I admit there's pretty much a three-way tie in my head at the moment for the spot of the best song of the current year but, amongst these ones, I feel like Rather Be is the one with a slight advantage so far. It got me captivated with the pure magic of the violin perfectly blended with those videogame-like sounds and the pitch perfect vocals of the singer. I couldn't listen to anything else on repeat so much during Q1 of this year and I still play it often even now. The Japan-based video was also an additional feature in the mix of my love for this song. Fascinating for sure!
Prismatic
Quote:
Originally posted by Prismatic
EPISODE 01 YOUR FAVORITE SONG
CLEAN BANDIT - RATHER BE (FEAT. JESS GLYNNE)
Rather Be is my favorite song of 2014.
Rather Be is a song produced by British electronic quartet Clean Bandit and features vocals from British
singer-songwriter Jess Glynne. It is termed as a "baroque-pop" song, a fusion of the classical, EDM and
pop-rock genres.
Rather Be is simply magical in my opinion. The production of the song is absolutely euphoric. The song plays and the spectacular classical violin intro instantly captures my attention. The infectious house beats then kicks in, followed by Jess Glynne's heavenly vocals who strangely sounds like a fusion of Rihanna and Adele.
Rather Be is a total feel-good song. Listening to it makes me feel exhilarated every time without fail. I have been playing it since its release in January, and now it's almost December but I have yet to grow tired of it. Best song of 2014 indeed.
When I am with you there's no place I'd rather be
e437
Quote:
Originally posted by e437
I think that my favourite song of the year is "West Coast". Why? I think Lana has done an amazing job at bringing back the 80s rock music with all the beats changing and her haunting voice. She did something revolutionary with it as no other song at the moment sounds like this one and Lana also kept on being one of the most original singers out there. While being a dark song, the type of songs Lana is known for, it's a perfect summer song due to it's amazing surf beat and it feels so good to listen to it at the beach. I think that this song was the one that has received the most plays on my last.fm in its first week (more than 50) which is pretty impressive. She also didn't let us down with her amazing album which is an amazing piece of work.
Capital B
Quote:
Originally posted by Capital B
Waterfalls (TLC Cover) - Bette Midler
...please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to...
Alright, let's get this out of the way straight away - YES, in a challenge that will likely see my competitors submitting songs that topped the charts and were universally loved in 2014, I really did submit a TLC cover done by a 68 year old woman. Really. This was not a mistake.
So why this song? Well, firstly - it combines two of my favourite genres of music: 90s hip hop/R&B and larger than life theatrical divas. When I first saw the track listing for Bette's "It's The Girls" album (a cover album of songs made famous by girl groups) I almost fell off my seat when I saw Waterfalls listed. When I finally heard the track it was everything I had hoped (minus that fact that Bette doesn't attempt Left Eye's rap...not sure if I should be relieved or disappointed...imagine the kiiis! ). She delivers the lyrics in a way that allude to such a subtext of heartache and pain. Every word is drenched in sorrow - Bette's abilities as a performer and interpreter of songs really shines through. The lyrics almost take on a new sort of meaning coming from her - the "lonely mother" she sings about could be her, looking back on her life and all she's been through as she imparts wisdom to the next generation. The track is nothing short of haunting. In all honesty, it is one of my favourite songs of the year, but beyond that, I think my song selection this round speaks volumes to who I am as an ATRL poster and what I bring to this game. I've never been the type to go along with the crowd "just because". I'm confident in what I do and what I bring to the table, and I'm all about sticking to that. So yes, some of you will likely be scratching your head at my song choice, and some of you may even drag me for filth - I suppose I could have just picked a popular song and hoped there is some sort of public vote element that will carry me through, but again, that's not me.
Allstar
Quote:
Originally posted by Allstar
ROBYN – MONUMENT
(Note: This is the video version. A link to the full song is here].)
Usually, I am the kind of person to shy away from calling things my very favorite of all time or just of the year. I don’t like to narrow down things to just being black and white and prefer to not draw direct comparisons to songs out of different genres. So why did I come to the conclusion that this song has been my favorite of the year 2014 so far? The answer to that lies in several reasons I will now explain:
A) The major point of why I love this song so much is its lyrical context. It is a song about a person wanting to leave something behind, a monument, for people to remember when said person is gone. Of course, Robyn takes it a step further and tries to connect it to the sexual image she has always been (intentionally) connected with but that is not what relates to me. Always have I found the thought of “leaving footprints” behind interesting. It scares me to think that in a sole hundred years from now not one person will remember my existence, that I will have done nothing whatsoever to be considered an actual monument to leave behind. Robyn feels the same but states that in the end she ”can say [she] did all with love” ― a small thought-provoking line that somehow immediately lifted my negative view on this topic up when I first heard it because it looks at this theme from another point of view. That's why I feel this song speaks directly out of my heart and why it personally resonates to me so much.
B) Secondly, ‘Monument’ seems to pay tribute and reference one of my favorite films – ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. A movie that just like the song tackles the topic of humanity’s mementos, of what the human race will have left behind in the future. And just like in the song there is the famous ‘Monolith’, by some also referenced to as the ‘Monument’ symbolizing the various states humanity has gone through and being the last remainder of what once was.
The references in that song are not only being drawn through its title and use of the word ‘Monument’, but also through its music video that visually represents the last film sequence of 2001. A video that represents an “inner and outer space journey” and, thus, only validates the thoughts I connect with this song. Robyn took the meaning of this song to another level with her video and only elevated my love for it.
C) Lastly, there is the production. A 10-minute-long song is not for everyone but if done right those 10 minutes can be an explosion of sounds and suck you in a very moody atmosphere. Its smooth synths create a soft and chilling atmosphere to set the mood right for its mythic lyrical context. The song later transitions into one of my favorite saxophone solos ever, and I feel I have to state that the saxophone has always been one of my favorite instruments because it brings across so many emotions which the song really does for me.
'Monument' is an easy song to listen to. It's unique but catchy for a casual listener. But if one chooses to listen closer it is even more than that and to create a songn achieving something like this on multiple layers is a genius effort for me. That's why I can confidently state that this is my favorite song of 2014.
Serendipity
Quote:
Originally posted by Serendipity
Serendipity's Favourite Song of 2014
Run - Nicole Scherzinger
This song has huge emotional value as it perfectly expresses events that have happened and actually it explains my state as I am now. The music behind is mellow and serves as a perfect foundation for the lyrics that not only convey but exacerbates what I feel. Lyrically, the songs mentions 'not to tell him all your secrets', 'he'll leave you in the dark'. That's exactly what I did. This was the first guy I genuinely ever loved and actually told him my secret of being gay and that I liked him. The song then goes onto how he'll always have your heart and that with the next one it's better to run. I felt this but never envisaged it to be like that until this song explained it for me. DOMINO, HIM and Superiore know that I don't do relationships or anything but it's probably because of how heart breaking that encounter was, and in the end, maybe it is better to 'run' away from love then to actually allow it in, because as Nicole says, you'll never really truly find that 'four letter word'.
Sorry if that was a bit too personal.
EuphorianSea
Quote:
Sia's 'Chandelier' is my favourite song of 2014 because it's quite carefree in how the message is conveyed yet the intensity to it still remains, which I find to be a nice contrast from songs that are more formulaic. Chandelier has also helped me get through my anxiety and the depressing thoughts I've been having for quite a while. The song has an abundance of meaning that is both inspiring and satisfying, sonically-speaking.
I like the way Sia has brought together such sparsely different melodies and made it work. I believe Chandelier is the type of song that fits any mood due to it having so much depth. Whether you want to take a nap, or whether you feel like smashing your head against a brick wall...Chandelier is basically that bitch. It's as if I go on a journey whenever I listen to this song.
So, hopefully, y'all appreciate it as much as I do!
Buddyc614
Quote:
Originally posted by Buddyc614
'Take Me To Church'
(judges)
I chose the Hozier song, Take me to church as my favorite song of 2014. I know it's kind of boring, and it's literally one of those songs when you first listen to it and you're literally like:
And that was my reaction, but after giving it a chance I seriously just fell in love with it. I think because of how different it is and how soulful it is, that's what made me love it. Plus it's a change from what I usually listen too. Amen to THAT.
Admittedly, there's not that many songs for me to choose from, considering how lackluster 2014's been in terms of music (recently though, there's been an influx of great songs/albums, bless Q4). But, just like most of the songs that I personally believe are 10/10's, this song instantly crawled its way into my head. From the moment I clicked "play" and the dramatic synthetic beat started playing with Ellie's raw emotional voice on top, I knew I was in for a ride. Lyrically, it's just great. It tells the story of a collapsing relationship (which I know just about everyone can relate to), which of course isn't something new, but that doesn't stop it from being heartfelt and relatable. There's also something great about the way Ellie delivers the lyrics; not only are her vocals amazing in this song, but they give the lyrics the emotion that they need. She sounds helpless and vulnerable throughout the whole song, but you can hear it the most in the pre-chorus (Now I'm holdin’ on / Myself was never enough for me). Her vocals shine the brightest in the bridge, where she shows off her falsetto and just PUNCHES. Don't even get me started on the breakdown, it's been drilled into my head since the day I heard it. It's classic Calvin; very vibrant and catchy, pretty much something you'll find yourself humming to out of nowhere. It's just an amazing track overall that you can listen to anywhere. It's energetic so it'll make a good exercise track, it's party-ready so you can dance to it in the club with your girlfrénds, but at the same time it's emotional, so you can listen to it while you're going through a heartbreak. Just from the past month alone, I've listened to this track 84 times. It's incredible in every aspect, so I just had to pick this as my favorite song of 2014.
My favorite song of 2014 is "Chandelier" by Sia. In mid-March, this song came out of nowhere one night, and I was immediately entranced by the fantastic melody and Sia's vocal acrobatics. Every so often, there is a pop song that you connect with on your first listen, and "Chandelier" did this for me. The line that really drew me in was the pre-chorus hook: "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, drink"; to me, the simplicity of this line makes it all the more powerful and intriguing. It is one of the most memorable phrases of this year in music. The entire aura of "Chandelier" is unique, as highlighted in its verse/chorus structure. I really enjoy songs that present catchy, pop melodies in unexpected packages like this. Finally, "Chandelier" was played on my local radio stations a lot over the summer of 2014 -- a time when I was able to drive alone quite often, and enjoy music through a new medium and experience. Thus, I associate "Chandelier" with the freedom of the open road, and it would always make me smile when it came on the radio while driving.
My favorite song released this year, without a doubt, is "Love Me Harder", By Ariana Grande ft. The weeknd, taken from Ariana's sophomore album, my everything. The song is just perfect to me. I love the way the Weeknd & Ariana's soft, high tones mesh together. It surprisingly worked out. I'm also a big fan of both artists, so this collab was like a gift to me.
The two artists have a chemistry that surprisingly worked well in the video, on the song, and during performances, which makes this type of song better, at least for me. The beat also slays & i feels like it carries me into another dimension while I listen to it.
The reason that this somewhat unknown bop is my favorite song of 2014 is simple.
Behind the catchy beat and slick lyrics, there's a simple message. That you can really do whatever you want,
and that if you put your mind towards something, you can't be stopped. Personally, I am usually attracted to songs that have a message about bettering yourself, and showing that independence is attainable. If this were a entry for a 2013 song, I would easily pick Grown Woman by Beyonce, because once again, its about being able to do what ever you put your mind to.
There are multiple lines in the song that point out this message that you can conquer the world, All In A Days work.
All while cooking the dinner for that night, she was able to close a deal worth one million dollars, just like that. If that isn't something everyone should strive for, then I don't know what is.
This line shows nothing but independence. She tells her significant other that she's good, she doesn't NEED him. She can take care of her own, and probably his, to be honest.
In this line, she sums up the moral of the story. She can carry the weight of everything on her back, but can still knock it all out All In A Day's Work.
break free: [1] to free oneself or escape suddenly, as from restraint
I know I've been talking about wanting to make y'all a believer a lot lately, but first I had to make myself one. I did that last summer. I've thought about going all artsy + hipster on you, but instead decided to pick a song that is just very dear to me. A song that just so it happens, is also my most played song, and the song that made me believe in me. The singer, Ariana can give you sass ['Problem'], she may be (a little bit) R&B ['Best Mistake'], but 'Break Free' is without a doubt the perfect pop anthem. For some 'Break Free' might be the perfect break-up song, for me it was the perfect going-away song. It made me believe I was doing the right thing. I decided to go to Southern Europe (Spain + la bella Italia) for two months this last summer, trying to free myself from the pressure I felt back home. I remember listening to the song on the plane, not entirely sure of what I was doing. Listening to 'Break Free' on the plane, all of a sudden realizing I was in for a long, fun summer; it made me feel happy. Me being happy, me all of a sudden believing in me, that's what makes this song my favorite this year. 'Break Free' went on to sell a lot, from Europe to the States to Asia, and rightly so. The song is amazing, and as if the song itself wasn't amazing enough, Ariana decided to make an equally amazing video for it. I love me some aliens, and guess what... the video has its fine share of aliens. At this point, I think it really comes down to facts: the memories + the aliens + Ariana going full-on pop on us = song of the year. It's as easy as that. (However, if R8 really is coming... )
FunkyDinevo
Quote:
Originally posted by FunkyDinevo
My favorite song from 2014 is Eternal Sunshine from Jhene Aiko’s debut album Souled Out. (Get ready for emotional Jhene teas)
R&B is my favorite music genre, so Jhene’s album fits perfectly. The first time I heard this song was 1 in the morning of the day of my 21st birthday. Now, sometimes I like to get in my feelings. I can be a pessimist sometimes (see ANTM 10 Music Taste Challenge), so Jhene’s music feeds that pessimistic side of me. Her voice just puts me in my feelings whenever I’m in that type of mood, which is often to be honest. But anyway, the first couple of times I listened this song I cried. Yes, I cried on my 21st birthday. It wasn’t because the song made me sad; it was because I connected with the song in an emotional and spiritual way. That moment on my birthday I felt as though I was going through spiritual changes with becoming older, thus entering a new stage of my life. Eternal Sunshine connected spiritually with me, and me crying was to show how much I connected with the song. It showed how I was embracing the song’s message and Jhene’s emotional presence in the song. So for that reason, Eternal Sunshine will remain as a piece of my heart.
). She delivers the lyrics in a way that allude to such a subtext of heartache and pain. Every word is drenched in sorrow - Bette's abilities as a performer and interpreter of songs really shines through. The lyrics almost take on a new sort of meaning coming from her - the "lonely mother" she sings about could be her, looking back on her life and all she's been through as she imparts wisdom to the next generation. The track is nothing short of haunting. In all honesty, it is one of my favourite songs of the year, but beyond that, I think my song selection this round speaks volumes to who I am as an ATRL poster and what I bring to this game. I've never been the type to go along with the crowd "just because". I'm confident in what I do and what I bring to the table, and I'm all about sticking to that. So yes, some of you will likely be scratching your head at my song choice, and some of you may even drag me for filth - I suppose I could have just picked a popular song and hoped there is some sort of public vote element that will carry me through, but again, that's not me.
)
