I hesitated while debating whether to include this house track on my T40/T40 list simply because it came and went like that; such is the fickle nature of pop radio. Nevertheless, this song's combination of an ebullient guitar riff, Kylie Auldist's soulful vocals, and a perky, danceable beat make it a winner. The peppy brass section annoys me a bit; as such, I'm not a big fan of the breakdown, which prominently features it. But it definitely could have been worse. The pre-chorus before the final hook is a surprising bright spot, the breezy instrumental slowly building up as Auldist's vocals become louder and clearer. Yet there's a significant disconnect between the verses and breakdowns that make the track a choppy effort overall. As a result, I find that it provides a more pleasant listening experience if I'm not paying close attention to what's going on.
This position in 2015: Pitbull f/Ne-Yo - Time Of Our Lives This position in 2014: Maroon 5 - Animals
The main reason for this song's placement is Fetty's supremely addicting chorus, though DJ Mustard provides a typically catchy beat as well. Kid Ink, meanwhile, demonstrates that he really hasn't improved at all since his breakout in 2014. His flow is passable, but I just find him uninteresting as a rapper, even if his collaborations are on point. As the content of the song is completely unremarkable, the reason it has made its way to my Year-End Event is because of the execution. Both Fetty's prominent high notes and Mustard's tropical-infused production are just incredibly catchy, and the result is simply a jam– there isn't much else to say.
This position in 2015: Post Malone - White Iverson This position in 2014: Drake - Trophies
Piano-and-voice ballads only work if the vocals, lyrics, or both are great. But while Ruth has a sweet voice, the rest of this song is hopelessly dull and tedious. The entirety of the song is a retelling of the fairytale Peter Pan, which makes it both painfully awkward and incredibly boring. Because of how nondescript it is, it's very difficult for me to listen to it in full without yawning. I actually feel really badly about dragging this track, because unlike other artists that will be on the list, Ruth has a great personality, and comes across as a delightful, genuine girl. But the insipid Lost Boy never comes within shouting distance of any substance, individuality, or feeling. If you have a friend with insomnia, introduce them to this song. It just might help them out.
I couldn't have imagined this song being part of my Year-End Event at its peak, but this was a really slow burner for me, and I eventually came to like its slightly erratic production and Kai's earnest writing. The breakdown is a bit awkward, but the verses are pristine; the layering of the percussion is stellar. I am not a fan of the distortion affects applied at the end of the song, but I love the string section introduced in the bridge immediately prior to it. Back to Kai, though– her lyrics are a brutally honest and concise self-critique. Don't let the glittery synth that opens the song fool you; Never Be Like You is a deeply emotional track. Although I don't think it flows especially well, I find it quite gripping.
This position in 2015: Taylor Swift f/Kendrick Lamar - Bad Blood This position in 2014: Calvin Harris f/John Newman - Blame
This Girl is cute and luckily tolerable now. The beat is hoT Never Be Like You's verses are great but the chorus messes things up.
Yesss drag Lost Boy with that 2.1/10 score Boring song, too many Peter Pan references, very uninspired overall.
This Girl should've been a hit, sadly the US remains biased against deep house
Lost Boy is just boring, it takes more than that for me to hate a song but I certainly don't like it lol.
(altho the Tove collab >)