This reggae inspired pop-rock jam is, ironically given the title, kind of forgotten after the smorgasbord of controversy seen throughout 2014 in pop music. Arguably, it started the years trend of female power collaborations and raunchy videos all the way back in January.

It’s a great song and Rihanna’s trademark island vocals last found on Unapologetic’s No Love Allowed make a return and both Shak and Rih’s voices blend perfectly on the song. Shakira’s best collaboration since Beautiful Liar.

Although released in 2013, this was still slaying as we rang in the new year. This song is often accused of being generic and unoriginal. Em rapping about his demons and the media, with Rihanna on the hook.

But the point is, it works. The insanely catchy hook with the undeniably great verses from Eminem make for a great collaboration and one of Eminem’s signature hits already. The production could be more imaginative but honestly, it’s just a great song.

As the third single from In The Lonely Hour, this was the first song that really made me sit up and take notice of Sam’s talent at singing and songwriting. It shows something other than classic British alternative pop (Money On My Mind) and soul ballad (Stay With Me).

Sam actually makes a ballad with a twist, where he’s not pining for a lover or acting triumphant, but calling out his partner for cheating in a ‘**** you’ way instead of a defeated way. This deserved to be a number 1, I honestly believe. I need to listen to his album still and this has definitely pushed me towards taking the plunge.

This song appears once more in my song countdown, but on this one I'd just like to focus on how amazing it is that Sia has literally not shown her face in any promotional material related to this song (pretty much), and yet it still did so amazingly.

It's also amazing to have Sia use her incredible songwriting skills for her own benefit rather than for the benefit of others. I'm glad this gave her the recognition she deserved and hopefully her next single for the next album will only take her higher.

This year Lady Gaga has embarked on her third world tour, appeared for a stint at the Louvre, closed out the iconic Roseland Ballroom with a record-number of consecutive sell out shows, released one of the most expensive music videos produced and hit the top of the Billboard 200 Albums Chart with a collaborative jazz album with legend Tony Bennett.

Say what you want about her, but she’s had the most interesting year out of any of her contemporaries, and it’s a year that – while she may have lost out on chart success, with G.U.Y. charting outside of the top 40 – has for sure cemented both her talent, and her staying power.
As a chameleon of music, Lady Gaga is going nowhere. The Lady Gaga we know may not be around forever, but she’ll be on the minds of her fans and naysayers for decades to come.