Top 20 Albums of 2014: 8-7

8. B1A4 - Who Am I



Overall, this is probably the slowest of the albums on my list. There's one uptempo, and most everything else is either ballad or midtempo. Because of this, the album as a whole took me a while to warm up to, but what it has in spades is longevity. The guys' excellent musicianship is on full display, and the entire album evokes a very specific mood that serves it better as a whole than in parts.

7. One Direction - Four



Their remarkably consistent run continues, as the guys have churned out another solid pop/rock album. Of all their releases, it may end up having the least staying power for me, but song for song, it's incredibly solid and surprisingly mature. The addition of more harmonies and gently production works wonders, even if I still prefer the big, loud, 80's power rock pastiches they pull off so well. As with most of their albums, it could do with a generous reshuffling when it comes to track order.

One Direction - Where Do Broken Hearts Go

"It took me some time, but I figured out"

I haven't died! Sorry for the extended break. I had a day of speaking engagements and then some fun dental surgery (luckily in that order), but I'm back now with plenty to post. We'll start today with a track from the new One Direction album. I've been a great admirer of the 80's power-pop sound these guys have been working with, but not as big of a fan of the more folksy leanings they've been developing as of late. So it's no surprise that my biggest standout from the standard edition of the album is the 80's anthem, Where Do Broken Hearts Go. Honestly, I would've liked to have seen this be the lead single. It's very much the sonic successor to Best Song Ever. It has those surging guitars and Bon Jovi-esque, shout-along hooks that I go crazy for. As for the album as a whole, I'm enjoying it but not as much as their past work. Now, it did take a few listens (and a drastic track reshuffling) until I loved Midnight Memories, so this might be the same situation. I hope there are some massive standouts on the deluxe edition. I don't need more ballads.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Steal My Girl

"Everybody wanna take her heart away"

Sometimes, in my weaker moments, I wish that I could be one of those "cool" music bloggers who rails against manufactured pop music and highlights "true" musicians. Then I remind myself to screw it and go with the melody, like I always have. I adore a big chorus, an awesome guitar or piano riff, and slick, polished production. Judging from Steal My Girl, One Direction are in the same boat I am. I keep expecting them to ditch this awesome, "uncool" 80's power rock sound they've brought back in favor of something more trendy and boring. Luckily, they surprise me time after time by coming back with something hugely anthemic and melodic, over the top and filled with brilliant pop cheese. I love this new single, just as I've loved everything the band have put out since their debut. I'm amazed how consistently good (and fun) their music has remained four albums in, when most of these types of bands fizzle out and go the boring, adult-contemporary route to make those last few bucks. Like, seriously... that Abba-meets-Journey piano line? I'm in heaven. And I feel sorry for anyone whose personal definition of "cool" doesn't allow them to turn this up and sing along. (But I bet even they'd do it secretly at home)



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Fireproof

"Nobody knows you, baby, the way I do"

We've now entered the phase where a pop band like One Direction adapts or dies. It's an exciting time for pop-obsessives like me, fraught with potential danger but also unlimited possibilities. With their upcoming fourth album (and to a lesser extent, Midnight Memories from last year) we're going to see them either reach a new peak creatively and commercially, or begin the inevitable decline into obscurity. Let's face it, the latter is what happens to 95% of pop bands. While they've yet to reveal their new single, which I'm hoping with be massive and awesome, today the guys granted us an early look at a new sound with Fireproof, a free promo/album track revealed on their website. The song is a harmony-laced, almost psychedelic slow burn with an incredibly melodic core. It doesn't sound like a single, which is fine, but instead points to a willingness to experiment a bit with their sound. My hope is that we get a lot of different experiments on the album, without forgetting the sticky melodies the band is known for.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 20 Albums Of 2013: 2-1

2. One Direction - Midnight Memories



They took the runner-up sot on my countdown and they’re back there again. The reason is simple: their albums are the most reliable source of high quality pop music in the world. Yes, they can afford the best songwriters and producers and managers, but I don’t want to belittle the band’s input or performance. They put more of themselves into this album than they ever have in the past, and it shows. They've also managed that tricky accomplishment--breaking through to a new audience and maturing in sound without becoming stale or irrelevant. This is a bold rock album, stuffed with skyscraper high choruses and energy. It may take some awhile to come around to it, but the guys have morphed into an actual rock band, complete with an army of the best in the business behind them. Manufactured? Maybe. But that doesn't mean the music isn't worth your time.

1. Lady Gaga - Artpop



To many, this will probably be my most controversial album of year since I started doing these countdowns. It’s national Hate on Gaga year, after all, and I've heard more undeservedly nasty comments being made about this album than any other this year, many from music critics who seem to prefer safe Gaga who writes with established, commercial producers and sounds like everybody else to the batty theater queen who I believe she really is. To me, this is Gaga's best work to date. I didn't go into it as excited as I’d been for her past two albums, and that’s just more testament to its quality that, even after having to win me over, I’m still putting it on top of my list. Sure, it’s not a perfect album. There are a couple of dubious moments and the lead single didn't do much for me, but the highs are so incredibly high. More than that, there’s a palpable excitement in the songs. She sounds recharged, and it’s definitely the best produced album of the year. It’s got an expensive, dense, theatrical sound throughout, marrying her rock, pop and dance influences better than on any other album she‘s released. Gypsy, in particular, needs to be heard by every single music fan.

Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 10-6

10. Lady Gaga - Do What You Want (with R. Kelly)



After the underwhelming Applause, this grower of a track stood out as exactly the type of thing Gaga needed in 2013. Sounds ever better as part of the album.

9. Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop



The song that transformed Cyrus' career, and one of the best pop songs of the year. It's just effortlessly cool and doesn't even seem to try.

8. One Direction - Best Song Ever



Is it their best single? If it's not, then it's definitely second best. If they can keep putting out big slabs of pop rock like this, I think they're in it for the long run.

7. Kang Seung Yoon - Wild & Young 



Perhaps the most surprising (and little known) inclusion in my top ten. This Korean rock track sounds a lot like The Ark to me. I played it out this year.

6. Nicole Saboune - Conquer Or Suffer 



Speaking of sounding like The Ark, I was instantly taken with this glam/punk/rock track by Saboune, an alum of Sweden's The Voice. I mean, that hook!

Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 40-36

40. One Direction - Kiss You



Their best single from an album filled with tracks that should have been singles. Sometimes all you want is a well-executed piece of radio pop fluff.

39. The Preatures - Is This How You Feel



Undeniably funky track from Down Under. Takes the best of early 80's Prince, performed by a band that sounds very little like him.

38. Darin - Check You Out



Darin's hookiest original song this year, which should have been the single to launch the somewhat bungled promotion for his latest album.

37. Emblem 3 - Chloe (You're The One I Want) 



A surprise summer hit for me, these guys found a sound that hearkened back to the best of late 90's/early 00's sunny radio rock.

36. Ben Ivory - The Righteous Ones 



A statement of intent if there ever was one, tied into an aggressive, smart dance track that deserved more recognition than it got.

Track-by-Track: One Direction - Midnight Memories

I've gone on record more than once declaring my appreciation for the power-pop of One Direction, even though it might not be "cool" for someone of my age and gender. In addition to watching them form on X-Factor, I'm just a huge fan of well-delivered, uber-catchy pop/rock. And these guys have delivered with remarkable consistency. Their newest album marks a big shift in sound for them. The bombastic hooks are still there, but somewhere along the line the guys have become a surprisingly credible rock vocal group. I can't recall any other "boyband" release that sounds like this, which is pretty awesome. That said, like their debut album, this one is in dire need of some reshuffling (I just can't deal with Story Of My Life completely stealing the energy as the second track). Here's my track by track review with a twist: below is how I would have sequenced the album, and I think it plays all the better for it.

1. Alive - Previously relegated to a bonus track on the ultimate edition, I like this much better as a statement of intent to open the album. Not only is it a big, brash rock song, but its carpe diem theme seems to fit the album as a whole. Wherever this is on the running order, though, it's a total standout with its hair metal riffs and chorus turned up to eleven. 10/10

2. Best Song Ever - It's amazing how much bigger this sounds coming as the second track. Though it's been with us for awhile, I'd still say this will probably go down as being the best, most memorable song on here. 10/10

3. Diana - Another slab of arena-sized stadium rock, with verses reminiscent of the 80's and a chorus that burrows into your brain straightaway. Continues the rockier direction that I think the first half of the album should stick with. 10/10

4. Little White Lies - Of all the tracks, this sounds the most like it would have fit in on the last album. That's a very good thing, as I think the last album will probably go down as the band's high point. The sound is an epically huge mash-up of guitars and electronics, with a sugary chorus. 10/10

5. Little Black Dress - Yeah, so I've got the two "little" song titles back to back. But honestly, if they're both on the album anyway, it's the contrast kinda cool to have one after another? This continues the rock streak, so much so that I probably wouldn't have even guessed this was One Direction if I didn't know. It sounds more like the Fratellis or something. 9/10

6. Don't Forget Where You Belong - The boys cowrote this with the guys in Mcfly, which were responsible for one of my favorite 1D songs (I Would) and one of my least (I Want). This is completely different from both, and one of the album highlights. A lighters-in-the-air singalong ballad about life on the road, this has a killer chorus. Should be a single, but probably won't. 10/10

7. Midnight Memories - One of the harder-edged tracks on here, the title song sounds a lot like Pour Some Sugar On Me with its stomping guitar and electric edge. Not the best example of their newfound rock sensibilities, but it's certainly a new direction for them (though it does sound a bit like an edgier Rock Me from their last album). 9/10

8. You And I - You And I - The only other "rock" ballad on the album, this one crept up on me. It's simple most of the way through, but suddenly becomes epic when the music drops out and returns tenfold. It's surprisingly effective. 9/10

9. Does He Know - Back to a poppier sound, this retains a strong rock element but there's something much more 80's and "teen pop" about it. Still, it's the perfect bridge between what I see as the album's two halves. 9/10

10. Happily - Now we're into the folkier sounds on the album (which sound so much better strung together than they do as separate experiments throughout the running order). This is the biggest and most rollicking of the three, with a huge shout-along chorus and pub atmosphere. 9/10

11. Story Of My Life - The second single. It's quite nice on its own, but sounds especially great after Happily. I'm a fan of 1D's ballads generally, but they do tend to drag the energy down if placed too early in the running order. This really needed the bridge Happily provides so as not to sound out of place. 9/10

12. Through The Dark - My favorite of the three Mumford & Sons-esque tracks, this is a midtempo, folksy pop song with one hell of a chorus. It didn't hit me on first listen, but has really stood out the more I listen to it. 10/10

13. Why Don't We Go There - Back to a rockier sound, though this has strong indie-alternative touches reminiscent of bands like the Killers. Not as strong as the tracks I put toward the beginning, but pleasant enough. 8/10

14. Strong -A lot of people are raving about this track, but I find it pretty generic. The melody's nice enough, but there just isn't anything unique about the production, at least for me. It feels more like enjoyable filler. 8/10

15. Better Than Words - Back to a funkier, more electronic sound. I wish this became a little more bombastic and fully-formed, but I do love the verse with all their song title references. 9/10

16. Something Great - Written with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, this sounds pretty much like you'd expect it to. Of the ballads that I don't care for too much, it's probably the best, and a good album closer. 8/10

BONUS TRACKS

17. Half A Heart - The typical drippy boyband ballad about a bad break-up. It's fine, and melodically I like the verses even if the lyrics are a little cheesy, but it's just not as strong as other tracks on the album. 7/10

18. Right Now - This ballad was co-written by Ryan Tedder. This is completely personal preference, but I've just never been much of a fan of Tedder's sound (and it definitely is a "sound," as many of his tracks are so cookie-cutter that they can be picked out instantly). This isn't one of his best, and 1D can't do much with it either. 7/10

Album Grade: 8.9/10 (B+/A-)

One Direction - Alive

"Hey, it's alright"

I've not disappeared! Sorry for the extended absence. As part of my job as an author, I sometimes travel to speaking engagements and workshops and that's where I've been. During that time, One Direction's new album leaked and it's soundtracked my travels. I've always gone on record saying that I think 1D have been an interesting and welcome addition to the limited boyband pool. I'm delighted that they (and their producers) have gone for a classic powerpop sound rather than the drippy material usually given to acts of their ilk. With the new album, they've taken that even further and really distanced themselves from what is expected of a group like theirs. In some ways, it's a brave move. The album is infused with heavy rock and folk influences, amping up their sound in unexpected (yet naturally progressive) ways. It's different, and I really like it. Do I like it as much as their last album? Time will tell. For now, tracks like Alive are surprising me in wonderful ways. I'm shocked at how credibly they've managed to do real rock music. I honestly didn't know they had it in them.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Boyband Mania: New songs by One Direction and The Fooo

The whole concept of a boyband has changed a lot these past couple of years. I went through high school during the age of Backstreet Boys and Nsync, so that kind of fluffy, melodic (and frankly, kinda awesome) music was inescapable. This generation's equivalents have a lot more edge, though, and thankfully are also willing to dabble in different genres. This brings me to the new singles by One Direction and The Fooo. In my mind, they're the two most important and interesting boybands of this new era (forgetting of course all the amazing groups coming out of Korea). However, these songs couldn't be more different. On one hand, we've got the melodic, gentle folk-pop of the new One Direction single (which I think is going to be huge for them, by the way) and on the other end of the spectrum we have Freestyler, The Fooo's jarring, rap-heavy cover of the 90's song by The Bomfunk MC's. Both are fantastic in their own way and cater to each group's identity. Both groups could have easily released anything and floated by on their looks and charisma, but it's comforting to know that the music is actually good. A couple of years ago, I wouldn't have counted myself a fan of "boybands" at all, but groups like these have consistently surprised me with the quality of their output. Forget labels. If you like polished, BIG pop music, these are your guys.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Best Song Ever

"Said her name was Georgia Rose"

I told myself I wasn't going to write about this song, especially since everyone and their mother already has. But then I saw the music video, and realized that I have something to say. Moments like this are really exciting for pop music lovers. Any popstar/group worth their salt has a few moments worth noting in their career. First is the breakthrough single or album, but even more critical than that is the one song or moment in which the singer/group bumps it up a notch and cements their place in pop history. There's very little I find more exciting in music than this. I'm thinking moments like Rihanna's Umbrella, Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, Backstreet Boys' I Want It That Way, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, Nsync's Bye Bye Bye, and Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, to name only a few. The very best artists have these moments several times, throughout the course of a decade or more. The point is, I think this is One Direction's such moment. It's not only to do with the song (which is fantastic bubblegum pop/rock), but also the excellent video where the guys show off surprisingly skilled and funny acting chops. You all know I'm not embarrassed to like anything, whether it's pitched at 13 year olds or 80 year olds. And I'm certainly not embarrassed to say that this is very, very fun. I'll embed the full video so you can judge for yourself.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the single here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Top 20 Albums Of 2012: 2-1

2. One Direction - Take Me Home



In the blogger world, it's not cool to be a One Direction fan. Not that I care, but if we're all being honest with ourselves, you cannot be a pop music fan (or more specifically, power pop) and not enjoy this album. Their production team and (credit where credit is due) the band have upped their game since last year, as this second album is really Big Pop Moment after Big Pop Moment. Thoughts on the teeny-bopper culture surrounding them aside, it's the music that counts. They could have easily followed current trends, but instead they've gone for a slightly 80's, classic pop/rock sound that emphasizes huge choruses and hook after hook. Well, that criteria pretty much describes this blog, doesn't it?

1. Foxy Shazam - The Church Of Rock And Roll



Swinging wildly in another direction, nobody can say my tastes aren't varied! Foxy Shazam earns their second number one placement (their 2010 album was also at the top that year), by being one of the only artists this year that crafted what felt like a classic, proper rock album. This is a band with their own voice, not worried about fitting easily in one genre or another. Throughout the length of the album, they move from gargantuan glam rock anthems to soft coffeehouse warbling to anthemic power balladry. The album has something for everyone, and should have conquered the world in 2012. They sound like the biggest rock band on the planet.

Top 50 Singles Of The Year: 20-16

20. One Direction - One Thing



A pop song manufactured by factory, in the best way possible. Each note is precision-calibrated for massive effect.

19. Justin Bieber - As Long As You Love Me



His coolest, most interesting track. It was the moment I started thinking he could outlast his teen idol status.

18. G-Dragon - Crayon



The most demented, funhouse-crazy single of the year. Took me awhile to warm up to it, but once I did, I couldn't stop returning.

17. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe



Ubiquitous song #1. Think back to before it was everywhere and how amazing that sugar-coated hook was.

16. PSY - Gangnam Style 



Ubiquitous song #2. Surpasses its novelty status with that massive instrumental dance hook. Infinitely remixable.

Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 30-26

30. One Direction - Little Things



It's the classic boyband ballad for 2012, and one with a deceptively simple--yet effective--melodic hook.

29. Jesper Nohrstedt - Take Our Hearts



An ultra-melodic, semi-dance track that should've went on to represent Denmark in Eurovision.

28. Loreen - Crying Out Your Name



An epic piece of electronic-fueled balladry, delivered by 2012's best vocalist.

27. Donkeyboy - City Boy



The first peek at the band's new, dance-oriented sound. It's like a cool version of Eiffel 65.

26. G-Dragon - One Of A Kind 



The year's most cocky hype track. But this isn't just empty boasting. The production and playfulness of the hook register long after the track ends.

Track-by-Track: One Direction - Take Me Home

I write this review knowing that I'm not in One Direction's target market, but I've been a supporter of them since their days on X-Factor and loved the debut album. With Take Me Home, the band have truly entered their "imperial phase," that elusive world-dominating period that happens to the luckiest of pop stars, and usually with the second album. I'm thinking Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, Lady Gaga's Fame Monster, Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad, Nsync's No Strings Attached, etc. With any luck, the right singles choices will place this album amongst those successes. There will be many self-important, "credible" music lovers who will say that this type of transparently bubblegum pop has no merit, but I will continue to push back. I like fun music--music that makes you feel energized. And this is certainly an ample dose of it. You won't find many low scores here. The album's even more consistent than their debut.

1. Live While We're Young - Kicking off the album, I feel like this is actually kind of a misstep as the first single. Not because it's a bad track, but because it's one of the weakest uptempos on the album. 8/10

2. Kiss You - This is a step up, and follows the template of their breakthrough What Makes You Beautiful. It's got that punchy, guitar-assisted power pop feel that makes One Direction such an exciting prospect as a pop band. 9/10

3. Little Things - Probably the most stripped-back song they've recorded yet. Co-written by Ed Sheeran, and it certainly sounds like it. It's the second UK single, and is definitely an interesting choice. 10/10

4. C'mon C'mon - The most electronic track on the record, this has a great 80's vibe to it. I particularly love the middle eight, which really propels the song to that final, anthemic chorus. 10/10

5. Last First Kiss - Despite the overall cheesiness of the lyrics, I just can't get the melody of this out of my head. The chorus is so ridiculously catchy. The sound is midtempo, but the production is so huge that it doesn't sound at all like a ballad. 9/10

6. Heart Attack - Like Live While We're Young, this is one of the weaker uptempos on the album. It sounds slightly too American for my tastes--like something Maroon 5 would record. 8/10

7. Rock Me - Oh, that chorus! At first, I thought that it would be too repetitive, but it just works. The production really shines. 10/10

8. Change My Mind - Many have pointed out that this is too schmaltzy, but I'm not sure that's really an option with a band like One Direction. As a midtempo, it's a great way to break up the big dance tracks and the second half of the lovelorn chorus is particularly striking. These guys' vocals have improved so much since X-factor. 9/10

9. I Would - This track was written by the guys of Mcfly, and if this is any indication, they should write the entirety of One Direction's next album. This is flawless power-pop. Really fun and huge and catchy. I can't rave enough. 10/10

10. Over Again - The second Ed Sheeran written track, and it sounds even more like one of his own songs. Despite some cringeworthy lyrics, it's really a strong ballad with some excellent vocals. 9/10

11. Back For You - Out of everything on the album, this feels the most like filler to me. It's the track I always forget. That's not saying it's bad, but it's just not very memorable. 8/10

12. They Don't Know About Us - This is the complete opposite of unmemorable. If this isn't a single, I'll be really angry. This track is everything that was great about the late-90's teen pop boon crammed into one song. In fact, it sounds a lot like the Backstreet Boys in their imperial phase. The production on this is just flawless. Probably the best track on the album. 10/10

13. Summer Love - A more straightforward, soft-rock type of track and, from the production notes, it seems that this is the song the boys had the biggest hand in creating. If so, then that bodes well for their future, because this is a very effective, very enjoyable closer to the album. 10/10

14. She's Not Afraid - Back to the 80's-inspired power pop for the first of the deluxe edition bonus tracks. This is better than some of the uptempos on the actual album. Nothing revelatory, but a lot of fun. 9/10

15. Loved You First - This is a gargantuan 80's pastiche, all chugging guitars and explosive, synth-drenched chorus. I would have loved to see this on the actual album, because it's incredibly strong. 10/10

16. Nobody Compares - Another strong uptempo with great production and a real earworm melody. Fans of old-school power pop should really give this group a chance, because that's exactly what this is. 9/10

17. Still The One - Just a little too frantic for me to give it one of the higher scores. That said, this would still be a highlight on most pop releases this year. 8/10

Album Grade: 9.2/10

One Direction - I Would

"Would he love you like I would?"

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, but I was glued to election results (and very happy/proud with the results). Anyway, before the election, One Direction's new album went up for streaming and, although I haven't had a chance to listen to it more than once, I can already tell that it's the exact kind of glossy, cheesy, wonderful pop album that I hoped it would be--a natural extension of their debut, in other words. The big difference is that a lot of this new stuff sounds bigger and more confident. It's the type of music I hoped these guys would make back when they were on X-Factor. I know it might be too early to say this, but given the team of producers/writers they've aligned themselves with, I could easily see these guys becoming the male version of Girls Aloud. All they need is a bit more willingness to experiment. I Would is one of the early standouts, a track written by the guys of McFly. I'm loving the Mcfly/One Direction alliance. It just feels right. Add to that some flawless, propulsive production and you've got a surefire hit.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

One Direction - Little Things

"It all makes sense to me"

One Direction's new single has been revealed and it's a bit of a left turn for the band. While previous single Live While We're Young sounded very much like a rehash (and suffered because of this), Little Things is easily the most stripped-back production they've had. It's obvious that it's been written by Ed Sheeran, since it pretty much conforms to all of his songwriting quirks. This could be a problem, but I think it actually fits really well with the boys. Lyrically, the theme echoes that of the self-esteem booster What Makes You Beautiful, but there's something much more personal about this--at times almost uncomfortably so. Will it be their first big ballad on radio? It remains to be seen (I could honestly imagine this going either way), but at the very least it makes me curious about the album. It's nice to hear them trying something a little different, and the melody and harmonies are actually very pretty.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Preorder the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.