10. "Come Get It Bae" by Pharrell Williams featuring Miley Cyrus
Whether he’s getting “Happy” at the Oscars or earning an Innovator Award at the iHeart Radio Awards, Pharrell Williams is owning 2014. It’s been eight years since a solo Pharrell album. During the interlude Pharrell has been writing and producing for the world’s biggest artists, including Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus. While it will be hard for any song to reach the level that “Get Lucky” and “Happy” reached, “Come Get It Bae” stands a pretty good chance. The song is catchy and reminds us of some of our favorite ‘90s jams. You know you bob your head every time the chorus kicks in. |
9. "You & I" by One Direction
One of the few slow jams on our list, “You and I” previews a more grownup One Direction. The lyrical content is simply beautiful and the guys never disappoint on vocals. To top it off, Liam Payne actually created a “Big Payno” remix of the song. Plus, who’s going to complain about five hot guys singing you a love song? The song is certainly the romantic ballad of the summer and is perfect for those loving beach strolls, hand in hand with your 1D cutout (or actual boyfriend or girlfriend, you know, if you want). |
8. "Somethin' Bad" by Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood
Nothing says summer like a great country song, and “Somethin’ Bad” is a great country song. Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood team up to show off their best bad and sassy sides, all while looking damn good doing it (seriously, watch their Billboard performance). Miranda Lambert brings out the big guns for her fifth studio album, Platinum, enlisting the help of Carrie, Little Big Town, & The Time Jumpers. The album is easily her best yet. “Somethin’ Bad” is just the start of something very good. |
7. "Pills N Potions" by Nicki Minaj
“Pills N Potions” is a different direction for Nicki Minaj, especially considering her recent singles with Young Money; however, the song is more than deserving of a spot on our list. The song starts with the beautiful chorus, showcasing vocals that we don’t always get to hear with Nicki’s singles, and then it goes into a slow jam rap about overcoming the struggles of fame, getting to the top, and losing those you loved along the way. The song is perfect for nighttime cruises with the windows down and the glow of summer in your eyes. |
6. "Really Don't Care" by Demi Lovato featuring Cher Lloyd
Both Demi Lovato and Cher Lloyd have previously made our Top Ten Hot New Summer Jams on their own, but this year they team up on what’s sure to be a summer anthem. Much like Demi’s “Give Your Heart a Break,” “Really Don’t Care” is a song that the fans have taken and made their own. It’s a stand out performance at her live shows and the Cher Lloyd rap, though short, is cheeky and fun as ever. The chorus’ “Oh, oh, oh, I really don’t care” is this year’s YOLO – Be prepared to hear it everywhere. |
5. "Birthday" by Katy Perry
Bust out the party hats and the balloons because this song is a light-hearted yet sexy song that is perfect for any occasion. Katy Perry’s PRISM album already made our Top Ten Albums of 2013 thanks to all of her singles slaying; “Birthday” joins that prestigious list of singles. The song reminds us that anytime is a good time for cake…whatever kind of cake you’re imagining. The innuendos are numerous and so are the radio spins and single sales. So go ahead and make it like your birthday everyday this summer. |
4. "Turn Down For What" (Remix) by DJ Snake & Lil Jon featuring Juicy J, 2 Chainz, & French Montana
Thanks to a recently released remix, what was the hottest song of early 2014 can now become an even bigger hit this summer. Although released in December of last year, “Turn Down for What” is still getting major airplay and will continue to do so as this fresh remix makes its way into clubs and late night DJ playlists. DJ Snake and Lil Jon invite three of the newest names to make a splash in the rap and hip-hop world to contribute verses that will have you screaming “TURN DOWN FOR WHAT,” probably while making a picnic lunch. |
3. "SING" by Ed Sheeran
We love Ed Sheeran’s lead single off his sophomore album so much that we actually made it our first review of 2014. Needless to say, “SING” is a fresh track that stands out amongst Ed’s previous work. The song, produced by #10 on our list, Pharrell Williams, is a new sound and direction for the British ginger. However, Ed’s unique voice and rapping skills are still very much on display. The track shows a sexier side of Ed and we can’t wait to see this side explored more when he drops his new album X. |
2. "Wiggle" by Jason Derulo featuring Snoop Dogg
Jason Derulo has had several big hits over the years, but last year’s “Talk Dirty” launched him to a whole new level, making way for his next single to do the same thing. “Wiggle” is most certainly a jam and will be a song you will want to hear all summer long. Jason’s vocals are on point and Snoop Dogg’s rap reminds us why he is still one of the best in the game. Whether you’re at the club, the beach, or driving in your car with the windows down, this song is sure to make you get your wiggle on. |
1. "Problem" by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea are both set for world dominance this year. The two leading ladies team up on Ariana’s biggest hit to date, selling 438,000 copies in its first week, making it the 8th highest digital song debut and the 4th highest debut for a female. “Problem” shows off Ariana’s killer voice and lets everyone know that Iggy Azalea is a rap force to be reckoned with. It also sets the stage for Ariana’s second album, which is sure to come out as #1 with a lead single like this. So this summer forget about having 99 problems and focus on this one. |
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