10.
Title: Chloroform (Sleigh Bells Remix)
Artist: Phoenix, Sleigh Bells
From the Album: Bankrupt!
Why?: Though they're known for 1901 and Lisztomania off of their Grammy winning album, "Wolfgang Amadeus", Bankrupt! proves once again that Phoenix is one of the best bands around. The Sleigh Bells remix of the track from the band's latest LP, "Bankrupt!" is a fresh spin on the already great song, adding new vocals and fresh, catchy production. This is a perfect tie into the next item on the list.
Other songs to catch out: Trying to Be Cool (original version & R. Kelly Remix), The Real Thing, Entertainment, Bankrupt!
9.
Title: Young Legends
Artist: Sleigh Bells
From the Album: Bitter Rivals
Why?: In addition to making great remixes, Sleigh Bells makes great music of their own. Consisting of vocalist Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek Edward Miller, the duo is well-known for their songs, "Crown On The Ground" (which appears on the soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's, The Bling Ring"), and Demons (remixed by music producer Diplo). Young Legends can be added to the great list of songs put out by Sleigh Bells. It's catchy, loud, and has a monster hook. You'll find yourself listening to it over and over again.
Other songs to check out: Minnie, 24, Tiger Kit, Bitter Rivals.
8.
Artist: Katy Perry
From the Album: Prism
Why?: After her infectious, record breaking sophomore LP, "Teenage Dream", everyone expected Prism to be "really fucking dark". Katy admitted last year while it was still in development, that her tone would be darker than she had ever gone before, shedding her fun, cartoon cotton candy-ish stage like appearance. And while promotional teasers implied that was the direction the album was taking, it's not exactly accurate. Lead single Roar is just what you'd expect from Katy. However, songs like, "Unconditionally" show a more personal side to her, and it really showcases her sometimes under appreciated voice. The sweeping power ballad is something new from Katy, who usually reserves her ballads for simpler production, but here, the booming drums and her flawless, raw voice really deliver an emotional and enjoyable experience, without sacrificing mainstream appeal; this is Katy at her best. She's chosen it as the second single, however, it's still being overshadowed by Roar's enormous success, though it really doesn't deserve to be. People tend to label Katy as a "Dr. Luke product" but they really forget that she's a seriously talented singer/song-writer. Hopefully Unconditionally will remind people of that fact.
Other songs to check out: Birthday, By The Grace of God, Ghost, Spiritual, This is How We Do, Dark Horse, Walking on Air
7.
Title: Drive
Artist: Miley Cyrus
From the Album: Bangerz
Why?: Though Miley's public persona has attracted a lot of attention away from the quality of her music, her fourth album (which she has described as her true debut album) Bangerz re-defines her music career. After debuting lead single, "We Can't Stop" earlier this summer, many thought Miley's attempt into this new style of music was a mistake. However, power ballad "Wrecking Ball" solidified her as one of the most talented young artists working today (despite her seemingly controversial new image). Bangerz is filled with many experimental songs that show off the many sides of Miley's musical talent. Though I wasn't truly impressed with the album as a whole on my first listen (it has aged well with repeated listenings), Drive stood out as one of the best tracks, and one of Miley's best songs. It's hypnotic production and stunning vocals elevate Miley from the teeny bopper image she's remembered for, to seriously talented artist. It's my personal hope that she relies on songs like this rather than twerking and licking hammers in music videos to show the public what she's really made of.
Other songs to check out: Adore You, Do My Thang, Maybe You're Right, Rootin' For My Baby, On My Own.
6.
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Title: Lovin' It
Artist: Ariana Grande
From the Album: Yours Truly
Why?: The Way (featuring Mac Miller) was the surprise hit of the year. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and helped Ariana's masterful debut album land at number 1 on the Top 200 chart, a feat that had not been accomplished since Ke$ha's debut Animal landed back in 2009. Yours Truly is one of the best debut albums in recent history, and it elevates Ariana above her peers (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, etc). The comparisons to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston are no joke, she is the real deal. Demonstrating a clear mastery of her voice, and her musical direction, Grande's album doesn't contain one unenjoyable song. Lovin' It is the shortest track (at 3:01) and is truly the best example of Grande's talent. Containing amazing vocals (this is one of the songs that really prove she is the closest thing we have to Mariah besides Mariah herself), a sick hook and tight production, the song feels like it could be something straight out of Mariah's discography; it makes you wish the song wouldn't ever end.
Other songs to check out: Honeymoon Avenue, Baby I, Tattooed Heart, Piano, Almost is Never Enough
5.
Title: Superlove
Artist: Charli XCX
From the Album: Untitled Upcoming Third Album
Why?: Most of you know Charli as "the girl who wrote 'I Love It' by Icona Pop". She also opened some shows for Marina and the Diamonds, but Charli is an artist in her own right. Earlier this year, she released, "True Romance" her long awaited debut (technically second) album. As of right now, it stands as one of the best albums released this year, but she's already released her lead single from her upcoming untitled second (technically third) album. Superlove is infectious, catchy, everything you would want, and better than many of what her contemporaries are putting out right now. What's great about this song is that it's pure, unbridled pop fun, but it doesn't sacrifice quality for mainstream appeal.
Other songs to check out: Take My Hand, You (Ha Ha Ha), Lock You Up, Nuclear Seasons
4.
Title: You're Not The One
Artist: Sky Ferreira
From the Album: Night Time, My Time
Why?: I've already ranted and raved about how you should watch the music video for the single, but seriously, this song deserves to be huge. After proving her eclecticism on her EP Ghost last year, Sky has finally made plans to release her very much late album entitled Night Time, My Time (out in 6 days). You're Not The One serves as the lead single, and it's just as gorgeous and amazing as you'd expect it to be. The song's lyrics are better than your typical break up song, and though the production is softer and quieter than you'd expect (especially after listening to the amazingly raw live version she performed about a year ago, which you can listen to here), those guitar riffs and her vocals are nothing short everything. I really wish the song was larger than life, it's better than Everything Is Embarrassing, which got her a lot of notices and acclaim.
Other songs to check out: Lost in My Bedroom, Sad Dream, Red Lips, Ghost.
3.
Title: Do What U Want (featuring R. Kelly)
Artist: Lady Gaga
From the Album: Artpop
Why?: I have to admit, I'm not particularly excited for Gaga's (rumored to be) epic third album. After lackluster lead single Applause (which, I admit, has grown on me, but still falls short of what she's truly capable of), messy promo single Aura, and the tragic album cover dropped, my non-excitement reached staggering levels. However, it's her latest single (originally intended to be a promotional single, but has been announced as the second one due to its surprise success) that has my hopes restored in a great album. This is truly different from anything she's done before, and reminds me of the equally experimental (but great) Edge of Glory from Born This Way. Her vocals have never been better than they are in this song, and it's a shame that it wasn't the lead single. R.Kelly's feature is a welcome addition, and only adds to how good the song is. What was an unexpected team up turned out to be a "how hasn't this happened before?" moment; their voices compliment each other beautifully, and the song itself is just a straight up BOP, I can't stop listening to it. If this is any indication of what to expect from Artpop, then sign me up. (I admit this is the most mainstream choice out of all of the songs included on here, but it's truly a great song and deserves recognition).
2.
Title: Ribs
Artist: Lorde
From the Album: Pure Heroine
Why?: Though the world is currently obsessed with Royals, it's Ribs that everyone should really be listening to. A deeply personal song about the trials of growing up, it's surprisingly catchy given its deep subject matter (what's even more surprising is that a 16 year old has something like this in her, WOW). Ominous, almost sweeping production and vocals have me listening over and over again to this song whenever it comes on shuffle (the bridge is the my favorite part, personally) even though I've been aware of the song for a few months now, each listen feels like the first time again. It's just another example of Lorde's stunning talent. It's not really a mainstream song, but it's definitely one that deserves multiple listens.
Other songs to check out: Team, Buzzcut Season, Glory and Gore, 400 Lux, A World Alone.
1.
Title: Saturday Night
Artist: Natalia Kills
From the Album: Trouble
Why?: Natalia Kills isn't very well known outside of the internet. After her misfire of a debut album entitled, "Perfectionist" dropped back in 2011 to middling reviews, Natalia released this amazingly personal, almost autobiographical album that combines master level lyricism with tight production. The standout track, however, remains Saturday Night. "The song focuses on the themes of disillusioned youth brought on by domestic violence (based mainly Natalia's own troubled family life). The video is even more amazing, adding yet another emotional layer that can't be experienced just by listening to the song. If more artists pushed themselves this hard, maybe the Hot 100 charts wouldn't look like such a mess. In any event, it's a shame the track doesn't have more exposure. In a perfect world, it would be a contender for "Song of the Year".
Other songs to check out: Daddy's Girl, Outta Time, Trouble, Television, Controversy, Watching You
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