Schedule: The rest of January & February

January 26 or 27- "Top 20 review: January 2015"

Feburary 13- "Omarion's Post To Be Review/Rant"

February 28- "Top 20 review: February 2015"

Hey guys, those were my schedules for the rest of January & upcoming February. I don't really have that much planned out for February, but just stay in tune for those. Thanks for listening and I'll see you guys later. Peace! 

Olympic Ayres's "Magic" review

I also made a video review on this song, so go check that out if you don't feel like reading!

Hey guys, Lokoreviews here and today I'm going to be reviewing an unknown song. Now when I mean by "Unknown" I'm talking about a song that not many people heard of or even thought that it exist. So today I'm going to be reviewing "Magic" by Olympic Ayres. Now originally, I was making a video review on this song and I was almost done with it. But the video didn't look too good and I didn't give a whole lot of detail about the band. So I decided to make a blog because it would be more easier and I could also give a shit ton of detail about band & the song I'm about to review. Speaking of which, let's start this review!

Now some of you guys maybe wondering on how I found this particular song. Most of you guys maybe thinking I found this song on Pandora or YouTube suggested me to check it out. Even though those 2 situations could have happened, that's not how I found this song. Believe it or not, I actually found this song while I was playing Fifa 14. One day when I was playing that game, I heard this song play and I was really interested after hearing it. After hearing "Magic" for the first time, I decided to give the song more listens to see if I like it or not. So after several listens, I started to like the song more and more. But before I explain why I like this so much, let me give you guys some back story on Olympic Ayres.

Olympic Ayres are an Australian Indie Electronic group consist of 2 guys that are named Kam ( The guy on the left) and Nathan ( The guy on the right). They first met each other at Nathan's high school graduation party in 2010. So Nathan & Kam became really good friends and they decided to start a band together because they both like the same type of music. They started writing songs in 2010 and finally made songs in 2011. Now I don't know what their first song that ever made was because I haven't heard of them in 2011. But in late December of last year, the first song I heard from them was "Magic" and you guys already know the story. Now that you guys got the bright idea about Olympic Ayres and what they're about, let's dive right into their song "Magic".

Where to start? Hmmmm............................................................................................................................. Oh yeah, let's talk about the production of this song! Let me start by saying that I really enjoy the production in this song. The song have a really chill but haunting vibe to it and not to mention that it have a decent melody and a catchy stynth ( also the percussion is not that bad). I don't really have a problem with the production besides the beat being a little bit underwhelming. But other than that, I really enjoy the production in this song.

Now let's talk about the message and what this song is all about! Now at first, I was kind of having trouble on what this song is all about because the lyrics paints a picture of something that happened in the summertime is haunting and following them. So Olympic Ayres decide if they should go over there and fix the problem or just ignore it. The reason why that message is confusing to me because that could be interpreted to anything. With that message, the song could be about personal problems that Olympic Ayres have to deal with in their lives or it could be either about Olympic Ayres missing the feel of Summertime and how they are going to prepare for the winter time ( Or the song could also be about Olympic Ayres facing an un-real supernatural creature that was harming them in the Summer and they had to find a way to stop that beast. What? You never if Olympic Ayres wanted to talk about that). So in my opinion, I interpret the song to be about Olympic Ayres facing problems in their lives and having to deal with it. Now I would happily tell you guys what's happening in their personal lives but they don't really explain their problem in the song. Also I don't really know what is exactly happening in their personal lives right now. But I will say that they did give a good job painting some type of picture to this song ( even they don't go into deeper detail about it). Also I gotta give Olympic Ayres some credit for providing the best hook I heard in a while. Not only that hook is really catchy but it's well constructed in my opinion. Kam provide some good vocals ( even though he stretches some lines in this song to fill up space) and I also love the background vocals that Nathan provides which makes the hook have this chilling & haunting feel to it. Let's not forgot about that awesome & extremely catchy stynth line that they end it off with. That right there just brings magic into the song ( if you know what I mean).

Overall, this song is just fantastic to me and I just love every single second of this song. I love the production, I love the vocals, the message is fine with me, and the song is just a whole lot of fun. Now I'm not saying it is the greatest thing ever because this song does have it's problems. But in my opinion, I really enjoy the song a lot and I just wanted to share the awesome that this song provides so that you guys could check it out and tell everybody about it so that it could become popular and have many success ( and this song definitely deserves to be a hit. I don't care if this song becomes a big major hit when I die, I just want to see this song succeed). That's just my opinion, if you don't like this song for whatever reason or if the song is not for you then that's fine. But overall, I really enjoy this a lot and I hope that this song & Olympic Ayres have a whole lot of success. Speaking Olympic Ayres, I'm going to be checking out more of their stuff because I want to see if they have more awesome music like this. So if you guys need me, I'm going to be listening to more Olympic Ayres and also tune in when give my thoughts on some the songs that charted in the top 40 of January ( and trust me, it will be in video version this time). So this is James Kaloko and everybody in the world just stay loco, peace!

  

J. Cole's "Wet Dreamz" quick review

Here is my quick review of J. Cole's amazing new track "Wet Dreamz"!

Jason Derulo's "Wiggle" Lyrical Anaysis review

Just wanted to post this review I made a long time ago!

OT Genasis's "Coco" review

I made a video review for this song, so check it out!

                                        https://vimeo.com/116012106

Top 11 best hit songs of 2014(5-1)

Yesterday, I showed you guys my 11 through 6 picks of my top 11 best hit songs of 2014. So today is the final conclusion. But before I continue, let me say that these next 5 songs are songs that I absolutely loved and adore listening to last year. So without wasting any more time, here are my top 5!








You know, I been hard on Calvin Harris throughout his whole career. I don't consider him to be a bad EDM artist, but most of his songs that he produced; I just can't stand listening to. With his loud production that gives me a major headache after I listen to them and his horrendous vocals that just makes me cringe every time I hear him sing, I couldn't find one song of his that I could fully enjoy without being annoyed or feeling cringy. But there was one song he released this year that I felt he did something right.





5. Calvin Harris's "Blame" ft. John Newman
    [Peak: #19/Year-end list: N/A]


                                                       

           

Without the exception of "Summer", Calvin Harris really did approve last year and this song was the best thing he ever made so far in career. The song starts off slow to match in with John Newman's regretful sounding vocals then it starts building up until the beat drops. So when that beats drop, it is just filled with a whole lot of energy that doesn't comes out as annoying and it also brings some emotion to it after the pain that John Newman is facing right now. Speaking of John Newman, he is just spectacular in this song. He gives a really emotional performance after feeling regretful for what I guess cheating on his girlfriend or wife (if he's married). This song is basically like John Newman's other hit single "Love Me Again", but this time with an EDM beat. Even though I really enjoy "Love Me Again", that song did kind of worn off of me. But with this song, I don't think I will never get tired of hearing it. It's just an fantastic song with a great performance from John Newman, awesome production from Calvin Harris, and a whole lot of fun & energy to it. If Calvin Harris makes more songs like this, "Outside", "Let's Go", & "I will never let you down"; I will definitely be a fan of his. Also special thanks to my good pal Halston Wirt for introducing me to this awesome song!









If "Royals" was the song that got Lorde a whole lot of attention, then this song right here turned her into an mega superstar.





4. Lorde's "Team"
   [Peak: #6/Year-end list: #18]

                                                             

When this song reached the top 40 last year, I was surprised that Lorde had a 2nd hit. I thought that Lorde was only going to be a one hit wonder with just "Royals". But I'm glad that she had 2nd hit and Lorde made excellent decision releasing this as her single. Now I'm not going to lie, this song is just like "Royals" with its message about going against the media. But I think she did a better job portraying that message here than "Royals". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy "Royals" and all but she does kind of contradict herself by saying she doesn't want to live that lifestyle but she want to be called the queen bee and rule people (I don't know if that was her intention, but that just how I feel). But with this, she doesn't contradict herself or even trash talk the media all that much. This song is basically about how Lorde doesn't want to get too caught up with her success and focus more about where she came from & reminiscing the good times she had in her hometown (That is just my interpretation, if you think the song is about something else then that's fine). Not only that I could relate to what she's saying, but everything in this song is just great. Her vocals is on point, the production (even though it does sound basic) is enjoyable, and the song have a really great message. I don't really have that much to say about this song other than it's great and I hope that Lorde music career could last for a very long time.









All I got to say about this next one is that I love it more than the artist in question loves himself.



3. Kendrick Lamar's "I"
   [Peak: #39/Year-end list: N/A]

                                                           

Even though that this song wasn't that big of a hit last year, I still love it even if it was a hit or not. Kendrick Lamar gives another excellent performance. Now I know that this song is about loving yourself and all, but it's more deeper than that. Kendrick Lamar tells a story about how much crime and pain is happening in his neighborhood and the world, so he just ignore it and focus on being happy. But when the bridge comes, all his emotions start to build up and he just snaps. Now some people say that this song is his response to the whole Ferguson situation that happened last year and I do see what those people are talking about. But to me, it's just Kendrick Lamar going through a lot of pain and he just wants to find happiness so that he could love himself and the people around him. Also the funky production fits the tone perfectly in this song. Great work with this song Kendrick, can't wait for that new album!







Now these next 2 are the hit songs I listened to the most last year, so that means either of these 2 could have been easily be my number 1 choice of the best hit song in 2014. So just remember that!







2. Aloe Blacc's "The Man"
   [Peak: #8/Year-end list: #58]

                                                       

The first time I heard this song, I definitely knew that song was going to be on my top 5 list. Like what's not to love about this. The smooth funky production that mix in all the instruments together perfectly, Aloe Blacc's fantastic vocals, relate-able lyrics about making mistakes in your life but still feeling confident about yourself, and just being a really great & fun song. Now I will say that he doesn't really explain all that much about why he wants everybody to call him "The Man". But I forgive him for that because if he could make awesome music like this, I would definitely say he is the man. Not only that this song is great but it's one of my personal favorite hit songs from last year. But even though it is my favorite song in 2014, it's not the best though.








So ladies and gentlemen, here is my number #1 choice of the best hit song I heard in 2014!





1. Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)"
    [Peak: #3/Year-end list: #32]

                                                           

Now the first time I heard, I never thought that this song was going to #1 pick of the best hit song in 2014. But after listening to it more, the song just got better and better each time I listened to it. Let me start by saying that Tove Lo is an excellent singer. Yeah, she does have a strong voice and all but I enjoy her vocals in this song and her other songs as well. Not only she have great vocals but she brings a lot of emotion in this song. Now this song is about Tove Lo being all depressed because of a guy or someone that left her in life so she's living the fast lane that she could forget about that person and find some happiness. Then when the bridge comes she breaks down and says that even though that she is pretending to find some happiness in her life, she still needs someone to make her feel fully happy again. Now some of you guys maybe thinking, "Why is this song your number 1 choice? Her decision isn't right and she's need to get over it". Yes, I do agree that her decision isn't right and she does indeed need to get over with. But the only real reason why this song is my number 1 choice is because I been through the same situation just like her. Now I didn't get all depressed about losing a girlfriend, but there was one point in my life where I actually wanted to try illegal substances to forget about the fact I lost my little sister because of sickness so that I could feel happy again. Yeah, when my sister died; me and my family going through some tough times especially me because I didn't really pay too much attention to her and I felt ashamed for not being there for her and acting like a big brother. But even if I didn't relate to this song, I still would find this song to be great. The production fits the sad and depressing tone in this song, Tove Lo's vocals are strong and powerful, the song is extremely catchy, and this song is just great all around. That's why Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)" is my number 1 choice of the best hit song in 2014.






That's my list everybody! Tell me what do think about it; was it good, lame, too obvious, & etc. Just let me know. Thank you guys so much for a great 2014 and I know that 2015 will be an even better year. Now I don't know what song I'm going to review or when it's going to come out, but let's hope that it doesn't frustrate me!








Here are some songs that I would have put on this list only if they touched the top 40 last year or even charted at all last year (Also check these songs out so they could become hit songs this year maybe):

• Amplify Dot's "Get Down"
• Calvin Harris's "Outside"
• Rita Ora's "I will never let you down"
• Olympic Ayres's "Magic"
• Bastille's "Bad Blood"
• Tove Lo's "Got Love"
• Nicki Minaj's "Get on your knees" ft. Ariana Grande
• J. Cole's "Wet Dreamz"
• T-Pain's "Up Down (Do this all day)" ft. B.O.B.
• Classified's "Higher" ft. B.O.B.
• Duck Sauce's "NRG"
• Birdie's "Words as Weapons"
• Iggy Azalea's "Work"
• August Alsina's "Numb"
• Kid Ink's "Body Language" ft. Usher & Tinashe
• Usher's "She came and give it to you" ft. Nicki Minaj
• Foster The People's "Best Friends"
• Jhene Aiko's "The Worst"
• Misterwives's "Reflections"
• Boregeous's "Invincible"
• Elliephant's "Revolusion"
• Eminem's "Headlights"
• Childish Gambino's "3005"
• Charli XCX's "Break The Rules"
• Hozier's self-titled album ( No really, check out that album. That album is great!).

Top 11 best hit songs of 2014(11-6)

Now last time in my top 11 worst hit songs of 2014, I said I was going to post my best of list in 2015. But since 2014 is coming to an end, I wanted to post my best of list today so that I could end the year with a positive note. Now the same rules that I posted on my worst of list counts for this list as well; I'm only counting songs that made it in this year's Billboard year-end list or any song that touched the top 40 this year. Also I'm only counting songs that I listened the most throughout the whole year, so that mean songs like Hozier's "Take Me To Church", Mr. Probz's "Waves", Sam Smith's "I'm not the only one", or Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars's "Uptown Funk" won't be on this list (Don't worry they will be on next years list hopefully). Also just like last time, any song I put on this list are just my personal opinions and if you do or don't agree with my choices then that's fine. Okay, without wasting anymore time repeating myself; Let's begin! But first, some few honorable mentions:

HM #1: Kid Ink's "Show Me ft. Chris Brown & Jeremih's "Don't Tell Em" ft. YG

              [Peak: #13/Year-end list: #43]                [Peak: #6/Year-end list: #42]

You know, I'm pretty shocked on how much these 2 songs grew on me. At first, I hated them for being bland & awful song with lame production by my least favorite producer of all time DJ Mustard. Originally, these 2 were going to be on the worst list until I started hearing those songs more and suddenly, I just got use to them. Maybe in like 1 or 2 years from now, these 2 songs will worn off of me. But as for now, these 2 are just guilty pleasures for me.

HM #2: Charli XCX's "Boom Clap"

             [Peak: #8/Year-end list: #34]

As much as I enjoy Charli XCX's vocals and delivery in this song, it's the weak production and weird lyrics that made not enjoy the song all that much or even put it on the list. If the production was a little bit stronger and change some lyrics here and there then, the song would definitely be on the list. But hey, at least she doesn't sound too annoying in this song.

HM #3: Pharrell's "Happy"

             [Peak: #1/Year-end list: #1]

As much overplay this song have gotten this year, I'm glad that it became the biggest hit single to chart throughout 2014. Plus what's not to like about this song with it's fun production, Pharrell's great performance, and lyrics so cheesy that it just makes me chuckle. Now the only reason why this song made it on my list is not because of the overplay but every time I listen to it, I feel like Pharrell is forcing me to be happy. Now I understand that the song is suppose to make people feel happy and I don't mind that, but forcing people to be happy just doesn't feel right. To be happy, it takes time and patience. But just forcing people to be happy isn't the right way to fix the problem. But even with all that negativity I said, I still enjoy listening to this song a lot. 

HM #4: American Authors's "Best Day Of My Life"

              [Peak: #11/Year-end list: #31]

Ah, a song about being happy that doesn't force people to feel that way. This song have nothing but just good vibes in it. With it's optimistic lyrics about going out and making the best of it, fun & bouncy production with drum work I enjoy listening to a lot, and how much energy the lead singer brings into this song. But sadly, it didn't make the cut. Even though I enjoy the song a lot, I sometimes find this song to be too cheesy sounding for me plus it sounds like it was made for commercials. But hey, it still a really fun song to listen.

HM #5: Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" ft. Juicy J & "Birthday"

              [Peak: #1/Year-end list: #2]                        [Peak: #17/Year-end list: #80]

Without the exception of "This is how we do", "Dark Horse" & "Birthday" are pretty decent singles that Katy Perry released this year. Now I'm not saying that both "Dark Horse" & "Birthday" are any good because they do have a lot of problems in them. But dammit, I just really enjoy listening to both of these songs. I enjoy the production in both of them & Katy gave an alright performance in these songs. Even though that both of these songs don't have a great messages, that doesn't stop me from jamming to them.  

HM #6: Enrique Iglesias's "Bailando" & Pitbull's "Fireball"

              [Peak: #12/Year-end list: #38]     [Peak: #23/Year-end list: N/A]

Now this what I'm talking about, 2 artist that I know who could make great music & both of these artist put out their best singles to date. "Bailando" is a fun Hispanic based song with really sincere lyrics, nice production, and awesome performances from everybody that is involve. "Fireball" is another fun Hispanic based song with meh lyrics, nice production (even though he samples The Champs's "Tequila"), and him giving his best performance I ever seen in his career so far. Overall, these 2 songs are really good songs and let's hope that they both keep on releasing good quality music.

Last HM: Disclosure's "Latch" ft. Sam Smith

                 [Peak: #7/Year-end list: #28]

This song was so close of making it on the list, but it grew out of me at the last moment. Don't get me wrong, it still a really good song with chill but dance-able production, sweet lyrics, and a killer falsetto from the angel himself Sam Smith. I really wanted this song to be on the list, but I'm just not feeling the mood of listening to it again. But it's still a good song no matter what!

So without further adieu, here are my choices of the top 11 best hit songs of 2014:

                                                          

Now these first 2 that I put on this list are songs that a whole lot of you guys will disagree with me on.

11. Rixton's "Me and My Broken Heart"

      [Peak: #14/Year-end list: #70]

                                   

10. Jason Derulo's "Trumpets"

     [Peak: #14/Year-end list: #61]

                                                                            

Oh dear, explaining why I enjoy these 2 songs will be hard to do but I'll try my best. Let me start with "Me and My Broken Heart":

"Me and My Broken Heart": Now a lot of critics say that this song and the lead singer sounds extremely whiny. Even though I do agree with them that the song is extremely whiny, I just can't help from listening to it.  Don't get me wrong this song does have it's problems here and there, but I just can't seem to hate it like other critics do. This song have some really nice production, the singer don't sound all that bad in it, the song is extremely catchy, and this song is just a huge guilty pleasure for me.

Speaking of huge guilty pleasures.....

"Trumpets": "Trumpets" is another song that I know that I should hate with  a passion, but I just can't seem to hate it all that much. Yes, understand that this song have really idiotic lyrics in them especially this line right here "Is it weird that your ass reminds me of a Kanye West song?" (No seriously, which Kanye West song is he talking about in this line). But even with the idiotic lyrics in them and Jason Derulo kind of sounding constipated in this song, the real reason why I put this song on this list is the awesome production and the whole lot of fun that this song have. No seriously, when those "Trumpets" come; they don't disappoint. Not only that but Jason Derulo does sound decent in this song and he does try to give an sincere performance in this song (even though, he embarrass himself with really stupid compliments). Plus I rather hear this than hear him being a disgusting douchebag to women and I'm looking at you both "Talk Dirty" & "Wiggle". 

Even though that both of these songs do have there problems, I can't help but love them. So that's why both "Me and My Broken Heart" & "Trumpets" are my biggest guiltiest pleasures of this whole year.

I don't care if this song came from last year, this had to go on the list.

9. OneRepublic's "Counting Stars"

    [Peak: #2/Year-end list: (Last year: #63)/ (This year: #5)]

                                             

  

The reason why I didn't mention this song on my last year's best of list because I didn't start liking it until really late December in 2013. Since then I couldn't stop listening to this awesome song. The production is filled with energy and that melody just fits perfectly, Ryan Tedder just goes all out in this song and gives his best performance to date, and that bridge is the best bridge I ever heard in a pop song all year.Not only that this song is awesome but this song is about taking risk and not follow the crowd and that right there fits perfectly about OneRepublic this year. They didn't just made generic & forgettable pop songs that nobody not going to remember this year, but they took their time and made the best that they ever did in their career. Not only that but their other hit single "Loves Run Out" is another great song that they made this year, but "Counting Stars" is OneRepublic's best work to date and I can't wait to hear what they got next for stored.

Hey, do you guys remember when I said in my worst of list that "I didn't really pay too much attention to country music this year"? Well, there is one country song that I actually liked this year.

8. Eric Church's "Give Me Back My Hometown"

    [Peak: #36/Year-end list: N/A]

                                                      

           

The first time I heard this song, I thought it was an okay song. But after listening to it more, I find this song to amazing now. Eric Church is earnestly singing about the loss of his hometown, not because it was actually gone or changed but because the girl that he's talking about in this song who helped it make it (Relationship) worthwhile has left him and and wants the town back. Not only that the song have excellent writing but this song's vibe makes you feel like you miss your hometown  and want it back. The production is starts out chill and then builds up to this satisfying ending. Also Eric Church is a really good singer and have this sincerity in his voice. What more can I say about this, this song is just fantastic and I'm glad that I checked it out. Plus you guys should check it out if you haven't already.

This next song right here doesn't need no introduction!

7. Nico & Vinz's "Am I Wrong"

   [Peak: #4/Year-end list: #14]

                                                

                                                       

You know, I don't really have that much to say about this song because a whole lot of people already praised it and said what is needed to be said about this song. So I'm going to keep it short. This song is just amazing; it have a whole lot of personality, Nico & Vinz are really good singers (especially Nico), the production and guitar riff sounds awesome, the lyrics (even though they are pretty generic) are inspiring, and this song is just a tons of fun to listen. Not only that but any song that makes me feel like I'm back at my hometown Serria Leone, Africa, definitely deserves be on this list. Great job Nico & Vinz, I hope you guys could stick around and put out more great music.

Out of all the artist that put out great music this year, I'm surprised that this artist even put out one good song that I actually love listening to.

6. Ed Sheeran's "Don't"

   [Peak: #9/Year-end list: #52]  

                                                                   

Here is another song that was already praised to death by a whole bunch critics, so I'm going to keep it short again. This song is just fantastic; It have this chill, laid-back production that fits the tone of the song perfectly, Ed Sheeran gives his best performance to date, the lyrics talk about rise and fall of Ed's relationship with Ellie Goulding and gives a lot of detail to it, and also "Ah Lahmlahlah" is just fun to say out loud. Overall, this song is just great and this is Ed Sheeran's best song he made in his career so far. So because of this song and his other hit single "Sing", I am now an official fan of his. Great job Ed Sheeran, can't wait to hear more.

Tune in tomorrow for the final conclusion. As for now, thank you guys so much for checking this out and letting me have an awesome 2014. I hope you guys have a happy new years and stay safe everybody.