"G.U.Y." by Lady Gaga
From ARTPOP
Pop/Electronic
"G.U.Y." is a classic example of a Gaga smash updated for an electronic 2013 feel. Straight out of the gate you're met with a typically quirky intro and some almost 8-bit sounding clips of Gaga's vocal before being hit full-force with this electronic Zedd production. Gaga plays with catchy lyrical metaphors, showcases strong vocals, and creates what is one of the best electropop songs of the year by the time it closes. And just a head up - this is only her
first entry.
"T" by iamamiwhoami
From BOUNTY
Electronic/Alternative
"T" is an old song, actually; it's been out on its own as a single for years now. However, with the release of its parent album BOUNTY this year, it sees renewed eligibility, and it most certainly deserves a spot. Sung by the leader of the viral project, Jonna Lee, T explores the synths typical of the internet sensation's early work, accompanied by catchy lyrics about social change and one anonymous strong female. By the time the final choruses are going, you can almost see the music around you.
"Blue Ocean Floor" by Justin Timberlake
From The 20/20 Experience
Pop
The song starts off slowly and keeps its pace throughout its long duration. It takes a rather melancholy tone from the beginning, moving along with a fittingly "blue" feeling. Timberlake's falsetto complements the simultaneously mechanical and organic beats behind him as the song's instrumental loops into infinity, steadily building to it's louder but no less sad climax. This is the first of Justin's tracks on the list, and if I'm being honest, one of the most enjoyable on late nights alone.
"Can't Control the Kids" by Kerli
From Utopia
Pop/Dance
Kerli destroys your faves. Point blank. When you're looking for fun, feel-good dance pop, there will never be anyone on her level again. She's the more streamlined, more crazy looking Cascada with a better energy and vibe. In this song in particular, Kerli shows off impressive vocals for a dance girl while managing to keep things simple and fun. Flawless.
"The Other Side" by Jason Derulo
From Tattoos
Pop
Jason impressed me with this release. He's not so much a thing anymore like he once was, but his declining success stateside hasn't stopped him from putting out great singles and music. This song takes a carefree and fun look at an encounter with a lover, without going too far into detail so as to be off-putting, and does so featuring a brilliant prechorus that hooks you and a will absolutely not let go.
"The Story of My Life" by One Direction
From Midnight Memories
Pop
Wow. I was not checking for 1D before this year, to be honest - they'd never interested me even a little. However, that all changed when I listened to a few songs on the iTunes charts one day a month or so ago, and this was one of them. This is a brilliant, anthemic pop track that forces you to listen by sheer brilliance. Once Zayn comes in with his first prechorus, it's all over and fast forwarding is not an option!
"Love Me" by Katy Perry
From PRISM
Pop
Katy disappointed me a little this year, honestly. On her last record, everything was a standout smash, hit after hit, classic pop songs like "Teenage Dream" that will define a generation. This time not so much. However, somewhere on the record was this absolute gem of a song. This is a beautiful and emotional song about finding oneself, and it's the most fun to listen and sing along to in one's car alone. The chorus is beautiful and the bridge hits you with a forceful, confident impact that I personally just can't help yelling along to in my car all the time.
"Love Me or Leave Me" by Kerli
From Utopia
Pop
Get used to this girl, because she's a main player on this countdown. In this song, Ms. Koiv strips down the dance beats and opts for an emotional, heartfelt piano ballad about a love that just can't last anymore. You can feel that Kerli has experience with this song - her voice emotes in a special way and she sings the track beautifully throughout. When you're feeling down about your romantic life and want to force yourself into even deeper sadness like I tend to do, this is a go-to song! But really, I've come close to tears at this song on certain bad nights, and that makes the song all that much more amazing for me.
"Starlight" by Taylor Swift
From Red
Pop
Well, after that depressing note, we all need some happiness, don't we? And so comes along Taylor's only inclusion on this countdown. "Starlight" is beautiful. "Starlight" is amazing. Its like the entire song was made purely from that amazing high you get from being around a new crush. It's like Taylor found out what happiness feels like for me and poured it into a single song. Without that "ten kids" line, it would be the perfect song. Ever.
"Get Lucky" by Daft Punk
From Random Access Memories
Pop
This song is just pretty amazing in general. It has a cool, mellow retro vibe accompanied by the sleek mechanical stylings of classic Daft Punk. What really keeps this song spinning, though, are Pharrell's smooth vocals that fit the song perfectly. Everything comes together perfectly in this carefree, happy, chill track that closes out my first night of my first Best Of!