Well, Todd beat me with his Worst 10 list. Ah, well. I can guarantee one thing. "#Selfie" will not be on my list. Mostly because it wasn't a year-end top 100 hit.
#15: "Turn Down For What" by DJ Snake and Lil Jon
DJ Snake is a French DJ and producer. This is, by far, his biggest hit single internationally, although he was nominated for a Grammy for his production of Lady Gaga's Born This Way album. As for Lil Jon, he's one of the rappers that got a start back in the late 90's, 1997 to be exact. If you've ever heard a rap song that has the line "YEA-UH!" somewhere in it, it's probably Lil Jon.
I really like the beat for this song. It's heavy on the production, but combines the loudness with energy. There's a synth line that sounds sort of like auto-tuned Arabian chanting, which is a bit annoying, but the drums really give this song its energy, and the synth line is varied enough to not get too repetitive. As for Lil Jon, he is less rapping, and more shouting. If that's your sort of thing for rapping, here you go.
There is no point in going over the lyrics. This is a club song. Pretty much every line is some variation of "Get on the dance floor". To be exact "Turn down for what" is meant to be a response to people telling you to tone it down.
The song itself...well, it's not all that great. The beat is pretty good, but Lil Jon's just shouting at the top of his lungs, and the lyrics are beyond pointless. That said, there is one thing that really stands out about this song: the music video. I will link it after this song, and watch it. As you watch it, realize that this was nominated for a Grammy, and won an MTV Video Music Award for "Best Direction", one of the 4 categories it was nominated in. Honestly, it may be one of the most awesome music videos ever.
#14: "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vins
Nico & Vins are a Norwegian singer-songwriter duo. They started out in 2009 with the name Envy, but changed it to Nico & Vins after the success of this song.
This is another song that has a pretty cool beat. It's mostly a guitar line, but a rather unique one, using a slide guitar riff. Vocally, I really like the singer's voice. He puts a fair bit of passion into his voice, sounding like he means every word, and has a really good tone to his voice as well.
This song is basically encouraging the listener to follow their own path, even if it is different from what everyone else does. The singer has doubts and concerns that he may be taking the wrong path, but would rather take the chance than play it safe.
I quite enjoy this song. The music is catchy, and makes this song instantly recognizable, the message in the lyrics is strong, and the delivery of those lyrics is heartfelt. It's clear that, while this song is inspirational, the message is one that both artists strongly believe in, rather than just advice they want people to follow, and that makes a lot of difference.
#13: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
If you do not know who Taylor Swift is, picture a young, blonde country singer, sitting on a stool with a guitar. You are probably picturing Taylor Swift. At least, that used to be the case. In the last few years, she's drifted more and more into the pop industry, ditching her country roots slowly but surely.
This is the third song that I've enjoyed the beat to in a row. It's definitely indicative of the fact that Taylor Swift is no longer country, sounding more like an Avril Lavigne song, but that's not a bad thing. The main music line is a brass-like synth line, and it has a nice energy. Vocally, Avril...sorry, Taylor, doesn't sound bad, but she doesn't really sound unique, instead sounding like just about every teenage pop singer.
This song is basically 4 minutes of Taylor singing about how she just brushes off any of the criticisms that the press throws at her. Haters gonna hate, so she just shakes it off.
I cannot say that I hate this song. It's not bad to listen to, but it is very problematic, starting with the lyrics. Yes, you shake it off. That is clear from the fact that you spend almost 4 minutes going through the specifics of the criticisms directed at you, before saying it doesn't bother you. Do you seriously not see the conflicting messages there? The biggest issue with the song, though, is the lack of soul. I know pop music is all supposed to be generic, but there has to be some identity. A good artist should be able to sound unique, making themselves recognizable. Here, Taylor sounds almost identical to Avril Lavigne. We are 10 years past Avril Lavigne by now. Taylor just doesn't sound "real" as a punk-girl popstar, yet she is trying to sell herself as one. This song isn't bad, but it just does nothing for me.
#12: "Pompeii" by Bastille
Bastille is an English rock band. It started as a solo act for Dan Smith, who then decided to make a band out of it in 2010. They got signed in December of that year, and released their debut album in 2012. They've done quite well for themselves, with 5 million records sold in the U.S. and 2.5 million in the U.K. If you are wondering where the name came from, Dan Smith's birthday happens to be Bastille Day.
OK, this is a unique opening. It opens with..chanting monks, backed by synth. The synth line is the main musical instrument, giving the song a bit of a funky vibe musically, although at the same time, it definitely sounds indie rock. It's a weird blend, but it somehow works. Vocally, Dan Smith is a strong singer, with a decent range and a great tone. He's one of the few singers, however, who doesn't lose his accent when he sings, giving him a unique sound, especially in today's music industry.
It's tempting to think this song is using a metaphor, saying that things don't change, comparing the modern world to the city of Pompeii. However, Dan Smith is on record as saying that this song is...a conversation between two citizens of Pompeii as it's being destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.
This song is very unique and quirky, but in a good way. The music is nice, with a hook that is instantly recognizable, and the singer has a nice tone and unique voice. Lyrically...I have a soft spot for anyone who uses historical references in their lyrics, especially using a historical event as a backdrop for this song. I really hope I hear more from Bastille in the future. They are definitely a quirky band, but that is not a bad thing, and they certainly seem to know what they are doing.
#11: "Timber" by Pitbull feat. Kesha
I don't know how Pitbull is still popular. He's about as charismatic as Mike Posner (remember him? No? You get my point, then), and isn't all that good of a rapper. As for Kesha...well, I was tempted to write her off, and had for a bit, but she really surprised me last year with "Die Young" a song that, while not necessarily all that good, was a lot of fun to listen to, and a noticeable step up for Kesha. Therefore, I go into this song with...not exactly high expectations, but am prepared for something decent.
...What is it with unique musical instruments this year? It's been a long time since I've heard a song that utilizes a harmonica. The main music line is more standard hip-hop stuff, but that harmonica still gives the song a more unique hook, standing out. As for Pitbull, he does have some nice flow, and is quite a bit faster than usual, but his personality could not be more nondescript if he tried. As for Kesha, I give her credit for mostly ditching the autotune, but she isn't really given much to do besides "party girl". She definitely excels at that, but still.
This is a club song, with lyrics involving Pitbull hitting on Kesha, and Kesha promising to make it a night he won't forget. Oh, wait, he won't remember the night...but he'll remember her. Where does the title come in? She's yelling "Timber", because they're going down.
This is not a song you take seriously. If you try to, the lyrics are cringeworthy at best ("Club is jumping like Lebron", for example). Taken as something to just listen, or maybe dance in a club to, though, this song definitely has that going for it. Both Kesha and Pitbull deliver, arguably better than they have in a long time, the beat is great, and with a non-serious mind, the lyrics are laughably goofy. This song is definitely not that good, technically, but it delivers where it counts for a club song. I'd take this over anything will.i.am or Flo Rida are doing.
That...was not as bad as I was expecting.
Previously: #20-16 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.869102-2014-Billboard-Top-100-20-16]
Next: #10-6 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.869205-2014-Billboard-Top-100-10-6]
Mod edit: Fixed your tags.
#15: "Turn Down For What" by DJ Snake and Lil Jon
DJ Snake is a French DJ and producer. This is, by far, his biggest hit single internationally, although he was nominated for a Grammy for his production of Lady Gaga's Born This Way album. As for Lil Jon, he's one of the rappers that got a start back in the late 90's, 1997 to be exact. If you've ever heard a rap song that has the line "YEA-UH!" somewhere in it, it's probably Lil Jon.
I really like the beat for this song. It's heavy on the production, but combines the loudness with energy. There's a synth line that sounds sort of like auto-tuned Arabian chanting, which is a bit annoying, but the drums really give this song its energy, and the synth line is varied enough to not get too repetitive. As for Lil Jon, he is less rapping, and more shouting. If that's your sort of thing for rapping, here you go.
There is no point in going over the lyrics. This is a club song. Pretty much every line is some variation of "Get on the dance floor". To be exact "Turn down for what" is meant to be a response to people telling you to tone it down.
The song itself...well, it's not all that great. The beat is pretty good, but Lil Jon's just shouting at the top of his lungs, and the lyrics are beyond pointless. That said, there is one thing that really stands out about this song: the music video. I will link it after this song, and watch it. As you watch it, realize that this was nominated for a Grammy, and won an MTV Video Music Award for "Best Direction", one of the 4 categories it was nominated in. Honestly, it may be one of the most awesome music videos ever.
[youtube]
#14: "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vins
Nico & Vins are a Norwegian singer-songwriter duo. They started out in 2009 with the name Envy, but changed it to Nico & Vins after the success of this song.
This is another song that has a pretty cool beat. It's mostly a guitar line, but a rather unique one, using a slide guitar riff. Vocally, I really like the singer's voice. He puts a fair bit of passion into his voice, sounding like he means every word, and has a really good tone to his voice as well.
This song is basically encouraging the listener to follow their own path, even if it is different from what everyone else does. The singer has doubts and concerns that he may be taking the wrong path, but would rather take the chance than play it safe.
I quite enjoy this song. The music is catchy, and makes this song instantly recognizable, the message in the lyrics is strong, and the delivery of those lyrics is heartfelt. It's clear that, while this song is inspirational, the message is one that both artists strongly believe in, rather than just advice they want people to follow, and that makes a lot of difference.
#13: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
If you do not know who Taylor Swift is, picture a young, blonde country singer, sitting on a stool with a guitar. You are probably picturing Taylor Swift. At least, that used to be the case. In the last few years, she's drifted more and more into the pop industry, ditching her country roots slowly but surely.
This is the third song that I've enjoyed the beat to in a row. It's definitely indicative of the fact that Taylor Swift is no longer country, sounding more like an Avril Lavigne song, but that's not a bad thing. The main music line is a brass-like synth line, and it has a nice energy. Vocally, Avril...sorry, Taylor, doesn't sound bad, but she doesn't really sound unique, instead sounding like just about every teenage pop singer.
This song is basically 4 minutes of Taylor singing about how she just brushes off any of the criticisms that the press throws at her. Haters gonna hate, so she just shakes it off.
I cannot say that I hate this song. It's not bad to listen to, but it is very problematic, starting with the lyrics. Yes, you shake it off. That is clear from the fact that you spend almost 4 minutes going through the specifics of the criticisms directed at you, before saying it doesn't bother you. Do you seriously not see the conflicting messages there? The biggest issue with the song, though, is the lack of soul. I know pop music is all supposed to be generic, but there has to be some identity. A good artist should be able to sound unique, making themselves recognizable. Here, Taylor sounds almost identical to Avril Lavigne. We are 10 years past Avril Lavigne by now. Taylor just doesn't sound "real" as a punk-girl popstar, yet she is trying to sell herself as one. This song isn't bad, but it just does nothing for me.
#12: "Pompeii" by Bastille
Bastille is an English rock band. It started as a solo act for Dan Smith, who then decided to make a band out of it in 2010. They got signed in December of that year, and released their debut album in 2012. They've done quite well for themselves, with 5 million records sold in the U.S. and 2.5 million in the U.K. If you are wondering where the name came from, Dan Smith's birthday happens to be Bastille Day.
OK, this is a unique opening. It opens with..chanting monks, backed by synth. The synth line is the main musical instrument, giving the song a bit of a funky vibe musically, although at the same time, it definitely sounds indie rock. It's a weird blend, but it somehow works. Vocally, Dan Smith is a strong singer, with a decent range and a great tone. He's one of the few singers, however, who doesn't lose his accent when he sings, giving him a unique sound, especially in today's music industry.
It's tempting to think this song is using a metaphor, saying that things don't change, comparing the modern world to the city of Pompeii. However, Dan Smith is on record as saying that this song is...a conversation between two citizens of Pompeii as it's being destroyed by Mount Vesuvius.
This song is very unique and quirky, but in a good way. The music is nice, with a hook that is instantly recognizable, and the singer has a nice tone and unique voice. Lyrically...I have a soft spot for anyone who uses historical references in their lyrics, especially using a historical event as a backdrop for this song. I really hope I hear more from Bastille in the future. They are definitely a quirky band, but that is not a bad thing, and they certainly seem to know what they are doing.
#11: "Timber" by Pitbull feat. Kesha
I don't know how Pitbull is still popular. He's about as charismatic as Mike Posner (remember him? No? You get my point, then), and isn't all that good of a rapper. As for Kesha...well, I was tempted to write her off, and had for a bit, but she really surprised me last year with "Die Young" a song that, while not necessarily all that good, was a lot of fun to listen to, and a noticeable step up for Kesha. Therefore, I go into this song with...not exactly high expectations, but am prepared for something decent.
...What is it with unique musical instruments this year? It's been a long time since I've heard a song that utilizes a harmonica. The main music line is more standard hip-hop stuff, but that harmonica still gives the song a more unique hook, standing out. As for Pitbull, he does have some nice flow, and is quite a bit faster than usual, but his personality could not be more nondescript if he tried. As for Kesha, I give her credit for mostly ditching the autotune, but she isn't really given much to do besides "party girl". She definitely excels at that, but still.
This is a club song, with lyrics involving Pitbull hitting on Kesha, and Kesha promising to make it a night he won't forget. Oh, wait, he won't remember the night...but he'll remember her. Where does the title come in? She's yelling "Timber", because they're going down.
This is not a song you take seriously. If you try to, the lyrics are cringeworthy at best ("Club is jumping like Lebron", for example). Taken as something to just listen, or maybe dance in a club to, though, this song definitely has that going for it. Both Kesha and Pitbull deliver, arguably better than they have in a long time, the beat is great, and with a non-serious mind, the lyrics are laughably goofy. This song is definitely not that good, technically, but it delivers where it counts for a club song. I'd take this over anything will.i.am or Flo Rida are doing.
That...was not as bad as I was expecting.
Previously: #20-16 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.869102-2014-Billboard-Top-100-20-16]
Next: #10-6 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.869205-2014-Billboard-Top-100-10-6]
Mod edit: Fixed your tags.