The Soundtrack Of My Life's Top 25 Albums Of 2014

25. Kylie Minogue - Kiss Me Once

24. Neon Trees - Pop Psychology

23. Haunted Hearts - Initiation
22. Paloma Faith - A Perfect Contradiction

21. Spoon - They Want My Soul
20. 2NE1 - Crush

19. Beck - Morning Phase

18. Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again

17. The Drums - Encyclopedia

16. Dum Dum Girls - Too True

15. Kiesza - Sound Of A Woman

14. RAC - Strangers

13. Taylor Swift - 1989

12. Lykke Li - I Never Learn

11. Bleachers - Strange Desire

10. Betty Who - Take Me When You Go

9. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence

8. Karen O - Crush Songs 

7. Trust - Joyland

 

6. La Roux - Trouble In Paradise

5. Imogen Heap - Sparks

4. Banks - Goddess

3. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

2. Tori Amos - Unrepentant Geraldines

1. Beyoncé - Beyoncé

Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Let's face it, this song is pretty much guaranteed to hit number one.  Lyrically, Taylor Swift's new single is everything you would expect from a Swift song, but this time the music is a little less country and a lot more pop.  Produced by Max Martin and Shellback, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is the first track off of her upcoming album, Red.  The single is a radio-ready anthem that momentarily sets aside some of the more mature elements that her last album had.  The verses and bridge are more talking than singing, while the chorus is massive.  Listen at your own risk, as it may be stuck in your head for much longer than expected.  I know from experience.

Taylor's fourth album, Red, is out on October 22.  You can download "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" here.

Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (Feat. The Civil Wars)

If you follow me on twitter, then you might have seen my recent rantings about The Hunger Games.  Over the past few months, I've heard nothing but amazing things about the book trilogy.  After being relentlessly urged to check out the series, my curiosity peaked.  The movie trailers are what finally convinced me to see what all the fuss was about.

About a week before the film's opening weekend, I sat down and gave it a shot.  Let's just say that I'm now on book two, Catching Fire.  Anyways, I went to a packed theatre last Sunday and saw the movie with high hopes.  It lived up to the hype.  During the credits of the film, a few songs from the compilation soundtrack are heard.  As I'm reading the various credits, (fun fact: the "food stylist's" name was Jack White), this stunning folksy track starts playing.  Ever since that day, I can't get it out of my head.

The song is "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift, and it features The Civil Wars.  Not only is it completely perfect for the film, but it also has such a beautiful melody.  I believe it may be some of Taylor Swift's best work yet.  That's probably because it isn't her usual pop-country breakup single.  The Civil Wars are the finishing touch on the song by adding some supporting vocals that really make such a difference.  You can check out the music video for "Safe & Sound" below.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to reading.  Feel free to discuss the books, film, and soundtrack in the comment section.  Remember, no spoilers!

Download: Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (Feat. The Civil Wars)

Taylor Swift - Mine

Taylor Swift's "Mine" follows her usual formula of a half pop half country love song.  The song has Swift's signature big chorus and melody that helped her climb the charts time after time again.  This time around the lyrics are a bit more mature.  Instead of singing about a high school crush, the story is deeper.  It's good to see her lyrics progress with each album.  Her songs seem to grow as she does while she leaves the topic of magic and fairytales in the past.  It's a sure sign of growth for her as a songwriter.

The music is very similar to her previous hits.  It has the standard verse-chorus-verse form of pop music.  Taylor is one of the few artists that stands on the line between country and pop music that is actually massively success in both markets.  The style works perfectly for her audience, but I would love to hear her write something a little more out of her comfort zone.

Her upcoming album, Speak Now, comes out on October 25.  If "Mine" is a sign of what's to come, the the album will be just as solid as Fearless.  It's a light song with a great sing along chorus.  Check out the video for "Mine" below...

VMA 2010: My Favorite Moments

Yesterday was MTV's biggest night of the year. It was also a big night for several artists.  With Chelsea Handler hosting, the show was a mixed bag.  The first problem was Chelsea Handler.  I'll just get to the point, she wasn't funny.  The audience also seemed to be forcing fake laughter.  Ellen Degeneres' few moments onstage were better then Handler's.  The show did have several highlight's that made it worth while.  Here are my favorite moments.

Florence + The Machine performs "Dog Days Are Over"
This performance was by far the best, vocally.  Florence Welch's powerful voice was accompanied by a slew of dancers and lights.  The production of performance was also spot on.  This appearance may have sealed Florence + The Machine's success in the US.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

Taylor Swift sings "Innocent"
This was a moment that had received a lot of gossip before the show had even started.  Taylor wrote and performed "Innocent" from her upcoming album, Speak Now.  The song wasn't about how Kanye was a terrible person and she was still mad.  Instead she sang a tale of forgiving encouragement.  I thought it was great.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

Paramore, Bruno Mars, and B.o.B take the stage for a medley
This segment started with Bruno Mars singing the hook to "Nothin' On You".  The song then switched to "Airplanes" as Hayley Williams took the stage.  B.o.B then sealed the deal and connected the songs with his verses.  After the trio did their hip-hop piece, Hayley joined the rest of Paramore for a rendition of "The Only Exception".  The performance was full of hit singles and worked incredibly well.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

Lady Gaga sets records and reveals her next record
The winner of the night was Lady Gaga. She won eight awards, which beats Madonna's previous record.  The final moon man that she won was for Video Of The Year.  "Bad Romance" proved to be her key video.  As she took the stage, wearing a dress made of meat, she revealed to the world the title of her next album.  Holding back tears she announced "Born This Way" and sang a few lines of a new song.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

Those were the moments that stood out to me.  Many of the big names that took the stage sadly failed to impress me.  Do you agree with my choices?  Leave a comment telling me your favorite moments.  Did you like Kanye West or Nicki Minaj?  What about Eminem?  Which of Gaga's dresses was your favorite? Let me know!

52nd Grammy Awards Recap

Last night the stars came out for the Grammy Awards.  Awards were given, performances were seen, and Taylor Swift continued her reign on the music industry.  The night started with a performance by Lady GaGa and Elton John.  GaGa started by singing "Poker Face" and later met with Elton John for a "Speechless-Your Song" medley.  The act was very impressive and one of the best moments of the night.  The show continued with several other performances including Beyonce, who sang "If I Were A Boy" and "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette.  The song choice for this performance was odd.  The songs kind of clashed with each other.  Other highlights include P!nk's performance.  She sang "Glitter In The Air" while dangling from a rope.  It was very similar to her VMA act.

Taylor Swift won the biggest award of the evening, Album Of The Year, along with many more.  Her album, Fearless, has won her countless awards, but this might be the best of them all.  She accepted the award overwhelmed, as always.  She seems to still be in a state of shock.  At least this time, Kanye wasn't there to steal her glory.  Although Swift won several Grammy Awards, Beyonce set a record for the most Grammys won in one night by a female artist.

The 3D Michael Jackson tribute was great.  3D glasses may have seemed strange at first, but it worked.  After the performance, his children accepted his honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for him.

My favorite moments of the night were:

• Lady GaGa's duet with Elton John
• Michael Jackson Tribute
• P!nk's Performance
• Les Paul Tribute

Leave a comment with your favorite moments from last nights show.  Did you like Taylor Swift's duet with Stevie Nicks?  What about the Black Eyed Peas?  Let me know...

52nd Grammy Awards Preview

Well, tonight's the night.  The famed Grammy Awards are taking place this evening.  With a slew of awards to give out and plenty of performances, it's sure to be an exciting event.  The one question that everyone's asking is, "Who will win Album Of The Year?".  This year, most of the major categories consist of the same artists.  Lady GaGa, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift are all nominated for the three biggies (Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year).  The major competition will be between those three artists.  Hopefully, there won't be a "Kanye" moment.

Who do you want to win an award?  Personally, I hope that Paramore, Imogen Heap, and The Ting Tings win where they're nominated.  As for the three main awards, I would like to see Lady GaGa win something, but Taylor Swift will probably win them all.  Leave a comment telling me who you would like to win...

I'll be tweeting throughout the entire show, commenting on whatever performances or upsets happen.  You can follow me here.  Also, look for a recap post tomorrow.  May the best music win...

American Music Awards Recap

Well, last night the AMA's were on, and last blog post I predicted several winners. The results turned out pretty good, except for the two biggest awards. I missed Artist Of The Year and Breakthrough Artist. But hey, who could predict those shocker results. Taylor Swift beat Michael Jackson for Artist Of The Year and Gloriana (Who?) beat Lady GaGa For Breakthrough Artist. This just shows the intensity of Taylor Swift's following. Eight out of ten isn't that bad.

As for the performances, most of them were... questionable. The show started with a performance by Janet Jackson. She sang a medley of her songs, not Michael's as I previously stated. I was incorrectly informed. The show then continued with Daughtry, Shakira, etc. There were several acts that caught my attention, some for the wrong reasons. My favorites were Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, and Alicia Keys (without Jay-Z). My least favorite was Rihanna. Her performance was a mess. I couldn't tell what she was saying at all. Many of the acts were very suggestive, such as Shakira and Adam Lambert. Lady GaGa also took her weird factor to a new level. She wore a flesh colored bodysuit with bone-like coverings.

The AMA's were overall decent. The problem is there were too many performers that focused on dancing and strange on stage antics. I guess some people prefer that and call it "entertainment". Still, I would prefer the artists doing less of a stage show and more of a concert.

American Music Awards Predictions

Tomorrow night is the evening of the 2009 American Music Awards. The American Music Awards, or AMA's for short, started in 1974. While not nearly as popular as the Grammy Awards, they are still televised every year. This year, to honor Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson will perform an opening medley of his songs. Michael Jackson is also nominated for many of the top awards of the night. I thought it might be interesting to predict winners of each major award, and see how accurate I am.

These four categories seem to be the most significant besides Breakthrough Artist and Artist Of The Year. I predict Michael Jackson will win everything that he's nominated for.

Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist: Michael Jackson

Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, Or Group: The Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Number Ones - Michael Jackson

Here are four more random categories...

Favorite Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift

Favorite Alternative Rock Artist: Green Day
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist: Beyonce

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist: Jay-Z

and finally, the two most important awards...

Artist Of The Year: Michael Jackson

Breakthrough Artist: Lady GaGa

Overall, I think Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift will take most of the awards. I also think that, although they have several nominations, Kings Of Leon will leave the show empty handed. We'll see the results tomorrow night.