For all the pop art hoopla surrounding Lady Gaga’s third album, ARTPOP turned out to be a surprisingly accessible, dance-friendly record that proved the eccentric singer has the chops and the sensibilities to back up all the theatrics. Gaga’s always had an interest in art and mythology, and for her latest album she worked her way into the fine art world by linking up with Jeff Koons and performance artist Marina Abramović. She released her album amid a flurry of insane press events, from debuting a “flying dress” designed by her Haus of Gaga, to throwing an epic (and fantastic) “artRave” release party. But all the pomp and flash wasn’t enough to guarantee the star a huge hit. The record was immediately deemed a “flop” by some media outlets and sold just over 250,000 copies in its first week, despite debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. There were even rumors of Interscope losing $25 million from promoting the project. But the album itself is fantastic, from the cathartic, anthemic “Applause” to the irresistible ‘90s-tinged “Do What U Want,” to the beautiful ballad “Gypsy,” and Gaga proved that she doesn’t need to play the radio game to still be the world’s biggest star

1. Beyoncé does pretty much everything, and changes the game forever. No other artist has ever had a year quite like Beyoncé’s 2013. She sang at the second inauguration of Barack Obama; she headlined the Super Bowl halftime show; she was the face of both Pepsi and H&M; she went out on a sold-out world tour. If she only did that, it’d be a major year. But Beyoncé went and outdid herself, and pretty much everyone else in music by releasing the most ambitious, personal, and political record of her career – complete with brilliant videos for each song – with zero advance notice, and single-handedly created a bold new way for superstar artists to drop an album. Beyoncé has reached a level of boundless artistic ambition and major mainstream success that hasn’t been seen since the glory days of Michael Jackson, and simply put, she owned 2013. –M.P.

4. Lorde breaks out as the year’s best new artist. Lorde came out of nowhere. The 17-year-old New Zealander’s debut single “Royals” was released this spring, and went on to become a surprise monster of a hit, sounding unlike anything else out. It’s pop music with an edge and a hint of hip-hop/R&B, all while calling out the superficiality and materialism in pop culture that’s been spoon-fed to her age group. She doesn’t feel like your average pop star, either. Lorde’s songwriting is mature and sophisticated, and she seems decidedly comfortable and confident in who she is, and bluntly honest about the things she believes. Having nabbed four Grammy nominations for her debut album Pure Heroine, there’s no doubt that this was Lorde’s year. — A.Z.

Thank god they didn't drag Gags... first positive quote in a while..

My other queen at #1

All three of my queens will make the list next year






as long as Shaki releases

24. Ariana Grande emerges as pop’s most promising new singer.

1. Beyoncé does pretty much everything, and changes the game forever.

24. Ariana Grande emerges as pop’s most promising new singer. I’ll admit I was initially skeptical of Ariana Grande. She emerged onto the musical scene in her video for “The Way” half-ponytail tied up in a ribbon and a flouncy dress that had me guessing she had to be about 14. Then the next minute she’s making out with Mac Miller. Turns out she’s (now) 20, and actually more than just a Nickelodeon star trying to make it: She legitimately has one of the best voices pop music has seen in awhile. Her ‘90s Mariah influences go without saying, but she has the voice to back it up and pop music could certainly use more like it. Beyond being a baby Mimi, though, the girl has taste: her debut album had doo-wop, old-school ballads, and lyrics that tug at your heartstrings in genuine ways (see: “Honeymoon Avenue”). It’s fun to have a new, classical kind of pop diva, and it’ll certainly be exciting to see how Grande decides to shape and carve out her own space in 2014. —Aylin Zafar

16. Haim hit the big time. Haim spent the better part of two years priming audiences for their debut album Days Are Gone with a gradual roll out of singles and tour dates. The slow and steady approach paid off big time – not only did they break into the mainstream with their song “The Wire,” but the album proved that they have enough first-rate material to score at least three more hits. –M.P.

23. Chance the Rapper mixtape Acid Rap is one of the best albums of the year. Chance The Rapper emerged in 2013 as an artist to watch, and solidified his position in hip-hop as one of the most exciting, creative rappers out. The Chicago native’s mixtape Acid Rap was a stunning display of his capabilities: great taste in picking soulful, warm melodies, vivid storytelling skills, and an exciting, deft, hilarious way with words. And he somehow manages to be a romantic without being too syrupy-sweet. We can’t wait to hear more. — A.Z.

11. Billboard changes chart rules, and the charts completely change. When Billboard and Nielsen announced in February that YouTube views will now be factored into their formula determining the ranking of the Hot 100 singles chart, the impact was immediate – Baauer’s “Harlem Shake,” featured in thousands of viral videos at the time, rocketed to the top of the chart. Since then, the impact of the new rules has been more subtle, or perhaps even insidious. Some chart observers have noted that the emphasis on YouTube and digital sales has had a white-washing effect, with the upper reaches of the charts notably lacking black artists after years of rap and R&B stars dominating the top spots. –M.P.

21. Disclosure deliver their flawless debut album Settle.
20. Lady Gaga goes full-on performance art.
4. Lorde breaks out as the year’s best new artist.

Originally posted by Superbitch Why did u make a thread and only post gaga as if she's the only one that matters? Annoying af.

Legend King Beyoncé at the top, what else is new?