Hot ZV | 2014: #10-1
Run: 20-5-
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Ah, me and my appreciation for a solid comedy track. While Ylvis did not make an impact with their immediate follow-up to "The Fox", which was "Massachusetts", this song was a quick addiction for me once I came across it. One wonderful thing about the Norwegian comedy duo is that their musical escapades are just a side gig and yet they still put all of their effort into making it the best it can possibly be. Trust me, when parody tracks are half-assed, it shows. This track has a lot of good things going for it and it's no wonder it was able to quickly claim the song with the most weeks at #1 on my chart in 2014. One of the great things about this track is that the production has a huge country tinge to it during the verses, a random folksy swing to it during the chorus, and then becomes a straight up EDM clubfloor anthem from the bridge and forward. That kind of stuff really helps keep the song fresh and keeps me hooked longer. Past that the vocals here are insane. I already knew that the brothers were talented, but they have such control and strength in their voices during the verses that I am again left impressed by their ability. And of course, the most important and fun thing to touch up upon is the lyrics and theme of the song. This is definitely something no one would care to sing about; and that's what makes it so unique and different than another song about relationships, partying, etc... The brothers both document their perils and defeats whilst attempting to master the trucker's hitch; and mention their triumphs over other knots and how they seem so moot. The breakdown at the end goes through a dancefloor tutorial for how to get the knot done, and I must admit it's amazing how well they pulled it off. The video is awesome, with amazing choreography once again and a ton of comedic elements. Really a worthy song of being in my top ten. "
But the trucker's hitch is all I need to know!"
Run: 5-2-
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Tearing me apart with words you wouldn't say/Suddenly tomorrow's moment washed away/'Cause I don't have a reason/And you don't have the time/But we both keep on waiting for something we won't find". "
The light on the horizon/Was brighter yesterday/With shadows floating over/The scars begin to fade/We said it was forever/But then it slipped away/Standing at the end of the final masquerade". This song is a lyrical masterpiece and I really wanted to highlight that but showing that verse and the chorus. Really the lyrics to this song really touch me and give me more than just something to chew on and think about. The theme and message of this song just cut deep into you and make a connection. Couple that with Linkin Park's amazing musical abilities and you've got yourself quite the anthem. The production on this is intense, with brooding instrumentals that further craft the overall feeling of regret and remorse in this song. The drum line is sets a haunting pace as it switches off with the piano chords and guitar strings. Chester delivers a sincere and vulnerable vocal performance that delivers the hook with emotional force and precision that strikes you right in the heart. Easily one of Linkin Park's best and one of the highlights of the album.
Run: 46-19-16-5-
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Out of nowhere rookie band KONGOS came out with this hard-hitting epic tale of a song that dominated the alternative formats and my personal chart. This song offers up an awesome rhyming melody in the verses that is sure to get you tapping your feet and wanting to jump right in and sing along by the time the chorus slams into you like a truck. The lyrics here are nothing short of brilliant. "
Confused what I thought with something I felt/Confuse what I feel with something that's real/I tried to sell my soul last night/Funny, he wouldn't even take a bite" and "
Afraid to lose control/And caught up in this world/I've wasted time, I've wasted breath/I think I've thought myself to death" both involve really clever wordplay and have make for great lyrical content. And laid out all with some great melodies to hook you to boot; the hooks in this song are really song. Moving past that, the vocals match the theme perfectly, raw and unhinged with their delivery giving a feeling of brutal honesty. The production is really rocking and sounds so dirty wild wild west you can't help but love it. The instrumental solos in it are just icing on the cake on this amazing track!
Run: 20-
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Taylor Swift is a powerhouse in the music industry. And that's for good reason: she knows exactly what shes doing and she knows exactly what it takes to get a hit and expand her personal brand. She took a calculated risk with her musical direction; and managed to make a song that was such an earworm, that calculated risk was knocked down to about zero percent. This song was going to be unstoppable and they didn't have to think twice about it once they got it all together. And I am definitely not one who is immune from a flawless pure pop track; that really isn't generic by any means. The song doesn't take any daring production elements sure; but it definitely takes the basics of song structure and shows you just how much potential there is to perfect them. An enticing drum and cymbal line coupled with horn play better than any high school band could ever dream of alongside tons of adlibs, "ooo"s, and background shouts and you've got the foundation for a song that just won't wear off and be the ultimate earworm. Then couple in lyrics that are so uniquely Taylor Swift while simultaneously being easily relatable to your average person and it's amazing anyone could deny this track. She demonstrated that the middle eight spoken lines in "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" was just a messy test run and perfected it into a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek bridge that has to put a smile on your face.
Run: 42-7-5-7-
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Even though Shift K3Y was not unknown before this song; this was his first song that connected with me; and it definitely did in a big way. This song was left field and I purchased it amidst a slew of other random tracks I felt were worth checking out. It quickly went from being just another listenable song in the shuffle into a song that I need to listen to over and over again. Really this is an awesome earworm that I am pleased I spent the time checking out and downloading. I will admit it's that first breakdown that sells the song for me. It has to be one of the most interesting and unique beatboxing of "aahh"s that is way too irresistible. Being able to make giant segments of your song filled with only "aahh"s into melodic earworms is quite the feat. Really a unique talent with that. The lyrics and theme are great too, don't get me wrong. The hook is very strong with the line "
I know what you're looking for/But I'm not that guy and I'm not that type" is great and very hard hitting. I love all of the production and the touch-ups throughout the song, the dirty fade-out before the final breakdown, and the production mix-ups during the latter break-ups make the song fun and exciting the whole way through as opposed to getting too repetitive and burning out. A very different and very awesome song.
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This was my #2 song of 2013. And I have the song my biggest write-up then. Thus I promise to not put you through that again this year; even though this song is really deserving of all the praise I give it and all the affection I have for it. This song is absolute pop perfection. This song would easily have topped 2013 or 2014 with its full chart run not being evenly split. Still this is the only song to ever rank in the Top 5 of two separate calendar years which is a feat in and of itself. I love comedy tracks; and this one is straight up one of the best ones ever. Flawless Stargate production; coupled with two great vocalists who know how to make you laugh and want to join in on the fun by singing along to hilarious lyrics. This song is perfect. What does the fox say?
I would like to direct you to my post about this song last year just so you can see my obsession with it and relive the magic:
http://atrl.net/forums/showthread.ph...19845#19119845
Run: 12-
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It was an absolute crime that this song did not get the push that it deserved as a single. It's really unfortunate that all of the back-and-forth decision making ended up preventing this song from taking off and also preventing Tennis Court from taking off and thus ending the era early. It would have been much more wise to just stick with this amazing track, which is Lorde's best effort to date, and actually push it and allow it to dominate. Lorde has had other hits on my chart, but this song easily dwarfs the rest in its chart run and its quality really. Lorde of course has beautiful vocals; but her delivery on this track really helps take them to another level. Her vocal inflection and tone on this track just hits all of the mark and drives everything home straight out of the park. Her spoken lines during the middle eight are nothing short of impressive, delivering her lines with ferocity and precision. Moving past that, we have some insane lyrical depth and a really welcome change of subject matter for a song. Really I've got to appreciate different subject matter, and exploring the thoughts and feelings of gladiators is an awesome concept. "
We gladiate but I guess we're really fighting ourselves/Roughing up our minds so we're ready when the kill time comes/Wide awake in bed, words in my brain/"Secretly you love this do you even wanna go free?"" This segement in particular is really impressive exploration of the subject matter and the intrapersonal struggles of the fighter. Couple that with the chorus "
Glory and gore go hand in hand/That's why we're making headlines/You could try and take us/But victory's contagious" and you've really got some thought-provoking material. The songwriting ability simply cannot be denied here. Couple that with some really unique alternative production complete with an insane bridge switch-up and you've got me sold on this one.
Run: 11-
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Finally we reach Linkin Park's biggest hit on my personal chart this year. Linkin Park really outdid themselves with this one when it comes to the production; and they really wanted you to know it with the intro clocking in at over a minute and a half before Chester finally kicks in with his vocals. And that is one hundred percent a-o-k. This is also another track with a featured act, something very welcome from Linkin Park, and they couldn't have made a better choice by tapping Rakim for a track like this one. Normally the lead single from Linkin Park will end up being outshined by other singles or album tracks; but this one proved remarkably strong, although it does owe part of that to a revival with the album release helping me really get back into the song once getting to hear it within the full context of The Hunting Party. Let's tackle the lyrical content and vocals first. The vocals are as to be expected, with Chester delivering some strong verses and an ever stronger chorus that gets your blood pumping. Rakim's raps sound very smooth and natural on this track; he really sounds at home here. The message is your typical Linkin Park fanfare that I've grown to love and appreciate. "
Show us all again/That our hands are unclean/That we're unprepared/That you have what we need" Here we can really see the callout to authority and overall rebellious and strong willed nature shine through; which is great. But in the end; this song is all about the production. The instrumental to this track is insane. Legit this record sounds straight up like it could be used for a Castlevania soundtrack/theme track. The intro at the beginning is amazing; even though the lyrics don't come in until after ninety seconds you don't find yourself waiting for them. The song has definitely already started and it's been rocking out like no other during that ninety seconds. The drum lines are great, the guitar play is phenomenal and sounds so unique and exploratory. Really there are a ton of great rock elements in this track and the musical direction is really fun, and you can tell that Linkin Park had a ton of fun with it. Especially during Rakim's verse where they layout an epic middle eight breakdown. An excellent alternative track that gets you pumping.
Run: 12-
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And now we delve into a different musical direction with this Drums and Bass track is an absolutely amazing EDM effort and pretty much the best thing ever released under the Monstercat namesake. I remember stumbling across this song when someone posted it in a "What are you listening to?" thread on a non-music related site. I checked it out then and it sounded okay. I didn't rush to get it or anything though. But then a week later it was still in my head. I ended up listening to it a couple more times and downloaded for a Chicago roadtrip. I bonded with it then and it ended up having some lasting impact. I was quickly obsessed and was even more delighted when I heard the track being played on the stream for MLG Anaheim (along with Linkin Park and VOIA; they really had some good musical selections for that twitch livestream!). Moving past all of that, this track really has some amazing production elements. I love the blend of trance and house elements infused within the song. It's a really comforting and relaxing song, even when it picks up during the chorus. The production overall those really soothes you and helps really set a wonderful mood for the track. Couple all of the light drum and bass elements that keep the beat flowing with some to-die-for vocals filled with raw emotion and you've got quite the intimate song. Tristam and Braken both sing on this track, although most miss that since their vocals are so similar and really they are on the same page with their tone and delivery which only makes this all the better. Really the "ooo"s throughout this track sound like they are coming down from the heavens they are so beautiful. The tone is so soft and warm and really allows you to expose your vulnerability and emotions. Which makes perfect sense considering the lyrics and theme. It really is one of the most beautiful EDM tracks I've heard in quite some time. The whole message of this song is a reassurance of comfort and care for one another and it really comes across sincerely. "
Right here in my arms/Away from all harm/You'll be safe from all the flares/Although I know you don't care" This line just hits me hard; it's so loving and caring without being overbearing and instead honest and accepting. "
When you lift your head up to the sky/Take a deeper breath and give it time/You can walk the path among the lines/But always know that you'll be safe/I'll be here throughout your days/Come find me and we will play" This closing segment truly is something magical and strikes such a chord with me. Really a track that made my year wonderful with plenty of positive energy and I highly recommend this track.
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And finally we reach a conclusion with the song that had the most impact on me this year; and it did so by a comfortable points margin to boot. It really has had a strong chart run and is still charting. I'm sure this track has had a big impact on more than just me; it's pretty clear that this song has had a massive cultural impact along with the movie Frozen and it's not hard to recognise why this track is so great. I remember back in 2013 I saw this track doing well along with the Demi Lovato version. I hadn't paid attention to frozen then; but I had listened to the Demi Lovato version after seeing it do well. It did not mesh with me well at all. I didn't pay note to listen to the Idina Menzel version, thinking that Demi's was the original or something of that sort. However, eventually after seeing the track stay so strong through the winter I checked it out early in the year. The Idina Menzel version sounded a lot more interesting from the preview and it was off to youtube I went to listen to it. Lo and behold I find Disney has up the full sequence from the movie and I watch it. Needless to say I'm instantly hooked at that point. I had that video on repeat and was singing along with it with full gusto by the end of the evening. The song debuted at #1 on my chart, which is surprisingly not that commonplace. I went to see the movie shortly after that and it was a great decision. Frozen is an amazing film and every bit of praise it gets is warranted in full. After that I got the full soundtrack; because there was no denying all of the amazing orchestral pieces and songs on it. And the whole way through this has been the song that stuck with me; and I'm sure so many others. The piano sequence at the start is both beautiful and haunting; and as the strings relax in the mood is very somber and depressing. Idina begins with a very powerful line: "
The snow glows white on the mountain tonight/Not a footprint to be seen/A kingdom of isolation/And it looks like I'm the queen." With Elsa torn from everything she once had, she feels helpless and hopeless. She takes a deep look at herself, repeating the words she has told herself for so long in an attempt to protect the ones she loves. However, alone and without any barriers holding her back, she allows herself to grow as a person and decides to 'let it go' and try to be herself for once in her life. And it is nothing short of inspiring. The transformation throughout the song has every bit of Disney magic out there infused into its very core. The song itself picks up going from a sorrowful emotional piece into a strong and vibrant tale of self acceptance and confidence. All of it is expressed with flawless precision by Idina who fully captures the emotions and feelings of Elsa on the track. There really is nothing quite as powerful of a statement as "
I'm never going back/The past is in the past" with the passionate delivery it is given on this track; completely with incredibly uplifting energy pushing from behind with the orchestra. I am proud to have this song as my #1 track of the year. I fully expect it to be a timeless classic for many many years.
Hot ZV | 2014: #10-1
I hope you give these snippets a quick check to find what interests you! Expect a recap soon!