You never saw Jaws The tagline was something's in the water or something like that.
Check Katy Bae, and Drake
About Ariana I was saying that Love Me Harder is so obviously an attempt to market her as more mature. The Weekend's presence proves that. It feels inauthentic and Ariana and The Weeknd have no chemistry
I do not like those kinds of movies.
I don't really like HM&R, if you happened to see my ATRLcritic review too.
Another's Arm Not really my favourite, but still cute.
"Heavy Metal and Reflective" is great, it has so much bite. You're right in that Azealia is capable of even more, too. I know she doesn't want to include social commentary in her music, which is fair enough, but I think one day she'll cave and once she starts speaking her real mind over these type of beats... we're not going to be ready. I feel that everything she's done so far, even "Yung Rapunxel" and "Heavy Metal and Reflective", are merely appetisers for something massive Azealia will unleash one day.
I'm not a massive fan of country music, but I gave "I Hold On" a listen and it's pretty cool. I think the country accents are growing on me. Nice choice for #1!
Not that I have any room to talk, because I didn't include it in my list, but I'm so mad Nicki's "Mona Lisa" didn't even make it into your Top 100. I wish I was able to see the genius earlier, it deserves a placement on everyone's Best Of 2014.
Wait a damn second, Dierks Bentley recorded a song with Kacey Musgraves????? I had NO idea
All I knew from them was that Drunk On a Plane song that made me noT want to listen to anything else by them.
Thank you for educating me, I need to check their Kacey collab now
wait, Kacey isn't even credited? you're right, I am going to check out the song (for Kacey) now
I don't think I got through listening to Brantley's album I like Bottoms Up though
The Pinkprint and Crying For No Reason Problem at #7!
Heavy Metal & Reflective and Out of the Woods in your top five Excellent rankings,
Dierks at #1 too You've convinced me to give them a chance, I'll try to let you know what I think
I didn't like most of Ghost Stories at first, it's a very subtle album and takes some time to unravel. This one took awhile to sneak up on me, but it hit like a ton of bricks when it did. Coldplay as a and, aren't Radiohead, they don't want to be bummers, they're too polite for that, but that doesn't stop "Another's Arms" from being completely devastating. "Late night watching TV / Used to be you here beside me / Used to be your arms around me / Your body on my body," is so real a situation that it completely humanizes the guy who once sang "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall." And none of that is mentioning the background music. the bass doesn't just drop, it feels like the world falls out from beneath you, and you're left floating through empty space. It's Coldplay's most crushing, and finest, moments
_______________________________________
Up Next:
Top3
I didnt like this song when they premiered it at the itunes festival but the studio version is LIFE.
PERFECTION
for Dierks I like that he opened for Luke Bryan on his tour
Wait no Luke in your top 110
Or Lady Antebellum
or Katy Perry
Carrie is here tho
You know what
Kind of like when Robyn opened for Katy Perry heartbreaking, oh well though Dierks is the one that ended up here.
My rules were that the music had to be released between 01/01/14 and 12/31/14 and those artists did not.
Quote:
Originally posted by holyground
I do not like those kinds of movies.
I don't really like HM&R, if you happened to see my ATRLcritic review too.
Another's Arm Not really my favourite, but still cute.
YAAAAAAAAS Out of the Woods yas Bloomers STANNNNN
Idk that #1
Jaws is a classic though You should watch.
Let me go look up your atrl critic review and drag you on your countdown or wall
Another's Arm is really good for getting the job done Another's Arms is the best on Ghost Stories though.
But you didn't even have "Out Of The Woods" in your top 10... I saw it.
Listen to the number one though I'll let you trade in one Drake song you're supposed to listen to if you to listen to my number 1
Quote:
Originally posted by prezli
Banks, the Azealia one
I just listened to your #1 (I didn't know it before), and it's GR8. (I'm not into country tho.)
The only Banks that's relevant and that I care about Azealia is the best/
Thanks for checking out my number one. I love it. I played it so much. It's different for country
Quote:
Originally posted by Truth Teller
YAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS for Heavy Metal & Reflective
Drake, ha Soundcloud masterpieces
Drake's soundcloud tracks are some of his best!
And both of us having HM&R in out top 10. Our taste >>>>>>
Quote:
Originally posted by IAmFree
I Hold On
It's so good.
Quote:
Originally posted by JungleDisturbia
Awesome Top 10, man.
"Heavy Metal and Reflective" is great, it has so much bite. You're right in that Azealia is capable of even more, too. I know she doesn't want to include social commentary in her music, which is fair enough, but I think one day she'll cave and once she starts speaking her real mind over these type of beats... we're not going to be ready. I feel that everything she's done so far, even "Yung Rapunxel" and "Heavy Metal and Reflective", are merely appetisers for something massive Azealia will unleash one day.
I'm not a massive fan of country music, but I gave "I Hold On" a listen and it's pretty cool. I think the country accents are growing on me. Nice choice for #1!
Not that I have any room to talk, because I didn't include it in my list, but I'm so mad Nicki's "Mona Lisa" didn't even make it into your Top 100. I wish I was able to see the genius earlier, it deserves a placement on everyone's Best Of 2014.
It's so surprising that as much as she goes on on twitter that Azealia really didn't get too political. Maybe that's for the nest one.She's so good though and BWET is still growing on me. You named two of my favorite tracks. BWET is kind of a classic in my book, but there definitely is room for improvement which is exciting, but scary.
Does Dierks have much of an accent? I don't think it's too over done or anything. Thanks for listening though, I could go on and on and on about the song, but it made my year and really made me appreciate country. "I Hold On" is just such a powerful song.
Funny that you mention "Mona Lisa" In my defense, this was only a top 100. "Mona Lisa" was in the top 100, but I forgot my two Hozier tracks, added them, but didn't want to knock anything else off or reorganize. So she did, but didn't go top 100.
Quote:
Originally posted by DejaEntendu
Wait a damn second, Dierks Bentley recorded a song with Kacey Musgraves????? I had NO idea
All I knew from them was that Drunk On a Plane song that made me noT want to listen to anything else by them.
Thank you for educating me, I need to check their Kacey collab now
wait, Kacey isn't even credited? you're right, I am going to check out the song (for Kacey) now
I don't think I got through listening to Brantley's album I like Bottoms Up though
The Pinkprint and Crying For No Reason Problem at #7!
Heavy Metal & Reflective and Out of the Woods in your top five Excellent rankings,
Dierks at #1 too You've convinced me to give them a chance, I'll try to let you know what I think
Drunk On A Plane is the best though. Have you watched the video? It's hilarious It's where my avatar is from.
Kacey is so good, I don't know why she wasn't credited, she's definitely noticeable on the song. She's definitely a draw, Thanks for giving him a chance. And to be honest, I didn't feel Bantley's album at first, but a couple listens and it grew on me.
Thanks on everything else also. The other songs are incredible
Quote:
Originally posted by Already Gone
Amazing top
Thank you. Glad you like it!
Quote:
Originally posted by Superiore
You're keeping me slayed with your choices and commentaries. Lookin' Ass, Tuesday, Problem, Out of the Woods
Well thank you. Nicki was the right person for "Lookin' Ass " that's for sure. "Anaconda" who? (I love Anaconda too though.
Quote:
Originally posted by Superpower
Top3
I didnt like this song when they premiered it at the itunes festival but the studio version is LIFE.
PERFECTION
I think I missed them on the iTunes festival
The studio version of the song though is everything. Honestly, that whole middle stretch of Ghost Stories is so good.
Quote:
Originally posted by AshleeSimpsonFan
Another's Arms is good I definitely need to check out that #1
Good countdown!
Let me take advantage of this break between songs and albums to talk mixtapes. I'm liking the mixtape format because, not only are they free, which is excellent for a cheap guy like me, they are often more interesting than albums. A mixtape offers an artist more artistic freedom, they're allowed to explore their sound more and not worry about commercial success. Sure, they're not as polished, but this is their strong point, the rougher edges sometimes end up being more interesting. So here are some mixtapes I enjoyed this year, not an exhaustive list, just some I really enjoyed. Sorry Truth Teller, I listened to Lotus before this year, so it is ineligible.
Body High - Lucki Eck$
From what I understand, this guy is a Chicago based rapper, I haven't looked into his backstory too much beyond that. 'Body High' is a great listen though, he rapes in a bit of a croak, but it works in the slow grimey beats. The whole mixtape has a slow electronic flow, like A$AP Rocky at his murkiest, but Body High goes even beyond that. It's not a tape with any uptempo or party cuts, its all atmosphere. Fans of Captain Murphy, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Andy Stott would most likely click with this one. Guy's talented, he could be big.
The Neighbourhood - #000000 & #ffffff
Yes, this is the band The Neighbourhood, the ones behind Sweater Weather. I didn't really listen to their album much, but thought that the idea of a mixtape from them is too ridiculous an idea not to check. I'm glad I did. The mixtape takes on some hip-hop tones and production (and appearances from rappers) but they keep their gloomy wintry sound in tact. It's a really interesting, and occasionally unintentionally hilarious (line of the album: "True story real life, I could use a little help, I talk about girls like I got em but I don't I'm upset with myself. Man I wish I could have sex with myself, that would solve all my issues, you were crazy bit I miss you, now I'm alone with a box of tissues), listen. I'd recommend this to people who like them already, but also to anybody that liked Collision Course back in the day, and Imagine Dragon's collaboration with Kendrick Lamar.
A$AP Ferg - Ferg Forever
The most surprising thing I learned this year was that A$AP Ferg is a very thoughtful and wise individual. Now, I don't know if that comes across on 'Ferg Forever' I just needed to share that. Ferg Forever is filled with Bangerz that you wouldn't get on a traditional release. One talks aout how he's king of Bonnoroo, one is a wicked dancehall track, another samples "Let It Go" from Frozen :deadanana: The whole mixtape is fun to listen to and really doesn't drag in any way.
Shlohmo & Jeremih - No More
We may not have gotten "Late Nights: The Album" but we did get a solid piece of word from Jeremih. This is filled with dark, grinding R&B music. A stellar 6 track EP that was tragically overlooked. It's R&B with a sinister edge to it. Don't come into it expecting "Don't Tell 'Em" it's more of a less damaged The Weeknd, fully enjoying the dark atmosphere. Also, "The End," an anti-gravity spacey jam, is immediate accessible and advanced, it's also kind of better than anything on 'LP1.'
Note: The cover has a pair of boobs, so I just uploaded a blank image instead.
Jon Bellion - The Definition
In the limited (nonexistent) research I did while writing this, I remembered that this guy has writing credits on Eminem and Rihanna's "The Monster." He's a songwriter, but it's not really a hip-hop mixtape, it falls somewhere between alternative pop and hip-hop actually. He raps occasionally and sings, with an overall sound inbetween fun., Eminem's "Headlights," and Gym Class Heroes, if those guys were any good though. The music is baroque and a little more abstract, but it's so good. Light-hearted and playful, but with gritty undertones, it's highly recommended.
Miguel - NWA.HollywoodDreams.Coffee
3 songs only. But a collection of 3 of the best songs this year. Miguel returns stronger than ever with sultry, earthy R&B. NWA slinks along in a sexy groove, Hollywood Dreams tells of the perils of chasing fame, and Coffee is bliss. The three songs are 10 minutes long, but 10 of the best minutes you spend.
Daye Jack - Hello World
It's not named after the user here, a strong mixtape nonetheless. It has a lighter sound, somewhere around Chance The Rapper or 'Graduation' era Kanye. Probably the most classically oriented hip-hop record I have up here. It sags a it i places and he could use some focus; but, this guy's really good, just solid stuff.
BOOTS - WinterSpringSummerFall
Already mentioned this one. It's one of my favorite albums of the year! But at this point, we all know who BOOTS worked with and he brings that magic he brought to Self-Titled to this mixtape. It's a little on the downcast and gloomy sound like Ghost/Haunted, but it's a great listen that feels shorter than its hour long length.
100s - IVRY
This one is just a pure good time. It's southern hip-hop with excellent production. Stuff you'd listen to while driving around. It's excellent though and would've been in my album countdown if it was longer than 8 songs. Highly recommended for fans of Outkast, Southern Hip-Hop, Big Boi.
There were plenty more excellent mixtapes from this year. Those were just ones that I thought I would highlight and enjoyed the most.
The Neighbourhood's mixtape is actually pretty cool. I know we talked about it a little when it was released, and I said that I was letting the mixtape sit with me some more, but I don't think that ended up happening. It's going to be one of my go-to releases for Autumn though, and ever since you named one of the Jeremih/Shlohmo tracks in your song list, I've kept that release in my mind to explore in Autumn as well.
I'm actually still enjoying Miguel's album at the moment so I should go a download NWA.HollywoodDreams.Coffee and get really stoked for whatever he's cooking up this year.
The Neighbourhood's mixtape is actually pretty cool. I know we talked about it a little when it was released, and I said that I was letting the mixtape sit with me some more, but I don't think that ended up happening. It's going to be one of my go-to releases for Autumn though, and ever since you named one of the Jeremih/Shlohmo tracks in your song list, I've kept that release in my mind to explore in Autumn as well.
I'm actually still enjoying Miguel's album at the moment so I should go a download NWA.HollywoodDreams.Coffee and get really stoked for whatever he's cooking up this year.
I remember seeing you in the thread. I recommend it, especially for Autumn, it has a very cool-weather friendly sound. Dumb question though: do you know what the title means? I'm assuming it's a code for the colors black & white, but I haven't found any answers.
Miguel's release was so good and so was Jeremih's. They all are actually, the best part of it all is that they're all free.
I just noticed your amazing User title
Quote:
Originally posted by lovesong
I haven't heard any of these.
I'll take your word for it though! And I should go look into these especially that Miguel one.
You should check out Miguel for sure. I would also highly recommend Lucki to you. I think you'd really like it judging by what I saw on your Best Of.
Quote:
Originally posted by Already Gone
The NBHD's mixtape was kinda meh
I really liked it! I thought it was an interesting mix of hip-hop and rock. Even when it was bad, it was entertainingly bad.
So, after switching my iTunes to the British iTunes, my music library got partially deleted
Not a big deal, I got everything stored in the cloud, it's just it took some of my playlist with my album ranking with it so I kind of forget what albums I have where. I'm working on the problem.
Luckily, I can solve my own clues from the last set and use that to update for now
Favorite 2014 Albums (16 - 12)
16. Taylor Swift - 1989
Let me begin by saying that very few pop albums will ever reach the breathtaking highs '1989' does. Fewer will be able to say that they have a stretch of songs as perfect as the stretch from "Welcome To New York" to "Bad Blood" (yeah I like WTNY). And only one is able to say it has my second favorite song of 2014. Alright, that last one isn't that important, but '1989' is great and a curveball from the album I was expecting. Like 'The Pinkprint' the advance single for the album didn't tell the whole story. Looking at it now, (see what I did there) "Shake It Off" was a worst case scenario. It was Taylor letting everyone know: "this is what you're going to have to deal with, this is your chance to leave," of course many stayed, but many watched while they were covering their eyes, worried she would crash and burn (myself included). But she's Taylor Swift, she has her own style, voice, personality, everything that makes a pop star. She made it seem like she never needed country, and made a move to "pop" seem like the easiest transition in the world.
It's mind-boggling how good some of these songs are, how crisp and clean so much of the album is, how mature it is, how real it is. As always it's the little details in the album that give it substance, things real people do and can relate to: "moving furniture to dance, getting swept up in the possibilities of the big city, having fun playing a flirt, calling attention to her little tight skirt" it's a lived in record. It's all these little things that add together that help her make the transition, she comes across as an everywoman; we don't know her for her outfits, for her snark, for her wigs, for her outfits, we know her and she may have changed up her look and her company, but it's still her. Of course the songs would be meticulous, they always are.
The record's a tribute to the 80s, and has that blockbuster feel. A lot will probably said about monoculture and blah, blah, blah, just a term for academics to use when they like something popular. She's always been great, she just finally used her platform and attention to get people to really listen and take notice. The record's fault though, true to 80s form is that the back half is considerably weaker than the front. Particularly "How You Get The Girl" and "I Know Places" which disrupt the tone of the album with shrill production, best left in a time capsule. Everything thing else is top notch.
15. Vessel - Punish, Honey
Well, luckily for anyone reading this, I don't have as much to say about Vessel as I do Taylor Swift. This guy uses sound in such a unique way, combining real world sound and electronic techniques, it's like you're not sure what is real or not when you're listening. It's a throbbing industrial record one moment and an interesting soundscape the next. It lives up to it's title too, it certainly is a punishing and pummeling record, but completely addicting at the same time.
14. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
It's a running theme on this countdown, but I was disappointed with this one at first. "Lana please" was my first thought. This is all too, on the nose. If someone were to come up with parody Lana Del Rey song titles, they're probably easily come with with half the song titles ("Sad Girl" especially). But, I stayed with the album. Something about it captivated me, it was mostly the promise of the title and the into-the-red performance on "Cruel World" that kept me going. Slowly, Lana's world became more apparent. And it is Lana's world, she is just about the only artist who seems to exist outside time and space and in her own little section of Brooklyn. Slowly, I realized that this album toys with you a bit. It kind of takes American cliche's and romantic ideals (see the semi-contented "Brooklyn Baby" the hippy nodding title track, the money, power, glory of Money, Power, Glory) and flips it all on its head. Psychedelic production flourishes courtesy of Black Key Dan Auerbach (whose band is known for their nods to the past without quite inhabiting it), only add to the hazy unreal nature of this album. Here the characters, even when they seem content, inhabit this unreal space where they are hollow, unfixable, doomed to permanent sub-bae status. The more time you spend with this album, the more it creeps in on you.
13. The Antlers - Familiars
This is an album for the album lovers. If you don't know The Antlers, you should. They're one of the best bands out there. Their 2011 album 'Burst Apart' is a personal favorite of mine. Where that album was dark, mysterious, and sexy at points, 'Familiars' is more delicate and wintry. Sonically, it's incredibly cohesive, filled with recurring horns and crisp drums, reminding me of 'Lisbon' by The Walkmen if the album took place in the dead of a snowy winter. 'Familiars' is downright gorgeous at points. But true to form for a band that could possibly have recorded one of the most crushing albums of all time, 'Familiars' is draped in melancholy and populated by doppelgangers, forgotten names, and blizzards. It all sounds so good though.
12. Big K.R.I.T. - Cadillactica
I was a huge fan of this guy's album 'Live From The Underground,' and for some reason he continues to e criminally ignored. Cadillactica is one of the most soulful albums of the year "Saturdays = Celebration" alone remains one of the most powerful moments in music. Maybe K.R.I.T.'s problem is that he makes albums, or that his work is so solid and well-done as a whole, that i's hard for his individual songs to stick out. Anyway, his heavily accented southern flow pours over this album, bringing warmth to each and every track. That's not to say the album is boring or slow, it has some of the most futuristic sounding production, like Outkast were doing their ATLien thing on Mars. He deserves the attention, give him a listen.
The tagline was something's in the water or something like that.
Not really my favourite, but still cute. 
Nice choice for #1!
you're right, I am going to check out the song (for Kacey) now 
Problem at #7! 
I saw it.
In my defense, this was only a top 100. "Mona Lisa" was in the top 100, but I forgot my two Hozier tracks, added them, but didn't want to knock anything else off or reorganize. So she did, but didn't go top 100. 
It's going to be one of my go-to releases for Autumn though, and ever since you named one of the Jeremih/Shlohmo tracks in your song list, I've kept that release in my mind to explore in Autumn as well.
Expected top 10