December 20, 201410 yr Author Paramore "Ain't It Fun" Paramore "Daydreaming" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/z/Q/3/paramore-aint-it-fun-fueled-by-ramen.jpghttp://www.josepvinaixa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Paramore-Promo-300x300.png At this point last year "Ain't It Fun" was just an overlooked Paramore single, struggling to chart anywhere even after the success of "Still Into You" and despite being their best song yet. Thankfully, US radio completely embraced it, and it became not only their biggest American hit but also their first top ten. The album version goes on for a glorious five minutes and yet it still always ends too soon. I could listen to that gospel choir sing "don't go cryin', to your mama" on loop all day. If this song isn't a highlight of their career then I don't know what is. Paramore have always been great but they just keep outdoing themselves musically and lyrically. Their progression and quality as a band is outstanding. "Daydreaming" is another example of that from their self-titled album, another would-be single that did get a video and some spins on Radio 1. The chorus is massive (the usual for them) and the video shows a lot of live footage--fitting, because it's the kind of song that seems meant to be experienced live. Both of these are 10/10 moments, maybe an 11 for "Ain't It Fun". Peking Duk featuring Nicole Millar "High" http://cdn3.unpopularlyrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/peking-duk-high.jpg I'm somewhat reluctant to include this as it now has big hit potential in 2015, but "High" was still a big part of 2014 so it belongs. Having not heard anything else from Peking Duk, it's a fantastic effort on their part (the drop in particular is life and a half) but wouldn't be the same without Nicole's voice searing through the track. Also, pretty sure if I'd first watched the video with the sound muted I'd have mistaken it for "The Fox". But that fits the song nicely since it has what sounds like animal noises? Not really sure. I'm also not sure how well "High" is doing on pre-orders or anything but hearing it on the chart show would be a long-awaited thrill for a song that always had the sense of "unlikely hit" to it. While we're at it, I'd have even more fun blasting this out of a car window. Even in a dance-dominant era of music it stands out so much, and is too good to just be a local Aussie hit so make it happen! Pharrell Williams "Come Get It Bae" http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/Pharrell_Williams_Come_Get_It_Bae.png I've yet to tire of THAT guitar loop, even after hearing in the background of several TV ads. In terms of use in commercials it was just as ubiquitous as "Happy", at least in the States. But Pharrell, or perhaps his label, made the mistake of thinking said exposure would make "Come Get It Bae" a good single choice. In most cases it would! But not when that loop is its only strong point and is the base to a track that falls flat overall. Then again, it's hard to say which was worse: seeing this get pushed in the US instead of something with more hit potential, or seeing the brilliant "Marilyn Monroe" get pushed in the UK and struggle to overcome the inevitable shadow of "Happy". Pharrell did try both strategies, and there was bound to be disappointment either way. Anyway, the verdict: "Come Get It Bae" isn't great, but I don't hate it either~ Phillip Phillips "Raging Fire" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/i/Q/3/phillip-phillips-raging-fire-interscope.jpg Still the most recent *successful* American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips released his second album Behind The Light in the spring, surely timed for him to appear on the show for promotional purposes. It was all a bit soon for me, and my fear of it being a rushed effort only grew worse on my first listen of "Raging Fire". Long story short, it grew on me quickly but hasn't led me to listen to the album in full yet. "Raging Fire" is definitely Phillip-by-numbers and that's what was so immediately off-putting about it. There was little or no progression to be heard, and an apparent lack of depth in the lyrics. Particularly the line, "We can live until we die." Say! But, it's very catchy, radio-friendly for sure, and proved to be irresistible for me. Missing the top 40 on Billboard was a surprising and disappointing underperformance, but maybe it means my initial reaction was right? (Answer: no) Pitbull featuring G.R.L. "Wild Wild Love" Pitbull featuring John Ryan "Fireball" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/w/P/3/pitbull-wild-wild-love-rca.jpghttp://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/748317b0f3a4689a6765aebc4a48cda3/5379095.jpg I've become a full-fledged Pitbull fan in the last year or two. He's recycled his music so much at this point and I can't help but love him, and not even in the ironic sense. "Timber" is no longer a fave of mine, but his follow-up singles have brought two very exciting featured artists into my life. "Wild Wild Love" is all about that chorus, from G.R.L. who have rightfully become hitmakers of their own since then. I was legitimately worried that Pitbull was introducing us to an overhyped girl group that wouldn't amount to anything. Very pleased to be wrong there, so far! The song took its time to grow on me, but so did "Ugly Heart" and they both grew in a huge way. Obviously Pitbull has Latin roots as an artist, and for me he's at his best when he's doing that instead of generic dance-pop. "Fireball" was a brilliant return to form in that sense. Brilliant! The instrumental with saxophone is impossible to resist, with excellent build-up from the chorus sung by John Ryan, whoever that is. The melody and Latin instrumentation work very well together and make the song into an absolute earworm. Unfortunately "Fireball" wasn't much of a chart hit so we'll be back to disposable electropop Pitbull (feat. Ne-Yo) imminently. euxXBvdrzxQ
December 21, 201410 yr aint it fun is stunning, a lovely video concept too which never failed to put a smile on my face. so happy it was big in the US because that chorus is stunning and so feel-good. ah fireball is such a guilty pleasure, it's not the best song ever but the latin brass breakdown is amazing. such a hip-mover.
December 21, 201410 yr I really like Paramore's last album and wild wild love is good but only because of that stunning chorus by G.R.L :wub:
December 21, 201410 yr Wild Wild Love and Fireball are absolutely brilliant, but not a patch on Timber
December 22, 201410 yr Ain't it Fun is such a jam for me :music: The music video is equally as good! Such a simple concept delivered in such an entertaining way! Now they have loads of world records under their belts :o Edited December 22, 201410 yr by NellyXmas.S
December 23, 201410 yr Author Sara Bareilles "I Choose You" http://distilleryimage0.s3.amazonaws.com/829d32fa8fe311e398be0a56c26576e4_6.jpg "Brave" was such a slow-burner of a hit that it took about nine months for Sara to announce the second single from The Blessed Unrest (which I'm still amazed was a Grammy nominee for album of the year!). I haven't listened to the album but "I Choose You" was regarded as an odd choice from those who have. I can understand that as it doesn't grab your attention the way her other songs are capable of doing. Very understated, but after enough listens it absolutely did grab me. It should really hit you in the second verse, if you're interested. I bought a car back in the spring, and "I Choose You" was the first song I heard on the radio as I drove it off the lot for the first time. It was interesting as the lyrics unintentionally translated to the thrill associated with that. The process of actually finding the right car and weighing several options was pretty stressful, so the song offered some unexpected reassurance at just the right time. The lyrics are also great in their regular context, with my favorite line being, "tell the world that we finally got it all right". Selena Gomez "The Heart Wants What It Wants" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/o/r/3/selena-gomez-the-heart-wants-what-it-wants.png I'm hastily re-writing this one as it grew on me just slightly at the last minute. It's okay but not without some major faults. First, the title "The Heart Wants What It Wants", is just an awful meaningless phrase, much like "it is what it is". And then there's the chorus, which is just the title sung four times in a near monotone. It's very dull, almost a complete void. The verses aren't much better. But it matches the context of the song. Selena is feeling defeated, which does fit the track's subtle and somber nature. This is far from the best expression of vulnerability I've ever heard, but it'll do. My expectations weren't very high anyway, with this being the last song of her record deal, so hopefully her new label will put forth the effort and bring Selena back to her usual standard. I really do want to like this, and I'm fully prepared to eat my words if that happens. Shakira "Empire" Shakira featuring Rihanna "Can't Remember To Forget You" http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Shakira_-_Empire.pnghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c2/CantRememberToForgetYouCover.png This year Shakira helped continue the trend of 30-something pop stars becoming a coach on The Voice with the primary intent of promoting a comeback album! The "ulterior motive", so to speak, is so obvious at this point but viewers seem to enjoy the revolving door (or should I say coaches' chair). And it means we get some more semi-hits from our childhood faves, so who am I to complain? Shakira gave us two stellar singles so I'm glad she had that platform to give them extra attention! Especially "Empire" which was risky enough that it might not have seen the light of day otherwise. She performed it on as many TV events as humanly possible, but all that promo didn't amount to as much as it should have. The song takes a while to get going but really connects in the second chorus, for me at least. However, I preferred the first single, "Can't Remember To Forget You". Speaking of crap song titles, this seemed very clumsy and didn't give the song much promise, but it turned out to be an excellent collaboration. And right from the get-go too, with the reggae beat and guitar making for a very strong intro. The verses are also executed very well, whereas the chorus suffers as a result of the song title being bad. Thankfully it's good overall since this was the only time we saw or heard from Rihanna all year. Sia "Chandelier" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/x/b/3/sia-chandelier.jpg This was my second era as a Sia fan, having first taken notice during her previous album We Are Born five years ago. Such an incredible talent, we know she's not in it for the fame, which made it even more satisfying to see one of her best efforts get the acclaim it deserves. "Chandelier" was without question one of the best moments in music this year, and with her wish to remain hidden as much as possible it allowed Sia to have her cake and eat it too. The song may be epic in every way, from the monstrous chorus to the music video, but turning "Chandelier" into a rightful global smash was always going to be an uphill battle. I'm still in disbelief that it actually happened. Equally unbelieveable is her #1 album in America and her Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Unfortunately it hasn't led to further singles' success for Sia, but for the world to embrace just one of her songs to this magnitude is a remarkable triumph. lmGkIqu-mpc
December 23, 201410 yr Chandelier is stunning, especially Sia's vocals. I also adore can't remember to forget you and empire and the heart gets what it wants are also good :wub: Great section Riser :wub: (and there are 2 songs I am hoping for in the next section :kink:)
December 23, 201410 yr Shakira really impressed me this era. Empire was quite lovely, I loved the effects on the chorus with the 'and I'm like', shame it wasn't an even bigger hit. CRTFY is amazing too, I agree that the verses are the best. Rihanna's tone of voice on her voice is just amazing really and I think the chorus is strong too. I think THWWIW is Selena's best song of her career, it's just quite beautiful really. Who Says is also one of my favourites with Come & Get It and Love You Like A Love Song not far behind. She's quite a good lil pop star come to think of it. Brave > anything else by Sara
December 23, 201410 yr Catching up - great commentaries as ever! I'm hastily re-writing this one as it grew on me just slightly at the last minute. It's okay but not without some major faults. First, the title "The Heart Wants What It Wants", is just an awful meaningless phrase, much like "it is what it is". And then there's the chorus, which is just the title sung four times in a near monotone. It's very dull, almost a complete void. The verses aren't much better. But it matches the context of the song. Selena is feeling defeated, which does fit the track's subtle and somber nature. This is far from the best expression of vulnerability I've ever heard, but it'll do. My expectations weren't very high anyway, with this being the last song of her record deal, so hopefully her new label will put forth the effort and bring Selena back to her usual standard. I really do want to like this, and I'm fully prepared to eat my words if that happens. Was thinking about this as it's the kind of thing that'd annoy me too and I was wondering why it doesn't! I think for me, it's an apt phrase in this context because (without wanting to get too ~deep~ on a Tuesday :o) it's about your heart being in conflict with your head so I think there's more to it than the more one-dimensional 'it is what it is'. Interesting take on it (as well as the song) though. As you know, I'm a big fan of the song so I might be being overly lenient!
December 24, 201410 yr Author Chandelier is stunning, especially Sia's vocals. I also adore can't remember to forget you and empire and the heart gets what it wants are also good :wub: Great section Riser :wub: (and there are 2 songs I am hoping for in the next section :kink:)Taylor will be here, but not until the actual countdown! I'm trying not to do too many huge hits and focus on the smaller ones and relatively obscure stuff ^_^ I should've mentioned that in the first post, sorry! Shakira really impressed me this era. Empire was quite lovely, I loved the effects on the chorus with the 'and I'm like', shame it wasn't an even bigger hit. CRTFY is amazing too, I agree that the verses are the best. Rihanna's tone of voice on her voice is just amazing really and I think the chorus is strong too. I think THWWIW is Selena's best song of her career, it's just quite beautiful really. Who Says is also one of my favourites with Come & Get It and Love You Like A Love Song not far behind. She's quite a good lil pop star come to think of it. Brave > anything else by SaraYeah the chorus (of CRTFY) isn't as bad as I made it out to be! I love those Selena songs too but also A Year Without Rain :wub: Brave!? :o Oh my gosh I don't agree. Catching up - great commentaries as ever! Was thinking about this as it's the kind of thing that'd annoy me too and I was wondering why it doesn't! I think for me, it's an apt phrase in this context because (without wanting to get too ~deep~ on a Tuesday :o) it's about your heart being in conflict with your head so I think there's more to it than the more one-dimensional 'it is what it is'. Interesting take on it (as well as the song) though. As you know, I'm a big fan of the song so I might be being overly lenient!That's really good insight, thanks for that! Doesn't seem lenient to me, in fact I feel like I'm being overly harsh anyway! Edited December 24, 201410 yr by Riser
December 24, 201410 yr Love Song >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> everything else you mean :)
December 28, 201410 yr Author The Band Perry "Don't Let Me Be Lonely" http://www.josepvinaixa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/The-Band-Perry-Dont-Let-Me-Be-Lonely-2013-LQ.png Still best known for their song "If I Die Young" a few years back, The Band Perry didn't release another ballad single until this song, the third single of their second album Pioneer late last year. I give them huge credit for not attempting any soundalikes and continuing to show their range as a group. For those who don't know, their best attribute is definitely songwriting! "Don't Let Me Be Lonely" isn't the best example, but a weak lyrical effort for them is still head and shoulders above most artists, especially in country. Kimberly's voice has always been sweet to listen to anyway, so she still provides the replay factor here. The Black Keys "Fever" The Black Keys "Gotta Get Away" http://www.volarefm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Black_Keys_Fever_cover.pnghttp://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l219/Yoshi538/9f531790-bc11-4f3e-919d-454c6be3f0c2.jpg Over the past few years, The Black Keys have turned their Ohio roots into huge global success, becoming the first local band to do so in my lifetime. Turn Blue is their eighth album and "Fever" was the highly anticipated lead single. Could it possibly reach the glorious heights of "Lonely Boy" and "Gold On The Ceiling"? People were quick to compare "Fever" to their recent hits and call this one a disappointment, but after a few listens the song managed to work its magic. The sound is immersed in retro influences, as their output always is, but the 70s textures are enough of a change to keep it interesting. That said, it was "Gotta Get Away" that stood out to me most when listening to Turn Blue. It screamed for a single release and consequently was picked as the follow-up to "Fever" in the US, much to my delight. It's a perfect album closer, but that's hard to explain unless you hear it yourself. Ends it all on such a high, and the lyrics are essentially a summary of...something. Title track "Turn Blue" is also begging for airplay so I need that to happen in 2015. The Chainsmokers "#Selfie" http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f1/The_Chainsmokers_-_Selfie.jpg Everything about selfies make me cringe. Ugh. So a song about selfies seemed absolutely repulsive, but it turns out the Chainsmokers were set to make a mockery of the trend all along, complete with hashtag! The end result is pretty glorious, a hilarious portrayal of a terrible buzzword. The shamelessly basic EDM backing track makes it even more perfect. If you think it already sounds dated eleven months later, just wait to hear how of-its-time it'll sound in eleven years! *.* No matter what I've said previously in the thread, my favorite lyrics of 2014 are definitely "Ugh, I think I'm gonna throw up. Never mind, I'm fine! Let's go dance". The girl that does the talking gives such a spot-on impression of an insecure American party girl, it'd be funny to know if she's like that in real life or not. I kind of hoped "#Selfie" would run the joke into the ground and make it all go away, but that didn't happen. On the upside, its chart success wasn't as big as its detractors feared, which is good because "#Selfie" would have been a terrible #1. The Fray "Break Your Plans" The Fray "Love Don't Die" http://www.realmofmusic.ru/uploads/posts/2014-06/1401886933_break-your-plans.jpg I was hoping for The Fray to have a big comeback like OneRepublic in 2013 and Train in 2012, but it didn't happen! Such a shame because they're still so good. Especially if you like Isaac's voice and The Fray's typical sound, "Break Your Plans" is pretty perfect. I enjoy the spontaneous sentiment of the lyrics, as someone who's never had that quality but always admired it. Their standard piano-pop MOR sounds as great as ever, but apparently they've mostly evolved from that on this latest album. Probably for the best! If you're interested in something different from The Fray, "Love Don't Die" is their most upbeat single to date, complete with foot stomps and hand claps! I loved the change in sound but it's no different to what every American band is doing these days. Case in point, it's the predecessor to OneRepublic's "Love Runs Out", which came a few months later, sounding very similar, and performed far better despite being vastly inferior. Honestly it's no big deal as long as The Fray keep releasing a couple of good tunes every couple of years. 4FopKgAntiA
December 28, 201410 yr oops don't know much from this lot, i like to think i know a fair bit of what's popular in the US but i guess this is beyond my knowledge :P never been a fan of the black keys at all and not really liked any of their stuff before but Fever was a proper turnaround for me and I really enjoyed it. It's just a good lil catchy alternative kind of pop song with a nice lil hook and great production really. Didn't like anything else from this era though :( #selfie is fantastic i agree, some of the lyrics really are hilarious. definitely a song i'll remember when looking back at 2014 and one of my favourite novelty hits in a while
December 28, 201410 yr That review of '#Selfie' nearly convinced me that the song has some form of appeal, ironic or otherwise, but I think I just find it too obnoxious I'm afraid! Like Josh, I'm largely unfamiliar with the rest of the songs but just checked out 'Gotta Get Away' and 'Love Don't Die' and quite liked both. :D
December 28, 201410 yr Sia "Chandelier" http://0.tqn.com/y/top40/1/L/x/b/3/sia-chandelier.jpg This was my second era as a Sia fan, having first taken notice during her previous album We Are Born five years ago. Such an incredible talent, we know she's not in it for the fame, which made it even more satisfying to see one of her best efforts get the acclaim it deserves. "Chandelier" was without question one of the best moments in music this year, and with her wish to remain hidden as much as possible it allowed Sia to have her cake and eat it too. The song may be epic in every way, from the monstrous chorus to the music video, but turning "Chandelier" into a rightful global smash was always going to be an uphill battle. I'm still in disbelief that it actually happened. Equally unbelieveable is her #1 album in America and her Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Unfortunately it hasn't led to further singles' success for Sia, but for the world to embrace just one of her songs to this magnitude is a remarkable triumph.[/b] Just catching up and of course HAVE to show my love here. I agree with so much of this commentary: it WAS one of the best moments in music this year, the disbelief at it being one of the biggest songs commercially of the year, the #1 album, the grammys GAH i loved following her all year. I am still saddened that we haven't got a follow up single. 'Big Girls Cry' in particular is screaming for a release... Perhaps she's waiting for 'Chandelier' to properly die down before moving on (though i still don't think that's happening any time soon). To think, i paid very little attention to her before this year, all it took was one listen of 'Chandelier' to make a fan :wub:
December 28, 201410 yr Selfie is awful :puke2: Hideous song :puke2: I love the new black keys album and the band perry have new music :o . If I die young was a big hit for me this year :wub: Edited December 28, 201410 yr by Ultraviolence1989
December 28, 201410 yr yeah #Selfie is laughably dreadful but at least 'Chandelier' & 'Can't Remeber To Forget You' makes up for that ;)
December 28, 201410 yr Missed quite a lot but catching up now Jordan! I have to say I really like or even love the majority of these! :D I have to say I agree with you on 'In Your Arms' by Nico & Vinz. Such a fantastic song that deserved much more recognition than it got in the UK :( Easily could've been another top 10 hit for them.
December 29, 201410 yr Author oops don't know much from this lot, i like to think i know a fair bit of what's popular in the US but i guess this is beyond my knowledge :P never been a fan of the black keys at all and not really liked any of their stuff before but Fever was a proper turnaround for me and I really enjoyed it. It's just a good lil catchy alternative kind of pop song with a nice lil hook and great production really. Didn't like anything else from this era though :( #selfie is fantastic i agree, some of the lyrics really are hilarious. definitely a song i'll remember when looking back at 2014 and one of my favourite novelty hits in a whileYeah the rest of the batch is gonna be a little less familiar, with some very good exceptions. I'm glad you found a Black Keys song that you like! That review of '#Selfie' nearly convinced me that the song has some form of appeal, ironic or otherwise, but I think I just find it too obnoxious I'm afraid! Like Josh, I'm largely unfamiliar with the rest of the songs but just checked out 'Gotta Get Away' and 'Love Don't Die' and quite liked both. :DMy #Selfie commentary was nearly worth the effort then :o Good enough :cheer: Just catching up and of course HAVE to show my love here. I agree with so much of this commentary: it WAS one of the best moments in music this year, the disbelief at it being one of the biggest songs commercially of the year, the #1 album, the grammys GAH i loved following her all year. I am still saddened that we haven't got a follow up single. 'Big Girls Cry' in particular is screaming for a release... Perhaps she's waiting for 'Chandelier' to properly die down before moving on (though i still don't think that's happening any time soon). To think, i paid very little attention to her before this year, all it took was one listen of 'Chandelier' to make a fan :wub:Amazing! I definitely wish I'd been introduced to Sia years ago. We both should check out her back catalogue at some point! I can imagine a Grammy performance or something being an absolute sensation, would love for it to happen! Selfie is awful :puke2: Hideous song :puke2: I love the new black keys album and the band perry have new music :o . If I die young was a big hit for me this year :wub:Yeah The Band Perry have a second album! Here's if you're interested :D yeah #Selfie is laughably dreadful but at least 'Chandelier' & 'Can't Remeber To Forget You' makes up for that ;)Haha, thanks for commenting anyway :D Missed quite a lot but catching up now Jordan! I have to say I really like or even love the majority of these! :D I have to say I agree with you on 'In Your Arms' by Nico & Vinz. Such a fantastic song that deserved much more recognition than it got in the UK :( Easily could've been another top 10 hit for them.Thanks Adam! Can't wrap my head around the poor support for 'In Your Arms', the same thing happened in the US :drama:
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