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.