Personal Favorites of 2015

Welcome to 2016! (I wrote this in 2015- scheduled blogs are awesome!) Without further ado, here are 25 of my personal favorites of 2015. If you're not into EDM, you can probably get lost after the first 3 or 4 tracks. Again, there's a Spotify playlist at the bottom if you'd prefer to just do that.

*Due to YouTube embedding restrictions, I've chosen to just link to the videos instead of trying to embed them here. Sorry about that.

Coldplay- “Adventure of a Lifetime”:  This is a very un-Coldplaylike song, but of course I loved it. That Nile Rodgers style beat is a great direction for them to go in. Unfortunately, the rest of the album was considerably slower than this. Hopefully, I can put this in the pop hits list next year.

Sia- “Alive”: Her videos are always weird, so I've just given up on enjoying them at this point. Her voice and her songs are always tremendous, so I have to just like them for what they are.

E-40- “Choices (Yup)”: Did E-40 break the budget for this video? Nope. Was it still awesome? Yup. Is it his best song ever? Nope. Is it the best rap song of the year? Yup. Is he way too old to be dressed like he is? Yup. Is he somehow still relevant though? Yup! Long live E-40!

Matoma & The Notorious B.I.G.- “Old Thing Back”: Matoma came out of nowhere to really hit it big in 2015. It's funny to hear the absolutely filthy lyrics of a classic Biggie song with the sunny, innocent tropical house backing beats of this version. This was a big-time summer jam in 2015.

Avicii- “City Lights”: We now enter the Avicii portion of the list. His album Stories came out in October, and while it wasn't as good as I'd hoped, it was still one of the better albums of the year. His ability to whip up fantastic melodies is still second to none. "City Lights" throws me back to some of the more original Avicii styles, which meant it got heavy rotation from me this year,

Avicii- “True Believer”: Here's another one of the standout tracks from Stories. It's a great album, but I just wish he wouldn't screw around with the production on some of his tracks as much as he does. This one is a particularly bad offender.


Avicii- “Waiting for Love”:  This was the single off of Stories. I'm astonished this didn't become a bigger hit. Just goes to show my hit-predicting senses aren't always 100% correct. Only maybe 99%.

David Guetta feat. Sia & Fetty Wap- “Bang My Head”: I think I must have a secret contractual obligation to include one David Guetta song on one of my year-end lists each year. Either that, or he makes sure he puts out 1-2 quality bangers per year. This year's entry is "Bang My Head," featuring his favorite guest star, Sia, and a bizarre newcomer in Fetty Wap.

Tiesto & KSHMR-“Secrets”: I'm not normally the biggest Tiesto fan- I think his major releases tend to be somewhat bland. But this collaboration with KSHMR was hands-down one of the biggest rage jams of the year. Hard not to get fired up listening to this. Turn it up!

Martin Garrix feat. Usher- “Don’t Look Down”: And now we enter the Martin Garrix portion of the list. I never thought I'd be into him really, after he released "Animals," but almost every song he put out this year was amazing, each in its own way. This was a radio-worthy song that never got proper love here in the US. Shame.

Martin Garrix & MOTi- “Virus”: This one may actually be from 2014, but to me it feels like a 2015 song, so here it is. This is Garrix going in a different direction from "Don't Look Down," but this is another of 2015's absolutely top rage songs.

Martin Garrix-“Forbidden Voices”: Final Garrix song here, this one kind of splits the difference between the other two. It's reflective but it also bumps pretty hard. You can do whatever you want with it. Probably a great festival song, considering its accompanying music video.

Galantis- “Peanut Butter Jelly” And, now we arrive at the Galantis portion of the list. The Swedish duo's June debut album, Pharmacy, may have been my favorite of the year, and "Peanut Butter Jelly" was a major single and highlight. They may never have a radio jam, but they're definitely one of the biggest EDM acts out right now.

Galantis- “Dancin to the Sound Of A Broken Heart”: More Galantis here. This was one of the deeper cuts on the album, but it may have been my favorite. Hopefully it gets big someday!

Galantis- “Gold Dust”: As Galantis songs go, this qualifies as a slow jam. It's hard to put into words what I like about their music, but, as with nearly every other song on this list, melody is paramount. When you combine melody with an underlying bassline and rhythm, well, that's when you have something worth mentioning. Music 101.

Galantis- “Louder, Harder, Better”: Last Galantis song here. They go back to their roots a bit here with a dreamlike female vocal. Easy to get lost in this one, and then you find yourself dancing. Well, maybe you don't, but I do.

Odesza- “Say My Name”: This one may be a little too old for this list, but I'm including it because it reminds me of 2015. Specifically, it reminds me of June, when I went to Firefly music Festival in Delaware and heard this live. It was awesome, and definitely a moment to remember.

Kygo- “Firestone”: Not sure any artist exploded onto the scene as much as Kygo did this year. During the first half of the year, I feel like I exclusively listened to his music. He became less prolific in the second half of the year, which allowed me to branch out more, but he still personified the year for me. This was his breakout single, so here it is.

Kygo- “Stole The Show”: More Kygo here. He helped popularize the tropical house sound which began to seep into pop music this year (ex. Bieber, Justin). So even outside of becoming the fastest artist ever to 1 billion plays on Spotify, he had a massive impact on the music world this year.

Kygo- “Here For You”: In the second half of the year, Kygo came back with a couple new tracks. They sound a little different from his purely tropical-house sound that he came into 2015 with, but they're just as great. This one benefits from a great bassline and great vocals.

Kygo- “Stay”: This one's too new for any music video. It's a late addition, but a worthy one to Kygo's catalog. Enjoy!

Flume feat. Andrew Wyatt- “Some Minds”: This is a strange addition, I admit. It sounds almost like a Beatles song for most of the way through, which, though there's nothing wrong with that, is still unusual for my modern tastes. But trust me, it's worth listening through to get to the final minute or so, at which point Flume unleashes the best beats he's got in the tank. Awesome stuff.

Yellow Claw- “Feel It”: This is definitely the most obscure song on the list this year. It's a deep cut off trap trio Yellow Claw's November debut album Blood For Mercy. I can't really remember how I came across it, but trust me, it's worth a listen. It's not really trap music. It's sort of a weird combination of lots of genres. Definitely in my heavy rotation the last couple months.

Zara Larsson feat. MNEK-“Never Forget You”: I don't do favorites on this list. Technically all of these songs are equal to each other. However, if I did play favorites, this one would be a heavy favorite to be, well, the favorite. No other song hit me as hard, as quickly, as this one did. Watch the video on a good sound system and tell me you don't come away impressed. This is my pick to break out and dominate 2016. There's still time for me to be right!

Disciples- “They Don’t Know”: This was a real late breaking addition to the list for me, I only got into it just a couple weeks ago, but luckily my deadline extends through the whole year. That bassline, that beat...I'm a deep house fan and I don't care who knows! Feels good to let it out.

And that'll do it. Enjoy 2016, and never fear, I'm keeping track of all my favorites so I can hit you with the knowledge at the end of the year just like I always do. Peace!

Top 20 Songs of 2015- Billboard Hot 100 Edition

Welcome, everyone, to Consider Me Named’s Top 20 Hits of 2015 list! Year after year, no matter the circumstances, this list will keep happening, so never fear, I’ve got your back. For the folks at Billboard, 2015 ended back on December 10^th, when they released their annual year-end Hot 100 chart. As a reminder of my methodology, I look through that list and select my favorite 20 songs, then rank them in order of...favoriteness, from 20 to 1. So, no complaints about whatever hipster song you like that I didn’t include, because this list is purely for Top 40 enthusiasts like myself.

2015 was a big year for Drake, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and newcomer Fetty Wap...and you’ll hear almost all of them in this year’s list! Quite a departure from the last few years when I wound up shutting out almost all the biggest names of the year. Overall, 2015 was around the same quality as 2014 when it came to pop music. Maybe a little stronger in the middle, but certainly lacking at the top end. But we’ll get into all that later. For now, let’s jump into the hits!

*Disclaimer- Many YouTube music videos are not available to embed anymore! This is something about 2015 I don't like at all! So for those videos I have posted a lyric video (when available) and a link to the real thing. I've also posted a Spotify playlist at the bottom if you don't mind scrolling down and seeing some spoilers. Sorry for the inconvenience!

20. Taylor Swift- “Wildest Dreams”:

 Link To Video

Like I said, 2015 was a pretty gigantic year for T-Swift, as her album 1989 sold millions of copies, she went on yet another summer mega-tour, and she placed single after single into the Top 10. I haven’t been the biggest fan of her latest hits, but I can’t deny her incredible ability to remain on top. And musically, “Wildest Dreams” is certainly pleasant enough to hold up to repeated listening, unlike some of her other recent singles which got on my nerves quickly. Thus it gets Taylor her only spot in my Top 20. Moving on!

19. Elle King- “Ex’s & Oh’s”:

Link To Video 

Did you know Elle King is Rob Schneider’s daughter? I’m not sure if she’s cashing in on her Hollywood connections to enjoy her 15 minutes of stardom, or if this became a hit based on its merits, but either way I was happy it found its way into rotation. I suppose I wouldn’t mind hearing more from her in the future, since she has undeniable talent and a fairly unique sound for Top 40 radio. Still too early to tell, I think.

18. DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge- “You Know You Like It”:

Link To Video

Every year there’s at least one song like this, that finally blows up way, way after it was released. This year, it’s DJ Snake’s remix of AlunaGeorge’s song which was originally released in 2011 (!!!!!) I’m not sure we’ve ever had a song which took longer to hit it big than this one. I was a big fan of the original, but I will admit the DJ Snake version takes it in an equally enjoyable direction, and further cements him as a major player in the pop music world.

17. WALK THE MOON- “Shut Up And Dance”:

Song of the summer? Quite possibly. Props to these guys for hitting it big (like, really big...I definitely heard this one a couple times too many this summer), after toiling in relative obscurity despite some standout songs like “Anna Sun.” This infectious song may be one of the first ones we remember from 2015. Also, pretty sure the lead singer has to be related to Jeff Probst, the “Survivor” host, the resemblance is uncanny.

16.  Justin Bieber- “What Do You Mean?”:

 Link To Video

Realistically, though, we’re going to remember 2015 as the year of the improbable but overwhelming Justin Bieber comeback. It’s hard to believe despite all his self-destructive and over-publicized personal behavior, and despite his child-star origins, he’s able to make such critically-acclaimed and massively popular music, but hey, music is music. If it’s good, it’ll rise to the top, and make no mistake, his music in 2015 was very good pop music. Incorporating some sweet tropical-house sounds was a savvy idea on his part.

15. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee & Grandmaster Caz- “Downtown”:

 Link To Video

Macklemore took most of 2014 and 2015 off, but he came back in a big way in late August with “Downtown,” which may have been the year’s most eclectic songs. It was really 3 songs in one- a “Thrift Shop” style novelty song about driving mopeds instead of the fresh whips preferred by most rappers, an old-school rap throwback song, and a Broadway show-style anthem for the chorus. Every time I heard this one, I knew I was in for an immersive experience. Not to mention a Ken Griffey sighting in the video! Macklemore has definitely still got it.

14. Andy Grammer- “Honey, I’m Good”:

Sickeningly over-sweet video aside, this was definitely one of the top feel-good songs of 2015. The fantastic backing vocals and harmonies also guarantee it will be a staple of a cappella choirs for years to come. But yeah, that video really makes me want to take it off the list. Guess I’m not a fan of user-sourced videos...

13. Maroon 5- “Sugar”:

Geez, speaking of bad videos...how narcissistic are Maroon 5 that they thought a video of them surprising people at their weddings and making it all about themselves would be well-received by society? We still value humility, even if we may be preparing to elect Donald Trump, and this smacks of arrogance. Especially since it was staged. Yikes. Anyway, it wouldn’t be a year-end chart without an entry from Maroon 5, so here they are right where they belong at #13. This is a great singalong song, if you can hit the high notes (I certainly can’t.)

12. The Weeknd- “Can’t Feel My Face”:

 Link To Video

The Weeknd absolutely blew up in 2015, going from an underground sensation to a fullblown superstar. Big year for Toronto acts- Bieber, Weeknd, and Drake (there’s no Drake on this chart so you can stop scrolling if you’re looking for him). Anyway, the beat is what lands this one so high. It’s just so groovy, you can’t help but vibe along with it. It may not bring the house down but it’ll definitely keep the party going.

11. The Weeknd- “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”:

 Link To Video

Since this was the year of The Weeknd going back to back with hit after hit, I figured I’d do the same here. This was hands down the baby-making jam of the year. I mean, it was the theme song to maybe the most explicit widely-screened movie in history. If that doesn’t get you in the mood, then no pop song is going to. Sorry for the softcore porn video, by the way- don’t watch this one with your parents! Who knew they got down like this in Canada?

10. Tove Lo- “Talking Body”:

Link To Video 

Tove Lo’s certainly cultivated a bad-girl image, but I wonder deep down if that’s who she really is. Her lyrics and videos make her seem like the promiscuous party girl who knows what she’s doing is destructive but doesn’t want to stop because it feels so good. I get a vibe from her like Effy in Skins. I wonder if in real life, though, she just, like, watches Swedish Netflix all day with her cat. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s all a ruse. Solid song though!

9. Big Sean Featuring E-40- “I Don’t F**k With You”:

Link To Video 

We’ve had a lot of questionable videos this year, and a lot of way below questionable

 rap music, but this one is far from questionable. It’s fantastic. Big Sean may be a little old/skinny to be a star highschool football player, but that’s neither here nor there. Mainly, it’s just been way, WAY too long since we heard from my boy E-40 in the Top 40. With lines like makin’ girls “stand outside forever like the Statue of Liberty,” and showing up as the suave announcer in the football game, he’s clearly still on top of his game. Let’s get some more guest verses from him in 2016. He’s only 48, he’s still in his prime!

8. Pitbull & Ne-Yo- “Time Of Our Lives”:

Link To Video 

Another fantastic, outstanding video. It’s been pretty clear over the years that I like videos that at least attempt to tell a story. This one throws us back to New Years 1999, when Pitbull was just a broke-ass kid in Miami. We can all relate to those days of making ends meet but still trying to party on the cheap (maybe some of us more than others at this point). It’s great to see Pitbull making music like this rather than stuff about globetrotting that none of us can relate to. Also it’s themed appropriately for the timing of this post. Have a happy new year!

7. Demi Lovato- “Cool For The Summer”:

Link To Video 

We’re getting into the real heavy hitters now. Is it just me, or are Demi, Ariana, and Selena the new Britney, Xtina, and J-Lo? I need some help identifying who corresponds with who though. Either way this song was a big-time (surprise) summer jam this year. Long live the pop perfection!

6. Calvin Harris & Disciples- “How Deep Is Your Love”:

Link To Video 

This video introduced the world to Gigi Hadid, who up until this point as the “it girl” of 2015 but who was someone I wouldn’t have recognized walking down the street. I don’t much care for her or for the video in general, but I do love the song, as I do most Calvin songs. This was a lock for the Top 10, and he’ll continue to be a regular up here as long as he doesn’t change his formula too much, or shut down his hitmaking factory.

5. Adele- “Hello”:

I know this has already been discussed ad nauseum, but I just need to add my two cents: it is incredible that Adele is as popular as she is. It goes against almost all conventional wisdom. Her songs have no sex, no catchy beat, they’re just her singing her guts out over usually just some backing pianos. And she’s not just big, she’s gigantic. (Uh, talking about the popularity of her music here, obviously). It’s remarkable, and it speaks to the once-in-a-generation talent that she clearly possesses. Also, couple of TV references- great to see Michael from The Wire doing well here, and never forget that Adele got her first big break when “Hometown Glory” was featured in one of the most tearjerking moments of Skins!

4. Fetty Wap- “Trap Queen”:

Link To Video 

Going straight from one of the most timeless and high-quality songs of the year, to one of the silliest guilty-pleasure songs of the last few years. Show me a music countdown that can do it as well as this one. Basically, Fetty Wap got incredibly lucky when he got this beat made for him, and it’s all been gravy since then. This is the single best rap beat I can remember going back several years. I listened to the instrumental version as much as the lyrics version this year, to be honest. I do not see Fetty Wap remaining a “thing” in 2016. He’s not the next Flo Rida. But still...1738!!!

3. Ariana Grande & The Weeknd- “Love Me Harder”:

Link To Video 

This one should have been on last year’s chart but it somehow missed the date cutoff, so it got rolled over into 2015. This is about as perfect as a pop song can be, in my opinion. It’s held up to continued listening even a year after its release date. And I think I’ve figured it out- Ariana is J-Lo, Selena is Britney (since she dated Justin), and Demi is Xtina. What goes around, comes around...

2. Hozier- “Take Me To Church”:

Link To Video 

Again, this song is absolutely ancient (released in 2013) but it missed Billboard’s date cutoff for 2014, so here it is in 2015. Not a great sign for 2015 that 2 of its top 3 songs were actually more from 2014. Either way, take a few minutes and go re-acquaint yourself with this great song. Very different tone from most of the rest of this list (except for Adele) so sit back and enjoy.

1. Major Lazer & DJ Snake Featuring M0- ”Lean On”:

Link To Video 

And here we are. The best hit song of 2015. I don’t think you’re going to argue with me, right? This song just grew and grew on me until boom, here it is. It was everywhere this year; you couldn’t escape it. It is definitely the song by which I will remember 2015, and ultimately, that’s why it gets the #1 spot. It isn’t a runaway like the last couple years have been, but that beat, that horn interlude, and even the fact that it clocks in at under 3 minutes which helps it hold up to repeated listening, all contributed to the victory. And blasting it one more time is a great way to close out the year.

So there you have it. 2015, checked off the list. I’ll be back soon with my top personal favorites of the year, so be on the lookout for that. After that, though, it’ll be time to find out what 2016 has in store for us. At this point, I’m just hoping that it holds the line, because every year my pool of acceptable songs gets smaller and smaller as I wither into old age. But never mind all that, happy new year and have a great 2016!

 

Personal Favorites of 2014

While it was a down year for popular music, 2014 was as good as any other year when it came to overall music that I liked. Without further ado, let's dive into my 25 favorite songs of the year that ended up outside the Billboard Year-End Hot 100. These songs are not ranked, they are instead grouped roughly by genre.

Also, check the bottom of the post for a Spotify playlist of all the songs on this list. You can play it at your next party, and thank me later.

The Top 20 Best Songs of 2014- Billboard Hot 100 Edition

 

The end of 2014 is just about upon is. According to the folks at Billboard, it ended on December 11, when they posted their official Year-End Hot 100. While I have never liked their decision to make up their own calendar, I have no choice but to play by their rules, so let’s take a look at the best 20 hits of the year (decided, as always, by me and only me).

As a reminder, these are all songs selected from within Billboard’s year-end list. Believe me, I wish I could expand the selection pool a little this year- never have I faced a bleaker list of underwhelming choices than in 2014. Ultimately, though, these 20 aren’t so bad, they just pale in comparison to the stronger choices I’ve had in the last few years I’ve been doing this list. Never fear, though, let’s dive into the countdown!