BSBB Round 1: American Authors, “Best Day of My Life” vs. Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg, “Wiggle”
Best Song Bracket Battle:View the Matchups|Critics and Rules
Best Day of My Life
American Authors
Wiggle
Jason Derulo feat. Snoop Dogg
MAURA JOHNSTON: "Wiggle" wasn't even the best Derulo offering of 2014, but it wins by default here, as the brand of sync-ready jangle that American Authors and its ilk specialize in—Frankensteining together wordless choruses, stomping designed to bring to mind the word "barnstorming," and strenuously feel-good campfire strumming — is my least favorite musical trend of the 2010s.
My Vote: "Wiggle"
WILLIAM GRUGER: American Authors' brand-friendly, jingle-ready, stomp-clap anthem "Best Day Of My Life" was one of the better SXSW-era breakouts of 2014. Then there's "Wiggle," whose unmistakable popularity on Vine is rightfully earned thanks to the track's toxic hook, subsequently allowing Derulo to slide nicely into Chris Brown's void. "Wiggle" is a TERRIBLE song; however, "Best Day of My Life" is quite literally the exact same song as Imagine Dragons' "It's Time," so the award goes to "Wiggle" for originality.
My Vote: "Wiggle"
DENISE WARNER: If 2014 is the year of the ass, Jason Derulo's giddy tune fits right in with the theme. And surprisingly, amid all the booty talk among his female contemporaries, Derulo actually is the most reverent and least exploitative. Bonus: it actually does make you want to just "wiggle it."
My Vote: "Wiggle"
JOE LYNCH: If a raging hard-on could write lyrics, "Wiggle" would be the song it spat out. But at least it's fun, especially when compared to the generic folk-rock optimism of "Best Day of My Life."
My Vote: "Wiggle"
ALEX GALE: One of these songs starts with acoustic guitars and whistles — and no, it isn't the mawkish singalong by the twee alt-rock band from Brooklyn. "Wiggle" is filled with surprise sounds and effortless charm, and it captures the zeitgeist in the Year of the Booty. Sorry, American Authors, but "Best Day of My Life" isn't inspiring grown men to pole-dance while playing clarinet.
My Vote: "Wiggle"
OVERALL WINNER: "Wiggle"
Best Song Bracket Battle:View the Matchups|Critics and Rules
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