One of the main tracks to promote Kanye West's most recent offering Yeezus, "Skinhead" is the closest thing we have to a gateway for Mr. West's twisted mind. It's also one of the best songs from the album, co-written by 10 people and co-produced by nine (Daft Punk and Lupe Fiasco included!). Yes, "Skinhead" is as cluttered and noisy as you can imagine from such a lineup, but it's a lie to pretend that's a hinderance in any way.
Honestly, it's the percussion that places it so high on the list. Simultaneously bouncy and terrifying, the drums provide a stable structure in which every nook and cranny can be filled with screams, heavy breathing, and a lot of bass. As an ex-drummer, I feel any song with substantial percussion deserves a round of applause. Lyrically, Kanye speaks on the injustice and struggle of racism within today's society, while mixing in his signature style of arrogance that has become rather addictive at this point.
# 2 4JESSIE J - "MAGNETIC"
Originally released as part of the Mortal Instruments: City of Bones soundtrack, "Magnetic" was reduced to a deluxe edition bonus track on Jessie J's sophomore release Alive.
Unfortunately, the album didn't have much longevity. Every highlight got old within the first couple of weeks, but it's still by no means a bad album. I would still classify it as underrated, much like her debut. However, one track has managed to stay strong all this time, and that's "Magnetic". This bass-heavy cut is powerful, catchy, and toys with the theme of "vampires and beasts". The pre-chorus is the strongest part, where the starry synths barge through the forefront to create a temporary airborne moment of peace and before falling into the static chorus. "Magnetic" is the best song Jessie has released since "Do it Like a Dude".
# 2 3FLORRIE - "LIVE A LITTLE"
The only song british singer-songwriter-drummer-model Florrie released this year, despite hyping her album since last year. It's a good thing that the one song she did happen to release was nothing short of awesome.
This pop song is quite unique, in that it's completely made up of instruments, rather than synths. Not only is this a sharp contrast to Florrie's own material, but it also gives "Live a Little" it's own two legs amongst majority of pop today, backed by a hook comprised of jazzy horns and drums. No stranger to innovative pop music, Florrie also plays around with "Little"s structure - note the complete absence of a second verse, replaced by simple bass guitar and hand clapping. With such stellar production, it's easy to get lost and live a little, and I sincerely hope Florrie comes back in 2014 and releases what is surely to be one of the best pop albums of the year.
# 2 2VIXX - "SAY LOVE"
Okay, so VIXX had a huge 2013. They released a new single, then they released an EP (without the single), then re-released it with new songs. If that wasn't enough, they then released their debut album just last month, and they didn't disappoint. There were so many worthy tracks from the group I could have included in this list, but I've decided to go with "Say Love", an album track from their Jekyll EP re-release.
This sugar explosion is a total earworm, a song that I mindlessly had on repeat throughout the year. It's fun, it doesn't require thinking, it is what it is. There are some cool moments throughout the track, mainly the pronunciation and repetition within the pre-chorus and the prolonged melodies of oh you, say love me!. No, it doesn't make sense, but look back on the year and tell me we didn't have worse lyrical moments from artists who actually speak english.
# 2 1CHILDISH GAMBINO - "3005"
So, one thing about this list. I wanted to include songs from pre-October in my Top 20 because they've had longer time to impact me, and also it prevents 'new release excitement' where I would stuff a bunch of November releases in my top spots, only to not care about those songs a month later. However, "3005" by Childish Gambino probably deserves to be in my Top 10. I don't know if I have the words to do this track justice.
It sounds like a love song, but according to Donald Glover (his real name), it's not. He never quite specified what the song is really about, I think it's meant to be just general thoughts and ramblings. But whatever the intention, it's awesome. Set over a staccato melody and simple beat, things really start to pick up at the pre-chorus. As a wave of synths roll in underneath his singing vocals, one can't help but to stop and pay attention. The chorus itself is made up of two words, repeated over and over again, but it's more addictive than anything. The second chorus actually has a different synth melody, and it keeps the track interesting (well, even more interesting than what is already is).
As a side note to how much this track really impacted me within the past two months, "3005" was the track I was repeating before and after Beyonce's concert. Not even the King B could tear me away from this perfection.
I literally just posted Black Skinhead in my best of, mess.
I'm shocked to see how much Live a Little fell in your list dude, it must have been such a good 6 months for you. Still, it's not like it's the best she's ever done so I can deal.
I literally just posted Black Skinhead in my best of, mess.
I'm shocked to see how much Live a Little fell in your list dude, it must have been such a good 6 months for you. Still, it's not like it's the best she's ever done so I can deal.
"Live a Little" was pretty much Top 5 of the year at one stage but you're right, the past six months have been very, very good for me, musically.
Quote:
Originally posted by MWB
I'll check em out later.
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I'm about to update again. I was planning on doing something special to commemorate the halfway point on this song list yesterday, but then life got in the way. Perhaps we'll do something nice before the album list.
So with the current situation with the blogs, my countdown has to go on hiatus and perhaps come to an untimely end (all my work and updates were saved as a blog draft, which are now inaccessible).
I might just post finalised lists towards the end of Best Of season but thank you to everyone who commented and supported my countdown.
The blog section still isn't working, and I don't think we can expect them to open up again with enough time left for me to finish my countdown. It's Christmas, people are finishing up their festivities and it's an appropriate time for me to truly lay this countdown to rest. I appreciate the support and comments from you guys, and it's a shame it had to end this way but anyway, here we are.
The official lists are in the results section, second post of this Best Of.
Still, it's not like it's the best she's ever done so I can deal.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
