Tough Love >>>>> it's perfection. Modern day Time After Time. Mapei is pretty cool too.
Do It Again is one of the best bangers of 2014. I totally forgot about Melba's Call, but I actually like it the most out of all of Kelela's stuff for whatever reason.
I forgot about that song "Don't Wait." I heard it awhile back and loved it but never saved it on spotify or downloaded it. I'm Callin' is good too. Tennis make really inconsistent albums but their latest was definitely their best.
I also enjoy Inside Out, Tough Love, Melba's Call, and Do It Again.
Oh and Repeat Pleasure... also known as my favorite song of the year.
sia, "Chandelier"
I was a fan of Sia's 2010 but I never got around to listen to '1000 Forms of Fear' but this Top 40 ghost writer finally got some exposure ad recognition with "Chandelier". The ballad is inspired by her battle with alcoholism. The massive chorus is both fun and haunting and the Music Video propels the song even more.
26.
hozier, "Take Me To Church"
If I wish I would have discovered this much sooner, like back in 2013 when it was unknown. I think I would have worshiped this sooner. This is just epic, I think the most powerful song of the year and I see it aging well with me.
25.
azealia banks, "Chasing Time"
First of all "Chasing Time" isn't even the strongest song on the album but it's by far what would be considered the strongest "single". Azealia already has a variety of different styles and sounds but this is something different from what Azealia has ever done. It has a definite hook, it's catchy, it's more mainstream, her rap is less intricate so it's easy on the ear and radio-friendly. Not to mention her vocals surging over this 90s club beat proves that she can do it all.
24.
sza, "Babylon (feat. Kendrick Lamar)"
"Babylon" is one of the most raw and darkest R&B songs of the year, especially with the help of the gurgling, ominous production from DJ Dahi. There was once a solo version of this song excluding Kendrick Lamar but either version will do, it was only right to add him just to get her name out there. Kendrick still delivered and the two artists blended very well.
23.
sky ferreira, "I Blame Myself"
"I Blame Myself" was confirmed as the official second single from 'Night Time, My Time'. Sky was born in the wrong era, "I Blame Myself" is so mid-80s, so vulnerable and so anthemic.
22.
st. vincent, "Prince Johnny"
You have "Birth in Reverse" and "Digital Witness" which are two upbeat and then there's "Prince Johnny" which more reminiscent of their 2011 stuff. Such a striking ballad that grew on me tremendously. One of the best bits is that guitar outro, it is everything!
21.
m.i.a, "Double Bubble Trouble"
Trap intro, reggae sway, and dancehall breakdown beats. M.IA. has so much swagger on this controlled chaos of production.Every other song on "Matangi" is a 10 and this one is no different.
Ugh, I want to get into Kendrick so badly, but I just haven't had the time. But hey, let's hideaway on the west coast by the water fountain. And then, we'll do it again...I guess with Prince Johnny this time. Oh, and we'll be taken to church...just because.
Great update! I used to hate Chandelier but now I have fun just screaming the chorus. Take Me to Church rocks, Chasing Time as you said is her strongest "pop single" (cause I still think 212 is her strongest overall single), and Babylon is I think the only sza song I know and I like it!
I Blame Myself is Sky's best song and I didn't include it in my list this year just because the album came out last year. Prince Johnny is great on self-titled and Double Bubble Trouble like IBM is fantastic and not included because it was from the 2013 album. The song goes through 3 genres changes flawlessly and the beat drop is the best beat drop ever.
double bubble trouble SWIFTLY became one of my 2013 faves as soon as i heard it. it's so much fun and from beginning to end is an incredible bop. great pick
Just a little intersession before we get into the top 20 of stuff I'm already keeping track of for the new year. There is no guarantee that any of these songs or albums below will make my next years countdown.
75-21
Sucker