30-21
Some 2015 hits and other things not that known. I appreciate your comments!
As every year, music in spanish has become a true minority in my countdown (around 1 or 2 videos each year), and this is one of them. Actually, both songs in spanish are from the same artist, and of course I'm talking about Queen Natalia. I've been a "fan" since her debut era, and it's pretty obvious things have changed a lot since those days. Now Queen of Grammys and critical acclaim, Natalia delivered a true pop gem and masterpiece of an album, mostly reflected on Nunca Es Suficiente. The song is heavily influenced by the "baladistas" era in Mexican music (something around 70's and 80's), so even my parents liked this song a lot. The video is another gem, she is truly a "Mexican Pride".
Weeks: 14 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 1 Run: April 17th - July 17th
Last Year:
#30. Bad Suns - "Salt"
I found about this band later on the year and I liked what they've put out, specially Giving It Up. Once again, this song is in this indie pop wave that's catchy, could easily crossover into mainstream, and those things. I'm now nostalgic about this piece. How sad.
Weeks: 8 · Peak: #05 Run: Nov. 6th - Dec. 25th
Last Year:
#29. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne - "Rather Be"
This was a random discovery, but as a treasure, a gem in the end. It's ironic how the song is called Violins, yet no sound of this instrument is featured, and instead, a clap-after-clap song is what we hear. This song is so cheerful, it would lift me up when I was stressed out. And it's really interesting how the band is composed by 30 people, besides their original name.
Weeks: 10 · Peak: #03 Run: April 3rd - June 5th
Last Year:
#28. Broods - "L.A.F."
For me, this song was the biggest hit of 2015. The Weeknd had an amazing year that I would say nobody expected it. I bet not even him. And he took us by surprise hit after hit. Of course, Can't Feel My Face would remain his most known and signature hit. With a lot of elements that are reminiscent of Michael early years, this song adds a contemporary touch, filled with edgy lyrics, that maintain the balance between this "retro sounds" but at the same tame remaining fresh.
Weeks: 9 · Peak: #04 Run: August 14th - October 9th
Last Year:
#27. Paramore - "Ain't It Fun"
Second and last appearance of BØRNS. As I said on the Electric Love write-up, he had a better song, and 10K Emerald Pools is it. A perfect balance between remaining soft and calm, but still energetic, he demonstrates his artistry power at its best with this piece. Truly a gem.
Weeks: 14 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 1 Run: February 13th - May 15th
Last Year:
#26. Foster The People - "Coming Of Age"
CHRVHCES new album was one of my most expected returns of the year, and it was totally worth the wait. Leave A Trace reflects a more mature sound, yet with elements that stay in line to their previous songs, all of them made 10x better. Synthpop at its finest. Hope they release more singles this year.
Weeks: 10 · Peak: #03 Run: Sept. 11th - Nov. 13th
Last Year:
#25. Dinner And A Suit - "Heartbreak"
Another wonderful discovery. Bipolar Sunshine has a unique voice that gives a lot to his work. Altogether with the perfect pop beats, and you've got a one of a bloody catchy track that you'll have on repeat. The colorful video fits perfectly. I just wished I could've hear more from him, but it seems it was just a once in a lifetime experience.
Weeks: 11 · Peak: #05 Run: May 1st - June 10th
Last Year:
#24. The Vamps - "Wild Heart"
Foxes has been one of the few pop girls I've been following real close. Her first songs were enough to make me sign my fan card. And while All I Need was a bit of a letdown, this didn't stop me from bopping to this amazing first single she released. Although it is not as strong as her previous efforts, Body Talk is a cute dance song that in reality, would've been more of a 4th single of her previous albums. Of course is the best single and song from this era.
Weeks: 10 · Peak: #03 Run: August 7th - October 9th
Last Year:
#23. Tennis - "I'm Callin'"
It seems that everybody hated this. I was in shock when my entire family turn off the radio when Marvin Gaye was on. Not even going to mention the continuous ATRL hate. Poor Charlie, he can cry on my shoulder. All aside, while the video was unnecessarily sexual, the song is catchy, actually one of the best pop songs released this year. And yes, it's far, far, from being sexy (I guess Charlie thinks this is sexy, but well), it's just a cute song making lame references to Marvin's classics. In the end, #talentwon and it was a hit, so...
Weeks: 12 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 1 Run: June 5th - August 21th
Last Year:
#22. George Ezra - "Budapest"
Once again, Lisbon closes the set with their final song. So, I could copy the write-up from I Don't Know, cause it fits perfectly well. Don't really know what to write. Maybe that while making the cap, I realized how cute was the lead singer? And it looks like they are going to release new stuff this year, so I'll definitely keep my ear close to hear more from them, they are really good. Congrats to them.
Weeks: 14 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: January 30th - May 1st
Last Year:
#21. Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - "Fancy"
Thanks for all your comments!
Mobile-Friendly Version:
30-21
#30. Natalia Lafourcade - "Nunca Es Suficiente" #29. VITAMIN - "Giving It Up" #28. I'm From Barcelona - "Violins" #27. The Weeknd - "Can't Feel My Face" #26. BØRNS - "10,000 Emerald Pools" #25. CHVRCHES - "Leave A Trace" #24. Bipolar Sunshine - "Daydreamer" #23. Foxes - "Body Talk" #22. Charlie Puth ft. Meghan Trainor - "Marvin Gaye" #21. Lisbon - "Natïve"
Two major big blockbusters and two horror films about parenting.
I love superhero movies, so of course I was really hyped for this one. And I actually liked it even more than the first one, which was kind of a disappointment. But it looks as if everybody was disappointed with it, and that it was more from the same, it was lame, etc. While I agree that Ultron was a joke, he was fun at least. I liked it, and it's clear that I'm waiting patiently for Infinity War. I don't really want the Avengers to end to be honest, and I'm worried that they're losing more and more fans, and money.
Last Year:
#12. How To Train Your Dragon 2
The big blockbuster and most awaited movie from recent history. The craze for Star Wars is expected, I mean, it's culture. Not pop culture, but actual part of human's culture, as much as it is fiction. The movie was really divisive, some people, like me, loved it and thought it was a perfect rendition of the saga that refreshed the entire franchise. Some others start saying this Mary Sue ******** and saying it was a copy of the other movies, blah, blah, blah. I'm not even a hardcore fan, but Star Wars work like that. I guess people will always complain.
Last Year:
#11. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Now, for me to like a musical, you can't imagine. I felt asleep during Les Misérables, and ironically, I remember each one of the songs sang during it. I cannot bare a musical, so naturally, I was worried I wouldn't tolerate this one. But i was astonished. Into the Woods is truly a horror movie about parenting. This is far from being a critic about tales, this is some deep **** about parenting, that just uses the classics to make a tale about it. The entire twist at the end left me in awe. While the songs are not that good, the performances and screenplay are on point. This "musical" is far from being a musical, and it's more a social commentary about parenting.
Last Year:
#10. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
Ok, so now we have a true horror film about parenting. How funny is that these movies are together? In any case, this movie is part of this new wave of horror movies that are actually saving this so hurt genre from the pits of literal hell. In the process, people complain about it for not being 'true horror', just because it doesn't feature jumpscares, blood, or sex. That's trash. This movie is classified as horror because it showcases the true horrors of parenting. At least that was my impression and I couldn't sleep during several nights thinking if I had a child, I just couldn't do it. Aside from all of this, Essie Davis' performance is something else. She should've been awarded for her masterful performance. I hope that with this new horror movies, the genre is taken seriously again.
Last Year:
#09. Saving Mr. Banks
Clips: 6-5
Once again: A write-up for each one of them is kind of unnecessary, videos speak for themselves. So just press play.
Thanks for all your comments!
Mobile-Friendly Version:
Flicks: 12-09
#12. Avengers: Age Of Ultron #11. Star Wars: The Force Awakens #10. Into The Woods #09. The Babadook
Clips: 06-05
#06. The Fjords - "All In" #05. Who Is Fancy - "Goodbye"
These two were in my top 10 They're so amazing. I can't agree that All I Need is a letdown so far, though! I suppose it's not really as strong as Glorious (album) thus far, but every track released is still solid. I don't think it's possible for her to even put out a bad song.
Flicks:
Quote:
12. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Interesting that you found it to be better than the first one. The Avengers was among my favorite superhero films of all time, like either #1 or #2. Age of Ultron was still great but yeah, there were some scenes/parts/moments that brought the quality down a bit. Still a great film, though.
I really liked this new Star Wars, but I'll have to say that I agree with people saying it took way too many elements from the previous films and Rey is actually a Mary Sue
I agree that Avengers: AOU was WAY better than the first...
Star Wars
Into The Woods was meh...it was ok
Great to see someone else liked better AOU than the first one! Thanks!
Quote:
Originally posted by Remmy
Best 50:
These two were in my top 10 They're so amazing. I can't agree that All I Need is a letdown so far, though! I suppose it's not really as strong as Glorious (album) thus far, but every track released is still solid. I don't think it's possible for her to even put out a bad song.
Flicks:
Interesting that you found it to be better than the first one. The Avengers was among my favorite superhero films of all time, like either #1 or #2. Age of Ultron was still great but yeah, there were some scenes/parts/moments that brought the quality down a bit. Still a great film, though.
Yeah, i mean, Glorious was literally glorious, it's not like I haven't liked the rest of her singles, but I can't compare Let Go For Tonight with Body Talk, let alone the rest of the tracks. Thanks!
Quote:
Originally posted by Brandon
AOU
Cant Feel My Face
The stanning for AOU Thanks!
Quote:
Originally posted by Legend E
Body Talk
Quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Loco
I really liked this new Star Wars, but I'll have to say that I agree with people saying it took way too many elements from the previous films and Rey is actually a Mary Sue
Nah, saying that Rey is a Mary Sue is too much, while taking elements from the other Star Wars movie is something natural to the franchise, so it's nothing new. I mean, how many characters had their hands or arms chopped off? Thanks!
Quote:
Originally posted by pyramid
AOU didn't let me down great movie indeed! ITW too!
OMG, more people staining for AOU Glad you liked as well ITW! Thanks!
20-11
We get closer to the end. Some pop tracks along with some supposedly alternative stuff.
So I came to discover Nothing But Thieves in the very first month of 2015, while desperately searching for music, exactly the same position as I am as of now. And was surprised by the overall proposal they bring to alternative rock. While they definitely took elements from 90's grunge and Muse, they are carbon copy of them, the songs about politics (not exactly this one, but another one that has yet to come here), the voice, I mean, they are the new Muse and I wouldn't be surprised if they become as big or actually replace them. and other bands, they definitely have their 'staple' really clear in their music. Plus the voice of the lead vocalist is astonishing. I was surprised when I found YTT ATRLers were staining for them when I came back to that section.
Final appearance of Queen Natalia, with was is definitely her best song in her career. This song is a masterpiece, the beautiful lyrics just prove how she excels in writing. The "oooo's" in the bridge give me the feels. I've got chills as I type just by remembering the song. And while I wished the video was a million types better, the song stands on its own.
Last Year:
#19. Ellie Goulding - "Goodness Gracious"
DCFC returned as I never expected. Black Sun's lyrics, if you have the context of Ben's separation from Zooey, are simply outstanding and one of the best from this year. The song itself is powerful and gives the vibes of something that you don't want it to end, yet it was broken by someone else (in other words, it seems as if he didn't want the divorce). As if everything wasn't enough perfect, the video is a hell of an artwork. The cinematography, the concept and how it actually relates to Zooey being the actress. They set the far really really high for themselves.
Weeks: 15 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: April 24th - July 31th
Last Year:
#18. Foxes - "Let Go For Tonight"
One of the true hidden gems of YouTube that I found during 2015. Bunker is dark, haunting, chilling, mesmerizing, glorious. While it's semi-obscure (or maybe completely obscure), it seems that they've been in the game for a long time, but I guess that they are big in Belgium? Don't know really, but they are great, great, great. This song is a masterpiece, a relic, that I'm glad I found. There's another relic in this same set.
Weeks: 9 · Peak: #04 Run: May 22th - August 28th
Last Year:
#17. Digitalism ft. Youngblood Hawke - "Wolves"
Oh my. So it's funny how 3 years later, Taylor scores exactly the same position in this countdown. Back in 2012, with her unbeatable masterpiece Safe & Sound, and this time what it's her best pop single. Blank Space has this thing that makes it different from the rest of her own pop songs. The production is top notch, the lyrics are sick and everything goes in line with the theme of the single. And yeah, I'm no Taylor fan actually, but I appreciate good things.
Last Year:
#16. Tïesto ft. Matthew Koma - "Wasted"
This is the best track of Imagine Dragon's career. Now, let me tell you that their debut era was the pits, I had enough of them with all of their singles being overplayed and I was about to be done with them when they released I Bet My Life. But it was sad that the Smoke+Mirrors era didn't go as expected. Shots has this strong 80's pop influence in its veins and synthesizers that combined with the guitars result in top track. I don't understand how this wasn't their biggest song. I guess that the OP lost this time.
Weeks: 15 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: March 20th - June 26th
Last Year:
#15. Sir Sly - "You Haunt Me"
Vine's impact in my life knows no boundaries. Not only do I listen to two artists that came from this app, but this Vine hit is top 15. This gives you an idea of how I knew about One Time, but the little part of it that i heard on multiple vines don't make justice to the entire of this track. I would define it as minimal electrojazz. And the result is marvelous. It's sexy, as jazz, it's catchy, as electronic, and voilà you've got one hell of a song. Once again, I really hoped this went big, but not everything is for everybody.
Last Year:
#14. David Guetta ft. Skylar Grey - "Shot Me Down"
This is the other hidden gem that I was talking about earlier. Overdose is even more obscure since Maudlin Strangers are an American band and they are like in the pits of YouTube; my mind can't process it. This song is something else. It gave me the chills, specially while listening to it in a Friday night in my way back home. I kinda regret it didn't make the top ten, since I will forever remember this song. A 20145 relic.
Weeks: 16 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: April 24th - August 7th
Last Year:
#13. Pitbull ft. Ke$ha - "Timber"
First appearance of King Shawn. So, this could be a long story, but since nobody reads this, I'll make it short: after getting into Shawn's music, I overlooked Life Of The Party. To be more specific, I misjudged it, thinking it was this basic pop party song for kids. Imagine it. I think that this is the song that perfectly showcases Shawn's talent: from his voice to his writing skills. And although I'm still confused about what exactly this song is about (the coming out theory fits perfectly with the entirety of the song, it's unreal), this has to be one of my faves from Shawn. Oh, and I loved the fact that he made an official video, while not being all that, it was nice and cute.
Weeks: 15 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: March 27th - July 3rd
Last Year:
#12. The Griswolds - "Beware The Dog"
I heard about Joywave in this past before getting into Somebody New. I don't know, the songs that I listened first, before this one, were weird and I just simply closed the tab. Somebody New got me in the very first second of it: just listen to those 'sounds' at the beginning. The rest of it couldn't get any better. Plus, it got the coolest video of 2015, so I could officially say that Somebody New is the coolest track and song of the past year.
Weeks: 15 · Peak: #01 · #01s: 2 Run: April 10th - July 17th
Last Year:
#11. A Great Big World - "I Really Want It"
Thanks for all your comments!
Mobile-Friendly Version:
30-21
#20. Nothing But Thieves - "Wake Up Call" #19. Natalia Lafourcade - "Hasta La Raíz" #18. Death Cab For Cutie - "Black Sun" #17. Balthazar - "Bunker" #16. Taylor Swift - "Blank Space" #15. Imagine Dragons - "Shots" #14. Marian Hill - "One Time" #13. Maudlin Strangers - "Overdose" #12. Shawn Mendes - "Life Of The Party" #11. Joywave - "Somebody New"
Two animated films, an 2015 Oscar nominee and what should've been a 2016 Oscar nominee.
This movie is everything for two reasons:
1. The animation. It's beautiful, and looks as if it was craft-made. The amount of detail and dedication to not mess up with this iconic characters is award winning. This has to be the best translation from cartoon to 3D, ever.
2. The message. Few movies, specially animated ones, aside from Pixar, got a message. Look at Dreamworks' toilet trash or Paramount's garbage, let alone the others. I was really glad that a family movie, a children one to be specific, got such a beautiful message to deliver, because we really need it. And for that alone this movie deserves recognition.
Last Year:
#08. Maleficient
If this movie was promoted to the Oscars race, it should've swept. It deserved tons of awards, actually. Aside from all the iconic movies that it makes reference, the screenplay is beautiful and so devastating. Like, it's predictable but the movie makes a perfect inception on you and it results in a plot twist you weren't expecting, except it was kind of predictable. For those of you who've already watched it, you'll understand. The performances are top-notch, considering the young talent of its cast. You know I cried as a little girl. Really, really beautiful. I suggest you to give it a chance.
Last Year:
#07. The Maze Runner
It's stupid that I talk that much about this amazing film, all the recognition it got last year is enough. The performances, the art direction, etc. I'm just going to say that the story is truly sad, it's kind of depressing, and with Cumberbatch's performance, everything's set to give you the feels.
Last Year:
#06. Dallas Buyers Club
This IS the most beautiful 3D animated film that has been made. Simple as that. This reason is enough, at least for me, to be top 5. And while I agree with most of the people that story-wise it seemed as if you weren't watching a Pixar film, it was still a cute and complete story about family. That of course made you cry, because Pixar.
Last Year:
#05. Big Hero 6
Clips: 4-3
Once again: A write-up for each one of them is kind of unnecessary, videos speak for themselves. So just press play.
Thanks for all your comments!
Mobile-Friendly Version:
Flicks: 08-05
#08. The Peanuts Movie #07. Me And Earl And The Dying Girl #06. The Imitation Game #05. The Good Dinosaur
Clips: 04-03
#04. Death Cab For Cutie - "Black Sun" #03. Natalia Lafourcade - "Nunca Es Suficiente"
Taylor + Imagine Dragons
Life of the Party is cute, too Possibly my favorite Shawn song because, to be honest, I haven't really enjoyed the rest so far. Stitches is alright/tolerable, though.
Blank Space is so cool. It hasn't grown old and well! What a coincidence!
Quote:
Originally posted by Legend E
Blank Space, Shots
Quote:
Originally posted by Brandon
Blank Space
Quote:
Originally posted by collin
Blank Space, Leave A Trace, Can't Feel My Face
Quote:
Originally posted by las3horas220
#30. Natalia Lafourcade - "Nunca Es Suficiente"
#27. The Weeknd - "Can't Feel My Face"
#23. Foxes - "Body Talk"
#22. Charlie Puth ft. Meghan Trainor - "Marvin Gaye"
#18. Natalia Lafourcade - "Hasta La Raiz"
#17. Taylor Swift - "Blank Space"
Movies:
#12. Avengers: Age Of Ultron
#11. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
#10. Into The Woods
#06. The Imitation Game
Thanks for your comments!
Quote:
Originally posted by Remmy
Taylor + Imagine Dragons
Life of the Party is cute, too Possibly my favorite Shawn song because, to be honest, I haven't really enjoyed the rest so far. Stitches is alright/tolerable, though.
I guess that you would've liked better Life Of The Party top 10, instead of Stitches.
Thanks!: )
Quote:
Originally posted by Topmaster 2
Ok, 9/10 I'm From Barcelona slaying here
Charlie Puth here?
The Babadook Love that movie specially because I met Daniel Henshall there
The Fjords
9/10 Blank Space? Really?
Somebody New, Wake Up Call, Black Sun
The Peanuts Movie
Black Sun again, is a great video
I knew you'd hate seeing Charlie and Taylor. Mess at you liking The Babadook for the wrong reasons, even though he's kinda cute.