...in Here Are the 25 Best Songs of 2014 (So Far)



Fans of K-pop juggernaut Girls’ Generation (a.k.a. SNSD) won’t be disappointed by their latest dance-friendly single, and the addition of a scratchy electronic bass line and a hint of darkness should even attract listeners who don’t dig their usual bubblegum sound. -Lily Rothman





Built around an excavated 1983 vocal demo and co-written by pop legend Paul Anka, the anchor of Jackson’s latest posthumous collection Xscape comes in three flavours: a pure, unadorned original demo, a string-studded disco rendition, and a bouncing duet with reigning pop prince Justin Timberlake. The arrangements vary, but Jackson’s incredible performance makes all of them float: swooping, swooning, simply joyous. -Jamieson Cox



A delirious, skronking sax loop and an assist from rising Australian MC Iggy Azalea helped make this single, the first from Grande’s upcoming second full-length, a prime candidate for the esteemed title of Song of the Summer. Guest features and gassy brass aside, her vocals are the key: sweet, soaring, and unabashedly exuberant. -Jamieson Cox



On this cut from the Elusive Chanteuse’s 14th studio album, Carey navigates a stuttering, soulful arrangement with her typical vocal agility and lyrical dexterity. Time may have shaved a few notes from the top of her infamous range, but they’re hardly missed here: this is timeless, sweet pop, perfect for summers spent falling in love. -Jamieson Cox

More at: http://time.com/2801365/best-songs-of-2014-so-far/