. Hits like a truck, and gives me hope that Swedish indie pop singers like Robyn or (God willing!) Lykke Li can follow it up. 9/10.
Dirt: Almost had this in my top ten, but dropped it down to an honorable mention. It's good to see Florida-Georgia Line actually trying, although I wish Brian sang more, I think I prefer his voice to Tyler's. 8/10.
Say Something: Honorable mention on my Worst list. Insultingly simple tune, and I feel like the lyrics and especially the video are fishing for an emotional reaction. Not buying into this one at all. 4/10.
Shower: I'll grant it's well-produced, but the rhymes are insultingly simple (it opens by rhyming 'ya' with itself three times in a row!), and I don't feel like the crescendos build up to anything. Harmless, though, and I don't hate it like the rest of the internet does. 5/10.
List Proper:
Hey Brother: Saw this coming, and an honorable mention on my list. The one folktronica song that I actually like, mostly because the folk doesn't get overpowered by the electronic elements. Love the vocals, too. 8/10.
Classic: Never cared about this one, Maroon 5 (or Adam Levine & The Scene, as I now call them) wannabees need to cease and desist post-haste. Still like it more than Rixton or The Neighbourhood (or Levine + 4), though. 5/10.
Love Runs Out: Honorable mention. Don't like it as much as Counting Stars, which made my top ten last year, but it's still great stuff. I'd say OneRepublic has jumped past Coldplay to take the position of my second-favorite Silent Majority act, the crown still going to Snow Patrol. 8/10.
Can't Remember to Forget You: Number 10 on my list. I love the energy in this one, and Rihanna sounds better than she's been in years. Yeah, I kind of enjoy the break we're having from her, but I'll make an exception for this one. 8/10.
Don't: Can't say this does much for me. I slightly prefer sing, and greatly prefer Afire Love. 6/10, I guess.
Team: Number three on my list. This shows what Lorde is really capable of, and the beat is one of the most infectious of the year. Much better production than Royals. 9/10.
Beachin': Honorable mention. I expected you to like this, but not this much! I dunno, I suppose I like everything about this that you do, just not as strongly, probably because I haven't listened to as much Gulf + Western. Still solid, though. 7/10.
Pompeii: This shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. It's been a while since I've looked at your Bad Blood review, because I was under the impression that Laura Palmer was the only song you liked from that. Anyways, I think I forgot how good this one was, because it's only an honorable mention on my list, and I feel like it should be higher, now. 8/10.
Burn: I don't get the appeal of this one. Every time I hear it, I think, "Man, the Usher song was so much better". It just feels watery and the songwriting is ephemeral. I think I maybe get a trace of what everyone likes about it, but it does little for me. 6/10.
Come With Me Now: Number two on my list. Oh, yeah, we needed this. Rock music that actually rocks! Has anyone informed Coldplay of this bold innovation? Runs on hellish, reckless abandon, has all sorts of instrumental flavor, and enigmatic lyrics that match it extremely well. 10/10.
Good list, overall, though as someone who really hated this year as a whole, I feel like it's a bit weaker than your last two. Not much to be done about that, though. The year was what it was.
My top ten looked like this:
Honorable mentions:
Happy by Pharrell
The Monster by Eminem ft. Rihanna
Dirt by Florida-Georgia Line
Beachin' by Jake Owen
Pompeii by Bastille
Love Runs Out by OneRepublic
Hey Brother by Avicii
10. Can't Remember to Forget You by Shakira ft. Rihanna
9. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
8. Ain't it Fun by Paramore
7. Am I Wrong? by Nico & Vinz
6. Do What U Want by Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly
5. Habits (Stay High) by Tove Lo
4. Let it Go by Idina Menzel
3. Team by Lorde
2. Come With Me Now by Kongos
1. Rather Be by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
I like to call them/him Maroon 1
Yes! Someone else that likes Rather Be
Nobody likes 'say something' and its sad. Simplicity at its finest is what it is.
Jeremy Choo
I'm a bit of a tough crowd when it comes to piano ballads. I can't help but compare any given example to either Billy Joel's Summer, Highland Falls or John Legend's Ordinary People, and the vast majority just can't live up to those standards. Even among stuff from this year, though, Say Something falls way short of Christina Perri's excellent song Human, which has better crescendos and more sincerity, IMO. Hell, the latter would have made my top ten if it had been a bigger hit.
My Top 10 Songs Of 2014:
01. Maroon 5 - Maps
02. Justin Timberlake - Not A Bad Thing
03. Sam Smith - Stay With Me
04. American Authors - Best Day Of My Life
05. Luke Bryan - Play It Again
06. Maroon 5 - Animals
07. Pharrell Williams - Happy
08. Jeremih Featuring YG - Don’t Tell ‘Em
09. Pitbull Featuring Ke$ha - Timber
10. Chris Brown Featuring Usher & Rick Ross - New Flame
Honorable Mentions:
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Echosmith - Cool Kids
Ed Sheeran - Sing
Florida Georgia Line - Dirt
MKTO - Classic
Rixton - Me & My Broken Heart
Calvin Harris - Summer
Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd - Break Free
A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera - Say Something
Miley Cyrus - Adore You
Avicii - Hey Brother
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Luke Bryan - This Is How We Roll
Lorde - Team
Eminem Featuring Rihanna - The Monster
no katy?
What does Mark mean by Tove Lo's voice topping out on the chorus of "Habits"?
Love Runs Out was such an enjoyable track but it didn't truly impress me as much as Counting Stars (it's the song that really made got me into them and their album, Native) but you're right about Ryan Tedder's vocal. His voice really shocked me when I heard both songs for the first time. It's so unlike what he did before and at some points I even thought it wasn't him. I discovered Counting Stars way before it became a single and I enjoyed it all year long last year but it's understandable why it's not in your list (not that I expected it to be there in the first place since it was already honorably mentioned before).
Mmmm... How does Chandelier get on the honorable mentions and Love Runs Out gets on the actual list :/
I liked love runs out better but that's me
I love Classic ! And can you do Fabulous's new album ?
Mkto is my favoite there so awsome
Wow Shakira. I like her :)
Would Uptown Funk be considered 2015?
It hit the charts at the very end of 2014 but I think he's saving it for next years list
Blade383210 I agree.
Besides putting Uptown Funk in a Best Songs of 2014 list is too late.
It only got major airplay during early 2015 and I NEVER get sick of it, it's an AWESOME song!!
Number 1 2015
Please review the album Lunatic by KONGOS please.
Kongos has an album full of good songs; Come With Me Now isn't even the best, but I see why it's the most popular.
Yas!!! DO WHAT U WANT!!!
I'm surprised you didn't but uptown funk you've just giving that song constant praise
"Uptown Funk" didn't make this year's year end list. Probably will be on next year's.
wasn't burn released in 2013?
Yes, but it debuted in 2014's Year End list, so it counts.
Very good list I agree with for the most part...
Timber: The song gets a lot of hate but listenability is very important in a pop song and it really was one of the more catchy pop songs this year. My 5 year old niece loves it which tells you something. It's not a technical masterpiece by any stretch but it is a fun song.
Chandelier: Wow... you and Todd and the Shadows like this one.... Again, I guess I'm not the only one that likes Chandelier...
Do What U Want: I like it more then Applause although that's not saying much. I never really thought Lady Gaga was really all that good and she's pretty much a poor man's Madonna without the talent OR the looks..
Say Something: The song's just sad and boring. It's not a bad song it's just not my definition of a good pop song.
Shower: Sorry... this is just generic teen pop to me...
Hey Brother: I thought this was better then Wake Me Up... I'd actually put this one a bit higher then you did
Classic: The best part of the song is the rap verse... otherwise a decent song that somewhere in the upper middle of the pack for me this year.
Love Runs Out: Not nearly as awesome as counting stars, but still much better then most anything this year.
Can't Remember to Forget You: God no... I liked Empires better. Both Shakira and Rihanna have always been rather overrated IMO.
Don't: Don't blame Ellie for cheating on him, he looks like a hobbit... anyway the song is nothing special IMO and Ed Sheeran is an artist who doesn't really know what genre he belongs to...
Team: I'm sorry but I don't care for Lorde's vocals at all. I want more power and force in my pop songs and Lorde just isn't for me.
Beachin': Oh GOD no... bro country is just bad and I really don't see much difference between this and bottoms up. If I want a good beach song, I'll just listen to classic Beach Boys thank you very much.
Pompeii: This song is very good... at the same time very listenable and technically well done. It's not a song you expect to see on the pop charts.
Burn: Ellie Goulding is Queen Midas because she can turn shit into gold. The foundation of this song is really not that good. Ellie's vocals make it one of the best songs of the year because man Ellie is just an amazing performer... I wonder what you think of "Love me like you do" which is another pretty bad foundation of a song that Ellie's voice and buildup makes it better then it should be...
Come With Me Now: It's good but I find it a bit strange... I've never really liked the folksy sound this song has and while it's definitely good for what it is I just don't care for it that much..
If I made this list, I would have chosen Rebecca Marie Gomez (a.k.a. Becky G)'s "Shower" as #1 instead of KONGOS' "Come With Me Now."
i love DOn'tttttttttttttt
I really like your list and I always enjoy how you reason out why you like or dislike a track. For me, I would add Cool Kids from Echosmith. It just stuck with me after I heard it for the first time and didn't leave. I totally agree with you, Come With Me Now was among my favorite songs of the year. I do have to say one thing about your comment of the drama behind Don't. The lyrics do implicate Ellie in the song but, Niall being the one she cheated on Ed with was a media rumor there was no evidence behind it, that I saw. I'm not saying he isn't the one Ellie cheated on Ed with because I don't know for sure. By many standards it could not even be about Ellie because we never really know for sure. I'm just saying that treating a rumor with no evidence as fact is not the best idea. Because it is encouraging something that may not be true to be thought of as true. Lyrically all Ed said is that he (Ed) didn't see the guy as a threat until she had sex with him (the guy) and that it occurred on tour. This could describe even the lighting guy, although not likely. I really do like your compilation of the songs here and enjoyed your explanation for your choices.
Woah same please don't see the comments of their worst hits if you don't wanna get sad.
Summer by Calvin Harris and wasted by tiesto I liked as well, but not enough to make the list and boom clap by Charlie xcx I found to be okay
2015 Please
Initially I was pretty cynical about Burn. Ellie Goulding regurgitating party cliches just felt unnatural to me. But now... I'm not so sure. It does kinda make sense with her strange, much-missed manic pixie dream girl persona. I imagine her less as a crowd-rallying party girl and more as some sort of fae trickster spirit kind of thing, like some vague spiritual entity sprinkling mirth and merriment across the dancefloor. Basically it makes sense if you view her as one of the little fuckers from A Midsummer Night's Dream who somehow found their way into a club
Take me to church absolutely kills me
As a bit of disclaimer for my own list, I didn’t quite follow your rules exactly. My basic reasoning was, if a song made it at least into the Top 10 at any point during the year, it qualified and you’d have a hard time arguing these songs weren’t hits even if they didn’t make the big year-end 100. Also, I have again provided my individual scores for each song, based on a 1-10 scale, for anyone who cares (probably no one). Time to embarrass myself completely. But first...
Honorable Mentions:
Taylor Swift: Blank Space - 7
I gave up trying to hate Taylor Swift a long time ago. I can’t do it. I just can’t. I am completely unashamed to admit that I loved “Shake It Off” from the moment I heard it and this… Well, actually I despised this song the first time I heard it. I hated the idea of Taylor giving in and going along with what the critics were calling her and it pissed me off… Until I realized that I fell right for her trap and that it was satire the whole time, and brilliantly written satire at that. If the music behind it had been stronger, it would have been hard for me to keep it off.
Bastille: Pompeii - 7
On one hand, some of the best story-telling in pop music in a long while. On the other, some of the most conflicting production in a while. I’m sorry, but I can’t take this song as seriously as I should because the chanting is corny as hell. But, I would be remiss if I didn’t even give it a shout-out. If Bastille can keep up their momentum, I bet they’ll bring me around soon enough.
Nico & Vinz: Am I Wrong - 7
To be honest, I’m not even really sure why I like this song. But I do. Maybe it’s the mix of electronic and African-inspired beats. Maybe it’s the general idea of the song about not apologizing for being different and not being ashamed of what you believe. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a god-damn sucker for the key of Eb. Whatever it is, it works for me. Okay, that’s enough of that. On to the main course.
#10 Selena Gomez: The Heart Wants What It Wants - 7
The first of 2 songs on my list that technically wouldn’t even qualify for yours, but I still felt it got enough play after coming out to justify calling it a hit. Honestly, I’m expecting some flack for this one and, to be honest, my #10 usually does end up being one I regret. That said, this is a HUGE step above what Selena gave us last year, which may in part be why I like it and less the song’s actual quality. Further analysis is needed for that. As for right now, I feel comfortable putting it here, though. I feel like Selena did a fantastic job portraying the kind of desperate, hesitant atmosphere that a song like this needs. It’s all the more heart-breaking when you think about what this is ACTUALLY relating to in real life. I hate Justin Bieber, I don’t think that’s going to shock anyone and anyone can guess why. That said, I do have to feel for Selena in all this. She seems to really, genuinely care for the guy. Lord knows what she sees in him, but it is entirely her experience and I will never know that. The stutter in the chorus did knock it down a point, but I still felt the need to put it here. This ALMOST makes up for Stars Dance. Almost...
#9 Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne: Rather Be - 7
Is this song on here entirely because it’s insanely catchy and nothing much else? Yup. Does that say something about my integrity and validity of opinion in regards to music criticism? Probably. Do I care? Nope. Next.
#8 Lorde: Team - 7
Solid and creative lyricism mixed with a great atmosphere and surprisingly catchy tune continue to prove that Lorde is the kind of pop singer we need right now. I’m on her team any day.
#7 Aloe Blacc: The Man - 7
Really, don’t even pay attention to this one. This is just me being a sucker for big band production and very strong soul singing. I don’t even care what it’s about.
#6 Ellie Goulding: Burn - 7
Dem chimes, man. Okay, it’s not just that. This song has a lot of energy to it that I absolutely love and, while it may not be quite as good as Lights, I still dig the hell out of this song. The lyrics are a little generic in regards to this fire we all have, but it’s EDM so I can forgive it. Very solid song from a performer I quite enjoy as a whole. Glad I could put it on here.
#5 Ed Sheeran: Don’t - 8
Ed Sheeran really brought his A game to the charts this year. Sing may not have been all that serious and intelligent of a song, but damn was it fun. Then we got this gem, showing that Ed can mix not only his actually pretty strong writing with some pretty solid music as well. He proved that he doesn’t have to be boring all the time and can tackle some darker subjects with a hint of fun in it.
#4 Avicii: Hey Brother - 8
I really appreciate the sentimental tone of this song. It really sells the whole idea of more personal, familial relationships better than the slightly vague and grandiose ambitions of Wake Me Up. I also really like the trumpets on the dance portions. It blends very well with the folk style of the verses. No complaints here.
#3 Tove Lo: Habits (Stay High) - 8
The first time I heard this song, it had been on the charts a while and I knew a few of my friends quite liked Tove Lo, but I hadn’t heard it yet. So I gave it a shot and it instantly shot onto my list. The grim, hazy atmosphere really sells this idea of being miserable and drowning your sorrows and pain in increasingly hollow instant gratification that only makes you hurt more in the long run. We really don’t get enough personal songs like this on the charts anymore. After all, the best art usually comes from personal experience. Let’s hope for more.
#2 Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk - 9
What’s that? The lyrics of this song reek of arrogance and sexual objectification that I should probably be annoyed at? ‘CAUSE UPTOWN FUNK GON’ GIVE IT TO YA. ‘CAUSE UPTOWN FUNK GON’ GIVE IT TO YA. What? Bruno Mars’ voice gets grating at times? I’M TOO HOT. HOT DAMN. TELL THE POLICE AND THE FIREMAN. I’M TOO HOT. Huh? This joke isn’t funny and I should just get on with it? UP. TOWN. FUNK YOU UP. UPTOWN FUNK YOU UP.
#1 Sia: Chandelier - 9
Choosing a #1 for this year was hard. And the fact that this is even on the list would have made me laugh had you told me when I heard it the first time. And yet, here it is. After all was said and done, I seriously love the artistry in this song. I love the explosiveness of the song while also portraying a surprising amount of depth and desperation. Tove Lo’s song may have been more personal, but I feel like this song better encapsulates the feeling that a hollow party girl is feeling right in the moment which for some reason speaks to me a little better. I just feel more pity when she’s belting about holding on for dear life just to make it to the next day. I also love Sia’s very unique voice as well. It’s so refreshing to have singers who can actually incorporate different styles of singing and make it work. First listen, I couldn't get over the muffled words, but later listens brought me on board all the way. I am quite proud to give my irrelevant praise to Sia this year. I suppose that wraps it up. Thanks for not sucking quite as much as last year 2014.
At least an honorable mention to blank space.
You should totally do an album review of alt j's latest album^^
Love runs out sounds exactly like Kanye's Love Lockdown, that chorus and the verses?
I'm surprised you didn't mention this... I heard it on the radio and didn't know it was one republic, because all I could hear was that Kanye melody, thought it was some kind of cover.
WHY BURN!?!!?!!?!?!
He explained why.
Review the 6 songs from Madonnas Rebel Heart
This might seem random but you should talk about the Interview, seeing as it falls under "movies" and "culture" with the whole Sony hack/death threats thing that went on over the past month or so.
I thought you said that "Love Me Harder" was one of your favorite songs.
You seem like a guy who would love pop music in a different era.
Did "Love Me Harder" or any other Ariana Grande not make the list, or you just didn't choose any? :(
Well love me harder didn't even make the billboard end of year list cause it came too late that is why songs like take me to church or blank space did not make the year end list on billboard and yea her other hits i guess were not good enough for his list but i didn't like break free and problem is good but not great.
It is on his Top 50 Best Songs of 2014 list.
Honorable mention Break free by Ariana grande ft zedd I like the song but it could be better.
Although I disagree with most of this list. I agree Lorde is good at telling stories, Ed Sheeran is becoming quite awesome, Bastilles' song grew on me, and "Come With me Now" is edgy and a little aged now but still really rare to see. Although it's probably going to happen I don't want "Take me to Church" to be on the 2015 year end chart. To me besides the good instrumentation in the song the rest SUCKS. My opinion may be unpopular but I don't care.
Man...I absolutely hated Come with me Now...
#7should be ole ole ole by pitbull
The only songs I mean.
Mark for your very bad pun you must now sit in the corner.
Surprised Love Me Harder is nowhere to be found...
It didn't make the year-end charts this year. Next year will be another matter, though.
It's on his Top 50 Best Songs of 2014 list.
How is Say Something indie pop? Indie pop is a sub genre of indie rock and Say Something dosnt sound like rock
I have a bad memory of classic because I was at a bowling alley and I kept on losing, the bowling ball gave my finger blisters, and there was shitty R&B everywhere so once Classic was playing I was far at the point of wanting to kill myself
Honorable mentions (that I've actually listened to)
Timber: I liked the folktronica instrumentation. Pitbull's lyrics aren't that great though they aren't terrible, and at least his delivery is interesting. It's a fun song. Plus, Ke$ha sounds good.
Chandelier: This is an interesting song about the downfalls of drinking and partying. If only the vocals weren't quite so harsh.
Habits (Stay High): I really dug this song and would definitely love to hear what else Tove Lo has to offer. At first the "eating dinner in the bathtub" and "munchies" lyrics put me off, but then I gave it a chance and it's one of my favorite songs of 2014.
Say Something: wasn't a fan of this. It bored me, honestly.
Shower: This song is simple but at least it's still enjoyable. I thought it was very silly at first but it's grown on me a little.
The actual list (that I've actually listened to):
Classic: I love this song. It's goofy but sometimes we need a goofy pop song, ya know?
Don't: Good song, and I agree that it's better than "Sing", though I do like that song.
Team: probably one of my favorite songs from Pure Heroine and a better single than Royals IMO. Good production, good lyrics, good vocals. Love it.
Pompeii: for a while I got annoyed with this song because it was overplayed but then I listened to it again and remembered why I liked it in the first place. Bastille is pretty good.
Burn: not one of Ellie Goulding's best songs, but like a lot of songs on this list, it's a fun track and Ellie sounds good.
You should hear tove lo's track 'Timebomb' from her album, amazing song
Kendrick Lamar "i"? Shoulda been on the list honestly.
it wasn't on the chart was it?
Ben Mcpeake It was, it peaked at 39 of the Billboard Hot 100.
isaiah ferrara this is songs from the end of year hot 100 chart not any song to chart on the hot 100 this year. It was only for the specific chart.
Am I the only one that is insanely put off by the over synthesized strings in shower?
You are not alone!!!!
Dear spectrum pulse
I have had traumatic brain injuries after attempting to listen "call me maybe" would you please refrain from EVER using those combination of words again
-someone really trying to save his sanity
cut the story, start the songs..
You put a pit bull song in the top tens done watching
So many of these songs belong to 2013... where was Rather Be? Becky G is terrible also..
Those 2013 songs charted in 2014 duh.
pompeii is awful, tove lo should've been on the main list