Best Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 3

6. Echosmith - "Cool Kids"

Echosmith is an alternative rock group out of California that has gotten popular over the last year for this single.  I enjoy the laidback vibe of the instrumentation; it reminds me of 80s new wave rock ballads. 

What elevated this song from a good song to a great song is the lyrics. In the song Echosmith tells two stories, one from a girl perspective, and one from a boy perspective.  This song was aim at high schoolers but anybody can relate to that time of trying to be a "cool kid." From Echosmith point of view they were not the cool kids at all instead trying to be them and failing.  

"She sees them walking in a straight line,
That's not really her style"
I never noticed this from cool kids. I guess blocking the hallway from everyone else seems to acknowledge their presence. 

"They're driving fast cars
But they don't know where they're going
In the fast lane, living life without knowing"

I really like this line. The cool kids maybe rich, and have all of the expensive cars; however, the idea of being a cool kid will fade with time.  Being a high school kid is only four years of your life and your future is much longer than that. 

The vocals of the song are Paramore lite. That is probably the reason this song saw attention in the first place, but I am glad it did. It was nice to hear a song with some true meaning on the radio, and I hope to hear more from Echosmith soon. As the song states in its true meaning: Be Yourself.

5. "A Sky Full of Stars" - Coldplay

I make it no secret that I enjoy EDM influenced pop music, and this was the best song of the year for it. I already review this song in detail earlier in the year, but I thoughts on it have not change. The beat keeps bringing me back for an epic night on the town. Still is Coldplay best song in recent years, and continue potentially be their last. They are reportedly only doing one more album and moving on. 

Hear is the Hardwell remix of the song. This is my usually go to remix of the song.

Best Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 2

8. Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea - "Problem"

Summer 2014 crop of pop songs were pretty good this year besides the two biggest songs being less than desirable.  Enter,"Problem" arguably the third biggest song of the summer, and Ariana Grande biggest hit song to date. The production on the song is trend chasing with a saxophone hook reminiscence of Jason Derulo hit earlier in the year, "Talk Dirty." "Problem" uses a  sample from Star Trek specifically the red alert sound effect at the whisper part of the song.  I like the beat of this song.  The saxophone, hip hop drums, and samples were used to a great effect. The beat has never worn out on me.

Iggy Azalea raps stay on topic with the song with an idea of breakup being not a problem anymore. She even throws a necessary 99 problems reference which I knew was coming.

The weak point of the song is Ariana herself. As I have heard Ariana on my radio throughout the year she still seems to have same problem. Mainly her enunciation of words. In the pre chorus all her words seem to get mush together into something that is unintelligible unless you listen carefully. I would had rank this song higher if it were not of this problem. 

I enjoy this guy cover of the song. Embrace the sax.

7. Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne - "Rather Be"

In April when I was looking at the potential songs of the summer I thought this would the one.  Sticks with a friendly dance beat, lyrics about being with someone, and fantastic vocals. Of course this song peak in the late summer months, but I am slightly disappointed. Anyway onto the song itself.

Clean Bandit is a dance group that features classical music instrumentation.  Here on, "Rather Be" they feature a violin hook and chord production of the 90s pop music. I really enjoy every part of the production here. It is light and summer like to play at max volume down the road. 

Jess Glynne is an absolute highlight here. Her vocals rise above the production here making her statement about being with someone more impact coming with her. I couldn't any other vocalists pulling off this song. 

These two artists try to make magic again with a followup hit, "Real Love" So far no love for the follow up single.

Best Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 1

10. Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora - "Black Widow"

I know I am going to get major dislikes for this pick, but this song was important to me. This song showed me that Iggy has potential to be a big rap star and shake up the industry.  Stargate production is something that should not be missed here. The similarities to, "Dark Horse" are noticeable, but I see improvement here. The bass doesn't sound so powerful that it completes overwhelms like, "Dark Horse", and adds gradually building synths to the chorus to make Rita Ora statement about black widows powerful. 

 Iggy raps are less memorable here than on, "Fancy" but I see talent and potential than on, "Fancy". On "Fancy" she sounds like a wannabe rapper with a fake accent that is way over done. Here she dials it back and instead raps with confidence with no gimmicks. 

Rita Ora is still a Rihanna singer from the UK but she does a good job here.  She sings in and out the chorus with no problems and you can't help but sing a long to it. 

Iggy Azalea is going to be in the industry challenging Nicki Minaj for the Queen of Hip Hop in the coming years. Helps to have T.I. as a mentor in the quest for that.

9.  Pharrell Williams - "Happy"

Was this song overplayed this year? Of course it was. The "happiest" song of the year was bound to make the list. "Happy" keeps it simple with the song layout: great uptempo beat, positive lyrics, and good singing. The beat is a 60s Motown throwback sound with the choir harmonies in the chorus. It is perfect for the hand clapping in the song's video.

The lyrics are bit silly here, but they keep with the idea of being happy. Everyone wants to be happy. It may not be in this song for everyone but it is a universal idea. I feel Pharrell was successful in pulling this feat off. Every time I hear this song I feel happier for listening to it, and starting a good day with it. 

Pharrell vocals glide with the beat providing a positive voice to bring all of the elements together.  This song was number one hot 100 year end chart, and for good reason. It is a fantastic song.

Honorable Mentions - Part 2

Here is part 2 of songs that I liked this year, but were not good enough to make my top 10 list.

1. Pitbull feat. John Ryan - "Fireball"

I feel like Pitbull was trying here.  The song is different production than his standard dance pop mush. I feel song beat actually has energy in it unlike "Wild Wild Love" where that song goes nowhere. Pitbull raps are standard, but he always seems punch out at the right moment when I am about to get sick of him. John Ryan chorus and vocals are pretty good here too.  

Honorable Mentions - Part 1

Now that I am almost finish with the worst songs of the year, I can talk about the songs I liked this year. Here are the songs that were good, but not enough to make the list. This was a pretty good year in pop music to me.

1.  Ellie Goulding - "Burn"

I have always like Ellie Goulding. Her angelic voice that sounds frail is extremely unique and sounds great. Combine interesting production that sounds like a  Rihanna song in 2010 and you have a fantastic song. Too bad this was the only hit on the album.

2. Paramore - "Ain't It Fun."

I am sure I will get hate for liking this song. Hayley Williams goes for the straight pop angle here, but I dig it. The song keeps a light hearted tone in the music, but the lyrics are quite dark.  The sarcastic tone of the lyrics might be off putting to some listeners but at some point we all have to grow up.  I guess it is not fun at all, but at least music sounds like it is fun.

MVP 2014 for Pop Music

I have selected a few artists in 2014 that defined the year in pop music. I narrow is down to four choices.

M.V.P.

A.) Iggy Azalea

B.) Sam Smith

C.)  Ariana Grande

D.)  Jason Derulo

Vote in the poll.  I'll have the results in a few days.

Worst Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 4

4. Chris Brown (feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana or Tyga or Too Short) - "Loyal"

Short version: Chris Brown worst song to date.


This was the scummiest song that Chris Brown has ever made. I have no sympathy for the r&b star since the incident in 2009 and I will not forget about it.  "Loyal" is a continuation of Chris Brown bad treatment towards women. Telling the girls are not,"loyal" because you treat them like crap I would not blame them if they left you. 

I prefer the west coast version of the song. At least Too Short has some decent rhymes compare to French Montana.  The beat it is more interesting than a typical DJ Mustard song, but I feel it doesn't fit the song. I feel the darker tone of the lyrics would suggest a darker beat than the happier tone of the beat.

In case you wanted the sequel he made, "Came To Do" with Akon. It is a bit friendlier in tone compare to, "Loyal." 


3. "Rude" - MAGIC!

This was looking like a number one pick for the worst song of the year, but other bad songs came along. It is an odd concept where the lead singer is going to marry the girl, and asks permission from the father. That conversation does not go well, and calls the father, "rude." I feel like this song has some plot holes. If you were planning on marrying her anyway why didn't you just take her and get married secretly. That way the confrontation could had been avoided , and the anger could had been save for later down the road. 

This song was in contention for the summer song for 2014, and I am glad it did not get it.  The reggae vibes and plothole story just make this song a bear to listen too. MAGIC will remain one hit wonders as their nothing remotely interesting about them.

2.  "Don't Tell 'Em" - Jeremih feat. YG

My opinion on this song has not change and nor it will. I did get an answer from an article from billboard explaining why the song never got a video. http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6327425/jeremih-holding-back-his-career

It seems Jeremih might have more hits in 2015 though it is less disgusting than this song.

Up next: The absolute worst song of 2014. 

Dishonorable Mentions - Part 2

Here is the second and final list of songs that didn't make the cut for the worst pop songs of 2014.

1. "Not a Bad Thing" - Justin Timberlake

This song is basically a rehash of,"Mirrors" even referencing some of the same lyrics.  I couldn't really get into song though most critics gave it a positive review. Justin Timberlake vocal performance is meh here. He has done better.  The beat is good though.

2,  "Come Get It Bae" - Pharrell Williams

This was truly a disappointing follow up single to,"Happy."  Pharrell made production wise another, "Blurred Lines" record, but this beat is not as catchy. Having Miley Cyrus getting punch in the gut and shouting,"hey" throughout the background of the song is just irritating. Pharrell vocals are pretty good here.

3.#SELFIE - The Chainsmokers

The viral sensation hit song had to make the list for sure.  It is a novelty song, but I never could really hate it for what it is. It is parody song with obnoxious girls out in the clubs.  The girls are annoying in it, and the beat is a generic edm track. It never got on my nerves that quickly for me.

Dishonorable Mentions - Part 1

These songs were not bad enough for a review, but deserve a comment on a particular moment or one bad thing that was about them.


1. "Can't Remember To Forget You" - Shakira feat. Rihanna

Remember this song? I did not. Besides the way too long title for a pop song , it felt dated in production. I think Rihanna would had prefer to be on Timber compare to this misfire of a single. She was originally offer the part.




2. "Wasted" - Tiesto feat Matthew Koma

Still bad when I reviewed it, and sadly missed the countdown due to missing the billboard year end chart. I'll blame this song on the fall of pop edm of 2014. Tiesto is still team white boy wasted.

3. MKTO - "Classic"

I actually originally like this song, but it soured on me incredibly quickly. Taking Jason Derulo approach song writing by dropping random famous celebrities is a sure fire to a hit song. When ask about making ,"Classic" MKTO wanted to make the sound classic. I don't really hear it. It sounds like any other pop songs in the 2010s.

4. Nicki Minaj - "Anaconda"

Worst Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 3

Welcome to the halfway point of the countdown of the worst pop songs of 2014. The last edition I did songs that weren't interesting or felt boring. This time I taking on establish artists who should know better than send these bad songs to the radio. On to the next two songs.

6. Beyonce feat. Jay Z - "Drunk in Love."

This song starts with a haunting effect that sounds Egyptian. It is an intriguing effect to start the song, but song goes down hill from there. Keeping with the theme of trap influenced hip hop songs of 2013, Beyonce sticks with production that sounds like a copy of Mike Will Made It beat. 

Beyonce vocals don't impress me here. Beyonce always reminded me of a better version of Rihanna but it seems she sank down to Rihanna level of singing here.  

This song clocks in at 5 minutes for the radio. You would think people would be sick of hearing this song in about 3 minutes.

Beyonce lyrics are pretty much bad Jay Z lyrics which don't help matters. I could listen Jay Z latest album if I wanted to hear that.  Jay Z verse is what I expect to hear from him this late into his career. Bragging about his expensive taste, and how rich he is.

This song too be honest would not have been hit if it wasn't for this power couple. I couldn't imagine anybody else getting this level of success from this song. (#2 on the Billboard Hot 100)  Less Beyonce in 2015 would be great.

Pop Radioplay in 2015: Once in a blue moon.


5. Jason Derulo - "Trumpets."

Jason Derulo was huge in 2014 mounting a big comeback this year from his neck injury in 2012. Jason Derulo singles seem to get worse as the year went on from "Talk Dirty" to "Wiggle" to the current single, "Trumpets." I prefer the sleazy Jason Derulo in the club to the emotional Jason Derulo. Crying and autotune sound like nails on a chalkboard to me.  Worst single is still, "Marry Me" from the project.

"Trumpets" is the unfortunate continuation of Derulo's softer side and his vocals are painful to listen too. In the song Derulo compares his love to many of the girl features to artists on the radio. Katy Perry, Coldplay, and Kanye West to name a few. 

"Is it weird" that I don't like this song? Absolutely not. While the instrumentation is pretty good and catchy, the lyrics and singing are just dreadful. Derulo's opening vocal is just plain awful. This is a perfect storm for a really bad Jason Derulo song.

I expect to hear less of him in 2015.

Pop Radioplay in 2015: Small amount while we wait for another Jason Derulo single.

Arriving soon number 3 & 4 on the worst list.

DJ Earworm - United State of Pop 2014 ( Do What You Wanna Do)

Here is DJ Earworm annual mashup of the biggest pop songs of this year. I like this mashup over last year version he made. He sums up the soft pop songs with the hard hitting hip hop pop tracks we had this year very well. The decline of edm produced singles is notable in 2014 in this version. A little too much Maroon 5 for my liking but otherwise a solid effort by Earworm. 

Worst Pop Songs of 2014 - Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the worst pop songs of 2014. This time I will be counting down number 7 and 8 on my personal list.

8. Nico & Vinz (Envy)  - "Am I Wrong"

You miss my basketball pass. I am now going to push my head into your shoulders. 

This song wins the award for the overplayed song on pop radio this year and is number 8 on the worst song list of 2014.  The recipe  for this song is simple: add some Police inspired instrumentation, and Akon like vocals to create an ultimate summer song. Sounds and looks like a good idea? The result is fruit cake. It is like eating fruit cake, and nobody likes that stuff. They just mailed it to relatives.

The song is dreadfully slow for the summer time.  The song is about being yourself, and not being someone else.  They used that idea as a band for keeping their style of music the same even when it could had been easier to intimidate someone else.   Am I wrong on the meaning of the song? 

While may I not like the song , the music video is amazing. Nico & Vinz (Envy) portray  Africa in a positive light, and for that I appreciate for what they did. 

The followup single takes what was unique and interesting about, "Am I Wrong", and throws it away. "In Your Arms" is more pop oriented in writing and production. It was a moderate pop hit, but I don't see America embracing them any more in the near future

Pop radio airplay in 2015: Strong. This was a defining song of 2014. I rather be wrong than right here to quote Envy here.


7.  A Great Big World - "Say Something" feat. Christina Aguilera

Say something or I am giving up on this drawing, you jerk.

This song is incredibly boring to me.  The light presentation of the instruments makes it seem it goes on forever, and doesn't seem to end.The piano playing is not particularly difficult either. In fact it is a pop song chord song. 

Christina does not add anything to this song to me. In fact any female vocalist could have contributed the same value. It smells of desperation to me for her to get on a hit song.  The song itself is a break up anthem where the narrator is about to give up and move on. I'm okay on the song message, just the presentation is boring, and not interesting.   A Great Big World future does not seem bright at least in pop music world. 

Link here is the remix I have heard on Open House Party, and used on mixshows. In case you need something a little less boring than the original. 

Pop radio play in 2015: Not likely. "All of Me" and "Stay with Me" were stronger and more memorable ballads. This song will get lost in the shuffle for ballads and ultimately will be forgotten.

These two songs were the two most boring songs on the countdown. Come back tomorrow for 5 and 6 on the list for the worst pop songs of 2014. 

Worst Pop Songs of 2014- Part 1

Welcome to the month of December. A month full of countdowns of the best and worst of the past year, and it would not be complete without counting down what pop music had to offer this year. Unfortunately pop music gave us some crappy songs in the past 12 months.


10. American Authors - "Best Day In My Life."

First impressions I had of this song was I listening to a radio commercial for Disney.  Nothing to me works with this song: the folk influences, the high pitched annoying vocals, or the way too commercialize chorus. It sounds just too record company influence on it. The lead singer vocals are too autotune to make me want to listen to this song. He could handle the song vocally without the autotune, and maybe I would not put the song on the countdown. It was honestly a good day in my life when I didn't hear this song on the radio.  Their follow up single, "Believer"  is more of the same, but it didn't bother me as much. 

2015 airplay prospects: Some rotation but overplay levels.

9. Aloe Blacc - "The Man" 

I just could never get into Aloe Blacc. There is something about his deep hearty vocals that just does not resonate with me well. Even on Avicii's "Wake Me Up" he was the worst part about it with his vocals.

 Hearing Aloe Blacc telling me he is a man made me laugh. The way he sings it sounds like he just found out he is a man. "Telling everybody" and "yes I am" that you just found you are guy is odd.  The beat is okay on this song, but I got tired of it after repeated listens.  His lyrics are unclear about him being a man of something. I rather you just tell me what you are being a man about which turn out to be nothing.  Add Aloe Blacc to the growing list of 2014 one hit wonders.

2015 airplay prospects: You won't hear this song ever again.

Coming soon part 2 - It gets a lot worse.

AMA Recap: The Good and the Bad.

Pop biggest nights are always the music award shows, and the awards never mean much anymore. Generally the American Music Awards are all about the performances, so each performance will be graded.  Trying to link the performances is hard due to all copyright, so I will not be posting the videos here.  I made it to Pitbull performance before my eyes decided to call it quits on the AMA's.   Here are my notes I took during the show.

1.     Taylor Swift – Blank Space

·        Seems to be some echo with her microphone on this song overall she doesn’t sound bad. Squares are a plenty on a stage, and we dance with picture frames. I guess it relates to the music video. I keep thinking she is saying starbuck lovers in the song.  Overall not bad performance and I am not a big Taylor fan. (3.5/5)

o  Pitbull may not a be a great rapper, but he knows how to pump up a crowd though not at the same level as Lil Jon. Dale! Pitbull may be mistaken on Obama policy on immigration as it is not sign into law just yet.

o   No surprise on the first award (pop/rock group)  going to One Direction as this is a fan voted award show but next year 5sos will be give them trouble for it.  They got a lot older looking the last time I saw them.

-         First Break –

o   More screaming girls for Charli XCX performance, Shocking! More for the good looking guy than Charli since she looks like Lorde.

2.      Charli XCX – “Boom Clap”

o   I have to admit this song is pretty freaking catchy is a runner for one of my favorite songs of the year. Simple performance and Charli XCX sounds pretty decent though where is the attitude I hear from her voice in the original song.  Probably one of those good, but forgettable performances, but who will be next.

o   Break the Rules- I feel like this song was more appropriate during the fall season rather than the winter .  I do like the rock feel of the song, and Charli XCX is one of the pop artist that can do rock and pop.  Also audio technical difficulties at the end of the performance. (3/5)

3.     Magic! Feat. Wyclef Jean - Rude

a.     Awful sounding vocals from Magic, but Wycelf Jean was too strong with the hype. He is trying his best Lil Jon impression. This was a bit of a letdown from the last two performance, and they sounded a bit out of tune at certain points in the song. Maybe this will cement  MAGIC as a one hit wonders. (1/5)

b.     Wyclef Jean is a legend in reggae?

-Second break –

-         Pitbull joke with Spanish viewers is already getting old. Up to three mentions.

-         Jamie Foxx looks good, but surprised the rap award went to Iggy. Popularity contest strikes again.

4.      5Sos – “What I like about you.”

-         A little high pitch for my ears, but the band sounded pretty good. A lot better than Amnesia.  One of band members has pink hair?  The punk side of them was favorably more enjoyable.  (3/5)

-         Break-

5.     Imagine Dragons – “I Bet My Life.”

a.     Mumford and Sons inspired single. This was a different side of Imagine Dragons than I was expecting though way better than Demons.  These guys always put on a good show, so I can't hate on them too much. (4/5)  

    This another make or break single for another group in the pop music landscape. Can they become the next big rock group on pop?

b.     Male Artist - Sam Smith deserves the award this year. Guy has been everywhere in 2014 and one of the brightest and best new talents in pop this year. Good choice America.

6.     Sam Smith – I’m not the only one

a.     Simple but sounds great.  Once again one of a better talents this year.  Not sure what Asap Rock adds to this song. I prefer just the sam smith only version. (3.5/5)

7.      Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX – Fancy

a.     Charli xcx sounds a bit off in the chorus. Iggy sounds okay

b.     “Beg for It” – IGGY sounds okay, but the fake American deep south accent has always bother me with Iggy. She can rap, but Fancy 2.0 somehow works better with me than Fancy. I guess it is less bratty than fancy. (3/5)

8.      Lorde – Yellow Flicker Beat

a.     She once again proves to be memorable force with her vocals and funny dance moves.  Lorde is another top talent and force to be reckon for many years to come. The song is pretty good. (4.5/5)

Enough of the taylor dancing shots.

9.     Ariana Grande – Love Me Harder

a.     Too much over singing on the previous singles. Hurts my ears. Control of the vocals is important.

b.     Ariana sounds okay on Love Me Harder. Sounded better on SNL.

c.      The Weeknd sounds great though I don’t know his work too well. I do like the song. (3/5)

10.                         Pitbull Ne Yo –“ Time of our lives”

a.     The party never dies with him.  Fireball is pretty good party track and I honestly Pitbull has never sounded better.

b.     Give Me Everything part 2. I like Ne- Yo but on party tracks his sad voice doesn’t work.  Also this song lacks the excitement of Fireball.

c.      Ne Yo seems to be doing more of work on this song. Pitbull is really the backseat on this.

d.     This will be a New Years anthem next month. Pitbull is a hit maker.

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