best of Fa1x Intelectual's Year End Chart Festivity/BU (#472 - #440)

[Fa1x intelectual]

 

 

So tune in at later tonight PM to see which of these godly albums gets to be crowned album of the year:

• 

 

• 

 

• 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 12, 2017 by Fa1x intelectual

[Navyofbadgals]

descartes is already SHOOk

[Mr. Loco]

This looks interesting...

[Fa1x intelectual]

And, for those wondering, the worst album of the year is (out of those I listened to, anyway):

[Queen Conchita]

Slay Fa1x 

[Fa1x intelectual]

The announcement for Album Of The Year is coming! Gather 'round, followers!

 

[Queen Conchita]

I'm here!

[Fa1x intelectual]

 

This year, I finally gave in to the pop-fanatism and started listening to full albums, instead of only the singles. It didn't change my life at all but I must admit I don't regret this decision. I discovered good albums, overrated albums, albums I overrated, albums I underrated. It was an experience. I don't see myself listening to the albums I listened to this year again... Except for my three nominees. All of em received a score higher than 7.5 from me and I consider each to be grand in its own little way.

Yet, there has to be only one winner!

We shall reveal it now:

 

Edited December 12, 2017 by Fa1x intelectual

[Fa1x intelectual]

[swiftie13]

this is so messy, loves it

[Fa1x intelectual]

THE WINNER IS...

Spoiler

After debating with myself for a bit, it was clear that I had to give this prestigious award to Remember Us To Life. Why? Well, not only because it hast the highest score of all the (7)  LPs I listened to in full, but it was also the first album I  ever listened to. It might lose in terms of cohesion to Music For People In Trouble by Susanne Sundfør, but it wins me over with its themes and general sound. The message in some of the track is powerful and sometimes very easy to grasp. It is strong from start to finish.

Rating: 8.4/10

________________________________

The Holy Trinity: The Visit, Grand Hotel, Older and Taller,

The Sole Pain: Small Bill$

 

 

[Fa1x intelectual]

Thanks for being here today. Join me next time when I will start to unveil my Hit Songs!

 

____________________ MAY VERUCA SALT GUIDE YOU ______________

 

[Kavish]

Russian excellence Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky better slay the Top 100 Intelectual Hits.  

[Fa1x intelectual]

1 hour ago, Kavish said:

Russian excellence Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky better slay the Top 100 Intelectual Hits.  

Unfortunately, Pyotr did not manage to score a hit this year. However, that doesn't his peers will not be making an appearance. Stay tuned for the Bubbling Under countdown starting today!

Edited December 12, 2017 by Fa1x intelectual

[Fa1x intelectual]

Bubbling Under: #472 - #440

__________________________________

472. Chico Buarque - Mulheres de Atenas

Chart run: 50

A good countdown must always be started with a legend. Chico Buarque comes in to represent the quintessential Brazilian singer. In this particular masterpiece, he proceeds to sing, with subtle sarcasm that might go over the more casual listener, "look up to the Athenian women. They live for their husbands, (...) they don't cry when feeling hurt", etc. The whole premise of the song is to serve as a warning against the "housewife type"; something easy to understand if you know Chico's discography. But, of course, back in the 70s there was some backlash from parts of the feminist movement that accused him of, you guessed it: perpetuating the role of women in a sexist society blah, blah, blah...

What's important is that this line of thought has been outgrown and now this song may be used by teachers, in order to demonstrate how the woman was perceived in Ancient Athens, the cradle of democracy (as long as you're a man born there)!

1st of 5 appearences by Chico Buarque

_______________________________________________________________________________

471. Karen Souza - Creep

Chart run: 50

I was always really into jazz (or any of the most chill genres of music really). So it would make sense a huge chunk of the songs that made my top 50 throughout the year were jazz or jazz-influenced. And here you have the first specimen: Argentinian singer Karen Souza singing her way through a Radiohead I never bothered listening to because her version is the one and only I will forever love. These smoky vocals over the instrumental... Jesus, SO GOOD. What? The lyrics? Who cares if they are about a fella that has an inferiority complex and is, well, a creep? Every Breath You Take by The Police has lyrics that are way more unsettling and I am pretty sure some innocent souls still play it in weddings.

1st of 2 appearances by Karen Souza

__________________________________________________________________________________

470. Clean Bandit - Tears (feat. Louise Johnson)

2016: #26

Chart run: 50

The only true hit for popstar wannabe Louise Flophnson comes from last year and, of course, she needed assistance. Not much to say here. Hit in 2016, I overplayed it and as a result, it had a sole week at the very bottom of the chart. Still,  I love it.  

1st of 4 appearences by Clean Bandit

1st of 3 appearences by Louise Johnson

____________________________________________________________________

469. Lílian - Sou Rebelde

Chart run: 50

And we're back to the oldies (get used to it. There are a LOT coming). This time, I present to you, Lilian. She was in a Brazilian country duo at the start, but soon decided to fly on her own. For the first single, her record label simply (and blatantly) translated a Spanish song into Portuguese and said: Sing it, damn it! She did, and became a national sensation for five whole minutes!

The real best part of this is how cheesy the lyrics are. Watch:

 

I am a rebel because that's what the universe made me to be

Because no one ever gave me love

Because people preferred to stay far away from me

 

I LOVE cheesiness! Be thankful for that, Lílian!

1st and only appearence by Lílian

_____________________________________

468. Sara Bareilles - Love Song

Chart run: 50

Sara Bareilles is the first artist to accomplish a milestone. I'll explain in more detail once we get to her highest song on the countdown but for now suffice to say "Love Song" was a big hit for me 2 years ago and because I was feeling nostalgic, it managed to chart for a single week during 2017. I like Sara's writing a lot. It's very relatable.

That's how you do a "**** u, record label!" song, Walker Hayes!

1st of 3 appearences by Sara Bareilles

_____________________________________________

467. Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart

Chart run: 50

The hook here is infectious. That will distract you from the grotesque way Mr Cruz writes his character in this song: "Hey, gal! You know imma break your heart tomorrow, rite?". Yes, I do, m'love", she replies. "Nice to know we're both shallow!"

1st and only appearance by Taio Cruz

__________________________

466. Felix Jaehn - Shine (feat. Freddy Verano & Linying)

Chart run: 49

I follow my friends on Spotify and one of them was listening to this. I gave it a try. There is better background music out there.

1st and only appearance by Felix Jaehn

1st and only appearance by Freddy Verano

1st and only appearance by Linying

______________________________

465. Puff Daddy - I'll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans & 112)

Chart run: 49

And THIS is why you do research before you listen to a song. Originally, I was going to dismiss the song by saying "the only reason this charted was the sample!". I knew this was about the death of someone, but not of a real person. I'm sure the song is heartfelt but I would be lying if I said I listened to it having in mind the passing of Notorious B.I.G. No! I listened to the chorus once or twice and skipped the rest. Let's pass to the next song before my soul goes completely astray.

1st and only appearance by P. Diddy

1st and only appearance by Faith Evans

1st and only appearance by 112

___________________________

464. Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie (feat. Sean Mendes Kingston)

Chart run: 49

Allow me to say something: I don't know if the main artist on this is Bieber or Sean. I've seen some sites saying it is the former, other saying it is the latter... However, since it is included in Justin's album My World 2.0 (God, help me), I gave the credit to him. With that out of the way THIS SONG IS DISPOSABLE POP GARBAGE AND THE ONLY REASON IT MADE IT TO MY CHART IS BECAUSE OF THE PRE-CHORUS MY BRAIN SEEMS TO LIKE. With such ingenious lyrics as:

 

"She is indecisive

She can't decide"

 

Thankfully, the song only got one week and if the universe conspires, it will stay like that. NEXT!

1st and only appearence by Justin Bieber

1st and only appearence by Sean Kingston

___________________________________

463. Green Day - 21 Guns

Chart run: 49

Sometimes, I like pretending my life is **** and feel blue for no reason. Enter the emo-pop bands! It was either Green Day or MCR, and since Helena is way too heavy for my taste, 21 Guns will have to do.

1st and only appearance by Green Day

___________________________________________

462. The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star

Chart run: 49

This one deserved to be so much higher, but it didn't click with me nearly as much as I wanted it to. The song is, still, great (and quotable).

1st and only appearance by The Buggles

__________________________

461. Tove Lo - Talking Body

2016: #41

Chart run: 49

Although the Swedish singer had a pretty successful 2016, in 2017 none of her singles attained US notability, meaning I didn't care for any of her albums (because I am not an album listener by any means) and jammed solely to her older stuff. This song is solid pop fun.

1st of 3 appearances by Tove Lo

____________________________

460. Connie Francis - Lipstick On Your Collar

Chart run: 49

Are you ready for our first 50s expedition? Okay! Back in 2016, Connie Francis had a huge hit with her signature song "Stupid Cupid". Upon research, I found out she was no one-hit-wonder back in her day. In fact, she had FOURTEEN Top 10 hits to her name during 1957-1962! This was one of them. I like it very much, but it isn't for repeated listens. I can guarantee you, however, that if this song were to play on the radio today (for whatever reason), I WOULD LISTEN TO IT THROUGH AND THROUGH.

1st of 2 appearances by Connie Francis

__________________________

459. Little Big Town - Girl Crush

Chart run: 49

Have I commented on how much I love over-the-top lyricism? This song is a field day for that! "Oh, I wanna kiss a girl because a guy turns me on (stolen joke from Todd In The Shadows)! I adore the sense of desperation given by:

 

I want her magic touch

Yeah, cos' maybe then

You'd want me just as much

 

And let's not forget:

 

I wanna taste her lips

Yeah, cause they taste like you

GENIOUS subversion of expectation, gentlemen!

But seriously: this song didn't deserve to be any higher.

1st and only appearence by Little Big Town

____________________________________________

458. Toni Braxton - Un-Break My Heart

Chart run: 49

This staple deserved to be higher but radio overplay killed its appeal.

1st and only appearence by Toni Braxton

_________________________________________________

457. Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World

Chart run: 49

I play this tune whenever I m feeling sad (actually sad, not in a Green Day-y way). It doesn't make my sadness go away, but it helps me cope with the situation... or cry until I'm out of tears, either one works. Apparently, there was one week when I was feeling particularly down, giving it a chance to chart. I may have listened to this song too many times in movies, but I never get bored of it. I mean, how can you not enjoy this guy singing? Look at a live performance. He seems so cheery! Like each of his lines is a smile being sent to you...

1st and only  appearance by Louis Armstrong

__________________________________________________________

456. Owl City - Good Time (ft. Carly Rae Jepsen)

Chart run: 49

This song warms my soul so much. It is one of my many celebratory songs. It is also pop perfection.

1st and only appearance by Owl City

1st and only appearance by Carly Rae Jepsen

____________________________

455. Lady Gaga - Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

Chart run: 48

This song is good to bop to for a week. After that, it loses its spark. The production is slick in some places, though.

1st of 6 appearances by Lady Gaga

_____________________

454. Gal Costa - Balancê

Chart run: 48

This charted for two reasons: it is sung by one of the most distinguished Brazilian chanteuses and a friend of mine really likes it, so every time I listen to this song, I think of her. Its bouncy nature is capable of breaking language barriers. THE POWER OF THE REAL MUSIC!

1st and only appearance by Gal Costa

_____________________________

453. Zara Larsson - So Good (GOLDHOUSE Remix) (feat. Ty Dolla Sign)

Chart run: 48

I remember being very excited for the original version of this song. So much so I overplayed the life out of it during its release week and got tired quickly. The remix came in to try and give the song a second wind and failed miserably. Poor Zara.

More remixes on the way!

1st of 5 appearences by Zara Larsson

1st of 4 apperences by Ty Dolla Sign

______________________________

452. Britney Spears - 3

Chart run: 47

Britney, my obsession with you is dead. Kindly go back to 2016 and lock yourself in there.

1st of 7 appearences by Britney Spears

__________________________________

451. Zara Larsson - Lush Life

2016: #7

Chart run: 47

Could Larsson surpass her debut? Until now, the answer is a flat no, but I haven't given up on her just yet. For now, let's remember the times when she was at her full potential.

2nd of 5 appearances by Zara Larsson

________________________

450. Matthew Koma - Kisses Back

Chart run: 47

You know, there are times when even dramatique lyrics can't salvage a song for me. This song has annoying vocals, fake "emotional" performance, egregious pitch-shifting and A CHORUS THAT IS QUITE LITERALLY TWO WORDS (OR WAS IT FOUR) WORDS REPEATED OVER AND OVER. The pop song formula doesn't work for all, Matthew....

1st and only appearance by Matthew Koma

___________________________________

449. Ella Fitzgerald - The Man I Love

Chart run: 47

I first heard this song thanks to a soap opera set in the 50s. This song is marvellous, a masterpiece of Lounge. Needless to say, Ella is a PRESENCE all throughout. I love this song to pieces.

1st and only appearance by Ella Fitzgerald

____________________________

448. Luka - Porta Aberta

Chart run: 46

This blast from the past is brought to you by Brazilian Shakira (minus the continuous success and the famous husband). A hopeful ballad written to instigate the listener into hoping their previous lover one day comes back to them. A shame it flopped. But baby Fa1x sure enjoyed it back in the day.

1st of 2 appearances by Luka

________________________

447. Avril Lavigne - What The Hell

Chart run: 46

I remember way in 2015, when I got into Avril and hoped her album would come soon. This is me now:

Well, there is always next year.

This song was my #2 hit of 2015. Still sounds fresh

1st and only appearence by Avril Lavigne

_________________________________

446. Britney Spears - I Wanna Go

Chart run: 46

Britney, go away! Your catchy melodies do nothing for me. That's why you show up five more times on this countdown, God!

2nd of 7 appearances by Britney Spears

_________________________

445. Sara Bareilles - King Of Anything

2016: #43

Chart run: 46

Have I said how much I love Sara's songwriting?! This song is right up my alley with its patronizing attitude. No wonder it was a hit last year.

2nd of 3 appearences by Sara Bareilles

___________________________________

444. Julie London - Desafinado (Slightly Out Of Tune)

Chart run: 46

It all started when Spotify added the "Daily Mix" feature into the Desktop version of its software. I was fast to notice Spotify created a really special playlist, full of oldies. I fell in love with this version of a Brazilian classic and played it all throughout December 2016. By January 2017, I was sick of it. But I still listen to it every once in a while. THE POWER OF THE REAL MUSIC!

1st and only appearance by Julie London

_____________________________

443. AWOLNATION - Sail

Chart run: 45

This is one of these songs you don't have to care about the lyrics. Not because they're bad (quite the contrary), but because the production is good enough to teleport you into the song by itself. This is one of the most intriguing songs I listened to ever.

1st and only appearance by AWOLNATION

_________________________________

442. Rihanna - Work (feat. Drake)

2016: #6

Chart run: 45

Hit from last year, moving on.

1st of 9 appearances by Rihanna

1st of 2 appearances by Drake

_____________________

441. Sheryl Crow - The First Cut Is The Deepest

Chart run: 45

A slice of pure country. I like it. Everything about it is pitch perfect.

1st and only appearance by Sheryl Crow

_____________________________

440. Levanóiz - Liga da Justiça (Mulher Maravilha)

Chart run: 44

I refuse to analyze this travesty I uncovered! Look at this "single cover"! All you need to know is that this was a hit during the 2011 Carnaval. You may come to your own conclusions about the song watching the music video.

1st and only appearance by Levanóiz (thank God)

________________________________________________

That's it for today, suckas! I need to rest my brain from the abomination above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Edited December 13, 2017 by Fa1x intelectual

[Navyofbadgals]

yes love me some Regina  

[Kavish]

My favorite on this list is 21 Guns. 

 

Creep.   Nice jazz rendition, but I think that Radiohead's tone better conveys the desperation and hopelessness of the theme, and the instrumentation better suited to represent the agony and irk of the artist.  

 

Love Song, King of Anything and What the Hell are nice throwbacks.  Girl Crush is cute.

 

Great classics: I'll Be Missing You, Unbreak My Heart, and What A Wonderful World.

 

I don't like Taio Cruz's Break Your Heart. 

Edited December 13, 2017 by Kavish

[Queen Conchita]

Tears

Break Your Heart (a BOP)

Eenie Meenie (guilty pleasure)

Video Killed The Radio Star (YAS)

Balancê (a bitch is bopping)

Sail 

Work

 

[Loyalty]

Bops

[GokuRed]

Crazy list... so many throwbacks

 

Deserved best album