Welcome dwuw & Ares to the tiebreaker from last round's Tribal Council. One of you will be officially joining the Top 7 while the other one will be eliminated from the game and become the sixth member of the Jury.
Note: Mario is not judging this round because he was in the middle of travel during the judging period but since Tymps. is our guest judge for this week, he will take the place of Mario!
Let's see what you both brought to the table this duel...
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.
Quote:
Dylan - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point - Photoshop king!
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - HIAM may not have had the longevity of the other two FF hits but it definitely did leave a footprint on pop music despite that fact. Dubstep, like you said was not invented by Britney, but it started to be more prominently used in pop music as soon as HIAM dropped. Britney up until that point was still that pop princess that had not yet flopped so of course people we're going to want to follow trends set by her.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - 21 is one of the best selling albums ever and this song was what rocketed Adele to stardom so I believe it will stand the test of time well. It's also one of those songs everyone wants to cover and think it's so original when literally anyone on any talent show has performed it before.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - 2011 was all about dance-pop so this smashing was beyond random. Also, the homicidal lyrics being chanted by twelve year old boys and girls is really messed up but I'm fascinated with it at the same time.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - When I first read that you said these were all trendsetting hits, I was confused but it makes sense in your explanation. HIAM defined 2011's dubstep trend. RITD started a still on-going trend. and PUK has allowed random alternative acts to rise to stardom. I also agree with all your song song choices which was the main goal of this round. Excellent job.
= 10/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I forgot that Britney hit #1 with that song, you're right that it definitely did have impact! Maybe not in 2011 so much, but we've for sure seen dub step elements used much more frequently.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This song wasn't following trends, wasn't trying to be a smash, but somehow it became massive. Excellent choice!
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I was sooooooooooooo not into this song back in 2011! Looking at the list of #1s, this one definitely doesn't fit in (I guess that's why it wasn't a #1). This was a creative choice!
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Sure.
= 10/10 Points Awesome job!
Quote:
Yvess - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Yaaaaas! HIAM truly fits the trendsetter hit title. A lot of songs that has dubstep influence started to be noticed after HIAM hit #1. Nice choice!
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Who would forget the slayage Adele did to our faves when she released this song. Aside from being a flawless song, it is also one of the songs that can totally stand the test of time.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
truly an oddball hit of 2011. The fact it charted high on the BB Year end chart is enough proof that it is a hit we didn't expected to come.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points
good job jorge. you were able to connect your trinity to each other. So I won't be deducting points.
= 10/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This was the obvious and best choice. It was good you used examples in your explanation.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Again, another obvious choice but it works well. However, something setting a trend does not make it timeless at all, plus trendsetting was already the theme for your first song.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This was the absolute best choice possible, and I'm glad you mentioned the lyrical content because that's what makes it the true oddball.
7. Outro - 0.5/2 Points - I'm very confused by your explanation. So they're all trendsetters but yet only one is the trendsetter hit. I can tell you were reaching for straws. Also I disagree that Pumped Up Kicks started any trends.
= 8/10 Points
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.
Quote:
Dylan - Ares
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point - AreSLAYED indeed.
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - This one was tricky. PRA is easily the biggest example of the dance trend that dominated 2011 but it wasn't the start when you look back on it. Just looking back at charts of late 2011/early 2011 you'll see Like A G6 and The Time by BEP were smashing and they were that same electro hop type music. PRA also wasn't huge until summer so I don't think those songs you listed are applicable besides WFL since they were all released near the same time. PRA would be a good way to define the year but not necessarily the trendsetting aspect of it.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - You're right. Adele had like everyone from ages 10 to 75 rooting for her and I think that's why 21 was so huge. It was old enough to appeal to mature audiences but also interesting enough to appeal to the young. I think this song will definitely last for decades to come.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I'm glad you both noted that it's not only odd because of it's sound but because of it's lyrical meaning. Plus they were nobodies so it wasn't like anyone saw them having a hit regardless of what genre they released.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - You summed everything up in your own words here even if I'm not completely sold on PRA. Both you and dwuw agreed on two songs so it's going to come down to whether the judges agree with HIAm or PRA. Regardless, your best entry so far.
= 9/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Ares
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - While I can see what you mean, and I do think that Party Rock Anthem had a lot of impact, I feel like that was a trend before PRA. The article talking about it hitting #1 (which didn't happen until July, 7 months into the year) mentions Like a G6, which I think was much more of a predecessor.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Adele's 21 era is definitely iconic and timeless.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I was sooooooooooooo not into this song back in 2011! Looking at the list of #1s, this one definitely doesn't fit in (I guess that's why it wasn't a #1). This was a creative choice!
7. Outro - 1/2 Points - Nice!
= 8/10 Points Good job.
Quote:
Yvess - Ares
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
I really don't like this song but you explained it in a very good way that you somehow convinced me to give you a great score.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Dwuw also chose this. Adele slayed 2011 and her impact is still being felt until now.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Same with dwuw. I like ur explanation.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points
You truly redeemed yourslf from average entries you have sent in before imo. Good job!
= 9/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Ares
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 0.5/2 Points - I guess kind of, but not really. Dance pop was popular way before the summer of 2011, and I don't see how LMFAO brought EDM music to the forefront when it was already there.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Great (albeit obvious) selection and great explanation.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Good choice and I'm glad you mentioned what the song's about.
7. Outro - 0.5/2 Points - You were supposed to unify your songs but you didn't say anything they had in common, you just compared one of them to the other two. I don't see how this explained what the year was like.
= 7/10 Points
Winner
dwuw - 9.5
Congratulations Jorge! You have not only won your place in the Top 7 but also managed to score high enough to possibly nab individual immunity this round. We'll see if you did in just a few posts.
Eliminated:
17th castaway eliminated from Survivor: ATRL Edition (Season 5) and the 6th member of the Jury is...
8. Ares - 8.3
Ares, your time on this season of Survivor has come to an end. You scored well this round and pulled through with what I thought was your best entry so far but it unfortunately wasn't enough against dwuw this round. You started out in this game as a last minute sign-up, a completely new games member, and in the first round received one of the lowest scores this season. However, you eventually got it together and we're soon scoring on the level of the other players and definitely disproved any first predictions of how far you'd make it in this game. Placing 8th in a game of 24 contestants is an awesome placement even if you're not this season's winner. I hope you enjoyed your stay on the island and i thank you for giving my game a try. Remember to stick around in the game as you are the sixth member of the Jury and will a cast a vote in this season's finale.
Regular results will be up in the following posts.
Welcome castaways to your 16th Results Show! Below will be your entries as well as scores from each of the four judges.
This round, you all defined the trinity of hits from one year in music this current decade. You were each given a score out of 10 based off how you completed each requirement for the entry using the scale below:
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2 Points
7. Outro - 2 Points
= #/10 Points
We have just lost Ares from the game so you will see only the remaining 7 entries listed below.
I will post the entries/scores then the final results which will announce who's the winner of the fifth individual immunity this season.
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.
Quote:
Dylan - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point - Photoshop king!
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - HIAM may not have had the longevity of the other two FF hits but it definitely did leave a footprint on pop music despite that fact. Dubstep, like you said was not invented by Britney, but it started to be more prominently used in pop music as soon as HIAM dropped. Britney up until that point was still that pop princess that had not yet flopped so of course people we're going to want to follow trends set by her.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - 21 is one of the best selling albums ever and this song was what rocketed Adele to stardom so I believe it will stand the test of time well. It's also one of those songs everyone wants to cover and think it's so original when literally anyone on any talent show has performed it before.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - 2011 was all about dance-pop so this smashing was beyond random. Also, the homicidal lyrics being chanted by twelve year old boys and girls is really messed up but I'm fascinated with it at the same time.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - When I first read that you said these were all trendsetting hits, I was confused but it makes sense in your explanation. HIAM defined 2011's dubstep trend. RITD started a still on-going trend. and PUK has allowed random alternative acts to rise to stardom. I also agree with all your song song choices which was the main goal of this round. Excellent job.
= 10/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I forgot that Britney hit #1 with that song, you're right that it definitely did have impact! Maybe not in 2011 so much, but we've for sure seen dub step elements used much more frequently.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This song wasn't following trends, wasn't trying to be a smash, but somehow it became massive. Excellent choice!
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I was sooooooooooooo not into this song back in 2011! Looking at the list of #1s, this one definitely doesn't fit in (I guess that's why it wasn't a #1). This was a creative choice!
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Sure.
= 10/10 Points Awesome job!
Quote:
Yvess - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Yaaaaas! HIAM truly fits the trendsetter hit title. A lot of songs that has dubstep influence started to be noticed after HIAM hit #1. Nice choice!
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Who would forget the slayage Adele did to our faves when she released this song. Aside from being a flawless song, it is also one of the songs that can totally stand the test of time.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
truly an oddball hit of 2011. The fact it charted high on the BB Year end chart is enough proof that it is a hit we didn't expected to come.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points
good job jorge. you were able to connect your trinity to each other. So I won't be deducting points.
= 10/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - dwuw
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This was the obvious and best choice. It was good you used examples in your explanation.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Again, another obvious choice but it works well. However, something setting a trend does not make it timeless at all, plus trendsetting was already the theme for your first song.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This was the absolute best choice possible, and I'm glad you mentioned the lyrical content because that's what makes it the true oddball.
7. Outro - 0.5/2 Points - I'm very confused by your explanation. So they're all trendsetters but yet only one is the trendsetter hit. I can tell you were reaching for straws. Also I disagree that Pumped Up Kicks started any trends.
= 8/10 Points
2012
2. 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.
Quote:
Dylan - T-Swizz
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - 2012 was such an odd year musically that i was a bit lenient on you with this aspect. I see where you're coming from looking back at the hits of the year but the examples you listed don't really remind me of Lights. Lights was a huge sleeper hit but I'm just not totally sold on it having that much impact.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This one's an anthem that I think will last longer than any of the other #1s released that year. There wasn't much competition in 2012 for this title either so that helps you out here.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - The fact this song was a major smash by a totally random artist that never had a chart entry after this track makes it a shoe-in for the oddball hit of the year. Plus, it's so weird that I didn't see the GP catching on so strong.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - i like that you included the break-out idea as a way to sum up the year. It's very true that 2012 was a year where you didn't have to be an A-lister to score a hit and the charts proved that. Really good job this round.
= 9/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - T-Swizz
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - I think you're on the right track because I do see how Lights influenced some of those other songs, but I don't feel like a sleeper hit like that was the reason Rihanna and LMFAO released those songs.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - For sure!!!
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I was really hoping this would be selected! It's immediately what I thought of. This song came out of nowhere.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points - Cute!
= 8.5/10 Points 2012 was a weird year.
Quote:
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
I like lights but I really don't see it as a song that totally sets a "trend" in 2012. It may hit #5 on the Year end chart but still, I prefer if you pick another song tbh.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
WAY is more of an oddball hit for me tbh. It has the same hit vibe of STIUTK imo. Good thing your explanation is pretty convincing.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
You nailed this one.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points
Nicely done.
= 8.5/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - T-Swizz
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - I do agree with your choice, but I don't agree with your examples. Lots of songs had similar sparkling production to Lights (see, for instance, Lolita by the Veronicas), but I don't see how songs like Sexy & I Know It are similar.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - You did explain your selection well, but this song is fairly forgotten. Maybe you could've picked a song that's more remembered?
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This is the best choice by far. This song was such a weird hit.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Very good and accurate closing!
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.
Quote:
Dylan - Bloomers
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - 5 "o' Clock is really the only song you listed that I see similarities with. Wide Awake is your typical power ballad and STIUTK was just a random smash. Take Care is a great song but I don't see how it shaped the year of 2012 sonically at all really.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - This works much better overall if you switch your Timeless and Oddball hits. STIUTK is much more odd than WAY sonically and WAY has a better chance at being timeless due to it being an anthem.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - Yeah, no one expected Fun. to be a thing in 2012 but the song also sounds like a bonafide smash upon first listen so i wasn't surprised the actual song became a hit despite Fun's non-factor celeb status.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - I don't agree with your actual choices but your description of the year itself was on point. New styles of music did come into play after the dance-pop crave died down. overall, the last minute effort was actually good but the song choices were not. Sorry Bloom Bloom!
= 6/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Bloomers
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 0/2 Points - I don't see any influence from Take Care, especially considering it wasn't that big of a hit. I can't see anything sonically about it that started a trend.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - I see some validity in your reasoning but Somebody That I Used to Know sounds very dated to me, I don't think it's timeless at all. The quirky vibe gives it away, and there are stronger choices from 2012.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - There are better choices, this is a pretty standard-sounding hit. Nothing really unique about it.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Nice summary, even if I disagree with your choices.
= 5.5/10 Points, you really missed the mark for me. Sorry!
Quote:
Yvess - Bloomers
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
TC is a trendsetter hit. It is flawless. Drake + Rih >>>>>>
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points
Hmmm. Same problem with Swizz for me. STIUTK is more of an oddball hit for me.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Yaaaaas! I like your explanation on this one.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points
Perfect! Even if I didnt like your Timeless hit, your outro is pretty good that it would be a shame if I will not give you a perfect 2 points on that portion.
= 9/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Bloomers
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 0/2 Points - This is honestly a really weak choice. This song wasn't even that huge and those examples have little to no resemblance to Take Care.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Good choice and you explained it nicely, although I think this would be better as the Oddball Hit.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - This was an odd hit, you're right, and you explained it well. I wouldn't say it's the oddest hit you could've picked though.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Very good and ingenious way of tying things together.
= 7/10 Points
2013
4. Element
The 2013 Trinity
(click each graphic below to listen)
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.
Quote:
Dylan - Element
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point - Photoshop king!
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - This was very clever in my opinion. Viral videos aren't new but music videos could now be used towards charting which led to some girls serving mess while other girls served short movies. However, the fact that this was more Billboard's job rather than Harlem Shake that just seemingly got lucky dragged this one down a bit.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - i was going to drag this but looking back on 2013, nothing was really that monumental and Roar has that anthem quality to it that could (though it's not guaranteed) stick with the public for years to come. We'll see.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Royals wasn't even just odd because of Lorde herself. The actual song is so minimalistic and there was nothing smash guaranteed about it yet it skyrocketed her to stardom immediately.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Yup, I'd agree 2013 was a very unexpected year in music. There were surprising hits, surprise releases, and surprise events that really sum up your interpretation of the year as a whole. Another great entry by you!
= 9.5/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Element
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - 2013 was a weird year, so I don't blame you for having to reach, but I don't think that Harlem Shake really had that much impact -- what you said about record companies suddenly having to be strategic with music video releases is true, but that's because of Billboard's rules, not because of the song. They'd have done that either way.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I don't really know what else you could have gone with, I looked to make sure I wasn't just being biased but Roar is pretty much as good as it gets! The song transcends trends.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - This song really deserved the #1 but I hate it.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Indeed! Also, stellar graphics.
= 8.5/10 Points Splendid!
Quote:
Yvess - Element
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
Im not a fan of this choice but im glad that you defended your song very well.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
It may be a basic pop song to some people *coughs Monsters and Swifties* but it will not change the fact that Roar slayed bigtime and it has became Katy's trademark song.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Lorde came to the scene without a warning. Royals is truly an oddball just like Lorde's personality.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points
What can I say? You still slayed me. Great outro.
= 9.5/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Element
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Honestly not the most amazing choice ever. However you did explain it very well and you got me convinced, I just think there are better choices out there.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - I'm glad you have that personal connection to the song. I just feel it's so overwhelmingly generic and undistinctive. It will always be overshadowed by Firework and thus won't truly be timeless.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - YES. First time I heard this it had a million views and I liked it but I never anticipated a week later it would be shooting up the charts. Great choice, great explanation.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points - Great idea about how to unify it and I totally agree.
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).
Quote:
Dylan - Ivory.
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - It looks like the Britney EP lack of confidence returned this round unfortunately. Even if you're wrong, act like you're certain and it sort of inadvertently makes the judges believe you a little. Anyway, I don't see any sort of direct correlation with BL and the rest of 2013 and your explanation didn't do anything to help you out. Plus, Thrift Shop came before BL chronologically so it would make sense to choose that given your urban argument.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - Royals actually does have a timeless fell to it and i would have scored you higher had you explained decently. This was an actually a pretty valid choice for the timeles hit but you did virtually nothing to prove that.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Nnn at "unfortunately history". Yeah, I know Element chose HS as his trendsetter and I gave him a good score but this also works very well for the oddball hit as it was totally unexpected due to BB's later announcement of their chart rule change.
7. Outro - 1/2 Points - I actually agree that 2013 was the subtle return of urban-influenced music but once again your explanation did nothing for me. You literally said controversy is what tied your songs together then said Royals isn't controversial at all?
= 6.5/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Ivory.
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - I can't see any real impact in the music industry, and that explanation didn't do anything to convince me.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points - While I do think that the sound of Royals will become something that is recognizable for being from this time in music eventually, the fact that it differs from so many 2013 hits and is so mature does make it seem timeless in a way.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - So true! Where the hell did Harlem Shake come from?!
7. Outro - .5/2 Points - "I really feel as if these three songs really define what 2013 was about, which ultimately was slightly good songs with controversial elements to them (although Royals wasn’t controversial at all). " ??? What?
= 6/10 Points
Quote:
Yvess - Ivory.
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Blurred Lines is one of the songs that absolutely paved the way for other R&B and pop fused songs to be bigger. Great choice.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1/2 Points
Royals is a good song but it doesnt fit the timeless hit imo. It is more of an oddball hit.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
Harlem Shake, a song that sucks is a definition of an oddball hit.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points
pretty good.
= 8.5/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Ivory.
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 0/2 Points - You say Blurred Lines, Get Lucky and Thrift Shop all helped urban-influenced songs smash. For one, I don't agree, but also, if that's true why did you pick Blurred Lines before the others? You didn't say.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - I feel you could've expanded more but I agree with what you wrote!
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Harlem Shake was totally an oddball smash. I mean, what was the last big song without any real melody?
7. Outro - 0/2 Points - You were saying how your songs were all connected and then you say at the very end that it doesn't apply to 1/3 of your entry. What's the point?
= 5.5/10 Points
2014
6. 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.
Quote:
Dylan - Golden
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - There were two trends that year and luckily both you and Guero chose one of them. Dark Horse spawned a direct copy (BW) and some other similar songs that you listed. Plus, your explanation summed the trend up very well.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I don't want to agree with this but it's really the only option when I take a glance at the other #1s in 2014. Most of them already sound dated and it's been a year. This was literally everywhere.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Well I think that Rude was bigger and more unexpected and the reggae sound was not a trend by any means during 2014 so I probably would have chosen that. But, AIW was also unexpected though it didn't achieve as massive of success as Rude did.
7. Outro - 1/2 - You just recapped which is part of what people normally do in conclusions but you should always introduce something new to your words here. Most people signified what their songs had in common or what theme was present in their assigned year and you didn't do any of that. That alone brought you down to the middle of the pack unfortunately but your entry was still good by many means.
= 8.5/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Golden
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Without a doubt! We've talked in the Katy Base a few times about all the songs that sound like Dark Horse.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - So easy. I can't stand this song, but it is undoubtedly timeless.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I think Am I Wrong does stand out, even though the hits of 2014 were very diverse. It sounds different and came from a very different type of artist.
7. Outro - 1/2 Points - I didn't really need a recap of the entry, but thanks!
= 9/10 Points, awesome job!
Quote:
Yvess - Golden
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
I'm happy to see DH in this category. Nice way of showing songs who got influenced by the Trap infused beats of Dark Horse.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
I hate this song. Good choice of words to defend your song.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points
Am I Wrong is a hit, but I don't see it as an oddball hit.
7. Outro - 2/2 Points
I love it despite I may disagree with your other choices.
= 9/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Golden
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Great choice, and explained very well with good examples.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - I totally agree, I think Happy is very timeless and has a sound that doesn't really sound dated, as it's not really linked to the 2014 "sound".
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Okay, yes, they were total nobodies which does make them oddballs. However, this was a rather plain pop song that sounded like it could've been released by Maroon 5. Sonically it's not an oddball.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points - You did a good job with this part but I think you were supposed to unify the songs more.
= 9/10 Points
7. 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.
Quote:
Dylan - Guero
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point - Wordart king!
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Who really thought Jason Derulo would set a popular music trend in 2014 after chasing trends for his first two eras? Not me. But he did and your examples of Problem, GDFR, and currently Worth It prove so.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - I do think Stay With Me could be timeless especially with his Grammy win bonanza. it is reminiscent of Adele. The comment about having covers on youtube just had to be scalped a bit though nnn.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - Sure, it was by a random artist but your commercial argument actually works against you as commercials have helped multiple songs achieve similar success such as 1 2 3 4 and New Soul for Apple. Also, when songs like Rude and Am I Wrong smashed this very same year, this is not THE Oddball Hit.
7. Outro - 1/2 Points - Like Golden, you didn't say anything new here. Conclusions are always tricky but most of everyone made an effort to define the year or showcase any similarities between their songs and you just recapped which wasn't the entire point of the outro. Overall, it was just explaining that pulled you down for the most part besides The Man.
= 7/10 Points
Quote:
Ethan - Guero
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Cool trend to notice! I was thinking of it in more of a broad perspective, but Talk Dirty definitely was the leader of that trend.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 1.5/2 Points - Does it really have multiple covers on the internet already? No way! Anyway, I think Stay With Me is timeless because it's so boring, there is nothing to it that could be trendy or catchy.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - .5/2 Points - I think this song is a very predictable hit, something that they released knowing exactly what they were doing and how to make it a hit. Sampling Your Song, being the guy who had just had a hit with Wake Me Up, and the faux-epic production make it something that I was surprised (and relieved) didn't smash more.
7. Outro - .5/2 Points - Yes
= 6.5/10 Points, sorry!
Quote:
Yvess - Guero
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points
2. Your Name - .5 Points
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
I truly agree! Aside from DH, TD is also a trendsetter hit. Even songs that are slaying now are kinda duplicates of TD
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
YAAAAS! Slay us with the Male Adele!
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points
The Man is truly an unexpected hit. So you deserve a great score.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points
Short and sweet.
= 9.5/10 Points
Quote:
Tymps. - Guero
1. Title With Year Included - .5 Points CHECK
2. Your Name - .5 Points CHECK
3. Graphic(s) - 1 Point CHECK
4. The Trendsetter Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Hm. Never really thought about it but I guess you're right! Good examples.
5. The Timeless Hit + Explanation - 2/2 Points - Stay With Me is very timeless, nice fitting description.
6. The Oddball Hit + Explanation - 0.5/2 Points - I fail to see what's so incredibly odd about this song. It didn't exactly turn heads. You didn't totally explain it as much as I would've liked.
7. Outro - 1.5/2 Points - Fine, although you basically copied lines from your earlier descriptions.
Below will be the normal stats I display every round, only obviously tribe ranks are now nonexistent so it will only include the current round rank as well as the overall rank.
Then Tribal Council will commence as usual which all 8 of you will be attending.
Congratulations dwuw on your first Individual Immunity of the season.
dwuw is immune from elimination this round. However, the other 6 of you are up for elimination this Tribal Council. Send me a vote with the name of your choice for elimination after deliberation. Immunity Idols may be played but remember you must PM me before elimination or they are invalid. Good luck at your fifth Merge Tribal Council. One of you will become the seventh member of the Jury.
REMINDER:
You all have 24 hours to send a vote in this Tribal Council. If by 10:30 PM PST your vote is not in, I will assume you are voting against yourself at Tribal Council.
The 2011 Trinity
