Out of the Woods is one of the best songs on Taylor's album. I'm surprised it hasn't been made a single yet.

^ I know, it simply must be a single. :arrr:

 

#10 | BANKS | Beggin For Thread

 

UK | -

Ire | -

 

Kicking off the top tier is a track by my favourite 'new' female artist of 2014. Not unlike the rest of her neo-R&B output, BANKS' 'Beggin For Thread' is like a drug to me; deeply intense, entrancing, mysterious and incredibly addictive (just FYI I don't do drugs, ok cool ^_^). I was fortunate enough to witness the artist do her thing live at a festival over the summer and the relatively up-tempo song was my clear highlight of the shy Californian's excellent set, despite how unsuited its dark, moody tone was for an uncharacteristically tropical July afternoon in Dublin. The track is utterly compelling, with its opening pulsating beat never failing to grab my attention immediately and, combined with the fascinatingly obscure lyrics and infectious melodies throughout the song's fiery verses and menacing chorus, managing to hold it firmly until the song's abrupt climax. The singer's casual, even apathetic, delivery of scathing lines like 'My words can come out as a pistol/And I'm no good at aiming/But I can aim it at you' helps capture the mood perfectly, making it a truly fierce jam of a listen from start to finish. The track for me is one of those extremely rare gems that can be hammered for months without ever losing its potent effect.

#09 | Kwabs | Walk

 

UK | 71

Ire | -

 

I find 'Walk' to be an apt title for Kwabs' most accessible offering yet, what with the need, as a huge fan of his, to be patient and appreciative of the frustratingly slow progress he's been making in acquiring mainstream recognition for his incredible talent. The highly competitive nature of the industry means that, unlike some other hyped acts who've reached the big leagues relatively quickly, he's really had to learn to walk before he can run, having consistently produced quality material for the last year or so for little commercial gain. When listening to 'Walk' for the first time, I was not only blown away by its excellence as a stand-alone song, but I was delighted by the fact it had massive radio potential and was convinced it'd become his thoroughly-deserved breakthrough hit. Alas, it wasn't to be but I'll stop focusing on the negatives now because all the goodness here far outweighs that (and plus, it reached #2 in Germany!) ^_^. 'Walk' is an upbeat and thrilling listen, with the fast-paced, rhythmic verses challenging the bold, booming chorus for its immense catchiness. The track very effectively showcases the singer's deep, soul-infused voice throughout, no better than on the distinctive, tribal-sounding middle 8 and later with the plethora of soaring ad libs as the song reaches its conclusion. The video is also a triumph, showing Kwabs as an artist for the first time, instead of an anonymous voice, and demonstrating his natural star quality and charm in the process. Though somewhat tinged with disappointment, I adore everything about this release. <3

Edited January 9, 201510 yr by Noahspike

#08 | Ariana Grande ft. The Weeknd | Love Me Harder

 

UK | 50

Ire | 33

 

Inadvertently continuing the bitterly disappointing flop 'theme' I have going with 'Walk' (and 'Beggin For Thread' of course :drama:), 'Love Me Harder' is by far my favourite song from perhaps the biggest breakout star of 2014, Ariana Grande, which makes its inexplicable failure to dent the UK Top 40 all the more frustrating. The track puts her angelic vocals to expert use, as she sings alluringly over sultry, atmospheric R&B production about her need for a better shag desire for a more intense level of physical intimacy with her inexperienced lover :magic:. The subject matter lends itself nicely to a duet with sex jam specialist, The Weeknd, whose typically sensual vocals in the second verse elevate the track to something truly special. However, the chorus is the best thing about the song; a euphoric explosion (<_<) of triumphant synths backing a truly stunning melody which is complemented by a multitude of impassioned ad libs. Overall, the track is executed to perfection, being entirely convincing in setting Ariana apart as a popstar capable of producing material with substance and identity, which is important given the trend-chasing and generic smash hits for which she found international success (not to say I'm not a fan of 'Problem' and 'Break Free' because I am...'Bang Bang' on the other hand :puke2:). I very much hope she'll bring more of 'Love Me Harder's R&B sound, which is more in line with her initial material, now that she's very successfully broken through to the mainstream.

Beggin For Thread is my favourite Banks song, it has something quite haunting about it and the production really helps that. Drowning is nice too but doesn't quite capture the same magic for me.

 

Walk is lovely too, huge shame it didn't take off after getting a push because it sounded quite commercial. Hopefully Sound of 2015 can be a platform for him to have a big future year as he has a lovely voice.

Beggin For Thread is my favourite Banks song, it has something quite haunting about it and the production really helps that. Drowning is nice too but doesn't quite capture the same magic for me.

 

Walk is lovely too, huge shame it didn't take off after getting a push because it sounded quite commercial. Hopefully Sound of 2015 can be a platform for him to have a big future year as he has a lovely voice.

Yeah, I really hope both artists find more success this year as they're both far too talented to fade away. :cry:

#07 | Mr. Probz | Waves (Robin Schulz Remix)

UK | 01

Ire | 03

 

Robin Schulz' massively successful remix of Mr. Probz' 'Waves' is perhaps the most consistently impactful track of the year for me, something which its many detractors may find ridiculous given that the main critique it appears to receive is to do with it being terminally dull and nondescript ^_^. In my mind, it perfectly encapsulates the laid-back, carefree feeling associated with spending a hot summer's afternoon relaxing on a foreign beach. In fact, listening to the song often manages to transport me back to a particular period of time a few years ago when I was fortunate enough to have regularly done just that, surrounded by my friends and feeling totally contented, newly independent and generally at ease with life. In this way, the song has a strong nostalgic quality which I know will ensure it becomes one to which I'll keep returning in years to come, if only to relive those very fond memories. Its production; a fusion of light bongo tapping, a hypnotic guitar riff and a chilled house beat, is understated enough to have an incredibly calming effect yet offers just the right amount of interest and stimulation so as not to be boring. Robin Schulz' work perfectly complements the somewhat hoarse, cracked vocals on the original song, which retain their effectiveness in emoting a subtle form of melancholy, making the end result sound beautifully bittersweet. Overall, it's an absolutely wonderful listen which, for me, has gradually and organically adopted a large amount of personal meaning.

Edited January 10, 201510 yr by Noahspike

#06 | Josef Salvat | Open Season

 

UK | -

Ire | -

 

The third and final track on my top 100 from Josef Salvat, 'Open Season' is my favourite BJSC discovery of my six contests to date and I was absolutely thrilled to see it go on to be crowned the first winner for Republic of Adonia. I remember listening to this out of curiosity (as young Math had built up quite the reputation for consistently sending quality entries) and having to stop the song about 40 seconds in when I was overwhelmed by its sheer flawlessness :drama: and felt I had to play it from the start again so as to give it the attention it deserved. It simply has everything I appreciate in a song of its style and then some; thoughtful and fitting lyrics, a casual delivery of captivating vocals, a throbbing beat backing enchanting verses, a dazzling bridge and an irresistible double chorus, the latter, more up-tempo part's chants proving massively catchy in their later role as a prolonged outro. The whole thing is effortlessly spellbinding and slick and ticks every single box for me. Josef's voice is utterly divine, especially its small, irregular lilts such as that on 'dice' in the bridge and 'open' in the (first) chorus. This track would have had a very strong chance of being my #1 had it been in my life a little bit longer. -_-

 

 

the passion in your commentary is really shining through *-*

 

fantastic song anyway, i agree the quirks in his voice are lovely and im glad it wiped the floor in bjsc 70. excited to get things back on the road again. hopefully i'll be able to give points to desbuanda this year :lol:

the passion in your commentary is really shining through *-*

 

fantastic song anyway, i agree the quirks in his voice are lovely and im glad it wiped the floor in bjsc 70. excited to get things back on the road again. hopefully i'll be able to give points to desbuanda this year :lol:

TY!

 

Ha, yeah it'd be great to get Ajanbuanda up and running! Looking forward to starting back as well and hopefully it'll be a successful year for the LXV debutants. :D

#05 | Jessie Ware | Tough Love

 

UK | 34

Ire | -

 

Jessie Ware made a spectacular return in 2014 with 'Tough Love', the first single and title track of her second album, which went on to become her long overdue breakthrough hit on the UK Top 40. The song, written about the singer's time spent apart from her partner while touring her debut record, absolutely floored me on first listen. In complete contrast to her popstar namesake, Jessie's voice and music have always been renowned for their masterful restraint, however this track, for me, marks a new feat for the singer in that respect. The slow and considered delivery of her beautifully delicate, whispery falsetto, utilised throughout the song for the first time in her career, complements the simple, unembellished lyrics and message of 'Tough Love' to perfection, allowing them to resonate sharply with the listener. The track is a masterclass in subtly conveying the meaning and emotion behind a song, demonstrated most notably with its exquisitely anti-climactic refrain; a muted repetition of 'That's called tough love', which directly follows the promising, softly pounding bridge. My standout moment of the track, however, is the lyric 'So you wanna be a man about it/Do you have to?', the latter part of which is sung breathlessly with a poignant sense of surrender. If it wasn't for Jessie's outstanding back catalogue, I would have no problem calling this song her masterpiece (< some suitably subtle Jessie J shade right there :ph34r:).

Edited January 12, 201510 yr by Noahspike

#04 | Kwabs | Wrong Or Right

 

UK | 115

Ire | -

 

I stumbled upon 'Wrong Or Right' at the very start of 2014 and it instantly began my love affair with Kwabs' thoroughly life-affirming voice – a deeply soulful, booming baritone which hit me like a bus to the face from the opening verse of this song and didn't relent until its closing moments, leaving me shaking and crying while in a foetal position in the corner of my bedroom :drama: (I may be exaggerating somewhat but you get the general idea...t'was AMAZE ^_^). Released in February as the lead single of his 4-track EP of the same name, the song was an extremely confident debut, boasting dark production comprising menacing synths and a mesmeric drumbeat which underpins statement verses in which the singer's powerful vocal delivery is accentuated expertly. As I've subsequently come to realise is the case with much of the Ghanaian-born Londoner's material, 'Wrong Or Right' is most impactful as it approaches its climax, with the traditional middle 8 replaced in this instance by distorted vocal samples and Kwabs' distinctly captivating ad libs and runs over the top, which then lead into a dramatic final chorus. Overall, it's just sheer quality, which was blindingly evident from my first listen. The track is extremely special to me, with it being my introduction to an artist in whom I've come to really invest, and its high placement in this countdown is a testament to its unwavering appeal to me throughout the year.

GAH i've missed so much, apologies !!

 

'Beggin For Thread' is pretty sensational. She is so worthy of attention whenever she opens her mouth and here i think she's at her prime. I chart 'Brain' higher in my EOY but i am starting to regret that slightly now oops~

 

Yay for Josef Salvat too (you're out-stanning me with him now :o) 'Tough Love' is a beauty and worthy top 5. The home stretch now, i am intrigued ~

Just relistened to both Kwabs songs, I think I prefer 'Walk' but as you said it's the more accessible track of the two.

 

I can think of only one song remaining so yay excite and suspense. Also, snap Ariana at #8 but with different songs :o

Is 'Pray to Love' still to feature? :o If not, I'll be very disappointed.

 

LOVE 'Open Season', such an amazing discovery from BJSC and of course 'Tough Love' is beautiful.

the 'oo oo aa's in tough love always metaphorically knock me down, just so stunning.

 

the deliver of the 'heart million pieces.. etc.' lines is as equally stunning and the production/vocals complement each other so well. shame this era has been such a commercial disappointment because it's really excellent output.

GAH i've missed so much, apologies !!

 

'Beggin For Thread' is pretty sensational. She is so worthy of attention whenever she opens her mouth and here i think she's at her prime. I chart 'Brain' higher in my EOY but i am starting to regret that slightly now oops~

 

Yay for Josef Salvat too (you're out-stanning me with him now :o) 'Tough Love' is a beauty and worthy top 5. The home stretch now, i am intrigued ~

No worries!

 

Yeah, 'Brain' is indeed a stunner but something I haven't returned to anywhere near as much as 'Beggin For Thread', for whatever reason.

 

Haha I've become quite a hardcore stan of 'In Your Prime' as you can see so thanks again for putting me on to it!

Just relistened to both Kwabs songs, I think I prefer 'Walk' but as you said it's the more accessible track of the two.

 

I can think of only one song remaining so yay excite and suspense. Also, snap Ariana at #8 but with different songs :o

I find them so hard to compare :drama:. Love them pretty much equally but 'Wrong Or Right' has the advantage of being around longer and having such a strong first impression.

 

I've a feeling the one you've guessed is #3 so yay for continued excite and suspense! (And :o indeed :o)

Is 'Pray to Love' still to feature? :o If not, I'll be very disappointed.

 

LOVE 'Open Season', such an amazing discovery from BJSC and of course 'Tough Love' is beautiful.

'Pray For Love' actually just missed my top 100 ooooooops. It got a mention at the start of the thread though :magic:. I love it but just don't play it much. :/

the 'oo oo aa's in tough love always metaphorically knock me down, just so stunning.

 

the deliver of the 'heart million pieces.. etc.' lines is as equally stunning and the production/vocals complement each other so well. shame this era has been such a commercial disappointment because it's really excellent output.

YES those bits you picked out are really great, I completely agree! It is a shame - I really hope she's doing well enough through touring etc. to keep making music.

#03 | Katy B | Crying For No Reason

 

UK | 05

Ire | 21

 

'Crying For No Reason' was the most satisfying single release of 2014 for me from a chart-following perspective, with it managing to return Katy B to the top 10 (the top 5 even :o), as I'd hoped when I first heard the track, and then outperforming my expectations in becoming a genuine commercial hit with considerable staying power. The singer, one of my favourite artists of the last few years, has never sounded more impressive on record and it was great to see her get recognition for her beautifully elegant voice, as it was something that was often overlooked based on her previous material. The sophisticated electro-ballad, which deals with the damage done by suppressed emotions, was a noticeable departure for Katy yet never felt contrived in any way, with it retaining her dance orientation and seamlessly fitting sonically and thematically onto her second album, 'Little Red'. The track is clever in giving prominence to the strikingly honest and relatable lyrics throughout, initially introducing starkly vulnerable vocals through minimal instrumentation before the second verse brings a sudden crash of pulsating production, filled with synths and electro-drums, which supports the singer's progressively impassioned emoting. I've always been a sucker for a song to which you can bop your head while having a good cry think, and the quality of this song's lyrics ('I try to hide it all away on top of the shelf/I can lie to everyone but not to myself'), theme, vocals and production merge wonderfully to create a rousing, intense, multi-dimensional listen. WD Kathleen! :cheer:

Edited January 14, 201510 yr by Noahspike

#02 | Years & Years | Take Shelter

 

UK | 140

Ire | -

 

'Take Shelter' captured my attention instantly when I first listened to it at the end of the summer, as my initial post in the song's thread attests: 'Absolutely awesome track with flawless vocals :wub:. I'll be hammering this for the forseeable future'. Misspelling of 'foreseeable' aside :wacko:, hammer the song was exactly what I did - in fact there were evenings I'd listen to this on a loop for an hour or so and feel perfectly fulfilled and contented with life :mellow:. Although an 11/10 stunner when taken as an entire package, perhaps the song's premier feature is Olly Alexander's absolutely stellar voice - one of the best, most captivating pop voices I've encountered in a long time (and I'm delighted it's likely to feature heavily in the musical landscape this year, what with the band's BBC Sound Of 2015 victory). On the whole, it's an expertly crafted mid-tempo pop song; melodically diverse, lyrically interesting and sonically experimental (particularly the reggae influences in its vocal samples and production) while being remarkably catchy from start to finish and still managing to present its breathtakingly good chorus as a clear highlight, which elevates the track to something of a spiritual listening experience :angel:. Another standout feature is its middle 8, with the sublime echoing of its breathy, anxiety-filled vocals creating a spectacular build up into the final refrain. No amount of nitpicking could possibly find fault with this track - even its video is excellent and gives the whole thing a wonderful new dimension. 'Take Shelter' is extremely close to being my favourite song of the year. There's really nothing between the top 2. :cry:

:magic:

 

 

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#01 | Coldplay | Magic

 

UK | 10

Ire | 04

 

I actually surprised myself when I created my top 100 and Coldplay's 'Magic' came out victorious! I played around with ordering the top few songs, the rest of which were glaringly obvious favourites, but somehow nothing felt quite as right as having this song at #1.

 

Unlike much of my top 20 or so, 'Magic' didn't make a great first impression on me. In fact, I recall listening to the lead single of 'Ghost Stories' due to my casual interest in the world-conquering band and initially thinking it sounded somewhat disingenuous and try-hard, like they were attempting to modernise their sound in a way that didn't feel natural (and I also thought they were taking a few too many cues from Bon Iver, which I completely fail to hear when I listen to it now :huh:). I didn't take long to start appreciating the song, however, and as it began to rack up the weeks in the UK Top 40, my fondness for it only blossomed, to the point now where it still somehow sounds fresh and immensely enjoyable to me. From the understated Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque bass intro, through its straightforward and heartfelt lyrics, the repetition in its subdued chorus and the gradual instrumental and vocal build throughout, I find it a beautifully relaxing listen. I've played the track at times when I've been stressed out for various reasons during the year (and at other times when I've been dreadfully hungover :drama:) and it has never failed to calm my anxiety and generally enhance my mental state, something which I've found is very rare for a piece of commercial music. As such, it tends to wash over me like a warm wave of stress alleviation, but when I concentrate on the song's lyrics I'm always struck by their gorgeously simple and sentimental charm, particularly the concluding lyrical change from 'Yes I do' to the touching 'Of course I do'. I've felt for a while that the track has an inherently nostalgic quality. I'm not sure exactly why but I just know that I'll play it in years to come and feel strongly connected through it to my past (and I'm even talking about my childhood here, which obviously doesn't make any sense but there you go -_-). In this way, it seems only fitting that 'Magic' should be deemed the track with the utmost noahstalgia of 2014 *.*