I've always been a huge fan of Kelly Clarkson and cannot wait for her next album. I normally do not really gravitate towards Christmas music, but Kelly's incredible vocals really made Wrapped In Red a favorite of mine. She has the perfect tone and the perfect amount of the classic Christmas sound. My memory is flooded with wonderful things when I listen to this. This song is the essence of why I love Christmas. I can't imagine someone better covering this as beautifully as her. The entire album deserves a shoutout, but this is my favorite, so it made this countdown.
99 Nelly - Get Like Me (featuring Nicki Minaj & Pharrell)
This song is a JAM. Pharrell is a phenomenal producer, and I'm so glad he had a comeback this year. Get Like Me is also Nelly's best song in ages. However, the highlight of this song is Nicki Minaj, who by far has the most memorable, funniest lines. They call her tha queen. Can't wait for her to comeback in 2014. Anyway, if you don't knock this beat yet, get on it. Love the video too. Should've been a big hit.
98 Kanye West - Bound 2 (featuring Charlie Wilson)
Yeezus is the most polarizing album of the year, but it has a lot of gems. This is one of many of them. I would consider Bound 2 kind of odd in the drastic key/beat change between the verses & the chorus. However, this makes it a unique listening experience. Lyrically, this is one of the best songs on Yeezus, on an album that was Kanye at not his lyrical best. It reminds me of Late Registration Kanye, so I'm sure old fans were in love with this song. I wish this would've been a huge single for him.
My only complaint is that this song kind of feels like an interlude; I wish there was more Kanye West in it. Besides that, an absolute JAM. It's very dark and menacing, but that's what I love about Yeezus in the first place. Kanye's flow on his verse is one of his best on the album. This could have been successful on radio & especially in the clubs. Production wise, this is insane. Industrial hip hop for the 21st century. No one could pull off this beat but Kanye.
Honestly, I did not like this song at first. My excuse was that I found it dull. However, I really, really love it now. Lyrically, it's one of the most unique, cool songs of the years. It's really smartly written. I always love Ryan Tedder's vocals & work overall, & I'm so glad this has taken off in the US. 1R has such a unique stamp on their sound, & it seems people have noticed it especially on Counting Stars. The chorus is always getting stuck in my head. Also love the video.
Also: shoutout to "If I Lose Myself"
95 Big Sean - You Don't Know (featuring Ellie Goulding)
It was hard to choose between this & Ashley as my favorite song from Hall of Fame, but this is easily one of the best songs Big Sean has done. The verses are strong, and the chorus is amazing thanks to the contribution from Ellie Goulding. It was a surprise for her to be on the track! The song has a dark atmosphere to it, and is unlike anything any other rapper is serving right now. This contrasts sharply from tunes on his first album. I would say this song best defines Hall of Fame, sonically.
Hit potential all over this one (takes notes: it was just released as a single). I enjoy this & You Don't Know about just as much, so I thought they should be together on my chart. This edges You Don't Know out thanks Miguel's super catchy, sing-along chorus. He really did a great job. Big Sean's most personal lines and best flow are for his Ashley, though. This song has a personal, sensitive to it that I like. This is up there with Big Sean's best songs and the highlights from Finally Famous.
Pop bliss right here. Cher Lloyd really knows how to carry a great catchy chorus and verses. I would say this is better than anything on Stick & Stones, honestly. T.I. is always a great rapper to contribute as a feature, and he doesn't fail here - his verse is one you're gonna wanna rap along with. He adds a lot to the song. It's super catchy and FUN. Would love to hear this all over radio in 2014 (it's Epic though lol).
92 Drake - Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2 (featuring JAY Z)
Pound Cake has a classic element I love about Drake - a haunting quality. The beat is hypnotizing and one of the best hip hop beats of the year (courtesy of an Ellie Goulding sample - you haven't seen the last of her in my countdown). The song is a little too long, but the lyrics are really great and classic Drake. I'm glad that this is the closer off of the incredible Nothing Was the Same, as it defines the purpose of the album well - for Drake to appreciate his fame and place in the industry.
The video is what elevates this song to me the most. It's a nice offering from Katy Perry's new album PRISM - my favorite album from her so far. Excellently produced and featuring pretty vocals from Katy on the verses and chorus, the track is sweet and will put you in a good mood. To me, it's one of the highlights of PRISM. I'm sad at its performance on the charts, because it deserves a lot more. Like I said, video may be her best yet.
I'm normally not a fan of Britney's ballads, but this one (& another certain one from Britney Jean) are my favorite ballads from her by light years. Britney Jean may not be her best work, but it includes some really nice additions to her discography such as this (& 2 others). I love Sia's touch on the lyrics, and the song has a unique metaphor for a love triangle. It's one of those songs you really pay attention to the lyrics when you listen to it. I actually think it has one of the catchiest pop hooks of the year, and it should be all over radio right now.
Vaguely reminiscent of the first track to JT's 20/20 Experience Part 1, Pusher Love Girl, Honeymoon Avenue is a fitting introduction to the talented Ariana Grande's debut album, Yours Truly. It has a classic, retro vibe with a modern R&B beat. It's amazing how smoothly Ariana's vocals ride this beat, which would've thrown many other vocalists off. In fact, this is one of the best vocals on an album full of ace vocal. She is beyond her years in talent and this song is one of the most raw showings of what she's capable of. You gotta snap with it!
I am a huge fan of Kelly Rowland's solo work, and I wanted to acknowledge one of the best songs on her new album. Gone is easily one of the best and most recognizable samples of the year. It works so well with the unique vibe of this song, and Kelly totally makes it her own. Her voice is really light with a hint of sorrow, and she did an excellent job of portraying the point of the song through vocal tone alone. I was hoping this would do well on the charts so she should pass down that chorus to future generations.
This is a lot of Justin Timberlake in my countdown. I love Mirrors, but there is a lot of 20/20 Experience that a love a lot more. I can see why this song became the biggest hit from the album, as the public really seems to love a good JT ballad on the radio (see What Goes Around... Comes Around). The best part of the song is the outro Love of My Life, and I was obsessed with this part when I first heard it. Sadly, radio did not expose people to that part of the song. The one negative? There's nothing new about it, and it's extremely safe for him. It could've fit right on FutureSex/LoveSounds. I would like him to branch out from Timbaland next album.
So catchy! That's mainly why I love this song. It's kind of unapologetically tailored for radio, so I enjoy it for what it is. Literally the entire song is catchy, and it's just one big hook. The chorus though, is the best part, and just try to resist it. It won't work. YOU'RE OVER MY HEAD, I'M OUTTA MY MIND, THINKIN I WAS boohhhhrrnn, in the wrong time... I could see this smashing the US in 2014.
This is the best ballad on Britney Jean, and has smash written all over it. I hope it's the next single from the album. This song is a new side of Britney, infusing elements of poprock & electronic music. Britney's vocals sound better than ever on this track, and she sounds more honest and raw than I've ever heard her sound. The chorus, bridge & instrumental in the beginning are my favorite parts of Passenger, personally. This is a gem in her discography.
Bee's new album is a soon-to-be classic, so it's fitting I have her all over my year-end countdown. This will be her first of many appearances. I love when Bey & JAY Z collaborate because their musical chemistry is incredible. Bey's vocals are really raw & incredible as usual, and the song just rides that epic bass on that beat. This will be the urban/rhythmic jam of 2014 - it's already starting. The chorus is the highlight IN LOOOOVVVEEEE. I like that it serves as a kind of sequel to Crazy in Love. I think this song shows off a new side of Bey, one we're not used to. I love it.
Classic Timbaland production that reminds me of Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On beat, and the beats of early-mid 00s. A fun, fresh song on 20/20 that picks up the pace on 20/20 Experience from the midtempos. I would like to see this is a potential single (I think the era's kind of done though). This is just a fun to groove to and listen to when you need to loosen up.
You're really missing out if you only bought the standard edition of The 20/20 Experience. The deluxe tracks add a lot to the... experience. Dress On is a Target exclusive from 20/20 Experience Part 1. It has that cool haunting quality that I'm addicted to in many songs I listen to. This is one of the most forward thinking productions on the record, and creatively, it's different than what Justin has done in previous eras. That said, the beat has a Timbo stamp all over it. The song is hypnotizing if you keep listening to it on repeat.
I just took the time to listen to this song in full this week - even though this song is quite old, I think? It was just released in the US this year. It's very on trend and retro - and it's irresistible. Olly's voice and the beat give the track a nice swing that gives the listener a feel good experience. This song is a big pick-me-up. Considering I discovered it while procrastinating on studying for finals, I think it worked. I love the video as well.
80 Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up)
Fall Out Boy completely took me by surprise in 2013 by delivering one of the best albums of the year, Save Rock & Roll. My Songs is a good indication of what's to come on the album; it's also a good indication of how far FOB progressed during their long hiatus. Their music is so much more aggressive and better done than it was on their last albums - there's more of a raw rock & roll essence to them now. The chorus to this song is rock heaven with an operatic shrill backing Patrick Strump I'm On Fiya!!! It's a rock explosion I love to listen to on repeat. Welcome back, FOB.
Selena completely me off guard with this song, and I never expected something like this song from her. After hearing this, my expectations of her rose significantly. No surprise, this song was everywhere and became her defining hit. I can definitely tell this was intended for Rihanna's TTT, as it has that album's sound and production all over it. However, Selena makes it her own, as her voice makes the song effortlessly catchy. I'm just really glad she brought something different to the table in 2013. Shoutout to the amazing StarGate.
78 Fantasia - Without Me (featuring Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott)
Fantasia shocked me with this r&b banger as well. There's so much attitude & confidence between these three talented women that it surrounds the entire mood of the entire track. Tasia's soulful vocals contrast greatly with Kelly's smooth tone, and Missy is PERFECT on this beat with her amazing verse. Fantasia has never done a song like this before, as she usually does more adult-contemporary leaning R&B, so this was a nice change of pace. Let them know, girls!
Still Into You is by far the best song on Paramore's self-titled 2013 album, and the public agrees. It really showcases all of the band's talents: catchiness, lyrics, instrumental, vocal control, etc. Who doesn't sing along to this when it comes on? I was very glad to see this become the defining hit of the era. I hope for more songs like this from them in the future.
Before listening to this, picture a hot summer day with the windows down in Miami with your coolest sunglasses on, you lookin all phresh & good n stuff, you got your lover on the side... and you're gonna blast this song. It's so shamelessly catchy (notice I love a good hook) and the production is the most infectious part besides that CHORUS... that chorus. I was campaigning for this to be a single... it's not too late, right? It sounds like it was made to be a smash, I hope it's potential isn't not used.
75 Miguel - How Many Drinks? (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
Adorn was one of my favorite songs of 2012, and this is the sequel. My favorite part is the very beginning when Miguel goes into his falsetto tone, which I think is where his voice shines. Overall, this is a great r&b track, as plain as that. Kendrick is a nice addition to the remix, as this beat fits him well. As if linked to Swimming Pools (Drank), Kendrick is rapping about ... drinking. In a song called How Many Drinks?, well damn! Hoping for new Miguel music in 2014.
I am just discovering Kacey right now, and her debut might be one of best I've heard recently. She's a very strong and individual artist, especially in her genre where stagnation tends to be common. Besides her great voice, she is a talented lyricist. This song is just one of many examples of her honest and likable songwriting. It's so simple and honest. She tells a story and recites true portrayals of life. I am totally looking out for her in the future.
I originally overlooked this song on A$AP's album Long.Live.A$AP., but it's honestly become my favorite track from the album. The production is ace, and A$AP has fun with naming designer labels and expensive brands. Fashion Killa is merely a feel good, confidence track, and it does its job well. It's a track I listen to when I wanna chill and need a pickmeup.
Ellie deserves more artistic recognition than she currently gets. Her voice is so unique and innocently beautiful - there's this quality to it that I cannot forget after listening to her records. It strikes a personal chord with me. This song, a piano ballad, really showcases her vocal and lyrical talent. Her artistic merit may not be conventional, but that's what makes her stand out to me. I think she is going to continue to build a big following.
I am so so so sad that I've realised just now how amazing Still Into You is. :-(
On the other hand, I'm a bit disappointed with Miguel's How Many Drinks?.
I've always been a huge fan of Kelly Clarkson and cannot wait for her next album. I normally do not really gravitate towards Christmas music, but Kelly's incredible vocals really made Wrapped In Red a favorite of mine. She has the perfect tone and the perfect amount of the classic Christmas sound. My memory is flooded with wonderful things when I listen to this. This song is the essence of why I love Christmas. I can't imagine someone better covering this as beautifully as her. The entire album deserves a shoutout, but this is my favorite, so it made this countdown.
99 Nelly - Get Like Me (featuring Nicki Minaj & Pharrell)
This song is a JAM. Pharrell is a phenomenal producer, and I'm so glad he had a comeback this year. Get Like Me is also Nelly's best song in ages. However, the highlight of this song is Nicki Minaj, who by far has the most memorable, funniest lines. They call her tha queen. Can't wait for her to comeback in 2014. Anyway, if you don't knock this beat yet, get on it. Love the video too. Should've been a big hit.
98 Kanye West - Bound 2 (featuring Charlie Wilson)
Yeezus is the most polarizing album of the year, but it has a lot of gems. This is one of many of them. I would consider Bound 2 kind of odd in the drastic key/beat change between the verses & the chorus. However, this makes it a unique listening experience. Lyrically, this is one of the best songs on Yeezus, on an album that was Kanye at not his lyrical best. It reminds me of Late Registration Kanye, so I'm sure old fans were in love with this song. I wish this would've been a huge single for him.
My only complaint is that this song kind of feels like an interlude; I wish there was more Kanye West in it. Besides that, an absolute JAM. It's very dark and menacing, but that's what I love about Yeezus in the first place. Kanye's flow on his verse is one of his best on the album. This could have been successful on radio & especially in the clubs. Production wise, this is insane. Industrial hip hop for the 21st century. No one could pull off this beat but Kanye.
Honestly, I did not like this song at first. My excuse was that I found it dull. However, I really, really love it now. Lyrically, it's one of the most unique, cool songs of the years. It's really smartly written. I always love Ryan Tedder's vocals & work overall, & I'm so glad this has taken off in the US. 1R has such a unique stamp on their sound, & it seems people have noticed it especially on Counting Stars. The chorus is always getting stuck in my head. Also love the video.
Also: shoutout to "If I Lose Myself"
95 Big Sean - You Don't Know (featuring Ellie Goulding)
It was hard to choose between this & Ashley as my favorite song from Hall of Fame, but this is easily one of the best songs Big Sean has done. The verses are strong, and the chorus is amazing thanks to the contribution from Ellie Goulding. It was a surprise for her to be on the track! The song has a dark atmosphere to it, and is unlike anything any other rapper is serving right now. This contrasts sharply from tunes on his first album. I would say this song best defines Hall of Fame, sonically.
Hit potential all over this one (takes notes: it was just released as a single). I enjoy this & You Don't Know about just as much, so I thought they should be together on my chart. This edges You Don't Know out thanks Miguel's super catchy, sing-along chorus. He really did a great job. Big Sean's most personal lines and best flow are for his Ashley, though. This song has a personal, sensitive to it that I like. This is up there with Big Sean's best songs and the highlights from Finally Famous.
Pop bliss right here. Cher Lloyd really knows how to carry a great catchy chorus and verses. I would say this is better than anything on Stick & Stones, honestly. T.I. is always a great rapper to contribute as a feature, and he doesn't fail here - his verse is one you're gonna wanna rap along with. He adds a lot to the song. It's super catchy and FUN. Would love to hear this all over radio in 2014 (it's Epic though lol).
92 Drake - Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2 (featuring JAY Z)
Pound Cake has a classic element I love about Drake - a haunting quality. The beat is hypnotizing and one of the best hip hop beats of the year (courtesy of an Ellie Goulding sample - you haven't seen the last of her in my countdown). The song is a little too long, but the lyrics are really great and classic Drake. I'm glad that this is the closer off of the incredible Nothing Was the Same, as it defines the purpose of the album well - for Drake to appreciate his fame and place in the industry.
The video is what elevates this song to me the most. It's a nice offering from Katy Perry's new album PRISM - my favorite album from her so far. Excellently produced and featuring pretty vocals from Katy on the verses and chorus, the track is sweet and will put you in a good mood. To me, it's one of the highlights of PRISM. I'm sad at its performance on the charts, because it deserves a lot more. Like I said, video may be her best yet.
I'm normally not a fan of Britney's ballads, but this one (& another certain one from Britney Jean) are my favorite ballads from her by light years. Britney Jean may not be her best work, but it includes some really nice additions to her discography such as this (& 2 others). I love Sia's touch on the lyrics, and the song has a unique metaphor for a love triangle. It's one of those songs you really pay attention to the lyrics when you listen to it. I actually think it has one of the catchiest pop hooks of the year, and it should be all over radio right now.
Vaguely reminiscent of the first track to JT's 20/20 Experience Part 1, Pusher Love Girl, Honeymoon Avenue is a fitting introduction to the talented Ariana Grande's debut album, Yours Truly. It has a classic, retro vibe with a modern R&B beat. It's amazing how smoothly Ariana's vocals ride this beat, which would've thrown many other vocalists off. In fact, this is one of the best vocals on an album full of ace vocal. She is beyond her years in talent and this song is one of the most raw showings of what she's capable of. You gotta snap with it!
I am a huge fan of Kelly Rowland's solo work, and I wanted to acknowledge one of the best songs on her new album. Gone is easily one of the best and most recognizable samples of the year. It works so well with the unique vibe of this song, and Kelly totally makes it her own. Her voice is really light with a hint of sorrow, and she did an excellent job of portraying the point of the song through vocal tone alone. I was hoping this would do well on the charts so she should pass down that chorus to future generations.
This is a lot of Justin Timberlake in my countdown. I love Mirrors, but there is a lot of 20/20 Experience that a love a lot more. I can see why this song became the biggest hit from the album, as the public really seems to love a good JT ballad on the radio (see What Goes Around... Comes Around). The best part of the song is the outro Love of My Life, and I was obsessed with this part when I first heard it. Sadly, radio did not expose people to that part of the song. The one negative? There's nothing new about it, and it's extremely safe for him. It could've fit right on FutureSex/LoveSounds. I would like him to branch out from Timbaland next album.
So catchy! That's mainly why I love this song. It's kind of unapologetically tailored for radio, so I enjoy it for what it is. Literally the entire song is catchy, and it's just one big hook. The chorus though, is the best part, and just try to resist it. It won't work. YOU'RE OVER MY HEAD, I'M OUTTA MY MIND, THINKIN I WAS boohhhhrrnn, in the wrong time... I could see this smashing the US in 2014.
This is the best ballad on Britney Jean, and has smash written all over it. I hope it's the next single from the album. This song is a new side of Britney, infusing elements of poprock & electronic music. Britney's vocals sound better than ever on this track, and she sounds more honest and raw than I've ever heard her sound. The chorus, bridge & instrumental in the beginning are my favorite parts of Passenger, personally. This is a gem in her discography.
Bee's new album is a soon-to-be classic, so it's fitting I have her all over my year-end countdown. This will be her first of many appearances. I love when Bey & JAY Z collaborate because their musical chemistry is incredible. Bey's vocals are really raw & incredible as usual, and the song just rides that epic bass on that beat. This will be the urban/rhythmic jam of 2014 - it's already starting. The chorus is the highlight IN LOOOOVVVEEEE. I like that it serves as a kind of sequel to Crazy in Love. I think this song shows off a new side of Bey, one we're not used to. I love it.
Classic Timbaland production that reminds me of Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On beat, and the beats of early-mid 00s. A fun, fresh song on 20/20 that picks up the pace on 20/20 Experience from the midtempos. I would like to see this is a potential single (I think the era's kind of done though). This is just a fun to groove to and listen to when you need to loosen up.
You're really missing out if you only bought the standard edition of The 20/20 Experience. The deluxe tracks add a lot to the... experience. Dress On is a Target exclusive from 20/20 Experience Part 1. It has that cool haunting quality that I'm addicted to in many songs I listen to. This is one of the most forward thinking productions on the record, and creatively, it's different than what Justin has done in previous eras. That said, the beat has a Timbo stamp all over it. The song is hypnotizing if you keep listening to it on repeat.
I just took the time to listen to this song in full this week - even though this song is quite old, I think? It was just released in the US this year. It's very on trend and retro - and it's irresistible. Olly's voice and the beat give the track a nice swing that gives the listener a feel good experience. This song is a big pick-me-up. Considering I discovered it while procrastinating on studying for finals, I think it worked. I love the video as well.
80 Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up)
Fall Out Boy completely took me by surprise in 2013 by delivering one of the best albums of the year, Save Rock & Roll. My Songs is a good indication of what's to come on the album; it's also a good indication of how far FOB progressed during their long hiatus. Their music is so much more aggressive and better done than it was on their last albums - there's more of a raw rock & roll essence to them now. The chorus to this song is rock heaven with an operatic shrill backing Patrick Strump I'm On Fiya!!! It's a rock explosion I love to listen to on repeat. Welcome back, FOB.
Selena completely me off guard with this song, and I never expected something like this song from her. After hearing this, my expectations of her rose significantly. No surprise, this song was everywhere and became her defining hit. I can definitely tell this was intended for Rihanna's TTT, as it has that album's sound and production all over it. However, Selena makes it her own, as her voice makes the song effortlessly catchy. I'm just really glad she brought something different to the table in 2013. Shoutout to the amazing StarGate.
78 Fantasia - Without Me (featuring Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott)
Fantasia shocked me with this r&b banger as well. There's so much attitude & confidence between these three talented women that it surrounds the entire mood of the entire track. Tasia's soulful vocals contrast greatly with Kelly's smooth tone, and Missy is PERFECT on this beat with her amazing verse. Fantasia has never done a song like this before, as she usually does more adult-contemporary leaning R&B, so this was a nice change of pace. Let them know, girls!
Still Into You is by far the best song on Paramore's self-titled 2013 album, and the public agrees. It really showcases all of the band's talents: catchiness, lyrics, instrumental, vocal control, etc. Who doesn't sing along to this when it comes on? I was very glad to see this become the defining hit of the era. I hope for more songs like this from them in the future.
Before listening to this, picture a hot summer day with the windows down in Miami with your coolest sunglasses on, you lookin all phresh & good n stuff, you got your lover on the side... and you're gonna blast this song. It's so shamelessly catchy (notice I love a good hook) and the production is the most infectious part besides that CHORUS... that chorus. I was campaigning for this to be a single... it's not too late, right? It sounds like it was made to be a smash, I hope it's potential isn't not used.
75 Miguel - How Many Drinks? (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
Adorn was one of my favorite songs of 2012, and this is the sequel. My favorite part is the very beginning when Miguel goes into his falsetto tone, which I think is where his voice shines. Overall, this is a great r&b track, as plain as that. Kendrick is a nice addition to the remix, as this beat fits him well. As if linked to Swimming Pools (Drank), Kendrick is rapping about ... drinking. In a song called How Many Drinks?, well damn! Hoping for new Miguel music in 2014.
I am just discovering this girl right now, and her debut might be one of best I've ever heard. She's a very strong artist, and an individual one, especially in her genre. Besides her great voice, she is a creative and very talented lyricist. This song is just one of many examples of her honest and likable songwriting. It's so simple and honest. She tells a honest story and recites true portrayals of life. I am totally looking out for her in the future.
I originally overlooked this song on A$AP's album Long.Live.A$AP., but it's honestly become my favorite track from the album. The production is ace, and A$AP has fun with naming designer labels and expensive brands. Fashion Killa is merely a feel good, confidence track, and it does its job well. It's a track I listen to when I wanna chill and need a pickmeup.
Ellie deserves more artistic recognition than she currently gets. Her voice is so unique and innocently beautiful - there's this quality to it that I cannot forget after listening to her records. It strikes a personal chord with me. This song, a piano ballad, really showcases her vocal and lyrical talent. Her artistic merit may not be conventional, but that's what makes her stand out to me. I think she is going to continue to build a big following.
Born Sinner was a huge artistic step up for J Cole. Crooked Smile is just one of the many highlights from this album, and keeping on trend, it has a very late 90s/early 00s feel to it. Add to that nostalgia is the fact that TLC is featured on the track. J Cole is the shining star, however, with lyrics regarding insecurities, peer pressure and superficially. To me, the highlight of this song is the creative way it delivers its message. Favorite line = "that's a crooked smile braces couldn't even straighten".
69 John Mayer - Who You Love (featuring Katy Perry)
Video aside, this song was kind of an unexpected surprise, especially from Katy. John's voice is so mellow, chill and amazing on this track - and Katy's voice complements it perfectly. Who You Love is the ultimate chill out session track, and deserves to be a huge hit. Honestly, it's John Mayer's best song in years.
I was introduced to this song by a friend around 4 months ago, and I'm so happy to see it taking off in the US now! I love a great alternative track, and this delivers. The vocals are kind of gruff but too gruff, relaxed but not too boring, etc. It reminds me of Imagine Dragons a bit, but Bastille is definitely its own unique entity. I need to check out the rest of their new album, Bad Blood, but the snippets I caught were quite good. Watch out for them in 2014.
Choose Your Battles is the type of song I was really looking for on Katy's follow-up to Teenage Dream. She delivered with flying colors! Honestly, I wish more of the ballads on the standard edition were quite as great as this BONUS track. Her vocals sound beautiful and airy, and the beat echoes a battlefield. The beat really climaxes on the great chorus. Anyway, this track has not received enough recognition from others in my opinion.
If any songs define Born Sinner the best, ithis & Power Trip do (which will be included in this countdown later). The lyrics are cohesive and go along with the theme of the album really great. J Cole's lyricism has really grown, and LAnd of the Snakes is the proof of that. I would've liked to have seen this as a single.
LAnd of the Snakes = LA. Love the hidden message in the title, that LA is a city of sin.
100-81
Can't wait for her to comeback in 2014. Anyway, if you don't knock this beat yet, get on it. Love the video too. Should've been a big hit.
The rest are great picks ! esp Selena 
Dress On is a gem though.
SIY, MSKWYDITD and CAGI are perfect, too.
Honestly, I wish more of the ballads on the standard edition were quite as great as this BONUS track. Her vocals sound beautiful and airy, and the beat echoes a battlefield. The beat really climaxes on the great chorus. Anyway, this track has not received enough recognition from others in my opinion.