22. SAN E F/ BUMKEY - "BODY LANGUAGE"We're already sweating, we don't have to exercise.
I couldn't find many appropriate lyrics for this record because it would all get censored or warned or something on here. But anyway, here's a pretty cool hip-hop track from South Korea. It's pretty much sexual for the entire song but obviously as someone who doesn't speak Korean, I don't pick up on many of the lyrics, with the exceptions of the moans sprinkled around the place. Production-wise, it's a body-rolling tune and obviously intended for baby-making. Loves it.
If you're a hip-hop fan and never got into k-pop for how saccharine it is, try this one.
21. I LOVE MAKONNEN F/ DRAKE - "TUESDAY"Ain't got no ****in' time to party on the weekend.
I was shown this track by Bloomers and listened to it once, then didn't really touch it for a couple of weeks until it started creeping back on me. I don't know why, but it did. What a jam! It sounds both familiar and unique at the same time. I also relate to this song because I work during the weekend, and Tuesday happens to be my equivalent to a Friday night. Fun! I didn't even realise until last week that Drake shouted out PARTYNEXTDOOR and The Weeknd in his verse, and I feel like an idiot for it. I love their crew so much, if Makonnen keeps delivering like this he'll be up there with them in no time.
So I wrote this little blurb before obsessed fans on twitter went back into Makonnen's twitter history and found that he used to trash Drake and friends. Awkward.
20. SHEPPARD - "GERONIMO"You were waiting, as I dove into the waterfall.
Top 20! We're really getting close to the best of the best. Thanks everyone for sticking around so far.
The signature hit for aussie pop band Sheppard, this song is ridiculous. I can understand why it was a hit, but it became a hit in the most annoying way. "Say Geronimo!" (x100) is actually more infuriating rather than catchy. But it's so infuriating that you can't stop thinking about it and then it's lodged in your brain and you're singing along. Then there's the line "can you feel my love?" that is so hard to sing along to because holding that note for ten seconds is exhausting after you've sung "geronimo" one hundred times. And yet, the obvious annoyances become the song's strengths, one of Australia's biggest hits this year, and one of the best songs of 2014. Go figure. Just give it a listen and see if you're annoyed or could resist singing along.
19. GIRL'S DAY - "DARLING"I've fallen into a sweet temptation.
I just know I'm going to be slammed for this one but I don't care because it's an insanely catchy, easy breezy bop. The pressed can sugar pop my lollipop!
18. ZHU - "FADED"All I wanna do is drive home to you.
This is definitely one of the most interesting tracks of the year. Also it's one of those weird tracks that took off in Australia, and I think maybe the UK? We have good taste. I remember I was sitting in the car one night, this was on the radio, and everything was so tumblr-esque about that moment that it just clicked with me and I became addicted.
17. THE KITE STRING TANGLE - "ARCADIA"You're anxiously reaching out but I'm losing my grip.
The selling point of this record is the sincerity and desperation in his delivery. It's slow, it's meaningful, there's an Active Child vibe, and the chorus is wonderful. Everything up to the ad-libs is perfect. The lyrics are relatable. The last chorus is powerful, and overall it's just a perfect song. "Arcadia" has such strong replay value as well.
16. FKA TWIGS - "TWO WEEKS"Gimme two weeks, you won't recognise her.
Ugh, this song is perfect. The constant rumbling in the undertones, the swirling synths, the lyrics, the seductive nature of it all… it's absolutely wonderful. Like what am I supposed to say? The vulnerability, the power, this song has everything. It's a song that works better as a studio track rather than a live performance (the production doesn't have the same effect live). My favourite bit is definitely when she sings the word "her" in the chorus and the universe opens up and life is served.
Ok, I've been doing some catching up! It's been fun because I got to discover a lot of good stuff! You have the coolest taste...
Here's My Thoughts. It's a little long
My Thoughts
30. Take Me Over - it's catchy glitchy EDM, my favorite kind. It was really fun and not overly predictable which is usually why I dislike EDM
29. I actually own Kyarys most recent album. Her music is fun but it's vaguely unsettling for some reason.
28. Pools - I loved this track. The video was great also. I'm buying this album. I love percussion in songs also.
27. swing - sometimes I think k-pop goes for style over substance and this seems to get by on its beat and beautiful video. What a beat though.
26. I swear - A little sugary, but fun
25. Yard Sale - I've heard it before, but it's fun and so is the subject of the song. The video is nice
24. I love Grimes
22. You were right about this one. My favorite k-pop of the bunch. Loved the neon hued video and sound
21. Yes I can't unhear the piña colada song now though drake got the high road (spoiler for my countdown) on this one. Thanks for the shout-out!
19. I can't deny a breezy fun track like this
18. Faded is good. Just learned of it recently. The EP is strong
17. Arcadia - it has a chill James Blakey vibe. Hoping Active Child ranks higher though
Ok, I've been doing some catching up! It's been fun because I got to discover a lot of good stuff! You have the coolest taste...
Here's My Thoughts. It's a little long
My Thoughts
30. Take Me Over - it's catchy glitchy EDM, my favorite kind. It was really fun and not overly predictable which is usually why I dislike EDM
29. I actually own Kyarys most recent album. Her music is fun but it's vaguely unsettling for some reason.
28. Pools - I loved this track. The video was great also. I'm buying this album. I love percussion in songs also.
27. swing - sometimes I think k-pop goes for style over substance and this seems to get by on its beat and beautiful video. What a beat though.
26. I swear - A little sugary, but fun
25. Yard Sale - I've heard it before, but it's fun and so is the subject of the song. The video is nice
24. I love Grimes
22. You were right about this one. My favorite k-pop of the bunch. Loved the neon hued video and sound
21. Yes I can't unhear the piña colada song now though drake got the high road (spoiler for my countdown) on this one. Thanks for the shout-out!
19. I can't deny a breezy fun track like this
18. Faded is good. Just learned of it recently. The EP is strong
17. Arcadia - it has a chill James Blakey vibe. Hoping Active Child ranks higher though
I'm really glad you've been listening! I really appreciate it mate.
Kyary's music is definitely unsettling. That's what she aims for, though - using cuteness in such an in-your-face manner that it becomes weird and creepy. It's a really interesting tactic to use and she does it beautifully (and creepily, of course).
I still can't believe Drake used the same melody as the pina colada song.
Quote:
Originally posted by Jack. Bauer
Wow @ all this waiting for another update again.
Remember when I was like "I'm just gonna hit it all out within like a day or so"
Good times.
15. JHENÉ AIKO - "WADING"Should I be wading for you?
Literally perfect. I know there were 14 other songs I played more than this one, but it's perfect. The production is so lush and embracing, and Jhené's vocals are as silky as ever. My favourite from the album as soon as I heard it. The bridge is the best part, where Jhené's vocals aren't actual words but she manages to convey the emotion necessary to make it a moving moment.
I don't want to get off track but I still can't believe we were lucky enough to get a video for this one.
I don't even know where to begin. This track is brilliant, and so underrated. I've explained my thoughts on this track a million times already on this board to a community that doesn't quite get it so I won't try that again right now. It's fun, there's an underlying message, the performances and video were brilliant, everything about this track was awesome.
13. BROODS - "MOTHER & FATHER"And I am getting older, and it's starting to show.
Pretty much a more dramatic and intense take on Lorde's discography. Lorde later countered with "Yellow Flicker Beat" but for a while there, Broods had the biggest Joel Little song (sonically, of course). It's really hard to resist getting sucked into the opening drum rhythm and synths.
12. f(x) - "RED LIGHT"I've fallen into a sweet temptation.
I know there was hope for this to at least land in my Top 10 but there were better songs released this year. This track is one of the reasons why f(x) are one of the best girl groups in the world right now. In an era where EDM is played out within the pop world, f(x) managed to release "Red Light", an action-packed, gritty gem.
11. KATY B - "CRYING FOR NO REASON"Crying for no reason, 'cause I buried it deep.
I think this one premiered at the end of 2013 but it was officially released/on sale in 2014, so it's eligible for the 2014 countdown. What a gem! It still holds the magic it did when I first heard it, and I really love that Katy made such a strong ballad that didn't shy away from the electronics. The production is wonderful, and despite the cheesy title, the lyrics are pretty sweet as well.
I can't get over the moment where Katy sings the final chorus with such intensity, and then the instrumental switches around and carries the song out to it's final moments. It's a really beautiful moment.