"Hotline Bling" by Drake
How to describe Drake's dance moves:
1. Dad wedding dancing
2. "Freestyle"
3. Dancing when no one's watching
4. Dribbling a basketball
5. Twitching (not to be confused with twerking)
"Used to Love You" by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani can do no wrong. Only she can write a real song about her broken marriage, that anyone can relate to. Only Gwen can bring back the close-up music video style circa Alanis' "Head Over Feet" in the best way possible. Only she can make the best facial expression ever at 2:10. Every aspect of this video has Gwen written all over it, which is why it's so perfect.
"Work Song" by Hozier
A beautiful video of a beautiful song by a beautiful singer, with a beautiful soul.
"Black to Gold" by Dear Rouge
Lead singer Danielle McTaggart's voice is unreal. Powerful, sultry, but also has a soft Sarah McLachlan-esque hue to it. Her read streaks, bold red lipstick, and red curtains in the background add to the dramatic tone of the track. Plus, her guitar/keyboard-playing bandmate is her husband. Love them.
"The Shade (I Want it All)" by Metric
I had high hopes for Metric after their 2009 album Fantasies. It was one of those rare albums that felt like a work of art in its entirety, like if any track was missing, it wouldn't make sense. That artistry, unfortunately, was short-lived. Lead singer Emily Haines sounds like she's having convulsions on this track. Not to mention, it sounds like noise from a video games, and I feel like I should be dodging fireballs or something. Plus: budget video, much?
"Everlong (Acoustic)" by Foo Fighters
Let's talk about Foo Fighters for a second. They once did a tour where they played in fans' garages to a small crowd of family and friends. They can rock out, or keep it acoustic; they even make music documentaries. Frontman Dave Grohl plays live shows even with a broken leg. They make songs like this one (note: if this doesn't make you feel anything, you're made of stone.)
"Renegades" by X Ambassadors
A rock band from New York they are,
Here to conquer from near and far.
This single will take them places, no doubt,
Get ready to sing along and shout.
Keyboardist Casey Harris will blow your mind,
He, in fact, is completely blind.
This video will inspire you,
So take a look and see there's nothing you can't do.
"Started from the Bottom" by Drake
I don't get Drake's definition of "bottom". According to this video, he was privileged enough to participate in organized community sports, and he had a job. At Shoppers. In real life, he grew up in the "ghetto part" of ritzy Forest Hill - ie not Jane & Finch or Rexdale, and had a job as an actor on Degrassi. I just wish Drake would get real and admit he started from the middle.
"Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
I can't support this video. The camera flashes from cameo to cameo of every one of Swift's young, hot, famous BFFs. Each celeb gives their fiercest face in pleather outfits, armed with weapons. I'm just not convinced: neither a size 0 Victoria Secret model, nor a skinny and bony Swift are menacing. Not to mention, Ellen Pompeo's face isn't dangerous. Yet Mariska Hargitay - the most badass of them all - doesn't have any weapons. What's up with that?
"Don't Wanna Fight" by Alabama Shakes
This song is killer. It's infectious, addictive, soulful, rhythmic and beautiful. By the end of it, you want to bury all your hatchets and start a dance party instead. Brittany Howard is a grittier version of Tracy Chapman, and like a true musician, plays music from the inside out. The vibe they create is chills-inducing, in the best way possible. They shouldn't be so underrated - they're too talented.
"Cool on Fire" by Daniel Johns
I can't tell if I love this or hate it. How am I supposed to dissociate now solo artist Daniel Johns from Silverchair like it's no big deal? He sang "Pure Massacre", now all of a sudden, he's all sultry and seductive. What's up with him giving bedroom eyes while being covered in sand? Why is he wearing a costume jewelry necklace? Why isn't he as angry as he was in the 90s? The only thing I am certain of is this track makes me wanna dance; so props for doing you, Daniel Johns.