I love AJR. While once in a while they make meh songs, like Turning Out and Let The Games Begin, most of the time they make amazing, fantastic music. They get a lot of hate from the music reviewing community for some reason, but I think they're fantastic. So in honor of this amazing, underrated band, I'm counting down my top 10 best AJR songs. And if you don't like AJR, I respect your opinion. While I don't understand it in the slightest, I would never force you to like something you don't. But if you want to read the list, please keep an open mind. Onto the list!
10. Thirsty
Thirsty is a really fun song. The yodeling is enjoyably silly, and the song itself is very fun and upbeat. The reason Thirsty is the lowest out of the 10 AJR songs I will be discussing on this list is, despite the fact that it's good, Thirsty doesn't have the amazing impact the other 9 do. It's just a simple, fun song.
9. I'm Not Famous
This song is fun, catchy, bouncy, and shows us how being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. Jack's voice is fantastic as usual, and it's such an enjoyably casual, fun song. Not much else to say. It's just good.
8. Next Up Forever
This song has one of the best intros of all time. And it only get's better from there. Next Up Forever is such an amazing, bombastic, song. It's incredibly sweet, reminiscent, and inspirational, and the song sounds fantastic. It's just a decent song from an album everyone seems to hate for some reason.
7. Burn the House Down
This song is basically Katy Perry's Chained to the Rhythm done right. Not that that song is bad, I personally don't have any feelings on it. But Burn The House Down does CTTR's job even better, and it sounds amazing. There's a lot of clever symbolism about how messed up our political society is, and how much of the news isn't real. It's very interesting. Also, this song doesn't have the 2 faced hypocrisy of being a song, and having a lyric about being addicted to music. I mean, even if you like Chained to the Rhythm, you have to admit how hypocritical that its. That's like making an episode of a TV show all about how bad it is to watch TV all the time.
6. BANG!
BANG! is AJR's newest song (or was, before Bummerland). And it continues their streak of fantastic songs. Despite what many people claim, this song is not about suicide. It's instead about growing up. And for what it is, BANG! is incredibly good. It has a great rhythm, a creative music video, and Jack sounds absolutely incredible as always. I'm definitely excited for more AJR.
5. Shape of You cover.
Yup. They made a cover of Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You. Check it out. It's amazing. Even if you hate Shape of You, you will love this cover.
4. Bud Like You
This is the song that introduced me to AJR. A long time ago when I was at camp, someone played this song, and I liked it, so I asked him what it was. He said it was called Bud Like You. When I got home, I looked it up, and the rest is history. When criticizing AJR, a lot of people tend to point to this song, because it has the double meaning of "bud" as in friend, and "bud" as in weed. While I did not notice that parallel before, my liking of the song has not changed, because, well, I'll let the witch from Into the Woods explain.
Why the hell does this in any way make the song bad? Sure, it's a needless weed reference, but it doesn't suddenly make the song bad. And on top of that, Bud Like You is awesome. The lyrics are fantastic, the melody is very jolly, and Jack's voice is fantastic as usual. I know I'm saying that a lot, but Jack really is a great singer. My only problem is that this song doesn't have a music video, which is weird, because it's one of the best songs on the album, but hey, at least I can still listen to it.
3. Come Hang Out
Come Hang Out has a bizarre, unsettling feel, that at the same time feels very inviting. It's a very weird outlier in AJR's music. Completely unlike anything they've ever made, but still fits in with the kind of stuff they make. The song also has an interesting conflict, with Jack's characters dreams, and wanting to hang out with his friends and party all the time. It's something that faces people all the time, wanting to be social, but being too busy with work. Also, Jack's voice is amazing, and the song gets catchier and catchier as it goes on. A very weird song, but one that feels just right.
2. Sober Up
Sober Up is a masterpiece. It sounds absolutely incredible, the lyrics are profound and reflective, and I love the metaphor of Jack's inner child. It's incredibly clever, interesting, and adorable. On top of that, Sober Up is one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard. It's so memorably bouncy, charming, and adorable, it's like everything that makes AJR awesome rolled into one song. Also, the "How's it go again?". Which is awesome. So what song could be better than this?
1. Overture
Obligatory comment about how this song is in the Soul trailer!
Ok, now that that's out of the way, let's talk about AJR's magnum opus, Overture. Overture is a Frankenstein's Monster, stitched out of AJR songs, and fantastic instrumentals. And it is breathtaking. Not only are the lyrics worked in through incredibly clever means, but the song gets better and better as it goes on, becoming more heavenly and amazing, until at the end you're blessed with a symphony. This song is absolutely fantastic, and while I can kind of understand the hate for other AJR songs, you would have to be deaf to not appreciate this masterpiece.
Well, those are my Top 10 best AJR songs. What do you think? What songs did I leave out? What are your thoughts on AJR? Comment below! And thanks for reading! :-)
2019 was a mixed year. While it did have great songs, which I discussed in my previous list, it also had giant piles of garbage, which we'll be discussing today. So be prepared to shovel through a mountain of trash, as we look at my Top 10 worst songs of 2019.
10.
Let's get the most controversial out of the 10 out of the way.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
I never understood the appeal of this song. And yet it was everywhere. Everyone was praising it, it was winning awards, and Todd in the Shadows picked it as the best song of 2019. Now, granted, my reasons for disliking this song are purely subjective, which is why its only #10. And my problem isn't that it's creepy. It's not my thing, but I get the appeal of a creepy song. My problem is that Bad Guy is not a song. Going back to the HMs on my best list, when I mentioned When The Party's Over. While that song is also creepy, it does have a rhythm, and can be classified as a song. Bad Guy is just inane ramblings, set to an instrumental. In fact, the Without Music version of this song sounds almost identical. Because the song already doesn't have music. Also, this song is about a young girl trying to seduce an older man, which is 50 flavors of no, and as for the music video.... Well, I'll let Nostalgia Critic explain:
My thoughts exactly, Doug. This music video is incredibly disturbing, bizarre, and insane. And unlike Lalala, I just can't get behind it. So yeah, Bad Guy. Overrated and not my thing. If you like it, fine. I just don't get it.
9.
While I dislike Bad Guy for being incredibly creepy and disturbing, my #9 entry for this list proves that the other extreme is just as bad.
Cool by The Jonas Brothers.
Like I Don't Care, Cool also has an ironic title. Because it's one of the lamest songs I've ever heard.Cool comes off less like someone actually being cool, and more like someone trying to be cool. The Jonas' are clearly trying to capture the natural charisma of Bruno Mars, and fail spectacularly. It would be adorable if it wasn't so lame. Also, the lyrics are so dumb, Train would reject them for being too stupid. Highlights include "Woke up feelin' like a new James Dean, I comb my hair like an old-school Sheen" "Standin' there with the red dress on you, A Killer Queen like a young Jane Fonda" and of course "Oh, I feel like Post Malone when I get home, Sittin' there, winnin' like it's Game of Thrones" You want a lesson on how to be cool? Do the exact opposite of everything this song does, and you'll be as cool as the Fonz.
8.
Oh, look. Another controversial choice.
Truth Hurts by Lizzo.
I have only heard 2 songs from Lizzo: Good as Hell, and this one. And while Good As Hell is a catchy, fun, wholesome song, that exudes positivity from every pore, Truth Hurts is an unfunny T shirt slogan dragged out to song length. The rythm is plodding and annoying, Lizzo's voice feels condescending, and OH GOD THESE [CENSORED] LYRICS!!!!!!!!! Let's start with the worst lyric, the opening line:
"I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that bitch"
This line is supposedly "funny", but I'd laugh more at an issue of Marville. There is no joke. There is no point. It is just nothing. And let's go over some more of these "feminist" lyrics.
Why are men great 'til they gotta be great?- Evidently, this woman hasn't seen Commando. Where Arnold Shwarzenegger's character jumped off a plane, and fought a dozen crazy people just to rescue his daughter. And yes, there are men like this. But that lyric assumes that ALL men, not just some men, are like this. And as a man, screw that lyric.
New man on the Minnesota Vikings- What the hell do the Minnesota Vikings have to do with your feminist anthem?
You tried to break my heart?
Oh, that breaks my heart
That you thought you ever had it
No, you ain't from the start- He clearly had your heart, that's why you were in a relationship. Unless this is an arranged marriage, in which case you have no reason to write this song in the first place.
Now, I can hear the people in the comments saying that I don't get this song. That it truly is an empowering feminist anthem, and that I can't understand it, because I'm a man, and I like stuff like Lalala and I Don't Care. Well, maybe you're right. If you're empowered and inspired by this song, more power to you. I'm glad you can connect with it in a way that I can't. I still don't like it, but I respect your opinion. And that should be the last of my controversial opinions for this list. Although, screw Lizzo for saying that people who review albums and music should be unemployed.
7.
Well this was inevitable.
Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
Why, Billboard? Why was this the Lewis Capaldi song that you made famous? It's just... so bad. Capaldi's voice sounds awful, the melody is boring and stiff, and the AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA is just horrendously annoying. But the real reason this song is on here is because this is what Capaldi will be most known for. Even when he becomes successful, and his good songs become huge, and he becomes the next Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi will never escape the shame of being the Someone You Loved guy. Great freaking job, Billboard. But seriously, Lewis Capaldi is awesome. I look forward to his musical future, and anyone who hasn't heard his other music, please look it up. Don't be fooled by this turd. It's just a horrible delusion.
6.
And now, the female version of Someone You Loved.
Without Me by Halsey.
I really don't like Halsey. She may have been a part of Eastside, Be Kind, and the least sucky Chainsmokers song, but everything else I've heard from her is terrible. Hell, this isn't even the only Halsey song on the list. But I'm getting ahead of myself. So what's wrong with Without Me? Well, similar to SYL, the worst part of this song is the voice. And while Capaldi's Someone You Loved voice is technically worse, at least he was putting passion into it. Halsey's voice in Without Me sounds incredibly unpassionate, and is even more shouty than Capaldi. Her voice in this song fills me with so much rage!!! It's so noisy, and irritating, and annoying, and awful. I hate it so much!!!!!!! But honestly, aside from that, I have nothing to say about this song. It sucks. Screw Halsey.
5.
If you've been paying attention to my review show (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtHyLDrjyTbRZ2QL_cBaxQ?view_as=subscriber), you'd know that I am a fan of comedy. In fact, I like comedies most people think are unfunny, like Howard The Duck, The Master Of Disguise, Chairman Of The Board, Bio-Dome, and Hudson Hawk. So if you want to make a comedy that I don't think is funny, you need to try really hard. And Lil' Dicky and company succeeded with flying colors.
Earth by Lil' Dicky and a bunch of people who should've known better.
This is the worst comedy song ever made. Say what you will about Freaky Friday, but at least they attempted to tell jokes. Here, they don't even do that much. The "jokes" in this song are either bottom of the barrel gross out gags, or extremely basic animal observations. Even that opening line from Truth Hurts is funnier than anything in this supposed comedy song. On top of that, the song doesn't even stick to the animal theme, as a weed plant, Kanye West, and frickin' HPV show up! And of course, the infamous country segment, where Lil' Dicky, who by the way is Jewish, says that he forgives Germany for what the Nazis have done. But he doesn't bring up the Nazi part, because bringing up the Nazis in a song about saving the environment might actually be funny. And this song is where comedy goes to die. Also, Earth has one of the most generic melodies in existence, and not only is it a comedy song, but its also a charity song! And it fails just as hard at being a charity song as it does at being a comedy song. Most charity songs are uplifting, and try to tell us how we can fix the world. Earth's message is just "the world is shit, so just fix it. We won't tell you how." Oh boy, what an inspiring message. Earth is a boring, unfunny song that fails in every respect. And I hope all of these celebrities, including Lil Dicky himself, learn a valuable lesson from this: namely to NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4.
Luke Bryan is the worst thing to ever happen to country. Florida Georgia Line may be bad, but at worst, they're just boring. But Luke Bryan is an obnoxious dickweed who represents all the worst characteristics of bro country. And while One Margarita is a decently catchy, fun, wholesome song, everything else he put his mitts on turned to suck. And while Kick The Dust Up is a pretty garbage song, there's one song of his that manages to be just as bad. And it's a sex song. Dear god help us.
Knockin' Boots by Luke Bryan.
Knockin' Boots is exactly what a sex song written by Luke Bryan would sound like. Incredibly obnoxious, dumb, and full of clichés. And of course, sung with that incredibly obnoxious voice of his. But what truly separates Knockin Boots from the rest of Bryan's dreck are the lyrics which range from stupid (Yeah, birds need bees and ice needs whiskey Boys like me need girls like you to kiss me") to creepy (That dress needs to slip off, That hair needs to come down"). It takes hard work to make a sex song worse than Marvin Gaye by Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor and Reproduction from Grease 2, but Luke Bryan managed to do just that, by bringing us a song that nobody wanted. Bryan, either make more songs like One Margarita, or get out of the music business entirely.
3.
I have mixed feelings on Cardi B. She has an obnoxious, in your face attitude, which works on some songs, but not others. And while Money is pretty bad, and is definitely making my worst of 2018 list, by far her worst song is...
Press by Cardi B.
This song is absolute garbage. It's incredibly obnoxious and annoying, but doesn't even have the decency to be memorably awful. Also, every single lyric in this song is garbage, and Cardi is way too obnoxious and loud and annoying. It doesn't even deserved to be talked about. It just deserves to be forgotten by time. Which I will do right now.
2.
Remember when I said Without Me wasn't the only Halsey song that would appear on this list? Well here's the other one!
Nightmare by Halsey
Nightmare has the same problem as Truth Hurts, in that it's misandry disguised as feminism. But what makes Nightmare worse than Truth Hurts is that it sounds completely awful. While Halsey's voice is technically better than it was in Without Me, the actual song sounds a million times worse. It's incredibly obnoxious and awful, and there's a creepy lyric about cutting herself with scissors. On top of that, the song is just mean spirited. As much as I don't like Truth Hurts, I'll give it credit that the music video presents itself as an empowering feminist anthem. But Nightmare presents itself as an ugly mess. And while I can understand that appealing to some people, I am not one of them. And while this song was not at all made for people like me, unlike Bad Guy, which I can respect is not my thing, and I might like it if it was, Nightmare is a complete and utter failure, that I would dislike even if I was into feminist empowerment anthems. Go away, Halsey.
And before we get to #1, I'd like to go over some dishonorable mentions.
Please Me by Cardi B and Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars' charisma saves it from my scorn, but it's still bad, and a clear attempt to cash in on the success of Finesse.
Baby Shark by Pinkfong
The fact that this song is even being mentioned here is honestly mind boggling.
Taki Taki by DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B
I originally planned on putting this song on the list proper, but I realized that Press and Knockin' Boots were worse. But that doesn't mean this song is good, because it's garbage that just got lucky.
Only Human by The Jonas Brothers
Everything I said about Cool applies to this song as well.
Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabeo
People seem to like this one as much as, if not more than, If I Can't Have You, and I really don't know why. The lyrics are dumb, and both Shawn and Camilla sound terrible.
Break up with your girlfriend, I'm Bored by Ariana Grande
That title is way too long and awkward. Songs need to have short, snappy titles, in order for you to remember them. This song's title is 7 words long. It also doesn't help that it's a garbage song.
Wake Up In The Sky by Bruno Mars, Gucci Mane, and Kodak Black
Obnoxious, irritating, and I hate Kodak Black.
Baby by Lil Baby and Dababy
If you're only going to make a song because of a joke, at least take advantage of that joke. Also, Lil Baby sucks as always.
My Type by Saweeitie
One of the most annoying, obnoxious, braggadocious, vacuous pieces of garbage I've ever heard in my life.
One Thing Right by Marshmello and Kane Brown
Leave it to Marshmello to make one of the dullest, stupidest country songs in existence, with an absolutely garbage premise.
Eyes On You by Chase Rice
Chase sounds awful, the premise is stupid and sexist (Oh, we went to so many places, but I didn't care, because I was staring at your sexy body all day like a pervert), and it's such a schlocky piece of idiocy. Also, Chase put on a concert, where people didn't social distance or wear masks, and has not apologized for it. Screw you Chase Rice.
Murder on My Mind by YNW Melly
Murder on My Mind is one of the most disgusting, disturbing, uncomfortable songs I've ever heard in my life. The only thing keeping off this list is the fact that I keep forgetting that it exists.
Look At Her Now by Selena Gomez
And the award for worst chorus of 2019 goes to...
Con Calma by Daddy Yankee, Katy Perry, and Snow
Remember Informer by Snow? You know what that song needed? Spanish lyrics, a sellout Katy Perry, and all the funk and coolness sucked out of it. Oh, and the animojis certainly don't date this at all. Easily the second worst sample butchering of 2019.
You Say by Lauren Daigle
Consider this song the honorary #11. It's one of the most boring, stale, rage inducing, annoying pieces of bland garbage that I've ever heard in my life.
Show And Tell by Melanie Martinez
Remember that scene in Tim Burton's Willy Wonka, where the little puppet things burned after singing the song? Well, imagine if that was a song, but you were in hell. That is Show and Tell in a nutshell.
Stupid by Ashniko and Yung Baby Tate
Get this thing away from me. Please.
Daddy by Blueface
The only thing keeping this song off the list is the fact that I don't want to talk about it at all.
The Justin Bieber Remix of Bad Guy
While this one is worse, the original gave me more to talk about, it's too forgettable for me to hate, and it verges on so bad it's hilarious.
Boys With Luv by BTS and Halsey
I know a lot of people like this one, but it's too obnoxiously cutesy for my tastes. Also, Halsey is as insufferable as ever.
Thotiana by Blueface
This song is terrible, but Daddy is worse, and it's insanely forgettable. But dear god does it suck. Also, who names their kid Thotiana?
When I first heard this song, I thought it was just mediocre. But the more I heard it, the more my hatred for it grew, and now, as you can tell from its placement on this list, I think it's the worst song of 2019. What song could possibly earn that scorn? 2 words:
7 Rings by Ariana Grande
Where do I start with this garbage fire of a song? I have an idea! Let's start with the most obvious thing about it: This song's sampling of These are a Few of My favorite things from Sound Of Music. Now, I don't have a problem with sampling in songs. Sure sampling can be lazy, but when used correctly, it can make songs like Back In Time and The Time (Dirty Bit), which take the original song's melody and lyrics, and make something cool and fun with it. 7 Rings on the other hand, takes TAAFOMFT, and actively makes it worse. It's such a plodding, bland, boring song, and Ariana sounds just as bored. Ok, so boring song and bad sampling are one thing, how are the lyrics? EVEN WORSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The original song was about appreciating the little things in life, but 7 Rings is basically a brag rap, which is the opposite of what the original song is about. On top of that, these lyrics do more than just brag about expensive things, they send the message that meaningless objects are all that life is about, especially with the line "Whoever said money can't solve your problems must not've had enough money to solve 'em." SCREW. YOU. And unlike most brag rappers, who at least seem like they're happy with what they have, Ariana Grande comes off as a spoiled brat, who takes all of her stuff for granted. Screw this pretentious, garbage, materialistic trash.
Well, that's the worst of 2019. What did you think? What's your list? Comment Below! And thanks for reading!
Also, there is one thing about Bad Guy that I like. In the video, there's a guy who's standing next to Bille while she's acting like a lunatic, and he is hilarious. He just constantly has a face that says "Really? This song is a massive hit? This moron dancing around like a lunatic and acting like Wednesday Addams on shrooms? What's wrong with people?" That probably isn't what they intended, but he is still hilarious.
2019 was an interesting year for music. Unlike the last couple years, this was a time when anything could get on the pop charts. Hell, a kids song managed to break the top 100. Because of this, we got great songs, and unbelievable stinkers. We'll get to the stinkers in another list, but today, we're going over the best of the best. These are my Top 10 best songs of 2019.
10.
Taylor Swift is an artist that I really don't care about. Aside from Look What You Made Me Do (which I loathe), her songs are either meh or just ok. But this song is really good.
ME! by Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie
While it makes absolutely no sense for a song called ME! to be a duet, ME! is a decent song. It has a nice melody, and decent lyrics. But by far the best part of this song is the music video. I love the colors, the designs, the creativity, the eye popping happiness of it, it's fantastic. The only problem is that the incredibly powerful video clashes with the song, which isn't that powerful. But despite that, ME! is a decent song, that's definitely one of Taylor's better hits.
9.
Let's talk about the most famous Youtube music critic, as well as the one who introduced me to music reviews, Todd In The Shadows. For those wondering, I did see Todd's best of 2019 list. And I disagreed with most of it. However, there were 3 songs I did agree with him on. The first is Old Town Road, which while I do like it, will not be appearing on this list. The second is Circles, which is really cool, but not enough to make my list. And the third song?
Hey Look Ma I Made It by Brendon Urie
A lot of people really hate this song, which I can definitely understand. But that being said, I still like it. The symbolism is clever, the song is catchy, Urie oozes likability, and I love puppets. It has a fun experimental charm that really helps make the song stand out, and be catchy. And while I can understand people not liking the 2 faced lyrics, I don't have a problem with it. So yeah, Hey Look Ma I Made it. Decent, fun, clever song.
8.
This song is my kind of weird.
Lalala by Y2K and bbno$
Lalala appeals to me in a way Billie Eilish's Bad Guy just doesn't. Not only is this song incredibly bizarre, but Y2K and bbno$ are fantastic. They have a lot of chemistry with each other, and their voices are perfect for this surreal as hell song. On top of that, the weird things in this song make it feel fun and enjoyable, instead of creepy and disturbing, and I love the kids show aesthetic of the video. But what makes this song really work is the fact that it's weird because it wants to be weird. There's no greater symbolism, there's no empowering message. It's just 2 guys being weird. And in a weird song, that's all I ask for.
7.
Let's talk about Lewis Capaldi. You know, the Someone You Loved guy. Despite how much of a garbage fire that song is, Lewis Capaldi is actually very talented. Every other song I've heard from him is really good. He's like Ed Sheeran, but with a deeper voice. And for those of you curious about what he sounds like when he's good, my #7 entry has you covered:
Hollywood by Lewis Capaldi
This song is everything Someone You Loved failed to be. It's sweet, adorable, sensitive, and Capaldi sounds fantastic. It's incredibly relaxing and adorable, and it just makes it all the more baffling that SYL is more popular than this song. Hollywood proves that Lewis Capaldi has enormous promise as a singer, and I hope he has more hits as good as this one in the future. (Thanks to Cicabeot1 for introducing me to this song, btw.)
6.
It's funny when things that aren't meant to appeal to me I end up really loving. For example, The Karate Kid Part III. Despite the fact that I really didn't like the original Karate Kid, and the franchise isn't made for me, I really liked the third movie. It's not perfect, but it is a decent film, that fixed all my problems with the original. And a good example of that in music is my 6th entry:
Robbery by JuiceWRLD
The main reason I like Robbery is how relaxing it is. The melody is nice and soothing, the rhythm is nice, and unlike Bruno Mars in Grenade, JuiceWRLD's voice fits this relaxing melody. I can understand someone hating it, but I think his voice is fine. But by far the best part is the "I Don't wanna leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeave. I ju wanna beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" That part is masterfully sung. So yeah, Robbery is a great, relaxing song, brought by someone who left us way too soon. R.I.P JuiceWRLD. You will not be forgotten.
Also, what the hell is up with the priest? He looks like some kind of cat mutant.
5.
Remember this?
Yeah, for those of you not in the knowhow, I Like Me Better was a punching back for music critics in 2018. I'm still not really sure what to think of that song, but I honestly really like Lauv. He has a very distinct voice, and makes very pretty songs. Also, the fact that he managed to make Anne Marie not suck.
Fuck, I'm Lonely by Lauv and Anne Marie
This song is so catchy, weird, and cool. It's a bizarre cavalcade of sounds, that manages to produce something that should be ugly, but is incredibly beautiful. Lauv sounds fantastic, and Anne Marie actually sounds really good. I don't loathe Anne Marie, but every song I've heard her on she sounds terrible. But in FIL, she manages to sound really nice. And unlike ME!, there is a reason for this song to be a duet, as both Lauv and Anne Marie's characters desire companionship, and clearly want to be together. It's catchy, meaningful, enjoyable, sweet, and manages to remove the suck from a bad singer. While there are 4 2019 songs better than FIL, it is by far the most underrated song of 2019.
4.
Shawn Mendes. Originally, I thought he was just an annoying Justin Beiber clone, but over time he's landed in my good graces. And my #4 entry is what started him on his journey into entering my good graces.
If I Can't Have You by Shawn Mendes
This song is fantastic. The melody is good, Mendes sounds amazing, and the lyrics are decent. I really hope Mendes' future songs are more like this one. Sorry, it's a good song, but that's all I have to say about it. Nothing more, nothing less.
3.
A lot of people seem to hate this song. I have no idea why.
Talk by Khalid
Similar to Robbery, Talk is insanely relaxing. And it has the bonus of having an incredibly poppy and catchy melody. Khalid is great as always, and the lyrics are great. I honestly don't know why this song appears on so many worst lists. Because it really shouldn't.
2.
Before we start with #2, I just want to warn you: if you were upset by me not including Old Town Road on this list, you're really going to be upset that I included this on here in its place. And now that that's out of the way, welcome to my best list, Blanco Brown.
The Git Up by Blanco Brown
I am probably the only person who will have this song on their best list, but I don't care, because it rules. Sure, it's a TikTok song, but it's fun, enjoyably silly, and wholesome. It's catchy as hell, and Brown has a great voice. By far the most overhated song of 2019. Was it made to cash in on the success of Old Town Road? Probably. But that doesn't mean it isn't awesome. Because it is.
And before we get to #1, I'd like to go over some honorable mentions:
Old Town Road by Lil Nas X and Billly Ray Cyrus
While this song is overrated, I get its appeal. It's fun, catchy, and has a bizarre alien charm to it. But The Git Up is still better.
When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish
While this does have the same creepiness as Bury a Friend and Bad Guy, I do like this song better than those ones. Not enough to put it on the list, but it's fine.
Circles by Post Malone
This song grew on me.
You Need To Calm Down by Taylor Swift
Incredibly tone deaf, but at least it sounds nice.
Panini by Lil Nas X
Catchy interesting song, and unlike OTR, not overrated as hell.
Better Now by Post Malone
The rhythm is absolutely fantastic, and Post sounds incredible.
Stucco by bbno$
Another fantastic and weird bbno$ song.
Sunday Best and Good Day by Surfaces
2 great songs from the best new band of the 2020s. I look forward to more hits from these guys.
Faucet Failure by Ski Mask The Slump God
One of the weirdest and coolest rap songs I've ever heard. Also, "I'm flyer than a fuckin' ostrich" is such a brilliantly stupid lyric.
Be Nice by The Black Eyed Peas and Snoop Dogg
Funky, weird, happy, and cool. Also, Snoop Dogg is fantastic in this song.
i'm so tired... by Lauv and Troye Sivan
Another great Lauv song.
Shroom Land by DemarcoTheMan
This is one of the most cool, psychadellic songs I've ever heard. Check it out if you haven't heard it, especially if you like lofi.
Goodbyes by Post Malone and Young Thug
Consider this song the honorary #11. It sounds fantastic, it's emotional as hell, Young Thug is a little screechy, but he's not that bad (not to mention how him just being a random singer in a bar that Zombie Post Malone just happened to walk into is a very clever way to make this song a collab),and the zombie theme reminds me of the music video for Thriller, and is a fantastic and unique metaphor for a breakup.
Into the Unknown (P!ATD Version) by Brendon Urie
Only someone as awesome as Brendon Urie could make music from a Frozen movie sound good.
Trampoline by SHAED
While this song does have a comercially feel to it, it's very cool and weird.
100 Bad Days by AJR
Another fantastic AJR song with a music video that's basically the music video for Maroon 5's Love Somebody done right.
Leaving My Love Behind by Lewis Capaldi
An insanely sweet song. If Hollywood didn't convince you that Lewis Capaldi had talent, this will.
Dear Winter by AJR
Even by the incredibly high standards of AJR music, this song is incredible. If you don't tear up at this song, you have a soul of stone.
The London by Young Thug, J. Cole, and Travis Scott
This song grew on me too.
Blue Jeans And Bloody Tears by Izhar Cohen and Sweaty Machines
The fact that this song was written by an A.I is enough to get this song a mention, but also helps that it sounds fantastic.
If DANCING QUEEN by ABBA was a POST MALONE song... | STYLESWAP by Music By Blanks
This guy took Dancing Queen, one of the best songs of the 1980s, and made it even better. That deserves an award of some kind.
Dance Monkey by Tones and I.
Weird as hell.
EARFQUAKE By Tyler, The Creator
Also weird as hell, but also really good.
This Video Is Over Now by Danny Gonzalez
Only Danny Gonzalez could make an outro song for his videos, and have it be one of the best pieces of music ever written. And if you think I'm joking, play the video above and tell me that I'm wrong. I dare you.
Don't Leave by Jack Dean
The best lofi song ever made.
Take what you Want by Post Malone, Ozzy Ozborne, and Travis Scott.
Post Malone. And Ozzy Ozborne. How could that not be awesome?
This should've been a hit instead of Bad Guy. It sounds nice, it's not creepy, and it's an actual song.
Money Machine by 100 gecs
A song as awesome as it is bizarre.
Audio by LSD
An awesome piece of trippy relaxingness
MIA by Bad Bunny and Drake
A catchy, funky, cool Latin song, that makes me wonder how someone as cool and likable as Bad Bunny ended up on the toxic sludge pile that was Te Bote. Also, Drake kills it.
Wow, I'm Not Crazy by AJR
One of the best songs on Neotheater.
Thunder vs. Sunflower Mashup by earlvin14 Mashups
What do you get when you combine 2 great songs? Absolute awesomeness.
Take Me Back To London by Stormzy and Ed Sheeran
The most underrated song from Ed's collab album.
Acid Dreams by MAX and Felly
A trippy piece of amazingness that should've been a bigger hit.
Better by Khalid
Relaxing as hell.
It's Christmas Time by Macklemore
A nice Christmas song, infused with Macklemore's charm.
Intro by Dababy
A really cool song from a really cool artist.
How Do You Sleep? by Sam Smith
Really bizarre and cool.
Dancing with a Stranger by Sam Smith and Normani
This song majorly grew on me. Smith and Normani sound great, and the beat is like if you combined the relaxing vibe of Better with the poppy beat of Talk.
And now, onto #1.
1.
A lot of music critics have put this song on their worst of 2019 lists. In fact, I was introduced to it through Todd's worst of 2019 list. And as you can tell from me putting it at #1, I love this song. And for anyone who disagrees with me, and says this song is awful, or boring, or a sellout, all I have to say to that is...
I Don't Care by Ed Sheeran and Justin Beiber
I Don't Care is one of the most ironically titled songs of all time. Because I adore it. This song is like if you took pure happiness and distilled it into music form. Ed and Justin both sound amazing, the song is catchy and enjoyable as hell, the music video is enjoyably silly and trippy, and I relate hard to this songs message of nonconformity. And sure, two of the biggest singers currently working singing about nonconformity is hypocritical. But when you separate that from the song, it's amazing. It's fun, it's catchy, it's amazing, it's happy. I absolutely adore this song, and it only gets better the more I hear it.
Well, that was my best songs of 2019 list. What did you think? What songs did you think should've gotten on the list? What songs did you disagree with me on? What's your list? Comment below! And for those wondering what my worst of 2019 is, that list will be here soon. Until then, thanks for reading. I hope you like this, and come back for more! :-)
