Top 50 Singles of 2014: 25-21

25. ToppDogg - Annie



K-Pop borrows from one of my absolute favorite genres, New Jack Swing, in this effervescent, beat-driven dance track. It's this group's best single by a mile. So far...

24. Orange Caramel - Catallena



So many have called this annoyingly wonderful, and it's true that the vocals and production will drive many people away. Honestly, though, it's inventive, fun, fizzy stuff with a mammoth hook.

23. BTS - War Of Hormone



This is the single (and music video) that broke this band for me. I'd liked them before, but for whatever reason I just fell in love with the hyped up, goofy bravado of this track.

22. 2NE1 - Happy 



A strummy, melodic summertime pop song that's much calmer and relaxed than most of the group's output. The vocals on this are so charming, as is the colorful video.

21. Ruth Lorenzo - Dancing In The Rain 



Eurovision's top act, in my mind, and a moment of retribution for the amazing ex-X-Factor contestant that finally got her due this year. The vocals? They'll give you chills.

Don't forget, if you'd like to listen to the Top 50 Singles Countdown in full, download the audio version!

Topp Dogg - Annie

I am absolutely in love with this song right now. I feel like we're at the beginning of a New Jack Swing resurgence right now, at least in the East. Topp Dogg are a 13-piece (!) boy group from Korea and this is a special single celebrating their one year anniversary (Annie = Anniversary). It's a total 90's throwback with brilliant production and is definitely my new favorite track from the guys. The slick video is inventive and addicting, and highlights the song's fantastic beat with a perfectly matched dance. But, of course, the best thing about this song is its undeniable New Jack Swing influence. It's a genre that's very specific, but one of my favorites. Having grown up adoring Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, it's a sound attached to great musical memories for me. There's an undeniable complexity to the production that ironically feels a hundred times more fresh than most of today's music, even though this is obviously a homage. Can't wait to see where these guys go next.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy their music here.)