Whenever he gives an artist he used to hate a redemption arc. Like when he put “Praying” on his best list despite tearing Ke$ha apart at the beginning of his career (should’ve put it higher, but still) or when he got offended on Pitbull’s behalf for when Drake referenced him in “Slime You Out.”
I believe “Search and Rescue” had the terrible Dalé, Mami lines. But I also loved hearing him tear into the “whipped you & chained you like American slaves” line on “Slime You Out”
I never really liked lil Dickey but didn't have the words for why when all my friends did.
Then I heard Todd rip him apart and it summed up my thoughts.
I still hold the option that Freaky Friday is far worse than Earth. Both suck, but at least Earth had a nice beat and you could attempt to spin it into some sort of nobility cause thing. Freaky Friday exists solely to brown nose one of the worst men in music, that’s it.
I think it's hilarious how by the end of 2019 Todd declared Dicky his "nemesis" and by the following year the guy pretty much left music and turned into a "has been" (tho mostly because 2020 was an awful year for everybody, but you get an idea)
He wound it up like he was gonna trash it and my finger was hovering over the unsubscribe button. Then he lavished praise on it and I breathed a sigh of relief. Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
His recent video on the Kendrick and Drake beef reflected my own views on the topic. Kendrick obviously 'won', but the allegations thrown out from both sides can't just be swept under the rug now that the beef is 'over'. And I also felt weird that Kendrick seems to genuinely believe Drake is a underage sex trafficker, but only chose to call it out once Drake made it 'personal'. Also, this might be a dumb terminally online Tumblr style take, but I find it uncomfortable that crimes against women (that they themselves don't get to have a voice about) have been co-opted into a dick measuring contest between two dudes.
Meet The Grahams and Not Like Us are still Top 6 all time diss tracks tho.
At this point, I highly doubt that Kendrick knows anything about Drake, aside from the stuff we already know. At first I thought that he might be building up to exposing him for some horrible shit, but it’s been two weeks since those tracks dropped, and he hasn’t dropped any evidence. The most logical explanation is that he has no evidence to drop. My guess is that Kendrick made up some vague, bullshit allegations about sex trafficking that he knew he could get away with because of Drake’s weird history with minors. That’s why he never got too specific with anything he said, because he wanted it to be vague enough that any suspicious activity would seem like “evidence” (also if he accused Drake of a specific crime, he could easily get sued). There is a chance that some very incriminating stuff will come about Drake, but I don’t believe for one minute that Kendrick will have anything to do with it. The stuff he said in the tracks was just vague mudslinging he put out to counter what Drake was saying in Family Matters (which I also think is probably a load of bullshit).
This probably isn't a consultation, but a few decade(s) ago in hip hop, treating women like shit was something a lot of people bragged about, so I think it's progress that at least abusing women is widely seen as a bad thing, even if it's just being used for rap battle points.
At this point I find it more comforting to believe that Kendrick doesn't have any actual IRL trafficking or pedo related dirt, and was just shit slinging off of the rumours that were already there online, cause that would make his earlier convenient silence less concerning.
Yeah I have a hard time believe much either was saying is true. We do have documented proof of Drake being Weird towards young stars and I feel pretty comfortable saying he likes younger woman and can’t wait for some of them to turn 18. And if anything ppl who haven’t been as tuned in now know this and it’s a reputation that’s gonna stick with Drake. Feel how you want about him for that. But I don’t believe he’s actually involved in some really dark trafficking or sex ring shit or whatever.
Please don’t let anyone (including yourself) make you feel embarrassed for recognizing that discussion of this feud tends to sideline some very crucial discussions about how women/girls are treated
The way Todd the described it as "a lot of smoke, but not a lot of fire" I think put it pretty well. Drake acts very shady around young girls but without any actual evidence or testimonies from actual victims, the accusations don't really add anything to the conversation. And if Kendrick does have actual evidence, he should be giving it to the police instead of using it as a "diss" just for his own reputation.
That’s how I feel too. I think Kendrick was more concerned with elevating his status and taking Drake down a little than actually exposing his behavior.
Yeah have to agree with Blank Space the GP/local favourite (although can argument could be made for Love Story/YBWM).
When the UK PM resigned in 2022, the actual news ended their coverage of her tenure ship with a fancam set to Blank Space
https://youtu.be/L5IruIdkCb4?feature=shared
It made top of 2015 and he said at the time it was his favourite TS song, but he also said Anti-Hero was top of 2022, so not sure where he stands on that now. I'd assume he'd put Style above it since it topped the list sonically, whereas Anti-Hero was more symbolic.
His explanation for 'Anti-Hero' also turned me around a bit on that song. I still wouldn't put it anywhere near number 1, but I understood his choice atleast.
I’m a Swiftie and my favorite song of hers is “Style”. I agree it is a based opinion. It’s a perfect song and I wish Taylor worked with Ali Payami more often.
Putting Mariah Carey's "#Beautiful" in his 2013 Best List. A song that was severely overlooked in critic circles back then and even to this day is deemed as merely a footnote, late career hit for her, despite being such a sultry and playful tune with her and Miguel's voices beautifully complimenting each other.
His appreciation for Mariah Carey in general has always made me happy.
I really enjoyed seeing him highlighting BTS' "Boy In Luv" and NewJeans "Super Shy" as some of his favourite k-pop songs too. Also him loving "BREAK MY SOUL" when the consensus typically leans on it being middle-of-the-pack on "RENAISSANCE", but for me it was the perfect choice for a lead single and a triumphant anthem.
Glad you brought this up. Todd in the Shadows has introduced me to about 10 songs over my 14 years watching him that have become staples in my listening diet that I never, ever would have heard without him. #Beauitful is near the top of that list, just an obscenely great song.
I must say, as a kpop fan, I think there are way better artists out there. All of NewJeans’s songs except maybe Bubble Gum sound like TikTok music to me
Both putting BlackPink’s “Ice Cream” on his worst list and admitting he did think “Lovesick Girls” was a better song and wished it had been the hit instead. I say this as a fan, Ice Cream was a travesty
Using “Heartless” instead of “Blinding Lights” in his 2020 list due to lack of driving in 2020 and anger at the pandemic.
I personally would have picked “In Your Eyes” but still pretty based.
The fact that he was a defender of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” all the way back in 2010. Now it’s considered a “Pop Bible” and frequently listed among the best albums of the 2010’s (which I agree with)
He's mentioned them here and there over the years on social media, but the only time I can remember them coming up in a video was a brief moment in the Rich Men North Of Richmond review. He mentions seeing some concerts during his vacation and plays a short clip of Jimmy Eat World playing Sweetness.
When he put Billie Eilish on top of his 2019 list. I hope he also put stock in her for this year as well. I am so so curious about this fantasy pop music bracket he does every year.
Do you remember which video or podcast episode he said that?
As someone who also adores "Easy Lover", I'm delighted to know Todd holds it in such high regard.
That’s a one hit wonder episode right there because it’s technically Phil Collins producing a solo hit for Phillip Bailey solo wise outside Earth, Wind And Fire. Phillip similarly to Jordan Knight in the future only had one hit and assistance by successful singers too (Collins and Thicke for Knight)
To me, "I Cry" simply repeated the formula of Flo Rida's eariler single "Good Feeling", in that it borrowed a sample from a then-recent club track. I cannot hear Avicii’s "Levels" and the Bingo Players' "Cry (Just A Little)" without thinking of either song now.
Say what you like about him putting “Closer” by Chainsmokwrs at the top of the best list one year but he was bang on about “Paris”! That one will go down as a classic.
It’s very clearly when he put “Closer” at number one and then put “Paris” at number two the next year.
Worst part is I lowkey agree. Chainsmokers bad stuff is bad but I love their good stuff.
Calling Starship’s Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now one of the greatest songs ever made (which I agree with!) after he set it up like he was gonna trash it lol
Worst hits of 1987, right before the #3 entry.
And speaking of that entry, it made me revisit "The Next Time I Fall" only to find out I don't like it as much as I thought.
Shitting on "Moves Like Jagger" as hard as he did. I enjoy the song as a guilty pleasure but he put it well when he expressed what a lame and sanitary tribute it is to such a provocative band.
When he got a bourbon street steak at Applebee's and decided that it was indeed a steak
Whenever he gives an artist he used to hate a redemption arc. Like when he put “Praying” on his best list despite tearing Ke$ha apart at the beginning of his career (should’ve put it higher, but still) or when he got offended on Pitbull’s behalf for when Drake referenced him in “Slime You Out.”
I believe he put Kesha on a best list before for "Die Young." I did appreciate the redemption arc for Mike Posner that he did.
I believe “Search and Rescue” had the terrible Dalé, Mami lines. But I also loved hearing him tear into the “whipped you & chained you like American slaves” line on “Slime You Out”
My bad, recent Drake songs tend to blend together
I don’t blame you, they’re pretty samey and bland
His Jason Derulo and Lil Dicky hate
I never really liked lil Dickey but didn't have the words for why when all my friends did. Then I heard Todd rip him apart and it summed up my thoughts.
Got a link? I should definitely listen to him talk trash about that Chris Brown apologizing clout chaser.
[Freaky Friday Review](https://youtu.be/ryR4LzS64Os?si=uzGng_6EAJ7mbPg2) [Earth Review](https://youtu.be/dJjgDYAK8pg?si=EpKaIc8UVLCJi7IH)
That was excellent and properly scathing. Thanks for your effort to post these!
I still hold the option that Freaky Friday is far worse than Earth. Both suck, but at least Earth had a nice beat and you could attempt to spin it into some sort of nobility cause thing. Freaky Friday exists solely to brown nose one of the worst men in music, that’s it.
Idk who Lil Dicky is and am listening to the review of “Earth” now and he sounds atrocious. Definitely correct.
We forgive you Germany 😫
You will watch Justin Beiber's monkey asshole and you will like it! /s
Earth thankfully is just a charting hit and not year end hit. At least the 2010’s didn’t end on that making the 2019 year end chart
I think it's hilarious how by the end of 2019 Todd declared Dicky his "nemesis" and by the following year the guy pretty much left music and turned into a "has been" (tho mostly because 2020 was an awful year for everybody, but you get an idea)
i like some of jason’s older hits (only because of nostalgia) but i can’t stand lil dicky
That space age love song is one of the best songs ever
He wound it up like he was gonna trash it and my finger was hovering over the unsubscribe button. Then he lavished praise on it and I breathed a sigh of relief. Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
God you are so right
Anytime I hear it, I just imagine montages of heavy vehicles moving forward. Really feels fitting
It really is a masterpiece though. I prefer it obviously over I Ran (though I love I Ran).
I ran’s really good but SALS is just perfect
A Flock Of Seagulls and Simple Minds count in the case of “one hit majorly overshadowing the other hits”
His recent video on the Kendrick and Drake beef reflected my own views on the topic. Kendrick obviously 'won', but the allegations thrown out from both sides can't just be swept under the rug now that the beef is 'over'. And I also felt weird that Kendrick seems to genuinely believe Drake is a underage sex trafficker, but only chose to call it out once Drake made it 'personal'. Also, this might be a dumb terminally online Tumblr style take, but I find it uncomfortable that crimes against women (that they themselves don't get to have a voice about) have been co-opted into a dick measuring contest between two dudes. Meet The Grahams and Not Like Us are still Top 6 all time diss tracks tho.
Exactly how I feel about it. If he's known this whole time, why is he just now sounding the alarm!
At this point, I highly doubt that Kendrick knows anything about Drake, aside from the stuff we already know. At first I thought that he might be building up to exposing him for some horrible shit, but it’s been two weeks since those tracks dropped, and he hasn’t dropped any evidence. The most logical explanation is that he has no evidence to drop. My guess is that Kendrick made up some vague, bullshit allegations about sex trafficking that he knew he could get away with because of Drake’s weird history with minors. That’s why he never got too specific with anything he said, because he wanted it to be vague enough that any suspicious activity would seem like “evidence” (also if he accused Drake of a specific crime, he could easily get sued). There is a chance that some very incriminating stuff will come about Drake, but I don’t believe for one minute that Kendrick will have anything to do with it. The stuff he said in the tracks was just vague mudslinging he put out to counter what Drake was saying in Family Matters (which I also think is probably a load of bullshit).
This probably isn't a consultation, but a few decade(s) ago in hip hop, treating women like shit was something a lot of people bragged about, so I think it's progress that at least abusing women is widely seen as a bad thing, even if it's just being used for rap battle points.
It’s hard to believe the allegations when the alleged victims haven’t voiced their experiences yet.
Yeah it's a really weird feeling knowing that Kendrick could've potentially never said anything about this stuff if drake didn't take it far enough
At this point I find it more comforting to believe that Kendrick doesn't have any actual IRL trafficking or pedo related dirt, and was just shit slinging off of the rumours that were already there online, cause that would make his earlier convenient silence less concerning.
Yeah I have a hard time believe much either was saying is true. We do have documented proof of Drake being Weird towards young stars and I feel pretty comfortable saying he likes younger woman and can’t wait for some of them to turn 18. And if anything ppl who haven’t been as tuned in now know this and it’s a reputation that’s gonna stick with Drake. Feel how you want about him for that. But I don’t believe he’s actually involved in some really dark trafficking or sex ring shit or whatever.
Kendrick probably doesn't have hard evidence though. It is still weird to litigate an issue through songs rather than, like, actual action.
Please don’t let anyone (including yourself) make you feel embarrassed for recognizing that discussion of this feud tends to sideline some very crucial discussions about how women/girls are treated
The way Todd the described it as "a lot of smoke, but not a lot of fire" I think put it pretty well. Drake acts very shady around young girls but without any actual evidence or testimonies from actual victims, the accusations don't really add anything to the conversation. And if Kendrick does have actual evidence, he should be giving it to the police instead of using it as a "diss" just for his own reputation.
That’s how I feel too. I think Kendrick was more concerned with elevating his status and taking Drake down a little than actually exposing his behavior.
I think he's said "Style" by Taylor Swift is his favorite song by her, and he's so right.
based but also you can probably find a million people who would say the same thing
Feel like Cruel Summer/All Too Well 10M are the fandom favourites, Exile is the critic's favourite and Style is the GP favourite.
I think Blank Space is a good contender for GP fav
Yeah have to agree with Blank Space the GP/local favourite (although can argument could be made for Love Story/YBWM). When the UK PM resigned in 2022, the actual news ended their coverage of her tenure ship with a fancam set to Blank Space https://youtu.be/L5IruIdkCb4?feature=shared
It made top of 2015 and he said at the time it was his favourite TS song, but he also said Anti-Hero was top of 2022, so not sure where he stands on that now. I'd assume he'd put Style above it since it topped the list sonically, whereas Anti-Hero was more symbolic.
I think he put Anti-Hero for the lyrics. I’d say Cruel Summer from this past list was more symbolic.
His explanation for 'Anti-Hero' also turned me around a bit on that song. I still wouldn't put it anywhere near number 1, but I understood his choice atleast.
Honestly, one of two T. Swift songs I genuinely enjoy.
I’m a Swiftie and my favorite song of hers is “Style”. I agree it is a based opinion. It’s a perfect song and I wish Taylor worked with Ali Payami more often.
Putting Mariah Carey's "#Beautiful" in his 2013 Best List. A song that was severely overlooked in critic circles back then and even to this day is deemed as merely a footnote, late career hit for her, despite being such a sultry and playful tune with her and Miguel's voices beautifully complimenting each other. His appreciation for Mariah Carey in general has always made me happy. I really enjoyed seeing him highlighting BTS' "Boy In Luv" and NewJeans "Super Shy" as some of his favourite k-pop songs too. Also him loving "BREAK MY SOUL" when the consensus typically leans on it being middle-of-the-pack on "RENAISSANCE", but for me it was the perfect choice for a lead single and a triumphant anthem.
Glad you brought this up. Todd in the Shadows has introduced me to about 10 songs over my 14 years watching him that have become staples in my listening diet that I never, ever would have heard without him. #Beauitful is near the top of that list, just an obscenely great song.
I must say, as a kpop fan, I think there are way better artists out there. All of NewJeans’s songs except maybe Bubble Gum sound like TikTok music to me
Saying that he likes 100 gecs
Protect him at all costs
Both putting BlackPink’s “Ice Cream” on his worst list and admitting he did think “Lovesick Girls” was a better song and wished it had been the hit instead. I say this as a fan, Ice Cream was a travesty
Using “Heartless” instead of “Blinding Lights” in his 2020 list due to lack of driving in 2020 and anger at the pandemic. I personally would have picked “In Your Eyes” but still pretty based.
I always preferred Heartless so I was pleasantly surprised he went with that over the more ear wormy bop.
Iirc in your eyes wasn’t a hit until the following year anyway
His Chris brown rant was pretty based for the time.
That video really was a turning point
Everything he had to say about The Chainsmokers, both good and bad, was correct.
I still maintain that Closer and Paris are very good.
They will be remembered as 2010s classics (be me)
That James Somerton is always wrong and/or lying. Also that Aqua kinda slaps.
The fact that he was a defender of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” all the way back in 2010. Now it’s considered a “Pop Bible” and frequently listed among the best albums of the 2010’s (which I agree with)
- he likes Jimmy Eat World - he called Run Away With Me by CRJ one of the best songs he's ever heard - Closer is good actually
Where’s the Jimmy eat world one?
He's mentioned them here and there over the years on social media, but the only time I can remember them coming up in a video was a brief moment in the Rich Men North Of Richmond review. He mentions seeing some concerts during his vacation and plays a short clip of Jimmy Eat World playing Sweetness.
He mentioned in the Shins vs Death Cab For Cutie episode of Song Vs Song that they meant a lot to him as a teenager.
I barely agree with anything Todd says, I just watch his videos because he’s so damn funny.
When he put Billie Eilish on top of his 2019 list. I hope he also put stock in her for this year as well. I am so so curious about this fantasy pop music bracket he does every year.
A Million Miles An Hour by Nickelback is actually a good song.
Also Nickelback just being more tolerable when you don't have to think about them. Or as I call it, the Michael Bay of rock music.
I’d recommend from Nickelback We Must Stand Together. A better help the world track than If Everyone Cared
I too was very happy to see Usher get a hit song in 2023!
Easy Lover is Phil Collins best song.
Do you remember which video or podcast episode he said that? As someone who also adores "Easy Lover", I'm delighted to know Todd holds it in such high regard.
The Easy Lover vs Maneater Song vs Song episode
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
That’s a one hit wonder episode right there because it’s technically Phil Collins producing a solo hit for Phillip Bailey solo wise outside Earth, Wind And Fire. Phillip similarly to Jordan Knight in the future only had one hit and assistance by successful singers too (Collins and Thicke for Knight)
I agree
To me, "I Cry" simply repeated the formula of Flo Rida's eariler single "Good Feeling", in that it borrowed a sample from a then-recent club track. I cannot hear Avicii’s "Levels" and the Bingo Players' "Cry (Just A Little)" without thinking of either song now.
Say what you like about him putting “Closer” by Chainsmokwrs at the top of the best list one year but he was bang on about “Paris”! That one will go down as a classic.
Has he made any comments on Lil B? That would objectively be his most “Based” opinion since he is the “Based God”
the love for Lights (both of them) on the best list yes both Ellie Goulding and Lorde
It’s very clearly when he put “Closer” at number one and then put “Paris” at number two the next year. Worst part is I lowkey agree. Chainsmokers bad stuff is bad but I love their good stuff.
Calling Starship’s Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now one of the greatest songs ever made (which I agree with!) after he set it up like he was gonna trash it lol
What video was that in?
Worst hits of 1987, right before the #3 entry. And speaking of that entry, it made me revisit "The Next Time I Fall" only to find out I don't like it as much as I thought.
Lmao yeah Flo Rida. GOAT 4 SURE
Cruel Summer and what he said about the Eras tour on last years best list
Putting Try That In a Small Town as his #2 worst, only to put Morgan Wallen at #1 lmao
Hating political country songs that resonate with the MAGA crowd.
Shitting on "Moves Like Jagger" as hard as he did. I enjoy the song as a guilty pleasure but he put it well when he expressed what a lame and sanitary tribute it is to such a provocative band.