I'm very sorry for the lack of updates during the past four days. I've been swamped with homework and have to prepare for all of my finals next week. In hindsight, I should have seen this coming and warned everyone that I would not be updating for a while.
Of course, I still plan to finish this event completely. Here is everything that I have yet to announce:
Top 40 of Top 40 - #5-#1 Top 30 Rhythmic/Urban Hits - #6-#1 Top 20 Non-Hits - #5-#1 Top 10 Worst Songs - #4-#1
That is a total of 20 positions to post between now and January 31. However, I plan to finish this event by January 20 at the very latest. I promise myself I will commit to more consistent updates in the coming days as I finish off my countdowns for 2014.
I feel like I should have forgotten about this song a long time ago, but it remains fresh in my mind and I still give it plenty of plays. Counting Stars has a refreshing sound, with OneRepublic's typical HAC-pop sound infused with just a hint of folk in that guitar and the handclapping. The intro is great and emphasizes the vulnerable nature of the song. The verses are supremely catchy, and Ryan Tedder does not disappoint with another amazing hook. I like how the chorus is split into two parts; the first part consisting of Tedder's intro-like vocals over a slightly modified verse instrumental and the second part featuring Tedder reaching into his higher range to drive the chorus home. Another highlight is the brilliant bridge, which features a cool, catchy handclapping breakdown before seguing into the final chorus and outro. Overall, I have to say that I loved hearing this song all throughout 2014; the positivity it exudes is undeniable.
Neon Trees - Sleeping With A Friend alexanderao's rating: 7.8/10
I love the laid-back, old-school vibe of this song and am pressed it was not as big as Everybody Talks. The mellow yet fairly fast-paced instrumental is accompanied by Tyler Glenn's not overpowering, pleasant vocals. I really love the synths in the instrumental and the bass line during the verses. I think it this is one of the best instrumentals of the year as every synth, drum, and guitar comes together perfectly to achieve that mellow, chill, yet upbeat mood. I'm always struck by how smooth this song is, considering Neon Trees' last two hits (Animal and Everybody Talks). The verses are stronger than the chorus, but the chorus isn't bad. I get a great early summer feel from this song and wish it smashed then.
All of this, the accuracy should have definitely smashed harder than Everybody Talks
This was my favorite R&B jam of summer 2014. When I think of it, I think of listening to it while biking on Nantucket in July on a beautiful sunny day. The production from DJ Mustard is slick and stylish, having just enough of a beat to make it boppable. The introductory synth line is really catchy, as is the hook and the post-chorus. Touchin, Lovin feels like a less refined, less finished version of this. I often resist the urge to sing along during the verses (only because I can't sing). Despite being fairly downtempo, this is a fun song to listen to and I like how it has some casual elements (the "na na"s during the hook) and some serious elements (the instrumental is not really a 'fun' one). Overall, I was extremely happy with this song and consider it to be my favorite R&B song of the year.
Ty Dolla $ign f/B.o.B - Paranoid alexanderao's rating: 8.3/10
Call me basic, but DJ Mustard dominated my whole year in terms of rhythmic/urban songs. So it is only fitting that one of his best productions kicks off my top 5 rhythmic songs of the year. This dark, brooding, melodic R&B/rap track fit in perfectly with the dark days of winter 2014. The three-note synth riff gives me Rack City teas, and it is way too catchy. Ty$'s vocals really fit the mood of the song, as the verses and chorus consist of him quietly singing over the minimalistic beat. I prefer listening to this song in the dark, as it makes the song feel much more mysterious. I always want to snap along to the beat during B.o.B's verse, which is his best of the year. His flow is natural and I love the juxtaposition of his braggadocio-filled raps with Ty$'s mellow, confessional R&B vocals. This is an excellent track that does not get old.
I don't really listen to the radio so I don't really get annoyed by songs being overplayed, so I can say that Counting Stars is still as amazing as ever.
Na Na is pretty white hot, it's great
Believe it or not, I had never heard Paranoid before, it's wonderful
I do have to say though, DJ Mustard finds the best grooves, but sometimes I get bored with the last 30 seconds or so. The the beginning of the songs until the last 30 is glorious.
Pharrell Williams - Gust Of Wind alexanderao's rating: 8.0/10
While perusing through Pharrell's G I R L this spring, this track stood out as an immaculately produced groove. The opening strings and funky instrumental immediately captured my attention, and Pharrell's soulful vocals add some R&B to the song. Daft Punk did an excellent job on the production, and the guitar is very reminiscent of the two's other collaboration Get Lucky. I love how they incorporated their trademark robotic voices into the chorus. To sum it up, amazing production, carefully crafted melodies, solid vocals, and an overall excellent track. I wish there was more of a bridge, but it's futile to resist getting swept into this irresistibly funky jam.
Pharrell Williams - Happy alexanderao's rating: 9.0/10
It's a double dose of Pharrell today as he lands the #4 spot on my favorite pop tracks of the year. I think that Happy is simply a masterpiece. It is relatable for everyone, whether you are already happy and just want to bask in positivity or whether you are stressed or nervous and just want to lighten up. The lyrics perfectly and concisely encapsulate the feelings of joy and happiness, and there's no denying that this song was a true phenomenon. As my second most-listened to song of 2014, it aged beautifully for me and continues to stand out from the pack of songs trying to imitate its sound (*cough* Shake It Off *cough*). The heavy R&B influences only make the song better. The instrumental is irresistible and so smooth, and is the perfect fit for Pharrell's light vocals- it's no wonder that he produced, composed, wrote, and sung Happy. The bridge, with its infectious handclapping breakdown and background vocals, is a great addition to the song. I can listen to this at any time and always get perked up. This is one of the best songs of 2014, beautifully capturing the essence of happiness in just over four minutes.