Wumbo Ranks Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Charts! (Ahhh, the deed is done.)

[SG19]

Looks like Wumbo misinterpreted the Hammer line like Clappy did. I'm just gonna copy/paste Nugget's analyzation of Holy Grail because I don't think I could've said it better myself:

 

"As I'm sure you know, Holy Grail is a song about the upsides and downsides of fame, and how fickle and cruel it can be ("One day you're here, one day you're there, one day you care, it's so unfair"). The Hammer line isn't Jay comparing himself to Hammer, especially considering he's taken shots at Hammer in the past. Jay is using Hammer as an example of fame gone wrong, because MC Hammer fell into the traps of fame and went bad for it.

It's the same with the Tyson line. Tyson's not forgotten, but the fame he garnered nearly destroyed his life. And the "fame cheating on me" line is because fame cheats on everyone that's famous. It seems like a great thing, but it comes with paparazzi, no sense of privacy, and pressure from the media, etc. ("You got my laundry in the streets, dirty or clean...Give it up for fame") Jay then talks about how he takes fame back anyway, then explaining that that's his fault. It's never explicitly stated whether this was a good or bad decision, and that sets up the duality of the whole song."

 

 

I think Jay-Z is aware of how famous he is. He enjoys the attention, but knows that it can be become dangerous when it overpowers you or goes to your head. Just look what happened with Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, etc.

[Clappy]

Looks like Wumbo misinterpreted the Hammer line like Clappy did. I'm just gonna copy/paste Nugget's analyzation of Holy Grail because I don't think I could've said it better myself:

"As I'm sure you know, Holy Grail is a song about the upsides and downsides of fame, and how fickle and cruel it can be ("One day you're here, one day you're there, one day you care, it's so unfair"). The Hammer line isn't Jay comparing himself to Hammer, especially considering he's taken shots at Hammer in the past. Jay is using Hammer as an example of fame gone wrong, because MC Hammer fell into the traps of fame and went bad for it.

It's the same with the Tyson line. Tyson's not forgotten, but the fame he garnered nearly destroyed his life. And the "fame cheating on me" line is because fame cheats on everyone that's famous. It seems like a great thing, but it comes with paparazzi, no sense of privacy, and pressure from the media, etc. ("You got my laundry in the streets, dirty or clean...Give it up for fame") Jay then talks about how he takes fame back anyway, then explaining that that's his fault. It's never explicitly stated whether this was a good or bad decision, and that sets up the duality of the whole song."

I think Jay-Z is aware of how famous he is. He enjoys the attention, but knows that it can be become dangerous when it overpowers you or goes to your head. Just look what happened with Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, etc.

You know, I do respect Nuggets for proving his interpretation of the lyrics and at points I feel conflicted when I hear this song and think of his interpretation. I really don't know if Jay-Z wrote all of this in mind using Hammer/Tyson as a comparison of fame gone wrong or how he worries about fading into obscurity like Hammer/Tyson. But a few months after this whole discussion, I'm standing by my review and that I did not misinterpret the lyrics. I'm glad Wumbo is on the same side.

I don't care who is right or who is wrong. SG, the great thing about music is that everyone has their own opinion. Like even though Wumbo debates that I'm wrong about the chorus of Clarity, I still think the chorus is dumb. Hell, look at the last page with the back and forth between him and I over the position of some of those songs already listed.

As for me, I don't think Holy Grail is necessarily a bad song. I think it's a massive letdown of a song between two of my favorite talents of all-time. It's okay. I just wish it wasn't so dragged out and had to tackle a subject matter that neither of these two should be singing/rapping about with their financial status/lasting legacies in Hollywood.

[Wumbo]

Even if that interpretation is right, that's pretty much all he has for his "fame is bad!" thesis in the first verse. "Yeah, uh, fame is bad because... MC Hammer! Mike Tyson! Kurt Cobain! Good night everybody!" (By the way, why the hell is Justin singing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" like somebody's drunken uncle?) By the time he lists actual, identifiable reasons like the paparazzi, it's too late and I've already turned off the song.

 

Anyway, because I always like to end on a high note, I'm starting with my...

 

Bottom 10 Songs of 2013

 

Spoiler

91. "Wake Me Up!" - Avicii

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcrbM1l_BoI

 

There's been a lot of EDM this year. Some good, some bad. But none as incompetent, confusing, and effortless as this. It's like they weren't even trying with the lyrics. Of the few I can make sense of, they don't sound as inspirational as the music would have you believe:

 

They tell me I'm too young to understand

They say I'm caught up in a dream

Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes

Well that's fine by me

 

"I have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." - JFK

"Life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes, but that's fine by me." - Avicii

 

Even the part of the song where the title comes from: "Wake me up when it's all over"? If you're gonig for a sad, despondent song, don't pump it up with folksy guitar and some kind of overblown techno riff. By the way, Avicii actually does very little work on this song. He doesn't sing (Aloe Blacc) or play the guitar (Incubus' Mike Einziger). Of course, I wouldn't want to be credited on this song either, but holy shit man. Way to take all the credit for playing the same 4-second loop over and over at different frequencies.

 

Spoiler

92. "Cups (Pitch Perfect's When I'm Gone)" - Anna Kendrick

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSbXsFE3l8

 

This girl was not ready for a singing career. Everything about this song is very safe, even the cup percussion, which is at least an interesting idea, but doesn't execute well at all. If there was ever a song not to promote a movie, this barrage of bland is it. Hell, why doesn't Rebel Wilson release a hit song? That might actually be interesting. I never want to watch "2 Girls, 1 Cup", but it can't be much worse than "1 Girl, Too Many Fucking Cups and Not Enough Interest".

 

Spoiler

93. "Come & Get It" - Selena Gomez

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-D1EB74Ckg

 

Selena, let's just get right to the point here: what the fuck are you doing?

 

When you're ready come and get it

Na na na na

 

I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure this song is supposed to be "sexy". So why does the chorus sound like a mother cooking for her eight children? All that's missing is the dinner bell.

 

You ain't gotta worry, it's an open invitation

I'll be sittin' right here, real patient

All day, all night, I'll be waitin' standby

Can't stop because I love it, hate the way I love you

All day, all night, maybe I'm addicted for life, no lie.

 

I couldn't even single anything out from this shit verse because it just sucks that badly. You're just gonna be... sitting there? That's what you want us to imagine? Sitting and waiting? Jack Johnson at least threw "wishing" in there.

 

And baby once I get it, I'm yours no take backs.

 

"No take backs"? What, is this a game on the schoolyard now? Punch buggy DIE.

 

One more awful thing this song does is show just how limited Selena Gomez's vocal range is. Listening to her sing the bridge is less painful and more just straight pathetic. I know I criticize artists for playing it safe with their vocals, but honey, play it safe. Go & stay away from "Come & Get It".

 

Spoiler

94. "Started From The Bottom" - Drake

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RubBzkZzpUA

 

You know, one thing Drake fails to do again and again and again is SHOW SOME GODDAMN EMOTION. For God's sake, this song is to you what "Juicy" was to Biggie Smalls and you sound like your aunt just died or something!

 

Not that it really deserves the clout Biggie gives "Juicy", because these lyrics are absolute garbage. You see, this is a song about how Drake came up from the lowest of the low. The worst of the worst. And he rose to the top, and became the best-selling artist he is today. And how does he show it in his chorus?

 

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team fucking here

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team here, nigga

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now my whole team here, nigga

Started from the bottom now we're here

Started from the bottom now the whole team fucking here

 

You suck. You really, really suck.

 

Okay, well, that's just the chorus. Maybe, as in "Juicy", he details some of the problems at "the bottom".

 

Working all night, traffic on the way home

 

OH MY GOD, NOT TRAFFIC ON THE WAY HOME! ANYTHING BUT THAT!

 

Seriously, the worst that it gets is he argues with his mom and he borrows his uncle's car. And then the second verse is just:

 

Boys tell stories about the man

Say I never struggled, wasn't hungry, yeah, I doubt it, nigga

I could turn your boy into the man

There ain't really much I hear that's poppin' off without us, nigga

We just want the credit where it's due

I'm a worry about me, give a fuck about you

Nigga, just as a reminder to myself

I wear every single chain, even when I'm in the house

 

Well, given your rebuttal of "I HAD TRAFFIC ON THE WAY HOME", I can imagine why people might not think you didn't have it too rough. That, and your starring role on FUCKING DEGRASSI.

 

We don't like to do too much explaining

 

Ay, there's the rub.

 

I'm spending way too much time on this moron. Even the music is boring. It sounds like something you'd use to put your baby to sleep. What the hell is 95?

 

Spoiler

95. "I Knew You Were Trouble." - Taylor Swift

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNoKguSdy4Y

 

Oh right, there was this, the quintessential Taylor Swift song. And that's about as far from a compliment as I can get. I don't feel like regurgitating, so go click on my review of her album and read my thoughts there. But hurry back!

 

Spoiler

96. "Scream & Shout" - will.i.am ft. Britney Spears

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtGl1dX5qI

 

Looks like I'll have to take Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's title away for "least competent duet of 2013". I don't think I need to tell you why will.he.stop.making.music featuring legendary has-been Britney Spears sucks. But I will anyway. Actually, the lyrics themselves do a perfect job:

 

I wanna scream and shout, and let it all out

And scream, and shout, and let it out

 

Yep. That's exactly what I want to do whenever I hear this toxic waste pit for the ears.

 

Everybody let's lose control

 

Control of competence, songwriting, and music completely lost, yes.

 

Let's let it blow, blow, blow

 

And blow it does.

 

It goes on and on and on and on

 

Unfortunately.

 

Look, there's nothing about this that even has an ounce of good. In fact, every time I listen to it, I can find a new thing wrong with it. Boring beat, terrible chorus, awful vocals, lack of effort,

 

 

Spoiler

97. "We Can't Stop" - Miley Cyrus

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrUvu1mlWco

 

Much like will.i.am's song goes on, and on, and on and on, Miley Cyrus can't stop. Oh, why do the bad ones never go away?

 

Look, some may find "Wrecking Ball" worse than this, and I can respect those people. But the reason this song scores so low for me is that on those long nights in 2013 when insomnia struck me, what song would play over and over again in my head?

 

THIS. FUCKING. ONE.

 

I could not escape it. I could not break free of the world's most depressing party song violating my ears. I pounded the pillow. Make it stop, make it stop, for the love of Virgin Mary, MAKE. IT. STOP.

 

So "Wrecking Ball" came around and wasn't nearly as infectious, and I embraced "Wrecking Ball". Upon retrospect, not that it had any merits of its own, but that it was not "We Can't Stop". I can respect things that aren't "We Can't Stop".

 

Seriously, this is the modern-day suicide song. Could you stop, Miley? Please?

 

Spoiler

98. "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyDUC1LUXSU

 

So much controversy over a stupid, stupid song. I don't think I would have put this so low, below both Miley Cyrus songs for God's sake, if I didn't have to keep hearing about how "Blurred Lines" is the summer anthem, or "Blurred Lines" rapes women in dark alleyways, or "Blurred Lines" is actually a feminist anthem underneath it all, or Robin Thicke sounds like a porn star's name (the only indisputable point, I think).

 

Look, I can see both viewpoints, and I'm not about to ignore the giant elephant in the room that some of the lyrics are questionable:

 

I hate these blurred lines

I know you want it

(Voice of Satan): I know you want it

I know you want it

 

You see, the "blurred line" here is the line between consensual and non-consensual sex, according to some people. Yeah, pretty questionable stuff. But I think there's actually a lyric here that skeeves me out more:

 

Do it like it hurt, like it hurt

What you don't like work?

 

Yeah, this is not a good time for both parties.

 

But that's just my personal standpoint, and that's enough for me to maybe rank it around 75-ish. But the sheer fact that "Blurred Lines" would not go away, that we have a bunch of feminist parodies that, to be honest, suck in their own right, that it's being called the number one song of the summer just infuriates me. I can't stand anything about this song now. I wish people would shut up about it. I wish Clarence the Guardian Angel would come so that "Blurred Lines" had never been born at all, and the world would be a much better place. Fuck this song, fuck everything that it started, and fuck Pharrell for going "Woo!" and saving it from rock bottom.

 

Spoiler

99. "U.O.E.N.O." - Rocko ft. Future & Rick Ross

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfEDBKx48FA

 

See, here's the thing about "Blurred Lines"' questionable lyrics: They're questionable. There's a case for them that can be made to support the "feminist anthem" theory.

 

That is not the case with this song.

 

Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it

I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain't even know it

 

Nope, nope, nope. There is no possible other way those lyrics can be interpreted, that is rape right there. Plain and simple. And if Rick Ross is honestly going to tell me otherwise, then he's a bigger moron than I anticipated.

 

This song is so fucking unpleasant and stupid all the way through. What is this "U.O.E.N.O." garbage anyway? What's the point? Why not just say "you don't even know"? Are you trying to impress us by knowing how to pronounce letters? Also, again, it has Future, the antimatter to music. How is this guy popular? He sounds like a constipated wolverine every time he belches out a new syllable. Everything about this song is completely awful, and it definitely deserves to be the #1 worst song of 2013. But then again, we also had... well, just click on the next spoiler tab.

 

Spoiler

100. "Harlem Shake" - Baauer

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV0LHCHf-pE

 

Fuck this Antichrist, overhyped, shit-spewing, dog-fucking, inbred, foul-smelling, garbage-eating, ear-pummeling, Satanic, circlejerking, brain-shattering, rage-inducing, spine-bending, genocide-convincing, craptastic excuse for an excuse for an excuse for a song. And the stupid fad, too. This was the fourth most popular song of 2013. I hope you're all pleased with yourselves, that this dung-flinging, mood-killing, brainless, Obama-defacing, Jesus-weep-inducing, Rob-Ford-supporting, trash-farting *gets taken away by mental professionals to my happy place*

[Sweat]

I see you like Harlem Shake.

[Clappy]

Yeah I had a feeling you would put Blurred Lines this low. I try to not let overplay affect my opinion of a song, but Blurred Lines not going away helped show how rapey the song was. It's not going to be in my Bottom 10, nor was it even considered for me because Blurred Lines is just a stupid song with a very good sampling of Marvin Gaye that I still love. However, if I did what you did, I think the 60-80 range might be where I have put Blurred Lines.

[Steel Sponge]

91. Would it be bad to say that I liked "Wake me Up?" That I really liked "Wake me Up?" I have more talk about Avicii, but furthermore, being a DJ, he might has well have not much credit, but you made your point that he was only around during the song 10% of the time.

 

Speaking of DJ's, on Calvin Harris' "I Need Your Love," to me it wasn't that bad, I probably nearly like it the same as "Sweet Nothing." How I would get into Calvin's music is questionable, some are good like "Let's Go," "Sweet Nothing" and "I Need Your Love." Some are bad like "Drinking from the Bottle" and "Feel so Close."

 

92. For a Pitch Perfect song, it makes me wonder why "Let's Go" didn't manage to make it to the Year-End Hot 100. I've probably never heard this song regardless. To change the subject, I didn't like the Pitch Perfect movie IMO.

 

93. If I were to acknowledge Selena's influence on Rihanna on this song for you, then I ought to say it gets annoying in the song. I haven't got much to say except that I don't really hate this song.

 

94. I'm obviously not a rap fan to really care for "Started From the Bottom."

 

95. I've heard this song before and it's been in my head for a short time. This song is just meh.

 

96. No comment.

 

97. Miley Cyrus did a good job reinventing herself, but growing up too much in a hurry in return with her VMA's perfomance, collaborating with Mike Will Made-it, getting naked in the "Wrecking Ball" music video, yeah I'm blatantly stating the obvious here. Bottom line, listening to "We Can't Stop" feels like something just died inside of me.

 

98. Blurred Lines making it to the top is what I saw coming. It's a bad song in some ways I can't explain at this time. This is the song that was so successful that shared a spot with "Thrift Shop?" The music video adds up to what ruins it, plastering hashtags all over the video. Thicke, you're shooting a music video, you're not on Twitter! In fact, the music video isalso what I consider "so adult that it burns."

 

99. Never heard.

 

100. To put it simply, it's a hit single that reached memetic status and eventually dropped to dead meme status whereas I shouldn't care about the song itself anymore.

 

You can tell I've only heard less than half of the Year-End Hot 100 songs, so just bear with me.

[Wumbo]

Clappy... Robin Gaye? xD

[Clappy]

Clappy... Robin Gaye? xD

I got autocorrected...didn't I? xD

[Wumbo]

All right, now that i'm in my happy place thanks to those kind men in white suits, i can talk about my...

 

Top 10 Songs of 2013

 

Spoiler

10. "I Will Wait" - Mumford & Sons

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0

 

AND I WILL WAIT, I WILL WAIT FOR YOU

 

(mutha fuckin banjo solo)

 

Well, dust my trousers and pump my boots, it's time for a good old-fashioned hoedown. And who better to do it in this day than Mumford & Sons? This band personifies energy. It's so much fun to listen to them. I'd talk about them more, but I have to sing along.

 

RAIIIIISE MYYYYYY HAAAAANDS

 

Spoiler

9. "Locked Out of Heaven" - Bruno Mars

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-fA-gBCkj0

 

Speaking of personifying energy...

 

AW YEAH YEAH, AW YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH... UNH

 

Yeah, I'm sorry, but I might be singing along to these songs more than reviewing them, but I'll try my best to keep my composure. But god damn, this song rocks. I definitely hear The Police's influence in here, but Bruno Mars takes the throbbing guitar of "Roxanne" and turns it on its head with a song about sheer desperation and passion for sex. That is awesome. Roxanne, put on the green light and go, go listen to this and pump yourself up for the rest of the day.

 

Spoiler

8. "Mirrors" - Justin Timberlake

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI

 

No matter what I think of JT's abysmal performance on "Holy Grail", this was an excellent year for him, based on three words: Twenty. Twenty. Experience. Welcome back, Justin Timberlake.

 

Two songs were released from this album that made the Year-End Chart, and since this is the first one, you know the second can't be far behind. But focusing on this song, it's beautiful.

 

'Cause I don't wanna lose you now

I'm lookin' right at the other half of me

 

This is just my opinion, but it does not get much sweeter than that. And it maintains this sweetness all the way through, without being too syrupy. "Mirrors" is a perfect example of why we needed Justin Timberlake back, but there's an even more perfect example to come...

 

Spoiler

7. "Applause" - Lady Gaga

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pco91kroVgQ

 

I honestly don't blame Dylan for singing this over and over again on the xat. Whilst Katy Perry tried to roar and came back with a whimper, Lady Gaga came back for the applause, and damn, did she deserve it with this song. What a burst of energy. The song never dies, and while that can be overbearing, Lady Gaga does it with such charm and sass that you can't help but applaud, Especially since she's commanding you to applaud. You'd better put those hands up and make them touch.

 

Spoiler

6. "Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM

 

If "Thrift Shop" was Macklemore's goofy novelty song to grab the attention of the public, then "Can't Hold Us" was the song to solidify him as an artist with serious talent and staying power. This is a fantastic rap song, with an exciting flow, great lyrics, killer beat, and Ray Dalton's melodic, charming voice to handle the chorus. This is the type of rap song that every rapper should aspire to. Macklemore has so much talent and intelligence that it's not even fair.

 

Spoiler

5. "Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUsVbTj2AY

 

Did I mention that I'm totally thrilled that Justin Timberlake came back this year? Why do I love this and hate "Holy Grail"? Let me show you a few things:

 

Justin and Jay-Z are magic together when they're unbelievably cocky together, not whiny. Yeah, Justin and Jay-Z singing about how great their lives are because they're awesome? Now that's something that I believe. And they pull this off with the utmost of class. The dreamlike production, the horns, the vocals, the rap verse. It all flows together so flawlessly. Justin and Jay-Z are equally good on this for the same reason: they're awesome and they know it. And everyone else better know it too.

 

Spoiler

4. "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" - Fall Out Boy

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIWmsP3c_s

 

Okay, so you see where I'm coming from with the Fall Out Boy jab about the long song titles. But who cares? Justin Timberlake's not the only one I was thrilled to see coming back. And Fall Out Boy came back swinging. This is my favourite Fall Out Boy song. It's got so much energy and power, and it just gets up in your face and demands you to listen. That's something that wasn't there with any other Fall Out Boy song, and I respect it. The constant barrage of fire throughout the song just gets me going. Oh hell, I can't help myself.

 

I'M ON FYAAAAAAHHHHH

 

Spoiler

3. "Get Lucky" - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NV6Rdv1a3I

 

Now this is the disco throwback featuring Pharrell that should have been the song of the summer. Unfortunately, like many songs that summer, it was chartblocked by Barfed Lines and made it to the #2 spot. So I'm calling it the #3 song of 2013 to restore justice. I mean, do I even need to say anything? This is so catchy that I could be up all night just to listen to this song. It's not like it's a deep song. It's a song about sex and partying. But goddamn, is this a classy-sounding party, even if the repeated lyric is "we're up all night to get lucky". Hell, you guys go ahead and get laid. You deserve it.

 

Spoiler

2. "Heart Attack" - Demi Lovato

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AByfaYcOm4A

 

Just so you know, that Demi Lovato phase around June wasn't for nothing. I. Love. This. Girl. Not only is she an inspiration to girls around the world with her heartbreaking story, but she makes the best music from an ex-Disney star I have ever heard in my life. They struck gold when they discovered her. And nowhere is it more prevalent than in "Heart Attack". Demi is giving it all she's got, and it shows big time. Fuck, this song is so good. I'm just happy I got to listen to it again to compare and contrast with 99 other songs. But even Demi can't beat out the #1 song of 2013, which is...

 

Spoiler

1. "Same Love" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0

 

God bless Macklemore. Of all the popular artists of 2013, he was the one that took the most risks. But more importantly, he took the most risks that paid off. I honestly could not bear to have another song top my list of 2013. There's no way that any song was riskier, more poignant, more meaningful, and more likely to bring about change than this one. Mary Lambert's vocals in the chorus are the icing on the already delicious cake.

 

Some people don't like this song because it has cheesy lyrics.

 

America the brave still fears what we don't know

And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten

But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago

I don't know

 

If you preach hate at the service those words aren't anointed

That holy water that you soak in has been poisoned

 

When kids are walking 'round the hallway plagued by pain in their heart

A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are

 

Yeah. So cheesy. So distant from emotion.

 

I will defend this song until the day I die. It has so rightfully claimed the best song of 2013, and maybe of the decade so far. Thanks for reading, and have a happy new year!

[Ron]

Ok well without being too nitpicky I'll pick a few:

 

-I lurked your blog spot the other day and noticed how a few of those opinions have changed with this list.  I thought you at first favored "Demons" over "Counting Stars"?  Or maybe that has changed in a few weeks?

 

-I'm seeing more 2012 stuff up higher on this list than 2013.

 

-Is EDM starting to become noticeably dull to you too?  Because I thought you liked it during our past debates, but I'm seeing more of it as we reach the bottoms.  

 

-I thought you liked Summertime Sadness at first?  I've always hated that remix and reviewed it earlier showing how bad it is as a EDM song.  Glad to see you've changed on that.

 

-I actually think Die Young is Ke$ha's best radio single.  It kinda reminds me of dumb Katy Perry songs and how enjoyable those were like "Last Friday Night", "Hot N Cold", to name a few.  Very fun pop song.

 

-I cringed when I saw you say something positive about "The Other Side".  That song is no different from other Jason DeRulo songs and it's pretty damn abysmal like most songs of his.  Loathe it and I can't believe we are still letting JJJAAAYYSSSOONNN DDEERRUULLOO make music.

 

-Maybe it's because I like indie pop, but Safe and Sound is really not that bad of a song.  I actually it's quite catchy and quite good.  Easy to listen to and the production is damn perfect.  It's a finalist for my best list and Capital Cities hopefully make it past one hit wonderdom because they have tons of good songs that I heard live when I saw them.

 

-You've made me contradict myself in my previous review of Demons.  I completely forgot that another song is also in the Billboard Top 10 right now that is even more boring and worse than both Demons and Say Something (but not by much) that is on your Bottom Half.  I'm pretty sure it's going to be in my Bottom 10 of 2013 when I get to it.

 

-Oh and finally (for now), I can't believe you said Bieber saves #thatPOWER.  He does absolutely nothing to make that song redeemable and re-watching that music video, I think he has no idea what he is even doing there to begin with.   That song is absolutely atrocious and I think it's even worse than Scream and Shout.  I wasn't expecting it to make the Year End list by Billboard, but it absolutely changes everything on my upcoming list.  

 

 

Now this is what I'm talking about.

Overall, even though I had some problems with "Counting Stars"' lyrics, I always thought it was an immensely better production than "Demons". And that's always put it above "Demons" for me, even though it seemed kind of slanted in the two blog posts. (Btw, yay you're reading my blog!)

 

 Hey hey hey, there's plenty of 2012 shit in the bottom half too. But... yeah, maybe my opinion of 2012 has softened. Remember that it still gave us "Birthday Cake" though, which is worse than anything on this list.

 

EDM's off and on for me. There are definitely instances where EDM just bores me to tears (re: previous post), but I do honestly think it's still a worthwhile genre.

 

Spoiler

 Tomorrow, EDM will reign again.

 

 I like the original song. Loathe the remix. I think when I reviewed it before, I reviewed the original.

 

Well I didn't like "Last Friday Night" either so

 

I dunno, I think there's something here that wasn't there before with Jason Derulo. The chorus is a little grating when he starts voice-cracking, but other than that, I honestly don't see anything wrong with it.

 

Hey, I enjoy me some indie too, but "Safe and Sound" is the "Hold On, We're Going Home" of indie. I do enjoy "Kangaroo Court", though, and hope it makes it big. 

 

Spoiler

 But you only need the light when it's burning low...

 

Again, good lyrics can't save a sloggy production.

Well, it's not like he's excellent, but he's definitely better than Britney Spears is on "Scream & Shout". I'll deal with that later, but for now, remember when Britney had personality? After that song, I sure don't.

 

Regarding Safe & Sound, I would like to direct you guys to THIS Safe and Sound: 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj8RW4ndahA

 

It's a billion times catchier (imo) than the other Safe and Sound, and this one came out before it. 

 

Also, yaass, Applause at #7. <3

[Sweat]

Hot damn, Heart Attack at #2? Can't blame you. That song is awesome.

[Wumbo]

Nice song, Dylan! I like it better as well.

[Clappy]

Well done Wumbo. While I could argue about a few questionable choices overall:

-Heart Attack number two? That's a bit high. It's fine, not amazing or anything.

-Fall Out Boy at 4? It's also fine, but they have done so much better.

I had a feeling you would have Same Love at number one. It's a deep sentimental song that tackles an important issue in society today. It's going to probably win some Grammys. I'm not denying that it's good. I like it. I just am going to spoil this about my countdown:

Spoiler

It's not in my Top 10. It was heavily considered, but I just found it to be good, not great. I found 10 better songs on this year's Hot 100, but I definitely understand the power and emotion behind it. Powerful song, but only good not great for me. I hope that makes sense.

[Wumbo]

Well done Wumbo.

Thank you, dear.

 

While I could argue about a few questionable choices overall:

Uh oh.

 

-Heart Attack number two? That's a bit high. It's fine, not amazing or anything.

YOU LIE, SIR!

 

Honestly, I don't know why "Heart Attack" sticks out to me so much, but somehow it reached its way to #2. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I've gotten so jaded by the Miley Cyruses and the Selena Gomezes that it was great to see someone with talent emerge from the Disney Channel stardom. There's also a certain desperation in this song that I just crave. Whereas "Come & Get It" was about as emotional as toilet water, "Heart Attack" oozes passion and desperation. Maybe 2 is a little high, but I loved the song the first time I heard it and my opinion has not gone down since.

 

-Fall Out Boy at 4? It's also fine, but they have done so much better.

Not in my eyes they haven't. This is the best I've ever heard Fall Out Boy, and I actually believe their album title.

I had a feeling you would have Same Love at number one.

Actually, I'm kind of surprised no one else predicted this, as I shouted the praises of this song on multiple occasions. Come on now, "Radioactive" isn't Top 10 material, let alone #1.

 

Spoiler

It's not in my Top 10. It was heavily considered, but I just found it to be good, not great. I found 10 better songs on this year's Hot 100, but I definitely understand the power and emotion behind it. Powerful song, but only good not great for me. I hope that makes sense.

Spoiler

Yeah, I can understand that. What I don't understand is how anyone can hate the song, unless you're one of the "right-wing conservatives" mentioned in it. Btw, I can't wait to see your Bottom and Top 10 lists!

[Clappy]

Spoiler

Yeah, I can understand that. What I don't understand is how anyone can hate the song, unless you're one of the "right-wing conservatives" mentioned in it.

Btw, I can't wait to see your Bottom and Top 10 lists!

Spoiler

You'll have to wait another day or two since I'm going to try and aim to have my best films of 2013 list done tonight. So hang on and listen to some Robin Gaye to pass the time away...seriously though iPhone of Clappy. How could you get Robin out of Marvin? xD

[Cha]

Applause, Get Lucky, Suit & Tie, Mirrors and Heart Attack all rule. I do agree with Clappy when I say Heart Attack is a little high on this list. But I totally respect the song being there because you're so passionate about Demi. I Will Wait For You or whatever it's called is catchy yes, but I do feel like M&S tries a little to hard to be indie with all its' folk music. I've heard some of their slower songs, and from what I remember they weren't bad. I guess I'll have to listen to more of their music to really come to a full and valid point.

[SG19]

You know, I do respect Nuggets for proving his interpretation of the lyrics and at points I feel conflicted when I hear this song and think of his interpretation. I really don't know if Jay-Z wrote all of this in mind using Hammer/Tyson as a comparison of fame gone wrong or how he worries about fading into obscurity like Hammer/Tyson. But a few months after this whole discussion, I'm standing by my review and that I did not misinterpret the lyrics. I'm glad Wumbo is on the same side.

I don't care who is right or who is wrong. SG, the great thing about music is that everyone has their own opinion. Like even though Wumbo debates that I'm wrong about the chorus of Clarity, I still think the chorus is dumb. Hell, look at the last page with the back and forth between him and I over the position of some of those songs already listed.

As for me, I don't think Holy Grail is necessarily a bad song. I think it's a massive letdown of a song between two of my favorite talents of all-time. It's okay. I just wish it wasn't so dragged out and had to tackle a subject matter that neither of these two should be singing/rapping about with their financial status/lasting legacies in Hollywood.

The first sentence of my post may have sounded a little uncalled for, so I'm sorry if I offended you. I definitely believe in the right to an opinion

[Clappy]

The first sentence of my post may have sounded a little uncalled for, so I'm sorry if I offended you. I definitely believe in the right to an opinion

It's fine, no worries. You know I love to debate and that line sounded like you were trying to start one. I wasn't too bothered by saying it that way, so it's all good.

[Wumbo]

I Will Wait For You or whatever it's called is catchy yes, but I do feel like M&S tries a little to hard to be indie with all its' folk music. 

I'm gonna get crucified by Clappy soon, but if any band's wannabe indie, it's The Lumineers.

[Doctor Sex]

Can't Hold Us is an awful song. Macklemore's rapping is pretty damn annoying (although his flow is pretty good but that doesn't make the song), the production sounds like a lame club beat, and whoever the dude singing the chorus is he sounds like wanna be Nate Dogg whos a G-funk legend if you didn't know. 

 

Spoiler

Nate's got the chorus on this

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QagknwNl6Q4 

 

Same Love is my least favorite Macklemore song should've put it on the worst list. Its so fucking fake he's just trying to look good in the public eye. Throughout this song I just wanna put a bullet in Macklemore's head like "When I was in the third grade I thought that I was gay" oh fuck you Macklemore. As for the actual production of the track again like all Macklemore songs its weak and uncreative sounds like any other sappy pop song. 

 

As for songs titled Heart Attack from 2013 should've put this instead

Spoiler

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XceOt0jDEg0