My Favorite Things of 2014 – Youtube

With Youtube becoming so popular in today’s media and being a Youtuber myself, I had to have a list showcasing the best of Youtube for 2014. From huge productions companies to a person sitting in front a computer weekly, it’s hard to narrow down a list of my favorite Youtube channels with so many out there. Every channel is so vastly different, it’s impossible to rate one higher than the other. I made my decision on the entertainment value of their videos, which channels I frequently visited throughout the year, and the dedication of the personality to make their channel go above and beyond the standards on Youtube. These solo, duo/collaboration, and vlogging channels not only produce creative content, but stand out as innovators to go where no other channel has gone before.

Best Solo Channel

1. Lilly Singh (Superwoman)
2. Mamrie Hart (YDAD & Mametown)
3. Hannah Hart (Harto & My Drunk Kitchen)
4. Grace Helbig (it’s Grace)
5. Jenna Mourey (Jenna Marbles)
6. Chris Thompson (SupDaily06)
7. Tre Melvin (ThisIsACommentary)
8. Courtney Act (Courtney Act Chronicles)
9. Todrick Hall
10. Cameron Elder (TheCamCamera)
11. Joe Sugg (ThatcherJoe)
12. Tyler Oakley

Best Duo/Collab Channel

1. Prank vs Prank
2. O2L
3. Lucas & Jenny
4. Shep689
5. Smosh Games
6. Buzzfeed Video
7. Wow Presents
8. Fine Bros.
9. Superfruit
10. LushLaws

Best Vlogging Channel

1. Grace Helbig
2. Louis Cole (Fun For Louis)
3. Pointless Blog
4. JoshuaDTV
5. Rachel Ballinger
6. Neil McNeil
7. Shep689
8. BF vs GF
9. Lushlaws
10. Courtney Act

Best Series 

1. Auguest – Tyler Oakley
2. #HeyUSA – Astronuats Wanted, Grace Helbig, Mamrie Hart
3. Not Too Deep w/ Grace Helbig – Grace Helbig
4. You Deserve a Drink – Mamrie Hart
5. My Drunk Kitchen – Hannah Hart
6. Pop Star High – Todrick Hall
7. The Try Guys – Buzzfeed Video
8. Creepy Guy – Buzzfeed Video
9. Courtney Chronicles – Courtney Act
10. Bad Gays Club – Shep689, TheNotAdam, RyannMinajj, Kingsley, MilesJaiProductions, GayGod, Nickalaws, wickydkewl

With the millions of videos on Youtube every year, even daily, it was hard to narrow down my list. I’m sure there are many great videos this year that I have missed. I tried to collect a playlist of videos that reflected the best of my favorite Youtube personalities from the past year in solo videos, collaborations, and music videos. I looked for videos that were unique, creative, and either entertained or told a story with a strong message. These videos set out to change the minds and views of the public or to make you laugh and smile. This year, Youtubers tackled issues including sexual harassment, rape, gay marriage, LGBT issues, race, and gender issues. They also collaborated to create incredible music videos and hilarious skits that rivaled the entertainment shown on other media. These are, in my opinion, my favorite videos of 2014.

Best Solo Video

1. Is being GAY a CHOICE? – SupDaily06
2. No more silence…- SupDaily06
3. Dear Youtube Creators – SupDaily06
4. Coming Out – Connor Franta
5. Life Doesn’t Wait – Connor Franta
6. My 200^th Video- Jenna Marbles
7. Surprising a Gay Texas Mormon! – wickydkewl
8. Kermit Goes to Therapy – This Is a Commentary 
9. How to Cope With A Broken Heart – This Is a Commentary 
10. The Family Reunion – This Is a Commentary 
11. The Job Interview – This Is a Commentary 
12. Christmas Dinner at Grandma Brown’s – This Is a Commentary 
13. #BlackLivesMatter – This Is a Commentary 
14. Ultimate Roommate Revenge Pranks – ThatcherJoe
15. The New Me – Marcus Butler
16. FAN FICTION – Superfruit
17. If Straight People had to Come Out – Buzzfeed Video
18. If Men Were Women On Halloween – Buzzfeed Video
19. The Try Guys Try Drag For the First Time – Buzzfeed Video

Best Collaboration

1. If My Brain Were a Person – Superwoman feat. Connor Franta
2. The Girl Code – Superwoman feat. Grace Helbig, Harto, Jenna Marbles, Mamrie Hart, and Miranda Sings
3. Youtube vs Vine – Superwoman feat. King Bach, DeStorm, Logan Paul, Timothy DeLaGhetto, and D-Trix
4. 7 Second Challenge with Marcus Butler – Troye Sivan feat. Marcus Butler
5. Tyler Oakley Interviews Michelle Obama – Tyler Oakley
6. Getting Intimate with Darren Criss – Tyler Oakley
7. Muscle Milk Challenge – Mamrie Hart feat. Miranda Sings and Flula
8. Best Fwen Day – Mamrie Hart feat. Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart
9. My Drunk Pumpkin 2014 – Hannah Hart feat. Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart
10. My Drunk Kitchen Sea Bass – Hannah Hart 
11. #Tunesday – Hannah Hart feat. Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart
12. Youtube Whispers 3 – ThatcherJoe feat. Tyler Oakley, Troye Sivan, Connor Franta, and SprinkleofGlitter
13. Stories of Consent – Dealing with Sexual Abuse – Neil McNeil feat. ArielleIsHamming, SupDaily06, and PatDoesIt
14. Seven Second Challenge- Rachel Ballinger feat. PyschoSoprano and  JoshuaDTV
15. Gay Couples React to Anti-Gay Marriage Ads – Michael Rizzi feat. Shep689, TheNotAdam, VaillancourtSquared, and SoundlyAwake
16. LGBT Youtubers React “How not to react when your child tells you he’s gay video” TrentAndLuke feat. TheDiaryofJake, Ashley Mardell, ArielleIsHamming, Jelly and Day, and Jakes Sake
17. Youtubers React to Youtube Comments System– Fine Bros.
18. Youtubers React to Babymetal – Fine Bros.
19. Dating a Vlogger?! (Last Moments of Relationships #13) – Fine Bros. feat. Grace Helbig and Shane Dawson 
20. Jinkx, Alaska, and Jackie Beat – Courtney Talks – Courtney Act

Best Music Videos 

1. aca-DISNEY – Voice Play and Disney on Broadway
2. #LEH – Superwoman and Humble the Poet
3. If Youtube Were Bollywood – Superwoman feat. Various Youtubers
4. Happy Little Pill – Troye Sivan
5. Runnin – JoshuaDTV and Gabrielle Taryn
6. American Apparel Ad Girls – Alaska 5000, Courtney Act, Willam
7. Dear Santa, Bring Me a Man – Alaska 5000, Courtney Act, Willam
8. To Russia With Love – Courtney Act
9. If Things Were Opposite – theDOMINICshow
10. Quest Crew Presents The Hospital – theDOMINICshow
11. Bitch Perfect –Todrick Hall
12. Freak Like Me – Todrick Hall
13. 7/11 – Superfruit
14. Evolution of Miley Cyrus – Superfruit
15. BEYONCE – Superfruit
16. After Ever After – Paint
17. Boy Band Parody – Peter Hollens feat. Paint
18. Wicked Medley – Peter Hollens feat. Nick Pitera
19. Whistle While I Work It – Chester See feat. Toby Turner and Wayne Brady
20. Frozen A Musical feat. Disney Princesses – AVbyte
21. One Republic – Counting Stars feat. Disney Villains – Oh My Disney
22. Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy – Pentatonix feat. Tori Kelly
23. Papaoutai – Pentatonix ft. Lindsey Stirling
24. Love Again – Pentatonix

My Favorite Things of 2014 – Music

2014 was a great year in music. This was the first time in 15 years that women dominated the top 5 songs on the Billboard charts. We saw new artists like Iggy Azalea, Sam Smith, and Meghan Trainor dominate the charts. Artists like Beyonce and Nicki Minaj completely reinvented themselves, releasing the best albums in their careers. It was a year where music and videos spoke about feminism, gender identities, and butts.  Below I list my picks for the best artists, new artists, songs, music videos, and albums of 2014.

Best Artist

1. Beyonce
2. Nicki Minaj
3. Meghan Trainor
4. 5 Seconds of Summer
5. Sam Smith
6. Iggy Azalea
7. Charli XCX
8. Ariana Grande
9. Sia
10. Jason Derulo

Best New Artists

1. Sam Smith
2. Iggy Azalea
3. Meghan Trainor
4. Pentatonix
5. Charli XCX
6. Kiesza
7. Bastille
8. 5 Seconds of Summer
9. Haim
10. Fifth Harmony

Best Song

1. Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj
2. Take Me to Church – Hozier
3. Stay With Me – Sam Smith
4. Fancy – Iggy Azalea
5. Problem – Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea
6. Talk Dirty – Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz
7. Bed of Lies – Nicki Minaj feat. Skylar Grey
8. Chandelier – Sia
9. Burnin’ Up – Jessie J feat. 2 Chainz
10. Ghost – Ella Henderson
11. All About that Bass – Meghan Trainor
12. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Best Music Video

1. All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor
2. Sleeping with a Friend – Neon Trees
3. Chandelier – Sia
4. Fancy – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX
5. Take Me to Church – Hozier
6. Pills N Potions – Nicki Minaj
7. 7/11 – Beyonce
8. If I Could Change Your Mind – HAIM
9. Just One of the Guys – Jenny Lewis
10. Queen – Perfume Genius
11. We Exist – Arcade Fire
12. You and I – John Legend

Best Album

1. The New Classic – Iggy Azalea
2. In the Lonely Hour – Sam Smith
3. Title – Meghan Trainor
4. Vincent – St. Vincent
5. Sucker – Charli XCX
6. Pop Psychology – Neon Trees
7. Beyonce – Beyonce
8. The Pink Print – Nicki Minaj
9. 1000 Forms of Fear – Sia
10. My Everything – Ariana Grande

What I’m Listening To – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

It’s after Thanksgiving! The dust has settled after Black Friday and it’s time to bust out the Christmas music! (I mean, I listen to Christmas music all year, but that’s just me…) For this blog, I’m going to give you all the music I have been listening to this holiday weekend, in order to get you pumped for the holidays! From old to new, here are my favorite Christmas albums and songs for you to ring in the season!

That’s Christmas To Me- Pentatonix

Starting out this list with one of my favorite groups, Pentatonix. This accapella group won the third season of NBC’s Sing-Off and have exploded into the music scene. Not only have they just released PTX Vol. III, but they have also released a new Christmas album this year. They have amazing arrangements of classic carols that will make you dance all the way to Grandma’s house! Don’t miss this album, it’s fantastic.

Favorite Songs: Silent Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy feat. Tori Kelly

Holiday Wishes – Idina Menzel

Another new album, Frozen star and Broadway star Idina Menzel has released a holiday album with her favorite songs for the season. Her voice is incredible and she definitely holds her own with other artists in the music scene right now. I can’t wait for the next couple of years for her to release another album and appear on the Billboard charts, because it’s long overdue for Idina Menzel to be recognized for her amazing voice and talent.

Favorite Songs: Baby It’s Cold Outside feat. Michael Buble, All I Want For Christmas Is You, Do You Hear What I Hear

Wrapped in Red – Kelly Clarkson

Last year, Kelly Clarkson released one of my favorite albums to listen to during Christmas time. Seriously, I think this is the only music my mom and I listened to last December, because it was THAT good. She mixes a list of classics and new songs, using her country and pop roots to create a wide variety of hits. Be sure to add this to your Christmas playlist! You won’t be disappointed!

Favorite Songs: Wrapped in Red, Run Run Rudolph, My Favorite Things

Christmas – Michael Buble

I don’t know any Christmas car ride that isn’t complete without this album by Michael Buble. He brings back the jazz standard and big band sound with the energy of a new generation of artists. He puts his own touch on this songs while still giving them the classic holiday carol feel. If you are looking for a blend of new sound and tradition the whole family can enjoy, don’t miss this album.

Favorite Songs: Jingle Bells feat. The Puppini Sisters, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), Cold December Night

Other Singles:

Ariana Grande – Snow in California

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas is You

Ariana Grande – Love is Everything

Mary J. Blige – This Christmas

Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me

Cee Lo Green feat. The Muppets – All I Need Is Love