Ewan Chaos Posted December 16, 2018 Author Posted December 16, 2018 (edited) Happy Sunday! Was going to update yesterday but I was moving **** for 12 hours so by the end of the day I was OVER IT. Letter: C Top Artist: Christine and the Queens I first got to experience Christine and the Queens when she opened for Marina (rip the Diamonds) back in 2015 and the fact that she was such a good live performer was what got me into her debut album so much. Cut to this year and I've been OBSESSED with this new record, Chris. I saw her live back in October and she was even better this year. She had backdrops, choreo, many dancers, the full band, props, slow songs, fast songs, all the good songs between both records... everything. So to preface, because I knew I'd be hearing the English versions of all the songs, that's really been the only version of the album I've been listening to. From the EN version, "Doesn't Matter" is easily my top pick. It may not be as lit live as some other tracks, but the song itself plus the lyrical content are a PUNCH. Especially at the bridge that offers light to the listener to "steal a shard of sunlight", which ends up being intermingled once again with the nihilistic chorus. "Le G" is my favorite FR track, partially because when she did it live she saw me getting down in the chorus and lit up - made me happy. Also, it's the FUNKIEST track with a twinkly chorus and fun electric guitar solo outro. How can you not love it? Other top picks include the sexed-up-but-also-liberating "Girlfriend", the borderline creepy carnival ride vibes of "The Stranger" (even with the slightly nonsensical lyrics), the horned up "Damn (What Must a Woman Do)" (that last DAMN what must a woman do?!, ****), the springy but contemplative "5 Dollars", and then my favorite slower track "Make Some Sense". Runner-Up: Confidence Man I got into this album a little later in the year than I would have liked, but the whole thing is a super fun, silly, sassy, and dancey record. "C.O.O.L. Party" is no doubt my favorite one. The production alone is just incredible and dance-pop excellence (especially the breakdown towards the end), but the valley girl talking over the beat is what makes this song basically the song of the year. The accent is spot on of a typical valley girl, as are just the general mannerisms and specific wording that she's using (TOTALLY). The "I even went to a party where a guy shoved a lightbulb up his asshole" line MAY be the line of the year. "Don't You Know I'm in a Band" is my favorite of the male voice-led track. His robot cocky voice with the borderline ***** soundtrack backing is great, and her voice playing as half groupie half other band member. "Boyfriend" is also the iconic track with the silly "girl complaining and the boyfriend responding, but the girl literally is un-phased & not replying to him" lyrics. My favorite part is the breakfast line & him going "I thought you loved these!!" The breakdown is KILLER. I also love "All the Way" and "Better Sit Down Boy" (I sense the Basement Jaxx influence this one, specifically in the first part of the bridge). Others Under this Letter: *note bolded artists are other top choices* Artist Top Song Choice Good Songs Meh Songs Random Notes Caitlyn Smith Don't Give Up on My Love Starfire, This Town is Killing Me, Tacoma, Scenes From..., Cheap Date Calvin Harris One Kiss (with Dua Lipa) Cardi B Drip (feat. Migos) Be Careful, I Like It, Bickenhead Legend Carly Rae Jepsen Party For One Caroline Rose Getting To Me Bikini, More of the Same, Jeannie Becomes a Mom, Soul No. 5, Awesome discovery this year Cat Power Woman Stay, In Your Face, You Get Charli XCX Girls Night Out No Angel, Focus, 5 in the Morning, 1999 inthatorder.gif Charlie Puth Patient Done For Me (feat. Kehlani), BOY, Empty Cups, How Long, Attention Change, If You Leave Me Now, Through It All Actually really liked this record esp since the debut was **** Chloe x Halle Galaxy The Kids Are Alright Chris McClenney sidetoside Chromeo Just Friends (feat. Amber Mark) Room Service, Bedroom Calling Pt.2, Juice, Must've Been Bad Decision, One Track Mind, ofc Amber is on the best song from the album CHVRCHES Graffiti Get Out, Forever Miracle, Really Gone Their worst album but still not THAT bad imo Clare Maguire All or Nothing Love Clean Bandit Baby (feat. Marina and The Diamonds & Luis Fonsi) Basically all the singles (minus Julia song/not too into Solo), plus the Charli/catch me outside girl song Basically everything else Marina her power Colter Wall Saskatchewan in 1881 Calgary Round-Up, The Trains Are Gone dat baritone Courtney Barnett Need A Little Time meh I've never cared TOO much for her The Carters APESHIT BOSS The Coral Eyes of the Moon Eyes Like Pearls, After the Fair Edited December 16, 2018 by Ewan Chaos
Ewan Chaos Posted December 16, 2018 Author Posted December 16, 2018 (edited) Replies under the cuff! On 12/14/2018 at 10:58 PM, theblackestday said: THE BETHS I've loved their album since its release, but I've been listening to it a lot these past two days for some reason STAN they're legends On 12/14/2018 at 11:16 PM, Remmy said: Backstreet Boys: I love their biggest hits but Don't Go Breaking My Heart doesn't do it for me Betty Who: Yes, career highlight JTYSK is definitely her best song of the year Look Back is overhated BORNS: Discovered him this year (sans Electric Love), love both of his albums. Supernatural isn't a fave of mine Broods: They really snapped with Peach ugh! EG(W) is also great. So ready for February 1st Bruno Mars: Finesse (Original) goes off! Ya DGBMY doesn't touch their iconic hits but it's a bop! I kinda agree with LB but it's still my least fave oops On 12/14/2018 at 11:26 PM, Wicked said: I mean like, if Demi or Selena sang her songs there wouldn't be a difference to me. She's only as good as the beat she's on imo. (which is similar to my opinion of Selena & Demi) Good to see Bruno, King of enjoyable basic music here. Backstreet Boys unfortunately get too much hate but they kind of had the best singles/music of the bubblegum era. Good to see they still making enjoyable tracks. Mmmm okay I feel you that makes sense. I've never been as into Selena/Demi as Ariana but not for any real reason haha On 12/14/2018 at 11:49 PM, Sunderland 4ever said: The Aces and Bahamas! I'm digging your list so far. Thanks king! On 12/15/2018 at 2:56 AM, Eeveelution said: Ariana grew on me a lot in 2018, sweetener really stood out in a year with such boring pop music. Honestly tea On 12/15/2018 at 6:28 AM, Tsareena said: omg the aces... really loved their debut and of course Ari Aluna George , Allie x, Amber mark, Ashe The beths seem interesting might try them out Bishop Briggs.. a cute debut, blood orange was just okay, broods, brandi carlile.. love the joke, borns Yes check out The Beths! Based on what you also liked on my listing you'd enjoy them. On 12/15/2018 at 8:26 AM, madonnas said: Broods finally released two good songs this year. I DIDN'T WANT TO SAY IT lol when Peach came out I was shook after their two previous LPs being really meh albums. The switch to Neon Gold >>> their power On 12/15/2018 at 9:13 AM, TRF. said: this tea though Love seeing Blood Orange and boygenius in the B list tho! I liked boygenius more than Blood Orange if I'm honest On 12/15/2018 at 9:14 AM, Vilppu said: how to draw / petrichor ! heard of a couple of "others under the latter" and i agree they shouldn't be the main B representation ^-^ Oh right! Yes that's the one I liked. On 12/15/2018 at 9:50 AM, TheWayWeWere said: Idk Bahamas, but nice to see Betty Who and Blood Orange here nnn @ Eastside shade Did I lie @ Eastside? I can't blame benny too much cuz I like most of his productions but Halsey I already blame for everything kii 15 hours ago, MP2K said: Good Ari write up. I stanned the Aces first quarter, they filled the void for HAIM being absent a bit. But then they were just forgotten. Amber Mark did her thing this year. Lemme check out The Bahamas then.. I felt like I've listened to them before. Yes Bahamas apparently has been around a while so I wouldn't be surprised if you have! 7 hours ago, World Eater said: boygenius may be three talentless putas, but they have made some points with Ketchum, ID. And speaking of making points LMFAO well at least we have a shared fave track. Glad we share the same taste on our boy Dev Edited December 16, 2018 by Ewan Chaos
ATRL Moderator Tsareena Posted December 17, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted December 17, 2018 christine n the queens one kiss, drip party for one, girls night out... ooh the taste in the order galaxy, baby, apeshit...
ATRL Moderator madonnas Posted December 17, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted December 17, 2018 Drip is your fave Cardi song??? I like it and think it gets unfair hate but, uhm, interesting. My CATQ choice is definitely way different than any other I've seen so far that's all i'll say, but the album impresed me! Caroline Rose's album was great, Bikini and Money being my fave. Love her over the top sarcastic lyrics. Perfect choices for Confidence man
Remmy Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 Calvin Harris: Yeah, One Kiss is the main song of his I cared for this year. Pretty sure he dropped 3 other songs (maybe even more?) but they either didn't stick with me or I didn't care for them. Carly Rae Jepsen: Party for One is a bop Not the strongest comeback single choice, but still. Charli XCX: 5 In the Morning isn't cute but everything else... CHVRCHES: Everytime I see them mentioned in someone's thread, there's always a negative comment attached Truly feel like I'm the only one that loves Love Is Dead. Really Gone is a grower, definitely not meh. Clean Bandit: "not too into Solo" huh???
TRF. Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 Christine and the Queens she really did what had to be done this year! Also Girls Night Out!!!!!!!!! glad someone else agrihs this is the best thing she released this year
Wicked Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 Christine hasn't topped Tilted tho!! The Charlie acclaim on these best ofs
Vilppu Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 did not care too much for christine, maybe should revisit also the charli order would be 100% accurate if girls night out went to last place x
Blue Rose Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 Christine & Confidence Man both slayed my Albums list
TheWayWeWere Posted December 17, 2018 Posted December 17, 2018 I found Christine and the Queens in 2012 or 2013 when she was basically unknown and released only couple EPs I'm so glad to see her grow as artist Doesn't Matter is my favorite too Clare, Charli, Chloe x Halle in Under the Letter
Tom Vercetti Posted December 18, 2018 Posted December 18, 2018 Charli was a winner this year. C + the Q has some hits. Quote Their worst album but still not THAT bad imo true on the first part.
Ewan Chaos Posted December 18, 2018 Author Posted December 18, 2018 (edited) Another DAY Another DOLLAR Letter: D Top Artist: Daphne & Celeste I was never the one to be like "oh I'm obsessed with Daphne & Celeste's album from years ago" so when I heard about this record I was like "okay cool I know the ugly song I'll check this out." I've been so into the album ever since I listened to it. It's tied for first (with Confidence Man) as the most fun record of the year. Definitely my favorite pop record. You get incredibly drawn in from the beginning - "Save the World" is a cute & jumpy opener, but the real juicy track is "Sunny Day." It feels half like an ode of Daphne & Celeste singing to each other ("I need you, I miss you, I'll see you again") and a goodbye to a lover ("It's gonna be a sunny day, unless I spend the day with you"). The chirpy production is great and they harmonize so well. "BB" is a classic, shading all the super boring "guitar singer songwriter 'real music'" that's super popular these days and the outro is divine. "You & I Alone" is on the other end of the spectrum, still being pop, but more experimental. It's awesome. A few other songs that I wanted to point out that are kinda in the same vein are "Taking Notes" (I love the chorus on this one, "macaroni cheese" always seems to get stuck in my head), "16 Stars", and "Paint Can". The ballad, "Song to a Succulent" isn't even a serious track and is quite humorous even with a piano backing. But yeah, overall I really like this album. Check it out if you want a fun, girly, sassy pop record! Runner-Up: DJ Koze I have to admit that I haven't been listening to him too much lately, but I really was digging this album in the late spring when it came out/a good amount of summer. The house bops are great on this one. "Pick Up" really takes you to that house club environment and it does not feel like a 6+ minute song. Really takes me back to ye olde UK house music. Obviously "Illumination" is another standout thanks to Roisin. I also still really dig "Bonfire", "Moving in a Liquid", "Lord Knows", & "This is my Rock". Others Under this Letter: *note bolded artists are other top choices* Artist Top Song Choice Good Songs Meh Songs Random Notes Damien Jurado Dear Thomas Wolfe Florence-Jean, Percy Faith David Byrne Everybody's Coming To My House Every Day is a Miracle Saw him live at a festival, he was pretty cool Dawes Feed The Fire Stay Down, Telescope Death Cab for Cutie Northern Lights Disclosure Funky Sensation Love Can Be so Hard, Ultimatum, Moonlight Where You Come From They really came out of the woodwork getting good again, tho I still kinda thing Caracal is a bit underrated Drake Nice For What God's Plan Everything else lol Good singles, way too long album sry DRAM Best Hugs Sundress Cute EP Edited December 20, 2018 by Ewan Chaos
theblackestday Posted December 18, 2018 Posted December 18, 2018 I really disliked that Daphne & Celeste album and I didn't dislike many albums this year DJ Koze >>>
Sbbmsve Posted December 18, 2018 Posted December 18, 2018 (edited) Oh wow this is such a good concept. Yaaas at Chris & Ariana Grande. Sweetener and Chris were really the best pop albums of this year Surprised at Daphne & Celeste.. Haven’t heard those names in a while. Edited December 18, 2018 by Sbbmsve
World Eater Posted December 18, 2018 Posted December 18, 2018 Oh yes, Christine and DJ Koze definitely snapped this year I'm still shook that Max Tundra produced that Daphne & Celeste album
ATRL Moderator madonnas Posted December 18, 2018 ATRL Moderator Posted December 18, 2018 lol, I remember I had a phase where I was obsessed with the D&C ablum. The singles at least, they knocked, and the performance where they got bottles thrown at them is a classic! Is it just me or does Sunny Day sound like Dear Jessie by Madonna? I really like the record because its very futuristic pop music that doens't copy the top 40 trends or PC Music sounds, it does its own thing. Good choice for Disclosure
Remmy Posted December 18, 2018 Posted December 18, 2018 I remember the early days when I used to love Drake and now I can't stand him and wish he'd disappear Don't care for any of his 2018 singles. If I had to rank them I guess I'd go with In My Feelings >> Nice for What >> God's Plan?
Pink Matter Posted December 19, 2018 Posted December 19, 2018 Ooh this is such an interesting way to do a countdown A) As a whole, sweetener wasn't as good as DW so I personally wouldn't say her output was better but it was still enjoyable! AlunaGeorge dropped some good songs but I feel all of their hype is spent nn. Anderson is a similar sitch as Ari; his 2016 output was sooo much better but Oxnard was still a solid album. B) The Beths didn't really stick with me much. Bahamas sounds really interesting so I'll queue their album! And tea on Blood Orange (Freetown Sound outsold too!). boygenius and Bruno C) Christine and the Queens I've seen Confidence Man thrown around elsewhere so I might check that one out too. Calvin Harris, Cardi B, Caroline Rose, Chloe x Halle, and The Carters are all great choices D) DJ Koze did that one of my favorite records of the year. And Disclosure really got in their bag and pulled out some great songs! A return to form for them. And despite what most people say, Caracal was not nearly as bad as people made it out to be And Nice For What being your top Drake, a point was made.
Vilppu Posted December 19, 2018 Posted December 19, 2018 no idea who that is n but dj koze is cute! i didn't like the album david put out this year but i saw him at a festival too and i thought it was super fun
TheWayWeWere Posted December 19, 2018 Posted December 19, 2018 DJ Koze collabs with Roising were cute Disclosure making great comeback this year :jonny: I hope they brings album next year
Ewan Chaos Posted December 20, 2018 Author Posted December 20, 2018 The E's were pretty weak this year so this will be a quick update & then I'll reply to all the comments! Letter: E Top Artist: Elise LeGrow Who would have thought that a cover artist would have been my top pick for one letter? I don't usually care for covers or cover artists unless it's my faves doing them or it works really well on an album like Stay on Cat Power's album, but I think the big win here is that a lot of these songs are covers of older songs. They're also songs that, while fairly known, are not HUGE songs that are being covered here (like how people always cover Hallelujah or whatever). "Can't Shake It" is probably the song that sums up what I like most about this track. Full backing band, sassy vocals, great re-imagining while staying true-to-form, HORNS. Awesome. I also really like "Who Do You Love" (I think this is the song that got me to check her out), "Hold On" (another fun one), "Going Back to Where I Belong" and "Over the Mountain, Across the Sea." No songs that I outright disliked, but my only "complaint" of the album is that it can feel a bit samey. But it's a short listen of an album, so that's not really a problem. Really easy to get into! It's also a cute concept - album called Playing Chess regarding covers from musicians on the Chess Label. Runner-Up: Emily King I guess this is cheating a bit because her album comes out next year and she'll pop up again, I'm sure, but here she is for now! Her album was one of my favorites of 2015 so I'm excited for Scenery to come out. Of the two songs she released this year, "Look At Me Now" is my favorite (no it's not a Chris Brown cover). I like the string-filled opening that really opens up like a flower until the chorus where it pops with the typical Emily King-isms - uplifting lyrics and upbeat drums complimenting an acoustic guitar. Her voice, as always, is silky sweet. It doesn't HAVE to be super powerful to be meaningful, and Emily has proved that time & time again. The other track "Remind Me" is also good. It's a bit more funky and fun, but also lighter overall and stays fairly the same (this isn't a bad thing) during the entire 3+ minutes. Others Under this Letter: *note bolded artists are other top choices* Artist Top Song Choice Good Songs Meh Songs Random Notes EDEN gold icarus, forever//over Empress Of When I'm With Him Everything to Me, Love for Me, Just the Same An obvious step-down from the debut but still some good songs! Eves Karydas Further Than The Planes Fly Couch, Hush
Ewan Chaos Posted December 20, 2018 Author Posted December 20, 2018 On 12/16/2018 at 4:00 PM, Tsareena said: christine n the queens one kiss, drip party for one, girls night out... ooh the taste in the order galaxy, baby, apeshit... our taste >>>>>> On 12/16/2018 at 4:14 PM, madonnas said: Drip is your fave Cardi song??? I like it and think it gets unfair hate but, uhm, interesting. My CATQ choice is definitely way different than any other I've seen so far that's all i'll say, but the album impresed me! Caroline Rose's album was great, Bikini and Money being my fave. Love her over the top sarcastic lyrics. Perfect choices for Confidence man People don't like Drip???? This is the first I'm hearing of it. Excited to see your top Christine pick. Knew you'd love Caroline Rose too! On 12/16/2018 at 6:21 PM, Remmy said: Calvin Harris: Yeah, One Kiss is the main song of his I cared for this year. Pretty sure he dropped 3 other songs (maybe even more?) but they either didn't stick with me or I didn't care for them. Carly Rae Jepsen: Party for One is a bop Not the strongest comeback single choice, but still. Charli XCX: 5 In the Morning isn't cute but everything else... CHVRCHES: Everytime I see them mentioned in someone's thread, there's always a negative comment attached Truly feel like I'm the only one that loves Love Is Dead. Really Gone is a grower, definitely not meh. Clean Bandit: "not too into Solo" huh??? nnnnn yeah I immediately forgot about that Sam Smith/Calvin song but idk what else. Sry about Solo On 12/16/2018 at 7:44 PM, TRF. said: Christine and the Queens she really did what had to be done this year! Also Girls Night Out!!!!!!!!! glad someone else agrihs this is the best thing she released this year I was on the fence at first about Girls Night Out given how much I like No Angel, but it just won out. On 12/16/2018 at 9:38 PM, Wicked said: Christine hasn't topped Tilted tho!! The Charlie acclaim on these best ofs Hmm I'm obsessed with Tilted but I'll have to see in a year how well Chris holds up. On 12/17/2018 at 8:31 AM, Vilppu said: did not care too much for christine, maybe should revisit also the charli order would be 100% accurate if girls night out went to last place x WOW didn't realize you had trash taste xx (jk love you) On 12/17/2018 at 9:41 AM, Superpower said: Christine & Confidence Man both slayed my Albums list They are LEGENDS On 12/17/2018 at 10:16 AM, TheWayWeWere said: I found Christine and the Queens in 2012 or 2013 when she was basically unknown and released only couple EPs I'm so glad to see her grow as artist Doesn't Matter is my favorite too Clare, Charli, Chloe x Halle in Under the Letter OH WOW you were an og stan good for you. On 12/17/2018 at 7:03 PM, Tom Vercetti said: Charli was a winner this year. C + the Q has some hits. true on the first part. LMAO shady shady On 12/18/2018 at 1:50 AM, theblackestday said: I really disliked that Daphne & Celeste album and I didn't dislike many albums this year DJ Koze >>> LMFAO we really do strongly agree on some records and strongly disagree on others don't we On 12/18/2018 at 1:55 AM, Sbbmsve said: Oh wow this is such a good concept. Yaaas at Chris & Ariana Grande. Sweetener and Chris were really the best pop albums of this year Surprised at Daphne & Celeste.. Haven’t heard those names in a while. Thanks boo! If you haven't heard the D&C record I think you'd like it. On 12/18/2018 at 6:40 AM, World Eater said: Oh yes, Christine and DJ Koze definitely snapped this year I'm still shook that Max Tundra produced that Daphne & Celeste album Max was definitely a big aspect of that album being so good, but I won't count the ladies out either! On 12/18/2018 at 6:51 AM, mokitsu said: DJ Koze did that loving the concept Thanks! DJ Koze is a king On 12/18/2018 at 9:21 AM, madonnas said: lol, I remember I had a phase where I was obsessed with the D&C ablum. The singles at least, they knocked, and the performance where they got bottles thrown at them is a classic! Is it just me or does Sunny Day sound like Dear Jessie by Madonna? I really like the record because its very futuristic pop music that doens't copy the top 40 trends or PC Music sounds, it does its own thing. Good choice for Disclosure Well I've never listened to that Madonna song but it does sound like an upbeat version of that! Very true on the description of the D&C album. On 12/18/2018 at 2:55 PM, Remmy said: I remember the early days when I used to love Drake and now I can't stand him and wish he'd disappear Don't care for any of his 2018 singles. If I had to rank them I guess I'd go with In My Feelings >> Nice for What >> God's Plan? Yeah Drake really declined hard from like 2016 onward... at least he still will release like ONE good song or so. 18 hours ago, Pink Matter said: Ooh this is such an interesting way to do a countdown A) As a whole, sweetener wasn't as good as DW so I personally wouldn't say her output was better but it was still enjoyable! AlunaGeorge dropped some good songs but I feel all of their hype is spent nn. Anderson is a similar sitch as Ari; his 2016 output was sooo much better but Oxnard was still a solid album. B) The Beths didn't really stick with me much. Bahamas sounds really interesting so I'll queue their album! And tea on Blood Orange (Freetown Sound outsold too!). boygenius and Bruno C) Christine and the Queens I've seen Confidence Man thrown around elsewhere so I might check that one out too. Calvin Harris, Cardi B, Caroline Rose, Chloe x Halle, and The Carters are all great choices D) DJ Koze did that one of my favorite records of the year. And Disclosure really got in their bag and pulled out some great songs! A return to form for them. And despite what most people say, Caracal was not nearly as bad as people made it out to be And Nice For What being your top Drake, a point was made. Thank you! It's my thing for Best of's lmao. Yeah people SOOO overdramatic on Caracal. There were some not great songs on that record but it was still good overall. 18 hours ago, Vilppu said: no idea who that is n but dj koze is cute! i didn't like the album david put out this year but i saw him at a festival too and i thought it was super fun CHECK THEM OUT the Daphne & Celese record is great. 10 hours ago, TheWayWeWere said: DJ Koze collabs with Roising were cute Disclosure making great comeback this year I hope they brings album next year Roising Murphing I'd love a Disclosure record next year & tour. They're FUN live. [/spolier]
Wicked Posted December 20, 2018 Posted December 20, 2018 I haven't seen anyone mention my favorite song on Cardi's album yet Not so much going for E's this year huh?
theblackestday Posted December 20, 2018 Posted December 20, 2018 5 hours ago, Ewan Chaos said: LMFAO we really do strongly agree on some records and strongly disagree on others don't we That's talent! Haven't heard of either of these E artists might need to check them out
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