08. Mezidinia // Until The Ribbon Breaks - Orca

One that I don't think many will appreciate (given it's performance in the contest), but it's from a former D'yermak'er artist and it struck a major chord with me for reasons i'll try to explain :snif: The 'Orca' of the song takes many meanings, primarily, the band sing about their love and loss for a fellow band member in this touching tribute:

 

In the late, humid summer of last year, I was living in a shoe box room in Brooklyn, At 6pm on a fairly normal Sunday afternoon, I showered, collected my things and headed to the door. It occurred to me as I stepped out onto the street that I hadn’t heard a peep from my roommate and good friend Adam, all day.

This struck me as strange. We normally watched films on a Sunday afternoon, always hungover, trying desperately to fend off the heat. Upstairs,I found my roommate sat at the end of his bed. His glasses were balancing on the end of his nose, his shoes were tied and his bedroom smelt faintly of the cigarettes that he could never quite quit.

 

He had been dead for 8 hours. Orca is a song about the finality of death, no one is above it, it will affect us all. It is black and white, much like Orca.

 

For me the song took its own personal upheaval on me. I have struggled for the past few years dealing and coping and living with a dog with severe epilepsy - a black and white and beautiful dog much like the 'Orca' of the song. It seems to obvious a link for me and one of those moments where a song completely stops you in your tracks and resonates with you so deeply that you feel it was written for you. Whenever I listen to the song (and it is rarely now - because it is too deep and painful), I think about my best friend and my favourite companion and how he has triumphed for years living with this horrible condition and how much of a fighter he is despite the odds. A truly beautiful song, that I dedicate to my beautiful best friend. My orca ~

http://i.imgur.com/Wtipibg.jpg

 

:'( the feels

 

07. Sandénia // Gjan - One More Drink

Anyone that knows me, know I am partial to a drink or two so I was naturally drawn to the title of this. The song itself is blatantly a Sia rip-off and that's probably the reason why I love it so much - the soaring chorus and humongous notes throughout are powerful and it's an almighty sing-a-long power anthem. I became obsessed with the song throughout the Summer, which was filled with far too much drinking and merriment, and the song accompanied that very well. The middle-8 isn't the best but the rest of the song and all of its might more than makes up for that. It's a release of a song both musically and lyrically. Easily the best song Sandé has sent and we long for more of these power ballads to blast through our ear-drums next year <3

 

http://i.imgur.com/tMug24F.jpg

Mezidinia // Until The Ribbon Breaks - Orca

 

I know this *.* Such a tune dont know the others so far. Trulls was good though good so far *.*

 

06. Bellamia // Niykee Heaton - 'Cold War'

Just missing the top 5 is another entry for Bellamia and easily their best non-Cody song to date. Who knew Jseoph could go SWAG? Well he did and it totally paid off with this absolutely lush number. Niykee is a total whore bag if her instagram is anything to go by, but this song is so classy and well done it accompanies that side to her well. The catchy hook throughout the song, the orgasmic cries in the pre-chorus, the RnB tones of the chorus - it's a complete package of a song. A song about pain and self-disbelief but one that empowers through that. The song took an easy 12 points from me back when it was sent and i've played it probably the most of all songs sent to BJSC this year :') but it just misses the top 5 because I feel a lot stronger about the ones still to come. Still, this is a different side to Bellamia and one that we hope returns throughout next year.

 

http://i.imgur.com/iVA4IeC.jpg

Cold War :wub: So glad you became a big fan of that, I knew of her from Bad Intentions a few months before but Cold War is definitely her best that I've heard. The Swaggy Republic of Bellamia will return next year if I can find a suitably swaggy entry x

 

05. Cor Lupus // Five Knives - 'Savages'

:mellow: Cody not such a flop now ;o (although missing the top 3 :nocheer:) But no, Cor Lupus have nothing to worry about here. 'Savages' is one of the most beastly, enjoyable, rip-roaring songs sent this year. I am not usual partial to pop-rock but this was everything and more. It's the line "if we can't find heaven then we'll keep raising hell" that struck it with me the most - rebellious but in a totally charming and playful way. As i desperately try and hold onto my youth (:')) it's songs like this that have me pumping my fist into the air and make me revel in enjoying life and not giving a f***. The song all builds up into that undeniable chorus and it's the final one that properly gives the song an edge over most others sent this year. Totally joyous, empowering and rousing, I found myself singing along to it for weeks on end and I still love playing it whenever I need a boost. Well done successful Cody :kiss:~

 

http://i.imgur.com/Gac5yCQ.jpg

I think I found "Savages" around the first week of June and I initially thought "what is this, this is great", though that was mainly due to lack of sleep since I was at Vegas that day, then after hearing it a few times, I just had to send it to BJSC.

 

Their album is FANTASTIC, you should definitely check it out. :heart: :heart: :heart:

 

EDIT: A bit late but I just found out it was on Finding Carter two weeks ago :o

 

04. Ajanaeda // SYKES - Best Thing

Just missing the top 3 is a song that became a big hit for me officially. From the underrated Ajanaeda, 'Best Thing' is a cute, adorable, beautiful song. The vocalists tones are so uplifting and friendly and the lyrics are so sweet and enjoyable. The chorus is the clear highlight, very sing-a-long and with a deep current of pain hidden underneath the joyous sound. The song didn't quite manage to get the maximum points from me in the contest but it has stuck with me since, and I always enjoy it when it pops up on shuffle. A really solid song that I wish got a recognition in the official charts, it certainly sounds like a smash. But none of that matters, because it has soared my chart here and is the 4th best thing to hit my ears from the contest this year <3

 

http://i.imgur.com/EWUP7oX.jpg

I was expecting a certain someone to appear but I wasn't expecting Top 3 so I'm in two minds rn. :thinking: :unsure:

 

03. Desbuanda // CAPPA (feat. Almighty Chief) – Hush

Gosh. This song. As Taylor Swift dominated 2014 it was natural that artists would try to follow in her new-wave synth pop style, many failed, but this succeeded and then some. Even the aesthetics are Taylor-esque. It's not a carbon copy of a Taylor song, and she probably didn't even have her in mind when creating this song, but it is a perfect accompaniament to '1989' and offers a more sultry, indie vibe to that sound. 'Hush' from Desbuanda is a glorious, explosive song of passion and desire but also of forbidden love, promiscuity, and a hidden beauty that is better off concealed. The song melts in my ears, with divine vocals and a breathy, ethereal instrumental and it was almost like Noah had me in mind when he decided to send it, because it's just the pop that I go for. It stole my points back in LXXIV and it's remained a staple song for me since with every play offering a glorious experience. Sneaking out of windows, playing it secret, moonlit escapes, dangerous risks - lyrically and musically the song is an escape to a hidden, dark, mysterious, sensual retreat and one where I've escaped to throughout the year.

 

http://i.imgur.com/AmxSEcg.png

 

 

Top 2 coming tomorrow... and they both have something interesting in common :o

I was expecting a certain someone to appear but I wasn't expecting Top 3 so I'm in two minds rn. :thinking: :unsure:

This is exactly how I've been feeling re: 'Hush' with each song revealed until now :arrr: - quite a relief to see it finally feature! Was 90% sure it was still to come, even with Bal's bluffing earlier on putting a bit of doubt in my head, but finishing as high as third is still really surprising!

 

Anyway, of course I knew you loved it but it's wonderful to read that all put into words, Bal. It's funny because I agree with the Taylor/'1989' comparisons and understand the appeal of the lyrics and subject matter in the way that you've described, but I've never made a connection to the song like you have. My appreciation for it has always been fairly detached, just thinking it was an interesting, well-produced pop song and not much more. It was actually the first and only time I entered something into BJSC that was motivated more by potential success than a true love for the track, so in that sense it's particularly pleasing to see that sending it was far from a mistake considering the huge impression it's made on you, as well as on Kath, who I know loved it too. Makes partaking in BJSC so worthwhile to see reactions and write-ups like that. <3

it was almost like Noah had me in mind when he decided to send it, because it's just the pop that I go for.

This isn't far from the truth as I remember thinking the song would likely appeal to yourself, among some others! But actually for that contest we listened to each other's two potentials and you favoured my other one, 'Feel Real' by Deptford Goth (which you'd heard before and which I preferred slightly but decided against due to the artist already having been in BJSC) so interestingly if I'd gone with your preference at the time (the only opinion other than my own I had to go on), CAPPA probably wouldn't have ever seen BJSC or had the opportunity to grow so much on you :o. Lesson: Bal doesn't know what's good for him. :magic:

Five Knives D'Yermak'er stanning such a excellent song, Cor Lupus knows how to bring those jams :heart:

 

02. Florina // Mabel - Know Me Better

I try not to disappoint ~ Yes, it seems this has been the least unpredictable countdown ever as most of you knew the songs I fell in love with this year, so next year I will try to be a bit more conspicuous with my stanning. But you all make it so hard, especially when you send songs such as this. With this Florina brought not only one of the best songs i've heard this year, but also probably the artist I am most excited for in 2016. 'Know Me Better' is a clever R&B song - it is clever in what it tries to do and clever in its delivery. The song is almost the counter-part to 'Hush' that came before it in this countdown, as it's a song about reveal and demasking secrets. When she sings of taking it off, telling me everything, getting closer.. it becomes a heartfelt message that I think we can all relate to - that feeling when you need to know more from someone but can't put into words how to get them to reveal their thoughts and feelings / or that inner feeling when you struggle to spill your thoughts and need to take apart yourself bit-by-bit. Its delivery is equally as revealing; Mabel is both the story-teller and the vocalist, telling her story and emoting with every lyric. The constant cries from the male vocals are lost behind her prowess. Her identity and control throughout the song (and the follow-up 'My Boy My Town') are what have me so excited for her in the upcoming year and i'm so glad she was brought to my attention through this contest.

 

And we're also excited for Florina next year too - can't wait to see what you have lined up for us in the new year, including as soon as January :) #1 coming up V SOON. What is the connection with this sang though? ;o

http://i.imgur.com/kt7FjaF.jpg

 

01. Terra Avium // Crywolf - The Home We Made Pt II (Skrux Remix) (feat. Maigan Kennedy)

 

This house has worlds inside it's walls

 

There was no competition. Haus, we made it. When first hearing this stunner from Terra Avium, it was one of those moments of complete and utter awe. A song so perfectly crafted, so layered with meaning, passion and beauty. At times this year Terra A have made us feel like we were soaring the skies, but here, that all came crashing back down to earth - the song is a journey relentlessly trying to make it "home" and the tireless vocals of the two artists repeatedly seek for this solace. The music powers on through this, never quite climaxing but always just at the edge of making it. I long to know what the true meaning of the song is. What is the smoke coming from the walls? Who is the falling subject of Crywolf's lamenting? Or perhaps the majesty of the song comes through not knowing that because it gives it a universal message; one of loss and love and mourning but never quite being able to get over it all. It's a deeply moving song which never fails to make me stop what i'm doing and just indulge in the pain and sorrow of the music.

 

The song is tremendous and just like the #2 one (this is the big link I was talking about!!1) it failed to light up the BJSC hallways like it did in this Haus and instead it faltered and crashed out before the final stage. An almighty injustice, but this song is the most worthy one sent all year for me so in a way it is not completely lost. A true winner here and a song that will no doubt stick with me for many more years and through many more contests. Thank you Chez for finding such a powerful song and having the confidence to send it. It's made me deal with plentiful emotions throughout the time i've known it, both good and bad. Eternally grateful.

http://i.imgur.com/pECTr8l.jpg

The long list ~

 

01. Terra Avium // Crywolf - 'The Home We Made Pt II (Skrux Remix) (feat. Maigan Kennedy)'

02. Florina - Mabel - 'Know Me Better'

03. Desbuanda // CAPPA (feat. Almighty Chief) – 'Hush'

04. Ajanaeda // SYKES - Best Thing

05. Cor Lupus // Five Knives - Savages

06. Bellamia // Niykee Heaton - 'Cold War'

07. Sandénia // Gjan - 'One More Drink'

08. Mezidinia // Until The Ribbon Breaks – 'Orca'

09. Persephonia // A-WA - 'Habib Galbi'

10. Kluminican Republic // Truls - 'Circles'

11. Altyr Muunilinst // Koven - 'Get This Right'

12. Aquafina // Sigala - 'Easy Love'

13. Bellamia // Lia Marie Johnson - 'Moment Like You'

14. Kluminican Republic // Caravan Palace - 'Lone Digger'

15. Ramrynia // ASTR - 'Activate Me'

16. Hushkanukia // Sumera - 'Wolf'

17. Ramrynia // EVVY - 'Tidal Wave'

18. Yehesi // Yellow Claw - 'Till It Hurts (feat. Ayden)'

19. Jayrusalem // Natalie La Rose - 'Somebody (Feat. Jeremih)'

20. Oslol // Tamta - 'Unloved'

21. Aquafina // Galantis - 'Runaway (U&I)'

22. Cadelicia // ALMA - 'Watcher'

24. Vülkyria // Nhyx - 'Machines'

24. Persephonia // tiny deaths - 'Ocean'

25. Federal Republic Of Ashton // IRIS - 'I'll Wait For You'

26. Yehesi // NIIA - 'Body'

27. Cadelicia // AYER - 'In My Headphones (TKDJS Remix)'

28. #00274E // July Child - 'Turn Me On'

29. Fljótavík // Space Above - 'This Is It

30. Aeroche // Ponibbi – 'HEARTSKIP'

31. OJNOJ // Kuana Torres Kahele, Napua Greig, James Ford Murphy – 'Lava'

32. Cadelicia // About The Girl - 'We Have To Talk'

33. TRIANGLEDONIA // Diviners (feat. Contacreast) - 'Tropic Love'

34. Hendinia // Allie X - 'Tumor'

35. Daehun // SNBRN - 'Raindrops (feat. Kerli)'

36. Hushkanukia // PVRIS - 'St. Patrick'

37. Persephonia // San Holo - 'Hiding (feat. The Nicholas)'

38. Ethanola // MYNGA - 'Back Home (Matoma Remix)'

39. Kluminican Republic // Francesco Yates - 'When I Found You'

40. Terra Avium // Two Steps From Hell - 'Miracles'

41. Ramrynia // Slo – 'Shut Out of Paradise'

42. Florina // Winters Island - 'Ares'

43. N DNTN // SWET SHOP BOYS – 'BATALVI'

44. Tinnmark // Sonny Alven - 'Our Youth (ft. Emmi)'

45. Danaelanda // Colleen D'Agostino (feat. deadmau5) - 'Stay'

46. Ethanola // Serani - 'No Games (Hedonism Remix)'

47. Skall // Gallant - 'Talking In Your Sleep'

48. Altyr Muunilinst // IIIII (Lines) – 'People'

49. Jayrusalem // Lion Babe - 'Treat Me Like Fire'

50. Kluminican Republic // BØRNS - 'Electric Love'

 

 

Thank you everyone for another blinding year <3 This was just a small selection of the songs I enjoyed from the contest this year, which is testament to the strength of it. We had 30 songs in 2013, 40 in 2014, 50 here, going for 60 in 2016 so no pressure guys...

 

Until next year http://i44.tinypic.com/10wpuzr.png

 

http://i.imgur.com/ghM8vWW.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/bananas/deadbanana_zps933fcf47.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/bananas/deadbanana_zps933fcf47.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/bananas/deadbanana_zps933fcf47.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/bananas/deadbanana_zps933fcf47.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/bananas/deadbanana_zps933fcf47.gif

 

Really wasn't expecting her to be that high but so pleased that you fell in love with it so much (and that someone at least appreciated it!!!1!). Brilliant write up for it, and for all the songs as always. :heart:

Mind if I pinch that writeup for Crywolf for when I eventually get to it in my EOY? :heart:

Who needs a qualifier when you have THAT to read?! :cry: I think that's the first time my entry's ever been the top of someone else's list, even if I partially expected it given I know how much you liked it, but it's wonderful to see, and I'm so pleased to have been responsible for that.

 

I was instantly taken aback by it's melancholic production and mysterious lyrics too, I think it's a somewhat a running theme throughout his other material, he's still rather under the radar in general though, so the mystery remains~

 

Was a wonderful read elsewhere too, great stuff :D

Edited December 15, 20159 yr by Cheznuts

Bal I adore reading your commentaries for the sheer adoration and passion that goes into them! Your writing really puts a smile on my face.

 

A good number one there! I was a silly hen and didn't listen to the other semi of my debut contest so I only recently heard that song. It was rather beautiful though.

 

Yay! x