"Numb" by Rihanna & Eminem
From Unapologetic
Pop
This is a really interesting song, sonically - the hook is simple and repetitive but works very well. As with most of their collaborations, Rihanna and Eminem display amazing chemistry and create a brilliant track in the process.
"Plague" by Crystal Castles
From (III)
Electronic/Alternative
This is a brilliant song. The production is flawless - dark, loud, overbearing, even haunting ad scary. The vocals, quiet and drowned out as they may be, despite the yelling and harsh tone, fit the chaotic, nervous, terrorizing atmosphere of the song beautifully. This cut from (III) is one that will leave you repeating it for hours to hear all the sounds it has to offer.
"Red" by Taylor Swift
From Red
Pop/Country
"Red" is classic Taylor Swift; the majority of its appeal comes from it preying upon your emotions to a somewhat anthemic pop tune with amazing production. The pop direction definitely worked for Taylor, because this is one of her best songs ever.
"C'mon" by Ke$ha
From Warrior
Pop
This is kind of like another "American Girl" - it's generic as hell, but somehow even better for its genericness. It's pure, unadulterated fun and it embodies the spirit of wanting to live, to see the world, to experience all there is to experience.
"Ride" by Lana Del Rey
From Paradise
Pop
This song takes the typical live free and die young themes of Lana's music and her Americana influences and makes it even better. The song sounds like an adventure in itself - the music video helps it to burst into life, but even without, this is a song you won't want to skip.
"Jump" by Rihanna
From Unapologetic
Pop/Electronic
"Jump" is pretty much incredible. It takes a darker electronic instrumental that builds to a hectic climax during the song's chorus, and does well with its sample. It's the type of more progressive material in Rihanna's discography that she absolutely needs to continue to explore.
"Crazy Kids" by Ke$ha
From Warrior
Pop
"Crazy Kids" sort of takes "C'mon" and one-ups it; the songs have similar lyrical elemements and themes, along with similar production. Something in the melody of this track is even more addicting and catchy than her previous entry, though, and that's what places it ahead.
"Moonshine" by Bruno Mars
From Unorthodox Jukebox
Pop
This song kind of wowed me; it's a million times better than anything I was expecting from Bruno. It has a free spirited feeling like Warrior's entries, with a brilliant melody and Bruno's impressive vocal topping it off.
"Take Back the Night" by Justin Timberlake
From The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2
Pop
I told you he had only two more - so that means Justin is gone after his next entry! Anyway, this is a flawless pop song with R&B elements and a cool retro vibe. It's catchy and simple, and it remains the best offering from the latter of his two releases this year.
"Grown Woman" by Beyoncé
From BEYONCÉ (sort of)
Pop
Originally, I was kind of pissed that Bey hadn't just released this right after the Super Bowl as a lead single, but after her recent success, I can forgive her. This song is energetic, fierce, catchy, fun - everything a great Beyonce anthem SHOULD be.
One of them is going to be Top 20 on my list.
Suit and Tie!!!
