omggg but I had already SENT two or three days ago; I just changed the outro a bit so it doesnt matter, Dylan wasnt online. Dylan u better accept it, worldtimebuddy lied to ME!
Not when y'all always have to ask for an extension and I'm like one of the few ones that actually submit on the original deadline and I just sent a fixed entry 1/2 hours after the deadline had ended!
I got home later than expected. No new phone. No new anything. #TwinkTragedy
Anyway, if you submitted already, then you're good by default.
Swizz told me he was almost done hours ago but nothings in my inbox so im hoping he saved his entry.
Bloomers asked me for an extension days ago since he's a part of this wedding shindig for the last couple of days and he said he'd be able to come online the 3rd so his should come later tonight (?).
So, when I read that I had to "unify" these three songs, at first I didn't think there was anything in common with each other. But after thinking a lot, I realized that the three of them are "trendsetters", in one way or another. So, that's the theme of my trinity, "trendsetting" songs.
HIAM was the most trendsetting song of 2011 in my opinion, as I already explained before.
Adele, with 21 and its singles (SLY, SFTTR and Rolling In The Deep), started another trend, that is still going on right now. She started the "real music" trend, that can be seen in Emeli Sandé, hits like Stay, When I Was Your Man, etc. It will be a timeless trend, like the hit song that started it, Rolling In The Deep.
And Pumped Up Kicks started another trend in my opinion, even though this one can be the most unclear one. Before PUK, there weren't many alternative, oddball hits, but after this song smashed, a lot of alternative/indie songs started to smash, and even hit #1, like Somebody That I Used To Know and Royals. So this one started the oddball hits trend.
That's the connection that I made for these three hits.
- Jorge.
2. Ares
Ares 2011 Trinity
Ares’ 2011 Trinity
By: Ares
The Trendsetter Hit
2011 was without a doubt the year of dance-pop/EDM. Every artist was clamoring to get into the studio with EDM producers. Skrillex, Diplo, Calvin Harris, Dr. Luke, and David Guetta were the it producers when it came to want to get a hot edm tracks. However, the track that really lit the fuse on this trend was undoubtedly, Party Rock Anthem. Ironically this track isn’t produced by any of the aforementioned producers. Party Rock was released at the top of 2011 and it’s impact was felt throughout the year. It received massive success, topping the Billboard charts at #1 and remaining on the charts for 50 weeks. This massive dance-pop hit was followed by songs like Give Me Everything, On the Floor, Till the World Ends, We Found Love, Turn Me On, and many more that sought the emulate not only the sound of PRA, but it’s success as well. While artists may have already been thinking about doing dance-pop songs, LMFAO proved with PRA that the genre was extremely viable for them, thus setting the trend of 2011.
The Timeless Hit
This was the year of dance. However, Adele took the world by storm with Rolling in the Deep. Not only did her song stray from the trend of that year, but it also had mass appeal. Every generation of music listener was listening to Adele. From teens to middle aged parents, Rolling in the Deep impacted them all alike. It wasn’t just a quick smash that everyone forgot about. The song topped the chart at #1, not just in America but 11 other countries as well. It was the foundation of her diamond certified album, 21, being the most commercially successful single from it. Perhaps what also makes it timeless is the subject matter of the song. Adele belting out her heartbreak and her scorn for her lover, makes the song relatable for everyone, no matter when they listen to it, be it in 2011 or 2020.
The Oddball Hit
Every year there’s a song that either comes of out nowhere and smashes or a song that surprise everyone with it’s ability to smash. The song that did this in 2011 and the song that is the “Oddball Hit” is Pumped Up Kicks. This song was so different both sonically and content wise from any other song that year. The market was saturated with dance songs that reiterated over and over the same basic concept. But not PUK, the song had a much more…subdued production in comparison and a much darker message than the other hits of the year, dealing with bullying and school shootings. It was so controversial that it was censored by networks such as MTV as well as radio stations, however this did not stop the song from dominating the end of 2011. The song came out on nowhere in terms of build up to it reaching #3 on the Billboard charts. Giving FTP their first legitimate hit song as a band.
Outro
It’s already been touched upon previously but Party Rock Anthem was the tipping point for EDM in 2011. Released in January, it not only spawned success but many songs that tried to emulate it’s success. While Party Rock Anthem definitely set the trend for the EDM filled year of 2011, the other 2 hits, Pumped Up Kick and Rolling in the Deep didn’t follow it’s trend at all. It can be argued that this is what made them The Oddball and Timeless hits, because they were so different and great with their own style sonically. Their difference from the trend is what made them stand out. Together all 3 of these songs make up the Trinity of Hits in 2011.
2012
3. T-Swizz
The 2012 Trinity
2012 TRINITY
By: T-Swizz
The Trend-Setter
Ellie Goulding - Lights ◄
"Lights" was the epitome of a sleeper hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 after a staggering thirty-three weeks. In late 2012, "Lights" was ranked number five on the Hot 100 year-end chart, and topped the Pop Songs year-end chart with the song selling over four million copies in the US. In 2012, a vast array of songs by American artists featured quintessential Euro-dance elements (especially synthesizer and strong beats during the chorus, mixed with rapping or vocals for verses) exhibited by a plethora of popular artists that cultivated mega-smash hits throughout 2012 with essentially the same formula as "Lights", including but not limited to: Taylor Swift (in "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"), Rihanna (in "We Found Love"), & LMFAO (in "Sexy & I Know It"); as well as Chris Brown, Usher, Jennifer Lopez and a couple others. This track was released in early 2011 but only started to gain traction in the U.S throughout 2012 which is when the pop landscape initially started to change. ►
The Timeless Hit
Fun - We Are Young ◄
“We Are Young,” the band, Fun's break-out anthem, incorporates the genres of indie pop, alternative rock, and power pop. The song was a breakthrough for the indie genre where numerous publications & critics were praising the song’s catchiness. The single propelled the band into mainstream success, topping the digital charts in February 2012 and becoming a crossover hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for six weeks straight. "We Are Young" has been certified five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and is Fun's first charting single on the Hot 100, as well as their first number-one single. The song was named 99th on the Billboard Hot 100 Songs of All-time This track's ongoing success, accumulating numerous awards, accolades, & sales, can be reduced to two major components of the song. The track is very reminiscent of Queen's 'We Are The Champions,' another timeless gem, because of the message we hear in the chorus and the vocal stylings produced by the lead singer, however, this track contains a contemporary flare. There's a very timeless, classic feeling in Nate's writing and voice, and it was beautifully framed in a contemporary, hard-hitting production and mix. Two elements which I don't see going out of style anytime soon.►
The Odd-Ball
Somebody That I Used to Know - Gotye ◄
The 2012 smash single from Gotye feels slightly edgy and unsettled, as well as communal and euphoric. They mix tempos, tonality, mood and rhythms produce a palette of emotions that cannot be easily labeled as "happy" or "sad". This mid-tempo sensation swept charts on a global scale utilizing little to no gimmicks & no big name. Yet the haunting instrumentals, sampled from Luiz Bonfá's "Seville" coupled with the evocative vocals of Gotye & Kimbra left the world wanting more as it quickly climbed up the charts to become the best selling single of 2012. The experimental uses of flute, cowbell, and coinciding verses makes for a dense, filled out song that erupts with the frustration of being screwed over. The large helping of melodic power slowly creeps up and seizes the senses. Almost every aspect of this song is odd: the production, the vocals, the music video, & the overnight success. Yet, it was able to defy all odds (pun intended) & become a global sensation. ►
OUTRO
Pop music has always been in a consistent state of flux, to the point where one of the few constants in the genre has oddly enough, been change. It’s constant innovation in the sense that new sounds bubble up to become cultural behemoths while displacing musical styles that have reigned supreme for years (or perhaps months). It’s a natural process of life, and one which many pop musicians haven’t quite factored into their careers. Some stay the course of their creative path & find new ways of expressing themselves through a variety of new musical and aesthetic languages. Others try to add their own distinctive touch on whatever trend is popular at the time. All three tracks chosen above utilized the former methodology & each were able to achieve their break-out singles as such.
4. Bloomers
The 2012 Trinity.
The 2012 Trinity
By: Bloomers
_____________________________
The Trendsetter Hit
Drake (feat. Rihanna) - Take Care
I know you've been hurt by someone else, I can tell by the way you carry yourself.
If you let me, here's what I'll do, I'll take care of you
There were hits throughout 2012 that were bigger than Take Care, but Take Care's early success during in the year helped shape the sound of the charts for the remainder of the year. The song is not only a track with a big-name (feat.) attached to it (a practice that exploded in 2012), but it is a mellow, contemplative, sonically adventurous track that was different from the dominating EDM throb of 2011. The chilled out, sparse, and progressive defiantly non-dance-pop sound of the song (courtesy of co-production from Jamie XX), as well as the introspective and reflective lyrics meditating on mistrust in a relationship caught on and helped other similar songs like "Somebody That I Used To Know," "Wide Awake" and 5 'o' Clock" gain traction.
_____________________________
The Timeless Hit Gotye (feat. Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used To Know
"Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over, but had me believing it was always something that I'd done, but I don't wanna live that way, reading into every word you say...
You said that you could let it go, and I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know"
Some songs seem like they've been around forever even after just one or two listens. "Somebody That I Used To Know" (feat. Kimbra) is one of those songs. It puts a clever spin on the break-up song making it feel fresh, but also is universally relatable enough and the story-telling of the song still remains effective to this day. The song gives a view from both sides of a break-up, told through Gotye and the featured artist, Kimbra, and is a relatively mature and introspective song for the year. The song caught on slowly, bubbling up from indie blogs and through alternative radio, slowly finding receptive audiences to become the biggest hit of the year in the US in 2012. The sparse, vaguely rock-accented, sonically adventurous instrumental still sounds fresh and is in no way dated compared to the prevailing EDM of the time. The song is still popular and likely will be an alternative favorite for years to come.
_____________________________
The Oddball Hit
fun. (feat. Janelle Monáe) - We Are Young
"My lover she’s waiting for me just across the bar. My seat’s been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar, and I know I gave it to you months ago. I know you’re trying to forget, but between the drinks and subtle things, the holes in my apologies, you know. I’m trying hard to take it back"
Pop music was the dominating force in 2012 (and most of the decade) and rock music created by bands had more or less left the charts for good. It was a huge surprise when the Queen-influenced We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe) started to percolate up the charts. The song, seemingly a "live it up while you can" styled anthem was surprisingly introspective despite the roaring chorus. It was catchy for sure, but an aberration on the charts that took a well-timed Super Bowl commercial to get any traction. There really haven't been any songs like We Are Young (and it's follow-up "Some Nights" since 2012.
_____________________________
2012 was a transitional year in pop. The previous year had been dominated by dance-pop and EDM and the years before that were more or less dominated by established pop artists that would be immediately familiar to any ATRL member. In contrast, 2012 had many hits that found new artists and styles impacting the charts. The top 3 hits of the year ("Somebody That I Used To Know," "Call Me Maybe," and "We Are Young," were not by previously established artists and were all more or less fresh sounding songs on the charts for the time.
Drake and Rihanna's "Take Care" (the 23rd largest hit of the year) wasn't exactly the biggest hit of the year, but it did embody the spirit of the chart of the time and likely helped pop audiences open up to and latch on to some of the hits that would take hold later on in the year. Granted, we did have Drake and Rih's enjoyable, but not very substantive "What's My Name?" earlier in the decade, but "Take Care," seemed to have a dimension that went above and beyond the typical pop song. Drake used his and Rih's big name to push out a sparse, smooth (indie produced) opus about two damaged people entering upon a relationship that no doubt resonated with audiences, showed them that pop music could be more than repetitive dance-pop, and likely helped similar songs catch on. "Take Care," released as a single in early 2012 but included on 2011's album of the same name, and it's impact could be felt for the remainder of the year.
"Somebody That I Used To Know" and "We Are Young," similar to "Take Care" were not very likely hits and most likely would not have been anywhere near as big as they were if they had been released a year prior. "Take Care" was a hit because it was released by two huge names in music that happened to be in a relationship with one another, but the other two took some time. "We Are Young" was more of a fluke hit, catching on initially due to the Super Bowl, but taps into the same introspective vibe as the other two songs in the trinity. "Somebody That I Used To Know" blew up post "Take Care" to become the year's biggest hit and an enduring hit to this day. All three songs chosen here have some introspective lyrics and a sparser non-dance-pop sound that marked the shift on the charts away from dance and EDM into new sounds and styles.
I am sure that "Harlem Shake" is a bit of an unexpected choice for the "trendsetter hit", but when reflecting on the many facets of 2013's music scene, I determined that it actually had a huge impact on the year in music, and beyond. As some may know, Baauer's annoyingly infectious dance track debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 without warning in February 2013. This surprise appearance at the top of the charts was aided by Billboard's new Hot 100 formula - streaming data from YouTube would now be fused into a song's performance. The plethora of viral "Harlem Shake" videos had resulted in a large number of chart points from YouTube. That same week, Rihanna's "Stay" and Drake's "Started from the Bottom" also benefitted from the addition of YouTube views, due to recent video premieres. From this point onwards, the premiere week of music videos became a critical aspect of a song's chart performance, and consistent views on YouTube were a goal in this age of streaming music. Following "Harlem Shake," more and more huge hits utilized this "viral video" effect, in order to create buzz about a song and boost chart positions. Record labels would strategically premiere videos on certain days to maximize chart success. In 2013 alone, we saw many songs rely on their (sometimes controversial) music videos, and other miscellaneous YouTube streams, in order to become larger hits. Some major examples include: "Blurred Lines," "Best Song Ever," "Gentleman," "The Fox," and of course, Miley Cyrus' widely discussed "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball" videos. Due to "Harlem Shake," we entered an era of "viral" hits, and Baauer's success resulted in a shift in marketing and business strategies within the music industry. While "Harlem Shake" may not have been a sonic trendsetter for 2013, it was absolutely a trendsetter for the state of the music industry from 2013 through the present, which is an amazing accomplishment.
Katy Perry started out her PRISM era with a bang in the summer of 2013. She stunned the world with her golden truck, and then rose to the top of the charts a month later with the anthemic smash "Roar," hailed by some as "The Biggest Hit of Katy Perry's Career." From the first listen, "Roar" becomes stuck in your head, with its pounding instrumental, catchy melody, and powerful, universally understood message. Lyrically, "Roar" is an empowerment song that can apply to anyone in any situation. Any person going through a difficult event in his or her life can listen to this song, and feel revitalized, optimistic, and in control of their destiny. It is relevant in current political issues, as well; for example, feminism, and shattering the glass ceiling. This theme clearly resonated with many, as the song's worldwide chart positions show. "Roar" had one of the biggest opening weeks in the history of digital music sales in the USA, selling over 550,000 copies. Compared to many hits from 2013, "Roar" is the song that I personally hear the most on the radio from that year, on a mixture of stations and formats for all ages. Finally, the music video for "Roar" is one of the top five most viewed videos ever on YouTube, having just recently passed one billion total views -- the only hit from 2013 to do so. These consistently large YouTube views, even two years later, prove that "Roar" was a timeless classic, and will not be forgotten anytime soon. In decades, we will still be singing "I got the eye of the tiger..."
"A goth-inspired 16 year old girl from New Zealand will have a massive worldwide smash hit this year, featuring minimal production and unique, socially conscious lyrics." If someone had said that to you on January 1, 2013, I think most of us would have been hard pressed to believe him. But indeed, it happened. The brilliantly talented Lorde rose from nowhere, becoming a sensation in the music industry by the fall of 2013. Lorde herself is a self-admitted oddball, and truly represents the polar opposite of what is glorified by modern pop culture. She is down to earth, focused on realistic experiences, and in touch with where she came from before fame. Her dark, poetic lyrics are wise beyond her teenage years, and her beautifully haunting instrumentals are not what one would expect to hear on the radio amidst songs with sleek production and AutoTune. When I first heard "Royals," I never would have thought that pop radio would be so supportive of a song of that nature, but somehow "Royals" became a large hit, with nine weeks at #1 in the USA. You could not mistake the percussion, echoes, melodies, and moans of this song for another on the radio, and that made "Royals" stand out as an "oddball hit." The song thematically stands for individuality, and sonically represents that too. It reminds me of that motivational image with a sea of yellow pencils, with just one pencil in a different color, encouraging everyone to stand out from the crowd. That's what Lorde wants everyone to do -- embrace their inner oddball, and live their lives with gloriously individual self-expression.
When I think back to 2013, I remember it fondly. It was a very exciting year musically. No major sonic trend took over the year, and that made it even more interesting. We had a delightful, mixed bag of songs, kind of like an assortment of lollipops. Overall, 2013 was a year that I would define with one word: surprises. From the beginning of the year through the very end, the music industry kept everyone on their toes. So many unexpected surprises occurred in music throughout the year: Baauer's arrival at number one, the new Hot 100 formula, the rise of viral music videos and viral hits, creative announcements for upcoming albums, Katy Perry achieving her biggest hit yet, controversial performances, Lorde's unexpected rise to stardom, and to top it all off, Beyoncé's last minute surprise release. There were many jaw-dropping moments, that allowed fans of popular music to be constantly excited and anticipatory. 2013 was a year to "expect the unexpected," and the three hits above all fit into that theme, while representing the year's diverse blend of pop music. Hopefully soon there will be another year in pop music like 2013, with twists, turns, and timeless classics.
I chose Blurred Lines as the trendsetter hit because I feel as if its sound had the most impact on hits in the US at least. After its success, I noticed that urban-influenced songs would get more attention on the radio than they would have if songs like Blurred Lines, Get Lucky, and (maybe) Thrift Shop hadn’t slayed hard. A song like We Can’t Stop by Miley probably wouldn’t have slayed as hard (it still would have done well but not slayed) if Blurred Lines hadn’t happened. That’s my opinion at least.
I personally feel like Royals is the most timeless hit from 2013 because sonically, after almost two years, it hasn’t even aged a little. Not only that but it’s one of the most critically acclaimed songs from 2013 and almost two years later, it’s still referenced in media every so often.
You don't really expect songs like Harlem Shake to become a hit; it doesn’t fit in with traditional songs with lyrics and vocals and sonically it’s quite different from other hits of 2013. Also, the way in which it became a hit was odd in itself. The viral sensation started as a part of a video called “Filthy Compilation #6: Smell My Fingers” by the Youtuber DizastaMusic, after that Five teenagers from Queensland, Australia registered on YouTube as TheSunnyCoastSkate and replicated the video and the rest is unfortunately history. With over 4,000 videos being uploaded to Youtube per day at its height, you can’t deny how big of a phenomenon the Harlem Shake meme/song was. Harlem Shake is one of the biggest examples of how a viral video can make a flop a hit.
Outro:
Overall, 2013 was dominated by the urban-pop and indie genres. Songs with urban-influenced productions like Blurred Lines slayed the world for the first half of the year while indie music like Royals seemed to emerge as the dominating genre towards the end. I really feel as if these three songs (Blurred Lines, Royals, and Harlem Shake) really define what 2013 was about, which ultimately was slightly good songs with controversial elements to them (although Royals wasn’t controversial at all).
2014
7. Golden
The 2014 Trinity
The 2014 Trinity
by: Golden
The Trendsetter Hit
♛ Katy Perry f/ Juicy J - Dark Horse ♛
Dark Horse by Katy Perry featuring rapper Juicy J was originally released September 17, 2013 but didn’t become the huge song it was until 2014. It went on to sell a whopping 13,2 million copies worldwide, becoming the 2nd best selling song in 2014 and one of Katy Perry’s best selling songs of all-time.
I have chosen Dark Horse as the Trendsetter Hit simply because it set several trends. The song eloquently makes use of hip hop and trap while perfectly combining it with pop, EDM and dubstep elements.
A very important reason why, in my opinion, Dark Horse was a trendsetting song is because it became such a popular song and an international smash hit. What followed? A proliferation of pop songs with trap-influences that desperately wanted to emulate Dark Horse success.
The song also put Katy Perry back on the map as a songwriter. She co-wrote Dark Horse, as well as Black Widow and Get On Your Knees. Also, Katy's rival Taylor Swift released a Bad Blood remix to have an edgier trap-influenced sound. Bad Blood indeed.
All these songs sound, in my opinion, similar to Dark Horse and were a blatant attempt to capitalize off its success.
Dark Horse 1.0
Dark Horse 4.0
Dark Horse 2.0
Dark Horse 5.0
Dark Horse 3.0
Dark Horse 6.0
The Timeless Hit
∞ Pharrell Williams - Happy ∞
Easy peasy. When I read Timeless Hit I immediately thought of Happy by Pharrell Williams. This song was almost instantly a classic. I remember the first time I heard it on the radio and I just knew this song would be huge. And it sure did get huge.
It's got an staggering 700 million views on Youtube, it was nominated for an Oscar, it went number 1 in over thirty countries, it won a Grammy and it sold almost 14 million copies in 2014 alone.
Aside from its success, it also made huge widespread impact all over the world. Impact and success that was even beyond Pharrell ever dreamed of having.
The original video spawned a plethora of videos making a tribute. Most of the videos show people from all over the globe dancing and enjoying the song. YouTube almost drowned in remake videos and it is reported that almost 2000 cover videos were made for Happy.
The reason Happy received the acclaim and success it got is because it is an effortless, timeless and extremely infectious song. It is an easy-going, upbeat, energetic and simple song. It has such a cool, groovy sound to it that makes it so inviting for everyone to get on the dance floor and go all out. Pharrell truly managed to capture the essence of happiness with one song that is not even 4 minutes long. The song's hook instantly grabs you and it is no surprise people all over the world dance to it with many people not even understanding the English language. Happy solidifies the fact that music is the universal language. Its astounding success is therefore very deserved and I am 100% sure Happy will continue to make a long-lasting impact in the music world.
The Oddball Hit
❁ Nico & Vinz - Am I Wrong ❁
Choosing an oddball bit in the music year of 2014 that was predominantly dominated by pop music is challenging. 2014 has a similar pattern as every other year: You have the rock song that manages to become a mainstream success, the indie song that manages to become successful, the EDM songs that shoot up the charts and the usual rest of pop & hip hip songs that fill the rest of the charts. I feel as though that Am I Wrong is different from all these genres. Am I Wrong offers a rather fresh sound that brilliantly combines pop & hip-hop sounds. The song feels airy, light and it includes a catchy chorus you'll gladly sing along with.
Nico & Vinz: who even are they? This is an artist name that is not familiar to anyone's ears. How come a Norwegian hip-hop duo manage to break out and have an international hit song? They simply played their cards right. You can tell the song was based on their own respective life stories. They took advantage of their experiences in life, wrote a song from their hearts and merged that with great production and intricate background harmonies and vocals. I'm always a sucker for songs that tell a story and undoubtedly was the rest of the GP.
Outro
First, you have the Trendsetting Hit, the typical song that usually dominates the rest of the music scene. Trendsetting comes along with success and acclaim. It is only natural that others try and re-create a similar song and wanting a bit of the success pie. Dark Horse is most definitely a Trendsetting Hit.
Then, you have the Timeless Hit. These are more rare than Trendsetting Hits because Timeless Hits don't come with a timestamp. Timeless Hits are songs that make such a widespread impact all over the world and manage to be talked about for years upon years. They manage to connect, break boundaries and simply grab people by the horns. Happy is a perfect example of a Timeless Hit. It is one of those songs an upcoming musician or maybe an already established musician will try to imitate in ten years. However, Timeless Hit can never be perfectly imitated as they are unique and for good reasons too.
Finally, you have the Oddball Hit. These are songs that are usually accidental and unexpected successes as well as sleeper hits. For the most part, these songs don't become big at once - they take time before coming mainstream successes. Oddball Hits are songs that provide a unique or interesting aspect to the song, whether it be production of the music or lyrics. Nico & Vinz' Am I Wrong present that exact formula, hence why it was the Oddball Hit of 2014.
And there you have it. 2014 was yet another interesting year in music that offered three songs that perfectly fit this Survivor task at hand.
8. Guero
A Year In Music: 2014
A Year in Music: 2014 By Guero
The Trendsetter Hit of 2014
Talk Dirty was released in early 2014 and quickly rose to the top 10 of the charts, peaking at #3. The song helped usher in a new trend of songs with horns in them, including other top 10 hits from 2014: Problem by Ariana Grande and GDFR by Flo Rida. Redfoo of LMFAO fame also released a song in 2014 titled New Thang with a horned chorus, becoming a top 10 hit in Australia and New Zealand. The impact of Talk Dirty can be felt even to this day as current top 20 hit Worth It by Fifth Harmony also features blazing horns throughout the song.
The Timeless Hit of 2014
Sam Smith arrived in 2014 and served us a lite Adele tea with his multiple hits. Stay With Me, though, I feel will be the one song that will be remembered for years. The song already has multiple covers all over the internet. I can see this song being sung on singing reality show competitions for years. The song also perfectly fits on those HAC stations that they play in a doctor's/dentist waiting rooms - a true classic for all ages.
The Oddball Hit of 2014
This hit seemingly came out of left field. The song did not sound like anything that was on radio. Yet after being used in multiple commercials for Beats, the NFL draft and for the MLB All-Star game, the song catapulted into the top 10 on Billboard where it managed to spend 5 weeks. The song has managed to sell 2.5 million copies to date.
Outro
These songs, in all, best define the categories for the year in music for 2014. Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" was the trendsetter of 2014 that featured the blaring horns. Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" was the best classic song of 2014 that will be remembered for years. Aloe Blacc's "The Man" was the oddball hit of 2014 by not sounding like the rest of the hits of that year, but still managing to find success.
Thanks for sending as usual. Next round is a song selection round so there will be no writing like these last two rounds.
There is a 10 point scale as usual this round.
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
Those two points are all automatic points if completed.
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
These possible six points will be based off your song selection as well as how well you backed your claims up.
7. Outro - 2 Points
These final two points will be fairly easy to nab as long as you just wrapped up your ideas here.
dwuw/Ares will duel before official results where one of them will be eliminated while the other earns their placement in the Top 7, officially.
Bloomers should send soon or I'll have to figure something out.
The judges will have 48 hours to judge the 8 of you so expect results on the 5th of August, my first day of school (yay)! Tymps., the host of The Holy Trinity", will be guest judging this round so this will be your first round with 5 judges where one isn't a public vote.
The 2011 Trinity
