The final week of January and we have some amazing singles once again. February, you are on warning, January was incredible. This week there's new music from Nathaniel, Zara Larsson, James Blunt, Major Lazer, Keyshia Cole and two new Nelly Furtado tracks - just to name a few.
So take a look at our list and let us know which of these songs you love too.
Good music elicits emotions, it can shape moods and make you feel euphoric. When you discover an album that you really love, it gives you sheer bliss to play it, Ariana Grande's third album, "Dangerous Woman", is one such album.
Officially the sixth single from Nicki Minaj's brilliant rap opus, "The Pinkprint". "The Night Is Still Young" is the most fun song on the album, and one I have struggled to get out of my internal jukebox over the past month.
Single number three from the brilliant "Rebel Heart" album and it's a divisive one. This loud, brash and arrogant song hasn't pleased some, but for me, it's just how I love my Madonna - iconic!
So this is it, last day of the year and the last ten songs in my top 50 songs of 2014 countdown. What a great year in music and these songs really were at the top for me. Please let me know below what your favourite song of the year was.
10: Bittersweet - Kasey Chambers & Bernard Fanning
Duets between amazing artists can be an extraordinary thing, and this country rock ballad more than proves the point. Individually they are two of Australia's best and most unique vocalists and together they are even stronger. This is an eloquent and haunting song of a failed love. Kasey Chambers continues to make incredible music and I, for one, think we're all better for it.
9: Monument - Royksopp & Robyn
Speaking of great collaborations, the combination of Robyn and Royksopp this year was an amazing one. This lush track, the opener to their E.P highlights the wonders of Royksopp's production and the brilliance of Robyn's vocals. This is a stark dance ballad with limited instrumentation and a hook that will get stuck in your "internal jukebox". A beautiful track!
8: Shower - Becky G
I'd really only known Becky G for featuring on other people's songs (Cher Lloyd and Cody Simpson), so hearing this song was a great surprise. It's a pretty damn spot on pop song, it's breezy, light and catchy. Produced by wonder producer Dr Luke this instantly had hit written all over it and is just the kind of song I like. I can't wait to hear more from her.
7: Ugly Heart - G.R.L
A sad entry in the list with the suicide this year of one of the girls, Simone Battle. But this song is a great legacy, a brilliant pop song with five amazing harmonies and some very fun lyrics. This is an infectious song that was a massive hit here in Australia, and rightfully so. Rightfully placed in the top ten of best pop songs of the year.
6: Ghost - Ella Henderson
This debut single from former X-Factor contestant Ella Henderson is something special, and pretty much as good as debut singles get. This is a rich pop song, with a soulful depths and a catchy hook. Then there's Henderson's breathy vocals which are spot on. This dominated airwaves in 2014 and certainly dominated my playlist at home - a track I'll keep returning to in years to come.
5: Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
Entry four for Ariana Grande, three for Nicki Minaj and the first for Jessie J on the list (though "Burnin Up" almost made the list). This is a superstar collaboration from three superstars, a diva off with three women who know how to carry a song. Jessie J sounds flawless, Grande is becoming royalty and Minaj delivers one of her best guest verses in years. Highly addictive stuff with a very fun song.
4: Braveheart - Neon Jungle
I've been a big fan of girl groups for years, and it was pretty exciting to be introduced to this UK four piece this year. This is a beast of a track, a killer dance beat with an infectious chorus and great rap from the girls. This was released very early in the year, but still remained a favourite throughout the year. This is a song I love to turn up very loud and sing happily along to. Great pop.
3: Sirens - Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd is an artist I have a lot of time for, her first album featured some incredible pop songs; but this release from her second album is her best track to date. This is a serious pop ballad from Lloyd who gets a chance to showcase her amazing vocals over some very heartfelt lyrics. The combination works in the emotive song that I have played more times than most other songs this year. If you haven't heard it, give it a go - it's a great song.
2: Do It Again - Royksopp & Robyn
Second Robyn / Royksopp song in the Top ten for the year and Robyn's finest ever song (and that's saying something, cause I adore "Dancing On My Own"). This is an incredible party anthem with a very rich dance beat and some brilliant vocals from Robyn. This year you didn't get better electro pop than this, marvellous in every way.
1: Chandelier - Sia
And here we are at number one, and there was no doubt for me this song was the best for the whole year. I have adored Sia this year, this is her 4th song in this countdown, but this was her best - by a long way. I cannot praise this song enough, so very rich in sound. It sounds like an incredible party anthem but really tells the story of Sia's demise into alcoholism. Stuff for the heart and for the dancefloor. Then there's the pop culture phenomenon film clip starring Maddie from Dance Moms. Love. This. Song.
So that's it, my favourite song of the year, what was yours? Tell me in the comments section below.
Well it's that time of the year again, time to highlight the best tracks of the year - and there have been some great songs this year. In fact I compiled a list of about 80 songs I liked this year and whittled it down to 50. Now this is a very pop based list, after all, it's a very pop blog! (If you hate pop, this list isn't for you). So here goes, here's the first 20:
50: Night Changes - One Direction
The 1D boys released this great little ballad as single two from their "Four" album. I liked the song at first, but was unsure if it should be the second single. But this song's a grower, so after a few listens I was in, completely. The boys vocals soar here, especially Zayn's. A worthy first song to start the countdown.
49: You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile - Sia
Okay, yes, it is from the ":Annie" soundtrack but come on, it's Sia. And Sia is definitely my favourite artist of the year. This is a fun little ditty, a song familiar to most of us; add Sia's signature vocals and it's a winner. I think I've had this song stuck in my head for the past month. Still don't want to see the movie though!
48: Bed of Lies (featuring Skylar Grey) - Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj also had a great year with a solid album that was her most consistent to date. It's more grown up and this songs proves it. Based in her hip hop roots, this ballad also has a great folk feel and a stunning chorus by Skylar Grey. More successful in Australia than anywhere else, this is Minaj at her best.
47: Crazy Stupid Love (featuring Tinie Tempah) - Cheryl
Good pop songs should be infectious, and this UK number one song is just that. A stomping dance track and a catchy melody, combined with Cheryl's great vocals make for a super track that is made for dancing. Just a shame this song was only a minor hit here in Australia.
46: Crying For No Reason - Katy B
I've been loving Katy B since I heard her second single, "Lights Out" in 2010. She's never really taken off in Australia, but that hasn't stopped me loving every one of her releases. There is something pretty stunning about this electronic ballad released way back in January. Lyrically it's beautiful, so are Katy B's vocals. If you haven't checked it out yet, have a listen - it's great!
45: Rick James (featuring Juicy J) - Keyshia Cole
This one could easily be written off a novelty track, an ode to a man who has himself become a novelty, Rick James. There's some pretty funny lyrics here, "Feet up on your couch, yeah bitch I'm Rick James". This a great hip-hop track with Keyshia Cole's trademark soaring vocals, in a top song about not being a victim in a relationship. Didn't chart anywhere, so you may not have heard it, check it out - I love it!
44: Maps - Maroon 5
Maroon 5 doesn't often appear in my favourite songs of the year, it's not that I don't like them, I do, I just don't always love their songs. "Maps" is my favourite Maroon 5 song since "Moves Like Jagger". It's a catchy pop rock song that as usual has Adam Levine's unique vocals at the forefront. Let's hope more Maroon 5 songs are more like this in future!
43: Pyschosocial - Brooke Fraser
Brooke Fraser's fourth album saw a major departure from the acoustic work of her past work. Brooke worked with new producers and an electronic sound that she showcased on this preview single from the album. It's darkly beautiful and Fraser's vocals are haunting. Lyrically it's also great, the words, "I love your protection but I don't love you", get me every time. A wonderful track.
42: Heart Beats Slow - Angus & Julia Stone
The Aussie brother and sister duo returned with a vengeance this year in this upbeat guitar driven track that sees the duo share lead vocals in a fun back and forth delivery. It's very Australian and also very catchy. The duo's vocals soar and it's a great fun song, an unexpected favourite of mine for the year.
41: Love Me Harder - Ariana Grande & The Weeknd
The first of many Ariana Grande tracks on this list. This one is less pop than her other tracks, this R&B infused track sounds more grown up. Grande and The Weeknd sound great together in this amazing track that make take a while to get stuck in your head, but once it's there, it'll be stuck there for weeks. A good track indeed.
40: Break Free (featuring Zedd) - Ariana Grande
Back to back Grande. This is a lush pop dance track that's highly addictive. Sure, the lyrics are a little silly but the beat is infectious. With this album Grande showed she was the heir apparent to Mariah Carey with her amazing vocals and clever tracks. This one in particular ticked all the right boxes to make a hit.
39: Super Love - Dami Im
This was Dami Im's first non X-Factor single and it's a great one from the former winner of the show. It's pretty simple, it's just a catchy pop song with sing along lyrics and spot on vocals from Im. Often winners of these shows aren't deserving, but it was clear that Im is one of the best talent show produced talents in years. "Gladiator" was also a great track this year!
38: Kings & Queens - Brooke Fraser
Track two on the list for talented Kiwi and the first proper single from her amazing album. This lush pop track is a showcase for Fraser's amazing vocals. It's a shame she has received no airplay for this song in Australia. It's a bloody good song, don't take my word for it, listen to it above. It's bloody awesome!
37: Eye of the Needle - Sia
Sia's second track on the list, this was a promo single released after "Chandelier". There's a reason why Sia has been a songwriter for hire over the past few years, she knows what's she doing. This is a great track that is all about showcasing Sia's unique vocals. My highlight of the song, the one strained note towards the end, so much raw emotion. Sia is pretty damn good!
36: Secrets - Mary Lambert
Mary Lambert is most famous for being the openly lesbian female vocalist in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Same Love". It's great to see her back and in fine form. This is a very clever track where Lambert sheds all her layers to show her faults. It makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it warms my heart. It's also become a theme song for a close friend, so it has to be in this list for the best of the year.
35: My Song 5 (featuring A$AP Ferg) - HAIM
HAIM's first album was a great surprise, such a strong debut and some great singles released. So I was quite surprised when they re-recorded this track with A$AP Ferg. But you know what? It works, really well. The darkness added with the hip-hop elements make this one of the most intriguing songs of the year. Plus, then there's the great film clip starring Vanessa Bayer from "Saturday Night Live".
34: Fancy (featuring Charlie XCX) - Iggy Azalea
It was hard to go anywhere in 2014 and not hear this catchy track from Australia's biggest ever rap superstar, Iggy Azalea. This song took the world by storm and it's easy to see why - Azalea's rap sounds effortless, XCX's chorus is a winner and the film clip is great. Plus, I walked around for ages saying, "First thing first I'm a realistic". Even if this is her biggest hit ever, it'll go down as a classic.
33: Yellow Flicker Beat - Lorde
Lorde's a pretty fascinating celebrity, it has been fun to see her friendship with Taylor Swift growing and her love of the music industry. Even better, her music shines. This track from the latest "Hunger Games" film is a winner and a natural evolution from the tracks on her debut album. She's getting more accomplished as a songwriter and her vocals are sounding amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
32: URL Badman - Lily Allen
I'll be honest, Lily Allen's "Sheezus" album wasn't as strong as her previous albums, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its highlights. "Hard Out Here" was on my top list last year, and this year "URL Badman" proudly takes a position. It seems Allen is at her strongest when she is making satirical music, and this one, about her internet haters, is insightful, funny and a bloody good song.
31: One - Ed Sheeran
Though it wasn't an official single from the wonderful "X" album, this was released as an album teaser and still charted across the world. While I love the rest of the album, this is my favourite track. This self deprecating ballad about the loss of a love is wonderful. Lyrically it's spot on and vocally he sounds as good as he ever has. What a shame "Home & Away" have hijacked this song for their promos.
*Tune in tomorrow for the next 20 songs*
What's your favourite song of the year? Tell me in the comments section below:
Thank you Madonna for my Christmas present! Six new tracks! Of course it all came about controversially. Some idiot leaked the album, a few songs at first, now most of the album has been leaked. Madonna, naturally, was majorly peeved and combated it by putting the album for pre-order on iTunes, expected to be released in March. And as a thanks for pre-ordering the album you get 6 new tracks. Screw you Santa, Madonna is my new Christmas favourite.
Now I guess this is where I should give a disclaimer to people who don't know me - I am a massive Madonna fan. I have a Madonna tattoo and did a one-man show in Melbourne and Sydney this year called, "Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna". She is my home girl and will always be.
Over the past few years there has been a lot of unwarranted dirt heaped on Madonna. People say she's too old and should cover up more. Such a sexist comment, male singers can still do what they like. And so many 50+ actors do shirtless scenes all the time and are considered sex symbols still. Back off haters. And then there's people complaining that Madonna should be doing music like her old stuff and not making current music. Um hello, she needs to evolve. And she evolves so well. While there are many critics of the last two albums, I personally loved them. And now it seems like Madonna is taking it to the next level with the new album, she has some exciting collaborations on the horizon and once again she is going to prove she is truly a pop culture phenomenon. People wouldn't talk about her so much if she wasn't still the Queen of Pop. Long may she reign!
1 - Living For Love
What a perfect start to the album, and let's hope this stays at the first single. This is classic Madonna. A great thumping pop song with Madonna sounding great. Lyrically it's uplifting and perfect. It's co-written by the wonderful Alicia Keys, who also offers some spot on backing vocals. From the opening refrain, I was in, hook,line and sinker. What a song. This is already my summer anthem and will be on repeat for quite some time.
2 - Devil Pray
I've said it a lot, a helluva a lot, Madonna is an amazing lyricist. This track continues the thread, lyrically sounding a lot like some of the great tracks from "American Life". A track about the dangers of excess and being at the bottom but still having hope for the future. It starts as a simple guitar ballad but with the help of some great production by Avicii and Blood Diamond it's turned into a great stomping dance track. A great album track.
3 - Ghost Town
This one has been a favourite of many Madonna fans, a sweeping ballad that is really a showcase for Madonna's sweet vocals, she sounds as good as she ever has. This is a hauntingly beautiful track that shows the evolution of Madonna as a singer and songwriter. "When it all falls down, we'll be two souls in a ghost town". It's stuff for the heart, an amazing ballad to add to the long list of classic Madonna ballads.
4 - Unapologetic Bitch
We move on to a newer Madonna, one who loves to use more hints of R&B. Some fans aren't as keen when she moves away from pop, but I love this sound. Her voice suits these attitude induced songs perfectly. This song is also happily laced with a reggae edge. Fuck I love this song. It is so much fun. Madonna has attitude and she is unafraid to show it. "It might sound like I'm an unapologetic bitch, but sometimes you know I've got to call it like it is." This could easily be a track for an artist like Rihanna, but let's face it, Madonna handles it better than anyone else could.
5 - Illuminati
Here's another fun song, but juxtaposed with a very dark and dirty dance beat delivered by the one and only Kanye West (P.S I love that these two are friends, so much attitude, so much fun!). Here's Madonna taking the piss out of the whole Illuminati legend, dropping a whole lot of names from Beyonce to the Queen. It's also a great dance song, "It's like everybody in this party shining like Illuminati", and shine it does. I have danced around my loungeroom many times to this great song already. A top song.
6 - Bitch I'm Madonna
Oh yes she is. In an industry where people are constantly claiming they are someone, here's an artist who really is all that. Bitch, she's Madonna. A legend, an icon and I love that she's embracing it. She doesn't need modesty, she's Madonna - an artist so many want to emulate. Here's another very fun song, this is looking like it's going to be a really fun album. Nicki Minaj is clearly a Madonna fan and offers her third rap verse to a Madonna track (after "Give Me All Your Lovin'" and the wonderful "I Don't Give A") - the two really do work well together. This track makes me smile, and I just love the way Madonna sings her own name. A perfect final sneak peak for the fans, this is a wonderful track.
So what's your favourite of the six tracks? I really do love them all, but really can't go past the sheer brilliance of "Living For Love". Tell me your favourite track in the comments section below.
Nicki Minaj may be the most divisive artist in music right now. People seem to love her or hate her. Some see her as an opposition to feminism, others herald her as the savior of rap. As for me, I think she's pretty awesome. Musically I've always liked her more melodic and pop numbers, not as a big a fan of her hardcore rap work - though certainly not a hater of it. Sometimes with big pop artists, particularly women, the image takes over and the music is overlooked. On this album, Nicki Minaj attempts to put the music back to the forefront.
Let's not forget that Nicki Minaj is the world's most successful female rapper. This is a male dominated field, and it proves how amazing she is, that's she been able to rise to the top. Now her albums have been a little all over the place in the past. A bit pop, a bit dance, a bit hardcore hip-hop. With this album, she finally manages to tie it all together with her most solid work to date.
This is essentially a pop/hip-hop album that's the work of an emotional adult that both loves and hates her fame. There is a lot of balladry on this album, and that excites me. It shows that Minaj is evolving as a performer and it gives her a chance to showcase her emotional side. The album is slickly produced, with Dr Luke, in particular, doing some amazing work. There's also some great guest work, but it is Minaj who shines on this great record.
Let's talk singles, and amazingly there has already been four before the album came out. First single, "Pills n Potions" is a gem. Sure it didn't set the charts a light, but it was a perfect intro to the album. A triumphant piano track about loving a lover who's wronged you. This is one of my favourite tracks of the year, and Minaj's singing shines here.
Second single "Anaconda" is a pop music phenomenon. I was teaching drama to children this year and they were obsessed with the song. I also saw endless Facebook posts complaining about the song. Congratulations whingers, you fell into Minaj's trap. This is her highest charting song of all time. Is it any good? It's fun, it's rude, it's easy to sing along with. By no means is it the best song on the album, but it didn't need to be. It was Minaj's return to her hip-hop roots and proved she is a complete pop icon. And that film clip, I love it. It will be spoken about for years to come.
This where it gets strange, she released two singles very close together, the hip-hop heavy, "Only", featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and the wanker Chris Brown, and the piano driven, almost folk sounding, "Bed of Lies", featuring Skylar Grey. Such very different songs, I guess "Only" is going to be bigger in the states, while "Bed of Lies" is a commercial friendly tune for the rest of the world (it's currently top ten here in Australia). Lyrically I'm a fan of "Only", it's probably just a little too hip-hop for me. However, "Bed of Lies" is a bloody good song. Another honest track from Minaj, unafraid to show her vulnerable side. And the chorus is amazing.
The remaining 12 tracks are also a great mixed bag. There's a few stand outs. My favourite non-single belongs to "The Crying Game", a soulful pop ballad with a stunning chorus featuring amazing British songstress Jessie Ware. "All Things Go" is an emotive and political ballad about the price of fame, the loss of a child in her teens and her cousin's murder. It's hard hitting and haunting. Party anthem, "The Night Is Still Young" should be the next single. This is a perfect EDM dance track that will be popular in clubs. "Grand Piano" is a stunning piano ballad that showcases not only Minaj's rap, but her beautiful singing voice. I also loved the reggae track, Trini Dem Girls" and the Jeremiah featured, "Favourite".
It's interesting that possibly the weakest song on the album is the one with the most pedigree. Katy Perry was a co-writer on "Get On Your Knees" and Ariana Grande lends guest vocals. It should be better than it is.
But in all, this is a fantastic album, and Nicki Minaj's strongest to date. It's certainly taken me from a casual to a full time fan! Enjoy your reign Nicki Minaj, you deserve it!
So what's your favourite Nicki Minaj song? She's certainly released some great songs, and featured on some other great tunes. I could cheat and pick Madonna's "Give Me All Your Lovin'" but I think it's only fair to pick a song that's hers. I adore "Pills n Potions" and "Bed of Lies", "Super Bass" and "Starships" were great dance inspired hits and "Va Va Voom" was a great pop ballad, but I have a definite favourite. "Moment 4 Life", featuring Drake is such a great song, very inspirational, "Cause everyone dies but not everyone lives". If you haven't listened, please do - it's a solid track.
What's your favourite Nicki Minaj song? Tell me in the comments section below.
