Sorry I haven't updated in a while. School and real life always take priority over a forum site but I promise this list will be finished, without write-ups if need be.
When it comes to combining genres, this duo cannot be beaten. They effortlessly weave rock, hip-hop, and pop together in many tracks from their major-label debut Vessel. But they are also very versatile, as shown by the laid-back folk tune House of Gold. Musically, it contains none of the heavier elements characteristic of its predecessors. Aside from a random screaming bit at the end, the vocals are surprisingly smooth and comforting. However, there's one dead giveaway, one thing that makes this easily recognizable as a TOP single rather than your average run-of-the-mill folk song, and that would be the lyrics. Tyler doesn't write meaningless rhyming words and slap them together with a fitting melody. He crafts deep, powerful lyrics that reflect on the misfortunes, struggles, and overall meaning of life. Here, he puts himself in the role of a son who must care for his mother in a time of economic and emotional hardship. He wants to live a stress-free, joyous life (the house of gold), but he knows that such a thing is unachievable. The underlying emotions are depression, hopelessness, and frustration; therefore, I've come to see the screaming part as perhaps the highlight of the whole song. It's the only point at which the son comes down from his magical dream land to accept the reality of his situation, and it makes this one of the most moving tracks of 2013. This is the first of two songs by Twenty One Pilots in the list.
Hot Chelle Rae "Hung Up"
HCR have always been one of my favorite bands; they can deliver with both touching ballads (Bleed, Why Don't You Love Me) and upbeat party songs (Tonight Tonight, I Like It Like That). The latter type could not be more suited for mainstream radio, and that's why I think the US is so, so stupid for letting this one flop. I mean, yes, it's generic. Yes, it's basic. Yes, it's essentially Tonight Tonight 2.0. But it's also fun, catchy, and addictive as hell, and sometimes that's all a song needs to be. I've listened to it way more times than I'd care to admit, due to that "earworm factor". And I'm sure the guys have plenty more "earworms" up their sleeves; after all, they've kept us posted about their songwriting sessions with Jesse McCartney, who knows a thing or two about crafting insanely likable and catchy hooks (How Do You Sleep, anyone?). I just hope that the album doesn't get postponed for 10 million years or even worse get cancelled. Because right now, HCR, I'm hung up on you. This is the only song by Hot Chelle Rae in the list.
Robin Thicke f/T.I. & Pharrell "Blurred Lines"
After the extreme success and subsequent backlash experienced by this song, I cannot listen to it with unbiased ears anymore. But contrary to what you might expect, the backlash, and not the success, is the focus of my bias. Let me explain. I stopped caring about charts long ago, so to me overwhelming chart success is not a proper basis for calling a song "overrated". After all, chart stats are just numbers; I prefer to judge on more substantial bases, such as comments here on this wonderful site of ATRL. And from what I've seen, it seems like most of y'all hate Blurred Lines. Well, I personally love it; it's funky, refreshing and unique. I've been mentally defending it all year against the hate. For example, the lyrics may be racy, but I strongly believe that they don't promote rape culture; there are clear indications that the woman wants to get sexual with Robin as well. In this constant state of defense, I've probably deluded myself into thinking I like the song more than I actually do. But someone has to be a nonconformist, right? This is the only song by Robin Thicke in the list.
The 1975 "Girls"
Can it be? Is dance-rock really making a comeback? The genre has been more or less inactive since the new wave fad died out in the late 1980s, but this one is really giving me hope. After all, the inspiration from new wave bands is extremely noticeable. A gloriously vibrant chorus paired with gloriously incomprehensible vocals...haven't we seen that somewhere before? And the whimsical, bizarre, yet brilliant lyricism seems familiar too! ("I know you're looking for salvation in a secular age but girl I'm not your savior" is probably the highlight.) However, the song itself is distinct enough that I wouldn't consider it an homage. It's just The 1975 doing what they do best: crafting music to intrigue the listener. Hence the joyous guitar licks. There's a reason they were placed, vocal-less, at the beginning of the song; no one in their right mind would stop listening after the first fifteen seconds. And I can guarantee that no new wave band ever made a video quite like this one. It's basically the visualization of everything zany and oddball. In poorly accomplished hands, it could have been a tacky disaster, but in the hands of Matthew Healy, it became one of the top videos of the year. Well done guys, well done. This is the second of three songs by The 1975 in the list.
Rihanna "What Now"
I don't know if I can ever completely forgive this bitch for following up the amazing Loud era with the worst song of all time (We Found Love). It was f**king everywhere in the winter of 2011-2012, and it was absolutely horrendous. But with the release of What Now this fall, she significantly redeemed herself in my eyes. In fact, it's the first song I've liked of hers since Cheers. I thought she had forgotten how to create an emotional, passionate ballad after the incredibly boring Diamonds and Stay, and I couldn't have been more wrong. What Now is Rihanna at her most vulnerable. The singsong verses show her confusion and desperation as she struggles to deal with a tough breakup, and the pre-chorus demonstrates a growing sense of hopelessness. Then, in the chorus, everything inside of her just comes bursting out. I can feel the passion behind every single word she sings; it's like a window into her personal life. And not many artists are willing to offer such a "window"; they regard their careers and their personal lives as two completely different entities that should be experienced separately. So I commend you, Rihanna. If you keep releasing singles like this, and stop releasing ones like WFL, then we can be cool. This is the only song by Rihanna in the list.
Demi Lovato "Made in the USA"
If you had a problem with Heart Attack, then you probably didn't care too much for this one either. But personally, the oversinging doesn’t bother me. At least Demi can sing. I get GYHAB teas whenever the bridge comes around. And the line "I know that we'll never break, cuz our love was made in the USA" isn't meant to be interpreted literally. If you criticize it for saying that only American relationships can last forever (which I've seen plenty of people do), then you're looking way too deeply. This is your typical patriotic song; it only aims to convey some common great experiences of American couples, such as "walking in the city lights" and "[having] dinner on the sky rise". A bit cliché, but very beautiful. In fact, the imagery is what makes this one rank higher than Heart Attack. You don't have to be American to get a great sense of happiness and peace from these lyrics; you just need to know what deep, undying love feels like. I'll be forever pressed that the third-Demi-single-that-shall-not-be-named has outperformed such a wonderful sentiment. This is the last of two songs by Demi Lovato in the list.
Marianas Trench "By Now"
Once again, the Canadians hog all the best talent for themselves. How I wish this band was more successful in the US. They released an EP here in the spring, but it generated basically zero hype. I guess maybe it's Josh's voice; his high-pitched screams can be quite polarizing. In addition, this one in particular is not up to par with some of the band's previous Canadian hits. But oh god, I cannot even think properly after rewatching the video. SOMEONE HOLD ME. For those of you who don't know, Ever After is a concept album, and the first four videos tell the story of Josh's bizarre, seemingly surreal relationship with a fantasy queen named Carolina. So naturally, many of us Trenchers expected this one to be in the same vein. We couldn't have been more wrong. It takes place in the real, non-fantasy world, with Carolina as Josh's wife. She sees him going on a downward spiral of drug addiction and crime, and for whatever reason she decides that death is his best way out. So she drives him out into the middle of a desert, shoots him, and leaves him to die. The first four videos were just a hallucination in the last minutes of his life; he created his own "happy ending" because Carolina didn't give him one. Of course this is just for the purpose of the video, Josh is still alive and well but ugh, the concept does so much to me. This is the first of two songs by Marianas Trench in the list.
Jesse McCartney "Back Together"
Most of you probably had no clue that Jesse released new music in 2013. Well he transferred to an independent label after his break with Hollywood, so this one flew significantly under the radar. And before y'all talk about his irrelevance or fall from grace, you should know that he chose to go indie. There were dozens of labels willing to sign him, but he refused. Why? Because he wanted to create fun, enjoyable music without any creative restrictions. He modeled the EP In Technicolor Part 1 (out now!) after his favorite genre, disco-pop. That's not my favorite genre by any stretch of the imagination, but let's be honest: Jesse can make anything sound good. His comeback single Back Together is an upbeat tune about wanting to "reignite an old flame", so to speak; it demonstrates surprisingly strong falsetto vocals that easily rival those of JT and Pharrell. And its lyrics go beyond the simple emotions of teenage love to explore more mature, sexual themes. After all, Mr. Beautiful Soul can't stay innocent forever; even if you liked him better as a blonde, you've gotta admit he's managing the "teen pop star to adult musician" transition better than 95% of pretty boys. This is the only song by Jesse McCartney in the list.
Cash Cash f/Bebe Rexha "Take Me Home"
Yes, this is the same Cash Cash that did Party in Your Bedroom like forever ago. After that one died out, I lost interest in the band and at one point even forgot about them altogether. However, they resurfaced on my musical radar this year when their new EDM sound gained some mainstream attention, and out of curiosity, I gave Take Me Home a listen. At first, I found it annoying and unworthy of being added to my playlist. But then Sirius XM Hits 1 picked it up and began to play it on their weekend program Hit-Bound. I happened to catch it on the radio one day and it just clicked. THIS IS ONE HELL OF A SONG. Seriously. The beat drop is just euphoric. And I love how the upbeat sound is paired with significantly darker lyrics. "My best mistake was you", "You're my fault, my weakness, when did you turn so cold"...there's clearly a dysfunctional relationship going on here. Possibly even abusive. Get out while you can Bebe, he's using you! Lol. Final note: I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys Zedd's Clarity. This is the only song by Cash Cash in the list.
Train f/Ashley Monroe "Bruises"
After the monstrous success of Hey Soul Sister, I thought that Train would abandon their soft rock roots to go completely mainstream. Drive By and 50WTSG supported that idea, and I was beginning to lose hope. But then they came out of nowhere and surprised me with this beautiful little country-pop collaboration. It's so relaxing and peaceful; when I listen to it I just want to lie on a grassy hill and watch the clouds go by. It's also inspirational, in a slightly unorthodox way; all of us go through struggles in our lives, and while they may seem very painful at first, they end up making us stronger people. Now Pat could have gone the super cheesy route with this theme, and believe me he's done it before. (Whoever let that Johnny Depp lyric in Mermaid see the light of day should be fired.) But instead, he got creative by structuring the lyrics as a conversation between two old high school sweethearts who have just reconnected after ten years. They embrace their less-than-ideal lives and bond in their common failures. And in the end, they vow to meet together again soon! Aw, that's so cute. This is the only song by Train in the list.
Let me catch up on the last updates. Big post coming.
Avrill or any other pop artists should never motion Radiohead at all.. They are too great for that. Maybe those artists listening to the, as a teenager? Liked his up-beat pop-rap songs. I’ll Drink to that sounds interesting. Carry on is good, Forever Now is nice, liked Carried Away & Next To Me. I liked JGMAR, but it got way overplayed tho. She Wolf (Falling into Pieces) is nice and is a remix of Titanium. The Tile of that song could have been like a hot cover of both Shakria & The Script’ s songs into one.
Olly is really a troublemaker in his own fun way. Rapid singles./videos releases, what I did not know DWMT was canceled as an US single. Its Hits 1 weekend countdown run tho. 2011 songs kinda rule. It does has that late 50s/60s doo-wop style and the trumpet sells. A good trouble time it brings. I must listen to Native after the thoughts of 1R did and made it seems. Glad that I enjoyed If I Lose Myself. I do like Ryan’s voice tho. Lupe is amazing rapper and person. Battle Scars is so good. Guy did well in this song too. I do watch The Voice time to time and enjoyed Pope’s run on that show. There are some nice sounds in ther album that I must pick apart. Wasting All These Tears To You is amazing. Best Day of My Life is like OTOTW/It’s Time mixed together. I just get overjoyed by this song. Red Hands is such a wonderful song and Rebel Beat is such a fun song. Troublemaker! Such a fun song that is and really enjoyed it. The part with Flo is well-liked from me. No harm at all. Hits 1 is random when to edit out rap verses. Enjoyed the dark aura found on Power Trip. Those lyrics are on fire! Crooked Smile is a fine song tho.
Agreed about what P!nk defines what true love is. However, I got bored of the song. Diane Young is just great with a master and historical video, really liked that Haim song and you growing up to 70s/80s music? Interesting. Hey Porsche is alright but didn’t like it very much. I guess Nelly’s time is over. Well, I did like Get Like Me.
Agreed with 22 (dissing hipsters? I see some girls that wear hipster style clothes that liked her so yeah), Come & Get It ( it‘s all part of growing up to her brand of “maturity“), My Songs (a huge grower that was), Stay The Night (another grower), & esp. I Love It. Glad it’s #1. Piece of sh!t that is. Aww, I like Drake and Ellie. S&T is fine just a bit underwhelming and why you couldn’t just liked Get Lucky. You did it with BL. I kinda like your 2011 worst song. Good job on the burying
Got the financial issue out of Tale a Walk. Walking does leave the stress out of things because all I want to think is the peaceful nature in my mind and that’s why it annoys me when people want to approach or talk to me. Liked Can’t Help and Can’t Hold Us is such a jam. The Power of M+RL is at large. Liked the up-beat sound found in Fine China, never took account that Brave could be a LGBT coming-out song. Nice. Got tired of Should’ve Gone to bed and I really don’t care for that band anymore. All the alt.rock crossovers deserved it. Pompeii is epic including their wonderful sound. Huh, a British band is named a French word and their biggest hit is about an Italian City. I take it.
Man, glad that I got into the fused music style of Love Me Again and really enjoy it. The video is kinda crazy esp. the ending. Enjoyed all the retro sounds in 2013 including this funk jam. Treasure! Forget about Icona Pop when we have Pumpin’ Blood and such a wonderful song that is with its captivating sounds that express carefree joy. Huh? Indie songs ironically getting popular due to commercials? I kinda noticed that. We come running to cola-cola? Alright. It does have a nice super catchy sound. It’s fine, but got annoyed by it during some parts of the year. The kids chorus is a hit or miss for me. Demons is a very up-lifting and inspiring to just miss the top 50. Those demons hiding. Agreed about the part where it takes the word supermen and made it about heroism in general. I liked their two songs from their last album, but noticed the difference from their old songs that it won’t have success. Oh well. I did liked OMN and LS the most out of their singles. Ehh, they just mixed up their pop-rock sound with more pop for the album. I did enjoyed the chorus/hook from C’mon for awhile and I want to party with Ke$ha in that weird wonderland in the video. I did like Let Her Go and nice analysis that most people would like a ballad that only like if it personal to them or they feel it is beautiful or touching to them. Mika is hit or a miss for me and that song is a letdown.
House of Gold is such a good songs and one of my fav TOP songs, Man Blurred Lines is such a jam and loved the mix of sounds found to really enjoyed listening along to that song. Glad it has the greatest of any song in 2013 and people are just way too sensitive and precautious about anything including the matter and nature of the song. It’s just a fun song to dance to and joke about perverts, but by no means is a song that promotes rape. Girls is such an exciting song that is really catchy and dance-rock? Huh? Well, I don’t’ listening to that type of music. It’s welcome by me to get some carefree joy in music. Aww I liked Diamonds and esp. Stay, but whatever. I do see the vulnerable side of Rihanna in this song and I can see the passion and like the range in that song. Yeah, I’m not liking Jesse’s music lately and good for him if he wants to be independent. Oh, it’s the same Cash Cash that made Party in your Bedroom? Huh, forgot about that song. Well, I liked Take Me Home for awhile before I got tired and maybe annoyed by it. Funny you mention Clarity since you know that it took me awhile to liked and appreciate the wonderfulness of that song. Ahh, yes Bruises. Pat can go super cheesy, which is a hit or a miss for me. But, it’s good he went the better way for this song. Liked the Country pop sound in Bruises and both did well to be the two old high school sweethearts/friends meeting together again and catch up with all the bruises they have. Nice way of life that is.
Overall, great countdown so far with such amazing music along with crap on here is to why you get sucked into them so easily. Enjoying the Best Of.
House of Gold is amazing! specially the music video
I like What Now.
Blurred Lines! my favorite from this set, and one of my fave songs of 2013
I like that song from Demi too