Noahspike

Fwooty, this thread's been a huge and largely thankless task so congrats on finishing it and maintaining the quality in the commentaries the whole way through! I'm sure there was plenty of stuff that you couldn't be bothered researching/writing up, but you (and others) ended up doing everything justice. It's been great to follow over the last while and I'm sorry I've been too much of a flop to show my interest! :/ Can't really argue with that top two. Both highly quotable, iconic shows and staples of my childhood that continue to stand the test of time. I'd still gladly watch an episode of either any time there isn't much else on offer. Great to see #Rabbitspike (#Frootspike?) ha impact on the #3! I actually still haven't seen the last few episodes of the recent series :o as my flatmate and my ritual viewing of it was interrupted by Christmas, and he only went and finished the thing back home without me. :snif: Never heard of the #5 - I guess it's about an elusive medical professional or something? Sounds kinda shet. :) 'Breaking Bad' is my favourite ever TV series so I'm chuffed to see it recognised enough here to scrape the top 10 <3. I was hooked pretty much from the start so it's a shame to see some comments about people struggling with the earlier seasons (though admittedly, the first one's all about setting up the story rather than being action-packed so I kind of get it). The whole thing has such an intricately designed, intelligent and thrilling plot and the acting's consistently superb. Gah, I really need to watch it all again sometime :wub:. It's also special to me as I credit the show with bringing my brother and I closer together, as it was the first thing we bonded over in years and our relationship is way better now. ^_^ Also good to see 'The Inbetweeners', 'The Catherine Tate Show' and 'Pointless' in the top 20, and 'The Graham Norton Show' and 'Misfits' relatively high up too. <3

:nocheer: (:hi:) Nah I'm quite partial to 'Sorry' in fairness, just not a raging Belieber like yourself :P. That's some chart run so far - has there been anything else that's spent three months in the top two for you? :o Just checked out 'Roses' for the first time (and was sad to see it has overtaken Outkast's opus as the first result for the word on YouTube :snif:) and it's v swag v chill v nice :music: (ooh and 'Stressed Out' just came up on autoplay <3 (which I don't want to see move from #9 next month ever or I'll be mildly stressed out (wait))). Definitely think 'Roses' has growth potential so watch this space for some more overlap. *______________________________________________________* < watch it, k thx (sun) Beautiful climb for 'When We Were Young' :heart:. I'm really looking forward to the Grammys performance and to see how high the song can go on the Hot 100 in the aftermath, considering the album's already on eight million(!). What an exciting campaign to follow - we are not worthy etc. :wub: Interesting to see you liking DNCE as I haven't listened to any of their stuff yet but have seen good reviews and remember really loving a Joe Jonas song once lol. Nice that he's getting some commercial success now, if only for sibling rivalry's sake ^_^. (I'm thinking the title could be a clue as to where Jameela's been hiding all this time too. :thinking:) Good to see Dierks putting new music out/finally moving on from 'Riser'! How's the new material comparing to his past stuff? There are lots of lovely music songs in the January edition of your music song chart, which is something to be expected as it is not unlike the conclusion reached after reading most monthly editions of your music chart. B-)

Hey Harry :D 'Army' is a very nice #1. I'm glad the song's doing well now and selling the album after a shaky start last year, especially as Ellie's second singles/first post-album singles traditionally seem to underperform. Would love 'Something In The Way You Move' to be picked next (perhaps it has already?) and become the sizable hit it deserves to be. Can imagine it sounding great on the radio. :music: Seems Dua Lipa's 'Be The One' has been a bit of a grower for you as well. Gorgeous song and a very impressive voice. I need to check out more of her stuff - would you have any recommendations? Ooh, never knew about that Gatlantis remix of 'Delilah' :o. Sounds intriguing so I'll be on that soon~ Really liking 'The Sound' and 'Worry' too so good to see them climb and enter here respectively, and that high debut for 'Out Of The Woods'. <333

SdSCCwtNEjA http://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/proceeds-from-hozier-s-single-cherry-wine-going-to-fight-domestic-abuse-1.2775514 ~ Beautifully subtle, tender song with a powerful message. Saoirse's involvement with the release grabbed my attention as I really love her as an actress, and the video definitely delivers. The track's currently top 10 on Irish iTunes.

Just noticed JSG's name in blue and was momentarily really confused until I remembered the Personal Charts job! Congrats James! You've been a big presence in that forum for ages so the mod role is much deserved. :D

Hey James! :D Interesting thought :thinking:. It's certainly hit me more strongly than 'Good For You' did, but then that one's still sounding great now after being around so long. 'The Heart Wants What It Wants' is the one to beat for me though. :heart: Thanks Harry! Cool to see that you know and like '60 Minutes'. I'd been considering that one for BJSC last month - such a sucker for the chorus. :wub: Hi Mango! I'm good thanks - actually waiting to hear back from a job interview that I thought went really well, so feeling hopeful. ^_^ Aw, I thought you were more likely to be a fan of it actually. And Selena can put her hands wherever she wants as far as I'm concerned (except anywhere that enables her to perform 'Same Old Love' ever again). B-) Indeed and things are looking good for 'Stressed Out' on that front I'd say. Love the cleverness of the lyrics and the whole song really takes me back/makes me feel nostalgic. 'I care what you think' is quite a refreshing notion/lyric to hear in a song these days as well. Yeah I definitely prefer 'WILD' to 'YOUTH'. The former seems to me like the strongest chance of a hit on the album too (unfortunately) - it's a real shame it didn't do much. Not to say that's any indication of the album's quality because it's superb from start to finish. <3 Totally agree on 'Jet Black Heart'. That hit me out of nowhere and is rapidly becoming my favourite from them :o. Such an effective chorus melody. :music: I've been so impressed with Coldplay this era based off the two singles and finally checked out the album the other day, which didn't disappoint in the slightest. Love Beyoncé's contribution to 'Hymn...' and really would have loved to hear it live when they were together at the Super Bowl :arrr:, but oh well. Yeah 'History' is a fitting swan song, though I wouldn't rank it too high against their back catalogue. I don't think it'll be their last ever single either but I imagine it'll be years before they reunite and the whole era will probably feel completely different to their heyday. :lol: I think I simply like 'Work' right now because I missed Rihanna, so it remains to be seen if it has more substantial appeal. Would quite like a banger too of course but I'm very interested in hearing the new material when I get a chance. ^_^ Thanks for commenting! Hi Josh! Agree with all of that re: Selena BUT 'Same Old Love' is a giant unjustifiable stain in the middle of the whole thing! Can't get my head around the US actually taking to it in a big way. :/ Yeah, my 'Stitches' chart run is bizarre! Been enjoying it more than ever since it reached UK #1 status. A very catchy, pleasant, well-executed pop song that does something different to the recent norm, so I'm at a loss as to why it gets criticised so much on here. 'When We Were Young' is my big fave from the album, which I wouldn't really recommend you check out but there are definitely a few more gems there. The song has future classic written all over it so I'm hoping for a video that does it justice too. Haha yep, the artwork is so perfect *.* <3 I've only heard good things from Jack so far so I'm quietly anticipating the album, and yeah I imagine it'll do well even if his overall impact ends up being/seeming underwhelming. You describe the appeal of his tracks and their production so well - I can only agree :wub:! 'Worry' is great and 'Weathered' is another one I've been enjoying a lot lately. Thank you! :D Cheers, mdh. :D (Selegend's reaction to your unfathomable preference for ha cheap generobops over ha newfound sultry swag) ((That meme has to be the best embodiment of :') in existence?!)) I'm chuffed you noticed the Super Bowl tie-in cos I spend way too long thinking of those subtitles sometimes :lol:. Yeah 'Adventure Of A Lifetime' was a real slow-burner for me. Found it nice but unremarkable at first but the instrumental and the whole vibe of it really won me over in time. <3 Something in the way you describe appreciating these utter choons on first listen only to change your mind and drop bombshells in my chart. :arrr: :) Yeah I'm familiar and have always loved it! It's actually one of those songs that I've never sought out but had stuck somewhere in my head for the last decade or so, with the lyrics and melody coming back to me at random points :lol:. What a life- childhood-defining jam of magnificent proportions. :wub: You did not mention that re: Birdy ;o. I'm always partial to her lovely tones and this one definitely does the trick as usual. Sounds a little One Republic-y to me so I wonder if Ryan Tedder was involved again. :thinking: Thanks Jordhen. :D

Eh, it's all a matter of taste I guess but someone screaming down the mic and showing off increasingly elaborate vocal runs for a couple of minutes isn't something I particularly appreciate or rate. She's a technically stellar vocalist of course but for me she/her voice has never been very effective at conveying emotion, and this song (in both studio and live form) is a prime example of that. I think it's a combination of her tone lacking the soulfulness that typically appeals to me and her generally overthinking and overperforming ballads. Her delivery/interpretation of this song seems contrived and actually ends up leaving me (stone) cold when it really shouldn't! Kind of interested to see if it'll be a hit - I definitely have my doubts.

^ Oh my God and that was in Week 1 as Mary's still there :o. I always remembered that meltdown as being post-Anthony infatuation! What an utter trainwreck he was. Enjoying the countdown so far, Jack. Sezer's eviction is still one of the best and most satisfying ever. I remember when he was sitting at the couches with everyone the thought crossed his mind for the first time that it could actually be him getting evicted, and he just joked about the idea of it. Amazing TV!

Yay Mattias! :cheer: The future of the Lounge looks rosy with you and Jade on the team. Congrats!

Woah this came out of nowhere. :o Completely sold! You can't argue against her being the best in the business when she pulls off that song+visuals+performance package. Aesthetically, the entire video's absolutely exquisite. <3

'Who Am I' sounds like a likely hit to me (though didn't on first listen, but then I was too focused on being irked by the lyrics (which isn't an issue now B-))). That hook is so strong in a way that sort of immerses you rather than hitting you across the face, and the whole thing feels like it'll really stand out on radio right now. It reminds me a bit of 'All My Friends' for those reasons. Craig's timely involvement also makes me think it can't really fail, but I don't want to get too ahead of myself :unsure:! Katy's ad libs <333

I am so on board with this now after giving it a little while. He's very much going for a commercialised Miguel sound, as has been said, so it's no real surprise that the track subtly crept up on me and made its mark after several listens. Such a fresh sounding UK #1 single too.

JANUARY Songs http://www.aaarena.com/assets/img/concert_selenagomez_2_2016.jpg 01 | 47 | Selena Gomez | Hands To Myself [47-01] 02 | 01 | Zara Larsson | Lush Life [01-02] 03 | ** | SOFI TUKKER | Matadora 04 | 19 | Shawn Mendes | Stitches [39-12-05-45-19-04] 05 | ** | UP Entry ft. Mystery & Intrigue | Hype 06 | 08 | Twenty One Pilots | Stressed Out [08-06] 07 | ** | Sickick | I Wanna Know 08 | 18 | Coldplay | Adventure Of A Lifetime [47-18-08] 09 | ** | Flume ft. Kai | Never Be Like You 10 | 03 | Troye Sivan | WILD [03-10] 11 | ** | Tuka | My Star 12 | ** | Carly Rae Jespen | LA Hallucinations 13 | 02 | Adele | When We Were Young [01-02-13] 14 | 04 | Adele | Hello [09-02-04-14] 15 | 49 | Troye Sivan | YOUTH [49-15] 16 | ** | 5 Seconds of Summer | Jet Black Heart 17 | 36 | Jack Garratt | Breathe Life [36-17] 18 | 29 | Years & Years | Eyes Shut [01-05-05-07-22-29-18] 19 | ** | Dua Lipa | Be The One 20 | ** | Carly Rae Jepsen | Let’s Get Lost 21 | 13 | Justin Bieber | What Do You Mean? [10-15-19-13-21] 22 | ** | Snakehips ft. Tinashe & Chance The Rapper | All My Friends 23 | 40 | Taylor Swift | Out Of The Woods [01-03-10-22-39-39-50-49-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-49-40-23] 24 | 28 | HONNE | Gone Are the Days [28-24] 25 | ** | Little Mix ft. Jason Derulo | Secret Love Song 26 | 15 | Emmi | 60 Minutes [40-15-26] 27 | ** | Redlight ft. Melisa Whiskey | Threshold 28 | ** | Rachel Platten | Stand By You 29 | 45 | Duke Dumont | Ocean Drive [12-32-45-29] 30 | ** | 99 Souls ft. Destiny's Child & Brandy | The Girl Is Mine 31 | ** | Coldplay ft. Beyoncé | Hymn For The Weekend 32 | 17 | Adele | Water Under the Bridge [07-17-32] 33 | 12 | Ellie Goulding | Something In The Way You Move [01-03-12-33] 34 | 06 | The Weeknd | In The Night [06-34] 35 | 26 | Chairlift | Ch-Ching [04-26-35] 36 | 07 | Justin Bieber | Love Yourself [43-07-36] 37 | ** | One Direction | History 38 | ** | Rihanna ft. Drake | Work 39 | 32 | One Direction | Perfect [36-17-32-39] 40 | ** | Katy B x KAYTRANDA | Honey 41 | 27 | Missy Elliott ft. Pharrell Williams | WTF (Where They From) [27-41] 42 | ** | Emily Vaughn | Better Off 43 | ** | Stephen | Crossfire 44 | --- | Bravestation | Actors [31-11-29-xx-43] 45 | 10 | Nothing But Thieves | Honey Whiskey [25-10-45] 46 | ** | The 1975 | The Sound 47 | --- | Ellie Goulding | Army [31-xx-47] 48 | ** | Robin Schulz ft. Francesco Yates | Sugar 49 | ** | Birdy | Keeping Your Head Up 50 | 14 | David Guetta ft. Sia & Fetty Wap | Bang My Head [14-50] ~~~~~ Monthly #1s 10/14 | Taylor Swift | Out Of The Woods 11/14 | Josef Salvat | Open Season 12/14 | Ariana Grande ft. The Weeknd | Love Me Harder 01/15 | Years & Years | King 02/15 | Years & Years | King 03/15 | Brandon Flowers | Can't Deny My Love 04/15 | Erik Hassle | No Words 05/15 | Ciara | I Bet 06/15 | Miguel ft. Wale | Coffee (F***ing) 07/15 | Years & Years | Eyes Shut 08/15 | Jess Glynne | Don't Be So Hard On Yourself 09/15 | Naughty Boy ft. Beyoncé & Arrow Benjamin | Runnin' (Lose It All) 10/15 | Ellie Goulding | Something In The Way You Move 11/15 | Adele | When We Were Young 12/15 | Zara Larsson | Lush Life 01/16 | Selena Gomez | Hands To Myself

^ Same. It's always struck me how incredibly effective and evocative the 'You look like a movie/You sound like a song' parts are (especially followed by the realisation of 'My God...'), yet they're so simple and 'obvious'. Like, has that idea really not been used by anyone before?! In comes Adele in 2015 to claim it for herself and add it to her collection of deeply meaningful and universal messages, alongside her newly acquired greeting :lol:. She makes it all look so easy. That single cover is genius! Seems her new hairstyle's inspired by her childhood then. ^_^

'Honey' isn't the kind of thing I want from her ideally but there's no doubt that only she could make an understated slow jam like that feel so effortlessly sensual and entrancing. She really knows how to use her voice to its best in different contexts and never fails to deliver on that front. Thinking and hoping 'Who Am I' is the one that commands proper attention though. Excited to hear it soon!

Ah, congratulations Mattias! I don't really like Allie X's voice but 'Sanctuary' is a nicely crafted pop song, if underwhelming as the winner. VERY much looking forward to a Deandria hosted contest though. :D Top 20 for 'Matadora'!!! When I stumbled upon the song (during a frantic search an hour or so before the entry deadline :drama:) I had a feeling I had a hit on my hands as it seemed like the kind of thing that'd clock up a lot of smallish points, and actually I predicted at the time that it'd come top 10 (Jordan can confirm B-)) - something I've never thought before ;o. That didn't quite happen but I'll definitely take a #20 finish, especially after the unanimous bottom 10 predictions and woeful odds going into the final. Thanks to all those who voted for it! Good to see Aeroche and Hendinia deliver as predicted and I'm delighted that Persephonia bagged another big hit as that track really stood out for me in all the best ways <3. Love the lower half of the top 10 so great results all in all. Big thanks to Klumzee for all the hard work! Been such an enjoyable contest and much of that was down to your turn as the host. ^_^

Sounds like she wants to be an album artist now and must inform the public somehow.

I don't quite get where you're coming from now as we seem to agree on him having enough freedom with Syco to pursue what he wanted, yet you took issue with me saying that in my response to Suedehead's post when you said that it's not hard to imagine them not allowing him much chance to find his vision (comparing the situation to Leona's)?! I don't know how you can say he got the chance to make the music he wanted but that it failing to catch on isn't down to him at all. I was always speaking from a commercial perspective and if he asserts his artistry and produces material that doesn't find an audience, he surely has to be 'at fault' to some degree. My main point in this whole discussion (which I'm honestly bored of at this stage!) was that I don't believe he was simply screwed over or unsupported by Syco from the start like a lot of people have been implying.

Just because Leona was launched successfully and Ben wasn't doesn't mean the label didn't have any investment in him or didn't give him creative freedom - in fact he could have had more freedom to shape his own sound than Leona did. There are a lot of variables involved in making a career work, many of which have to do with an artist's innate potential or vision at a given time, and my point is that Ben shares responsiblilty for that. What he and the label came up with (I'm talking more of him as a proposed act to casual buyers rather than the album's material) wasn't 'good' enough to catch on and the fact he's now been dropped/parted ways doesn't confirm that he was screwed over from the start. (As The Pensmith's just said) I know it's a PR thing and he's a nice guy, but even based on his public statement about leaving the label it'd seem he enjoyed his experience and they're on good terms. And I can't exactly suggest anything other than to refine his artistry, try to come up with a more interesting single that's sells himself better and ensure the presentation all fits :P. As I've said, I thought the whole package was bland and the artwork didn't reflect his music or supposed target market.

Lol, after her biggest ever hit had her repeatedly screaming 'ONLY LOVE CAN HURT LIIIIIKE THIIIIIIISSS'. Kind of interested in this, but more so to see if the album continues her commercial consistency. B-)

Sure, there would have been constraints, but then you and others have implied that Cowell and Syco weren't interested in him from the beginning, so it's unlikely that they'd had a strict artistic template for him that significantly infringed on his freedom and creativity (and in terms of money, he'll surely be more constrained at a smaller label). I don't buy the idea that they were simply going through the motions with him for a year - it's completely in their interests to make a success out of the show's winner, even if he wasn't a Cowell favourite or a very obvious cash cow. I don't see why Ben wouldn't have had a strong say from the start in realising his own musical/artistic vision, with them sourcing the means to do so (within the limitations of his contract of course). I just think what was proposed in the end wasn't engaging enough to catch on, and part of the responsibility for that should rest on Ben himself as well as the label.

I found the song quite bland and it indicated to me that he wasn't bringing anything new or interesting to the table - his act lacked a USP, essentially. And the artwork was so cheap-looking, with the whole concept (or lack thereof) and font looking far more suited to a single release from a shit teen act like Elyar Fox *shudders*, when the music/Kelly Clarkson feature was saying otherwise.

I meant that more on a superficial level, i.e. the artwork and lead single. It didn't give me a sense at all of who he is as an artist or who his target market is. You're right, I can't comment on the album itself and didn't intend to.

(My thoughts on this are a little unclear as I agree with contrasting points here, but thought I'd try make sense of them anyway!) I think it's a shame for Ben that Syco aren't more invested in his artistic development and willing to give him further opportunities, especially as he'll likely now go down as yet another forgotten winner who failed to take off. The whole thing reflects terribly on X Factor's brand when last year's winner gets a single, an album, a performance slot or two on the show and is dropped before January's out. On top of that, (though I'm not a fan and haven't listened to the album) Ben's always seemed like a lovely guy with a lot of charisma and talent so it's definitely a regrettable situation. I do think though that the label's taking too much of the blame/responsibility here. Ben had a year to make connections and collaborate with industry experts, producers etc. to work out his sound and target market, and ultimately what was delivered was confused and sub-par - one look at the album cover could tell you there was no clear vision. The industry's vicious and as a big-label act you need to know exactly what you're about as an artist and that needs to connect with an audience. Being a nice guy with a great voice and a catchy pop song isn't always enough for a viable career, and unfortunately everything's pointing to him lacking marketability after receiving significant investment and promotion, so there's not exactly a strong argument to keep him on.

Hey Mango, sorry I haven't commented in a while - been so distracted by people's EOYs that I haven't been checking out weekly charts! Seeing 'Renegades' at #1 here has finally prompted me to listen to it! Don't know why I've been so slow with that one as it's been getting hyped and doing well for ages. Currently replaying it anyway so I'm definitely understanding its appeal. I'm not familiar with any other X Ambassadors tracks but I really like the singer's tone - reminds me of Josef Salvat's at times. :wub: I don't see 'Love Yourself' getting much appreciation on Buzzjack, which is understandable with the change in sound from two almost universally popular singles, but I'd rate it higher than 'Sorry' so it's good that you're such a fan too. Certainly the most interesting thing I've heard from him lyrically. Some great new entries here with 'Out Of The Woods' and 'Youth'. The former hasn't worn on me despite listening to it solidly for over a year and the latter's been quite a grower for me. 'Secret Love Song' is something I find objectively very good (especially the vocals) but I can't get into it at all really and the whole song/release feels a bit too contrived to me. Regardless, I'm enjoying seeing Little Mix go from strength to strength commercially, even if 'Love Me Like You' is the only thing from the era that I can really get behind. Lots of other good stuff throughout (as usual). Been loving 'Be The One' lately in particular. <3