JKYH Top 50 of 2013

Excited to be doing this again after so long. It initially started out as a Top 40, and then I decided I needed to squeeze a couple of tracks in at the end. 

Distilling the pop industry's output for the year and picking out the 50 brightest gems once again, I present you the JKYH Top 50 of 2013.  

Check out the playlist on Spotify here: http://t.co/anuKMvScLy.

#1 "Let's make this fleeting moment last forever..." This is one track that just refuses to let up, having been originally released last year, it got re-released earlier this year, with the strength of an army of DJs playing it in stadiums across the globe. This is what music is about, affecting people, regardless of time, regardless of background. What we want from music is to make us feel Alive and this track does just that. "I know what it feels like, c'mon make me feel Alive."

#2 I can't explain the appeal of this song. Generic female voice. Generally pleasant *tiutiutiu*. Pretty forumulaic. But nobody can help themselves from singing along, "If our love, is tragedy why are you my remedy? If our love, insanity why are you my clarity." Then there's that crazy crowd singing Ehhhhhhhhh and it just gets into dizzying highs before the beat drops and that moment you know that you've just been served perfection.

#3 For an entire generation, this must have been the first time they've heard of Daft Punk. I first heard of them 13 years ago when they stormed the UK Charts, arriving at the top with "One More Time". It's nice to see them back in such a huge way, and to hear Pharrell work his magic on this track, which is really nothing short of musical genius.

#4 No surprises here at all. Very impressive effort from Robin Thicke who managed to leverage this infectious track to invade the consciousness of the mass public. Amazing.

#5 "But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like you've been here before?" It charted early on in the UK and only arrived in Singapore much later and I'm proud to say that I was one of those who recognised its magnificence. My first Instagram video was me singing a snippet of this wonderful track.

#6 I've heard the album and I'm not surprised if they end up a one-hit-wonder but Safe and Sound is an epic song that just envelopes you, completely. "Even if the sky is falling down, I know that we'll be safe and sound." I heard this played in a huge hall once and I just knew, then, I was in love with it.

#7 Cleverly editing out a very terribly written bridge, Alesso gave this track a huge kick in the ass and sent it sky-rocketing into my top 10. In fact this track feels like it was made for EDM - with its woooooooos and simple lyrics. Clearly, there are no better words to hear during a rave than "If I lose myself toniiiiiiiiiiiight."

#8 On the strength of We Can't Stop and a VMA performance that the world would not stop talking about comes Wrecking Ball, which was accompanied by a video of her swinging nude on a wrecking ball and licking a hammer. This is THE POP STAR of 2013, Katy Perry please bring your boring-ness back to California, thanks, bye.

#9 Bruno Mars has stopped doing stupid things like catching grenades and there's so much growth with this album that he was named Billboard's Artist of the Year. This is the defining track - an unforgettable midtempo stomper that showcases his charming voice.

#10 Lady Gaga will not stop until this track becomes the Born This Way from this album. Countless decent performers with R Kelly (SNL, AMA), without R Kelly (the one in Japan, the one with the xylophone, X-Factor), she's done it all in a bid to make it THE song off Artpop. Following hot on the heels of the performance with Christina Aguilera, the studio version was released this morning. There seems to be no strategy but she will flog this song even if it kills her. I sing it with finger snaps and hand claps every day on the way to work, so its brilliance is not lost on me. #10 it is.

#11 For some reason I thought One Republic's time in the spotlight was over. You can still be a good band without being relevant in pop culture, but this track exploded to public consciousness, with a tight grip on charts both in the US and especially in the UK. "Make that money, watch it burn." is my favourite line from this... brilliant song-writing indeed.

#12 One of the biggest stompers of the year, Wake Me Up! is one of those tracks you hear at a rave and everyone, everyone goes crazy. It has silly moments... in fact some bits remind me of old-school cowboy tracks but combined with some well-placed *tiutiutiu*, Avicii can do no wrong.

#13 This is how an RnB track should sound like.

#14 Okay, it's disappointing that not more of Justin's tracks from the new album(s) were as awe-inspiring as Mirrors. That being said, this is easily his best effort from the era, combining his usual tricks - a fucking 8-min masterpiece with mood changes, brilliantly atmospheric, strong lyrics and a chant to end off the song that fades into infinity, cementing it into memory. "You are, you are, the love of my life."

#15 Unexpected. Fresh. This is John Newman, begging you, "I need to know now, know now, can you love me again?"

#16 She famously said, "I wrote 4 hooks in Venus. The snippet is of the first two before the true chorus. The rise before the orgasm." Personally, the song delivers. I love it. Well done and three cheers for pop perfection.

#17 I admit I was one of the haters. What the fuck is this track? Why does it go nowhere? Why is it midtempo? What is it about? Why is Miley's voice irritating? And then of course the track blew up, and watching her documentary, it was nerve-wrecking for Miley to put everything behind the song that would announce the arrival of her new sound. She had guts, pushed for it, made it a success. We Can't Stop is an anthem. Respect.

#18 I love putting this track right smack here, because I'm sure NOBODY knows this one! The dashing Conor Maynard continues to push musical boundaries with the lead single off his upcoming album with a sound that's distinctly British. Smooth vocals, a grown-up video, a departure from his debut. I'm expecting big things from this young chap.

#19 She has no shortage of hit songs but this one stands out. We always knew Rihanna could sing, and when I heard this live, she really delivered. Dramatic, pleading, "I want you to stay."

#20 A thoroughly entertaining take on materialism. Cheeky lyrics, littered with proper vulgarities at appropriate places made it the rap song of the year.

#21 An unavoidable track that has been everywhere this year because of a sound so different and lyrics that the video generation can relate to. The message is strong in this one, and everyone sat up and listened.

#22 The lead single off Artpop was interesting and thematically relevant but not as catchy as her previous efforts. But it survived on the novelty of being her newest work for awhile, thank goodness for that.

#23 I'm surprised that I'd like a song like this, but it's so interesting in its vulnerability in the verses before breaking out into its eager chorus. Amazing effort by Imagine Dragons. "Don't get too close, it's dark inside, it's where my demons hide."

#24 His voice is just... cute, especially on this one. When he sings, "Treasure, that is what you are... I can make your wish come true, if you let me treasure you." You hear it and you believe it.

#25 You'd never have expected a song that sounds like this to come from Avicii. And that is why this is awesome.

#26 The lead single off her album failed to set the charts on fire, but there's no denying that this track did the trick to get her to the top of pop culture consciousness! You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti? Party in France? You know what to do.

#27 I like this cos it's so pop and dancey, light and feathery, beautifully produced insistent bassline, persistent chants of burn, burn, burn, burn... she uses her voice as only Ellie can, to great effect.

#28 Granted the track didn't need a remix to get the attention that it justly deserves, there's nothing better than hearing a song you like tailored to the clubs. "Kiss me hard before you go..." Well, you don't have to tell me twice.

#29 A pretty memorable and delightful effort from the boys of One Direction, bringing a smile to everyone's faces as they sing along OH OH OOH, YEAH YEAH YEAH... Very cocky to call your song "Best Song Ever" especially since it really is not the best song ever but... good nonetheless.

#30 More people should know about Rudimental. They make fantastic music! Hailing from the UK, the quartet does drum-and-bass stuff. Coupled with Ella Eyre's unmistakable vocals, this was a strong, and respectable UK #1.

#31 I promise you that EDM actually brings out the power and essence of a singer's voice and Paramore's Hayley sang the hell out of this one. Love it, love it, love it. ARE YOU GONNA STAY THE NIGHT.... OHOHOHOHOHOHOH... ARE YOU GONNA STAY THE NIGHT.

#32 Standard, but well-executed EDM-fare. TAKE MY HAND AND RELOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAD*tiutiutiu*

#33 Oh, I really love this one. Weird, folksy but with vocals and lyrics that literally jump out at you and grab your attention. You know it when you hear it. It puts you in a mood, and you want more.

#34 Macklemore!! Ridiculously catchy, ridiculously happy, ridiculous horns... So fun, so happening. ALL MY PEOPLE SAY NANANANANANANANA

#35 Because nobody says no to Maroon 5 and that video.

#36 I'm shocked that Katy's ballad is one up of Britney's but its shiny pop appeal, soaring chorus and strong sing-a-long factor most certainly gave her another easy hit from this era.

#37 Nobody knows why this song flopped, other than the fact that her efforts to promote it are lame. The track itself though, despite containing relatively childish lyrics, has a confident production, lush melody and Britney's rare singing voice.

#38 Not many people would be able to appreciate this but hey, he spared no effort on this track to show that nobody on earth can rap like he does. "Why be a king, when you can be a God?"

#39 An easy hit for P!nk. Brilliant, quiet, moving, meaningful... everything that's lacking on radio right now.

#40 Little Mix comprise good singers. The thing that makes me nervous is if they've got a sound to call their own. With Move, they've clearly blown all doubts out of the water and are confidently crafting their identity.

#41 If they'd tackled a different subject matter that people would be able to relate better to, the track would've done better. Eminem and Rihanna can do no wrong though so this track will continue to conquer charts in 2014.

#42 I don't know anything about this act, other than the song charted in the UK. It's one that will get you into the grove, this I promise.

#43 The track is good. It's as good as the other things that have come before. Like Fireworks. To me, it's like a rehash of old material. She deserves a spot on the chart but she most certainly could've done way better. DISAPPOINTED. 

#44 A marvelous slice of UK pop from The Saturdays. I wish it was more famous and that more people heard it. The delicious sound is amped by Sean Paul, making it the perfect summer track.

#45 AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I SURVIVE... OOOOOOHH WITHOUT YOU NOW THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE. OOOOOOH OOOOOH OOOOOH OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH

#46 One Direction are in the right direction with this track - grown-up, matured, but not boring! They are in need of a single as huge as their personas. This album will probably work out their growing pains and the next one should house a real gem.

#47 A collaboration that's really very, very difficult to go wrong. Will.i.am and Justin Bieber found a sweet spot with this track, that's effortlessly catchy, dancey and inoffensive.

#48 Taking the world by storm, I Love It shocked with a sound that was wild and free, and lyrics such as "you're from the 70s but I'm a 90s bitch". I remember reading on facebook someone saying "why would anyone call themselves bitch?" Times have changed, bitch, get with the programme.

#49 A strong follow-up from Psy. Althought completely possible, it makes me wonder if this will be the last we'll see of him.

#50 A steady pop-stomper from Demi, strong, and relevant. A good effort.

Why Climb?

The view from Mt Rinjani

As a few of my friends and I plan to conquer Mt Ophir in September, I ask myself, "Why do I climb?"

I enjoy the great outdoors but I've done nothing like this when I was younger. Growing up, my parents placed great emphasis on my education and learning things like the piano, which they thought would pay off in the future. Which was why my foray into physical activities often ended up as nothing more than half-hearted attempts that are too embarrassing to mention. One thing led to another and instead of joining something like ODAC in Junior College for example, I went on to be the president of the Harmonica Orchestra. 

Since then, I've been spending the last 10 years or so trying to "escape my upbringing". Going through NS was the turning point - I learned that I was capable of pushing myself physically, more than I ever imagined. It's the first time I've ever had formal physical training and it led me to discover that despite my poor coordination, I really enjoyed sweating it out, whether it was running half-marathons or trekking in Bunei.

Last year, I've completed close to 10 races and even went to Malaysia for adidas' King of the Road. Venturing into the great outdoors was also in the grand scheme of things - I've conquered Mt Rinjani in Lombok, one of the toughest things I've ever had to do. Unfortunately we didn't manage to continue the rest of the itinerary so I'm keen to make the trip there again. Last month, I organised a short one-day trip to Gunung Panti with X-Trekkers for my colleagues, which was partially subsidised by the company. That went pretty well too. 

I enjoy the natural "puzzles" in front of me - which branch to hold, where's the best place to take the next step. The gorgeous landscape, coupled with the unpredictability of being outdoors and at the mercy of nature and luck, made me feel alive and satiated my thirst for adventure. I'm a slightly risk-averse so it was interesting to be forced into such situations. 

I enjoy talking and bonding with fellow trekkers, especially with the guides or "friends I have not yet been made". People open up a lot more when you're stuck out there, looking out for each other. Instinctively you feel that you're relying on these people around you, that you've got to stay strong for them and not give up... it's that sense of teamwork that one doesn't normally find in the jungle city life. It's also refreshing for me to talk to people such as the local guides who see the world so differently than I do, smash my preconceived notions and giving my perspectives a spin. 

I feel different after every trip. Physically and mentally I feel accomplished. Spiritually I feel lighter, more optimistic. 

I'm no adrenaline junkie - I don't think I'll go anywhere near Everest this lifetime, but I'd love to train harder and continue stepping foot on the more manageable trails in Asia and around the world. It gets harder when you see your peers settling down. We're all getting older and it's a phase of life that most people have grown out of, and I feel like an oddball because I've only started discovering it. 

But then again, it's never too late to start. The energy that comes from being at the brink of so much awesome drives me to explore new heights, and I welcome you to join me.

Emotions vs Decisions

Say you've dated someone for a couple of months. And then you're told that said person has a terminal illness. So now you've got a decision to make - thank you for the good times, but I don't think I could go through this, the pain would blow me to smithereens OR let's take it on together, I'll be by your side forever, this'll be story I'll be proud of, like Romeo and Juliet.

"Why does it feel so good but hurt so bad?"

That's probably one of the most common sentiment reflected in lyrics of love songs. That struggle between the imaginary right and wrong, the physical and the emotional, the logical and the impulsive. At the end of the day, the smart thing to do would be to take the emotions out of the decision-making, stash it somewhere far, far away and think... like in terms of SWOTs or risk & reward. Stupid as it might sound, isn't it easier to think in black and white and erase the struggle in the middle? Why make it difficult for yourself?

You need an answer, you need it now. You need to take action, you need to move on with your life and not cling on to the drama and the struggle.

It makes for good TV but it sucks when you've to go through it.

So what I'd say is to, very simply, think it through and decide. In this case, if you know that the person's someone you'll never come across again, stick by him. If it's great love you know you'll never get to experience, if it's once in a lifetime, yes, by all means, bite the bullet, go through with it.

If you think you can't do it, say no, back out. Life's hard as it is. Don't make it harder for yourself.

At the end of it all though, intuition is not based on the logical. It's based on experience. It's also based on feeling - that sixth sense. You can be the best thinker but sometimes it all comes down to luck, and you wish you made decisions based on your gut. Even if it turns out wrong, it's hard to deny what at that moment, felt so right.

I know it's hard for you, but whatever the choice you make, it's the right one. That's all you need to know.

Good luck.

Love & Friendship

Maybe we've gotten it wrong.

Maybe we should treat lovers like friends and friends like lovers.

All the drama, intense emotions, up-and-downs - those belong in a friendship. It's the kind of ship that's made to be battered by strong winds and relentless waves. Being together with a group of friends should be all hands on deck as you sail through life - adventurous, sword in hand, parrot on shoulder! Laugh wildly, cry madly, puke constantly (from nights of alcohol abuse). On the other hand, being with a lover should be like being on a luxury cruise. Do the buffet. Do the casino. Do the pool. Then do it in the bed - you'll probably be able to rock it harder than the huge-ass cruise ship would in a storm.

I don't know if that comparison works cos I haven't actually been on a cruise ship before. But you get the drift.

We approach love like we deserve the best. So we try lovers like we're at a buffet, stuffing ourselves till we become sick, like you can never have your fill, like there's a better dish to try. But lovers are more like porridge, bland but it perseveres  It's something you can stick with for life, in sickness in health, when you're young and after you've become old. It's not a McSpicy, it's not a Double Down. A lover's a comfortable constant. Friends, however, are the buffet. They come in all shapes and sizes, all tastes and flavours. They should be different from you, complement you in some way. Each one a different perspective, each one pushing you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to grow, daring you to try something new, challenging you... yes, that's what friends are for!

Most people don't choose friends based on looks. More often than not, it's the after effect of having gone through a common experience, fighting common battles, going through shit together. Just like that, they stick. But maybe that's how being in a relationship should be like. Lots of us-against-the-world, constant struggle to be accepted by each other, vindicated by others (very forbidden love, ala Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast etc), forging a future together. That's how a strong bond is built. Friendships should be more superficial, kind of like blind dates. You decide within 5 minutes whether you like the person, whether there's chemistry, whether you can be bothered to contact them again and whether you'd do cool stuff with them. You don't have to commit to one and you don't have to commit the rest of your life!

It'll be interesting for friends to be treated to an overdose of passion, excitement and drama; and for lovers to be treated with stability, support and simplicity.

So just maybe, we should treat our friends like lovers and lovers like friends.

Wealth Over the Edge

"Wealth Over the Edge: Singapore" is a Wall Street Journal article that has been popular with many friends on Facebook. It takes a look at how Singapore is now the playground for the rich, why they're gathering here more so than anywhere else in the world. It's refreshing, with a standard of reporting that's sorely lacking in local paper, and objective, stating the highs without ignoring the lows. Like the fact that you can't have a nightspot selling a glass of $26k champagne with a diamond in it without having a Ferrari crash into a taxi.

What's undeniable is that the same people who have brought their riches to Singapore are the ones driving prices up - property prices, car prices, food prices. Of course I do buy in to the logic that it's preferable that they spend their money here. With that comes their businesses here and talent! But it puts a lot of pressure on the average Singaporean who definitely has aspirations of being anything but average. We want it all - from having a place to call our own to owning items from luxury brands that have set up shop along Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands. It all seems out of reach. 

That's why our priorities are a little skewed and work-life balance is a myth.

All these aside, the same things that attract the rich to our shores are the advantages that we take for granted. - order, predictability and control. Maybe, instead of whining about how difficult it is living here, we need to find ways of exploiting the situation,  using the winds to our benefit.  This moment, more than any other in the country's history, we're wealthy and there are opportunities abound. 

Rather than wallow in self-pity or angry facebook posts, maybe it's time to channel our energy into finding a way to get what we want and eventually, be satisfied with the life we lead. 

Yesterday I

Yesterday at Sweat! I...

Started off with a warm-up which ended with Turkish Get-up. It was more challenging than I expected.

And then the circuit. Squats with medicine ball, resistance band row, lunges, insane push-ups, Vipr jumping jacks. It ended off with 4 sets of 20 second sprints, for me, on the TRX.

Repeat, two more times.

Before cool down, we did ab exercises on the medicine ball.

Needless to say, today, my legs hurt badly. My stomach is cramping up every time I cough or sneeze. I feel the need to stretch it out every five minutes. My body's kind of in sleep mode.

Basically, now, I should be hiding in bed for the entire weekend.

Ouch.