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.