nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:12:43 GMT -5
7. Baby Madison Beer
Another absolute jam from Madison. I don’t really have all that much to say about this other than it should’ve been bigger and the chorus absolutely knocks. Always enjoy a nice sexual confidence anthem.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:17:38 GMT -5
6. Cardigan Taylor Swift
This wasn’t even close to being one of my immediate favorites from Folklore, and I completely disagreed with it being a single. While I still think it was the wrong choice, the song itself has grown on me more and more with every listen, even six months later. Lyrically, this is one of the best songs Taylor has ever written. I’ll go into more detail on that in my Taylor Songwriting Rankings (eventually), but here I just like to gush. The choice to forgo a proper chorus in favor of a few recurring lines works wonderfully to let the lyrics shine through and bring the narrator’s pain home. Just a masterpiece.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:22:38 GMT -5
5. You Should Be Sad Halsey
This is Halsey’s masterpiece and radio can go fuck itself. First of all, I’d totally be here for a Halsey country album if this is anything to go by. The melody and lyrics are both absolutely brilliant, and she slays it vocally. The instrumental break is a highlight. Massive step up from “Graveyard” in every possible way.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:28:49 GMT -5
4. Physical Dua Lipa
Our saga of songs that should’ve been big US hits continues with Dua’s best single to date. This song just brings the energy throughout, from the darker intensity of the verses to the simply infectious chorus to the best bridge of the year. I absolutely loved both “Don’t Start Now” and “Future Nostalgia”, but this was the song that made me realize that the Future Nostalgia was going to be something really special. Also, my listening habits changed drastically about halfway through the year, so this is my most played song of the year. Followed by “Future Nostalgia”. Followed by [redacted] (notice how I said best single earlier). Followed by “Don’t Start Now”. Dua slayed 2020.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:37:01 GMT -5
3. Midnight Sky Miley Cyrus
And now for the absolute peak of songs US radio did dirty. This not being a #1 smash hit while songs like “Savage Love” and “Sunday Best” found homes in the Top 10 is absolutely criminal. Miley took 80s pop rock and made it her own. I’ve been one of the biggest critics of her nasal vocals over the years, but she absolutely dominates this song. Yes, Hannah Montana, you ARE a rock star (bonus points if you understand that reference). This song came on in a mix at my family’s beach house, and everyone of all ages loved it. “With my hands round my waist, thought you’d never be replaced” is my pick for best single line vocal performance of the year. I could gush about this song for hours.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:44:35 GMT -5
2. Exile Taylor Swift f/Bon Iver
This might not be the strongest lyrical offering on Taylor’s strongest lyrical album to date. But I’d be lying if it wasn’t the one song I consistently went right back to from the beginning. The contrast between Taylor’s soft voice and Justin Vernon’s gritty voice compliments the lyrics perfectly, and they sound majestic on their harmonies together. And even if I think it belongs in the back half of the album lyrically, I still think it’s extremely well written. It succeeds in showcasing both sides of this encounter in a way “The Last Time” couldn’t. The chorus melody is just delightful (“So what I’m defending now? You were my town”/”So who am I offending now? You were my crown” being the highlights), and I’m confident this could’ve achieved what “Cardigan” couldn’t.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:52:38 GMT -5
1. Love Again Dua Lipa
But goddamn, you got me in LOVE AGAAAAAAAAAAAAAIN! Over the years, quite a few album tracks came close to reaching the top of my year-end lists. Taylor couldn’t do it. Post couldn’t do it. Demi couldn’t do it. Eminem couldn’t do it (2010, don’t sue me). But Dua Lipa did it. This song is a masterpiece by every definition of the word. Every single line in the song makes for a great hook. The production defines the phrase “Future Nostalgia” to a T. I’m ready for the world to hop on the “Love Again” train. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of hearing this song.
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nick64
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Post by nick64 on Jan 26, 2021 23:57:06 GMT -5
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born
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can't come to the phone right now
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Post by born on Jan 27, 2021 12:58:03 GMT -5
Nick honey that brought me back to our twinning days circa 2014-2015. We both have “You should be sad”, “Midnight Sky” & “Physical” in our Top 5s! Amazing chart :)
And yay, I was one of the 3 people who got the album right!!!!
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Leo ✔
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Julia Michaels Stan
Happy happy happy ♪
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Post by Leo ✔ on Jan 27, 2021 14:37:20 GMT -5
solid as hell list, I missed on the album though haha
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