The countdown continues, from 5 to 2…
5. Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran & Future – End Game
Released: 12th January
Writers: Future, Shellback, Max Martin, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
Trivia: When putting this list together, I forgot that Delicate (my other fave song from Reputation) was also a single in 2018, so let’s call that no.5b.
Best bits: 1. Reputation precedes me, they told you I’m crazy, I swear I don’t love the drama, it loves me
2. Big reputation, big reputation, ooh, you and me would be a big conversation
3. I don’t wanna be just another ex-love you don’t wanna see
4. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
Released: 3rd November
Writers: Victoria Monét, Ariana Grande, Njomza, Kaydence, Michael “Mikey” Foster, Scootie, Tayla Parx, TBHits
Trivia: A Norwegian-language cover of this song was recently released by Sondre Lerche, one of Norway’s biggest indie artists.
Best bits: 1. [the whole first verse]
2. Least the song is a smash
3. One taught me love, one taught me patience, one taught me pain, now I’m so amazing
3. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – Shallow
Released: 27th September
Writers: Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, Mark Ronson, Lady Gaga
Trivia: This song might not have quite made it to no.1 but it does contain my favourite musical moment of the year, when it goes BIG at 2.44. That’s true power ballad magic. I can’t listen to this song in public on headphones cos it’s too hard not to belt out that line.
Best bits: 1. I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
2. Hoo, huh, uh, huhh-ow, huh, huhh-huhhh (well, apparently that’s what she says)
3. We’re far from the shallow now
2. Ariana Grande – no tears left to cry
Released: 20th April
Writers: ILYA, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Ariana Grande
Trivia: When this song was released, many people said it sounded similar to Summer of Love by Steps, and someone has even gone so far as to edit its Genius page to state that it interpolates the Steps song. I’m pretty sure that’s not official, since none of Summer of Love’s writers are credited (though I’m sure Pete Waterman will be chasing the royalties if he hears about this), but regardless, I would like to hear more global pop stars taking inspo from 90s Brit hits in 2019.
Best bits: 1. Right now, I’m in a state of mind, I wanna be in like all the time
2. Pickin’ it up, pickin’ it up, lovin’, I’m livin’, so we turnin’ up
3. We’re on another mentality
So there’s only one song left to be revealed! Tweet me your guesses, and come back later today to find out what’s no.1.