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Dec 31 14 11:23 AM

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - 1989 by Taylor Swift. 

A proper, full on pop opus of uptempo fun that showed the champs of the genre like Katy, Gaga, Kylie, etc just how mediocre their own efforts were. While not as good as Speak Now, this is Taylor and her fans have utter fun. Strong hooks, great production, insanely catchy material. A proper pop album that delivered on the hype.

SINGLE OF THE YEAR - 'Problem' by Arianna Grande. 

The perfect formula of charm and character in a hit pop song - those slamming saxaphones, the sassy whispers, a killer rap from Iggy (with a welcome Jay nod) and powerhouse vocals from Arianna herself. The kind of dynamic pop/R&B hit Mariah would have rolled out in the 90's that are sorely missed.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Taylor Swift.

My full conversion began in 2012 and this year its only grown. Another solid album, albeit not her best, but a progression in her songwriting (a needed break from the boy bashing/heartbreak), refreshed sound, a jaw dropping and thrilling campaign, and unstoppable hike to becoming the worlds biggest pop star. Its been wonderful to see more and more people turn onto her and I think the only way is up from here as well.

SONG/NON-SINGLE OF THE YEAR - 'Out Of The Woods' by Taylor Swift.

The song that restored my faith in the 1989 project after the awful 'Shake It Off'. An epic chorus (and obviously very simple chorus) of huge sweeping, production that is charged and powerful, it sweeps me up. I like the vague, almost mystery aspect of the lyrics that somehow still manage to be so relatable and emotive.  

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR - 'Guy' by Lady Gaga.

For all her misfires with ArtPop (we'd be here forever on that), 'Guy' was Gaga back on proper form in the music video department with this epic, movie style feature. Any video that can feature the RHOBH as a heavenly choir, on their harps to 'Venus' deserves all the praise it can get and I felt the symbolism and message was back to being very clear and concise.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - Arianna Grande.

While she has more to do to before she fully earns the crown as a proper contender, 2014 was a good start. A strong breakthrough to the international market, a trio of strong singles, the killer smash of 'Problem', her impressive vocals and a passable album made her a new artist who actually had my attention. For 2015, she needs to work on the personality in her videos. This fembot routine does not make one a popstar.

MUSIC MOMENT OF THE YEAR - Me. I Am Mariah finally getting released.

 After an agonising and messy campaign that will surely go down as one of the most amateur in recent years, we finally got that album in our hands. Putting all the campaign drama aside, it was a solid album that showed Mariah still has it with a return to solid songwriting and a really varied record that still felt unified and complimented the various styles. I still don't think its quite a classic (nor are any of the tracks on it) but after the wait, it was a relief to get a good final product.

Last Edited By: carlos b fly Dec 31 14 11:26 AM. Edited 1 time.